is young
woman, whom I had supposed rather to be a young child. Her father was
my father's dearest friend, and wrote us from his death-bed asking our
protection for her."

"You are Major Wayland's son,--I remember the circumstances now, and
that I endorsed such a letter. 'T is most strange. This girl
disappeared from Dearborn some days ago. Mrs. Heald heard the matter
discussed among the ladies of the garrison, and then all supposed her
to be at John Kinzie's in company with Josette La Framboise; yet I
would almost have sworn I saw her again, and not two hours ago, within
the Fort. By Saint George! the glimpse I got just now makes me doubt
my own eyesight. She was ever an odd creature,--but what can bring her
here, walking so freely about in this camp of vengeful savages?"

I could not answer him; the mystery was beyond my clearing. Only, if
this was the Elsa Matherson for whom I had sought so long, surely God
had in some way led me on to find her; nor should any peril turn my
quest aside.

I had hardly time for this resolve, ere the flap of the tepee was held
back by a dark hand, and in grimly impressive silence warrior after
warrior, plumed, painted, and gaudily bedecked with savage ornaments,
stalked solemnly within, circled about us without sign of greeting, and
seated themselves cross-legged upon the bare ground. The uplifted
door-skin permitted the red flames from without to play freely over
their stern, impassive faces, and shone back upon us from their
glittering eyes. It was an impressive scene, their stoical demeanor
breathing the deep solemnity of the vast woods and plains amid which
their savage lives were passed; nor could one fail to feel the deep
gravity with which they gathered in this council of life or death. To
them it was evident that the meeting was of most serious portent.

I saw only two faces that I recognized in that red ring,--Topenebe and
Little Sauk. I knew, however, it was probable there were some great
chiefs among that company; and I marked especially two, one with long
white hair, and a tall, slender, rather young fellow, having two wide
streaks of yellow down either cheek.

The Indians sat motionless, gazing intently at us; and I swept the
entire dark circle of scowling faces, vainly endeavoring to find one
hopeful glance, one friendly eye. Open hatred, undisguised distrust,
implacable enmity, were stamped on every feature. Whatever our plea
might be, I felt convinced