but a rushing torrent--that spumed against the
banks, as it surged impetuously onward. Trees torn up by the roots were
carried on by the current--their huge trunks and half-riven branches
twisting and wriggling in the stream, like drowning giants in their
death-struggle. In the "sough" of the torrent, we heard their sighs--in
its roar, the groans of their departing spirits!

The scene was in unison with our thoughts; and equally so with the
laughter that at that moment sounded in our ears--for it was laughter
wild and maniac. It was heard in the forest behind us; ringing among
the trees, and mingling its shrill unearthly echo with the roaring of
the torrent. Both of us were startled at the sound. Though the voice
was a woman's, I could see that it had produced on Wingrove a certain
impression of fear. On hearing it, he trembled and turned pale. I
needed no explanation. A glance towards the forest revealed the cause.
A female form moving among the trees told me whence had come that
unexpected and ill-timed cachinnation.

"Lord o' mercy!" exclaimed my companion, "that Injun again! She's been
arter me since that night, an' threatens to have a fresh try at takin'
my life. Look out stranger! I know she's got pistols."

"Oh! I fancy there's not much danger. She appears to be in the
laughing mood."

"It's jest that ere larf I don't like: she's allers wust when she's in
that way."

By this time the Indian had reached the edge of the clearing very near
the rear of the cabin. Without pausing she sprang up on the fence--as
if to enter the enclosure. This, however, proved not to be her
intention; for, on climbing to the topmost rail, she stood erect upon
it, with one hand clutching the limb of a tree, to keep her in position.
As soon as she had attained the upright attitude, another peal of
laughter came ringing from her lips, as wild as that with which she had
announced her approach; but there was also in its tones a certain
modulation that betokened scorn! Neither of us uttered a syllable; but,
observing a profound silence, stood waiting to hear what she had to say.
Another scornful laugh, and her words broke forth:

"White Eagle! and proud slayer of red panthers! your hearts are troubled
as the stream on which your eyes are gazing! Su-wa-nee knows your
sorrows. She comes to you with words of comfort."

"Ah! speak them then!" said I, suddenly conceiving a hope. "Hear you
that sound in the forest?"

W