The morning was clear and bright; and before the sun had risen far above the horizon, and ere the sultry heat of the day had commenced, Coubitant came to Henrich’s lodge, and summoned him and his wife to their early walk up the mountain.  With light and active steps they took their way through the wood, and Rodolph followed close behind them—­not now bounding and harking with joy, but at a measured pace, and with his keen bright eye ever fixed on Coubitant.

In passing through the scattered village of huts, the dwelling of Jyanough lay near the path.  Coubitant ceased to speak as he and his companions approached it; and Oriana thought he quickened his pace, and glanced anxiously at the dwelling, as if desirous to pass it unobserved by its inmates.  If such was his wish, he was, however, disappointed; for, just as the party were leaving it behind them, they heard the short sharp bark of Rodolph at the wigwam door, and immediately afterwards the answering voice of Jyanough.

‘Rodolph, my old fellow, is it you?’ exclaimed the Cree, as he came forth from his hut, and looked anxiously at his friends, who now, to Coubitant’s inward vexation, stood to greet him.

‘Where are you off to so early?’ he inquired of Henrich; and why is Coubitant not leading our warriors on their way?’

‘We are but going to the brow of the hill,’ replied Henrich, ’that Coubitant may point out to me the path by which we are to follow him.  He will then join his party in the plain, and I will quickly return to accompany you on our projected hunting scheme.  We must add to our stock of provisions before we commence our journey.’

‘I will ascend the hill with you,’ said Jyanough; and Coubitant saw that he took a spear in his hand from the door of the wigwam.  Forcing a smile, he observed, as if carelessly—­

’It is needless, my friend.  Henrich’s eye is so good that he will readily understand all the directions that I shall give him.  Do you doubt the skill of our young Sachem to lead his people through the woods and the savannas, being as great as his prowess in war and his dexterity in hunting?  Let him show that he is an Indian indeed, and wants no aid in performing an Indian’s duties.’

‘Be it so,’ answered Jyanough; and he laid aside the spear, and reentered the hut, rather to Henrich’s surprise, and Oriana’s disappointment, but much to the satisfaction of Coubitant.

Rodolph seemed displeased at this change in the apparent intentions of his friend; and he lingered a few moments at the door of the lodge, looking wistfully at its master.  But Jyanough bade him go; and a call from Henrich soon brought him again to his former position, and his watchful observation of every movement of Coubitant.