She was alone: the lodge was empty.

A vague fear seized her: she hastily arose to seek her friend.

It was evident that some great event was in preparation.

The Indian men had put on the war-paint, and strange and ferocious eyes were glancing from beneath their shaggy locks.

A stake was driven in the centre of the cleared space in front of the chief's lodge: there, bound, she beheld her devoted friend; pale as ashes, but with a calm unshaken countenance, she stood.