Layers of bark, over which were spread the dressed skins of the bear and the buffalo, formed the floor and carpet of the latter; and on these, in various parts, and in characteristic attitudes, reposed the forms of three human beings;—­one, the formidable warrior of the Fleur de lis.  Attired in the garb in which we first introduced him to our readers, and with the same weapons reposing at his side, the haughty savage lay at his lazy length; his feet reaching beyond the opening of the tent, and his head reposing on a rude pillow formed of a closely compressed pack of skins of wild animals, over which was spread a sort of mantle or blanket.  One hand was introduced between the pillow and his head, the other grasped the pipe tomahawk he was smoking; and while the mechanical play of his right foot indicated pre-occupation of thought, his quick and meaning eye glanced frequently and alternately upon the furthest of his companions, the prisoner without, and the distant fort.

Within a few feet of the warrior lay, extended on a buffalo skin, the delicate figure of a female, whose hair, complexion, and hands, denoted her European extraction.  Her dress was entirely Indian, however; consisting of a machecoti with leggings, mocassins, and shirt of printed cotton studded with silver brooches,—­all of which were of a quality and texture to mark the wearer as the wife of a chief; and her fair hair, done up in a club behind, reposed on a neck of dazzling whiteness.  Her eyes were large, blue, but wild and unmeaning; her countenance vacant; and her movements altogether mechanical.  A wooden bowl filled with hominy,—­a preparation of Indian corn,—­was at her side; and from this she was now in the act of feeding herself with a spoon of the same material, but with a negligence and slovenliness that betrayed her almost utter unconsciousness of the action.

At the further side of the tent there was another woman, even more delicate in appearance than the one last mentioned.  She, too, was blue-eyed, and of surpassing fairness of skin.  Her attitude denoted a mind too powerfully absorbed in grief to be heedful of appearances; for she sat with her knees drawn up to her chin, and rocking her body to and fro with an undulating motion that seemed to have its origin in no effort of volition of her own.  Her long fair hair hung negligently over her shoulders; and a blanket drawn over the top of her head like a veil, and extending partly over the person, disclosed here and there portions of an apparel which was strictly European, although rent, and exhibiting in various places stains of blood.  A bowl similar to that of her companion, and filled with the same food, was at her side; but this was untasted.

“Why does the girl refuse to eat?” asked the warrior of her next him, as he fiercely rolled a volume of smoke from his lips.  “Make her eat, for I would speak to her afterwards.”

“Why does the girl refuse to eat?” responded the woman in the same tone, dropping her spoon as she spoke, and turning to the object of remark with a vacant look.  “It is good,” she pursued, as she rudely shook the arm of the heedless sufferer.  “Come, girl, eat.”