“Be not alarmed, Miss Mary, I am here!”

She trembled so that she could scarcely stand.  He supported her a moment, ere she replied in a whisper—­

“What causes the disturbance to-night?”

“I feel assured there are Indians about, though you need fear nothing, for they are not in sufficient numbers to attack us.  There are four men in our party—­nearly a dozen muskets, besides my pistols, and plenty of ammunition.  Were you one of the timid sort, I should not venture to tell you my apprehensions:  but I know that you are not.  I have not slept, or even lain down; and a while ago, I heard the sound of hoofs approaching.  Taking my pistols, I went round to the horses, and had not waited many moments before I saw two figures, evidently reconnoitering and planning the abduction of our horses, who seemed much alarmed.  I suppose the intruders must have seen me, for they suddenly wheeled off and galloped away.”

“Perhaps there is a party not far distant, for whose assistance they have gone.”

“Possibly, though I think not; but you must not stand on this wet ground.”  He led her to the tent, and seating himself near the door, continued: 

“I shall not sleep to-night, and rest assured you will be most carefully guarded.  You were imprudent to venture out on such a night.”

“What! when I thought there was danger, and none, save myself, aware of it?”

“Did you think I could rest, knowing, as I do, how you are suffering?”

“I never imagined you were up, or watching, for I heard no sound near me.”

“Well, no matter; sleep, if you can, and dream of peace, and quiet, and perfect happiness.”  He sighed heavily as he spoke, and rising, renewed the fire.

Mary lay watching him as he paced to and fro in front of the burning logs—­his arms folded across his chest, and his cap drawn over the brow:  gradually a sense of utter weariness stole over her, and she slept.

At dawn a bustle commenced in the camp, and preparation made—­first for breakfast, then for moving.

When Mary came out, her pale face and wearied look attracted Mrs. Carlton’s attention.

“My dear child, I am afraid you are scarcely able to travel to-day; did you not sleep well?”

“Not so soundly as I could have wished,” she said, passing her hand over her brow, as if to remove some painful thought.

Dr. Bryant acquainted them with the adventures of the night suggesting, that in future some of the party should watch, as security for their horses; and all agreed that it was advisable.

“How readily one might suppose this a gipsy encampment.  Miss Hamilton and myself are quite dark enough to favor the illusion, and Ellen and Mr. Carlton would pass as of gipsy descent; but what would they think of Miss Mary?  She is decidedly anti-gipsy in her appearance.”

“I can tell you, Uncle Frank,” cried Elliot, clapping his hands; “they would take Miss Mary for an angel that came to our tent, like the one that came down to see Abraham.”