m sure, admire it."

Mrs Mackintosh, who had been somewhat unwell, had not left her chamber;
but in the evening she came into the sitting-room, when the portrait was
shown her; and Norman related in his own way what had happened.

"I am sorry for it," she remarked. "I do not trust the Indians, and I
am afraid that this savage chief may cause us some annoyance. I wish
that you had not vexed him, Norman. You must in future be more
cautious, and pray do not, on any account, go to a distance from the
fort for some time to come. Sybil and Effie must give up their rides
for the present, unless they go out with a strong party."

"My father doesn't think the fellow will trouble us, as we parted on
good terms with him," answered Norman. "The chances are that he takes
himself off to-morrow, and will speedily forget all about Sybil."

When Captain Mackintosh afterwards came in, though he tried to make
light of the matter, his wife fancied that he looked much more anxious
than usual.

Still Norman insisted that Mysticoose and his people would take their
departure the next morning, and that they should then no longer be
troubled by them.

Strict watch was kept at night, and all remained quiet in the Indian
camp. Next morning the tents were still there, and no sign was
perceived that the occupants had any intention of moving.

The day went by; but though the tents remained, the young chief did not
make his appearance.

Norman was considerably put out. "I have no notion that the girls
should be kept prisoners on account of an impudent Redskin," he
exclaimed. "I will go out to the tents, and advise the chief and his
party, now that they have transacted their business, to take themselves
off."

"No, no, Norman, stay quiet, my lad," answered his father; "they'll not
go faster for being ordered off; and it is just possible that the young
chief may take it into his head to do you some harm. It will be a poor
satisfaction to punish him afterwards."

"I am not afraid of him, or of any other savage like him," said Norman.

"Well, well, stay within the fort until I give you leave to go out,"
said his father. "Young blood quickly gets up, and a quarrel may ensue,
which it is better to avoid."

Norman promised to obey; and, to vent his feelings by himself, went up
to the platform, which was dignified by being called the ramparts, that
he might take a look cut, and ascertain if there were any signs of
moving in the camp o