ed to Him, and asked Him
to watch over her, to keep her from all dangers, and to take her safely
back home.

A sense of security such as she had never before known possessed her.
A great presence seemed near, overshadowing her, and giving her a new
strength and courage. Despair was replaced by hope, and she felt that
she could face the future with confidence. No longer did the stars
seem cheerless. Instead, they were eyes smiling down upon her, telling
her to be brave, that the One who guided them in their course would not
forsake her. She determined not to lament. She would show the Indians
that a white girl could suffer and be strong.

Slowly the dawn of a new day edged into the night, and the stars faded
one by one. Jean could see her captors now quite distinctly. They
were great stalwart natives, whose faces betrayed neither friendliness
nor hostility. They never even glanced at her, but seemed entirely
bent upon their work.

As the sun was about to appear above the tree-tops, the steersman
headed the canoe for the shore. After they had landed, a small fire
was started, and a kettle containing cooked meat was placed over the
flames. Jean watched with interest all that was going on around her.
This seemed to surprise the Indians, and when she pointed to the
kettle, their faces relaxed into the faint semblance of a smile.
Presently one of the men dipped a cup into the kettle and handed it to
the girl. She took it, not without some hesitation, and after it had
cooled a little, placed it to her lips. It tasted good, so she drank
it all. The Indian next thrust a sharpened stick into the kettle, and
brought forth a piece of the partridge which he placed in her cup.
This was tender, and Jean enjoyed it as much as she did the broth. It
brought a renewal of strength to her body, and she felt less weary.

Breakfast ended, the Indians took their few dishes to the water, washed
and scoured them with sand, and left them upon a big stone for the sun
to dry. The cleanliness of these natives was a surprise to Jean, and
this touch of civilisation gave her some encouragement. She had often
heard of the uncouth Indians, but here were men who could put many
white people to shame.

For about two hours they remained there, and while the Indians dozed in
the sun, Jean walked up and down the shore, or sat upon a rock looking
out over the water. It was a beautiful morning, with not a breath of
wind astir, and the mirr