Gretchen's heart beat.

It was not an unusual thing for an Indian to come to the _tepee_ late in the evening; but there was something mysterious and ominous in the bearing and atmosphere of this shadowy visitor.

The form stepped within the opening of the tent, and a voice whispered, "Umatilla, awake!" The old chief raised himself on his elbow with an "Ugh!" "Come out under the moon." The old chief arose and went out, and the two shadowy forms disappeared among a column of spruces on the musical banks of the Columbia.
Gretchen could not sleep.

The two Indians returned late, and, as they parted, Gretchen heard Umatilla's deep voice say, "No!" Her fears or instincts told her that the interview had reference to plots which were associated with the great Potlatch, now near at hand.

She had heard the strange visitor say, "The moon is growing," and there was something shadowy in the very tone in which the words were spoken.
Mrs.Woods sat down in her home of bark and splints all alone after Gretchen's departure.
"She offers to teach me," she said to herself.