He dared not communicate it to Peena.  He understood her gentle nature too well to suppose that, under any circumstances, she could sympathize with him, even though she felt no sense of obligation to Holden; and, besides, he distrusted her as one who had abandoned the faith of her fathers.  For, although no Christian in the proper import of the word, the sweet and purifying influences of Christianity had not been wholly thrown away upon Peena.  She had many friends in the neighboring village who had been attracted by her gentle temper and modesty, conspicuous among whom was Faith Armstrong.  Hence, when she came to the village, as not unfrequently was the case, in order to sell the berries she had gathered in the fields, or pretty baskets stained with such lively colors as the simple skill of the Indians knew how to extract from roots and the bark of trees, it seldom happened that she returned without having made Faith a visit.  On such occasions the enthusiastic girl would strive to inform her on points of religion which, to her own mind, were of the highest importance.  Peena would listen, and never contradict, though, it is probable, she understood but little of what to Faith’s apprehension was clear.

It was impossible, however, not to derive benefit from such meetings.  None could be in the presence of Faith without being influenced by the atmosphere of goodness in which she moved.  And, indeed, that she herself derived pleasure from the presence of Peena, was evidence of the gentle worth of the latter.

No wonder then that Ohquamehud determined to conceal his fell purpose in his own heart.  When, therefore, with the quiet step peculiar to his race, he glided into her hut, just before the setting of the sun, he had chased the traces of passion from his brow, and met her with a calm and satisfied mien.  So perfect was the dissimulation that even one less guileless than the woman would have been deceived.  In the present case, the preoccupation of her mind in Holden’s favor made it easier.

“My brother,” she said, with a pleased expression, as she caught sight of his altered appearance, “is like the sky in summer when not a cloud is to be seen.”

“The cloud has left the sky of Ohquamehud.”

This was said with a natural and easy air, as if all suspicion were banished from his mind; nor was the subject further adverted to.

The time at which the children of nature retire to rest, is not that observed by the artificially-cultivated man.  For them, the hours of light and darkness mark out the periods for action and repose.  It was then still early in the evening, when a heavy breathing in the hut of Peena indicated the sleep of its inmates.  Ohquamehud had listened for it, and having waited until the breathing became deep and full to assure him of the profoundness of the slumber, he sat up on his couch and looked cautiously around.  The brands were smouldering in the ashes with a dim flickering light, but sufficient to direct and give certainty to his movements.  With a step so noiseless that the acutest ear would not have detected it, he crossed the floor, took his rifle from the corner where it had been placed, with equal caution opened the door, and stood in the open air.