n such a chance; perhaps, too,
they may prove more deadly foes than those from whom we fly. Let us
hasten on, and we may be able to learn what they are when our charge is
in safety."

Thus urged, Lisele no longer hesitated. Night was coming on, but
provided we could make our way, the darkness would assist us in eluding
our savage foes should they pursue us. The path towards the mountains,
at all times difficult, was rendered doubly so by the number of fallen
trees across it, thrown down by the hurricane. Sometimes we had to
climb over the trunks, at others to creep under the branches.

"The heathens will be less able to discover our tracks," observed
Lisele, "than if the path had been open."

"Ah yes! my child," said Abela, "all is ordered for the best."

Now we went on and on, now clambering over wild rocks, now proceeding
along a narrow valley, now climbing its steep sides till we reached a
height whence we could look back upon our settlement. "Hark!" said
Lisele, "what cries are those?" We listened; the Indian girl's quick
ear had detected sounds which neither Maud nor I had till then
perceived.

"Alas! alas!" she exclaimed, "they are the shouts of the savage heathens
as they rush in among those we have left behind, and rage at finding
that we have escaped them."

That she was right in her conjecture we had too soon painful evidence.
Several bright lights appeared, and presently fierce flames burst forth
from amid the trees. The savages had set the houses on fire to revenge
themselves on the inhabitants who had for the present escaped their
fury. Our friends, not stopping to watch the progress of the flames,
hurried us on. Proceeding along a narrow ridge, we once more descended
down a ravine thickly covered with trees. The natives knew their way,
but so dense was the foliage that to my eyes all appeared dark around.
We could hear the roar of a torrent close to us. Now they led us along
slippery rocks, tightly holding our hands; now we found ourselves
ascending, now descending, steep precipices. At length they stopped,
and drawing aside the thick foliage, Abela led us into a small cavern,
the front of which appeared to be completely concealed by underwood and
numberless creepers with which it was entwined. A portion of the
provisions, and some water which had been brought, were placed by our
sides.

"Here, my daughters, you will remain safe till the heathens, having
searched for you in vain, take