s of their riders appeared almost touching. The head of the chief
was bent forward and downward; while his hand appeared extended outward,
as if holding that of the huntress! It was a fearful tableau for a
lover to contemplate--even at a distance; and the white lips, clenched
teeth, and quick irregular beating of Wingrove's heart--perfectly
audible to me as I stood beside him--told with what terrible emotions
the sight was inspiring him. I was myself puzzled at the attitude of
the Utah chief--as well as the silent complaisance with which his
attentions appeared to be received. It certainly had the seeming of
gallantry--though I was loth to believe in its reality. In truth I
could not give credence to such a thought. It was not human nature--not
even woman's--to play false in such _sans facon_. The appearance must
certainly be a deception?

I was endeavouring to conjecture an explanation, when a moving object
attracted my attention. It was a horseman who appeared upon the plain,
beyond where the huntress and the chief had halted. To our eyes, he was
nearly in a line with them--approaching down the valley from the upper
canon--out of which he had evidently issued. He was still at a
considerable distance from the other two; but it could be seen that he
was coming on at full gallop and straight towards them. In a few
moments, he would be up to where they stood. I watched this horseman
with interest. I was in hopes he would keep on his course, and
interrupt the scene that was annoying myself, and torturing my
companion. I was not disappointed in the hope. The hurrying horseman
rode straight on; and, having arrived within a few paces of the ground
occupied by the others, drew his horse to a halt. At the same instant,
the Utah chief was seen to separate from his companion; and riding up to
the stranger, appeared to enter into conversation with him.

After some minutes had elapsed, the chief faced round to the huntress;
and, apparently giving utterance to some parting speech, headed his
horse toward the butte, and along with the stranger, came galloping
downward. The huntress kept her place; but I saw her dismount, and
stoop down towards the dog, as if caressing him. I resolved to seize
the opportunity of speaking with her alone; and, bidding Wingrove wait
for my return, I once more hastened to lay hold of my horse. Perhaps I
should encounter the chief on the way? Perhaps he might not exactly
like the proce