throwing it across his shoulder, he entered the wood and

walked lightly away. And well he might, poor fellow,

for at that moment he felt light enough in person if not

in heart. His worldly goods were not such as to oppress

him; but the little note had turned his thoughts towards

home, and he felt comforted.

Traversing the belt of woodland that marked the

course of the river, Dick soon emerged on the wide

prairie beyond, and here he paused in some uncertainty

as to how he should proceed.