ction where Eva lived. I marked the point on the lake where I
had left the canoe, and then dashed down the hill towards it. I
appeared to know the way by instinct. I had no fear of losing it. I
rushed on, and finding the canoe, leaped into it. Just then shrieks and
cries reached my ears coming across the tranquil water of the lake. I
seized the paddles, and urged on the canoe faster than I had ever before
made her go. A supernatural strength seemed to be given me. A village
near the lake was already attacked. The flames cast their ruddy hue on
the water. The dismayed population were offering but little or no
opposition; and what could be expected of the aged inhabitants of the
cottage where Eva lived?

I reached the mouth of the stream, and leaped on shore. As hurrying on,
careless of concealment, I looked up a glade of the forest, my heart
sunk with horror; for at that instant a bright flame burst from the roof
of the cottage. The savages had already discovered it; nor was it to be
exempt from their vengeance.

"Alas!" I exclaimed. "Why, when once I found you did I ever leave you,
my sweet sister?"

I rushed on. Again I heard the savage warriors' dreadful whoops and
yells, as they went about their work of destruction. The flames now
burnt fiercely forth from the cottage, and by their light I saw a party
of savages in front of the building, flourishing their swords over a
kneeling group; while, at a little distance, an old man with grey
hairs--he seemed also a warrior by his dress--was struggling desperately
with an overwhelming body of assailants. He had already wounded
several; but had evidently himself received many deep gashes in return,
for I could see the blood dropping round him on the ground. Just then a
cut disabled his sword arm, and with savage yells they threw themselves
on him, and in an instant his head was fastened to their leader's
girdle.

I could not help seeing this scene as I hurried on; but it was the group
close to the cottage which attracted all my attention. The figure
nearest to me was my sister Eva. A savage held her by her long hair,
and with his sword lifted above her head, seemed but to wait the issue
of the combat with the old chief to sever it from the body. I flew
forward. My agonising fear was, that when he saw me coming he would
complete his barbarous intention before he attempted to defend himself.
I dared not shriek out; indeed my voice refused my feelings ut