t with infinite
condescention. The maiden drew her blanket more closely around her,
and made it fast. Her exceedingly small and finely formed hands were
now at liberty, and, instead of the discordant notes which her auditor
fully expected, a flood of harmonious sounds burst upon her ear.

"What does this mean?" exclaimed Little Wolf in utter astonishment,
when the strains had ceased.

The performer bent upon her a long searching look, and enquired, "Are
you Miss De Wolf?"

"I am."

The strange visitor immediately rose and approached the door.

"There! stop; who are you?" demanded Little Wolf, vehemently.

"Hush! I was going to bolt the door," and she deliberately turned the
key in the lock. "I'm your friend, young lady, and I'm come to warn
you of impending danger."

Little Wolf slightly paled, but she stood firm awaiting further
developments.

"Too much time has been wasted already," she began, "Bloody Jim is
here, at Chimney Rock, waiting for the first favorable moment to
kidnap you, and murder your servants, and set fire to your home. He is
now more daring and reckless than ever. Three times you have thwarted
him, and he still carries the scars he has received at your hands.
This is the day, and, for ought I know, the very hour, that he designs
to fall upon you. It was to be when your father was helplessly
intoxicated, and yourself entirely off your guard. I think he has two
or three accomplices living in this place. I love Bloody Jim, steeped
in crime as he is, and I beg of you, if it shall be possible for you
to save yourself without taking his life, you will do so. I have now
done all I can for you; good bye."

"There, you shall not go," exclaimed Little Wolf, springing towards
her, "you must stay and assist me."

"I can do nothing more for you, Miss De Wolf, indeed, I cannot. I have
told you all I know. My journey has been exceedingly painful and
perilous, and I am completely exhausted. If I am discovered, I must
inevitably lose my life. I do not dread death, but if alive, and you
should be captured, I might possibly render you some assistance. Now
you must not detain me."

"Well, but who are you," persisted Little Wolf, "that you are able to
give me all this information, and yet cannot give me any aid?"

"I can, in all probability, aid you more by going than by remaining,"
said the other hurriedly. "My skin is stained, my clothes are stuffed
to give me this fleshy appearance, but you will recogni