ther, burst out laughing.

"What's all that you're saying?" he exclaimed. "Just face-about, and
march out of this fort in double-quick time, or we may be obliged to
send you off in a way you may not be pleased with."

Scarcely had Norman uttered these words, than the chief, placing his
hand on the hilt of his scalping-knife, cast a glance full of anger at
the speaker, but had so far command of himself as not to draw it.

Captain Mackintosh now saw that it was time to interfere, and, speaking
in Indian, rebuked Norman for uncourteously treating their guest: and
then, placing his hand in a friendly way on the shoulder of the chief,
told him that he would consider the matter, advising him to retire, as
it would be soon time for closing the gates of the fort, and expressing
his regret that he could not, under the circumstances, afford him the
hospitality he would have desired.

The chief appeared to be pacified, his countenance assuming its usual
calm expression; and after he had cast another look of admiration at
Sybil, he walked with a dignified step towards the gate.

Captain Mackintosh, who accompanied him, shook hands in a cordial way,
and expressed a hope that nothing which had been said would cause a
feeling of irritation to remain on his mind, and that he would continue
to trade at the fort on the same friendly terms as hitherto. The chief
made no reply, but stalked on towards his tents, which were pitched at
some little distance from the fort. As soon as he had reached them, the
gate was shut, and the usual guard placed to watch the proceedings of
the Indians outside. The young ladies, who had agreed to take a ride
with Norman, were somewhat disappointed on finding that Captain
Mackintosh considered it would be imprudent for them to go outside the
fort while Sybil's admirer remained in the neighbourhood.

"He is really a handsome fellow," said Norman, laughing, as he looked on
the portrait. "You've done him justice too. Perhaps some day you may
change your mind; though I cannot say that I should approve of his
carrying you off to become Queen of the Roaring Bulls."

"Don't talk such nonsense, Norman," said Sybil. "I am vexed with myself
for having gone out to take his portrait. I had no idea that the savage
would even have looked at me. I have a great mind to tear up the
picture."

"Pray don't do that," said Effie; "it is too well drawn to be destroyed,
and I want to show it to mamma, who will, I a