lest you paralyse the
efforts of our friends."

Constance felt the hand which held hers relax its grasp, and ere long
she knew that the spirit of the young Indian had taken its flight to the
realms of bliss. She placed his hand on his breast, and, obeying his
dying injunctions, refrained from giving way to her feelings. Not till
they were near the north shore, and safe for the present from their
enemies, did she speak. She then endeavoured to prepare Cora for the
discovery of her brother's death.

"I feared it was so," replied Cora, when Constance had told her clearly
what had happened. "I know, however, that no joy on earth could be more
exquisite than that he felt in the consciousness that he had given his
life to save yours. I must not mourn for him as those who have no hope.
We must not remain here," continued Cora, as they disembarked from the
canoe. "They will certainly pursue us, and we shall not be in safety
till we reach our village, where the remnant of our tribe is collected.
Alas! there will be bitter grief and loud wailing for the many who have,
I fear, fallen."

With perfect calmness Cora gave directions to her people to convey the
body of her brother, and follow quickly, while she led Nigel, who
supported Constance, through the woods. Faint and overcome with grief
as Constance was, Cora urged, notwithstanding, that they should continue
their course without stopping, for she felt convinced that a fearful
loss had overtaken her tribe from the account which the last-arrived
Indian had given her. He had, he affirmed, before Tecumah and his party
had cut their way out of the fort, seen Tuscarora and many of their
tribe shot down by the enemy; and he had also witnessed the death of the
count. Nigel questioned him narrowly, but could elicit nothing that
could shake his testimony.

Sad, indeed, as Cora had expected, was the way in which they were
received at her village, and it was feared, indeed, that even it might
be attacked while there only remained the old men and boys for its
defence. It was proposed, therefore, that they should move further into
the country; but Cora urged them to remain, and, as a precaution against
surprise, sent out scouts to give timely notice of the appearance of an
enemy, or the return of their friends. They all, however, packed up
their property, and remained prepared for instant flight.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

CONCLUSION.

Just as dawn was breaking, a warrior was