articles of
curious workmanship, and a few precious stones, as samples of what
they wished to barter. A short conference then ensued between them and
the head chief, which terminated in a pressing invitation for the
whites to accompany them to their encampment.

"You may all do as you like--I shall stay here," said Joe, stepping
back towards the gate.

"You are a coward, Joe!" said Glenn; "you may remain, however, to
prevent them from pilfering any thing while we are away," and he
turned towards the Indians for the purpose of accompanying them.

"Stay!" said Mary, in a distinct and startling tone.

"Why should we not go? We are armed, and could as easily withstand an
attack in their encampment as elsewhere. If it be their determination
to do us harm, their numbers will enable them to accomplish their
purpose notwithstanding all the opposition we can offer," said Glenn.

"There is no danger," said Roughgrove, endeavouring to extricate his
arm from the grasp of Mary, who strenuously held him back.

"I have a secret for thee, child," said Boone, beckoning the trembling
girl to him.

"Oh, what is it? You will not let him--I mean my father, go among
them, will you? _You_ know that Posin is away--perhaps in some ambush
--"

"Hush child!" said Boone, in a low tone, and employing gestures that
led the savages to believe he was quieting her fears, while he
whispered a message in her ear that had a singular effect. Though very
pale, the girl now smiled playfully, and returning to her father,
said, in tones so low that no one else could hear, "Father, he says
you must instantly cross the river for assistance--I will be safe,
under _his_ protection, till you return."

"I'll do it!" replied Roughgrove, setting off towards the ferry. But
when he departed, the chief evinced much anger, and was only appeased
by the assurance that the old ferryman was gone for some article
desired by his child, and would return ere long.

The footprint which had so much attracted Sneak was recognized by some
peculiar marks to be that of Posin, and when the discovery was
communicated to Boone, he at once surmised that danger lurked in the
vicinity; and the subsequent impatience on the part of the Indians to
urge the whites to visit their camp, convinced him that some foul
treachery had been concocted between the half-breed and the savages.
He had also caught a glimpse of several armed Indians behind some
bushes at no great distance from wher