dog stood; when, sitting on the floor,
they perceived the Indian girl whom they were in search of. She was very
busy sewing a pair of moccasins out of deer leather. She appeared
startled when she first saw Alfred; but when she perceived that the
young ladies were with him, her confidence returned. She slightly bowed
her head, and continued her work.

"How very young she is," said Emma; "why she can not be more than
eighteen years old."

"I doubt if she is so much," replied Captain Sinclair.

"She has a very modest, unaffected look, has she not, Alfred?" said
Mary.

"Yes; I think there is something very prepossessing in her countenance."

"She is too young a wife for the old hunter, at all events," observed
Alfred.

"That is not unusual among the Indians," said Captain Sinclair; "a very
old chief will often have three or four young wives; they are to be
considered more in the light of his servants than any thing else."

"But she must think us very rude to talk and stare at her in this
manner; I suppose she can not speak English."

"I will speak to her in her own language, if she is a Chippeway or of
any of the tribes about here, for they all have the same dialect," said
Captain Sinclair.

Captain Sinclair addressed her in the Indian language, and the Indian
girl replied in a very soft voice.

"She says her husband is gone to bring home venison."

"Tell her we are coming to live here, and will give her any thing she
wants."

[Illustration: MALACHI AND HIS WIFE.]

Captain Sinclair again addressed her, and received her answer.

"She says that you are beautiful flowers, but not the wild flowers of
the country, and that the cold winter will kill you."

"Tell her she will find us alive next summer," said Emma; "and, Captain
Sinclair, give her this brooch of mine, and tell her to wear it for my
sake."

Captain Sinclair gave the message and the ornament to the Indian girl,
who replied, as she looked up and smiled at Emma,

"That she would never forget the beautiful lily who was so kind to the
little strawberry-plant."

"Really her language is poetical and beautiful," observed Mary; "I have
nothing to give her--Oh! yes, I have; here is my ivory needle-case, with
some needles in it. Tell her it will be of use to her when she sews her
moccasins. Open it and show her what is inside."

"She says that she will be able to work faster and better, and wishes to
look at your foot, that she may be grateful; so put