out the chief Wamsutah. I may be able to win him over to
assist in our object. I trust by means of the influence I possess over
his mind, to induce him to aid in the recovery of my son Gilbert and his
companion. He possesses more power than any chief of the neighbouring
tribes, Powhattan excepted; and should he learn where they are to be
found, he will not fail to obtain their release."

Saying this, Captain Audley took his departure, leaving Oliver and
Manita in his dwelling. A considerable time passed, however, before he
returned. Manita, overcome with fatigue, had fallen asleep in a corner
of the room, wrapped up in her cloak. Oliver was too anxious to close
his eyes. As he watched the features of the young girl, he felt more
and more convinced that the surmise of Captain Audley was correct, and
he thought of the happiness it would be to restore her to civilised
life, and of the blessing she might prove to their aged grandfather,
whom she might tend with a watchful care far better than he was able to
bestow. At last he too dropped off asleep. He was awakened by the
return of their host.

"Have you succeeded, sir?" he asked, eagerly.

"I have news of the two lads, who are many hours' journey from this, in
the hands of a tribe, alas! at enmity with Wamsutah and his people. I
cannot hope, consequently, to communicate with them without much
difficulty, and must wait an opportunity, which I pray God to afford me.
I would have you, therefore, after resting here tonight, hasten back to
your people; tell my son Vaughan how I long to embrace him, but that
stern necessity compels me to remain here awhile, till the chief permits
me to depart with honour, and I can bring back the two missing ones. I
do not advise Vaughan and Master Layton to come up here, lest they
should create suspicion in the minds of the Indians. Let them be on
their guard against treachery, which this people look upon more as a
virtue than a crime; and if they can obtain canoes from the chief
Oncagua, or can contrive to build them, let them by all means return
down the river, which they will find navigable to the mouth. They would
thus avoid many dangers through which they before unconsciously passed,
and regain the ship far more speedily than by land."

Oliver promised to deliver the messages he had received from Captain
Audley, who the next morning told him that he had provided two Indian
lads, his pupils, in whom he could implicitly trus