ADRIFT IX THE WILDS.



self and wife had lost all longings for the metropolis of
the New World.
  In the meanwhile, Elwood and Howard were doing
well at their studies in Brooklyn. They had been in-
separable friends from infancy, and as their years in-
creased the bonds of affection seemed to strengthen
between them. They were the only children of twin
sisters, and bore a remarkable resemblance in person,
character and disposition. Both had dark, curling,
chestnut hair, hazel eyes, and an active muscular
organization that made them leaders in boyish pastimes
and sports. If there was any perceptible difference
between the two, it was that Elwood Brandon was a
little more daring and impetuous than his companion;
he was apt to follow out his first impulses and venture
upon schemes without deliberating fully enough. Both
were generous, unselfish, and either would have willingly
risked his life for the other.
  Thus matters stood until the summer when our young
heroes had completed their preparatory course, and were
ready to enter college. It was decided by their parents
that this should be done in the autumn, and that the
summer of this year should be spent by the boys with
their parents in California. They had been separated
from them for five years, during which they had met
but once, when the parents made a journey to New
York for that purpose, spending several months with
them. That visit, it may be said, was now to be returned,
and the boys meant that it should be returned with
interest.



8