y into the air, almost crushing the
breath out of the body of its antagonist, and giving him an
opportunity to rise. When Arundel stood upon his feet, he beheld the
panther in the agonies of death--an arrow sticking in one eye and an
Indian striking it with a tomahawk upon the head, for which great
agility and quickness were necessary in order to avoid the paw and
teeth of the creature in its dying struggles. These soon became less
violent, until, with a shudder, the limbs relaxed, and it lay
motionless and harmless,

Arundel now advanced to thank for his timely succor the Indian, who
stood quite still looking at him. He was apparently less than thirty
years of age, tall and well formed, with a countenance expressive of
nobleness and generosity. His attire consisted only of breech-cloth
and leggins, with no covering for the upper part of his person--a garb
offering fewest obstructions to his movements through the forest. In
his hand he held a bow; a quiver full of arrows was slung across his
back; the tomahawk was returned to the girdle around his loins, and a
knife hung by a deer-sinew from his neck.

"The arrow was well aimed," said Arundel, "that saved my life. How can
I thank my brother?" "Waqua is satisfied," replied the Indian, in very
imperfect English, which we shall not attempt to imitate.

"You are my preserver," said Arundel, "and shall not find the white
man ungrateful."

"Enough," answered the Indian. "Let wild beasts find some other food
than men."

"It was a strong hand as well as true aim that sent this arrow," said
the young man, drawing the shaft out of the animal's brain, in which
the barbed point, coming off, remained behind, "and I must furnish you
at least another arrow."

"Waqua has plenty of arrows in his quiver, and can get more."

"Thou art an independent fellow," exclaimed Arundel; "but there is one
thing I have to offer thee which thou must accept--that is, my hand,
and it is a sign that I will be thy brother."

There was something in the action and expression of Arundel's face
that was irresistibly attractive to the Indian. He took the offered
hand into both of his and replied, "Waqua gives his two hands to the
white man. He loves the white man, and the Great Spirit sent Waqua to
protect his brother."

"Thou hast established a claim to, my friendship stronger than often
exists. Be sure we will be friends. My brother is on a hunting path.
What success has he?"

"A deer," replied