at the entrance was drawn
aside, and the yellow flood of the setting sun streamed upon the figure
of Monega. "The hours of the day," said the youth, "have been dark and
weary to the heart of the captive, since the Wild-rose withdrew from the
side of Wauchee, but now that she has returned, the light again shines
in his heart, and his soul is filled with brightness and joy."

The maiden in silence produced her herbs and bandages, and after
applying them to his hurts, thus replied to his words: "Wauchee is
noble, and brave, but his days are now few and numbered. Let us speak
with a low voice, for the two warriors are watchful at the door, and
their jealous ears may catch the friendly word that may pass between us.
Would the fettered chieftain desire to be freed from his bonds, and
breathe once more the free breath of the woods, and again return to his
distant people?"

"Gentle Monega!" cried he, "I pray thee, free these limbs from the
hateful thongs that eat into the flesh, and so cramp his benumbed
members, and Wauchee will fly like a deer to his own people, and also
bear away with him the sweet Wild-rose of the Oneidas, to bloom afresh
in the gardens of the Mohawks. Will Monega free the bondsman? and will
she fly with him to be the bride of his heart, and the queen of the
Mohawk people?

"Monega cannot refuse," said the maiden, after a little hesitation;
"Monega cannot refuse to save the life of the brave and handsome young
warrior; and if he asks it, neither can she refuse to depart with him,
and cast her lot with his people."

"Monega speaks well," cried the captive, "and her words gladden my
darkened spirit. Quick then, sever these bonds from my wrists and limbs,
that I may stand forth once more a free man. I will then escape to the
forest, and await you at the great fall of waters."

"I gladly free you from your thongs," said she, "and will not fail to
join you where you appoint; but remember that two brave warriors guard
with their weapons at the door, and that they will spare him not if he
but offer to depart. Yet one of them, the young Thaygea, has vowed to me
his love, and him will I entice away from his post of guard, and the
captive must fain deal with the other as he may. Is Wauchee content to
make the trial?"

"Sever these thongs, and free these crippled limbs, bright maiden, and I
would not shrink from an armed host. Do you entice away one of my
guards, and I will manage to escape from the other; and