rl, scarce twenty years of age, whose
dark copper complexion, piercing black eyes, and high cheek bones, all
proclaimed her to belong to that unhappy race which had so long held
undisputed possession of this continent. Her dress was fantastic in the
highest degree. Around her head was a plait of peake, made from those
shells which were used by the Indians at once as their roanoke, or
money, and as their most highly prized ornament of dress. A necklace and
bracelets of the same adorned her neck and arms. A short smock, made of
dressed deer-skin, which reached only to her knees, and was tightly
fitted around the waist with a belt of wampum, but scantily concealed
the swelling of her lovely bosom. Her legs, from the knee to the ancle,
were bare, and her feet were covered with buckskin sandals, ornamented
with beads, such as are yet seen in our western country, as the
handiwork of the remnant of this unhappy race. Such a picturesque
costume well became the graceful form that wore it. Her long, dark hair,
which, amid all these decorations, was her loveliest ornament, fell
unbound over her shoulders in rich profusion. As she approached, with
light and elastic step, towards the combatants, Bernard, as we have
said, dropped his sword in mute astonishment. It is true, that even in
his short residence in Virginia, he had seen Indians at Jamestown, but
they had come with friendly purpose to ask favors of the English. His
impressions were therefore somewhat similar to those of a man who,
having admired the glossy coat, and graceful, athletic form of a tiger
in a menagerie, first sees that fierce animal bounding towards him from
his Indian jungle. The effect upon him, however, was of course but
momentary, and he again raised his sword to renew the attack. But his
opponent, without any desire of engaging again in the contest, turned to
the young girl and said, in a familiar voice, "Well, Mamalis, what
brings you to the hall so early this morning?"

"There is danger there," replied the young girl, solemnly, and in purer
English than Bernard was prepared to hear. "If you would help me, put up
your long knife and follow me."

"What do you mean?" asked Hansford, alarmed by her manner and words.

"Manteo and his braves come to take blood for blood," returned the girl.
"There is no time to lose."

"In God's name, Mr. Bernard," said Hansford, quickly, "come along with
us. This is no time for private quarrel. Our swords are destined for