h havoc with his nerves. Spoke he not even the
name of the woman?"

"I think he cried some name as he fell, but I recall it not."

"And you? You are only seeking a way of escape from the savages?"

For a moment I hesitated; but surely, I thought, this strange young
woman was of white blood, and seemingly an enthusiast in the religion I
also professed, and I might safely trust her with my purpose.

"I am seeking entrance within the encampment, hoping thus to rescue a
maiden whom I believe to be prisoner in the hands of the Indians."

"A maiden,--Elsa Matherson?"

"Nay, another; one I have learned to love so well that I now willingly
risk even torture for her sake. You are a woman, and have a woman's
heart; you exercise some strange power among these savages. I beg you
to aid me."

She sat with clasped hands, her eyes lowered upon the grass.

"Whatsoever power I have comes from God," she said solemnly; "and there
be times, such as now, when it seems as if He held me unworthy of His
trust."

"But you will aid me in whatever way you can?"

"You are sure you love this maiden?"

"Would I be here, think you, otherwise?"

She did not answer immediately, but crept across the little space
separating us until she could look more closely into my face, scanning
it earnestly with her dark eyes.

"You have the appearance of a true man," she said finally. "Does the
maid love you?"

"I know not," I stammered honestly, confused by so direct a question.
"I fear not; yet I would save her even then."

I felt her hand touch mine as if in sudden sympathy.

"Monsieur," she spoke gravely, "love has never been kind to me, and I
have learned to put small trust in the word as it finds easy utterance
upon men's lips. A man swore once, even at the altar, that he loved
me; and when he had won my heart he left me for another. If I believed
you were such a man I would rather leave this girl to her fate among
the savages yonder."

"I am not of that school," I protested earnestly. "I am of a race that
love once and forever. But you, who are you? Why are you here in the
midst of these savages? You bear a strange likeness to her I would
save, but for the lighter shade of your hair."

She drew back slightly, removing her hand from mine, but with
gentleness.

"It would do you little good to know my story," She said firmly. "I am
no longer of the world, and my life is dedicated to a service you might
deem sacrifice. Moreo