, this is not yourself. I cannot, will not believe that you wish to
see our men murdered!"

June turned her dark eyes quietly on Mabel; and for a moment her look
was stern, though it was soon changed into one of melancholy compassion.

"Lily, Yengeese girl?" she said, as one asks a question.

"Certainly, and as a Yengeese girl I would save my countrymen from
slaughter."

"Very good, if can. June no Yengeese, June Tuscarora--got Tuscarora
husband--Tuscarora heart--Tuscarora feeling--all over Tuscarora. Lily
wouldn't run and tell French that her fader was coming to gain victory?"

"Perhaps not," returned Mabel, pressing a hand on a brain that felt
bewildered,--"perhaps not; but you serve me, aid me--have saved me,
June! Why have you done this, if you only feel as a Tuscarora?"

"Don't only feel as Tuscarora; feel as girl, feel as squaw. Love pretty
Lily, and put it in my bosom."

Mabel melted into tears, and she pressed the affectionate creature to
her heart. It was near a minute before she could renew the discourse,
but then she succeeded in speaking more calmly and with greater
coherence.

"Let me know the worst, June," said she. "To-night your people are
feasting; what do they intend to do to-morrow?"

"Don't know; afraid to see Arrowhead, afraid to ask question; t'ink hide
away till Yengeese come back."

"Will they not attempt anything against the blockhouse? You have seen
what they can threaten if they will."

"Too much rum. Arrowhead sleep, or no dare; French captain gone away, or
no dare. All go to sleep now."

"And you think I am safe for this night, at least?"

"Too much rum. If Lily like June, might do much for her people."

"I am like you, June, if a wish to serve my countrymen can make a
resemblance with one as courageous as yourself."

"No, no, no!" muttered June in a low voice; "no got heart, and June no
let you, if had. June's moder prisoner once, and warriors got drunk;
moder tomahawked 'em all. Such de way red skin women do when people in
danger and want scalp."

"You say what is true," returned Mabel, shuddering, and unconsciously
dropping June's hand. "I cannot do that. I have neither the strength,
the courage, nor the will to dip my hands in blood."

"T'ink that too; then stay where you be--blockhouse good--got no scalp."

"You believe, then, that I am safe here, at least until my father and
his people return?"

"Know so. No dare touch blockhouse in morning. Hark! all still
now-