"  The  moon  had  gone  down,  and  the  false  dawn  was  peep-
insf  between  the  stems  of  the  old  oaks,  when  I  causrht  sicfht
of  a  square,  thick  figure  threading  the  track  among  the  trees
that  led  to  the  Lees'  camp.  I  leaped  up,  and  took  him  by
the  hand.  He  was  trembling  all  over.  '  You  are  welcome
back.  Uncle  Ryley,'  says  I.  '  You  have  made  a  long  journey,
uncle ;  have  you  returned  empty-handed,  or  did  you  find
what  you  went  to  seek  V

" '  The  shoes  are  worn  from  my  feet,  brother,'  was  his
answer.  '  For  three  days  and  three  nights  I  have  gone
without  food  or  rest ;  but  1  took  what  I  wanted,  Fin,  and  I
can  hold  up  my  head  once  more  among  my  people,'

"'Did  you  hear  any  news  of  Mary?'  was  my  next  ques-
tion, and  my  heart  rose  to  my  mouth  while  I  asked  it,  for
he  was  a  strong,  fierce  man,  who  would  strike  with  fist  or

I


lU  KATEEFELTO.
steel  if  he  was  angered,  and  never  give  you  a  chance.  I
could  scarce  believe  it  was  Ryley  Lee  who  answered  in  that
weak,  low  voice,  with  a  cheek  that  had  turned  grey,  like  the
ashes  of  a  wood-fire  in  the  dim  morninir  light.
" '  It  is  Avell  with  her,'  was  all  he  said,  '  but  you  will  see
Mary  in  our  tents  no  more.'

" '  She  is  dead ! '  burst  from  my  lips,  for  there  seemed  a
smell  of  blood  in  my  nostrils,  and  the  pale  streaks  of  dawn
grew  crimson  between  the  trees.
