, upon the troubled
stream, as it bounded from rock to rock, dashing with impetuous fury,
and tossing high in air its flakes of snowy foam. The report of a
fowling piece, at no great distance, at length startled her; and a
well-known whistle, which instantly succeeded, assured her that the
sportsman was De Valette. She had wandered from the shade of the grape
vine to obtain a more distinct view of the falls; but not caring to be
seen by him, she hastily plunged among a thicket of trees, which grew
close to the water's edge. The place was low and damp; and in looking
round for a better situation, her eye fell on a bark canoe, which was
drawn in among some reeds; and, without hesitation, she sprang into it,
and quietly seated herself. It was probably left there by some Indian,
who had gone into the woods to hunt, or gather roots; a neat blanket lay
in it, such as the French often bartered for the rich furs of the
country, and several strings of a bright scarlet berry, with which the
squaws were fond of decorating their persons.

Lucie, in the idleness of the moment, threw the blanket around her, and
twined some of the berries amongst her own jet black hair. She had
scarcely finished this employment, when she heard quick approaching
footsteps, and, glancing round, saw De Valette pushing heedlessly
through brier and bush, and Hero trotting gravely at his side. A loud
bark from the dog next foreboded a discovery; but both he and his
master had halted on the summit of the bank, apparently to survey the
occupant of the boat. Lucie's curiosity was aroused to know if he would
pass on without recognizing her; and busying herself in plaiting some
reeds, which she plucked from beside her, she broke into a low chant,
successfully disguising her voice, and cautious that no words should be
distinguished, except one or two of the Indian dialect, which she had
learned from an old squaw who frequented the fort.

"How now, my little squaw," said De Valette, advancing a few steps;
"have you got cast away among the reeds?"

"I am waiting for the tide, to take me down to the fort," she answered,
in such unintelligible French, that he could scarcely comprehend her.

"And what are you so busy about?" he enquired, approaching near, to
satisfy his curiosity.

"Making a basket; and I will give it to you for some beads, when it is
done!" said Lucie, in the same imperfect jargon, stooping her head low,
and concealing her hands lest their delic