he top of the
hill would produce more effect, he knew, than anything he could say. He
now turned to Oliver and his companion. On looking at the maiden, he
had no doubt, from the form of her features and her fair complexion,
that she was of English parentage, though not a word of English had she
uttered. His curiosity to know how she was thus living among the
Indians was very great; on this point, however, she could give him no
information. She had lived always with them, and she believed that the
old chief was her grandfather; from the latter, therefore, only could he
hope to obtain an answer to his questions. The old chief was, however,
evidently not disposed to reply to him; the maiden was one of their
tribe, and such she must always be, he answered at length; so Roger saw
that it would be wise not to press the matter just then. He
accordingly, feeling satisfied with what the chief had said, asked if he
knew aught of a white man who had long been in that region, or of two
youths who had lately been brought thither.

"Wise men do not reply till they have time to consider the object of the
questions put to them," answered the chief; "if you come as friends, as
friends we will receive you, and give you the best our country affords.
You may invite your companions down into the valley, they need fear no
danger."

"It is not our habit to fear danger," answered Roger, "but we have
confidence in your friendship; when danger is threatened, we know how to
defend ourselves." Having made this remark, which had its due effect,
he hastened back to Vaughan, and after a short consultation, they agreed
to accept the chiefs invitation, but to keep a strict watch, in case of
treachery.

CHAPTER TEN.

Oliver and the young girl were, in the mean time, eagerly endeavouring
to understand each other. They had left the group and were seated
together on the bank of the stream. Some new ideas had evidently come
into her mind; it seemed to flash upon her that she was of the same race
as the young paleface by her side. She had never known a father, she
said, or mother, and the squaw who had more especially tended on her in
her childhood had as tawny a skin as the rest of her tribe. Now and
then she talked with Oliver, but oftener sat with her finger on her
brow, lost in thought. After some time she began to understand his
questions better than at first. She replied that she would try to find
out what he wanted to know and te