ble distance could be seen
swaying in the gentle night-wind. The silence was so profound that it
seemed to make itself _felt_ and, in that vast solitude, few indeed
could remain without being impressed with the solemn grandeur of nature
around.

Hour after hour wore away; still Rosalind remained at the window. As
there was no inclination to sleep, she determined to remain in her
position until morning. She knew that it must be far beyond midnight,
and at the thought there sprung up a faint hope within her breast. But
she was startled by the dismal hoot of an owl. She sprang up, with a
beating heart, listening intently and painfully; but no other sound was
heard. Trying to smile at her trepidation, she again seated herself and
listened; in a moment that cry was repeated, now in an opposite
direction from which the first note was heard.

Rosalind wondered that the simple circumstance should so affect her; but
try as much as she might, she could not shake it off. Again, for a few
minutes, she remained trembling with an undefinable fear, when there
came another hoot, followed instantly by another, in an opposite
direction. She began now to entertain a fearful suspicion.

Her first impulse was to awaken her brother, but, after a moment's
thought, she concluded to wait a short time. A few more sounds were
heard, when they entirely ceased. During this time, Rosalind, although
suffering an intense fear, had been gazing vacantly toward the point or
clearing nearest the house. As her eyes rested upon the spot, she caught
the shadowy outlines of a dark body moving stealthily and noiselessly
along upon the ground.

Without waiting a moment, she darted to George's room. He had not slept,
and in an instant was by her side.

"Call Zeb," she exclaimed. "We are surrounded by Indians."

Leland disappeared, and in a moment came back with the negro.

"Gorra mighty!" said the latter, in a hurried, husky whisper, "where am
de cussed niggers? Heigh, Miss Rosa?"

"Keep quiet," she replied, "or you will be heard."

"Dat's just what I wants to be, and I calkilates I'll be _felt_ too, if
dar are any of 'em 'bout."

"Stay here a moment," said George, "while I look out. Rosalind, what did
you see?"

"A body approaching the house from the woods. Be careful and do not
expose yourself, George."

He made no answer and entered her room, followed by herself and the
negro, who remained at a safe distance, while he cautiously approached
the