to compel
them to release their prisoners. Helen had never dared to enter the
wood, except under the protection of her husband, even in the broad
light of day; and now the gloom of evening was gathering around her,
and the path that led into the wood was obscured by the shadows of the
thick foliage above. Bat where were all her fears and apprehensions?
She was unconscious of such feelings now. The timid woman's heart was
nerved to the occasion, and no danger could now make her shrink.

She turned rapidly into the narrow path, and pursued her way with a
firmness and decision, of which, at any other time, when she was
trusting to the arm and guidance of Rodolph, she would have believed
herself incapable. She knew the direction in which the Indian village
lay, and the slanting rays of the declining sun occasionally penetrated
the thick wood, and cast bright streaks of light on the mossy ground,
and the boles of the giant trees around; but soon they faded away, and
a deep gloom overspread her path.

'Mother,' said the trembling little Edith, as she clung to Helen's
hand, and exerted her utmost strength to keep up with her rapid steps;
'Mother, do you not fear to pass through this forest now? Shall we not
meet more of those dreadful savages who have taken away my brother? Oh,
Henrich! Henrich!' she cried--while tears burst afresh from her eyes at
the recollection of her brother's fate--'why did you venture into this
wood to seek plants for my bower?' and the child sobbed convulsively,
from mingled grief and fear.

'Cease, Edith, cease!' replied the deeply distressed, but now firm and
courageous Helen: 'I fear nothing while I am seeking aid for Henrich.
God will protect us, my child!' she added: and she raised her glistening
eyes to heaven, and gazed, hopefully and trustingly, on one bright star
that shone upon her between the summits of the lofty trees. Her heart
was strengthened by her pious confidence in her heavenly Father. She
remembered also that Edith looked to her for protection; and all
personal fears were absorbed by that generous and elevating feeling of
self-devotion, which is shared even by the lower and weaker animals
when their offspring are in danger. So Helen forgot herself, and felt
strong to guard her child, and strong to seek and obtain aid for him
whose peril was more real and urgent.

Onward she pressed in silence but her soul was pleading eloquently with
God. Soon Edith checked her suddenly, and