"This is a manifest warning, Hector!" the trapper continued, dropping
his voice, to the tones of caution and looking warily about him. "What
is it, pup; speak plainer, dog; what is it?"

The hound had, however, already laid his nose to the earth, and was
silent; appearing to slumber. But the keen quick glances of his
master, soon caught a glimpse of a distant figure, which seemed,
through the deceptive light, floating along the very elevation on
which he had placed himself. Presently its proportions became more
distinct, and then an airy, female form appeared to hesitate, as if
considering whether it would be prudent to advance. Though the eyes of
the dog were now to be seen glancing in the rays of the moon, opening
and shutting lazily, he gave no further signs of displeasure.

"Come nigher; we are friends," said the trapper, associating himself
with his companion by long use, and, probably, through the strength of
the secret tie that connected them together; "we are your friends;
none will harm you."

Encouraged by the mild tones of his voice, and perhaps led on by the
earnestness of her purpose, the female approached, until she stood at
his side; when the old man perceived his visitor to be the young
woman, with whom the reader, has already become acquainted by the name
of "Ellen Wade."

"I had thought you were gone," she said, looking timidly and anxiously
around. "They said you were gone; and that we should never see you
again. I did not think it was you!"

"Men are no common objects in these empty fields," returned the