gh not many, and those who follow him are as bad as himself. We
must be on the watch."

Malachi now addressed the Indian for some time; the only reply was an
"ugh."

"I have told him that all the powder and ball that he sees are for our
rifles, which are more than are possessed by his whole tribe. Not that
it does much good, but at all events it's just as well to let him know
that we shall be well prepared. The crittur's quite amazed at so much
ammunition; that's a fact. It's a pity he ever saw it."

"Shall we give him some?" said Mr. Campbell.

"No, no, sir; he would only make use of it to try to get the rest;
however, I believe that he is the only one of his party who has a rifle.
The best thing is to close the doors and then he will go."

They did as Malachi requested, and the Indian, after waiting a short
time, turned round on his heel, and walked away.

"He is a regular devil, that Angry Snake," observed Malachi, as he
watched him departing; "but never mind, I'll be a match for him. I wish
he'd never seen all that ammunition, nevertheless."

"At all events, we had better not say a word in the house about his
making his appearance," said Mr. Campbell. "It will only alarm the
women, and do no good."

"That's true, sir. I'll only tell the Strawberry," said Martin; "she's
an Indian, and it will put her on the look-out."

"That will be as well, but caution her not to mention it to Mrs.
Campbell or the girls, Martin."

"Never fear, sir," replied Malachi; "I'll watch his motions
nevertheless; to-morrow I'll be in the woods and on his trail. I'm glad
that he saw me here, for he fears me; I know that."

It so happened that the Indian was not seen by Mrs. Campbell or any of
them in the house, either upon his arrival or departure; and when Mr.
Campbell and the others returned to the house, they found that no one
there had any idea of such a visit having been paid. The secret was
kept, but it occasioned a great deal of anxiety for some days. At last
the alarm of Mr. Campbell gradually subsided. Malachi had gone out with
John, and had discovered that all the Indians had come down near to
them, to meet in council, and that there were many other parties of them
in the woods. But although the visit of the Angry Snake might have been
partly accidental, still Malachi was convinced that there was every
prospect of his paying them another visit, if he could obtain a
sufficient number to join him, so that he might obtain b