She was but a few feet away, sitting more erect on the tree, with
Alice leaning against her.

The eyes of all were turned toward the point where Linna had vanished,
and whence she was expected every minute to come into view again.

She was not far off. Once or twice the mother and son caught the
sounds of their voices, though the exuberant vegetation shut them
from sight.

"It was idle for her to go," said Ben; "and I cannot see any chance
of her helping us."

"They will not harm her, nor will they be denied the pleasure of
doing what they choose with us."

"Some persons might believe the delay was favorable, but I cannot
think that way."

Neither felt like conversation. It was an effort to say anything;
but mother and son, in their unselfishness, pitied each other,
and strove vainly to lift the gloomy thoughts that were oppressing
both.

Had Ben Ripley seen the departure of the Seneca, he might have
suspected its meaning; but, unaware of it, he never dreamed of the
new form which the ever present danger thus assumed.

The Seneca, after leaving Red Wolf and the other warrior, walked