prostrate tribesmen or those distant
signalling priests, she advanced directly toward where we lay helpless
in our bonds. There was a flush upon her cheeks, a light of animation
in her eyes, yet she stood looking down upon me much as she might have
viewed an insensate stone.

"Senor," she said coldly, still speaking the Spanish tongue, "it did
please my humor but now to play a small trick upon these innocent
children of nature, knowing their faith and tribal customs. For the
time being I won, and it is you who benefit. You, and these others,
are for the present delivered from that torture to which you were
condemned: the rising of yonder Sun has saved you; 'tis the law of the
Natchez. Nay, thank me not," as I sought to express my words of
gratitude. "I told you before it was not from any desire to show
mercy, but for a purpose of my own. Yet if you would continue to
profit through my strange whim--and surely I have seldom been thus
swayed to action--then it will be well to give heed unto my words. I
bid you proceed at once to that second hut yonder, nor dare venture
forth again until I send. The children of the Sun bow now to the
commands of their ancient faith, yet are of temper hard to control."

"You fear they may yet demand us in sacrifice?"

"Not to-day, unless you do that which shall arouse their passions
beyond my power of restraint. While the sun dominates the sky your
lives are preserved from violence, but if you would live longer it must
be through careful guarding of speech and action. I promise nothing
beyond the present day. But now," she bent over, severing my bonds
with a flint blade, "go; do exactly as I bade you, and no longer bandy
words with me."

"But the lady within the lodge?" I ventured anxiously, as I struggled
to my feet, standing erect before her.

"She bides elsewhere."

"It will be hard for her alone--"

"What is all that to you, sirrah?" she interrupted haughtily.
"According to the tale told, you are not her husband. He who might
have right to question separation has made no complaint."

"He does not comprehend your speech. For that reason he remains dumb."

"Mean you it is he who inspires your objection?" she asked scornfully.

"No; yet I doubt not 'tis in his heart even as upon my lips."

She turned aside, an incredulous smile curling her lips, looking
curiously down upon him, and their eyes met. She stooped swiftly,
severing the thongs of grass binding his arms,