tood
thus in regal poise looking down upon us. There was a suggestion of
despotic power in both face and posture, and the ring of stern
authority spoke in the sound of her voice.

Twice she addressed our savage captors in brief sentences strange to my
ears, once pointing directly at us, once with sweeping gesture up the
valley. A moment longer she remained motionless, bending slightly
forward, permitting the rich, reddish gold of her hair to flash and
shimmer in the sunshine; then she stepped swiftly back from the dizzy
summit, vanishing instantly, as if dissolved in the haze.

CHAPTER XXI

THE STRONGHOLD OF THE NATCHEZ

We were hopelessly prisoners. On my part further struggle had become
impossible, nor elsewhere did any effort last long, although Cairnes
had to be knocked insensible before the heathen finally mastered him.
I believed the obstinate fellow dead, so ghastly white appeared his
usually florid face as the victorious savages dragged him roughly past
where I lay, flinging his heavy body down like carrion upon the rocks.
De Noyan appeared badly cut, his gallant clothing clinging to him in
fluttering rags, silent witnesses to the manliness of his struggle.
Yet the Chevalier was far from done.

"Let me sit up, you villains!" he cried, vigorously kicking at a
passing shin. "'T is not my custom to lie with head so low. Ah,
Benteen," he smiled pleasantly across at me, his eyes kindling at the
recollection, "that was the noblest fighting that ever came my way, yet
'tis likely we shall pay well for our fun. _Sacre_! 't is no pleasant
face, that of their grim war-chief, nor one to inspire a man with hope
as he makes plea for mercy."

"Marry, no," I replied, determined on exhibiting no greater outward
concern than he. "Nor will the ugly clip on his shoulder leave his
humor happier."

The Chevalier's eyes danced at the recollection.

"'T was our preacher friend who sheared him. I hold it a
master-stroke; but for a spear-butt on the way it would have cleft the
fellow into two equal parts. Have you seen aught of Eloise since the
fight?"

"She lies yonder against the wall at my left, and remains unhurt, I
think. I will make effort to turn over, and have speech with her."

So securely had I been bound with coarse grass rope, I found it no
small task to change the position of my body sufficiently to peer about
the corner of intervening rock, and clearly perceive my lady. She was
reclining in a