firelight, now grown dim, she perceived it. A cold shudder crept over
her, as, raising her eyes to the blackened sky but an instant, she
sprung forward toward the place where she fancied the gentlemen were
sleeping. A hand was laid on her arm, and a deep voice sounded in her
ear:

"Be not alarmed, Miss Mary, I am here!"

She trembled so that she could scarcely stand. He supported her a
moment, ere she replied in a whisper--

"What causes the disturbance to-night?"

"I feel assured there are Indians about, though you need fear nothing,
for they are not in sufficient numbers to attack us. There are four
men in our party--nearly a dozen muskets, besides my pistols, and
plenty of ammunition. Were you one of the timid sort, I should not
venture to tell you my apprehensions: but I know that you are not. I
have not slept, or even lain down; and a while ago, I heard the sound
of hoofs approaching. Taking my pistols, I went round to the horses,
and had not waited many moments before I saw two figures, evidently
reconnoitering and planning the abduction of our horses, who seemed
much alarmed. I suppose the intruders must have seen me, for they
suddenly wheeled off and galloped away."

"Perhaps there is a party not far distant, for whose assistance they
have gone."

"Possibly, though I think not; but you must not stand on this wet
ground." He led her to the tent, and seating himself near the door,