Twelve times has he crossed that threshold with the information which made an Indian surprise impossible.

And I feel sure he will come again." "What was that ?" said Betty, who was sitting on the doorstep.
"Sh-h!" whispered Col.

Zane, holding up his finger.
The night was warm and still.

In the perfect quiet which followed the Colonel's whispered exclamation the listeners heard the beating of their hearts.

Then from the river bank came the cry of an owl; low but clear it came floating to their ears, its single melancholy note thrilling them.