tle temper and
modesty, conspicuous among whom was Faith Armstrong. Hence, when she
came to the village, as not unfrequently was the case, in order to
sell the berries she had gathered in the fields, or pretty baskets
stained with such lively colors as the simple skill of the Indians
knew how to extract from roots and the bark of trees, it seldom
happened that she returned without having made Faith a visit. On such
occasions the enthusiastic girl would strive to inform her on points
of religion which, to her own mind, were of the highest importance.
Peena would listen, and never contradict, though, it is probable, she
understood but little of what to Faith's apprehension was clear.

It was impossible, however, not to derive benefit from such meetings.
None could be in the presence of Faith without being influenced by
the atmosphere of goodness in which she moved. And, indeed, that she
herself derived pleasure from the presence of Peena, was evidence of
the gentle worth of the latter.

No wonder then that Ohquamehud determined to conceal his fell purpose
in his own heart. When, therefore, with the quiet step peculiar to his
race, he glided into her hut, just before the setting of the sun, he
had chased the traces of passion from his brow, and met her with a
calm and satisfied mien. So perfect was the dissimulation that even
one less guileless than the woman would have been deceived. In the
present case, the preoccupation of her mind in Holden's favor made it
easier.

"My brother," she said, with a pleased expression, as she caught sight
of his altered appearance, "is like the sky in summer when not a cloud
is to be seen."

"The cloud has left the sky of Ohquamehud."

This was said with a natural and easy air, as if all suspicion were
banished from his mind; nor was the subject further adverted to.

The time at which the children of nature retire to rest, is not that
observed by the artificially-cultivated man. For them, the hours of
light and darkness mark out the periods for action and repose. It was
then still early in the evening, when a heavy breathing in the hut of
Peena indicated the sleep of its inmates. Ohquamehud had listened
for it, and having waited until the breathing became deep and full to
assure him of the profoundness of the slumber, he sat up on his couch
and looked cautiously around. The brands were smouldering in the
ashes with a dim flickering light, but sufficient to direct and give
certainty