iendly box was not passed around. It
was the custom, and custom makes all things proper.

While this genial spirit of contentment and good will prevailed around
the fire, a tall Indian stood within the shadow of the forest, and
watched the scene with much interest and curiosity. At length he
stepped forth into the flame-lit circle, and walked deliberately over
to where Dane was seated. His presence was at once noted, and a sudden
hush fell upon the gathering.

"Hello, Pete!" Dane exclaimed in surprise. "Where have you come from,
and what do you want?"

The native replied in the deep guttural Indian tongue, and what he said
caused Dane to start, while an expression of anxiety overspread his
face. He asked a question in the same language, with which he was
quite familiar, and when it had been answered, he turned to the
intensely interested group around him.

"I am sorry to have to leave you," he announced, "but I must go at
once, as I am needed up river."

"Is it anything serious?" Jean asked in a low voice.

"I am afraid so," Dane replied. "I told you that Pete would suddenly
turn up with important news, and I was right. The rebels are stirring
up trouble."

"But you must see daddy before you go," Jean said. "He will be greatly
disappointed if you don't."

"Certainly I must see him. Let us go at once, as there is no time to
lose."

Together they made their way to the house, leaving the people around
the fire gazing curiously after them. As they entered, they saw the
Indian bending over the sleeping child, and watching it most intently.
Mammy was standing by on the defensive, fearful lest she was about to
lose her little charge.

"Doan let him take her, Mistah Dane," she cried. "I can't spare Babby.
Drive him out ob de house."

Pete at once straightened himself up to his full height, and smiled as
he looked upon the agitated woman.

"Injun no tak' babby," he said. "Injun no cabin. Babby no mamma."

"Bress de Lo'd fo' His goodness!" Mammy fervently exclaimed, lifting on
high her hands, "and let all de earf gib t'anks unto His holy name fo'
ebber an' ebber."

The Colonel was greatly interested over Dane's departure, and asked him
several questions.

"I can tell you very little now," the young man replied. "That the
rebels are up to some mischief is quite certain. Pete has found out
where they are to meet to-morrow night, so we must be on hand to learn
their plans."

"Is it far from here