g she sat, almost motionless, thus gazing into space. Then she began
to sing in a low sweet voice a plaintive air, which rose and fell for
some time more like a tuneful wail than a song. Suddenly, and in the
very midst of her song, she burst into a wild laugh, which increased in
vehemence until it rang through the forest in a scream so terrible that
it could be accounted for by nothing but insanity. That the poor
creature's reason was indeed dethroned became evident from her
subsequent movements, for after falling backwards from the exhaustion
produced by her effort, or, it might be, from the sheer weakness
resulting from partial starvation, she got up and began quietly to cut
up and devour raw a small bird which she had killed with a stone.
Strengthened a little by this food, she rose and made a futile effort to
draw more closely around her a little shawl, or rather kerchief of
deerskin, which covered her shoulders, shuddering with cold as she did
so.

Her short leathern gown and leggings were so soiled and torn that the
ornamental work with which they had been originally decorated was almost
invisible, and the moccasins she had worn hung in mere shreds upon her
little feet.

Rising slowly, and with a weary sigh, the poor creature descended the
side of the hill and entered the forest at the foot of it.

Lying concealed in a neighbouring thicket an Indian youth had watched
the motions of the girl. It was evident, from his gaze of surprise,
that he had just discovered her. It was equally evident, from his
expression of perplexity, that he hesitated to intrude upon one who, he
could not help seeing, was mad; but when she moved forward he followed
her with the soft wary tread of a panther.

At first the girl's step was slow and listless. Then it became rapid.
A fit of excitement seemed to come on, and she began to run. Presently
the excitement seemed to have passed, for she fell again into the
listless walk. After a time she sat down, and recommenced her low
wailing song.

At this point, taking advantage of a neighbouring thicket, the young
Indian drew as near to the girl as possible, and, in a low voice,
uttered the Indian word for--"Rising Sun!"

Starting violently, the girl turned round, stretched out both arms, and,
with intense hope expressed in every feature, took a step forward. In
an instant the expression vanished. Another terrible scream resounded
in the air, and, turning quickly away, she fled l