ho are you, that we should thus trust you?" asked Gilbert.

"Oncagua," answered the Indian; "she once knew me; does she forget me
now?"

"Oh, no, no!" exclaimed Virginia, starting up and grasping the Indian's
hands, which she placed on her head; "my ever kind protector; I should
indeed be ungrateful could I have forgotten you. What my husband
desires, I will do."

"We thank you, chief," said Gilbert, "but we have friends here whom we
cannot desert; whatever may be the danger, we must remain and share it
with them."

The chief stood lost in thought. "I understand you," he said, "you are
right. I came to save her alone, but her friends must be my friends.
Tell them to be prepared for a sudden attack from the surrounding
tribes, or ere another sun has set not a paleface in the country will be
left alive. I know no one I would entrust my message to, but have
journeyed night and day, across streams, and through forests, and over
hills to utter the warning. Swear that you will follow my advice, or I
will stay and perish with you."

Virginia, knowing that Oncagua spoke the truth, entreated Gilbert to do
as he wished. He no longer hesitated; and the old chief, taking another
fond look at Virginia, disappeared from the door-way.

Happily, Oliver Dane, who lived with Vaughan Audley, was expected that
evening to pay them a visit. Anxiously they waited his arrival.
Virginia could not help fearing that the Indians might have attacked him
on the way, and Gilbert was equally alarmed for Vaughan and Cicely's
safety.

"I cannot leave you, dear one, alone," he said; "and yet there is not a
moment to be lost."

"Do not fear for me," she answered. "Go and warn our neighbours,--
persuade them to put the town into a state of defence. I will wait here
till Oliver arrives, and give him such directions as you may leave with
me."

Gilbert sat down with his hands on his brow, considering what steps it
would be necessary to take; for the lives of all the inhabitants of the
colony might depend upon his decision, should no one else have received
a warning of what was about to occur. His plans were quickly formed; he
must immediately despatch to James Town and other places further off
bold and trusty messengers to induce the inhabitants to take proper
measures for their preservation; while he himself determined to collect
a body of friends, and to hasten as fast as their steeds could carry
them to the assistance of Vaughan, leav