eding? But Marian must be communicated with upon
something besides matters of love; and my honest intention rendered me
less timid about any idle construction the savage might please to put
upon my conduct. Thus fortified, I leaped to the back of my steed, and
hurried off upon my errand.

CHAPTER EIGHTY EIGHT.

A FRESH ECLAIRCISSEMENT.

As we rode in counter-directions, I met the chief almost on the instant.
I was slightly surprised that he passed, without taking notice of me!
He could not fail to guess whither I was going: as I was heading
straight for the huntress; and here was no other object to have drawn me
in that direction. He did not even appear to see me! As he passed at a
rapid pace, his eyes were bent forward upon the butte, or occasionally
turned towards the horseman who galloped by his side. The strange
horseman was an Indian. From the absence of the war-costume, I could
tell he had not been engaged in the late conflict, but had just arrived
from some distant journey--no doubt, a messenger who brought news. His
jaded horse and dusky garb justified this conjecture. Equally desirous
of shunning an encounter, I passed the two riders in silence, and kept
on my course. As I drew near to the huntress-maiden, I was speculating
on the reception I might expect, and the explanation I ought to give.
How would she receive me? Not with much grace, I feared; at all events,
not till she should hear what I had to say. The ambiguous and ill-timed
appearance of the Chicasaw, combined with the sinister and dramatic
incident which followed, must have produced on her mind eccentric and
erroneous impressions. The effect would naturally be to falsify, not
only the protestations of her lover, but my own testimony borne in his
behalf, and indeed all else she had been told. It was not difficult to
predict an ungracious reception. As I approached, she gave over
caressing the dog; and once more leaped to the back of her horse. I was
in fear that she would ride off, and shun me. I knew I could easily
overtake her; but a chase of this nature would scarcely have been to my
liking.

"Marian Holt!" I said, in a tone of gentle remonstrance, "your
suspicions are unjust; I have come to offer you an explanation--"

"I need none," interrupted she in a quiet voice, but without raising her
eyes. A gentle wave of her hand accompanied the words. I fancied both
the tone and the gesture were repellant; but soon perceived t