THE BACK-WOODSMEN.



   Following the course of a river, which he knew led
to the sea-coast, and must sooner or later bring him
to a settlement, Isaac traveled two or three miles with-
out seeing any indications that he was in the neigh-
borhood of civilized people. About the middle of the
afternoon he suddenly came to a large clearing, where
a number of trees had been felled, and, going a little
further, saw, to his amazement and delight, the frame
of a newly-raised building. He immediately turned
round and retraced his steps with an eagerness which
can be imagined. As he approached the spot where
Joseph lay, he commenced to shout and sing. "' Cheer
up, Joe," said he, as he knelt down by his side, "we
will soon be home." The poor boy languidly opened
his eyes and said that it was too late, that he could go
no further. But Isaac was determined; he stripped
Joseph of his clothes and rubbed his limbs vigorously,
dashed water in his face, and finally induced him to
rise. They walked until night without coming to the
hoped-for settlement, but at last saw a faint light in
the distance. They reached the house, and were chari-
tably cared for. Isaac soon recovered his strength,
and made his way to his father's home in Haverhill.
In a few weeks he was followed by Joseph. The lat-
ter had been seized with a violent fever immediately
after the end of the journey. and for many days lay
in a hopeless condition; but he happily recovered.
Thus, after traveling for eight days and nights, almost
without food, the two boys reached their homes.



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