obably already conjectured
that it was he) again emerged from his hiding place to renew the attack,
he discharged his piece with deadly aim and effect. With a wild yell of
horror, the young warrior sprang high in the air, and fell lifeless to
the ground.

Berkenhead was about to rush forward towards his victim, when Hansford,
who still retained his seat on the horse, though faint from pain and
loss of blood, cried out, "Caution, caution, for God's sake, there are
more of the bloody villains about." But after a few moments' pause, the
apprehension of a further attack passed away, and the soldier and Giles
repaired to the spot. And there in the cold embrace of death, lay the
brave young Indian, his painted visage reddened yet more by the
life-blood which still flowed from his wound. His right hand still
grasped the bow-string, as in his last effort to discharge the fatal
arrow. A haughty smile curled his lip even in the moment in which the
soul had fled, as if in that last struggle his brave young heart
despised the pang of death itself.

Gazing at him for a moment, yet long enough for old Giles to recognize
the features of Manteo in the bloody corpse, they returned to Hansford,
whose condition indeed required their immediate assistance. Drawing out
the arrow, and staunching the blood as well as they could with his
scarf, Berkenhead bandaged it tightly, and although still in great pain,
the wounded man was enabled slowly to continue his journey. A ride of
about half an hour brought the little party to the door of Windsor
Hall.

FOOTNOTES:

[39] An incident somewhat similar to this is on record as having
actually occurred.

CHAPTER XXVII.

"I'll tell thee truth--
Too oft a stranger to the royal ear,
But far more wholesome than the honeyed lies
That fawning flatterers offer."
_Any Port in a Storm._

Brief as was the time which had elapsed, the old hall presented a
different appearance to Hansford, from that which it maintained when he
last left it under such disheartening circumstances. The notable
mistress of the mansion had spared no pains to prepare for the reception
of her honoured guest; and, although she took occasion to complain to
her good husband of his inconsiderate conduct, in foisting all these
strangers upon her at once, yet she inwardly rejoiced at the opportunity
it presented for a display of her admirable housewifery. Indeed, the
eas