er and mother had relinquished to follow their fortunes to the West.
And in truth the officers' mess-hall presented a brave barbaric effect
that had a sort of splendor all its own. It was a large room, entered
through the gorge of the bastion, and its deep chimney-place, in the
recesses of which a great fire burned with a searchingly illuminating
flare, was ample enough to afford a substantial settee on either hand
without impinging on the roomy hearth of flagstones that joined the
puncheons of the floor. Around the log walls the suffusion of light
revealed a projecting line of deer antlers and the horns of buffalo and
elk, partly intended as decoration and trophies of the chase, and partly
for utilitarian purposes. Here and there a firelock lay from one to
another, or a powder-horn or brace of pistols swung. A glittering knife
and now and again a tomahawk caught the reflection of the fire and
bespoke trophies of less peaceful pursuit. Over the mantel-shelf a
spreading pair of gigantic antlers held suspended a memento evidently
more highly cherished,--a sword in its sheath, but showing a richly
chased hilt, which Odalie divined was a presentation in recognition of
special service. Other and humbler gifts were suggested in the long
Indian pipes, with bowls of deftly wrought stone; and tobacco-bags and
shot-pouches beaded with intricate patterns; and belts of wampum and
gorgeous moccasons; and bows and arrows with finely chiseled flint-heads
winged with gayly colored feathers--all hanging from antlers on either
side, which, though smaller than the central pair, were still large
enough to have stretched with surprise more sophisticated eyes than
Fifine's. The variegated tints of the stained quills and shells with
which a splendid curious scarlet quiver was embroidered, caught Odalie's
attention, and reminded her of what she had heard in Carolina of the
great influence which this Captain Stuart had acquired among the
Indians, and the extraordinary admiration that they entertained for him.
These tokens of Aboriginal art were all, she doubted not, little
offerings of the chieftains to attest good-will, for if they had been
merely bought with money they would not have been so proudly displayed.

There was a continual fluttering movement in the draught from the
loop-holes and open door, and lifting her eyes she noted the swaying
folds of several banners against the wall, carrying the flare of color
to the ceiling, which was form