You will permit me to found my narrative upon her testimony, and
to be quite liberal in the interpretation of what took place.

The fears of the fugitives were well founded. The three red men
were near them for a long while before they showed themselves. It
was very much as Mrs. Ripley had said. They were so sure of the
prize that they trifled with them.

Linna reached the spot where the warriors were standing directly
after one of the number had sent a bullet through the bear. Young
as she was, she understood the peril of her friends, and set out
to do all she could for them.

She knew that Omas, her father, was a great warrior. He belonged
to the Delaware tribe, which years before had been soundly beaten
by the Iroquois and reduced almost to slavery; but among the conquered
people were many without superiors in bravery, skill, and prowess.
Omas was one of the most noted examples.

The first thrill of hope came to the young child when she recognised
the one that had killed the bear. He was Red Wolf, a member of
her own tribe, who often had been in her father's wigwam, and was
therefore well known to his child. The others were of the Seneca
tribe, one of those composing the Iroquois, or Six Nations, the
most powerful confederation of Indians that ever existed on the
American continent.

The three looked at the little girl in amazement, as she came running
between the trees. She dropped to a rapid walk, and did not stop
until she was among them.