n Malachi, whom she found standing, leaning on his
rifle, near the basket which had contained the cranberries.

"Now, Strawberry, we must find out how many there were, and which way
they have gone," said Malachi, in the Indian tongue.

"Here," said Strawberry, pointing to a mark on the short grass, which
never could have attracted the observation of one unused to an Indian
life.

"I see, child; I see that and two more, but we cannot tell much as yet;
let us follow up the trail till we come to some spot where we may read
the print better. That's her foot," continued Malachi, after they had
proceeded two or three yards. "The sole of a shoe cuts the grass
sharper than a mocassin. We have no easy task just now, and if the
others come they may prevent us from finding the track altogether."

"Here, again," said Strawberry, stooping close to the short dry grass.

"Yes, you're right, child," replied Malachi. "Let us once follow it to
the bottom of this hill, and then we shall do better."

By the closest inspection and minutest search Malachi and the Strawberry
continued to follow the almost imperceptible track till they arrived at
the bottom of the hill, about a hundred yards from where they started.
It had become more difficult, as the print of Mary's foot, which was
more easily perceptible than the others, had served them for a few
yards, after which it was no more to be distinguished, and it was
evident that she had been lifted up from the ground. This satisfied
them that she had been carried off.

When they arrived at the bottom of the hill they could clearly
distinguish the print marks of mocassins, and by measuring very exactly
the breadth and length of the impressions, made out that they were of
two different people. These they continued to follow till they arrived
at the forest, about a quarter of a mile from the swamp, when they heard
the hallooing of Alfred and Martin, to which Malachi answered, and they
soon joined him.

"What is it, Malachi?"

"She has been carried off, sir, I've no doubt," replied Malachi, "by the
Snake. The rascal is determined to have the vantage of us. We have one
prisoner, and he has made two."

Malachi then explained why he was certain that she had been carried
away, and Martin agreed with him immediately.

Alfred then said--"Well, but now, before we act, let us consult what is
best to be done."

"Well, sir," replied Malachi, "the best to do now, at this moment, is
for t