be happy. See the
stars, how they glitter," and she turned back the drapery from the
window. "And see, we shall have a great, big, bright moon to show us
our way."

"Hush!" whispered Helka. "I heard a step. Listen!"

Neither spoke for some moments. Then Cora said:

"It was someone in the hall, but the person has gone down the stairs."

"I wonder who it could be? Lena would come in."

"Perhaps that little, frowsy Christine. She seems to stay out of
nights. I heard her last night when you were sleeping. I really think
she came in very late, crept upstairs, and then I am sure she tried
this door."

"She did! Why did you not call me?"

"Well, I was positive it was she, and I did not want to make trouble.
You see she has been listening again."

"She belongs to another tribe and has only come here lately," said
Helka. "I have always suspected she was sent to spy on me. If it were
not just to-night--this very night--I would call her to an account."

"If the child is under orders," intervened Cora, "you can scarcely
trust her to do otherwise than spy. But what do they want to know
about you that they cannot readily find out?"

"You could scarcely understand it dear. We have rival tribes, and they
each want me--or my money."

"There is another step! There seems to be so many noises to-night."

"Perhaps that is only because we are listening."

"We want to listen, and we want to hear," and Cora put her ear to the
keyhole.

"Are they gone?"

Cora did not answer at once. Then she turned to Helka.

"I am sure I heard two voices. Should we call? Or ask who is there?"

"No, it will be better to take our chances. It would be awful to be
disappointed now," said the queen in a whisper.

"Surely Lena would not have betrayed us?"

"Never. She is as faithful as--my right hand."

"Of course! But I cannot help being afraid of everything. Helka, we
should take some refreshment. That will give us courage."

"I hope Lena will soon fetch the tea," and the queen sighed. "This
suspense is dreadful."

"But it will pay us in the end. If we made a mistake now----"

Cora stopped.

A tap came at the door, at which both girls fairly jumped.

"I will answer," said Helka, immediately regaining her composure. She
opened the door.

"I forgot my lesson book in your room to-day," said a voice that proved
to be that of Christine, "and may I get it?"

"Not to-night," answered Helka decisively. "You sho