enter into particulars, nor tell you how I obtained the information I
possess. It must be sufficient for you to know that I heard of your
having occupied this fort, and also that you are very likely to be hard
pressed for want of provisions. I therefore resolved to come and put
you on your guard, and, if possible, not to appear empty-handed. I was
fortunate enough to kill this deer at no great distance from the fort,
as I was making my way towards it. Tell me, of what am I accused,
besides having gone away to acquaint myself with the Redskin natives of
the country?"

"You are accused of carrying off my sister Juanita; and I, for one,
believe that you had a hand in the matter, whatever you may say to the
contrary!" exclaimed Carlos, stepping forward and making a threatening
gesture at Rochford.

"What is that you say?" exclaimed Rochford, with a look of unfeigned
astonishment, while deep emotion was visible in his countenance. "On my
word of honour, I am guiltless of any such act; and I say so,
notwithstanding the language you use, young sir. When was your sister
carried off; and how came it that those who should have protected her
were not more careful?"

My father, not allowing Carlos to reply, gave the particulars to
Rochford.

"I was at the time far away south," he answered. "Had I been in the
neighbourhood, I should probably have heard of the occurrence from the
Indians, who had treated me with courtesy and confidence. It is only
since they have been guilty of many acts of atrocity that I have
separated myself from them. I told them that I would remain their
friend, and do my utmost to defend and advance their cause, if they
would act justly, and if resolved on war, would carry it on according to
the customs of the civilised nations of the earth. But when I found
that they had begun to massacre the unarmed and defenceless people, and
had scalped those they had slain in fight, I told them that I could no
longer remain their friend. To do them justice, they replied that I was
at liberty to act as I judged right; and far from attempting to injure
me, they allowed me to go wherever I chose."

"I fully believe your account, Mr. Rochford; and I hope my nephew will
apologise for his hasty words, or I will do so for him," answered my
father.

Carlos turned aside, muttering something which I did not overhear.
Rochford, however, took no further notice of what Carlos had said, and
seemed satisfied with the w