ks I done it, and den--den--den--" The awful
expression of his countenance spoke more eloquently than any words, of
the consequences of such a discovery and suspicion upon the part of his
spouse.

"Take some self when git back--go to sleep--squaw wake up first."

Hans' eyes sparkled as he took in the beauty of the scheme prepared by
the Huron. The arrangement was now explained to Lieutenant Canfield,
who could but admire the sagacity and foresight of his Indian friend,
that seemed to understand and provide against every emergency. It was
further explained to Hans that he was to manage to give the drug to his
wife and children several hours before sunset, as its effects would not
be perceptible for fully four hours, and that he was to take a small
quantity himself about dusk, to avert the consequences of his
philanthrophy. Lieutenant Canfield admonished him to be cautious in
his movements, and to take especial pains with his charge after leaving
his lodge, in order to avoid discovery from the sleepless Shawnees.
The situation of Hans' wigwam was fortunate indeed, as he ran little
risk of discovery if he used ordinary discretion after leaving it.

Everything being arranged, Hans Vanderbum took his departure, and
Oonomoo, the soldier and negro commenced the long, weary hours of
waiting.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE EXPLOIT OF HANS VANDERBUM.

God forgive me,
(Marry and amen!) how sound is she asleep!
--ROMEO AND JULIET.

Hans Vanderbum loitered on his way back to the village, to avoid giving
the impression to any who might chance to see him that there was
anything unusual upon his mind. The precious substance handed to him
by the Huron--a sort of gum--he wrapped in a leaf and stowed away in
his bosom, guarding it with the most jealous care. Upon it depended
his hopes for the success of his cherished scheme.

After several hours' intense thought, he decided upon his programme of
action. He would go fishing about the middle of the forenoon, giving
his wife to understand that he would be back with what he had caught in
time for dinner, so that she would rely upon him for that meal; but,
instead of doing so, he would keep out of sight until toward night, by
which time he rightly concluded his spouse and children would be so
ravenously hungry that they would devour the fish without noticing any
peculiar taste about them.

It was also necessary to place Miss Prescott on her guard against
ea