nlight and the little groups of chattering Indians. He had
watched her keenly in the hope of hearing a cry, or seeing some spasm of
agony upon her face, but at last, with a curse, he dashed down her hand
and strode from the hut. She thrust her charred finger into her bosom
and laughed.

"He is a good-for-nought!" she cried. "He does not even know how to
torture. Now, I could have got a cry out of him. I am sure of it.
But you--monsieur, you are very white!"

"It was the sight of such a hellish deed. Ah, if we were but set face
to face, I with my sword, he with what weapon he chose, by God, he
should pay for it with his heart's blood."

The Indian woman seemed surprised. "It is strange to me," she said,
"that you should think of what befalls me when you are yourselves under
the same shadow. But our fate will be as I said."

"Ah!"

"You and I are to die at the stake. She is to be given to the dog who
has left us."

"Ah!"

"Adele! Adele! What shall I do!" He tore his hair in his helplessness
and distraction.

"No, no, fear not, Amory, for my heart will not fail me. What is the
pang of death if it binds us together?"

"The younger chief pleaded for you, saying that the _Mitche Manitou_ had
stricken you with madness, as could be seen by your swimming to their
canoe, and that a blight would fall upon the nation if you were led to
the stake. But this Bastard said that love came often like madness
among the pale-faces, and that it was that alone which had driven you.
Then it was agreed that you should die and that she should go to his
wigwam, since he had led the war-party. As for me, their hearts were
bitter against me, and I also am to die by the pine splinters."

De Catinat breathed a prayer that he might meet his fate like a soldier
and a gentleman.

"When is it to be?" he asked.

"Now! At once! They have gone to make all ready! But you have time
yet, for I am to go first."

"Amory, Amory, could we not die together now?" cried Adele, throwing her
arms round her husband. "If it be sin, it is surely a sin which will be
forgiven us. Let us go, dear. Let us leave these dreadful people and
this cruel world and turn where we shall find peace."

The Indian woman's eyes flashed with satisfaction.

"You have spoken well, White Lily," said she. "Why should you wait
until it is their pleasure to pluck you. See, already the glare of
their fire beats upon the tree-trunks, and you can hear the ho