g but black and
charred ruins. A portion of what had once been used as the barn remained
entire, having escaped the flames.

"This is just the thing," said Kent, approaching it. "We'll fix it up
a little and I'd advise you to go to sleep, and stay so until we get
back."

The three set vigorously to work, and in a short time they had made it
quite comfortable. It consisted of logs placed firmly and compactly
together, and secured so that a single person well armed could offer
effectual resistance to a formidable enemy. Being in a sort of clearing,
it had the additional advantage of affording its inhabitant such a view
that he could not be approached by any person without their being
observed and thus giving him time to prepare for them.

"There!" said the hunter, retreating a short distance and gazing at it.
"I wouldn't ax a better place. You might bring down a hundred Injins,
and give me plenty powder and ball, I'd have the best fun in creation."

"Suppose they come upon all sides?" suggested Leland.

"All you got to do is to take the stock off your gun and shoot out of
both ends of the barrel."

"You can go now as soon as you please; but first tell me what time to
expect you back."

Kent folded both arms over the muzzle of his gun, and shutting one eye,
remained for a few moments buried in earnest thought. Then he replied:

"Between five and eight days; probably on the sixth."

"All ready?" queried Leslie.

"All ready," returned Kent.

Both bade Leland good-by, and after a few unimportant words, started
upon their journey. Leslie felt a wild, joyous thrill as he realized
that he was really nearing Rosalind; that in a short time, as he firmly
believed, he should see and be able to assist her to procure her
liberty. He could hardly restrain his impatience, but vainly urged Kent
to quicken his thoughtful, lagging steps. The sun had set, and darkness
was slowly spreading over the great forest, when the two plunged into
its depths and ventured upon their perilous, doubtful undertaking.

For a considerable time we have left Rosalind to herself, and with the
reader's permission we will now return to her.

The Indians which held her, as was stated, journeyed far into the
interior of Kentucky before making a final halt. Here they reached the
village or headquarters of their tribe, and gave her to understand that
her journey was at an end.

The village numbered several hundred, and considering her defenseless
p