e a shield; and their treatment in other respects
will shame, I doubt not, the conduct of more civilized men in like
circumstances."

"Know you," inquired Arundel, "the name of their tribe, and their
intentions towards us?"

"They are Taranteens, and, as far as I can learn, mean to take us to
one of their villages. It was fortunate your shot took not effect;
for, otherwise, I know not what would have been the consequence."

"I confess now its rashness; but it is manifest that we were tracked,
and, in any event, would have been prisoners."

"Perhaps not prisoners. Perhaps, after making our acquaintance, they
would have offered us their company as an escort. As it is, we must
submit to close watchfulness on our journey, and, afterwards, take
what fate may come. I counsel thee (and speak as one knowing the
habits of these people) to betray no distrust or apprehension. We must
show that we rely with perfect assurance on our character as
ambassadors, not only for immunity from danger, but for courteous
treatment. And now," he added, disposing himself to rest, "we had
better court that sleep which will be so necessary to prepare us for
the fatigues of to-morow."

Arundel followed his example, and, as if it had been a signal for the
Indians, they all left the cave, with the exception of two, who
stretched themselves out by the fire at the mouth.

It was long after it had fallen upon the lids of Sir Christopher, that
sleep visited the eyes of Arundel; but tired nature at last yielded to
the solicitations of the drowsy influence, and he forgot both his joys
and his sorrows.

When he awoke, the daylight was streaming into his retreat, and,
sitting up on the hemlock boughs, he looked around. The couch of Sir
Christopher was deserted, and no Indian visible. Wondering what had
become of them, he rose and walked to the entrance, and beheld
standing on the margin of the brook, the Knight in conversation with
the savage, who, the night before, appeared to be the leader of the
party. They were so interested with their subject as not to notice his
presence, and he had an opportunity to observe their bearing to one
another. To judge from that, the Knight looked to Arundel more like a
conqueror than a captive, and rather giving than receiving orders. The
attitude of Sir Christopher was commanding, and he engrossed the
principal part of the conversation. From the frequency with which it
was repeated, Arundel, as he fancied, could m