utely in the
supernatural, and her faith in dreams was unwavering.

The sun was hour high when she set forth again upon her mission.
Mounting the semi-barren ridge where she had hidden her canoe, she
crouched low behind the bushes, and catlike and noiselessly descended
to the forest on the other side. Here under cover of the trees she
proceeded more rapidly to the end of the portage trail.

Peering out from her cover, she first studied every foot of the river
and surrounding country that lay within the range of her vision; then
moving silently forward she removed the rifle, which she still
carried, from its sealskin case and laid the case on the ground behind
a boulder and the weapon upon it, where it would be completely hidden
from view, but still available for instant use.

This arranged to her satisfaction, she crossed the trail, and gliding
as noiselessly as a shadow through the trees, ascended the river bank
to reconnoitre for the Mingen camp. The Indians that visited her
father's lodge had said that they were encamped near the river, and
not far above the portage trail.

XI

MANIKAWAN'S VENGEANCE

Therefore, Manikawan in her quest advanced cautiously, at the same
time making, as she advanced, a thorough study of the ground.

She had travelled perhaps two miles, when she discovered a thin curl
of smoke rising over the trees a short distance in advance, and
dropping upon her hands and knees she crawled stealthily forward until
from behind a clump of willow bushes she was afforded a clear view of
the fire and its surroundings.

A deerskin wigwam stood in a clearing, and near the smouldered embers
of a fire two Indians were engaged in making snowshoe frames; but, so
far as she could see, they were the only inhabitants of the camp. It
was evident that the remainder of the party were absent, probably
hunting caribou in the North.

As noiselessly as she had approached, Manikawan now retreated to a
safe distance. With a full understanding of the conditions, she had
quickly and cunningly formulated her plans, and when well out of view
she arose to her feet and boldly approached the camp.

The Indians, with no sign of alarm or surprise, and not deigning
either recognition or greeting, continued at their task, quite
ignoring her presence as she approached. For a moment Manikawan stood
before them in silence; then she spoke:

"I am Manikawan, the daughter of Sishetakushin, whose lodge the men of
the South h