er," I replied. "I have just escaped from
the Indians."

"Well, we'll see what you are in a very short time," replied the
voice. "James, get me my gun."

In a minute the door opened, and I beheld a woman more than six feet
high, of gaunt appearance and large dimensions: I thought that I had
never seen such a masculine creature before. It was her voice which I
had heard. Two men were seated by the fire-place.

"Who are you?" said she, with the musket ready for the present.

I told her in a few words.

"Show me the palm of your hand--turn it up at once."

I did so, without the least idea of the reason for the demand; but I
afterwards discovered that it was to ascertain whether I was one of
those who had been transported to the settlement, as they all had the
letter R branded on them.

"Oh, you're not a gaol-bird, then, I see: you may come in; but you'll
give me that bow and arrows, if you please."

"Certainly," replied I, "if you wish it."

"Why, there's nothing like making sure in this world; and although you
look a very peaceable, good-looking sort of personage, notwithstanding
your Indian set-out, still I've known just as amiable people as you,
in appearance, very mischievous at times. Now come in, and let us hear
what you have to say for yourself. Jeykell, get some more wood."

One man went out to obey her orders; the other sat by the fire with
his musket between his knees. I sat down by the fire, at the request
of the woman, who had seated herself by the side of the man, and then,
on her repeating her question, I gave her a narrative of my
adventures, from the time that I left Rio.

"Well," says she, "we seldom hear stories like them; it's all the
world like a book; and pray what's that thing (pointing to the diamond
in its case) you have hanging to your neck there? you have left that
out in your history."

"That's a charm given me by my Indian wife, to preserve me from
disasters from wild animals; no panther, wolf, or bear will ever
attack me."

"Well," said she, "if so be it has that power, all I can say is, it's
not a bad charm to wear in these parts, for there are animals enough
in the woods in summer, and round the house all night in winter; but I
don't believe a bit in the charm, and that's the truth; however, if it
does no good, it can't do no harm, so you may keep it on, and
welcome."

"May I ask how far it is to James Town?" said I.

"What, going to James Town already? I suppose you expec