s in the centre, talking in under tones,
while the women prepared some venison which was to furnish forth the
repast.

CHAPTER III.

And she who climbed the storm-swept steep,
She who the foaming wave would dare,
So oft love's vigil here to keep,
Stranger, albeit, thou think'st I dote;
I know, I know, she watches there.--HOFFMAN.

That night the men sat long around the fire, and talked of a deadly
feud and a deadly prospect of revenge. Ascashe listened and counseled,
and her suggestions were often hailed with intimations of
approval--for the woman was possessed of a keen and penetrating mind,
heightened by passions at once powerful and malevolent. Had the group
observed the white occupant of the skins, they would have seen a pair
of dark, bright eyes peering through those snowy locks, and red lips
parted, in the eagerness of the intent ear.

"How far distant are they now?" asked the woman.

"A three hours walk down stream," was the answer. "To-morrow they will
ascend the falls to surprise our people, and burn the village.
To-night, when the moon is down, we are to light a fire at still-water
_above_ the falls, and the Terrentines will join us at the signal,
leave their canoes in the care of the women, and descend upon our
foes. The fire will warn our people how near to approach the falls,
for the night will be dark." This was told at intervals, and to the
questionings of the woman.

"Where is the Sagamore of Saco," asked Ascashe.

"John Bonyton heads our foes, but to-night is the last one to the
Sagamore."

At this name the white hair stirred violently, and then a low wail
escaped from beneath. The group started, and one of the men, with
Ascashe, scanned the face of the girl, who seemed to sleep in perfect
unconsciousness; but the panther rolled itself over, stretched out its
claws, and threw back his head, showing his long, red tongue, and
uttered a yawn so nearly a howl, that the woman declared the sounds
must have been the same.

Presently the group disposed themselves to sleep till the moon should
set, when they must once more be upon the trail. Previous to this,
many were the charges enjoined upon the woman in regard to Bridget.

"Guard her well," said the leader of the band. "In a few suns more she
will be a great medicine woman, foretelling things that shall come to
the tribes."

We must now visit the encampment of John Bonyton, where he and his
followers slept, wait