nces of the case, these must have been arranged in
this manner subsequently to the visit of the Shawnees, and it was this
fact which awakened the curiosity of the Lieutenant. His first
supposition was that it was the doings of the Huron. But what reason
could he have had for rearing such a structure? What possible purpose
could it serve him?

All at once it flashed upon the Lieutenant that it was the work of the
Shawnees themselves, and he began to view the contrivance with some
apprehension. This feeling was considerably strengthened when he
either heard or fancied he heard the movement of some one within it.
Prudence dictated that he should place a little more distance between
it and himself. Accordingly he began to retreat, walking backward and
keeping his gaze fixed upon it, ready for any demonstration from his
concealed enemies.

Suddenly something within the hollow of the structure fell with a dull
thump that nearly lifted the Lieutenant from his feet. At the same
moment he heard a suppressed growl, as if made by a caged bear. He now
began to feel more wonder than fear.

"What in the name of creation is the meaning of that concern, and what
sort of animal is caged in it?" he muttered, staying his retreat.

The Lieutenant debated whether or not to approach and examine the
interior of the odd-looking hut. It seemed hardly possible that any
human being could be within, although it was certain there was some
living object there.

"At any rate I'll stir him up," he concluded, resolutely approaching.
The growls were now redoubled, and he really believed some four-footed
animal was the cause of all the uproar.

"It may be the Shawnees have attempted a little pleasantry after their
bloody work, and caged up some poor creature within those logs,"
thought he. "I'll let him loose if such be the case."

He placed his hand upon the stump of a log nearest to him, when a
thunderbolt appeared to have exploded before him. He started back as
though he had received an electric shock. A perfect battery of howls
was leveled against him, and for a moment his ears were stunned with
the deafening uproar. He determined, however, to solve the mystery.
Giving the structure a push that brought it tumbling to the ground, he
sprung back and held his rifle prepared for any foe, were he a
four-footed or a two-footed one. Instead of either, what was his
amazement to see a negro, as black as midnight, emerge from the ruins,
a