ankful she had been left unbound.
She saw that she was watched, particularly by the young woman, who often
walked to the opening to glance in. The interior of this tent presented
a contrast to the other in which she had been confined. It was dry and
clean, with floor of rugs and blankets; and all around hung beaded
and painted and feathered articles, some for wear, and others for what
purpose she could not guess.

The afternoon passed without further incident until the old squaw
entered, manifestly to feed Allie, and tie her up as heretofore. The
younger squaw came in to watch the latter process.

Allie spoke to her and held out her bound hands appealingly. This
elicited no further response than an intent look.

Night came. Allie lay awake a good while, and then she fell asleep. Next
morning she was awakened by an uproar. Whistling and trampling mustangs,
whoops of braves, the babel of many voices, barking of dogs, movement,
bustle, sound--all attested to the return of the warriors. Allie's heart
sank for a moment; this would be the time of trial for her. But the
clamor subsided without any disturbance near her tent. By and by the
old squaw returned to attend to her needs. This time on the way out she
dropped a blanket curtain between the tent and the lodge.

Soon Indians entered the lodge, quite a number, with squaws among them,
judging by their voices. A harangue ensued, lasting an hour or more; it
interested Allie, especially because at times she heard and recognized
the quick, passionate utterance of the young squaw.

Soon Allie's old attendant shuffled in, and unbound her, then, lifting
the curtain she motioned to Allie to come out. Allie went into the
lodge. An early sun lighted the place brightly. It was full of Indians.
In the center stood a striking figure, probably a chief, tall and lean,
with scars on his naked breast. His face was bronze, with deep lines,
somber and bitter, and cruel thin lips, and eyes that glittered like
black fire. His head had the poise of an eagle.

His piercing glance scarcely rested an instant upon Allie. He motioned
for her to be taken away. Allie, as she was led back, got a glimpse of
the young squaw. Sullen, with bowed head, and dark rich blood thick
in her face, with heaving breast and clenched hands, she presented a
picture of outraged pride and jealousy.

Probably the chief had decided to claim Allie as his captive, a decision
which would be fiercely resented by the young