[Frontispiece: I could merely clasp the hands she gave so unreservedlyinto my keeping, gaze into the depths of her dark eyes, and murmur afew broken words of confidence and farewell. ]

PRISONERS OF CHANCE

THE STORY OF WHAT BEFELL GEOFFREY BENTEEN, BORDERMAN, THROUGH HIS LOVEFOR A LADY OF FRANCE

BY

RANDALL PARRISH

Author of "When Wilderness was King, " "My Lady of the North, " "BobHampton of Placer, " etc. 

ILLUSTRATED IN FULL COLOR BY THE KINNEYS

CHICAGO

A. C. McCLURG & CO. 

1908

COPYRIGHT

A. C. McCLURG & CO. 

1908

Entered at Stationers' Hall, London

All rights reserved

Published March 28, 1908

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, U. S. A. 

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

CHAPTER

 I THE REQUEST FOR AID II A PERILOUS VENTURE III A VISIT TO THE FLAG-SHIP IV WE HOLD A COUNCIL OF WAR V ON THE DECK OF THE "SANTA MARIA" VI THE ROLE OF PÈRE CASSATI VII THE CHEVALIER DE NOYAN VIII FAVORED OF THE GODS IX THE BIRTH OF THE DEATH-DAWN X A COVERT IN THE CANE XI A NIGHT IN THE BOAT XII WE LAND AN ODD FISH XIII WE GAIN A NEW RECRUIT XIV THE MOUTH OF THE ARKANSAS XV A PASSAGE AT ARMS XVI WE CHANGE OUR COURSE XVII WE MEET WITH AN ACCIDENT XVIII A HARD DAY'S MARCH XIX DEMON, OR WHAT? XX BACKS TO THE WALL XXI THE STRONGHOLD OF THE NATCHEZ XXII PRISONERS IN THE TEMPLE XXIII THE VOTE OF DEATH XXIV THE DAUGHTER OF THE SUN XXV A VISITANT FROM THE SUN XXVI THE CHRONICLES OF THE NATCHEZ XXVII A VENTURE IN THE DARK XXVIII SPEECH WITH NALADI XXIX IN AND OUT THE SHADOW XXX UNDERGROUND XXXI WE MOUNT THE CLIFF XXXII CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN XXXIII PERE ANDRÉ LAFOSSIER XXXIV THE TALE OF THE PRIEST XXXV NIGHT AND THE SAVAGES XXXVI THE INTERFERENCE OF THE JESUIT XXXVII THE DEAD BURY THEIR DEAD

ILLUSTRATIONS

I could merely clasp the hands she gave so unreservedly into mykeeping, gaze into the depths of her dark eyes, and murmur a few brokenwords of confidence and farewell. . . . _Frontispiece_

Had I ventured upon a smile at his predicament he would have poppedinstantly forth again. 

"I am the Daughter of the Sun. These are my children, given unto me bythe great Sun-god. . . . None of white blood may set foot in thisvalley and live. "

The woman stood gazing intently down, her red robe sweeping to herfeet; below the flaring torches in the hands of her barbaric followerscast their light full upon her. 

FOREWORD

The manuscript of this tale has been in my possession several years. It reached me through natural lines of inheritance, but remained nearlyforgotten, until a chance reading revealed a certain historic basis;then, making note of correspondences in minor details, I realized thatwhat I had cast aside as mere fiction might possess a substantialfoundation of fact. Impelled by this conviction, I now submit thenarrative to public inspection, that others, better fitted than I, mayjudge as to the worth of this Geoffrey Benteen. 

According to the earlier records of Louisiana Province, GeoffreyBenteen was, during his later years, a resident of La Petite Rocher, aman of note and character among his fellows. There he died in old age, leaving no indication of the extent of his knowledge, other than whatis to be found in the yellowed pages of his manuscript; and theseafford no evidence that this "Gentleman Adventurer" possessed anyinformation derived from books regarding those relics of a prehistoricpeople, which are widely scattered throughout the Middle and SouthernStates of the Union and constitute the grounds on which our century hasapplied to the race the term "Mound Builders. "

Apparently in all simplicity and faithfulness he recorded merely whathe saw and heard. Later research, antedating his death, has seeminglyproven that in the extinct Natchez tribe was to be found the lastremnant of that mysterious and unfortunate race. 

Who were the Mound Builders? No living man may answer. Theirhistory--strange, weird, mysterious--stretches backward into the dimtwilight before tradition, its sole remaining record graven upon thesurface of the earth, vaguely guessed at by those who study graves;their pathetic ending has long been pictured in our country's story asoccurring amid the shadows of that dreadful midnight upon the banks ofthe Ocatahoola, when vengeful Frenchmen put them to the sword. Whencethey came, whether from fabled Atlantis, or the extinct Aztec empire ofthe South, no living tongue can tell; whither fled their remnant, --ifremnant there was left to flee, --and what proved its ultimate fate, noprevious pen has written. Out from the darkness of the unknown, scarcely more than spectral figures, they came, wrote their single lineupon the earth's surface, and vanished, kings and people alike sinkinginto speechless oblivion. 

That Geoffrey Benteen witnessed the tragic ending of this strangepeople I no longer question; for I have compared his narrative with allwe moderns have learned regarding them, as recorded in the pages ofParkman, Charlevoix, Du Pratz, and Duponceau, discovering nothing toawaken the slightest suspicion that he dealt with other than what hesaw. More, I have traced with exactitude the route these fugitivesfollowed in their flight northward, and, although the features of thecountry are greatly altered by settlements of nearly two hundred years, one may easily discern evidence of this man's honesty. For me it isenough to feel that I have stood beside the massive tomb of thismysterious people--a people once opulent and powerful, the warriors offorgotten battle-fields, the builders of lost civilizations, themasters of that imperial domain stretching from the Red River of theNorth to the sea-coast of the Carolinas; a people swept backward as bythe wrath of the Infinite, scourged by famine, decimated by pestilence, warred against by flame, stricken by storm, torn asunder by vengefulenemies, until a weakened remnant, harassed by the French sword, flednorthward in the night to fulfil the fate ordained of God, and finallyperished amid the gloomy shadows of the grim Ozarks, bequeathing to thecurious future neither a language nor a name. 

But this I leave with Geoffrey Benteen, and turn to my own simplertask, a review of the peculiar circumstances leading up to thisnarrative, involving a brief chapter from the records of our Southwest. 

The early history of the Province of Louisiana is so complicated byrapid changes in government as to confuse the student, rendering itextremely difficult to comprehend correctly the varied and conflictinginterests--aristocratic, official, and commercial--actuating herpioneer colonists. The written records, so far as translated andpublished, afford only a faint reflection of the varied characteristicsof her peculiar, changing population. The blue-eyed Arcadian of herwestern plateaus, yet dreaming upon his more northern freedom; theroyalist planter of the Mississippi bottoms, proud of those broad acresgranted him by letters-patent of the King; the gay, volatile, passionate Creole of the town, one day a thoughtless lover of pleasure, the next a truculent wielder of the sword; the daring smugglers ofBarataria, already rapidly drifting into open defiance of all legalrestraint; together with the quiet market gardeners of the_Côte-des-Allemands_, formed a heterogeneous population impossible toplease and extremely difficult to control. 

Varied as were these types, yet there were others, easy to name, butfar more difficult to classify in their political relationships--suchas priests of the Capuchin order; scattered representatives of Britain;sailors from ships ever swinging to the current beside the levee;sinewy backwoodsmen from the wilds of the Blue Ridge; naked savagesfrom Indian villages north and east; raftsmen from the distant watersof the Ohio and Illinois, scarcely less barbarian than those withredder skin; Spaniards from the Gulf islands, together with a negropopulation, part slave, part free, nearly equal in point of numbers toall the rest. 

And over all who was the master?

It would have been difficult at times to tell, so swiftly did changefollow change--Crozat, Law, Louis the Fifteenth, Charles the Third, each had his turn; flag succeeded flag upon the high staff which, eversince the days of Bienville, had ornamented the Place d'Armes, whilegreat merchants of Europe played the occupants of thrones for thebauble of this far western province, whose heart, nevertheless, remained forever faithful to sunny France. 

As late as 1768 New Orleans contained scarcely more than three thousandtwo hundred persons, a third of these being black slaves. Sixty-threeyears previously Bienville had founded Louisiana Province, makingchoice of the city site, but in 1763 it suited the schemes of him, whoruled the destinies of the mother country, to convey the yet strugglingcolony into the control of the King of Spain. It was fully two yearslater before word of this unwelcome transfer reached the distantprovince, while as much more time elapsed ere Don Antonio de Ulloa, thenewly appointed Spanish governor, landed at New Orleans, and, underguard of but two companies of infantry, took unto himself the reins. Unrest was already in the air, --petitions and delegations laden withvehement protests crossed the Atlantic. Both were alike returned, disregarded by the French King. Where it is probable that a singleword of wise counsel, even of kindly explanation, might have calmed therising tumult, silence and contempt merely served to aggravate it. 

It has been written by conscientious historians that commercialinterests, not loyalty to French traditions, were the real cause ofthis struggle of 1768. Be that as it may, its leaders were found inthe Superior Council, a body of governors older even than New Orleans, of which the patriotic Lafrénière was then the presiding officer, andwhose membership contained such representative citizens as Foucault, Jean and Joseph Milhet, Caresse, Petit, Poupet, a prominent lawyer. Marquis, a Swiss captain, with Bathasar de Masan, Hardy de Boisblanc, and Joseph Villere, planters of the upper Mississippi, as well as twonephews of the great Bienville, Charles de Noyan, a young ex-captain ofcavalry, lately married to the only daughter of Lafrénière, and hisyounger brother, a lieutenant in the navy. 

On the twenty-seventh of October, 1768, every Frenchman in LouisianaProvince was marching toward New Orleans. That same night the guns atthe Tehoupitoulas Gate--the upper river corner--were spiked; while yetfarther away, along a narrow road bordering the great stream, armedwith fowling pieces, muskets, even axes, the Arcadians, and the arousedinhabitants of the German coast, came sweeping down to unite with theimpatient Creoles of the town. In the dull gray of early morning theypushed past the spiked and useless cannon, and, with De Noyan andVillere at their head, forced the other gates and noisily paraded thestreets under the _fleur de lis_. The people rose _en masse_ to greetthem, until, utterly unable to resist the rising tide of popularenthusiasm, Ulloa retired on board the Spanish frigate, which slippedher cables, and came to anchor far out in the stream. Two days later, hurried no doubt by demands of the council, the governor set sail forthe West Indies, leaving the fair province under control of what waslittle better than a headless mob. 

For now, having achieved success, the strange listlessness of theSouthern nature reasserted itself, and from that moment no apparenteffort was made to strengthen their position--no government wasestablished, no basis of credit effected, no diplomatic relations wereassumed. They had battled for results like men, yet were content toplay with them like children. For more than seven months they thusenjoyed a false security, as delightful as their sunny summer-time. Then suddenly, as breaks an ocean storm, that slumbering community wasrudely aroused from its siestas and day-dreaming by the report thatSpaniards were at the mouth of the river in overwhelming force. 

Confusion reigned on every hand; scarcely a hundred men rallied todefend the town; yet no one fled. The Spanish fleet consisted oftwenty-four vessels. For more than three weeks they felt theiruncertain way around the bends of the Mississippi, and on theeighteenth of August, 1769, furled their canvas before the silentbatteries. Firing a single gun from the deck of his flag-ship, thefrigate "Santa Maria, " Don Alexandro O'Reilly, accompanied bytwenty-six hundred chosen Spanish troops and fifty pieces of artillery, landed, amid all the pomp of Continental war, taking formal possessionof the province. That night his soldiers patrolled the streets, andhis cannon swept the river front, while not a Frenchman ventured tostray beyond the doorway of his home. 

Within the narrow space of two days the iron hand of Spain's newCaptain-General had closed upon the leaders of the bloodlessinsurrection, his judgments falling with such severity as to earn forhim in the annals of Louisiana the title of "Cruel O'Reilly. " Amongthose of the revolutionists before mentioned, Petit, Masan, Doucet, Boisblanc, Jean Milhet, and Poupet were consigned to Moro Castle, Havana, where they remained a year, and then were stripped of theirproperty and forbidden ever again to enter the province of Louisiana. The younger Bienville escaped with the loss of his fortune. Foucaultmet his fate resisting the guard on board the "Santa Maria, " where hewas held prisoner; while Lafrénière, De Noyan, Caresse, Marquis, andJoseph Milhet were condemned to be publicly hanged. The earnestsupplication, both of colonists and Spanish officials, shocked by theunjust severity of this sentence, sufficed to save them from thedisgrace of the gallows, but fated them to fall before the volley of afile of grenadiers. 

With the firing of the sunset gun the evening of their last earthlyday, the post-captain visited the condemned men, and spoke with each inturn; they numbered five. All through the dark hours of that nightheavily armed sentries stood in the narrow passageway beforenail-studded doors, while each hour, as the ship's bell struck, theCommandant of Marine peered within each lighted apartment where restedfive plainly outlined forms. With the first gray of the dawn theunfortunate prisoners were mustered upon deck, but they numbered onlyfour. And four only, white faced, yet firm of step and clear of eye, stood an hour later with backs to the rising sun and hearts to thelevelled rifles, and when the single volley had echoed and reechoedacross the wide river, the white smoke slowly lifting and blown awayabove the trees, only four lifeless bodies lay closely pressed againstthe red-brick wall--the fifth condemned man was not there: _ChevalierCharles de Noyan had escaped his fate_. Like a spirit had he vanishedduring those mysterious hours between midnight and dawn, leaving notrace of his going save a newly severed rope which hung dangling from aforeyard. 

But had he escaped?

That morning--as we learn from private letters sent home by officers ofthe Spanish fleet--there came to the puzzled O'Reilly a report that inthe dense blackness of that starless night a single boat sought to slipsilently past beneath the deep shadows of the upper battery. Unhaltingin response to a hail of the sentry, a volley was hastily fired towardits uncertain outline, and, in the flare of the guns, the officer ofthe guard noted the black figure of a man leap high into air, anddisappear beneath the dark surface of the river. So it was theCaptain-General wrote also the name "Charles de Noyan" with those ofthe other four, endorsing it with the same terse military record, "Shotat sunrise. "

Nor since that fateful hour has the world known otherwise, for, although strange rumors floated down the great river to be whisperedabout from lip to lip, and New Orleans wondered many a long monthwhither had vanished the fair young wife, the daughter of Lafrénière, yet no authentic message found its way out of the vast northernwilderness. For nearly one hundred and fifty years history hasaccepted without question the testimony of the Spanish records. Theman who alone could tell the strange story was in old age impelled todo so by a feeling of sacred duty to the dead; and his papers, disarranged, ill-written, already yellowed by years, have fallen to mykeeping. I submit them without comment or change, save only as to thesubdivision into chapters, with an occasional substitution for someold-time phrase of its more modern equivalent. He who calls himself"Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, " shall tell his own tale. 

R. P. 

Prisoners of Chance

CHAPTER I

THE REQUEST FOR AID

I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience uponthe border, where I have passed my life. My father was that RobertBenteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to makepermanent settlement in New Orleans. Here he established a highlyprofitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as farnorthward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among thetribesmen extended to the eastern mountains. My mother was of Spanishblood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient inthree languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribaltongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudesof the frontier. The early death of my mother compelled me to becomecompanion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I wasseventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodgesof savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and housesof my native town. Hence it happened, that when my father fell thevictim of a treacherous blow, although he left to my care considerableproperty and a widely scattered trade, I could not easily contentmyself with the sameness of New Orleans; there I felt almost astranger, ever hungering for the woods and the free life of themountains. 

Yet I held myself to the work in hand until successful in straighteningout the tangled threads, and might have remained engaged in peacefultraffic until the end of life, had it not been for a misunderstandingwith her who held my heart in captivity to her slightest whim. Itmatters little now the cause of the quarrel, or where rested thegreater blame; enough that its occurrence drove me forth reckless ofeverything, desirous only to leave all of my own race, and seek amidsavage environment and excitement forgetfulness of the past. 

It was in September of the year 1769--just forty-eight years ago as Iwrite--that I found myself once again in New Orleans, feeling almost astranger to the town, except for the few rough flatboat-men in companywith whom I had floated down the great river. Five years previously, heartsick and utterly careless of life, I had plunged into thetrackless wilderness stretching in almost unbroken virginity to northand east, desiring merely to be left alone, that I might in solitudefight out my first grim battle with despair, saying to myself in allbitterness of soul that never again would I turn face to southward orenter the boundaries of Louisiana Province. During those years, beyondreach of news and the tongue of gossip, I wandered aimlessly fromvillage to village, ever certain of welcome within the lodges of Creeksand Shawnees, or farther away amid those little French border townsdotting the Ohio and the Illinois, constantly feeling how little theworld held of value since both my parents were gone, and this last blowhad fallen. I loved the free, wild life of the warriors with whom Ihunted, and the _voyageurs_ beside whom I camped, and had learned todistrust my own race; yet no sooner did I chance to stand again besidethe sweeping current of the broad Mississippi, than I was gripped bythe old irresistible yearning, and, although uninspired by either hopeor purpose, drifted downward to the hated Creole town. 

I had left it a typical frontier French city, touched alike by theglamour of reflected civilization and the barbarism of savagery, yetever alive with the gayety of that lively, changeable people; Ireturned, after those five years of burial in forest depths, todiscover it under the harsh rule of Spain, and outwardly so quiet as toappear fairly deserted of inhabitants. The Spanish ships of war--Icounted nineteen--lay anchored in the broad river, their prows upstream, and the gloomy, black muzzles of their guns depressed so as tocommand the landing, while scarcely a French face greeted me along thestreets, whose rough stone pavements echoed to the constant tread ofarmed soldiers. 

Spanish sentries were on guard at nearly every corner. Not a fewhalted me with rough questioning, and once I was haled before anofficer, who, hearing my story, and possibly impressed by myproficiency in his language, was kind enough to provide me with a passgood within the lines. Yet it proved far from pleasant loiteringabout, as drunken soldiers, dressed in every variety of uniform, staggered along the narrow walks, ready to pick a quarrel with anystranger chancing their way, while groups of officers, gorgeous inwhite coats and gold lace, lounged in shaded corners, greeting eachpasser-by with jokes that stung. Every tavern was crowded to thethreshold with roistering blades whose drunken curses, directed againstboth French and English, quickly taught me the discretion of keepingwell away from their company, so there was little left but to move on, never halting long enough in one place to become involved in uselesscontroversy. 

It all appeared so unnatural that I felt strangely saddened by thechange, and continued aimlessly drifting about the town as curiosityled, resolved to leave its confines at the earliest opportunity. Istared long at the strange vessels of war, whose like I had neverbefore seen, and finally, as I now remember, paused upon the raggedgrass of the Place d'Armes, watching the evolutions of a battery ofartillery. This was all new to me, representing as it did a line ofservice seldom met with in the wilderness; and soon quite a number ofcurious loiterers gathered likewise along the edge of the parade. Among them I could distinguish a few French faces, with here and therea woman of the lower orders, ill clad and coarse of speech. A party ofsoldiers, boisterous and quarrelsome from liquor, pressed me so closelythat, hopeful of avoiding trouble, I drew farther back toward the curb, and standing thus, well away from others, enjoyed an unobstructed viewacross the entire field. 

The battery had hitched up preparatory to returning to their quartersbefore I lost interest in the spectacle and reluctantly turned awaywith the slowly dispersing crowd. Just then I became aware of theclose proximity of a well-dressed negro, apparently the favored servantin some family of quality. The fellow was observing me with anintentness which aroused my suspicion. That was a time and place forexercising extreme caution, so that instinctively I turned away, movingdirectly across the vacated field. Scarcely had I taken ten stepsbefore I saw that he was following, and as I wheeled to front him thefellow made a painful effort to address me in English. 

"Mornin', sah, " he said, making a deep salutation with his entire body. "Am you dat Englisher Massa Benteen from up de ribber?"

Leaning upon my rifle, I gazed directly at him in astonishment. How, by all that was miraculous, did this strange black know my name andnationality? His was a round face, filled with good humor; nothing init surely to mistrust, yet totally unknown to me. 

"You speak correctly, " I made reply, surprise evident in the tones ofmy voice. "I have no reason to deny my name, which is held an honestone here in New Orleans. How you learned it, however, remains amystery, for I never looked upon your face before. "

"No, sah; I s'pects not, sah, 'cause I nebber yet hab been in dem dereparts, sah. I was sent yere wid a most 'portant message fer MassaBenteen, an' I done reckon as how dat am you, sah. "

"An important message for me? Surely, boy, you either mistake, or arecrazy. Yet stay! Does it come from Nick Burton, the flatboat-man?"

"No, sah; it am a lady wat sent me yere. "

He was excessively polite, exhibiting an earnestness which caused me tosuspect his mission a grave one. 

"A lady?"

I echoed the unexpected word, scarcely capable of believing thetestimony of my own ears. Yet as I did so my heart almost ceased itsthrobbing, while I felt the hot blood rush to my face. That was an ageof social gallantry; yet I was no gay courtier of the town, but ahunter of the woods, attired in rough habiliments, little fitted toattract the attention of womanly eyes amid the military glitter allabout. 

A lady! In the name of all the gods, what lady? Even in the old daysI enjoyed but a limited circle of acquaintance among women. Indeed, Irecalled only one in all the wide province of Louisiana who mightjustly be accorded so high an appellation even by a negro slave, andcertainly she knew nothing of my presence in New Orleans, nor would shedream of sending for me if she did. Convinced of this, I dismissed thethought upon the instant, with a smile. The black must have made amistake, or else some old-time acquaintance of our family, a forgottenfriend of my mother perhaps, had chanced to hear of my return. Meanwhile the negro stood gazing at me with open mouth, and the sightof him partially restored my presence of mind. 

"Is she English, boy?"

"No, sah, she am a French lady, sah, if ebber dar was one in dis hyarprovince. She libs ober yonder in de Rue Dumaine, an' she said to me, 'Yah, Alphonse, you follow dat dar young feller wid de long rifle underhis arm an' de coon-skin cap, an' fotch him hyar to me!' Dem am debery words wat she done said, sah, when you went by our house ahalf-hour ago. "

"Is your mistress young or old?"

The black chuckled, his round face assuming a good-natured grin. 

"Fo' de Lawd, Massa, but dat am jest de way wid all you white folks!"he ejaculated. "If she was ol', an' wrinkled, an' fat, den dat settlede whole ting. Jest don't want to know no mor'. "

"Well, " I interrupted impatiently, "keep your moralizing to yourselfuntil we become better acquainted, and answer my question--Is the womanyoung?"

My tone was sufficiently stern to sober him, his black facestraightening out as if it had been ironed. 

"Now, don't you go an' git cross, Massa Benteen, case a laugh don'tnebber do nobody no hurt, " he cried, shrinking back as if expecting ablow. "But dat's jest wat she am, sah, an' a heap sweeter dan devi'lets in de springtime, sah. "

"And she actually told you my name?"

"Yas, sah, she did dat fer suah--'Massa Geoffrey Benteen, an Englisherfrom up de ribber, ' dem was her bery words; but somehow I donedisremember jest persactly de place. "

For another moment I hesitated, scarcely daring to utter the one vitalquestion trembling on my lips. 

"But who is the lady? What is her name?" As I put the simple query Ifelt my voice tremble in spite of every effort to hold it firm. 

"Madame de Noyan, sah; one ob de bery first famblies. Massa de Noyanam one ob de Bienvilles, sah. "

"De Noyan? De Noyan?" I repeated the unfamiliar name over slowly, witha feeling of relief. "Most certainly I never before heard other. "

"I dunno nothin' 'tall 'bout dat, Massa, but suah's you born dat am hername and Massa's; an' you is de bery man she done sent me after, fer Inebber onct took my eyes off you all dis time. "

There remained no reasonable doubt as to the fellow's sincerity. Hisface was a picture of disinterested earnestness as he fronted me; yet Ihesitated, eying him closely, half inclined to think him theunsuspecting representative of some rogue. That was a time and placewhere one of my birth needed to practise caution; racial rivalry ran sohigh throughout all the sparsely settled province that anymisunderstanding between an English stranger and either Frenchman orSpaniard was certain to involve serious results. We of Northern bloodwere bitterly envied because of commercial supremacy. I had, during mybrief residence in New Orleans, witnessed jealous treachery on everyhand. This had taught me that enemies of my race were numerous, while, it was probable, not more than a dozen fellow-countrymen were then inNew Orleans. They would prove powerless were I to become involved inany quarrel. Extreme caution under such conditions became a paramountduty, and it can scarcely be wondered at that I hesitated to trust theblack, continuing to study the real purpose of his mysterious message. Yet the rare good-humor and simple interest of his face tended toreassure me. A lady, he said--well, surely no great harm would resultfrom such an interview; and if, as was probable, it should prove a merecase of mistaken identity, a correction could easily follow, and Ishould then be free to go my way. On the other hand, if some friendreally needed me, a question of duty was involved, which--Godhelping--I was never one to shun; for who could know in how brief aspace I might also be asking assistance of some countryman. Thismysterious stranger, this Madame de Noyan of whom I had never heard, knew my name--possibly had learned it from another, some wanderingEnglishman, perchance, whom she would aid in trouble, some old-timefriend in danger, who, afraid to reveal himself, now appealed throughher instrumentality for help in a strange land. Deciding to brave thedoubt and solve the mystery by action, I flung the long rifle across myshoulder and stood erect. 

"All right, boy, lead on, " I said shortly. "I intend to learn what isbehind this, and who it is that sends for me in New Orleans. "

Far from satisfied with the situation, yet determined now to probe themystery to the bottom, I silently followed the black, attentive to hisslightest movement. It was a brief walk down one of the narrow streetsleading directly back from the river front, so that within less thanfive minutes I was being silently shown into the small reception roomof a tasty cottage, whose picturesque front was half concealed by abrilliant mass of trailing vines. The heavy shades being closely drawnat the windows, the interior was in such gloom that for the momentafter my entrance from the outside glare I was unable to distinguishone object from another. Then slowly my eyes adjusted themselves tothe change, and, taking one uncertain step forward, I came suddenlyface to face with a Capuchin priest appearing almost ghastly with hislong, pale, ascetic countenance, and ghostly gray robe sweeping to thefloor. 

Startled by this unexpected apparition, and experiencing an Americanborderer's dislike and distrust for his class, I made a hasty move backtoward where, with unusual carelessness, I had deposited my rifleagainst the wall. Yet as I placed hand upon it I had sufficientlyrecovered to laugh silently at my fears. 

"Thou hast responded with much promptitude, my son, " the priest said ingentle voice, speaking the purest of French, and apparently notchoosing to notice my momentary confusion. "It is indeed an excellenttrait--one long inculcated by our Order. "

"And one not unknown to mine--free rangers of the woods, sir priest, " Ireplied coldly, resolving not to be outdone in bluntness of speech. "Isuppose you are the 'lady' desiring speech with me; I note you comedressed in character. And now I am here, what may the message be?"

There was neither smile nor resentment visible on his pale face, although he slightly uplifted one slender hand as if in silent rebukeof my rude words. 

"Nay, nay, my son, " he said gravely. "Be not over-hasty in speech. Itis indeed a serious matter which doth require thy presence in thishouse, and the question of life or death for a human being can never befit subject for jesting. She who despatched the messenger will be heredirectly to make clear her need. "

"In truth it was a woman, then?"

"Yes, a woman, and--ah! she cometh now. "

Even as he gave utterance to the words, I turned, attracted by the softrustle of a silken skirt at my very side, stole one quick, startledglance into a young, sweet face, lightened by dark, dreamy eyes, andwithin the instant was warmly clasping two outstretched hands, totallyoblivious of all else save her. 

"Eloise!" I exclaimed in astonishment. "Eloise--MademoiselleLafrénière--can this indeed be you? Have you sent for me?"

It seemed for that one moment as if the world held but the two of us, and there was a glad confidence in her brimming eyes quicklydissipating all mists of the past. Yet only for that one weak, thoughtless instant did she yield to what appeared real joy at mypresence. 

"Yes, dear friend, it is Eloise, " she answered, gazing anxiously intomy face, and clinging to my strong hands as though fearful lest I mighttear them away when she spoke those hard words which must follow. "Yetsurely you know, Geoffrey Benteen, that I am Mademoiselle Lafrénière nolonger?"

It seemed to me my very heart stopped beating, so intense was the painwhich overswept it. Yet I held to the soft hands, for there was such apitiful look of suffering upon her upturned face as to steady me. 

"No, I knew it not, " I answered brokenly. "I--I have been buried inthe forest all these years since we parted, where few rumors of thetown have reached me. But let that pass; it--it is easy to see you arenow in great sorrow. Was it because of this--in search of help, inneed, perchance--that you have sent for me?"

She bowed her head; a tear fell upon my broad hand and glistened there. 

"Yes, Geoffrey. "

The words were scarcely more than a whisper; then the low voice seemedto strengthen with return of confidence, her dark eyes anxiouslysearching my face. 

"I sent for you, Geoffrey, because of deep trouble; because I am leftalone, without friends, saving only the _père_. I know well yourfaithfulness. In spite of the wrong, the misunderstanding betweenus--and for it I take all the blame--I have ever trusted in your word, your honor; and now, when I can turn nowhere else for earthly aid, thegood God has guided you back to New Orleans. Geoffrey Benteen, do notgaze at me so! It breaks my heart to see that look in your eyes; but, my friend, my dearest friend, do you still recall what you said to meso bravely the night you went away?"

Did I remember! God knew I did; ay! each word of that interview hadbeen burned into my life, had been repeated again and again in thesilence of my heart amid the loneliness of the woods; nothing in allthose years had for one moment obliterated her face or speech frommemory. 

"I remember, Eloise, " I answered more calmly. "The words you meanwere: 'If ever you have need of one on whom you may rely for anyservice, however desperate (and in New Orleans such necessity mightarise at any moment), one who would gladly yield his very life to serveyou, then, wherever he may be, send for Geoffrey Benteen. ' My poorgirl, has that moment come?"

The brown head drooped until it rested in unconsciousness against myarm, while I could feel the sobs which shook her form and choked herutterance. 

"It has come, " she whispered at last; "I am trusting in your promise. "

"Nor in vain; my life is at your command. "

She stopped my passionate utterance with quick, impulsive gesture. 

"No! pledge not yourself again until you hear my words, and ponderthem, " she cried, with return to that imperiousness of manner I hadloved so well. "This is no ordinary matter. It will try your utmostlove; perchance place your life in such deadly peril as you never facedbefore. For I must ask of you what no one else would ever venture torequire--nor can I hold out before you the slightest reward, save mydeepest gratitude. "

I gazed fixedly at her flushed face, scarcely comprehending the strangewords she spoke. 

"What may all this be that you require--this sacrifice so vast that youdoubt me? Surely I have never stood a coward, a dastard in your sight?"

She stood erect, facing me, proudly confident in her power, with tearsstill clinging to her long lashes. 

"No! you wrong me uttering such a thought. I doubt you not, although Imight well doubt any other walking this earth. But listen, and you canno longer question my words; this which I dare ask of you--because Itrust you--is _to save my husband_. "

"Your husband?" The very utterance of the word choked me. "Yourhusband? Save him from what? Where is he?"

"A prisoner to the Spaniards; condemned to die to-morrow at sunrise. "

"His name?"

"Chevalier Charles de Noyan. "

"Where confined?"

"Upon the flag-ship in the river. "

I turned away and stood with my back to them both. I could no longerbear to gaze upon her agonized face uplifted in such eager pleading, such confiding trust; that one sweet face I loved as nothing else onearth. 

Save her husband! For the moment it seemed as if a thousand emotionsswayed me. What might it not mean if this man should die? His livingcould only add infinitely to my pain; his death might insure myhappiness--at least he alone, as far as I knew, stood in the way. "Todie to-morrow!" The very words sounded sweet in my ears, and it wouldbe such an easy thing for me to promise her, to appear to do my verybest--and fail. "To die to-morrow!" The perspiration gathered indrops upon my forehead as I wavered an instant to the tempting thought. Then I shook the foul temptation from me. Merciful God! could I dreamof being such a dastard? Why not attempt what she asked? After all, what was left for me in life, except to give her happiness?

The sound of a faint sob reached me, and wheeling instantly I stood ather side. 

"Madame de Noyan, " I said with forced calmness, surprising myself, "Iwill redeem my pledge, and either save your husband, or meet my fate athis side. "

Before I could prevent her action she had flung herself at my feet, andwas kissing my hand. 

"God bless you, Geoffrey Benteen! God bless you!" she sobbedimpulsively; and then from out the dense shadows of the farther wall, solemnly as though he stood at altar service, the watchful Capuchinsaid:

"Amen!"

CHAPTER II

A PERILOUS VENTURE

Any call to action, of either hazard or pleasure, steadies my nerves. To realize necessity for doing renders me a new man, clear of brain, quick of decision. Possibly this comes from that active life I havealways led in the open. Be the cause what it may, I was the first torecover speech. 

"I hope to show myself worthy your trust, Madame, " I said somewhatstiffly, for it hurt to realize that this emotion arose from herhusband's peril. "At best I am only an adventurer, and rely upon thosemeans with which life upon the border renders me familiar. Such mayprove useless where I have soldiers of skill to deal with. However, wehave need of these minutes flying past so rapidly; they might be put tobetter use than tears, or words of gratitude. "

She looked upward at me with wet eyes. 

"You are right; I am a child, it seems. Tell me your desire, and Iwill endeavor to act the woman. "

"First, I must comprehend more clearly the nature of the work beforeme. The Chevalier de Noyan is already under sentence of death; thehour of execution to-morrow at sunrise?"

She bent her head in quiet acquiescence, her anxious eyes never leavingmy face. 

"It is now already approaching noon, leaving us barely eighteen hoursin which to effect his rescue. Faith! 't is short space for action. "

I glanced uneasily aside at the silently observant priest, nowstanding, a slender gray figure, close beside the door. He was not ofan Order I greatly loved. 

"You need have no fear, " she exclaimed, hastily interpreting mythought. "Father Petreni can be fully trusted. He is more than myreligious confessor; he has been my friend from childhood. "

"Yes, Monsieur, " he interposed sadly, yet with a grave smile lightinghis thin white face. "I shall be able to accomplish little in youraid, for my trade is not that of arms, yet, within my physicallimitations, I am freely at your service. "

"That is well, " I responded heartily, words and tone yielding me freshconfidence in the man. "This is likely to prove a night when comradeswill need to know each other. Now a few questions, after which I willlook over the ground before attempting to outline any plan of action. You say, Madame, that your--Chevalier de Noyan is a prisoner on thefleet in the river. Upon which ship is he confined?"

"The 'Santa Maria. '"

"The 'Santa Maria'?--if memory serve, the largest of them all?"

"Yes! the flag-ship. "

"She lies, as I remember, for I stood on the levee two hours agowatching the strange spectacle, close in toward the shore, beside theold sugar warehouse of Bomanceaux et fils. "

"You are correct, " returned the Capuchin soberly, the lady hesitating. "The ship swingeth by her cable scarce thirty feet from the bank. "

"That, at least, has sound of good fortune, " I thought, revolvingrapidly a sudden inspiration from his answer, "yet it will prove adesperate trick to try. "

Then I spoke aloud once more. 

"She appeared a veritable monster of the sea to my backwoods eyes;enough to pluck the heart out of a man. Has either of you steppedaboard her?"

The priest shook his shaven head despondently. 

"Nay; never any Frenchman, except as prisoner in shackles, has foundfoothold upon that deck since O'Reilly came. It is reported no negroboatmen are permitted to approach her side with cargoes of fruit andvegetables, so closely is she guarded against all chances of treachery. "

"Faith! it must be an important crime to bring such extremity ofvigilance. With what is De Noyan charged?"

"He, with others, is held for treason against the King of Spain. "

"There are more than one, then?"

"Five. " He lowered his voice almost to a whisper. "Madame de Noyan'sfather is among them. "

"Lafrénière?" I uttered the name in astonishment. "Then why am I notasked to assist him?"

The thoughtless exclamation cut her deeply with its seeming implicationof neglect, yet the words she strove to speak failed to come. Thepriest rebuked me gravely:

"Thou doest great injustice by such inconsiderate speech, my son. There are hearts loyal to France in this province, who would countliving a crime if it were won at the cost of Lafrénière. He hath beenalready offered liberty, yet deliberately chooseth to remain and meethis fate. Holy Mother! we can do no more. "

I bent, taking her moist hands gently between my own. 

"I beg you pardon me, Madame; I am not yet wholly myself, and intendedno such offence as my hasty words would seem to imply. One's mannersdo not improve with long dwelling among savages. "

She met my stumbling apology with a radiant smile. 

"I know your heart too well to misjudge. Yet it hurt me to feel youcould deem me thoughtless toward my father. "

"You have seen him since his arrest?"

"Once only--at the Captain-General's office, before they were condemnedand taken aboard the flag-ship. "

"But the prisoners are Catholics; surely they are permitted the officesof the Church at such a time?"

A hard look swept across the Capuchin's pale, ascetic face. 

"Oh, ay! I had quite forgotten, " he explained bitterly. "They enjoythe ministrations of Father Cassati, of our Order, as representative ofHoly Church. "

"Pouf!" I muttered gloomily. "It is bad to have the guard-lines drawnso closely. Besides, I know little about the way of ships; how theyare arranged within, or even along the open decks. We meet them not inthe backwoods, so this is an adventure little to my taste. It wouldhardly be prudent, even could I obtain safe footing there, to attemptfollowing a trail in the dark when I knew not where it led. I musteither see the path I am to travel by good daylight, or else procure aguide. This Father Cassati might answer. Is he one to trust?"

The priest turned his head away with a quick gesture of indignantdissent. 

"Nay!" he exclaimed emphatically. "He must never be approached uponsuch a matter. He can be sweet enough with all men to their faces; thewords of his mouth are as honey; yet he would be true to none. It isnot according to the canons of our Order for me thus to speak, yet Ionly give utterance to truth as I know it in the sight of God. Noteven the Spaniards themselves have faith in him. He has not beenpermitted to set foot upon shore since first he went aboard. "

"And you have no plan, no suggestion to offer for my guidance?"

"Mon Dieu, no!" he cried dramatically. "I cannot think the firstthing. "

"And you, Madame?"

She was kneeling close beside a large chair, her fine dark eyes eagerlysearching my face. 

"It rests wholly with you, " she said solemnly, "and God. "

Twice, three times, I paced slowly across the floor in anxiousreflection; each time, as I turned, I gazed again into her trustful, appealing eyes. It was love calling to me in silent language far moreeffective than speech; at last, I paused and faced her. 

"Madame de Noyan, " I said deliberately, my voice seeming to falter withthe intensity of my feelings, "I beg you do not expect too much fromme. Your appeal has been made to a simple frontiersman, unskilled inwar except with savages, and it is hardly probable I shall be able tooutwit the trained guardsmen of Spain. Yet this I will say: I havedetermined to venture all at your desire. As I possess small skill orknowledge to aid me, I shall put audacity to the front, permittingsheer daring either to succeed or fail. But it would be wrong, Madame, for me to encourage you with false expectation. I deem it best to beperfectly frank, and I do not clearly see how this rescue is to beaccomplished. I can form no definite plan of action; all I even hopefor is, that the good God will open up a path, showing me how suchdesperate purpose may be accomplished. If this prove true--and I begyou pray fervently to that end--you may trust me to accept theguidance, let the personal danger be what it may. But I cannot plan, cannot promise--I can only go forward blindly, seeking some opening notnow apparent. This alone I know, to remain here in conversation isuseless. I must discover means by which I may reach the 'Santa Maria'and penetrate below her deck if possible. That is my first object, andit alone presents a problem sufficient to tax my poor wits to theuttermost. So all I dare say now, Madame, is, that I will use myutmost endeavor to save your hus--the Chevalier de Noyan. I requestyou both remain here--it would be well in prayer--ready to receive, andobey at once, any message I may need to send. If possible I will visityou again in person before nightfall, but in any case, and whateverhappens, try to believe that I am doing all I can with such brains as Ipossess, and that I count my own life nothing in your service. "

However they may sound now, there was no spirit of boasting in thesewords. Conceit is not of my nature, and, indeed, at that time I hadsmall enough faith in myself. I merely sought to encourage the poorgirl with what little hope I possessed, and knew she read the truthbehind those utterances which sounded so brave. Even as I finished shearose to her feet, standing erect before me, looking a very queen. 

"Never will I doubt that, Geoffrey Benteen, " she declared impulsively. "I have seen you in danger, and never forgotten it. If it is anyencouragement to hear it spoken from my lips, know, even as you goforth from here, that never did woman trust man as I trust you. "

The hot blood surged into my face with a madness I retained barelysufficient strength to conquer. 

"I--I accept your words in the same spirit with which they areoffered, " I stammered, hardly aware of what I said. "They are ofgreatest worth to me. "

I bowed low above the white hand resting so confidingly within mine, anxious to escape from the room before my love gave utterance to somefoolish speech. Yet even as I turned hastily toward the door, I pausedwith a final question. 

"The negro who guided me here, Madame; is he one in whom I may reposeconfidence?"

"In all things, " she answered gravely. "He has been with the De Noyanfamily from a child, and is devoted to his master. "

"Then I take him with me for use should I chance to require amessenger. "

With a swift backward glance into her earnest dark eyes, an indulgenceI could not deny myself, I bowed my way forth from the room, anddiscovering Alphonse upon the porch, where he evidently felt himself onguard, and bidding him it was the will of his mistress that he follow, I flung my rifle across my shoulder, and strode straight ahead until Icame out upon the river bank. Turning to the right I worked my wayrapidly up the stream, passing numerous groups of lounging soldiers, who made little effort to bar my passage, beyond some idle chaffing, until I found myself opposite the anchorage of the Spanish fleet. 

In the character of an unsophisticated frontiersman, I felt no dangerin joining others of my class, lounging listlessly about in smallgroups discussing the situation, and gazing with awe upon those strangeships of war, swinging by their cables in the broad stream. It was amotley crew among whom I foregathered, one to awaken interest at anyother time--French _voyageurs_ from the far-off Illinois country, asbarbarian in dress and actions as the native denizens of those northernplains, commingling freely with Creole hunters freshly arrived from thebayous of the swamp lands; sunburnt fishermen from the sandy beaches ofBarataria, long-haired flatboat-men, their northern skin faintlyvisible through the tan and dirt acquired in the long voyage from theupper Ohio; here and there some stolid Indian brave, resplendent inpaint and feathers, and not a few drunken soldiers temporarily escapedfrom their commands. Yet I gave these little thought, except to pushmy way through them to where I could obtain unobstructed view of thegreat ships. 

The largest of these, a grim monster to my eyes, with bulging sidestowering high above the water, and masts uplifting heavy spars far intothe blue sky, rendered especially formidable by gaping muzzles ofnumerous black cannon visible through her open ports, floated justbeyond the landing. I measured carefully the apparent distance betweenthe flat roof of the sugar warehouse, against the corner of which Ileaned in seeming listlessness, and the lower yards of her forwardmast--it was no farther than I had often cast a riata, yet it would bea skilful toss on a black night. 

However, I received small comfort from the thought, for there was thatabout this great gloomy war-ship--frigate those about me calledher--which awed and depressed my spirits; all appeared so ponderouslysullen, so massive with concealed power, so mysteriously silent. Myeyes, searching for each visible object, detected scarcely a stir oflife aboard, except as some head would arise for an instant above therail, or my glance fell upon the motionless figure of a sentry, standing at the top of the narrow steps leading downward to the water, a huge burly fellow, whose side-arms glistened ominously in the sun. These were the sole signs of human presence; yet, from snatches ofconversation, I learned that hidden away in the heart of that blackfloating monster of wood and iron, were nearly four hundred men, andthe mere knowledge made the sombre silence more impressive than ever. 

Except for gossiping spectators lining the shore, nothing livingappeared about the entire scene, if I except a dozen or more smallboats, propelled by lusty black oarsmen, deeply laden with produce, busily plying back and forth between various vessels, seeking marketfor their wares. Even these, as the priest told me, had apparentlybeen warned away from the flag-ship, as I observed how carefully theyavoided any approach to her boarding-ladder. The longer I remained, the more thoroughly hopeless appeared any prospect of success. Norcould I conjure up a practical--nay! even possible--method of placingso much as a foot on board the "Santa Maria. " Surely never wasprison-ship guarded with more jealous care, and never did man face morehopeless quest than this confronting me. The longer I gazed upon thatgrim, black, sullen mass of wood and iron--that floating fortress ofdespotic Spanish power--the more desperate appeared my mission; thedarker grew every possibility of plucking a victim from out thatmonster's tightly closed jaws. Yet I was not one to forego anenterprise lightly because of difficulty or danger, so with doggedpersistency I clung to the water front, knowing nowhere else to go, andblindly trusting that some happening might open to me a door ofopportunity. 

It frequently seems that when a man once comes, in a just cause, tosuch mind as this, when he trusts God rather than himself, there is adivinity which aids him. Surely it was well I waited in patience, forsuddenly another produce boat, evidently new to the trade, deeply ladenwith fruit and roots, bore down the river, the two negroes at the oarspointing its blunt nose directly toward the flag-ship, attracted nodoubt by its superior size. Instantly noting their course I awaitedtheir reception with interest, an interest intensified by a drawlingEnglish voice from amid the crowd about me, saying:

"I reckon thar'll be some dead niggers in thet thar bumboat if theydon't sheer off almighty soon. "

Scarcely were these prophetic words uttered, when the soldier statue atthe head of the boarding-stairs swung his musket forward into position, and hailed in emphatic Spanish, a language which, thanks to my mother, I knew fairly well. There followed a moment of angry controversy, during which the startled negroes rested upon their oars, while theenraged guard threatened to fire if they drifted a yard closer. In themidst of this hubbub a head suddenly popped up above the rail. Then atall, ungainly figure, clad in a faded, ill-fitting uniform, raiseditself slowly, leaning far out over the side, a pair of weak eyes, shadowed by colored glasses, gazing down inquiringly into the smallboat. 

"Vat ees it you say you have zare?" he asked in an attempt at French, which I may only pretend to reproduce in English. "Vat ees ze cargo ofze leetle boat?"

Instantly the two hucksters gave voice, fairly running over each otherin their confused jargon, during which I managed to distinguish nativenames for potatoes, yams, sweet corn, peaches, apples, and I know notwhat else. 

The Spaniard perched high on the rail waved his long arms inunmitigated disgust. 

"_Caramba_!" he cried the moment he could make his voice distinguishedabove the uproar. "I vant none of zos zings; Saint Cristoval, non!non! Ze Capitaine he tole me get him some of ze olif--haf you no olifin ze leetle boat?"

The darkies shook their heads, instantly starting in again to calltheir wares, but the fellow on the rail waved them back. 

"Zen ve don't vant you here!" he cried shrilly. "Go vay dam quick, orelse ze soldier shoot. " As if in obedience to an order the stolidguard brought his weapon menacingly to the shoulder. 

How the episode terminated I did not remain to learn. At that moment Ionly clearly comprehended this--I had a way opened, an exceedinglyslight one to be sure, of doubtful utility, yet still a way, whichmight lead me into the guarded mystery of that ship. The time foraction had arrived, and that was like a draught of wine to me. EagerlyI slipped back through the increasing crowd of gaping countrymen, towhere the negro had found a spot of comfort in the sun. 

"Alphonse!" I called, careful to modulate my voice. "Wake up, youblack sleepy-head! Ay! I have you at last in the world again. Nowstop blinking, and pay heed to what I say. Do you chance to knowwhere, for love, money, or any consideration, you could lay hands onolives in this town?"

The fellow, scarcely awake, rolled up the whites of his eyes for amoment, and scratched his woolly pate, as if seeking vainly to conjureup some long-neglected memory. Then his naturally good-humoredcountenance relaxed into a broad grin. 

"Fo' de Lord, yas sah! I'se your man dis time suah 'nough. Dat fatol' Dutchman, down by de Tehoupitoulas Gate, suah as you're born had awhole barrel ob dem yesterday. I done disremember fer de minute, boss, jist whar I done saw dem olibs, but I reckon as how de money 'd fotch'em all right. "

I drew forth a handful of French coins. 

"Then run for it, lad!" I exclaimed in some excitement. "Your master'slife hangs upon your speed--hold, wait! do you remember that oldtumble-down shed we passed on our way here; the one which had once beena farrier's shop?"

The negro nodded, his eyes filled with awakened interest. 

"Good; then first of all bring me a suit of the worst looking oldclothes you can scare up in the negro quarters of this town. Leavethem there. Then go directly to this Dutchman's, buy every olive hehas for sale at any price, load them into a boat--a common huckster'sboat, mind you, and remain there with them until I come. Do youunderstand all that?"

"Yas, Massa; I reckon as how I kin do dat all right 'nough. " Thefellow grinned, every white ivory showing between his thick red lips. 

"Don't stop to speak to any one, black or white. Now trot alonglively, and may the Lord have mercy on you if you fail me, for I pledgeyou I shall have none. "

I watched him disappear up the street in a sort of swinging dog-trot, took one more glance backward at the huge war-ship, now swinging by hercable silent and mysterious as ever, and turned away from the riverfront, my brain teeming with a scheme upon the final issue of whichhung life or death. 

CHAPTER III

A VISIT TO THE FLAG-SHIP

I had seldom assumed disguise, except when wearing Indian garb upon thewar-trail. Yet in boyhood I had occasionally masqueraded as a negro sosuccessfully as to deceive even my own family. With this in mind theresolve was taken that in no other guise than that of a foolish, huckstering darky could I hope to attain the guarded deck of thatSpanish frigate. This offered only the barest chance of success, yetsuch chances had previously served me well, and must be trusted now. Opportunity frequently opens to the push of a venturesome shoulder. 

Once determined upon this I set to work, perfecting each detail whichmight aid in the hazardous undertaking. Much was to be accomplished, and consequently it was late in the afternoon before the two of us, myself as much a negro to outward appearance as my sable companion, floated anxiously down the broad river in a battered old scow heapedhigh with every variety of country produce obtainable. Drifting withthe current, I kept the blunt nose pointed directly toward the bulgingside of the "Santa Maria, " yet without venturing to glance in thatdirection, until a sharp challenge of the vigilant sentinel warned usto sheer off. 

Slowly shipping the heavy steering oar, finding it difficult even inthat moment of suspense to suppress a smile at the expression of terroron Alphonse's black face, I stood up, awed by the solemn massiveness ofthe vast bulk towering above me, now barely thirty feet away. For thefirst time I realized fully the desperation of my task, and my heartsank. But the gesticulations of the wrathful guard could no longer beignored, and, smothering an exclamation of disgust at my momentaryweakness, I nerved myself for the play. 

"_Caramba_!" the fellow shouted roughly in his native tongue. "Stopthere, you lazy niggers; don't let that boat drift any closer. Come, sheer off, or, by all the saints, I 'll blow a hole clear through theblack hide of one of you!"

"Hold her back, boy!" I muttered hurriedly to the willing slave. "Thatsoldier means to shoot. "

Then I held up a handful of our choicest fruit into view. 

"I have got plenty vegetables, an' lot fruit fer sell, " I shoutedeagerly in negro French, putting all the volume possible into my voice, hopeful my words might penetrate the hidden deck above. "Plenty'tatoes, peaches, olibs--eberyting fer de oppercers. "

"Don't want them--pull away, and be lively about it. "

It was a moment of despair, every hope suspended in the balance; myheart beating like a trip-hammer with suspense. The thoroughly enragedguard lifted his gun to the shoulder; there was threat in his eyes, yetI ventured a desperate chance of one more word. 

"I got de only _olibs_ on dis ribber. "

"_Bastenade_!" yelled the infuriated fellow. "I 'll give you a shot topay for your insolence. "

Even as he spoke, fumbling the lock of his gun, that same head observedbefore suddenly popped over the high rail like Punch at a pantomime. 

"Vat zat you say, nigger?" its owner cried doubtingly. "Vas it ze olifyou haf zare in ze leetle boat?"

I eagerly held up into view a choice handful of green fruit, my eyeshopeful. 

"Oui, Señor Oppercer--fresh olibs; same as ob your lan'. "

The Spaniard was standing upright on the rail by this time, clingingfast to a rope dangling from above, leaning far over, no slightinterest depicted upon his pinched, sallow countenance. 

"It's all right, sentry, " he said sharply to the soldier, who loweredhis gun with a scowl indicating his real desire. My newly found friendlifted his squeaking voice again in unfamiliar speech. 

"Bring ze leetle boat along ze side of ze sheep, you black fellar, an'come up here wiz ze olif fer ze Capitaine. "

"Scull in close against those steps, Alphonse, " I muttered, overjoyedat this rare stroke of good fortune. "Then pull out a few strokes; butstay alongside until I come back. Don't let any one get aboard, andkeep a quiet tongue yourself. "

The whites of his eyes alone answered me, he being too badly frightenedfor speech. The situation was one to grate upon any nervesunaccustomed to danger, yet, trusting the long training of the slavewould hold him obedient, I turned away, and, in another moment, hadscrambled up the rope ladder, plunging awkwardly over the high rail onto the hitherto concealed deck. My pulses throbbed with excitementover the desperate game fronting me, yet, with a coolness surprising tomyself, I lost at that instant every sensation of personal fear, indetermination to act thoroughly my assumed character. More lives thanone hung in the balance, and, with tightly clenched teeth, I swore toprove equal to the venture. The very touch of those deck planks to mybare feet put new recklessness into my blood, causing me to marvel atthe perfection of my own fool play. 

The gaunt Spaniard commanding my presence stood waiting, hardly morethan five paces from where I landed, yet so intense became my immediateinterest in the strange scene--an interest partly real, but largelysimulated for the occasion--that he contented himself watching myconfused antics with much apparent amusement, and without addressingme. Even to this hour that scene lies distinct before my eyes. Possessed I skill with pencil I could sketch each small detail from theretina of memory--the solitary sentinel beside the rail, his well-wornuniform of blue and white dingy in the sun; another farther forward, where a great opening yawned; with yet a third, standing rigid before aclosed door of the after cabin. An officer, his coat richly decoratedwith gold braid, wearing epaulets, and having a short sword dangling athis side, paced back and forth across the top of a little house nearthe stern. I heard him utter some command to a sailor near the wheel, but he never so much as glanced toward me. Perhaps thirty or moreseamen, bronzed of face, and oddly bedecked as to hair, lounged idlyamid the shadows opposite, while, more closely at hand, that gaunt, cadaverous Spaniard, at whose invitation I was present, leaned againsta big gun, puffing nonchalantly at a cigarette, held between lean, saffron-colored fingers. The deck was white as the snows of a northernWinter, while the brass work along the railings and about the cannonglittered brilliantly in the sunshine. There was a gaudyyellow-and-white striped canopy stretched above a portion of the deckaft; the huge masts seemed to pierce into the blue of the skies; whileon every side were ranged grim guns of brass and iron. 

My role was that of an ignorant, green, half-frightened darky, and Ipresume I both appeared and acted the natural-born idiot, if I mightjudge from the expression upon the Spaniard's face, and the broad grinlighting up the fierce countenance of the sentry at the gangway. Yetback of this mask there was grim determination and fixed purpose, sothat no article of furniture was along that broad deck which I did notmentally photograph, so as to know its whereabouts if ever I chancedthat way again. Ay! even to a little cuddy door beside the cookhouse, apparently opening directly into the mysterious regions below, and agreat chest lashed hard against the rail, within which I distinguishedthe bright colors of numerous flags. I noticed also the odd manner inwhich queer rope ladders led up from either side of the broad deck tothe vast spars high above, rising tier on tier until my head grew dazedwith gazing at them. 

"Vel, Sambo, my black fellow, " grinned the officer, whose eyes werestill lazily following my erratic movements as I peered innocently intothe muzzle of a brass carronade in apparent hope of discovering theball, "zis vus ze first time you vus ever on ze war-sheep, I sinklikely. How you like stop here, hey, an' fight wis dos sings?" And herested his yellow hand caressingly upon the breech of the gun. 

I shook my head energetically, rendering as prominent as possible thewhites of my eyes, at which he grinned wider than ever. 

"No, sah, Mister Oppercer Man; you don't git dis hyer nigger into nofought, sah, " I protested with vehemence. "I done fought wid de Injunsonct, sah, an' I done don't want no mo'. "

"Veil, you not vorry, boy; you voud be no good on ze war-sheep. Butnow you come wis me to ze Capitaine--bring ze olif. "

Bearing a tempting sample of the Spaniard's favorite fruit tightlyclutched in my black hand, and pulling my battered straw hat lower inconcealment of my telltale hair, I made awkward attempt to shufflealong behind him, as he carelessly advanced toward the after part ofthe vessel. But I loitered along our passage to examine so manyobjects of curiosity, asking such a multitude of extremely absurdquestions, that we consumed considerable time in traversing even thecomparatively short distance to where the rigid sentinel fronted usbefore the cabin door. My queries were simple enough to have birth inthe brain of a fool, yet my guide was of rare good humor, and evidentlyso amused at my ignorant curiosity that his patience withstood thestrain. On my part none were blindly asked, but were intended to opena way toward others of the utmost importance. My sole purpose at thatmoment was to lull suspicion to rest; when that had been accomplished, then I might confidently hope to pump my trustful victim of suchinformation as I imperatively required. The ignorant questions of animbecile will oftentimes be frankly responded to, where a wise manmight ask in vain, and my first play was to establish my character as afool. That I had succeeded was already evident. 

The statuesque guard before the cabin brought his musket up at ourapproach with so smart a snap as to startle me into a moment's apparentterror. To the officer's request that we be admitted to the presenceof the Captain, he responded briefly that that officer had gone forwardhalf an hour before. My guide glanced about as if uncertain where hehad better turn in search. 

"Did he go down the hatch?" he queried shortly. 

"I know not, Señor Gonzales, " was the respectful reply. "But I believehe may be with the prisoners' guard below. "

The officer promptly started forward, and, awaiting no formalinvitation, I shambled briskly after, keeping as close as possible tohis heels. Could I gain a brief glimpse below the deck it would beworth more to me than any amount of blind questioning, and my heartthumped painfully in remembrance of what hung upon his movements. Witha single sharp word to the sentry at the hatch he swung himselfcarelessly over the edge, mysteriously disappearing into the gloombeneath. That was no time for hesitancy, and I was already preparingto do likewise, when the guard, a surly-looking brute, promptlyinserted the point of his bayonet into my ragged garment, accompanyingthis kindly act with a stern order to remain where I was. 

"An' what fo' yo' do dat, Señor Sojer?" I cried, in unaffected anguish, rubbing the injured part tenderly, yet speaking loud so that my wordsshould be distinctly audible below. "Dat oppercer man he done tol' meto foller him to de Captain. What fo' yo' stop me wid dat toastin'fork?"

"It's all right, Manuel, " sung out a voice in Spanish from the lowerdarkness. "Let the fool nigger come down. "

The thoroughly disgusted soldier muttered something about his orders, that his lieutenant had not ever authorized him to pass fools. Overlooking this personal allusion, and fearing more serious oppositionfrom some one higher in authority, I took advantage of his momentarydoubt, promptly swung my legs over the edge of the hatch opening, groped blindly about with my bare feet until they struck the rungs of anarrow ladder, and went scrambling down into the semi-darkness ofbetween-decks, managing awkwardly to miss my final footing, thusflopping in a ragged heap at the bottom. 

"Holy Mother! you make more noise zan a sheep in action, " grumbled thestartled officer, as I landed at his feet. "Vat for you come down zeladder zat vay?"

Rubbing my numerous bruises energetically, I contented myself withstaring up at him as if completely dazed by my fall. Reading in hisamused countenance no symptom of awakening suspicion I ventured a quickglance at my new surroundings. We were in what appeared a largeunfurnished room, with doors of all sizes opening in every direction, while I could perceive a narrow entry, or passageway, extending towardthe after part of the vessel. The roof, formed of the upper deck, waslow, upheld by immense timbers, and the apartment, nearly square, wasdimly flooded by the sparse light sifting down through the singlehatch-opening above, so that, in spite of its large dimensions, it hada cramped and stuffy appearance. The vast butt of the mainmast arosedirectly in front of me, and, upon a narrow bench surrounding it, adozen soldiers were lounging, while near the entrance to thepassageway, scarcely more than a shadow in that dimness, stood asentry, stiff and erect, with musket at his shoulder. They were mostlyslightly built, dark-featured men, attired in blue and white uniforms, the worse for wear, and were all laughing at my crazy entrance. Nodoubt my coming afforded some relief to their tiresome, dull routine. While lying there, apparently breathless from my fall, my brainseffectively muddled, a young officer advanced hastily from out thegloom to inquire into so unusual an uproar. 

"What is all this noise about?" he questioned sharply, striding towardus. "Ah, Gonzales; whom have you here? Another bird to add to ourfine collection?"

"If so, it must be a rare blackbird, Señor Francisco, " returned myfriend, vainly endeavoring to recover his customary gravity. "By SaintCristobal! I have not laughed so heartily for a year past as at thispoor black fool. Faith, I sought to enlist him in the service of HisMost Christian Majesty, yet his method of coming down a companionladder convinced me he sadly lacks the necessary qualifications for asailor. Hast seen aught of the Captain here below?"

"Ay, comrade, thou wilt find him aft. He hath just had speech oncemore with the chief rebel, the graybeard they call Lafrénière, and wasin raging temper when last we met. _Caramba_! he even called me anass, for no more serious fault, forsooth, than that I made the round ofmy guard unattended. Hath your darky news for him?"

"Nay; the fellow possesseth not sufficient sense to be a messenger, except it may be a message for his stomach to make his humor better, "was the reply. "Come, trot along now, boy, and mind where you put downthose big feet in the passage. "

I struggled upright in response to his order, assisted by the sharp tapof a boot accompanying it, tripped over a gun barrel one of the guardfacetiously inserted between my legs, and went down once more, utteringsuch howl of terror as could be only partially drowned beneath theuproarious laughter of my merry tormentors. It developed into agantlet, yet I ran the line with little damage, and, after much duckingand pleading, managed to regain my position close to the heels of SeñorGonzales before he turned into the passageway, which, as I nowperceived, was dimly illumined by means of a single lantern, hung to ablackened upper beam. 

"Well, good luck to both of you, " called out the young officer of theguard laughingly as we disappeared. "Yet I 'd hate to have thesteering of such a crazy craft as follows in your wake, Gonzales, and Iwarn you again the Señor Captain will be found in beastly humor. "

"I fear nothing, " returned my guide, his lean yellow face turnedbackward over his shoulder. "I have what will bring him greaterhappiness than a decoration from the King. "

Shambling awkwardly forward, simulating all the uncouthness possible, Iretained my wits sufficiently to note our surroundings--the long, narrow passage, scarcely exceeding a yard in width, with numerous doorsopening on either side. Several of these stood ajar, and I perceivedberths within, marking them as sleeping apartments, although one uponthe right was evidently being utilized as a linen closet, while yetanother, just beyond, and considerably larger, seemed littered with amedley of boxes, barrels, and great bags. This apartment appeared somuch lighter than those others, even a stray ray of sunshine pouringdirectly down into it from above, that I instinctively connected it inmy mind with the cook-house on the upper deck, and the open cuddy doorI had chanced to notice. 

As we approached the farther end this passage suddenly widened into ahalf circle, sufficiently extended to accommodate the huge butt of themizzenmast, which was completely surrounded by an arm-rack crowded withshort-swords, together with all manner of small arms. A grimly silentguard stood at either side, and I perceived the dark shadow of a thirdstill farther beyond, while the half-dozen cabins close at hand hadtheir doors tightly closed, and fastened with iron bars. 

Instinctively I felt that here were confined those French prisoners, the knowledge of whose exact whereabouts I sought amid suchsurroundings of personal peril, and my heart bounded from suddenexcitement. In simulated awkwardness, I unfortunately overdid my part. Shuffling forward, more eager than ever to keep at the heels of myprotector, yet with eyes wandering in search of any opening, my barefeet struck against a projecting ring-bolt in the deck, and over Iwent, striving vainly to regain my balance. Before that human statueon guard could even lower his gun to repel boarders, my head struck himsoundly in the stomach, sending him crashing back against one of thosetightly closed doors. Tangled up with the surprised soldier, whopromptly clinched his unexpected antagonist, and, with shockingprofanity, strove to throttle me, I yet chanced to take note of thenumber "18" painted upon the white wood just above us. Then the dooritself was hurled hastily open, and with fierce exclamation of rage agray-hooded Capuchin monk bounded forth like a rubber ball, andinstantly began kicking vigorously right and left at our strugglingfigures. It gives me pleasure to record that the Spaniard, being ontop, received by far the worst of it, yet I might also bear testimonyto the vigor of the priest's legs, while we shared equally in thevolubility of his tongue. 

"_Sacre_!" he screamed in French, punctuating each sentence with afresh blow. "Get away from here, you drunken, quarrelling brutes! Hasit come to this, that a respectable priest of Holy Church may not holdprivate converse with the condemned without a brawl at the very door?Mother of God! what meaneth the fracas? Where is the guard? Why don'tsome of them jab their steel in the blasphemous ragamuffins who thusmake mock of the holy offices of religion? Take that, you black, sprawling beast!"

He aimed a vicious stroke at my head, which I ducked in the nick oftime to permit of its landing with full force in my companion's ribs. I heard him grunt in acknowledgment of its receipt. 

"Where is the guard, I say! If they come not I will strangle the dogswith my own consecrated hands to the glory of God. By the saintedBenedine! was ever one of our Order so basely treated before? Getaway, I tell you! 'Tis a disgrace to the true faith, and just as I wasabout to bring the Chevalier to his knees in confession of his sins!"

Gonzales was fairly doubled up with laughter at the ludicrous incident, choking so that speech had become an utter impossibility. By this timethe aroused guards began hurrying forward on a run down the passagewayto rescue their imperilled comrade, yet, before the foremost succeededin laying hands upon me, a newcomer, resplendent in glittering uniform, with an inflamed, almost purple face, leaped madly forth from theopposite side of the mast and began laying about him vigorously with aniron pin, making use meanwhile of a vocabulary of choice Spanishepithets such as I never heard equalled. 

"By the shrine of Saint Gracia!" shouted this new arrival hoarsely, glaring about in the dim light as if half awakened from a bad dream. "What meaneth this aboard my ship? _Caramba_! is this a travellingshow--a place for mountebanks and gypsies? Shut the door, youshrieking gray-back of a monk, or I 'll have you cat-o'-nine-tailed bythe guard, in spite of your robe. Get up, you drunken brute!"

The crestfallen soldier to whom these last affectionate words wereaddressed limped painfully away, and then the justly irate commander ofHis Christian Majesty's flag-ship "Santa Maria" glowered down on mewith an astonishment that for the moment held him dumb. 

"Where did this dirty nigger come from?" he roared at last, applyingone of his heavy sea-boots to me with vehemence. "Who is the villainwho dared bring such cattle on board my ship?"

Gonzales, now thoroughly sobered by the seriousness of the situation, attempted to account for my presence, but before he had fairly begunhis story, the Captain, who by this time was beyond all reason, burstroaring forth again:

"Oh, so you brought him! You did, hey? Well, did n't I tell you tolet no lazy, loafing bumboat-man set foot on board? Do you laugh at myorders, you good-for-nothing scum of the sea? And above all things whydid you ever drag such a creature as this down between decks todisgrace the whole of His Majesty's navy? Get up, you bundle of rags!"

I scrambled to my feet, seeking to shuffle to one side out of hisimmediate sight, but a heavy hand closed instantly on my ragged collarand held me fronting him. For a moment I thought he meant to strikeme, but I appeared such a miserable, dejected specimen of humanity thatthe fierce anger died slowly out of his eyes. 

"Francisco, " he called sternly, "heave this thing overboard, and belively about it! Saints of Mercy! he smells like a butcher-boat in thetropics. "

Hustled, dragged, cuffed, mercilessly kicked, the fellows got me outupon the open deck at last; I caught one fleeting glimpse of the greatmasts, the white, gleaming planks under foot, the horrified, upturned, face of Alphonse in the little boat beneath, and then, with a heave anda curse, over I went, sprawling down from rail to river, as terrified adarky as ever made hasty departure from a man-of-war. 

CHAPTER IV

WE HOLD A COUNCIL OF WAR

The last object I remember seeing was the white face of the Capuchinmonk peering at me over the rail, and my earliest thought as I arose tothe surface, was that as the water had probably cleansed my skin itwould be wise to keep well out of sight from the deck. Fortunately theboat floated close at hand. Laying hasty grasp upon it, but remainingwell immersed in the river, I bade the thoroughly frightened blackpaddle with diligence out of that neighborhood. This was a task he wasnot slow in accomplishing, fear lending strength to trained muscles, and we soon had the good fortune to discover a safe landing-placebeneath the lee of a long molasses shed, where our plight wasunobserved by any one. 

Remaining hidden here myself, feeling reasonably secure from pryingeyes, I despatched Alphonse after dry clothing, meanwhile tramping backand forth across the packed earthen floor to keep chilled blood incirculation, seeking eagerly to evolve out of the confused events ofthe afternoon some programme for future guidance. This task was nolight one. The closer I faced the desperate work remainingunaccomplished the less I enjoyed the outlook, the more improbableappeared success. Getting aboard the "Santa Maria" was now, to mymind, the simplest part of the adventure, but beyond the accomplishmentof that feat I could perceive little to encourage me. What mustnecessarily follow my safe gaining of that guarded deck, during thedark hours of the night, depended so largely upon the occurrence ofhelpful circumstances, any definite plan of action arranged beforehandbecame simply an impossibility. Still, striving to make allowances forthe unexpected, I managed to put together a chain of details, trusting, with the blind faith of a fatalist, that these would somehow fall intoline when the hour came. If they failed, as was likely, I determinedto shift them about in any way possible as each fresh emergency arose. I realized how small a part any preliminary survey holds in such anenterprise as now fronted me, an enterprise to be worked out amiddarkness and grave personal peril, where any bungling act or false movemight overturn everything in an instant; yet it is always well--or atleast so I have found it--to trace some outline of procedure, ratherthan trust wholly to the intuitions of the moment. God's aid seemsusually granted to those doing most for themselves. 

I felt little confidence by the time Alphonse returned, yet my firmdetermination to make the effort had in no way abated. Indeed, hadfailure been an absolute certainty I should have gone forward exactlythe same, for I was bound to it by my pledge to Eloise de Noyan. Ihave reason to suppose dogged determination a part of my nature, butthen something far more compelling than this inherited tendency droveme irresistibly forward to my fate. This is no story of the rescue ofa prisoner of war, but rather of how love impelled an ordinary man tothe accomplishment of deeds which seemed impossible. 

It was evening, already quite dark, it fortunately proving a night ofcloud and threatened storm, when I ventured to steal into the littlecottage on the Rue Dumaine, and found there, even as I had left them, Madame de Noyan and the _père_ awaiting me. How anxious a day she hadbeen compelled to pass since the hour of my departure was plainlyimprinted upon her beautiful face, gently touched by the softened lightfrom a shaded candle near which she rested; nor was the naturally pale, emaciated countenance of her spiritual adviser entirely free fromoutward marks of care impressed upon it by his patient vigil. 

I recall still, a pang tugging at my old heart, with what unspeakablegentleness Eloise came forward, holding forth both white hands ingreeting, while unrestrained tears glistened upon the long lashespartly veiling the eager glow of soft eyes searching my face. Sheuttered never a word of questioning relative to the result of mymission; merely stood there silent, her warm hands in mine, her gazefastened upon me, as if within my eyes she sought to read everythingunasked. Perhaps she did, yet to me it seemed the perfect abandon oftrust, and often since have I thought upon it as illustrative of herunswerving confidence in my honor. 

"I do so thank you, Geoffrey Benteen, " she said in all simplicity, "forthus coming to us once more. "

"I returned the earliest moment possible, Madame, " I replied quietly, although all my heart must have leaped responsive into my eyes, contradicting such coolness of speech. Be that as it may, my sweetmistress never glanced aside, nor drew back her hands from mine. Itwas the gravely observant priest, standing behind within the shadows, whose natural impatience caused him to interrupt our greeting, althoughhe spoke not unkindly. 

"My son, " he said, deep anxiety evident in the tone of his soft speech, "we have remained in solemn prayer ever since the hour of thydeparture, and, while we doubt not our petitions have found favor ofboth Mother and Child, yet the flesh sorroweth, and we yearn greatly toknow all from thine own lips as to the fortunes of this day. Tell us, I beg thee, hast thou discovered aught of comfort or help for thecondemned?"

His words brought me back to earth with sudden rush. Releasing thesoft hands I had been clasping so tightly in momentary forgetfulness, Iled the lady to a seat, even finding another myself before venturingupon reply. 

"I thank you heartily for your prayers, Sir Priest. Often have I heardmy father say the prayer of the righteous availeth much, and although Ibe not of Holy Church--for those to whom I looked in earlier years forguidance were of the dissenting breed--yet I yield respect to all truereligion; and even in the woods, where men grow rough, giving smallthought to the voice of their souls, I have discovered much to tell meof God, and to make me thankful for His mercies. But you ask adifficult question. The day has not been ill spent nor wasted. Thismuch, at least, I may say--I have discovered one weak spot in theSpanish guard-line, and intend to make the best possible use of it. Yet the venture is bound to prove a desperate one, and nothing exceptthe overruling care of Him who guides us all can secure the desiredoutcome. "

He piously crossed himself, his thin lips moving silently above thesilver crucifix resting in his white fingers, but Eloise only leanedmore eagerly forward, her dark eyes anxiously scanning my face. 

"Have you seen my--the Chevalier de Noyan?" she questioned tremblingly. 

"No, Madame, yet I have been aboard the 'Santa Maria, '--though in truth'twas not altogether an enjoyable experience, --and now know preciselywhere the prisoners are confined, even to the room of the Chevalier. If you will listen patiently I will briefly relate the story; then wecan outline together our further plans for the night. Are we alone?"

Both nodded, far too eager to waste time in words, and as rapidly aspossible I described those incidents already narrated. At the closeEloise simply thanked me in silence with an appreciative glance, butthe priest proved more demonstrative. 

"Thou hast, indeed, accomplished much, my son, " he exclaimedimpulsively, clasping and unclasping the slender fingers of his whitehands nervously. "Surely but for our fervent prayers the good Lordwould never have led you amid such imminent and deadly peril. Yet tome the venture appeareth even more hopeless than before. You mademention of plans; shall we not discuss such at once, for the rapidlyspeeding time must greatly press us. The great Apostle once said, inconnection with the work of the Spirit, 'Brethren, the time is short';it seemeth a fit text for us even now. "

"It is too early for action, " I replied thoughtfully. "I require food, and it will be best to delay until a late hour before moving in such ascheme as mine. As to plans--faith, the word was ill-chosen if I usedit, for excepting the mode already outlined for attaining the deck, Ihave none. Yet there are certain matters I require to have arrangedbefore I depart. Madame de Noyan, can you furnish me with a strongboat and two stout oarsmen? They must be men to trust, who will carelittle where they go. "

"It shall be done, " she answered promptly, her eyes brightening. "Alphonse will gladly go, and he can select another from among theslaves. "

"The Chevalier, can he swim if occasion arise?"

"He is perfectly at home in the water. "

"Good; then we need run no extra risk by keeping a boat beside thefrigate. Let it await our coming beneath the darkest shadows of thecotton sheds near the North Gate. Have them place within it my rifleand ammunition, together with whatever weapons of war your husband maybe accustomed to use; see that the boat be well provisioned for a longvoyage, as it will require much travel before we get beyond Spanishreach, and we go not into a region of settlements. Bid the men exhibitno light, nor converse above whispers. My word to them will be'Virginia'; they are to pay heed to no other. You understand all this?"

"It is engraven upon my heart, " she responded gravely. "You need haveno fear. "

"That I think will be all you can do to aid success--nay, wait!instruct them also, if we have not arrived before the dawn to bide nolonger; it will be useless. "

"Oh, say not so, Geoffrey Benteen, " she cried, a sudden sob evidencingthe strain upon her. "Surely the good God will aid us now. "

"It is upon Him I rely, " I responded, not knowing how best to ministerto her deep distress. "We will do all we can, Madame, to win Hisfavor; beyond that nothing remains but to submit to His will. "

She hid her face in her arms upon the table, the light of the candlestreaming almost golden in the heavy masses of her hair. InstinctivelyI rested my hand caressingly upon it. 

"Nay, Madame, this is time for strength, not weakness. Afterwards wemay have opportunity to weep; to-night there is call for action. "

She glanced up with a quick, impulsive gesture, and I saw her eyes weredry of tears. 

"You think me unduly nervous and unstrung, " she said quietly, and Icould detect a touch of indignation in the tone. "It is merely mynature, for the impatient blood of the South has place in my veins, yetwhatsoever a lady of France may do, you can trust me to accomplish, Monsieur. "

Faith! but she had a way with her which ever left me helpless, and nodoubt my face exhibited how abashed I felt at the regal manner in whichshe fronted me. At least I spoke no word, yet the proud look fadedfrom her eyes, and I felt her hand touch mine. 

"Forgive me, Geoffrey, " she whispered softly. "We do not doubt eachother, yet I was over hasty of speech with one who has proven so loyala friend. "

"Nor have I aught to forgive, Madame, or more to say, except that mywords meant no injustice, " I responded. Then to avoid longer facingher I turned to where the watchful Capuchin stood. 

"And now, Sir Priest, I propose being perfectly frank with you, as Ido not believe this a time for mincing of words. I am of Protestantblood; those of my line have ridden at Cromwell's back, and one of myname stood unrepentant at the stake when Laud turned Scotland into aslaughter-house. So 't is safe to say I admire neither your robe noryour Order. Yet the events of this day have gone far toward convincingme that at heart you are a man in spite of the woman's garb you wear. So now, what say you--will you be comrade with me this night?"

At the brutal bluntness of my speech and question--for I fear I tookout upon him those feelings I ventured not to exploit with Madame, recalling how this same difference of faith had come between us twowith its dread shadow--a red flush sprang into the priest's thin, wasted cheeks, and I could see how tightly his hands clinched about thecrucifix at his girdle. 

"As to my Order, it hath little to fear from thy dislike, young man, asthat is born from early prejudice, and lack of proper learning, " hereturned gravely, meeting I my eyes fairly with his own. "Yet, speaking as frankly as yourself, I doubt if I would prove of muchassistance upon a ship's deck; such effort as you propose for thisnight would be wholly foreign to my habit of life. "

"Spoken truly; nor would I make choice of one with muscles so inertfrom disuse were this to be an onset, where men give and take hardblows. I ask you not upon the ship's deck at all, my friend, nor shallI require your company one step farther than the roof of the greatsugar warehouse of Bomanceaux et fils. Still, it will require steadynerve to do even what little I require, and, if you doubt your courage, say so now, and I will seek among the slaves for stouter heart andreadier hand. "

That my words touched his pride I could read instantly in his upliftedface. 

"Nay, thou needest seek no further, " he announced briefly, his thinlips tightly pressed together. "I will go, Monsieur. " I knewinstantly by the bold ring of the words that henceforward I might trusthim to the death. 

"I thought you would. Now a question more, and then I must have food. Can you prepare for my use one of your robes?"

"Easily, Monsieur; Father Cassati left one behind at the chapter-housewhen he went aboard ship, and you do not greatly differ in point ofsize. But is it possible thou proposest to turn priest, and of ourOrder?"

"In outward vesture merely, and that not for long. It would afford megreater liberty of movement on the 'Santa Maria' than my own garb, andmay spare me some unpleasant questioning. Yet, perchance, there may bedanger of my overdoing the priestly character, as well as ofoverestimating the privileges granted the clergy on board. "

He shrugged his shoulders, nettled somewhat by my words and manner. 

"I have indeed reason for gravely distrusting your naturalness in thewearing of a robe dedicated to religion, " he made answer. "But as forthe other matter, there can be little danger of your overstepping themark. Father Cassati is of a somewhat roistering disposition, over-fond of the bottle, in truth, --although it giveth me pain to speakthus of one of my own Order, --and I have been informed, moveth at hisown will about the ship. He is of the sort to be 'hail fellow, wellmet' with those roistering Spaniards, who care little for God or man, as he possesseth few scruples of his own. "

"Bear I sufficient resemblance to pass in his stead?"

"You are not unlike as to height and build; as to face, you are far thebetter featured. With the cowl up it might be reasonably safe in a dimlight. "

"My beauty has always been my undoing, " I ventured, in awakened goodhumor. "Nevertheless I shall be compelled to venture it this time;moreover, I am pleased to learn that things aboard are as you describe, for such a state of affairs may greatly serve our purpose. "

I turned away from him to recross the room and murmur a few words ofbrighter hope into the ear of Eloise, where she sat in white-facedsilence amid the deeper shadows of the portiere. 

CHAPTER V

ON THE DECK OF THE "SANTA MARIA"

The Spanish sentries on the Place d'Armes were calling the hour ofmidnight when the priest and I stole silently past amid the shadows ofoverhanging trees. I find it impossible, even now, after the lapse ofyears, to dwell upon my parting with her who despatched me on sostrange an errand. My reluctant pen halts, while the tears, dimming myold eyes, bid me turn to other scenes. However, under God, the ventureof that night might terminate, I firmly believed I was gazing into herdear face for the last time; yet, honor sealed my lips, holding backunspoken those passionate utterances which burned upon my tongue. Icould merely clasp for one brief moment those hands she gave sounreservedly into my keeping, gaze into the unfathomed depths of herdark eyes, and murmur a few broken words of confidence and farewell. Then, half blinded from emotion, I tore myself away from her belovedpresence, and went forth into night and peril for her dear sake. 

However my heart throbbed with hidden anguish as I stepped forth fromthat fateful house, the nature of the adventure upon which we were nowfairly launched was sufficient to cool my brain, so that long before weskirted the guard-lines drawn around the camp of Spanish artillery, Ihad become once more the cool, resourceful adventurer, as befitted mynature and training. 

"Sentries are stationed only along the open side of the square, Ithink?" I whispered to my companion questioningly, striving vainly topenetrate the intense darkness in our front. 

"True, " he responded in so low a voice I could scarcely catch thewords, a slight falter betraying that the strange conditions preyedupon his unaccustomed nerves. "It was thus they were posted lastnight. "

"Then we will assume the risk of finding clear passage. Keep close, and venture no speech, whatever happens. "

It proved slow work at the best, as it would never do to have a Spanishspy dogging our footsteps. I doubt not it tested good Father Petrenito the uttermost, yet I thought the better of him for the determinedway in which he clung to my heels through the darkness. As for myself, such dodging, twisting, climbing of walls, and skulking amid shadows, merely sufficed to warm the blood, and yielded greater zest for themore serious work to follow. I claim small credit for courage in suchmatters; they have ever been so much a portion of life to me that theirexcitement became scarcely more than a draught of heady wine. He wasthe truly brave man who, without any such incentive as I possessed, left his books and quiet cell that night to follow me abroad. 

At last we ran across the great deserted market-place, and paused, crouching breathlessly in the dense shadows of the huge warehousestanding upon the very brink of the broad river. As we rested thus wecould hear soft lapping of running water along the further wall, whileoccasionally some vagrant puff of air brought to our strained ears thedistant creaking of chains, as the great war-vessels swung by theircables against the swift current. Beyond this the night was intenselystill, black, unfathomable, mysterious. It seemed fairly to weigh downupon us with its noiseless burden of gloom. 

"Are you acquainted with the interior arrangement of this building?" Iasked the priest in some anxiety. 

"I was within it only once, and observed little of its features. I wascalled there in haste to speak words of peace to a sorely injured man. "

"Could you guide to the ladder leading up to the second floor in thedark?"

I thought he gave a gesture of dissent, yet so dense was the night Icould barely note the movement. 

"I am not certain, my son, yet to my remembrance it leadeth up near thecentre upon the river side. The building is doubtless empty of all itscotton at this time of year, and we should be able to feel our wayacross if only once within. How do you purpose gaining entrance?"

"Pah! that is the simplest portion of the whole venture, " I saidconfidently. "I am not likely to overlook such a point. The thirdwindow from here has a loosened shutter; I brought this stick to pry itapart. Then the interior will be ours, unless they keep a watchmanstationed within. "

"Thou needst have small fear of that at this late season, and thebuilding empty. "

We crept cautiously forward, myself in the lead, and feeling blindly inthe darkness for the loosened shutter previously located. At last mygroping hand touched it, and drawing the bottom outward as far aspossible by mere grip of the fingers, I inserted the stout oaken barwithin the aperture, and, after listening intently to detect anypresence close at hand, exerted my strength upon the rude lever. Therefollowed a slight rasping, as if a wire dragged along a nail, --apenetrating shrillness there was to it which sent a tingle to thenerves, --then the heavy shutter swung outward, leaving ample space forthe passage of a man's body. I lifted myself by my hands and peeredcautiously within. Everywhere was impenetrable blackness, while thesilence was so profound as to give a sudden strange throb to my heart. Waiting no longer, I drew myself up on to the narrow ledge; then hungdownward until my groping feet touched the floor. Once safely landed Ileaned forth again, and in another moment the priest stood beside me, the shutter tightly drawn behind us. With a feeling of relief I facedthat black interior. Now, at least, we were beyond chance of discoveryby any prowling Spanish guard, and could advance more freely. 

"Lead on, " I commanded shortly, resting my hand upon his shoulder tomake sure of his presence. "I will keep hold upon your robe, so weshall not part company in the darkness. "

Very slowly we felt uncertain passage across the uneven floor. Itappeared littered with innumerable articles of the box and barrelorder, with here and there a pile of loose lumber, altogether makingsuch a jumble of obstruction that keeping our direction became simplyimpossible in that intense darkness which seemed to fairly swallow us. We did well to proceed at all, and escape creating a racket bystumbling over some of the many unseen obstacles in our path. As tomyself, I became so thoroughly confused by constant turning andclimbing as to grow completely lost, but fortunately the priest kept asomewhat clearer brain, and, after groping blindly for some time, pausing occasionally as though he would smell his way like a dog, managed to put hand at last upon the object of his patient search. 

"'T is here, " he whispered. "Shall I go up?"

"Ay!" I returned hopefully, glad I had restrained the impatience of mytongue. "But try each rung before you venture stepping on it; they mayprove rotten and give way beneath your weight. "

He swung himself up, after carefully tucking in his robe about thewaist, but the ladder creaked so alarmingly beneath his tread I durstnot venture my heavier weight upon it until he had safely reached thetop. Finally the noise of his climbing ceased, and I could hear aboard move high above me. 

"Are you up safe?" I questioned in a low voice. 

"All safe, praise be to God, " came the cautious response; "but thouwilt do well, friend, to exercise grave care, as the way is bad. "

It required brief exploration to convince us that this second storypossessed a strong, firm floor, although there remained some danger ofthere being traps in it for the hoisting of cotton, while the boardsmight not extend over the entire surface. By this time, however, oureyes had grown somewhat accustomed to the intense blackness envelopingus, so the slightest change in the prevailing gloom became quicklyapparent. The air was so fresh and pure, with such a taste of thenight in it, I became convinced there must be an opening somewhereclose at hand, and whispered the suggestion to my companion. He provedkeener of vision than I, for even as we thus spoke he plucked my sleeveand pointed upward. 

"Then surely it will be yonder, " he exclaimed, with more eagerness ofvoice than I had before marked in him. "There is certainly a lightnessto the atmosphere overhead, as if it came from a direct opening to thesky. "

It appeared true even to me, now that he had pointed out the spot. 

"It must be the roof hatch uplifted. Now if we discover a ladderleading thereto I shall accept it as proof that God guideth us thisnight, and feel new courage. "

"Our work is of God, " said the _père_ solemnly, "or I should never behere with you, and engaged upon it. "

"Nor have I ever doubted it, father, " I made haste to answer, creepingcautiously forward across the ill-matched flooring. "Yet you have beena luckier man than I if never you found yourself in the wrong when youbelieved it to be right. "

There was a ladder there spliced with bits of rope, as we discovered, yet proving of sufficient strength to up-bear us one at a time. Thuswe were soon out upon the great flat roof, lying prone at the edge, whither we had crept silently, peering cautiously forth upon the blackriver. That is, we gazed into the silent mystery where we knew theriver must be, yet it was like peering into an impenetrable bank ofcloud. There was something awesome about it, for out yonder, within afew yards of us, swung twenty great vessels of war, manned by thousandsof fighting men, while not a sound reached us, except the slightcreaking of strained cables, or the occasional dash of a wave againstsome obstruction in the stream; nor could anything be seen, if I exceptflitting sparks of light glimmering here and there like lost stars, serving to locate the positions of the various ships in their nightanchorage. 

I felt, rather than saw, the devout priest at my side piously crosshimself, and there was a mumbling of his lips in prayer, but Icontented myself with searching through the gloom for a glimpse of thetowering masts of the "Santa Maria, " which must be close at hand. Theyremained invisible, shrouded behind the mist cloud. For one moment Icursed the intense blackness of the night, losing confidence in ourventure. Yet, even as hope failed me, the dull creaking of a nearbycable sounded farther up stream. Guided by this I crept cautiouslyalong the edge of the roof, aware as I proceeded that Father Petreni, imitating my example, pressed closely behind. 

Near the northern extremity of the long building we came to a halt, and, leaning well over the roof edge, I peered anxiously into theenveloping fog. A deeper density of shadow showed directly in front, which I felt convinced could be caused only by one of those vast sparsaround which canvas had been rolled, as noted that afternoon from theship's deck. Vainly endeavoring to pierce the thick mist, Idistinguished the steady tramping of some one pacing far beneath us. The sound came from farther out in the stream, where I might reasonablysuppose the stern of the vessel to lie. I drew back, and placed mylips close to the priest's ear. 

"Can you distinguish any outline yonder?" I queried eagerly, pointingas I spoke, and feeling fearful lest my eyes had been deceived byfleeting night shadows. 

Resting upon his breast, one hand shading his eyes, he peered long inthe direction indicated before venturing to reply. 

"There is a shade of something yonder, " he admitted at last. "It risesa trifle above us, and almost directly out from this edge. 'T is hardto say of what it consists, yet 'tis of a peculiar shape, causing me tothink of the foreyard of a big ship. "

"Exactly what I name it, " I replied, set at ease by his promptdecision. "How far would you suppose the thing to lie from where weare?"

He studied the barely visible object long and carefully, shading hiseyes again with his hands the better to concentrate his gaze upon thatmisty blot. 

"It is like a jump in the dark, my son, to attempt guessing at sovisionary a thing. At times it seemeth to fade away altogether, yetback it cometh once more into the same spot; from where I lie it mightbe twenty, or it might be forty, feet. "

"Saint Giles! not so bad a guess either. I figured it at thirty thisafternoon from the bank below, nor am I apt to prove far wrong in suchjudgment. Truss up this confounded skirt of mine, while I uncoil therope for a toss. "

He opened his eyes wide in amazement. 

"Do you hope to cast the loop over the end of the spar?"

"Ay, that offers the only opening to get aboard unobserved, " I replied, loosening as I spoke the slender rope coil from about my waist. "Norwould it be any trick if the light were a trifle better. As it is, Imay miss a throw or two in getting firm hold. It would prove riskybusiness attempting to pass across a line insecure at one end. Liedown now, _père_, and keep as quiet as if you were dead. "

In instant obedience to my words the priest stretched himself at fulllength behind the low wooden gutter. Rising cautiously to my feet, Ipassed the cord with utmost care through my fingers, testing itsstrands again, making certain it remained perfectly free for the toss. For a moment I stood thus, swaying forward at the very edge of theroof, my eyes measuring again and again the hazy, uncertain distancestretching away toward that slight undulating shadow. It waspractically impossible to determine where the extreme end of the sparterminated in air, yet as nearly as possible I made selection for mypoint of aim, and, with three noiseless circles about my head to giveit impetus, shot the rope forth into the dense gloom. I heard theopening noose strike something which rattled sharply in the intensesilence. Then the line slipped, hung limp, and finally fell danglingdown over the edge of the roof. It had failed to catch, and I crouchedlow, making no effort to draw the loose end back. With the first soundof the blow against the spar the steady tramping across the deckceased. A moment, and a gruff voice hailed in vigorous Spanish fromout the darkness:

"Aloft there! Who is on the foreyard?"

For a brief space there came no answer, although we were made aware ofother movements more directly below us. Then some one answered:

"The watch are all here on the forecastle, Señor. It must have been aloose block that rattled. "

"Two of you jump into the foretop, and make all fast. "

The steady tramping was resumed, while a moment later we became awareof the approach of men climbing through the darkness toward us. Wewere unable to perceive their shadows, yet their muttered conversation, as they lay out upon the yard, served to fix its actual position moreclearly in my mind. I believed I knew where I had so grievouslyovershot the mark. 

"_Boca del Dragon_!" grumbled one of the fellows hoarsely, seemingly inour very ears. "The Captain is as nervous over those cursedfrog-eaters down between decks as if we were anchored off Paree. "

"Think you that is the trouble, José?" returned the other in thesprightly voice of a younger man. "I tell thee, comrade, 'tis onlythat bloody demon of an O'Reilly he is fearful of. I have sailed withthe 'old man' in many seas since first I left Sargon, and never expectto see him affrighted of any Johnny Frenchman. But I heard the Admiralsay two days agone, as I hung over his boat in the main chains, that ifthe Captain lost so much as a single prisoner it should cost him hisship. That, I make it, comrade, is why he has n't taken so much as aglass of wine since first they were put aboard of us. _Bastante_! buthe must have acquired a thirst by this time to make his temper red-hot. "

The other laughed sourly. 

"Poh! I know even a better reason for his going dry than that, Juan. He does n't have chance for a drink alongside of that gray-belliedFrench priest below. _Caramba_! it takes him to polish off the redliquor. "

"How know you that?"

"Saint Christopher! how know I? Did I not just meet him at the mainhatch so drunk he fell over the coamings. The sojer on guard set himup against the butt of the foremast to sober off in the night air. "

I experienced difficulty in repressing a laugh at the words, but thetwo fellows were going down by this time, grumbling in their beardsbecause they had discovered nothing wrong as reward for their tripaloft, so I contented myself by silently pressing my companion's arm, although doubtless he had comprehended no word of the conversation. 

We rested there motionless, with no attempt at speech, for fully twentyminutes before I ventured to haul in the line which dangled downwardfrom my hand. Everything remained quiet below, and, coiling itcarefully over my arm, I noiselessly arose to my feet once more, poising myself to essay a second cast. As straight this time as anarrow from the taut string of a bow the noose sped silently away intothe darkness. I felt a thrill of delight tingle through me as the endsettled softly over the end of the vague, distant spar. I drew thecord taut and firm, not a sound breaking the intense stillness closingus in like a wall. A heavy wooden post, with a pulley attachment, stood behind where we rested, probably fitted there for hauling upheavy bales of cotton. Creeping back, I wound the slack of the ropeabout its base, drawing it as tight as possible, and then placed theend in the hands of the observant and wondering priest, who continuedto creep after me like a shadow. 

"Now all I expect of you is to hold hard on this rope until I getacross on to the spar, " I whispered. "When I give three distinct jerkson the cord, then let loose of your end; but drop it slowly, mind you, _père_, so I can draw it in without noise. You had better creep to theedge of the roof with it before you release your hold. Do youunderstand?"

He nodded silently, his eyes gazing unwaveringly into mine. I heldforth my hand to him, moved by the sudden impulse of such a movement. As he gave me his own in response it felt as cold as ice, yet I markedhis grip was strong. 

"As soon as I coil in the rope you had better creep down and go home, "I explained, speaking slowly, for somehow I felt it strangely hard topart with this last tie between the present and the uncertain future. "You can be no further use to me; Madame will be anxious to hear yourreport, while it might prove exceedingly awkward for one of your clothto be trapped here after this night's work is discovered by the Dons. So now good-bye; you are a man of nerve, even if you are a priest, andI am glad to have been comrade with you. "

I heard him answer something as I slowly crept down to the edge, testing again the feel of the rope before venturing to swing off uponit. I was not unaccustomed to those adventures incident to rough lifeon the frontier; my nerves were not easily jarred by strangeexperiences, yet I hold it no pleasant sensation to swing out on athirty-foot line at that height, amid utter darkness, especially whenyou feel uncertain as to its secure fastening at the farther end. Moreover, the priest's robe hampered my movements sadly, while, beingno light-weight, the strands of the small cord cut my hands. I durstnot hurry, but took the passage inch by inch, gritting my teeth as Ihung suspended above the abyss, lest I might emit a cry. In truth Ithought my arms would pull out of the sockets before I finally camealongside the spar. Yet, thanks be to God, the rope held nobly, thoughit required every pound of remaining strength to haul my dangling bodyup, that I could rest across the wood before I felt after the standingrope beneath. I clung there weak as a child, trembling like afrightened woman, the cold perspiration standing in drops upon my face. 

I have been in far happier situations than that--lying bent nearlydouble across the yard of an enemy's ship on a black night, but at themoment, so sincerely rejoiced was I to be off that sagging rope, I feltlike humming a tune. Yet I contented myself with sliding along thesmooth spar until I discovered a firm strand of rope beneath my feet, ventured then to stand upright, and clung for support to the cloth ofthe sail. At last I gave our signal, and, as the line slackened to myhand, drew it cautiously in, coiling it as it came, until all was onceagain in my possession. Waiting a moment, to give the _père_opportunity to begin his retreat, I undid the noose yet wound about thesmall end of the spar, and, with much care, feeling my uncertain waythrough the darkness, worked myself slowly along, inward bound towardthe mast. Finally, close beside it I again made fast the end of mycord, lowering it, paying out the long coil inch by inch, until I feltconvinced from its limpness it must extend to the deck. 

I acknowledge it was several minutes before I mustered sufficientcourage to slip down into that intense blackness. It was not so muchfear of men which deterred me, but the oppressive silence, the mysteryof what awaited me below, rested heavily upon the nerves, binding me tothe spar, intently gazing and listening for either sight or sound. Itwas recollection of that last, trustful look within the dark eyes ofEloise which finally aroused me to action. Muttering an imprecationupon my faint-heartedness, I instantly swung off on to the danglingrope, slipping silently downward through the shadows to meet whatsoeverfate might lurk below. 

It was a confused tangle of ropes I was compelled to traverse, yet nonegreatly interfered with my progress, except to render it slower, andthe consequent strain harder upon the arms. The huge foremast, closeagainst which I swung, grew bulkier as I descended. Suddenly my feettouched the solid deck. I discovered myself between the foremast andthe rail, so dropping upon hands and knees I crept silently around, hoping thus to gain clearer view forward. As I circled the vast buttof the mast I came suddenly face to face with the friar, sitting uponthe deck and blinking at me with drunken gravity. 

CHAPTER VI

THE ROLE OF PÈRE CASSATI

I have no knowledge as to what the surprised priest thought regardingthe astounding apparition thus bursting upon him. Perchance he mistookme for the ghost of some ancient Father Superior visiting him inwarning of his sins. However, I permitted him small space for anyreflection. I have ever been swift in action; was awake then with theexcitement of my venture, and little accustomed to hesitancy at such atime. Moreover, I despised the fellow, and was not loath to be theinstrument of punishment to him, and I never struck any man a deadlierblow with the bare fist than that I put in just back of his ear. Myposture was not the best for such exercise; nevertheless it permittedme to do the work, and he went over without word or groan, even as Ihave seen a buck fall to the rifle when the ball sang straight to theheart. 

Indeed, so limp did he drop upon his side, with not a sigh to relievethe sickening impression, I feared at first I had killed him--for it isa wicked blow, such as has caused death more than once. I wasreassured, however, by listening intently at his heart, and, notknowing how soon he might revive in the cool night air, tookprecautions to keep him dumb before venturing to leave him huddledagainst the butt of the great mast, and proceed forth on my own mission. 

To lower the long gray skirt of my monk's robe until it touched thedeck planks, loosening as I did so the hunting knife securely hiddenwithin my waist-belt, and to draw up the coarse, ample hood, thusbetter to conceal my features, after the same manner I was pleased tonote Cassati wore his, were my first duties. The way of procedure hadbeen made clear; fate had seemingly solved that problem. My soleprospect of attaining the guarded space between decks, of reaching thecell of the man I sought, lay in careful impersonation of the drunkenFrench priest, now lying insensible at my feet. Nor in this imposturedid I anticipate serious difficulty. Everything thus far had developedso favorably I became hopeful of the outcome--the inspiration ofsuccess brought with it renewed courage and confidence. The excitingincidents of the night had awakened me to the humor of the venture, andI smiled grimly at the rare conceit of the contemplated masquerade. Nor did it promise an especially difficult part to play. We were ofsimilar size, broad-shouldered, stocky men, with smoothly shaven faces, the difference therein hardly likely to be observed by careless eyes, beneath dimly burning lights. I knew enough regarding hispeculiarities of voice and manner to imitate both fairly well, so onlyan accident, or some careless slip of the tongue, would be apt toreveal the fraud. In short, I was armed with audacity, doubting littlethat I should safely pass the guards. Anyway, there was nothing elsefor it; 'twas a moment when one must cast timidity to the winds. 

Yet I found it difficult to essay the first step in so desperate anenterprise. For several moments I waited, hanging back within theshadow of the mast, gathering my wits together for the chances of theplay, while endeavoring to pick out details of the situation alongthose silent, gloomy decks. Owing to the mass of over-hanging cordageand the high wooden bulwarks on either side, the night appeared evendarker than when I was above, perched on the dizzy yard. Occasionallysome deeper shadow, or the noise of voice or footfall, made apparent tome the life on board. Toward the stern that steady tramping back andforth of the officer on watch continued uninterrupted, as he pacedsteadily from rail to rail. I could even distinguish the dim outlinesof his lower limbs as he passed and repassed before the single gleamingpoint of light on board. I was also assured as to a group of seamenforward, hard against a steeper rise of the deck; once I heard theofficer aft call out some unintelligible order, when one of the groupdetached himself from among those others and passed along the oppositeside of the mast from where I lay, yet so close I could have touchedhim with extended hand. I felt convinced a sentinel stood beside thehatch, and imagined I could distinguish the faint outlines of anotherfarther back, near the rail. Trusting to avoid interference from thislatter soldier, --for I sought no risk of accident which might beescaped, --I crept around upon the opposite side of the deck from whereI had been crouching so long. Getting my new bearings as well aspossible amid such confusing darkness, I finally set my teeth to it, rose, and bore directly down upon the hatchway, lurching somewhatheavily and unsteadily upon my feet. 

Whatever vestige of doubt lingered as to the nature of my reception onboard the "Santa Maria" was quickly out to rest. In return there cameto me, from that first experience, a measure of confidence in myassumed character that enabled me to impersonate my drunken priestlypredecessor with a degree of cool perfection that surprised myself. Faith, 't is always so; life is like the teetering-board of children, ever up or down. Evidently the father in his night migrations hadpassed that way before, as the sentry--he appeared a burly fellow inthe gloom, --after making certain as to the identity of his unsteadyvisitor, asked no unpleasant questions, merely contenting himself withgruff, good-natured warning to the _padre_ to be more careful this timeand not fall down the ladder. 

"Holy saints!" he added soothingly, "your worship's head must beringing yet with the blow it got. "

To this uncharitable remark I maintained dignified silence, and, flinging my somewhat uncertain limbs over the coamings, went scramblingdown, leaving him to his solitary meditations. 

There was no light burning in the big square room below, merely a faintyellow reflection stealing forth from that passageway leading aft. Forthis blessing of Providence I was profoundly thankful. A goodhalf-dozen of the night guard, wearing similar uniform with those I hadmet on duty during the afternoon, were idly lounging about the butt ofthe mainmast, evidently awaiting turn on sentry post, and ready enoughto welcome any diversion chancing their way which would help to breakthe dull tedium of the night. I observed likewise, as I made a drunkenpause at the foot of the ladder in an apparently vain endeavor tosteady myself, that these roisterers of the night-watch were a set ofjolly dogs, and had been opening numerous bottles of red wine withwhich to pass lagging hours more pleasantly. They were already in thatgay, thoughtless spirit of badinage which comes of fair allowance. Good humor had laid careless hand on duty, until, the stern restraintof discipline noticeably relaxing, good fellowship had become king. Their officer lay outstretched at full length upon three camp stools, afellow long of limb, with face as dark as a Moor. He made no effort toarise from his undignified position, yet hailed me as though I had beena boon companion of his revel. 

"Ha!" he exclaimed gleefully, tapping as he spoke an empty glassagainst the deck. "Comrades, 't is as I prophesied; we are not longrobbed of the Church. See, the most reverend Father hath alreadyreturned unto his own. Truly art thou welcome, _padre_, for I fear thyflock were about to go astray without a shepherd. Ho, Alva! seest thounot the coming of thine own liege lord? or art thou already so blindedby good liquor thou would'st dare neglect the very Pope himself, did hehonor us with his company? Alva, I say, you roistering hound, youdrunken blade, bring hither a stool for the worthy confessor! Faith!doth he not bear the sins of us all, and must he not be greatly awearywith so vast a load. Saint Theresa! 't is fortunate there is yet abottle left uncracked for the good _padre_!" I gathered the heavy hoodcloser about my face, so as better to muffle voice as well as concealfeatures; made an apparent effort to stand firm, but with such poorsuccess I noticed the grins expand on the faces watching me. 

"Peace, my son, " I hiccoughed, with an assumption of drunken gravity, uplifting my disengaged arm as if in priestly benediction of theimpious crew. "Tempt me not to turn aside from the solemn path of dutyby offerings of that foul fiend which doth so corrupt and despoil men. Know you, I am now on my way to perform the sweet offices of our mostholy religion, and need greatly to permit my mind to dwell in peaceupon more soulful things than that which lieth in the wine pot. Youare mere beasts of the field, sons of Belial, children of wrath, everyone of you, doomed to death, even as it is written, 'He that taketh thesword shall perish by the sword. ' Laugh, will you, you drunken scum ofthe sea!" I shouted, glaring about savagely on the grimacing faces. "'T is truth out of Holy Writ I speak, but I waste the precious word insuch company--'t is casting pearls before swine--for there be none herewho comprehend the things of the Spirit. "

"The spirit say you, _padre_?" interrupted the officer, evidently inrare good humor. "_Bastinade_! thou doest wrong to all this worshipfulcompany by so grievous a slur. The spirit we know right well, althoughI confess thou art ever a full bottle in advance of the most of us. "

I cast upon him a withering glance of scorn as rebuke to his unseemlylevity, venturing to lurch a step nearer. 

"Hush such vain and impious speech, thou man of war, " I commandedthickly, indignation apparent even through my drunkenness. "Thoumakest mock of the sacred teachings of Holy Church, and art fromhenceforth accursed by virtue of my office. I pause here, holdingconverse no longer with such mocking tongue, nor linger in presence ofthis blasphemous crew. There resteth upon me the eternal destiny of ahuman, unshriven soul, and I bid thee permit my passage; 't is thefinal night of earth for some upon this ship, and I have until nowneglected to perform my priestly duty with one of the condemned. 'T isupon this holy mission I would pass thee now. "

"I truly think, _padre_, " exclaimed one of the group, with a carelesslaugh, "if you had another drink of red wine beneath your cassock youcould never tell a prayer from a song; so for the sake of those poordevils yonder we ought to pass you this time without demanding toll. "

"To whom do you go at such unseemly hour with ghostly consolations?"inquired the Commandant, negligently rolling a cigarette between hislong fingers, and resting back his head in supreme content. 

"I give absolution unto De Noyan. " In spite of my utmost endeavors myvoice trembled mentioning the name. I watched the fellow's facenarrowly, yet read nothing save reckless indifference. 

"Ah! the gay Chevalier. Faith, I doubt not he hath grave need of theeand thy paternosters ere he find peace. Yet surely, _padre_, 'twaswith him you were this very afternoon, while I was on guard before. Imarvel greatly he should care for your company so much. Saints, heseems scarcely of the kidney to take kindly to so many prayers. "

I felt a chill sweep across me even at this slight check. Had I daredtoo much? Had I ventured too far? I knew not, yet spoke my next wordsboldly, realizing that any retreat now would be impossible. 

"Thou knowest little of men at such a moment; even careless heartslearn fear of God as they face the end. Holy Mother! but 't would evenpale your black face, and put a stopper on that ribald tongue, weregrim Death stalking at your very heels. You may smile now, makingreckless mock of the sacraments, but that hour will come when you willbe as a child at the knee of Mother Church. Ay, I was with theChevalier to-day; 'twas the coming of that negro huckster which took mefrom his side before, and I seek now to complete the gracious workwhich then had well begun. Surely thou wilt not stand between a dyingman and his last confession!"

"Nay; not I. Let the poor devil have his chance, as may the good Lordgrant me mine. But, _padre_, I have only just returned from my lastround among the prisoners, and am greatly wearied, nor will I journeythat way again with you. In truth, 'tis all I can well do to guide myown footsteps, without helping along a priest of thy weight. So here, _padre_, take the key, and, mind ye, have it safely back in my handsbefore the ship's bell soundeth the half hour. "

Hastily snatching the bit of iron he flung rattling on the deck at myfeet, I paused merely long enough to favor the company with partingadmonition on their probable future. Then, glad enough to be thuseasily rid of them, I lurched heavily forward into the narrowpassageway. Some coarse joke launched at my expense attracted theattention of those behindhand speeded me onward. 

My heart throbbed in anxious anticipation of what unknown trial was athand. Such rare fortune as had thus far attended my efforts, seemedtoo remarkable to endure; nor was it impossible that, through someunforeseen mischance, the cup of success might yet be stricken from myvery lips. So far at least I had made no mistake; evidently this PèreCassati was "hail fellow, well met" among these riotous guards aboardthe "Santa Maria, " and I had played the part to their complete undoing. But now I was facing a new experience, and stiffened myself to meet itboldly, uncertain still what trick fate might have in store. 

The sentinel, whom I discovered facing forward, hardly more than twopaces from that door having the figures "18" painted upon it, quicklylowered his gun as I lurched unsteadily into sight. Greatly to myrelief, as soon as he obtained distinct view of his unexpected visitor, he returned the piece carelessly to his shoulder, and leaned back, hiselbow against the arm-rack. He was a good-natured-looking fellow, withround, boyish face, upon which streamed the full glare of aswinging-lamp suspended from a chain fastened to an upper beam. Hisunsuspicious appearance served greatly to reassure me. 

"I give thee peace of Holy Church, my son, " I muttered solemnly, leaning heavily against the jamb of the door, uplifting my hand inbenediction. "May the presence of the Mother and Child guard thee intime of battle. "

The face of the young soldier grew sober, and he withdrew one hand fromits grasp on the shining musket piously to make the sign of the cross. 

"I thank thee, _padre_, for thy blessing, " he returned gratefully. "Itwill be in accord with the prayers of those I left at home in Spain. "

Whether or not guards on duty in the corridor had orders to pass thefather unquestioned, this lad, at least, made no effort to prevent myinserting the great iron key within the lock of the door. Doubtless mypossession of it was accepted as evidence of my right to its use;anyway he remained there in that same careless posture, a pleased smileon his face, watching me curiously. The heavy nail-studded door swungnoiselessly ajar; with single questioning glance backward at themotionless sentry, I stepped within, closed it behind me, and stood, myheart throbbing fiercely, face to face with her husband--the man towhom had been given the woman I loved, --Chevalier Charles de Noyan, condemned to die at sunrise. 

CHAPTER VII

THE CHEVALIER DE NOYAN

It seems strange any man should deliberately venture life for one hehad never seen; one whom, moreover, he hated with an intensity ofpassion seldom experienced between man and man. I have not been ofrevengeful disposition, nor often indulged in grave personal dislike, yet it would be wrong in this simple narrative for me to attemptconcealment of my own impulses. So it is impossible to deny that, fromthe first moment when she called Charles de Noyan husband, I felttoward him a degree of animosity deeper than I had before supposed itpossible for me to entertain relative to any human being. It wasbitter memory of the past, a belief that I had once won the heart ofthis fair girl, only to be balked of reward by spectral hands ofreligion, which swayed me thus strongly. To my thought this strangerwas one who had purchased, from priests at the altar, what was mine bydivine decree; what would remain mine forever from the mandate of loveunchangeable, eternally sealed by higher power than any priestly ritual. 

Yet I had already passed through a day and night of intense excitement, of grave peril, endeavoring to preserve the life of this man whom Iwould more gladly see die than any one I ever knew. I stood now in theopen jaws of my own destruction, where the slightest false movement, orill-judged word, upon his part or my own, must mean betrayal; where anawakening of suspicion in the simple mind of the sentry without, or ofhis captain in the corridor; the return to consciousness, or chancediscovery, of the bound priest upon the upper deck, would ruin everyhope, sentencing me to a fate no less speedy or certain than that whichnow awaited him I sought to serve. All this had I risked that I mightaid in the escape of the one and only man in all the wide world whostood between me and the woman I loved. 

It was an odd position, a heartless caprice of fate. I felt the fullmeasure of its strangeness, yet the thought never occurred to me ofshrinking back from duty, nor slightest dream of realizing a personalvictory through any act of baseness. I was not there for his sake, ormy own, but to redeem my pledged word to her whose slightest wish waslaw, whose pleading face forever rose before me. Nevertheless, as Istood fronting him for the first time, there was little except bitterhatred in my heart--hatred which, no doubt, burned for the instantwithin my eyes, --but a hatred which never returned, to curse my memory, from that day unto this. I may have found much to test my patience, much to dislike about him in those weary weeks which followed, much ofweakness and of fickle spirit, but naught ever gave birth anew to thedeep resentment I buried there. 

The room in which I found myself was long and narrow, dimly lighted byan oil lamp screwed fast into a blackened beam overhead. Along oneside was the bare wall, unrelieved in its plain planking except for asmall cracked mirror and a highly colored picture of the Virgin in arude frame. Opposite, two berths were arranged one above the other, both partially concealed by a dingy red curtain extending from ceilingto floor. The only other furniture I noted in my hasty surveyconsisted of a rough stool chair, and a huge iron-bound, woodensea-chest, the last so bulky as almost completely to block the narrowspace between the lower berth and the opposite wall. Seated upon thestool, which was tilted back upon two legs, his shoulders restingcomfortably on a pillow pressed against the wall, his long limbsextended in posture of supreme contentment and laziness, upon thechest, was the man of my desperate search, the gallant soldier ofFrance, the leader of rebellion, condemned to die before the rifleswithin four short hours. 

I have never greatly feared death, have witnessed it often and in manyhideous forms, yet always believed it would test my nerves to theuttermost to face it as a certainty under guard of enemies. Yet herewas one, young in years, strong of limb, vigorous of hope, with all thejoy of life just opening before him; a man of wealth, of fashion, andof ease, who was seemingly awaiting the inevitable hour of his doomwith as calm indifference as if it meant no more than the pleasantsummons to a Creole ball. With one glance I made a mental picture ofhim--a young, high-bred face, marred somewhat by dissipation and latehours, yet beneath that dim light appearing almost boyishly fresh, andbearing upon its every feature the plain impress of reckless humor, andindolent content. It was the face of a youth rather than a man; of onemore accustomed to looking upon gay companions at the club than on thehorrors of a battlefield; one who could justly be expected to boast offair conquests, yet who might prove somewhat slow at drawing sword tofront a warrior of mettle, unless his blood were heated with wine. 

Such were my first impressions, until I noted a certain manlinessimparted thereto by the heavy moustaches adorning the upper lip, almostyellow in color, curled sharply upward, so heavily waxed at the ends asnearly to reach the ears, or rather to lose themselves amid theluxuriant growth of hair. This latter, of the same unusual tinge, swept low over the shoulders, and was trimmed squarely across theforehead according to a fashion then prevalent among young Frenchcavaliers. His dress was not a uniform, but that of the latest mode inthe province, somewhat exaggerated, I thought, as to length of thebronze shoes and glaring color of the waistcoat. All these details Inoted, as he turned somewhat indolently in my direction, calmlyflipping the ash from off a cigarette, and permitting a spiral of thinblue smoke to curl slowly upward from his lips into the air. 

"So it is you, you miserable, drunken reprobate!" he exclaimed, a touchof temper tingling in a voice I felt must naturally be soft and low. "Have you dared come back to pester me with your abominableconsolations? Sacre! did I not bid you this afternoon to let me alone?I care nothing for your tipsy paternosters. Faith, man, it will bepleasanter to face that firing squad to-morrow than your drunkenprayers to-night. Come, get out of the room before I lay unregeneratehands upon your shaven poll. I am but giving you fair warning, priest, for I am quick of blow when my blood is heated, nor care I greatly forthe curses of Mother Church. "

I stepped quickly forward, coming as directly before him as the greatsea-chest would permit, fearful lest his loud words might bedistinguishable beyond the closed door. Then, with silent gesture ofwarning, I flung aside the heavy cowl which had concealed my features. 

"You, I presume, are Charles de Noyan, " I said gravely. "I am notFather Cassati, nor drunken priest of any Order of Holy Church. "

The prisoner was thoroughly astounded. This I could perceive by thesudden gleam leaping into his eyes, but that he retained marvellouscontrol over every muscle was abundantly proven by the fact that nochange of attitude, or of voice, gave slightest evidence of emotion. 

"Well, Mother of God preserve me!" he exclaimed, with a short, recklesslaugh. "'Tis some small comfort to know even that much. Yet may Ipolitely inquire who the devil you are, to invade thus coolly thebedchamber of a gentleman, without so much as asking leave, at thisunholy hour of the morning? _Pardieu_, man, are you aware that this isthe last night on earth I have?"

He was staring at me through blue rings of tobacco smoke, very much asone might observe some peculiar animal seen for the first time. 

"Had it been otherwise you might rest assured I should never havetroubled you, " I replied, some constraint in my voice, his boyishbravado of speech rasping harshly upon my nerves. "But time presses, Chevalier; there remains small space for useless exchange ofcompliment, nor does indifference appear becoming to those in suchgrave peril as you and I. "

"_Sacre_! are you also one of us? Surely, I have no recollection ofyour face. "

"I am one in so far as I now face the same fate at the hands of theSpaniards, although, it is true, I had no part in your uprising. I amnot of your race. "

He laughed easily, passing one slender, white hand carelessly throughhis long hair. 

"Pah! you scarcely need tell me that, for the taste of the Frenchtongue seems ill-suited to your lips. Yet I would have you speak outmore plainly! I play not easily into the hands of strangers. "

"Why not? You could hardly be worse off than you are now. "

"_Pardieu_! you are not so far wrong in your philosophy, friend. StillI stick to my text, and if you care to hold further speech with me itwill be well to declare yourself. I have ever been a bit careful as tomy associates. "

"It makes small odds, Chevalier, who I am; nor will it greatly aid youto learn my name, which is plain Geoffrey Benteen, without even ahandle of any kind to it, nor repute, save that of an honest hunteralong the upper river. I say who I am makes small odds, for I come notwith application for membership into your social circle, nor with cardof introduction from some mutual friend. "

His expressive eyebrows uplifted in surprise. 

"Then, Monsieur, pray relieve my natural curiosity, and tell me why Iam thus honored by your presence?"

"To aid your escape from this hole, God willing. That is, provided yourouse up from lethargy, and bear your part as becomes a man. "

I spoke with heat, for his indifference irritated me; yet I failed tonote that my words made the slightest impression on him, for I didmerely mark a slight shrugging of the shoulders, while he crossed hislegs more comfortably, rolling some fresh tobacco, before he tooktrouble to reply. 

"You are evidently of a choleric temper, friend Benteen. GreatHeavens, what names have you English!" he exclaimed. "And you needgreatly to practise better control over yourself, as such weakness isapt to lead one into just such scrapes as this of ours. _Sacre_! ithath been my failing also, otherwise would I now be a fat Major of theLine instead of a poor devil condemned to the volley, for no worsecrime than an over-hot head. But seriously, Monsieur, and I am trulyof a most grave disposition, it is not so easy to accomplish that whichyou propose with so glib a tongue. Imagine you I have lain here, undertender Spanish care, all these weeks, where, as I do most solemnlyaffirm, not so much as a glass of decent wine has found way down mythroat, nor have I possessed a bit of pomade for the proper arrangementof my locks--which will account for their present dishevelment--SaintCecilia! but that moon-faced Moor who commands the guard merely laughedat me when I did request a comb;--think you, I say, I have been throughall this without calculating chances for escape? But, _pardieu_! whatuse? A man of sense will not dream such fool dreams. This I know, there are three sentries yonder in the passageway, a good dozen moreunder arms in the guard-room beyond, with still others vigilantlypacing the deck above. What use, I say, for did not poor Villere tryit, and, before he had covered twenty feet, had three bullets in hisbrain? Nay, Master Benteen, to endeavor running such a gantlet wouldonly give me my fill of Spanish lead before the hour set, which, theytell me, comes with the sunrise. "

He arose languidly to his feet, paused a moment in front of the crackedmirror to recurl his long moustaches, and then, turning about, extendeda white hand toward me, smiling pleasantly as he did so. 

"Faith, I fear I shall not look my best when it is all over, but if soit will be the fault of the Dons--they seem most careless as torequirements of the toilet. Yet I would not have you deem meungrateful, and I thank you heartily, Monsieur. But if it be my turnto die, and I doubt it not, --for who ever heard of mercy in the blackheart of a Spaniard?--then it is best I front it as becomes a gentlemanof France, not with a bullet in my back, as though I fled from fatewith the faint heart of a coward. Nay, good friend, if death is to bemy portion, I prefer meeting it with a smile, and thus prove, at theending, worthy of my race. "

There was a certain dignified manliness in his speech and manner whichfor the moment caused me to doubt my earlier reading of his character. There might be steel beneath the velvet glove of this fair courtier. 

"Do you mean you deliberately choose to remain here, rather than acceptthe chance I offer you?"

"Sacre! I have as yet heard of no chance, " he replied easily, sinkingindolently back into his old seat against the wall. "I shall be fairlycomfortable here for the while, though I must say I have used a bettergrade of tobacco than this furnished me. "

For the moment I was in despair as to the outcome of my mission, nordid I accept the proffered hand of the prisoner. Here was a totallydifferent order of man from what had ever come my way before, nor did Iknow how best to meet him. How much of his vain and reckless speechcame from the heart, and how much of it was merely a mask with which totest my purpose, I could not determine, yet I remained resoluteregarding my own duty, and accordingly sat coolly down upon the chest, determined to play out his own game with him to the bitter end. 

"Quite true, Chevalier, " I said, smiling pleasantly, as if I enteredfully into his reckless spirit. "Doubtless you are right--needs mustwhen the devil drives. Could you spare me a morsel of that sametobacco, until I test the quality of which you complain?" I produced apipe from the recesses of my monk's habit, knocking the ashes outcarelessly against the chest. 

He passed over his pouch in silence. 

"When one resteth between His Satanic Majesty and the deep sea it makessmall odds at the best which direction he turns. It becomes merely amatter of taste. Death, " I continued musingly as I deliberately rammedhome a charge into the bowl, "must be about the same to one man as toanother, except for matter of temperament; so if you can afford to sithere and welcome its coming, so can I. "

"Do you mean you are sufficiently crazy to remain deliberately and diewith me?"

"Certainly. I pledged your devoted wife I would rescue you, or neverreturn alive myself. As you stubbornly refuse to listen to reason, this seems to be all that is left me. Opinions might differ as towhich was crazed, but as to that we will probably neither of us everknow. May I trouble you for a light?"

I leaned forward, coolly helping myself to the burning cigarette heheld forth doubtingly between his fingers, and, puffing vigorously, silently resumed my seat. 

"My wife, say you?" A fresh interest appeared to sweep over him at theword, overcoming his indifference. "Did Eloise de Noyan send you hereseeking to succor me?"

"It was at her request I came; at her wish I stay, " I answered firmly. 

"You knew her?"

"Several years since, when she was scarcely more than a girl; yet sheretained sufficient faith to call upon me in extremity. "

He sat staring at me as if he would like to question further. 

"The Lord love us, you are a cool fish, " he finally exclaimed, bringinghis hand down upon his knee, and speaking with fresh animation in hissoft voice. "What is more, I rather like you. So Eloise really wishesme to desert the Dons? Queer choice that, for she would make a lovelywidow. Oh, well, what's the odds? 'Tis only the question of a ball inthe back to-night, or a ball in the front to-morrow. If you chance tohave a tuck ready for my hand, friend, I 'll try a dash at the deckjust for the sport of it. "

I shook my head emphatically. 

"We will attempt passage without flashing of weapons, or not at all. Igrant a quick stroke might win us the open, yet would only serve torouse the ship; neither of us would ever lift head above the riversurface without a bullet in the brain. "

"It is the only way fit for a gentleman. "

"Confound your gentlemen!" I cried, now thoroughly aroused at thisill-chosen trifling with time. "Either you do as I bid you, or else wesettle down without any more ado, to wait the file to-morrow. Howoften does the Commandant look in?"

"On the stroke of the ship's bell. "

"Then, Monsieur, the sooner you arrive at some decision the better. Ifindifference is your game, I play it out with you to the end. " As Ispoke I leaned carelessly back against the lower bunk, puffing away atmy pipe to get it fairly alight once more. 

I could note from the corner of my eye he was watching me closely, andwith no slight degree of aroused interest, but I would have restedthere without further speech until the guard came, had he not firstbroken silence. 

"And she sent you?"

"So I said. "

"To me, not Lafrénière, her father?"

"There was a possible chance to save one, not two. "

"_Sacre_! yes, I understand that; yet it doth puzzle me why she shouldhave chosen as she did. Know you just why it was De Noyan instead ofLafrénière?"

"Madame selected me for action, not advice, " I answered shortly, nowthoroughly tired of his questioning. "Lafrénière, I understood, positively refused opportunity to escape, from scruples of conscience. Besides, the father must be near the end of his days, while you wereyet young, with long life before you. No doubt this also had weightwith her decision. As for myself I sincerely wish it might have beensome other, so I could have brought my aid to a man of sense. "

He rose up, shrugging his shoulders. 

"You are not especially choice in speech, yet your purpose harmonizessomewhat with my present humor. I will risk the effort; so now tell meyour plan?"

I permitted no sign of pleasure at his decision to appear in my face. 

"I did intend dressing you in this cassock so you might play priest, and slip safely past the guard beneath its gray cover, " I said quietly. "I purposed remaining behind, arranging for myself as best I might; butnow that we have met, to be perfectly frank about it, I retain noconfidence in your discretion which will warrant the risk. I thereforedecide we had better abide together until this venture be done. "

He smiled, apparently in rare good humor at my words. 

"No doubt it will prove best, my friend. Your wider knowledge shouldsupplement my boyish enthusiasm, " he responded with mocking bow. "Irather suspect, from outward appearance, you may be some years myjunior, yet in life experience I readily yield you the palm. So leadon, most noble Captain; from henceforth command me as your devotedfollower. And now, your excellency, I trust you will pardon if Iventure the inquiry, what would you have your humble servant do?"

I permitted him to ramble along as he pleased. Now I had won hispledge I cared little for the nature of his raillery. While he talkedI flung open the great chest upon which I had been sitting, anddiscovering it packed with clothing, hastily dragged the variousarticles forth, flinging them into the lower berth, covering the pilewith blankets in such a manner that they resembled the sleeping figureof a man. Then I turned toward him. 

"My first order, Monsieur, is that you get in here. "

"_Sacre_! not I--"

There came a quick, firm footstep sounding along the passagewaywithout; then a hand fell heavily upon the latch of the door. 

CHAPTER VIII

FAVORED OF THE GODS

It seemed as if my heart must choke me at sound of those steadyfootsteps approaching down the passageway. I heard the sharp click ofa gun-barrel in the sentry's hand as he presented arms, then the noiseof the uplifting latch, yet remained so paralyzed by the suddenness ofit as to be fairly helpless, unable to move from my position. De Noyanmerely smiled lazily, as though this new act formed part of the play, beginning calmly to roll another cigarette. 

"The devil came likewise, " he murmured lightly, sinking back upon hisstool. "Begin your paternosters, friend Benteen, or he will fly awaywith both of us. "

Fortunately these mocking words brought me to my senses quickly enoughto permit dropping upon my knees with back to the door before it swungwide open. Nor did I trust myself to do aught save mumble inarticulateand mongrel Latin, until it had been safely closed again. Had I soughtto exercise my wits on this occasion, my companion permitted smallopportunity for words. 

"Ah! so it is you, you black-faced Arab?" he exclaimed sneeringly, asthe Commandant of the guard peered curiously in. "Not content to waitthe striking of the ship's bell, you must even interrupt my prayers. Nice treatment of a gentleman his last night on earth, to push yourselfin between him and the consolations of the holy father. _Sacre_! had Ionly a small sword at my side I would write a message across your blackSpanish heart which would teach your master how to guard a Frenchcavalier safely, and still be decent about it. "

It is doubtful whether the officer comprehended this tirade. It wasvoiced in French, yet tone and manner must have conveyed much of itsimport, for I distinguished a muttered word or so regarding theunpleasant duty of a soldier, and the length of time the priest hadretained the key, ere the intruder finally backed out closing the doorbehind him. I clung to my knees, however, until his retreatingfootsteps had died entirely away in the distance; even until De Noyanaddressed me again in his exasperating drawl. 

"So, Father, you must now realize, if never before, how highly I valueyour ministrations. Faith! never until this hour have I truly enjoyedthe prayers of any _padre_; I knew not what I missed. Still there islimit even to such pleasure, and it is time now to conclude; I haveheard better Latin in my day, while your provincial accent raspspainfully upon the ears. "

"You made your play quite well, Monsieur, " I said shortly, somewhatmortified he should thus take the leadership out of my hands at thefirst symptom of danger. "But there must be something besidesplay-acting for us to-night if we get free of this ship. So come now;do you get into the box?"

He looked down at it doubtfully, with a shrug of the shoulders. 

"_Pardieu_! I would ask certain questions first, " he said with greatershow of seriousness. "For how long a time? for what sort of a passage?It will prove somewhat cramped, I take it, for a man of my length oflimb. "

"I hope both may prove short, " I returned, continuing to hold up thelid for him to enter. "Yet I know of no other possible means wherebyyou can leave this room without being halted by the guard at the door. There is no certainty in this, yet there is a chance, Chevalier, andthat ought always to be invitation to a brave man. Beyond this it isGod's affair. "

The soldier twisted his long moustaches reflectively, a new lightgleaming in the eyes that fronted me. 

"_Sacre_, man!" he said at last stepping forward in sudden resolution. "As you say it may be worth trying, but it's not unlike climbing into acoffin three sizes too small for the deceased. Still I 'll bidetherein for a while, only, I warn you, you better be easy when you putme down, or the corpse may furnish a sudden resurrection. "

It proved truly no easy task to stow him safely in that contractedspace. At any other time I should have laughed outright, marking thefinal result of our combined efforts, especially at the expression, half ludicrous, half pathetic, upon his face as he gazed up at me justbefore the lid was closed. 

"Now mind, Chevalier, " I said gravely, for had I ventured upon a smileat his predicament he would have popped instantly forth again, "you areto make no movement of any kind until left alone. When certain of thatyou may venture out of the chest, but remain quiet until you hear fromme again. "

[Illustration: Had I ventured upon a smile at his predicament he wouldhave popped instantly forth again. ]

"You believe you know a way?"

"Under God's guidance yes, if you will only bear your part. "

Without pausing for his answer I dropped the heavy cover over him, andgave vent to a sigh of relief. 

So far, at least I had won; thus far the gods had favored me. In spiteof the obstacle of temperament I had found means to attain my end, towork my will, yet I realized well De Noyan would never bear suchuncomfortable posture long; whatever was to be accomplished must bedone quickly. Fortunately my plan, dim and doubtful as it was, hadalready taken outline. I had determined what to endeavor; it must beattempted at once, with bold heart, or the opportunity would be goneforever. Pulling the hood across my face, I partially opened the door, glancing out upon the curious sentry. To my relief he was alone. 

"I suppose the Commandant told you to give me a lift out with thisbox?" I asked in Spanish. 

"No, señor _padre_. "

The man was exceedingly good-natured, evidently one who had profoundrespect for the cloth. 

"_Caramba_!" I growled angrily, using the Spanish tongue so he mightnot miss my meaning. "He promised it only a moment ago, when he lookedin. He must have forgotten. There is no sense in having such a greatchest lumbering up the entire room. Know you how it ever came there?"

"It was the señor Lieutenant's state-room, _padre_, before theprisoners were brought aboard. I think it might be his sea-chest. "

"Well, the Commandant said it could be removed, so out it goes. Itleaves no space for us to kneel in prayer. "

I bent down as I spoke, exerting all my strength, and succeeded indragging the heavy, iron-bound chest forward, across the threshold. Myheart beat fiercely in misgiving lest the guard might feel moved tointerfere, but he never stirred; merely gazed at my movements in stolidwonder. Concealing from him all the interior possible with my body, Ispoke a brief word of farewell to the prisoner, supposed to be safelywithin, then closed and locked the door. 

"Here, " I said authoratively, my cheeks flushed with delight at sosuccessful an issue, "lay hold on one end of this, and give me a lift. "

Obligingly, and apparently without a moment's reflection as to hisduty, the soldier, young in years and doubtless a new recruit, leanedhis gun against the mast, bending down with hand upon the rope handle. 

"Where to, señor _padre_?"

"The Commandant said it might be placed in the store-room. 'Twill stowaway safely enough there, and bother nobody. Know you where that is?"

"Ay; only a step this way. "

"Lead on then, yet Saint Cecilia! it makes no light load. TheLieutenant must have kept his stock of wine within. "

I durst not venture bearing the thing farther, fearful lest we mightrun afoul of others of the guard who would prove more suspicious thanthis honest fellow, besides, all my hasty plan of escape hung now uponthe faith retained, that the half-open cuddy door had directcommunication with the provisions stored below. Surely they couldnever be loaded and unloaded by means of the distant hatch-ladder. Sodull and unintelligent in the dim light appeared the face of the fellowopposite, as we strained forward beneath the weight of the chest, Iventured upon a question. 

"How does the cook get out all that provender from here?"

"I know not, señor _padre_; but I think there will be opening from thestore-room to the upper deck. They were at work there yesterday whileI was on guard. "

By good fortune the room sought was only three doors down thepassageway. As it was, my forehead was wet with perspiration for fearDe Noyan would lose what little stock of patience he possessed beforewe reached there, or that the Spaniard would begin to wonder at thesurprising weight. Dropping the chest with good will amid the rafflelittering up the floor space, we came forth together, the soldier topick up his gun, while, mopping my face vigorously, I proceeded forthinto the guard-room for the purpose of delivering up the key. 

This was a task I approached with dread. Even now some slight slip oftongue, or action, could easily ruin everything accomplished, yet Idurst not omit the precaution, lest the missing key awaken suspicionand lead to immediate pursuit. Here, again, fortune played strangelyinto my hands, as I discovered the officer dozing in his chair, and, stepping softly, so as not to arouse him, I gladly handed thatimportant bit of iron over to the care of one of the guard, himself toodrowsy from potations to trouble me with questioning. Relieved of thisduty, my heart filled with gratitude for all the mercies of the night, I betook myself up the ladder unmolested, and a moment later stood incomparative freedom upon the open deck. 

I could scent the coming dawn in the fresh morning air the moment Iarose through the hatch opening, yet there was no sign of it in thesky; indeed I felt there must be fog in the atmosphere, it rendered itso thick, although not sufficiently heavy to drip in moisture. Itrequired only a moment to locate all life present along the forwarddeck, and I became convinced few wakeful eyes remained among them atthis sleepiest of all hours of the night. Trusting to this, as well asthe garb I wore for concealment, I walked boldly back as far as themainmast, meeting no one. Then, fearful of observation from theofficer still pacing the poop, I skulked stealthily along in the blackshadow of the cook's galley, until I reached the cuddy door, quakingwith fear lest it fail me. It opened instantly to the touch of thehand, and with heart throbbing wildly, for now all that had beenaccomplished hung in the balance of this last experiment, I gropedabout within seeking to solve the mystery of that gloomy interior. Theplace had the feel of a big, square box; by stretching out across theedge I could barely reach the farther side, but could touch no bottom, nor did I feel the rungs of any ladder leading down. It resembled awell, and the thought immediately took possession of me that the crewhauled up their provisions by use of ropes, yet I could discover nohoisting apparatus of any kind. With head projected far below the decklevel I ventured a soft whisper into the darkness:

"Are you there, Chevalier?"

There was a slight movement beneath, as if he drew closer to where Iwas. 

"Yes, it is all right, " he returned, his voice so modulated as to bebarely audible. "But I discover nothing in this darkness to aid inreaching the deck. Know you where a rope can be secured?"

"Ay; lie quiet until I return. "

It was a bit ticklish, yet required doing. A trip to the foremast putin my possession quite a section of line sliced from off the rope's endpreviously left dangling from the upper yard. Incidentally as I passedback and forth I revisited Father Cassati, still resting easily in hisbonds, but now peacefully sleeping off his earlier potationsundiscovered upon the hard deck. Returning with my treasure, I payedit out into the intense blackness of the cuddy hole, and anxiouslyawaited developments below. 

Nor had I long to wait--there came a touch on the line followed by afirmer pull, as if the party below tested its strength. For a momentthe cord wiggled about as if the man was working with his end to somepurpose, then there followed three sharp jerks which I interpreted tomean to hoist away. I promptly put my full strength to it, bracingboth feet firmly against a heavy cross-piece of timber, evidentlynailed there for that very purpose. The rope ran over a small rollerset close against the coaming, which I had failed to observe in myhasty search, so I found the strain less than expected, although aheavy weight was evidently attached to the other end. But I upliftedthis, for I was vain of my strength in those days, and the distance wasnot so great but that shortly his hands managed to grip hold upon thedeck planks, and a moment later he stood beside me, complacent anddebonair as ever, in the dense shadows of the galley. 

"_Sacre_! 'tis a most scurvy trick we are playing on the Dons, friendBenteen, " he murmured smiling easily, while peering about him in thedarkness. "And now, what is the next act in this midnight melodrama, most cautious youth?"

"The keeping of a still tongue until we are both overboard, " I repliedsomewhat roughly. "Follow me closely, and keep quiet about it, if youretain the slightest care for your life. "

It was not much of a trick, the rest of it, and within five minutes wewere silently floating down the great river, through the darkness, seeking after some quiet landing-place below the fleet. 

CHAPTER IX

THE BIRTH OF THE DEATH-DAWN

We durst not swim to the nearest landing, just beyond the bow of thebig flag-ship we had so unceremoniously quitted, fearing our efforts tostem the current might attract the attention of some watcher on board. So permitting myself to drift silently beneath the vessel's stern, without the stir of a limb to disturb the water, I was soon well awayfrom the great black shadow. Without a word De Noyan followed. Yettime was far too precious to permit long drifting, and at the earliestmoment I dared the venture we turned aside, striking out boldly for theshore. 

"We must move rapidly, Chevalier, to make up lost time, " I cautionedbriefly, wading out, dripping, upon the bank. 

"Are the streets patrolled by the Dons?"

"Ay! although not as thoroughly as when the Spaniards first landed. Weshall require to exercise caution. "

"Where do you take me? There can be no safe hiding spot in NewOrleans?"

"I know none. We go to the rear of a long row of tobacco sheds nearthe North Gate. A boat thoroughly stocked, with two oar men, awaitsus. "

"I mind the place, " he said eagerly, "I outfitted there for huntingmore than once. It is best for me to lead, as I know well every inchof the path, and have grown interested in the play. "

He certainly proved his familiarity with that labyrinth of sombrestreets and alleys. Selecting a devious course, stooping low beneaththe black shadows of walls and fences, he yet set so swift a gait withhis confounded long legs it kept me puffing to follow. But we foundclear passage, seeing no one close enough to interfere with our rapidprogress, while no challenge sounded, until we crept, silently aspossible, around the dilapidated end of the old tobacco shed, and ablack figure, scarcely distinguishable in the gloom, suddenly arose, uttering no word, yet with threatening gesture, barring further passagetoward the river. 

"Virginia, " I gasped, breathless from the hard run. 

"Bless de Lawd, Massa Benteen, " returned a darky voice. "An' MassaCharlie, as I 'm a sinner. I tell you, sah, we done 'bout gib you bothup fo' suah. "

"Stop talking just now, Alphonse, and lead along lively, " said DeNoyan, with returning authority. "We can converse later, insurroundings more congenial. "

Another moment and we were in the boat, the Chevalier pushing it clearof the bank, then lightly clambering in over the stern. 

"Benteen, " he exclaimed, panting heavily, "I confess I'm about uselessfrom lack of wind. _Sacre_! I 've been housed so long I am weak as aninvalid, yet I can steer the craft if you inform me where 'tis best togo. "

"Up country is our only chance, " I gasped, grasping an oar, vaguelynoting a second figure huddled within the bow. "All the lower water ispatrolled by the fleet, but above there are plenty of hiding places. Lay down to it hard, you black rascals; you are pulling for your lives. "

De Noyan extended his hand toward the east. 

"It will be dawn in about an hour, " he said, a tone of earnestnesscreeping into his soft voice. "We can never pull against this stiffcurrent so as to get any distance in that time. This east shore isflat as a board for leagues. I 'm for heading straight across. If wegain the west bank within an hour, or even two, the Devil himself wouldhave a hard job to find us. "

"Go on, " I muttered, bending grimly to my task. "You know this countrybetter than I. When we reach upper waters it will be my turn to guide. "

As I uttered these words, a bit impatiently, there sounded a quick stepon the low bank at our right. A sharp voice cleaved the darkness. 

"Halt there! Halt that boat, or I put a ball through you. "

"Sheer off lively, lads, " I whispered. "Swing her head out, Chevalier. "

There was a rush of feet down the steep embankment. Then a secondvoice questioned eagerly:

"What was it you saw, Sanchez?"

"Nothing, Señor; I heard voices out yonder. Listen! As the saintswatch, 't is the dip of oars. "

"Halt that boat, or we shoot!"

There followed a moment's painful pause. An oar in our bow slipped, making an awkward splash in the water. "_Caramba_! you will not? Takeaim, men--fire. "

A jagged flash of flame cleaved the night. It lit the steep bank, flinging a bright glare across the dark waters. In that instant I saw, my face set shoreward, a dozen black figures clustered in a bunch. Oneball crashed into the planking close beside my hand, hurling a splinterof wood against my face. The boat gave a sudden tremor, and, with aquick, sharp cry of pain, the negro next me leaped into the air, andwent plunging overboard. I flung forth a hand in vain effort tograpple his body, yet never touched it, and everything about becameblack once more. 

"The poor devil's gone, " muttered De Noyan. "The rest of you lay downto your oars, before they have time to load again. "

So quickly did this occur I do not believe we lost more than a strokeor two, and were already well out into the stream, nothing except ournarrow stern pointing toward the bank, where some of the soldiers--wejudged from their voices--were reloading for a second volley, theothers searching the shore after some boat in which to begin thepursuit. It was a hard pull, especially upon my part, as I chanced tosit on the lower side, having full sweep of the current tugging againstmy oar, while De Noyan headed the boat as directly as possible for thewestern shore. The soldiers, completely swallowed in the gloom, madeno further attempt to fire; possibly, having seen the fall of theblack, they believed their work done. Nor did other sounds reach usevidencing pursuit; for that moment at least we were free. It was thenI watched the coming of the dawn. 

There was a slight, scarcely perceptible, shading into a lighter tingeof the clinging black shadows that veiled the eastern sky, dimlyrevealing misty outlines of white, fleecy clouds extending above thefaint horizon line, until they assumed a spectral brightness, causingme to dream of the fairies' dwellings which my mother pictured to me inchildhood. Gently the delicate awakening spread along the widerexpanse of sky, which became bluish gray, gradually expanding andreflecting its glow along the water, until this also became a portionof the vast arch, while the darker borderland, now far astern, formedmerely a distant shade, a background to the majestic picture. The eastbecame gradually a lighter, more pronounced gray; rosy streaks shotupward through the cloud masses, driving them higher into anever-deepening upper blue like a flock of frightened birds, until atlast the whole eastern horizon blushed like a red rose, while above theblack line of distant, shadowy trees, the blazing rim of the sun itselfuplifted, casting a wide bar of dazzling gold along our wake. Gazingthus, every thought of our surroundings, our dangers, and fatiguepassed from memory. Bending to the oar, my soul was far away upon avoyage of its own. 

Some unusual movement served to attract attention from thisday-dreaming, my eyes falling suddenly upon De Noyan. His face, turnedpartially away from the rising sun, was gray with anxiety, and I notedhe shivered in his wet clothes. Yet his smile and speech seemedjauntily unconcerned as ever. 

"Yonder was to have been my last sunrise, " he remarked grimly, noddingbackward across his shoulder. "'Tis about the hour now for those inthe hands of the Dons to have their backs against the wall. "

I caught a sound as of a partially suppressed sob behind me, but beforeI could turn sufficiently to ascertain the cause, the Chevalier sprangpast, rocking the little boat furiously, and my ears overheard thatwhich caused me to keep my face set the other way. 

"Eloise!" he exclaimed exultantly. "Are you here, little wife? MonDieu! I dreamed it not; yet should have known you would never leavesuch duty to the slaves. "

"I was simply compelled to come, " she answered, and I could mark hervoice falter. "Do not be angry with me. What have I now left exceptyou? The rising of the sun sealed my father's fate. "

"True, " he admitted soberly, lifting his hat in grave gesture. "I feellike a condemned coward, my name a byword for the rabble, being here insuch comparative safety, when, in honor, I should be lying beside mycomrades. "

"Nay; say not that! You are young; much of life, of usefulness, liesbefore you. I knew that at the best only one destined victim might beplucked from the Spaniard's vengeance. It was at his approval I madechoice of you. My father is robbed of but few years, while you are tooyoung to die. Somewhere--God guiding--we shall find a home again, anddays of peace. "

"Ay! you were ever of brave heart, Eloise. But let us not forget weyet remain in reach of Spanish claws, and they are merciless. Go backto the tiller a while, and let me lay hold upon this oar; 'tis heavywork for such soft hands as yours. Point the course direct for thecane island--you must remember it; you were there once with me. "

I fail to recall even glancing into her face as she sat fronting me, her hands upon the tiller bar. I durst not, fearing some telltaleexpression within my eyes might bring her added pain. So I sat withglance downcast upon the planks, while tugging doggedly at the oar withall my strength, feeling that same sunrise had brought with it my owndeath warrant. So dull and heavy grew my heart with lonely weariness, I cannot guess how long we pulled before the boat's nose ran up uponthe shore, and De Noyan, springing overboard, dragged it well beyondview among the thick cane. 

"We shall be safe enough here, " he exclaimed lightly, gazing about withapproval. "Come, Eloise, step on this dry sand, for you must begreatly cramped from so tedious a passage. "

As I arose, the more easily to permit her passing me in the narrowspace, she suddenly grasped both my hands within her own; then my eyesglanced up once more to meet hers, dark with unshed tears. 

"Do not think, Geoffrey Benteen, " she said brokenly, her voicevibrating with emotion, "that I fail to realize what this means to you. Your troubled face has been a silent accuser of me this hour past. ButI thank you; you have proven yourself a man, such a man as I have everbelieved you to be. May the good God bless you and bring you peace. "

"Ay!" chimed in her husband, apparently in good humor. "He's thenerviest fellow ever I met, Eloise. _Sacre_! had you hunted thisprovince over you could never have found one to perform better workthis night. I wonder how it was you chanced upon him?"

Without venturing a word in reply to either of them, I helped hergravely over the boat's side, within grasp of his outstretched hand, all about us the warm sunshine piercing the thick canes with goldenlight. 

CHAPTER X

A COVERT IN THE CANE

Our boat was securely hidden amid a thick growth of reeds, whichextended their domain far down the shore, even out into the rivershallows. These reeds sprang quickly back into position as we pressedthrough, leaving no trail for pursuers to follow. Nevertheless, makingall secure on board, and removing from the locker a quantity of biscuitand some smoked meat, we took the further precaution of covering theboat with rushes so as thoroughly to disguise its presence from pryingeyes. Satisfied with the result of these efforts, we clambered up theslight ridge to where we found a small open space, carpeted with softgrass, and sufficiently elevated to permit our looking about above thelevel of the cane, while remaining concealed ourselves. 

Our lodgment was upon a small island, a stream of languidly flowingwater extending between us and the main west shore. This, so far as myeyes could distinguish, did not differ in appearance from our presentabiding place, being composed of low, swampy land, thickly covered witha heavy growth of cane, and exhibiting no sign of human habitation. The sole break to this dull monotony of outline was a narrow fringe oftrees situated farther back, where doubtless firmer soil gave spread totheir roots. 

Northward the eye might trace the slight curve of the bank for miles. It appeared irregular and low, slightly diversified by small, marshyislands, similar to this we occupied, possibly cloven from the mainlandby some eccentricity of current. Occasionally I distinguished openingsinto lagoons, such passages into the low-lying mainland being evidencedby the deeper green of the vegetation bordering them, as well as bywind-twisted trees clinging despairingly to the crooked banks. Eastand south swept the river, so broad our eyes could barely trace the dimpresence of a distant shore. Below, that majestic yellow flood poureddownward unbroken, although De Noyan imagined he perceived distantspars of the Spanish fleet outlined against the blue background of thesouthern sky. This may have been possible, yet to my eyes all wasblank, although I could mark pretty accurately where they should havebeen. 

We indulged in little conversation, reclining on the short grass, partaking of our cold meal. The Chevalier attempted a sorry jest ortwo, yet soon subsided, discovering so unresponsive an audience. Itwas plain to my mind the reflections of Madame were altogether with herfather--lying dead before this hour--and this sad memory darkened eventhe delight of her husband's safety. His affected gayety of manner, and reckless speech, jarred more harshly upon her in this hour thanperhaps ever before in her life. Yet she made a pathetically braveeffort to appear of good cheer, managing to eat with us, although itwas easy to perceive the food choked her, while her eyes were blurredwith tears resolutely held in restraint. It was plain, I say, yet thisis but my thought, for I question whether De Noyan, in his carelessmood, observed her depression. He was of a nature reflecting slightlyon any save himself; past sorrow being quickly forgotten in any presentgleam of sun. As we thus ended this silent meal it occurred to me theymight require slumber more than I, and I expressed my willingness tostand guard while they sought rest. Perhaps my face told a tale ofweariness easily read, for this proposal met immediate resistance. 

"No, no, Geoffrey Benteen, " exclaimed Madame impulsively, "what have Idone except sit quietly in a boat, waiting the passing of the hours?You have been through strain and labor which wears out life. It is youwho will lie here upon my wrap, trusting me to call should need arise. "

"Hush, both of you, " impatiently burst in De Noyan, rising to his feet, and gazing across the sparkling water. "A watch would have smallvalue. There is no safer spot on all the lower river than this; if theDons discover it, no way of escape exists even were we all awake andready. To remain quiet is all we can do, and how can we accomplishthat better than by going to sleep? _Sacre_! I am a soldier, and notapt to make light of a guard, yet, " and he stifled a yawn, "I see nonecessity here, nor could I be more completely played after a night ofdancing at a Creole ball. "

Thus the matter was agreed upon, not altogether to my liking, but Iyielded owing to too great weariness to argue. At first Madameprotested she could not sleep, yet finally consented to lie down. Asto myself my head had scarcely pressed the soft pillow of grass beforeI was lost in slumber. 

A blessing of youth lies in the fact that sleep then truly gives rest. The tired body responds so thoroughly to the gentle touch of slumberthat the latter becomes a magician capable of restoring every facultyto complete power. It was thus I rested motionless, and it was nearlyevening before I stirred, although the sun must have been streamingdirectly across my upturned face for hours. I awoke to perfectconsciousness of our situation, as naturally as ever in a bed at home. Dimly impressed that some unusual noise had aroused me, I immediatelysat upright. This change of posture brought my eyes on a level withthe tops of the cane on either side, and, my face being turnedsouthward, there was outspread before me the full, broad sweep of theMississippi, glinting under the westering sun, so that for a moment itdazzled eyes yet clogged with the heaviness of sleep. Then I perceivedwhat afforded me so severe a shock that I ducked hastily down into mycovert, every faculty instantly alert. Close in against the reeds, asthough skirting the low line of the shore, loomed the black outline ofa large boat. 

Coming bow on toward the place of our concealment, every eye in herwould naturally be scanning the spot where we lay hidden, and I durstnot raise my head again until assured they had passed by. I rolledpartially over to gain view of the others of our own party. Both wereslumbering heavily, Eloise near the western edge of the little grassplot, wrapped within a great shawl so as to leave not even her headvisible, while De Noyan rested within easy reach of my outstretchedarm, breathing so heavily I felt it safer to arouse him, before thatstrange boat should come abreast. It required severe shaking, hissleep being that of sheer exhaustion, yet he proved sufficiently atrained soldier to obey instantly my signal for silence. Nor werewords needed to explain the reason, as by this time the sound of oarswas clearly audible. Suddenly some one spoke, apparently at our veryside. Lying as I was I noticed the shawl pushed hastily down fromMadame's face, her brown eyes gazing questioningly across into my own;yet, with rare self-control, not so much as a limb quivered. 

"I tell you, _padre_, there's nothing along this cursed cane-marsh, "growled a deep rumbling voice in Spanish. "It is a mere bog, in whicha man would sink to his armpits, were he to venture outside the boat. "

"Bog it may be, " retorted a sharper, petulant voice, the sound of whichwas oddly familiar, "but I tell you this, Señor, 'tis on this veryshore French gallants come hunting from New Orleans. There is dry landin plenty beyond the fringe of reeds. "

"_Saprista_! there may be, as there may be water in Hell, but I 'llnever tangle my boat amid that mass of cane to make its discovery. Letthe frog-eaters have it, say I; the saints bless them. Come, pull awaysharply, lads, and we'll see what the shore-line looks like above. "

The sound of dipping oars instantly increased in rapidity. 

"You are one pig-headed fool of an officer, Señor, " snarled the sharpvoice contemptuously. 

"Mother of God!" roared the other, enraged. "Speak so again, you dogof a French priest, and even your gray robe will not save you fromtasting the mud at the bottom. Do you want to know what I think ofyou? Well, I 'll tell you, you snivelling, drunken singer ofpaternosters--you did more to help that fellow escape than you 'd careto have known. Now you 're trying to hold us back until he has time toget safely away up the river. That's my opinion of you, you snarlinggray-back, and if you dare breathe another word, I 'll give orders tochuck you overboard. "

"Where do you purpose going?" ventured the cowed priest, in a subduedtone. 

"Straight up the stream. That's where your cursed Frenchman hasdisappeared so swiftly, unless the guard at the North Gate shot him, asthey swear to O'Reilly. So sit there quiet, and hold your tongue--youmay command the Devil, for all I care, but I 'm in charge of this boat. "

The sound of angry controversy died away in the distance. Cautiously Ilifted my eyes to the level of the cane, and peered over. The Spanishboat, a large one propelled by the vigorous sweep of twelve oars, wasalready a hundred yards above, swiftly stemming the current. Fromtheir gestures I judged the debate yet raged between the gray-robecrouched in the stern, and the big, burly fellow, resplendent in goldlace, standing up and urging his oarsmen to greater exertion. Withinten minutes they rounded the upper point, and when they again appearedwithin vision, the boat was a mere dot floating in the midst of thegolden sunshine, where the setting sun gave a good-night kiss to thevast, sombre river. 

De Noyan's boyish face was aglow with unconcealed amusement as I turnedtoward him. 

"Well, Benteen, " he asked, twirling his moustache, and staring afterthem, "what was it the Dons said? _Peste_! I could not make out aword of their lingo, except when the fellows swore. "

I repeated to him the conversation, and he burst into a hearty laugh. 

"Indeed, a sweet-scented Frenchman, that Capuchin priest, " he saidcarelessly. "I wonder what has so set the drunken fool against me?"

"It is not you, Chevalier, " I acknowledged, feeling a touch of hisspirit; "it is rather that lad who landed so heavily behind his earlast night, and who ran such a merry masquerade in monk's robe as neverSpanish war-ship saw before. I warrant it is I the holy father seeksso savagely. Faith, it would be pleasant to know how he got out of thepickle in which I left him. 'T is odd the Dons did not use him in yourplace. "

"Ay, that will be the cause, for I did nothing to anger the fellow, except it was to laugh at his prayers, with a joke at the quality ofhis Latin. But Dieu protect you, Monsieur, if ever he gets whip-hand. A revengeful priest is more to be feared than a rabid dog. I stirredone of his breed once at the Cathedral by some wild prank, and carrythe scar of it still. But come, it becomes dusk. Let's break ourfast, and while eating consider the best plan for the night. Eloise, do you awaken refreshed?"

She came quickly forward, a smile for us both, looking dainty andsweet, although the heavy mass of brown hair appeared somewhatdishevelled from her unaccustomed pillow. 

"I must have been exceedingly tired, " she confessed pleasantly, "for Islept with never a dream, and this is my first experience of lyingwithout the covering of a roof. It was all strange and solemn atfirst, with never a sound except the dismal whispering of wind throughthe cane, and the dull murmur of the river. The very, stillness, nodoubt, lulled me to slumber. Nay!" and she sprang hastily forward, taking from my hands the few provisions I was bearing. "That is to bemy part of the work, Geoffrey Benteen, not yours. You will find hardenough task before morning, while there remains so little for me that Irefuse to be robbed of any rights. "

I realized, watching her prepare our scant meal, that she was bravelyendeavoring to appear gay, while her heart remained heavy from memoryof her father. Whether this assumed levity deceived De Noyan I cannotsay--he was of a volatile nature, easily swayed by either smile ortear, and instantly joined responsive to her seeming mood. I left themthus, engaged in pleasant badinage, while seeking some spot where Imight bathe my heated face. It was no small hardship to watch themthus together. 

Seated upon the grass, lingering over the rude repast, we discussed oursituation, seeking to outline vaguely our future plans. De Noyan wasfor keeping close against the western bank as we progressed northward. He had hunted amid the marshes, and remembered sufficiently theformation of the shore-line to be aware that for several leagues itremained thickly skirted by small islands, while numerous bayousoffered secure hiding-places. In this choice I acquiesced, urging alsothat the downward flow of the current would sweep with greater forcealong the opposite shore; besides which the search-boat, just passingus on the way up-stream, would be more likely to return along theeastern bank. 

"There is no reason, " I continued, "why we should delay departurelonger. We can keep the boat beneath the shadows of the bank, and evenif the Dons stop to make camp, they would hardly do so without buildinga fire, which would afford ample warning to sheer out into the stream. If they return along this shore--as is unlikely--we should hear theheavy strokes of their oars before they caught the sound of our lighterones. I am for embarking at once. "

This agreed upon, within a half-hour we were pushing slow passagethrough the thick cane, soon finding ourselves once again afloat uponthe broad water, the prow of our boat turned up-stream, while here andthere a dim star winked down upon us between scurrying clouds. 

CHAPTER XI

A NIGHT IN THE BOAT

This was one of many nights we passed in the narrow confines of theboat during our flight northward. Yet its incidents remain in memorywith peculiar distinctness of detail. I do not recall exactly how itoccurred, but my duty during that first night chanced to place me atthe after oar. In consequence I sat directly facing Madame de Noyan, operating the rudder bar. It was so warm, merely a delicate, fragrantbreeze blowing from the south, she had felt no necessity for drawing upher hood, and the soft light of distant stars, glimmering along thebosom of the river, reflected back into her face, illumining it until Icould almost note the changing expression within her dark eyes. 

It was a sadder, graver face than the one I associated with hergirlhood. Yet I could scarce forbear an impression that it was now asweeter one, more womanly, faint lines beginning to mark its satinsmoothness with impress of sorrow. To my thought a new, higherwomanhood had found birth within, during weary days and nights ofsuspense and suffering. It was yet torture to me constantly beholdingthese two together, but, as I observed her then, I thanked the good Godwho had permitted me to be near her in time of trial. In patience Iwould serve, even though I must suffer. Tears were clinging to herlong lashes, and occasionally one would glitter an instant upon herwhite cheek, as she leaned her face upon one hand, from which the loosesleeve fell away, revealing an arm like chiselled marble. She made noeffort at concealing these evidences of emotion, doubtless believingthem sufficiently hidden by the gloomy shadows. Nor did she appear toglance at me, keeping her own gaze directly ahead, where the dark, swirling waters merged into the mystery of the North. 

We were none of us in talkative mood--although I heard De Noyan, behindme, humming a light French air, as though perfectly free fromtrouble--and I have no recollection of exchanging a word for more thanan hour. We merely continued to pull sturdily against the downwardrush of the stream, the deep silence of the night broken only by thedripping of uplifted blades, or the occasional far-off hooting of anowl upon the bank to our left. The pressure of the river's current wasscarcely perceptible close against the shore, so we made fair progress. Yet it was hard work, neither of us being accustomed to such exercise, the heavy oars feeling awkward to the hand. The grim uncertainty ofthe future, coupled with our solitary surroundings, exercised adepressing influence upon the spirits of each, although differingwidely in degree, according to our several natures. Undoubtedly thissame sense of dreariness led De Noyan to sing, caused me such painfulrestlessness under that same singing, and left Eloise saddened in herlonely thoughts. 

Every occurrence impressed me that night as unusual. Perchance thiswas because both heart and head were sadly out of tune. Yet, at best, it was a lonesome journey, and remains a grewsome memory, haunting withmany a spectre, as weird as the shadows of delirium. The few stars, peeping shyly forth between scurrying black cloud masses, were so faraway they merely silvered the cloud edges, leaving them as thoughcarven from granite. The low shore, often within reach of our oarblades, appeared gloomy and inhospitable, the spectral rushes creepingfar out upon the water like living things, seeming to grasp after us asthe wind swept them, and we glided past in phantom silence. Beyond, like a great black wall, arose higher ground, occasionally jutting intobare bluffs outlined against the lighter sky; again diversified bygaunt dead trees, their fleshless limbs extended upward toward ghostlypillars of vapor ever floating from off the river's surface. Occasionally, jaggedly uneven, close-set trunks of forest growth wouldappear, spectral in solemn ugliness, a veritable hedge, impenetrableand grim. 

If, with a shudder of disgust, I turned away from that lorn, dead lineof shore, my eyes swept a waste of waters slipping solemnly past, whilefarther out, where sky and stream met and mingled in wild riot, thesurging river swirled and leaped, its white-capped waves evidencingresistless volume. It was a sight to awe one, that immense masspouring forth from the upper darkness, flashing an instant beneath thestar-gleam, only to disappear, a restless, relentless flood, black, unpitying, impenetrable, mysterious, a savage monster, beyond whoseoutstretched claws we crept, yet who at any moment might clutch ushelpless in a horrible embrace. It was a sight to stun, that brutalflood, gliding ever downward, while, far as eye could see, stretchedthe same drear expanse of cruel waters. 

From out that mystery would suddenly emerge, rolling toward us, as ifborn of the shadows, some grim apparition, a wildly tossing figure, with gaunt, uplifted arms beating the air, to startle for an instant, then fade from our ken into the dimness below. Well I knew it was onlydriftwood, the gnarled trunk of uprooted tree made sport with by madwaves, yet more than once I shrank backward, my unstrung nervestingling, as such shapeless, uncanny thing was hurled past like anarrow. Nor were the noises that broke the silence less fearsome. Bredto the wilderness, I little minded loneliness when in the depths of thebackwoods, but this was different. I cared nothing for the honk ofwild fowl overhead, nor those sounds of varied animal life borne to usfrom off the black land; but that strange, dull roar, caused by greatlogs grinding together in the swirl of the current, and the groaning ofbits of undermined shore as they gave way and dropped heavily into thewater, racked my nerves. 

The peace I found lay in that sweet face, turned partially away, yetappearing fairer than ever beneath the protecting hood, drawn up as thenight air grew chill. Whether similar sense of strangeness andtimidity rested upon her, I could not determine, yet I believed herthoughts so far away that our present surroundings were no more to herthan the vaguest dream. She scarcely stirred during all the hours Iwatched her; only once did she glance up, to smile as she met my eyesbefore I could withdraw them from her face. Had she read aright theirmessage, perchance this story might never have been written; yet purer, truer love no man ever gave to woman. We must have continued thus, pulling silently, for hours before De Noyan broke the oppressivesilence with impatient speech. Indeed, not the least impressivefeature of the grewsome night was his continued stillness. 

"_Le Diable_!" he exclaimed uneasily, shifting in his seat. "If theStyx be more gloomy than this accursed stream, then Jesu pity itsvoyagers. Never have I put in so miserable a night, to say nothing ofa strained back, and a pair of sore hands. What are those black, crawling things yonder? _Mon Dieu_! I have seen a thousand hideousdemons since we left the cane. "

I glanced across my shoulder in the direction he pointed, glad enoughto hear once again the sound of a voice. 

"Only the fire-seared branch of a tree tossed on the current--the nightrests heavily upon your nerves. "

"Heavily? _Parbleu_! it has unmanned me with hideous silence, withcreeping, ghostly mystery, until I am half mad, scarcely daring towhisper, in fear of my own voice. Eloise, are you there? or have thespectres of this haunted journey flown away with you?"

"Angels or demons, they would have naught of me, " she replied inseeming unconsciousness of his mood. "My thoughts, I fear, have beensufficiently sad to accord well with the gloom, only my shadows arewithin, not without. "

"_Sacre_! mine are all yonder, " he exclaimed, indicating with a gesturethe vast extent of angry water. "Why should I bear heavy heart, exceptfor brooding phantoms of the night? Life is still mine in all itssweetness. Not that I greatly valued it, to be sure, yet 'tis somewhatbetter than I once thought, and there is always pleasure left in theworld for the young. From whence springs your mood of sadness, Eloise?"

"My thought was with my father. "

"'Tis not strange it should be. Yet, it might be better if you dweltupon the brighter view of our own future. He is at rest; no tears canbe of aid. But we can look forward to dreams of happiness. 'Tis myplan to cross the great ocean, seeking better fortune on the Continent. France, they say, has ever a vacant place for a good sword, nor is theking likely to refuse service to a nephew of Bienville. You and I, Eloise, shall yet tread the Paris streets, nor shall we go as beggars. "

I marked her quick smile, but thought it not wholly untouched bysadness, as she attempted answer. 

"We will hope for the best; yet, Monsieur, we are still deeply buriedin the wilderness. Ay! worse--in the country of our enemies. You maynot comprehend the full truth of this, but Spain lays claim now to allthis great river, with the country bordering it. O'Reilly has alreadydespatched soldiers as high as the mouth of the Ohio, to guard itspassage; so there is peril lurking before us, as well as behind. "

"O'Reilly has sent soldiers northward? How know you this, Eloise?"

"It was common talk in the town. I saw with my own eyes the departureof one expedition. It was composed of a captain, with twelve soldiers, destined for the Ohio. I have heard that twice since others have beendespatched northward, although to what points was unknown. "

"The saints defend us! 'tis indeed serious. I supposed the boat whichpassed contained all the Dons on the upper river, but if this be truewe may have to desert the stream, and take to the eastern trail onfoot. _Sacre_! I like it not! What say you, you sphinx of an Englishborderman? Knew you this all along?"

"It is news to me, " I answered soberly. "But if three expeditions havealready been despatched north, there is little hope the land routeshave been forgotten. Beyond doubt every trail, white or Indian, leading toward French or English settlements, is by now patrolled bythe Dons. Nor can we hope to gain passage by surprise. Thatman-of-war boat will spread far the rumor of your escape, so everySpaniard between here and the Ohio will be on the lookout for ourcoming. "

I imagine the same thought stole into the mind of both, how easily wetwo, travelling light, might press our way through that scattered lineof guard, and attain the upper Ohio; how easily, only for the dangerand distress to which so desperate an attempt would expose her. Shealone ventured to give the idea utterance. 

"Messieurs, " she said earnestly, her calm brown eyes uplifted to ourfaces, "I have been considering this for an hour past. I know youwould experience small trouble eluding the Spaniards, or even cuttingyour way through them, were I not with you. Yet this is not beyondremedy. I had sincerely hoped to prove of service when I usurped theslave's place in the boat; instead, I am an encumbrance, a weaklingwhom you must protect at the risk of your own lives. Fortunately it isnot yet too late to leave you free; it cannot be many miles back to NewOrleans, and the current would bear me swiftly downward. I have loyalfriends in the town to hide the daughter of Lafrénière, should theSpaniards wage war against a woman, and surely some means would openwhereby I might make the shores of France. Perhaps I should be therein advance of you. What say you, Messieurs, to such proposal? Wouldit not be best?"

The indignant feeling which swept me as I listened to this speechhardly needs dwelling upon. Yet I held my tongue. It was theprivilege of De Noyan to make answer. 

"_Parbleu_!" he cried, seemingly forgetful of caution in instantenthusiasm. "You have as good a head as heart, Eloise. _Sacre_! neverbefore did I realize the treasure in my keeping. You gauge well thewishes of a soldier; 't is not pleasant to one of my blood and trainingto lurk thus in the shadows like a skulking spy. _Bish_! nor do I lovethis toll at the oars--'tis the work of slaves. I would prefertrusting all to the rapier, writing with its point a Frenchman'smessage of defiance. Holy saints! I am already half inclined to sayyes to your proposal; yet Benteen, what word have you to speakregarding this plan?"

"That if she goes back to New Orleans, I make the town in the sameboat, " I answered shortly, angered by his flippant words and tone. "'Tis a plan not to be seriously considered a moment, Chevalier. Ifcarried out it would merely place Madame de Noyan in the power of CruelO'Reilly. I doubt if the sacrifice would preserve our worthless lives. She can only return by means of the boat; with that gone, we should becompelled to plunge, unprovisioned, into a trackless wilderness, feeling our way blindly for hundreds of leagues through unknown, savagetribes. If we survived their cruelty we should be crazed with hungerand fatigue long before our eyes were gladdened at sight of the upperOhio. I do not say such a journey could not be made, but I retainvivid memory of one such trip, nor will I lightly seek another. Iimagine, Captain, you have small conception of the horrors of the blackforests, when you choose recklessly to plunge into their depths. "

"I served against the Creeks, " he announced somewhat sullenly. 

"So I heard, yet that was mostly boys' play; armored men pitted againstnaked savages. You would discover different foemen among the mountaintribes to the north and east. Do not suppose I question your courage, but I realize the dangers, as you cannot from your town life, while asto Madame de Noyan, she will be safer here with us than with thoseblack brutes in New Orleans. "

"You refuse to be comrade with me then?"

"Ay, if such comradeship involve the desertion of your wife. "

"Desertion!" The term stung him. "_Sacre_! 'tis not a word to belightly flung in the face of a French cavalier. Did I not already oweyou the debt of life, Monsieur, I might endeavor to teach you a lessonin etiquette. "

"I permit your overlooking all obligations, if you desire to indulge insuch an experiment, " I retorted, no wise unwilling. "I am no brawlingroisterer, but have never been above giving and receiving blows. "

I judged from the glint of his eyes, and the manner in which he juggledhis sword hilt, he had grave purpose of backing up his pretty words. Ishould rather have enjoyed giving the doughty gentleman a sudden bathalongside, had not Madame hastily calmed our hot blood with soberspeech other own. 

"Hush, Messieurs, " she commanded quietly, her eyes upon my face, instantly shaming me. "It is not meet you should quarrel. There arebetter ways in which to strike blows for me than that. As to my goingon with you, or returning alone, that may all be discussed when we makecamp again at daylight. Then we will settle the matter coolly, not inthe heat of anger. You are both my friends, nor would I awaken betweenyou any cause for controversy. "

De Noyan laughed. 

"_Sacre_! 'tis the accursed night got into our blood, " he exclaimed. "The very air seems poisoned with horror, while my back aches so withpulling this oar, I would esteem it relief to fight with my bestfriend. It was hard fortune that the boy Alphonse happened in track ofthat Spaniard's bullet. With three in the boat there would be somerest from the toll. "

"I see solid ground yonder, " I said, pointing as I spoke to the shadowybank ahead. "We might run the boat's nose in, and stretch our crampedlimbs on shore. There is little to be gained endeavoring to work withwearied muscles. "

"_San Juan_!" he returned, brightening instantly to the suggestion. "'Tis the first word of good sense reaching my ears this cursed nightof folly. Head her in under the shade of yonder bush, Eloise, until Isee if I can stand upright once more. "

CHAPTER XII

WE LAND AN ODD FISH

After brief respite Madame steered as closely beside the bank aspossible, thus avoiding the swift current, yet it was no small task towin our way upward through the lagging hours. More and more frequentlytired muscles drove us to the shore for intervals of relaxation. Still, in spite of much time thus lost, we made steady progress, sobefore morning dawned I was confident many a mile had been placedbehind, although the low shore we skirted remained so similar inoutline as to afford few landmarks with which to gauge our passage. 

De Noyan grew more cheerful toward the end, his sullen mood changing toa gay semblance of reckless abandon. To me, however, he appearedscarcely more engaging in snatches of ribald song, and careless speech, freely interspersed with French oaths and much complaint at unwontedtoll, than in his former moody silence; yet his cheerfulness had effectupon Madame, who contrived to rally from her mental depression, becoming in turn a veritable sunburst in the gloom. I experienced aglow of pleasure listening to her merry banter, and, once or twice, toa low-voiced French song, sounding sweetly enough as it echoed backfrom off the black water. 

In spite of such efforts to appear light-hearted, the nature of ourwork, coupled with the sombre surroundings of the night, rested heavilyupon the spirits, and long before morning broke, we had all subsidedinto disheartening silence, holding grimly to our onward course throughsheer force of will. With wearied eyes I marked the slow coming ofdawn above that desolation; the faint gray light creeping like someliving thing across the swirling waters, leaving more ghastly thanbefore the immense flood sweeping past. It was a sombre sight, yetbecame more heartsome as crimson light streaked the sky, flashing forthover the wide river, reddening the heaving surface, until the watersblazed like burnished metal, and our blinded eyes could hardly gazeupon it. 

We were at this time approaching a vast curve in the shore-line, appearing to the eye as if it might prove the mouth of some importanttributary stream. Beyond, perhaps a hundred feet out in the mainriver, appeared a low island, a mere rock as it fronted us, yet thicklycovered by small trees and bushes, growing close to the water's edge. No sign of life was apparent anywhere. The mainland, so far as thesweep of vision extended, bore the same marshy and inhospitable look, and I immediately determined upon the island as the more suitablecamping spot. 

"Turn the prow of the canoe toward the upper end of that rock, Madame, "I said, resuming my place at the oar. "It appears the most promisinghalting place hereabout, and should afford us excellent vantage of viewboth up and down the river. "

"It will prove vantage of sleep for me, " grumbled the Chevaliergruffly. "I take it I should have been resting better had I remainedwith the Dons. "

I noticed the sudden uplifting of his wife's face, and seeing a painedexpression upon it, I replied:

"Such words bespeak little appreciation, Monsieur, of our efforts topluck you from a fate which has befallen your companions. Surely yourwork is no harder than that of others, while you have more at issue. "

He glanced from her face to mine in apparent surprise, but repliedreadily:

"Those knowing me best, friend Benteen, pay least heed to my words. When I bark I seldom bite, and when I intend biting I waste small timeon the bark. But, _parbleu_! how can I feel life worth living, if itis all toil? There may be those who enjoy such existence, but Idiscover no pleasure in it. _Sacre_! I love not hard hands and poorfare, nor will I make pretence of what I do not feel. "

We were then two-thirds of the distance between the mainland and theisland, in the full sweep of the raging current. It struck ussidelong, with such force as to require all our combined strength toafford the laboring boat headway. Suddenly Eloise startled us with anoutcry. 

"What is that yonder?" she questioned excitedly, pointing directlyup-stream. "It looks the strangest red thing ever I saw on water. Ibelieved it moved but now, as if alive. "

Keeping my oar in motion, lest we should drift backward, I made shiftto glance across my shoulder in the direction indicated. The river hadus completely in its grasp, tossing the light boat in a majestic floodof angry water, whitened by foam, and beaten into waves, where itrounded the rocky edge of the island. Across this tumbling surgestreamed the glorious sunlight, gilding each billow into beauty, whilein the midst of it, bearing swiftly down toward us, came that strangething that had so startled Madame. What in the name of nature it mightprove to be, I could not hazard--it had the appearance of some queer, shaggy animal, rolled tight into the form of a ball, having fur soradiantly red as to flash and burn in the sunshine. It bobbed crazilyabout, barely above the surface of the river, like some livingcreature, while now and then I marked a glimmer of light behind, as ifthe water was being vigorously churned by some species of swimmingapparatus in the monster's tail. 

"Stand by with your small sword, De Noyan, " I commanded uneasily, "for, hang me if I ever before set eyes on such a creature! Move, quick, andpass me over your oar so you may have both hands free for the onset. "

The beast was being swept along rapidly, now appearing to my eyessomewhat whiter on top, although the surrounding red was so glaringlyprominent as to obscure everything else. Suddenly the creature gave akick and whirled over, turning the white expanse directly toward us. At the same moment De Noyan dropped the point of his rapier against theside of the boat, with a loud guffaw. 

"May the saints absolve me, " he grinned, choking from merriment, "ifit's not the red-headedest man ever my eyes looked upon. "

Forcing back his laughter, he hailed the swimmer, who, perceiving usfor the first time, began sheering off, as if frightened by ourpresence, and intent upon escape. 

"Hold there a moment, Master Red-Cap! If in truth you are not a fish, come on board. "

The fellow heard him plainly enough, for I distinguished a mutteredEnglish exclamation, but he made no pause in urging a peculiarsidestroke of the arms which threatened to bear him past us like a wildthing. 

"Hold your hands!" I roared in English, thinking, perhaps, he had notcomprehended the other tongue. "Come in here, sirrah, or, the Lordhelp you, we 'll turn and run you down. "

At sound of these words he ceased his efforts, and turned a peculiarwrinkled face, creased like long-folded parchment, and as yellow, directly toward us. Even at that distance I imagined I could detect atwinkle of delight in the shrewd gray eyes. 

"Thy words of greeting are as manna fallen from heaven, " boomed a deep, resonant voice, surprising in its volume. "I take heart anew, youngman, for surely thou art not the spawn of the scarlet woman, but, verily, one of the chosen people of our own God. "

"I fail to grasp your meaning, friend, " I retorted, nettled to be heldat the oars so long in that current. "We are honest voyagers, glad tobe of aid to any one in such distress as you seem to be. "

"Nay; I am not especially uncomfortable, unless my tobacco is soaked, and if such disaster hath overtaken me, it shall yet go hard with thoseblaspheming idolaters who cast me overboard. But thy language is thatof modern Israel, so I will join you in the boat. 'Tis the morereadily done as I have not tasted food since yesternoon, and possess ahollowness within my physical temple which demandeth attention. Thespirit yieldeth to the craving of the flesh. "

"Catch hold upon the side, " I ordered, as he drew near. "We will haveyou ashore in a dozen strokes. "

The stranger did as I bade him, and it was truly a wondrous sight toobserve how his head glowed in the sun as the drops of moisture dried, and brought out the full, ornate color of it. His face had a pinchedlook, with thousands of little wrinkles leading away from the cornersof the wide mouth, and about the narrow, glinting gray eyes. But therewas a sly gleam of humor about the expression of it, which, taken inconnection with that fiery headpiece, nearly caused me a fit oflaughter. I noticed, however, that Madame drew slightly away from hisside of the boat, as if close proximity to the fellow were repugnant toher. 

"Well, friend, " said I, as we drew up in shoal water under lee of therock, and I noted his short legs and stocky chest, "no doubt you arewell water-logged, and a little healthful exercise will help to warmyour blood, especially as we dare not light a fire for such purpose. So bend that broad back of yours, and aid us in lifting the boat tocover. "

He performed his portion of the work well, bearing with apparent easefully one-half the burden, while De Noyan and I staggered beneath theremainder, until together we sank the boat well out of sight behind thethick brush. 

"And why not a fire?" the stranger questioned abruptly, noticing Eloisespreading forth our stock of provisions on the grass. "It was in hopeof thus warming the inner man that I consented to come ashore andcompanion with you. Are you refugees, fleeing from danger?"

I glanced aside at De Noyan and muttered hastily in French, "It will bebest to tell him our story--'tis not likely he will prove an emissaryof Spain. "

"As you please; he is more of your class than mine, " he returnedindifferently, and, with a shrug of the shoulders, strolled away. 

"You have made fairly correct guess, " I said to our new acquaintance;"so we may as well understand each other first as last. We haveescaped with our lives from New Orleans, and are now seeking refuge onthe Ohio. "

He nodded, his shrewd gray eyes fastened intently on my face, his owncountenance expressionless. 

"Who holdeth New Orleans?" he asked in a tone of interest. 

"The Spanish, under O'Reilly. "

"'Tis what they told me above, yet I believed they lied. Those withyou are French?"

"Ay. "

"And you?"

"Of Louisiana birth and English blood; five years I have been a hunterin the Illinois country. "

He groaned as though the mention of the word awoke unpleasant memories. 

"'Tis an unholy land, no fit abiding place for the elect, as I learned, having passed through its settlements seeking prayerfully to bear anevangel unto that stiff-necked people. Friend, thou hast an honestface, and I will say in confidence I have been ofttimes blessed of theSpirit in the conversion of souls; yet this people laughed at myunctuous speech, making merry regarding that head-covering with whichthe Almighty chose to adorn his servant. Dost thou know the Frenchsettlement on the Kaskaskia?"

"I have been there often. "

"Ah! 'tis verily a stronghold of popish superstition. Recall you thehumble cabin of Gabriel La Motte, the Huguenot, close by the ravine?It was there I abode in much spiritual and temporal comfort with thatgodly man, until certain mad roisterers took offence at plain gospelspeech, driving me forth into the wilderness, even as Jehovah'sprophets of old. Since that hour I have been a wanderer on the face ofthe earth, finding small comfort in this life; yet Ezekiel Cairnes ismerely the poor servant of the Lord, the chief of sinners, and mustabide in travail until He cometh. "

He cast up his eyes in pious affectation, his lips moving as though hemeditated in prayer. 

"Then your name is Cairnes?"

"Ezekiel Cairnes, late of the Connecticut colony, and am permitted bythe Lord's mercy to write Reverend before my unworthy appellation. "

"A Puritan preacher!" I exclaimed in some disgust. "I have heard ofyour sort before, yet have been spared a meeting until now. Where doyou propose going?"

"The Lord leadeth His anointed, young man. Even as Jonah abode in thebelly of the whale, so doth the water bear me onward as the Almightywilleth. "

His wandering eyes rested thoughtfully upon my companion, now returningtoward us, sauntering listlessly along the sandy shore. 

"I know not, friend, who you may be, save as you have seen fit toreveal, " he said shrewdly. "Yet I would venture a guess as to yondergayly attired cavalier. "

"A guess?" I echoed, taken completely by surprise. "It is small chanceyou would hit right--what might your guess be?"

"Chevalier Charles de Noyan. "

"How know you that?"

He chuckled grimly, evidently well pleased at my astonishment. 

"'Tis no work of the evil one, friend. I am but just escaped also fromthe hands of the Philistines, " he explained, becoming angry at thethought, and ducking his red head vehemently. "While in theirunhallowed company, a gray-bellied son of Belial questioned me muchregarding yonder fine gentleman, ere he waxed exceedingly wroth at myplain speech in matters of the spirit, bidding his jabbering crew ofpapists to heave me overboard. "

"How far away did this occur?" I asked, looking anxiously up the river. 

"Oh, mayhap some such matter as twenty leagues, " he returnedindifferently, his gaze idly following mine. "Let me reflect; it wasat the hour for sunset prayer I fell in with their party. I have heardit said this stream hereabout hath a sweep of seven or more miles thehour, and I kept well in the current of it. "

"Do you mean you have been swimming since sunset yesterday?"

"Nay, friend; I beg be not over-hasty in conclusions. I merely reposedeasily upon my back, with only enough straightening out of the legs tokeep my nose fairly up-tilted above the stream. 'T was thus I made thepassage with much comfort of body, and relaxation of mind. 'T is noserious trick for one unafraid of the water although it might bring oncramps were I to keep on as far as New Orleans. "

I stared at him with an astonishment which for the moment precludedspeech. Before I found voice with which to express doubt of his story, Madame called, bidding us join her upon the grass, where our rude mealwaited. 

CHAPTER XIII

WE GAIN A NEW RECRUIT

There could be no doubt regarding the complete emptiness of theReverend Ezekiel Cairnes, if the breakfast he devoured from our stockof cold provisions was evidence. I have been commonly blessed withrobust appetite, yet where that man found space within his ribs tostore away all he ate in that hour remains a mystery. Nothing, excepttotal inability to address him in intelligible language, held De Noyanquiet as our limited supply steadily diminished before the Puritan'sonslaught, and long before the latter heaved a sigh of profoundsatisfaction the gallant soldier had fallen fast asleep. But Madameremained in her place opposite, apparently fascinated by that vivid redcrop of hair, now thoroughly dried in the sun, and standing erect abovehis odd, pear-shaped head. I had whispered in her ear what the fellowclaimed for himself, and being a most devout Catholic, and he the firstspecimen of his class she had ever met, she studied him with no smallamount of curiosity and abhorrence. 

I can clearly recall the picture, as these two, so widely different, sat facing each other in silence, the golden sunshine checkered overthem through an arch of limbs, the broad river shining away to thesouthward, and De Noyan resting upon his back, with face turned uptoward the clear blue sky. The woman, with her soft silken hairsmoothed back from the wide, white brow, her intelligent face lightedby eyes of deepest brown, looking, what in truth she was, thearistocratic daughter of a gentleman of France, one whose home had everbeen amid refinements of civilization, and whose surroundings those oflove and courtesy. Even there, in the heart of that wilderness, thesocial training of years remained paramount, and she sat silent, toyingwith untasted food, out of respect to this stranger guest. And he, with shoulders so abnormally broad as to appear deformed, clad in soberPuritan garb, ate serenely on, unconscious of her glances, making useof both his huge hands in the operation, his little gimlet eyestwinkling greedily, his head, oddly resembling a cone, blazing like afire whenever a ray of sun chanced to fall across it. I noticed heoccasionally stole shy glances at her, nor could I wonder, for, inspite of fatigue and exposure, Madame remained a winsome sight, to dothe heart of any man good to look upon. 

"The Lord God of Hosts be praised; ay! with harps, cymbals, andinstruments of many strings, will I give praise unto His holy name, " heexclaimed fervently, wiping his wide mouth upon his sleeve, whilecasting a look of regret over the debris in his front. "Once againhath He abundantly supplied His elect with that which upbuildeth andgiveth strength to the flesh. Now my bodily requirements have beenduly attended to, it behooves me to minister likewise unto thespiritual, and then seek repose. Friends, will you not both join withme at the throne of grace? It hath been said that I possess muchunction in prayer. "

"No, " I answered, not unwilling to be left alone with Eloise; "you arewelcome to put up petitions in our behalf, but this lady is not of yourfaith, while as for myself, I have known little about such matterssince childhood. One thing, however, --if you propose making use ofthat bull voice of yours, I advise that you select the fartherextremity of the island for the scene of your devotions, lest youarouse the Chevalier. "

He cast upon me a glance not altogether pleasant, but tramped offthrough the bushes without reply, and for several moments we heard thesturdy rise and fall of his earnest supplications, frequentlyinterspersed with hearty groans, as of one in all the agony of deepremorse. 

"'Tis an odd fish we've hooked out of the stream, " I said, turning myhead toward the dismal sounds. "Yet he has strong arms, and may be ofconsiderable use, if he will consent to voyage with us. "

"I scarcely know what to make of the man, " Madame admitted candidly. "He is unlike any I have ever met. Yet I think he may prove honest andof good heart, although his exterior is far from attractive. "

"And his appetite hardly suggestive of economy, " I added. 

The bright look I always loved to see leaped into her clear eyes. 

"Have you faith his labor will offset his eating?" she replied, laughing. 

"Possibly not; yet it is not labor alone I would select him for. Wemay have to fight before we attain a place of safety. For that purposeI would rank this fellow highly. Never yet have I met a red-headed manaverse to a quarrel. Faith! by that token, this one should be worth acompany if we ever come to blows. "

"But he is a priest, you told me, a preacher of the Protestants. "

"Ay! and the better for it. I have heard my father say the Puritanbreed makes the stoutest men-at-arms; that nothing has been found tostiffen a battle-line equal to a good text. Give this fellow a pike, pit him against a boatload of Spanish papists, and, I 'll warrant, he'll crack more heads than any two of us. Besides, he controls aperfect tornado of a voice, fit to frighten the crew of a frigate on adark night. "

She was sitting, her back pressed against a small tree, her handsclasped lightly about one knee, with dark eves gazing afar where thebroad river danced away into the golden sheen. 

"Geoffrey Benteen, " she asked soberly, never glancing toward me, "is ittrue you do not desire my return to New Orleans?"

"It is true. "

"Would you honestly tell me why?" and she turned her eyes, lookingsearchingly into mine. 

"I have mentioned sufficient reasons, " I ventured, resolutely facingher, determined to speak frankly and abide the result. "All I need addis, to my judgment it will prove better for you to remain with yourhusband. "

She glanced aside at him where he lay, the quick blood flushing herclear cheek. 

"You do not like him?" the question fell faltering from her lips. 

"That I am not prepared to declare. He is changeable, somewhatoverbearing in speech, not as sober of mind as I am accustomed to findmen, yet it is not true I dislike him. I merely believe that he willdo better, be truer to his manhood, with you near him, than with youabsent. "

"He is French, " she explained gently, "by nature of birth differentfrom your race. Besides, he has led a life filled with the dissipationof the town. "

"True! for that reason I forbear judging his words and actions by anystandard of my own people. Yet this I cannot be blind to, Madame; heis of quick temper, hasty in action, easily influenced by others, andmight become careless at times, and under strong temptation, unlesssome moral firmness hold him in check. You alone possess the power tobecome his good angel. "

She bowed her head, her gaze again far off upon the river, thedeepening surge of color rising upon either cheek. 

"You cannot be angry, " I continued gravely, after pausing vainly for areply. "Surely I have said no more than you already knew, and I spokemerely in answer to your questioning. "

"No, I am not angry. But it is not a pleasant reflection underlyingthe things mentioned, and I cannot assert your judgment of theChevalier false. Still I would press you further. Is this your onlyreason for desiring me to remain?"

"You wish me to answer frankly?"

"Otherwise I should not ask. "

I felt the quick flush mount even to my hair, yet gripped my breath, making effort to respond boldly. 

"I had other reason. To deny it would be merely uttering a lie to nopurpose. Madame de Noyan, we are not strangers--we could never beafter that night when we parted beneath the olives of MonsieurBeaujen's garden. You are wife to a chevalier of France; I, a homelessadventurer. Yet I have no higher ambition than to prove of service toyou. Whatever I have accomplished has been entirely for your sake, notfor his. Now we are together, the daily opportunity to serve you ismine; here I can work for you, perchance die for you, should suchsacrifice promise you happiness. But if you decide to go back yonder, directly into danger as desperate as any confronting us to thenorthward, then I must determine for myself where I can serve you best. Knowing my heart as you must, you can easily judge whether I wouldplunge deeper into the wilderness with your husband, or return to NewOrleans with you. There is a sentence in the Bible about theimpossibility of serving two masters, hence I trust I may not becompelled to choose between, until the hour when you are both safe. "

She listened silently, and I almost feared I had ventured upon tooplain speaking. Yet now, as she turned again toward me, her eyes weremoist with tears. 

"You are a strange man, Geoffrey Benteen, " she said gently, and, I knownot how, yet both her hands found way to mine. "I scarcely comprehendyour nature, or gauge your purposes--you are so unlike all others Ihave known. Yet this I am assured; you are of honest heart, and Itrust you wholly. "

"You will not return to the town?"

"I abide with you, and with my husband. " Her voice faltered to thatlast word, yet she spoke it bravely. 

"It will be better so, " I assented. "Better for us all. "

We slept late, undisturbed, in secure retreat among the trees, the vastriver chanting its endless song on either side of us. During theevening meal, partaken of amid the gathering shadows of twilight, ournewly discovered friend again evidenced his power as a trencherman. 

"_Sacre_!" ejaculated De Noyan in dismay. "I supposed his breakfastwas intended to last the week. We shall need a fleet of boats toprovision the fellow if he keep us company long. How is it, friendBenteen, are we to enjoy the pleasure of associating with this humanalligator, or do we now part company?"

"That is not yet determined, " I replied, smiling at the look ofconsternation with which he regarded him. "I will sound the man on thesubject, while he appears in good humor. "

I crossed the narrow plat of grass to where our guest sat facing theremains of his late feast, a look of satisfaction visible upon hiswithered countenance. 

"My good friend, " he exclaimed, observing my approach, "there seems anover-preponderance of spices in this cured meat; otherwise it meets mycordial approbation, although your Southern cookery has a peculiarlygreasy flavor to one of my taste in food. "

"I failed to observe your refraining from any on account of thatobjection, " I retorted, deeply amused by his words. "But if you arecompletely satisfied, you may be willing to turn a moment to matters ofbusiness, and inform us what you propose doing. In brief, will youresume your voyage, or is it your desire to cast your lot with us?"

He meditatively stroked the thin red stubble adorning his chin, contemplating me steadily. 

"Doth that which assisteth to nourish and sustain the inner man bidfair to hold out?" he finally questioned in a tone of anxiety. "I haveneed of sufficient food, both temporal and spiritual, and would notlightly assume any burden of suffering, unless it appear clearly as thewill of God. "

"I know not how long we can withstand such onslaughts as those you havealready made, " I returned honestly. "We are fairly well provisionedfor present needs, and when farther up the river will feel free to seekfresh game. "

"Ah! you have guns in the party? You will shoot deer--deer!" Hesmacked his thin lips greedily. "A nice, fat, juicy steak would not gobad even now. 'Tis strange how the mind runneth upon such carnalmatters--it remindeth us the flesh is weak. Deer--'tis best turnedupon a spit, with live coats not quite touching it. I would one mightwander before your gun this very night. Young man, did I not hear youname the destination of your party as the Ohio?"

"I so stated. "

"Then let me warn you, friend, " he crossed his legs more comfortably, resting back at ease, "that what you propose may not prove so easy asyou dream. The Amalekites and heathen, together with the worshippersof Baal, are everywhere along the upper waters. By the memory of OldNoll, I have seen more black-faced papists in the past two weeks than Iever before laid eyes on. "

"You do not enjoy the prospect of a fight?"

"Nay; it is not that, friend. I am, indeed, a preacher ofrighteousness, a man of peace, yet I might, upon occasion, strike rightlustily for the Lord and Gideon. I am not altogether unaccustomed tofeeling carnal weapons of strife, but with yonder fair specimen ofwomanhood in our care, I should not deem it best to force a struggle, provided passage might be secured through other means. "

"Have you some plan?"

"Nay; it has not been revealed unto me, although I besought it of theLord with great earnestness after the morning meal. I will againwrestle in prayer before the throne, and no doubt it shall all be madeplain in due season, if we faint not. "

"I take it, then, you propose forming one of our company?"

"Such seemeth the will of the Lord, " he responded soberly, "and I everhearken unto His voice. Thou didst state there would be plenty offood, so I abide with you. "

CHAPTER XIV

THE MOUTH OF THE ARKANSAS

I do not recall how many leagues we pushed our way up the stream, norcould I name the length of time required for our journey, before wearrived where a large river, bearing a muddier current, led toward thenorth and west. Those were neither days nor miles that imprintedthemselves on memory; they left only vague impressions, as onesometimes beholds objects through the dense haze of early morning. Iremember merely the low, flat line of shore, stretching away to adarker green of the heavy forest behind, and the ever-moving flood ofchangeless water, no sign of life appearing along its surface. 

Nor was there any happening within our boat to reflect upon, exceptingthat our new comrade proved himself a stanch man at the oars, thuscommending himself to me, in spite of a choleric temper apt to burstforth over trifles. He and De Noyan would have quarrelled many times aday, only neither comprehended the language of the other. The greatestcause I found for criticism was his interminable prayers, and the bullvoice in which he offered them. I have never made mock of religion, coming of a line of godly ancestors, yet I felt there could be nonecessity for making such noise over it morning, noon, and night. Yetneither entreaty nor threat moved him to desist, so I came to theconclusion that he either considered the Almighty deaf, or else wastotally unconscious of his own lung power. As to his appetite--butthere are things of which one may not justly write, so I content myselfby saying that, all in all, he was not so bad a comrade. 

De Noyan kept to his nature, and I liked him none the worse for it, although it is not pleasant to have at your side a gay cavalier onemoment and a peevish woman the next. You never know which may beuppermost. Yet he performed his full share of toil like a man, and, when not curling his long moustachios, or swearing in provincialFrench, was mostly what he should be, a careless soldier of fortune, towhom life appealed more as a play than a stern duty. He was of thatspirit most severely tried by such drudgery, and, looking back upon it, I can only wonder he bore the burden as cheerfully as he did. Beneathhis reckless, grumbling exterior, the metal of the man was not of suchpoor quality. 

However continual labor and enforced companionship told upon the rest, Madame retained her sweetness through it all, hushing our lips frommany a sharp retort that had threatened to disrupt our party longbefore this time. She had merely to glance toward us to silence anyrising strife, for no man having a true heart beneath his doublet couldfind spirit to quarrel before the disapproving glance of her dark eyes. It was thus we toiled forward, until one frosty morning our boatarrived where this great stream poured forth from the west, forcing itsreddish, muddy current far out into the wide river against which we hadstruggled so long. Slowly rounding the low, marshy promontory, andbeginning to feel the fierce tug of down-pouring waters against ourbow, I observed the old Puritan suddenly cock up his ears, like somesuspicious watch-dog, twisting his little glittering eyes from side toside, as though the spot looked familiar. 

"Do you suspect anything wrong, my pious friend, " I questionedcuriously, "that you indulge in such sniffing of the air?"

"'Tis a spot I know well, now it looms fairly into view, " he answeredsolemnly, continuing to peer about like one suddenly aroused fromsleep. "It was near here the Philistines made camp as I passed downthe river, but I perceive no signs now of human presence in theneighborhood. "

His words startled me, and I began looking anxiously about us. The lowshores consisted of the merest bog, overgrown heavily with stuntedbushes and brown cane, but some distance beyond rose the crest of apine forest, evidencing firmer soil. The opposite side of the streamwas no whit more inviting, except that the marsh appeared less inextent, with a few outcropping rocks visible, one rising sheer from thewater's edge, so crowded with bushes as scarcely to expose the rocksurface to the eye. 

"I discover no evidences of life, " I answered at last, reassured by mycareful survey. "Nor, for the matter of that, Master Cairnes, can Isee any spot dry enough to camp upon. "

"Up the stream a few strokes the Spaniards had camp; not so bad aplace, either, when once reached, although the current will provedifficult to overcome as we turn. "

Following his guidance we deflected the boat's head, and, by hard toilat the oars, slowly effected a passage up the swift stream, keeping asclose as possible along the southern shore, until, having compassedsomething like five hundred yards, we found before us a low-lying bank, protected by rushes, dry and thickly carpeted with grass. 

"What is the stream?" I questioned, marvelling at the red tinge of thewater. 

"The Spaniards named it the Arkansas. "

"Oh, ay! I remember, although I passed this way along the other shore. It was here some of La Salle's men made settlement near a hundred yearsago, I 'm told. The stream has trend northward. "

"So the Spaniards claimed to my questioning; they knew little of itsupper waters, yet possessed a map placing its source a few leagues fromwhere the Ohio joins the great river. It was yonder they were encampedwhen I was here before. "

He pointed toward a ridge of higher ground, where two trees hung likesentinels above the bank. Madame immediately turned the prow that way, and, bending our heads low, we shot beneath their trailing branches, grounding softly on the red clay of the bank. A brief search disclosedremains of camp-fires, testimony to the Puritan's remembrance of thespot. Evidently the place had been frequently occupied, and by sizableparties, yet the marks were all ancient; we discovered no signs thatany one had been there lately. 

It was barely daylight, although the sun was above the horizon. A vastbank of cloud hung so dense across the eastern sky as to leave thewhole scene in shadow, making the hour appear much earlier. I felt, aswe searched the camp-fires, a strange uneasiness, for which I could notaccount--it was a premonition of approaching peril. This sense is thegift of many accustomed to border life, and compelled to rely forsafety upon minute signs scarcely observable to the eyes of others. Ihad noticed a broken reed near where we turned into this new stream, sofreshly severed as to show green from sap yet flowing, while the softmud about the base of the big rock bore evidence of having beentramped, although the distance was so great the nature of the marks wasnot discernible. To be sure, native denizens of the forest mightaccount for this, yet the sight aroused suspicion and a determinationto examine more closely, while the fear of prowling enemies made mestrenuous in objecting to the building of any fire with which to cookour morning meal. 

The eating came to a conclusion at last, although not withoutgrumbling, in both French and English, at being obliged to subsist oncold fare. By use of threats I succeeded in inducing the Rev. Mr. Cairnes to retire without indulging in his usual devotional exercise. Discovering De Noyan comfortably settled against a tree-trunk, pipe inmouth, already beginning to look sleepy about the eyes, I muttered inhis hearing a word or two regarding a fishing trip into deeper wateralong the opposite shore, and, quietly leaving him to unsuspiciousrepose, slipped down to where our boat was tied beneath the treeshadows. As I bent, loosening the rope, I felt rather than perceivedthe presence of Madame upon the bank above. Turning as she addressedme, I glanced up, holding the untied rope in my hand. 

"You fear Spaniards may be near, " she said quickly, as if she haddeciphered my hidden thought. 

"No, Madame, " I replied, scarcely able to conceal astonishment at herpenetration, yet eager to quiet alarm, particularly as I had nooccasion for uneasiness. "I merely feel a curiosity to examine thatodd rock beside the entrance--the one we passed on the right. "

"Geoffrey Benteen, " she said firmly, stepping down the sloping bankuntil she stood beside me, "there is no occasion for your attemptingdeceit with me. Besides, you are too open-hearted a man to deceive anyone. I have noticed your glances, and interpreted your thoughts, eversince we turned into this stream. I am certain you fear at this momentwe have been beguiled into a trap. Tell me, is this not true?"

Her clear, questioning eyes gazed so directly into my own, and were sohonestly courageous, I up and told her what I had observed, and where Iwas then bound. 

"It is better to trust me, " she commented simply, as I ended myrecital. "My eyes have not been altogether idle, although I am noborderer to observe such faint signs. There were several reeds bentlow in the water a hundred yards back; their sides scraped as if alarge boat had been dragged through them. I thought nothing of it, until I observed how intently you were studying each mark left by man. While you are gone yonder, what would you wish me to do?"

I looked at her attentively, noting how heavy her eyes were fromweariness. 

"You are too tired to remain on guard, Eloise, " I said, forgetting Ishould not use that name, "or I might bid you watch here, and, if anymisfortune befall me, call the others. Besides, if there are enemiesat hand there is no knowing from what direction they may chance uponus. However, all we have observed were probably old marks, or made byroving beasts, and I shall soon return to fling myself on the ground, seeking sleep also. So go and rest those weary eyes, while I scout tosatisfy myself. It is only the doubt of a suspicious man. "

"I shall not sleep until your safe return, " she replied firmly. "Youshall not go forth thus without one to pray for your safe return. Ibeg you, exercise care. "

"Have no fear, Madame, I am no reckless hot-head at such work, andshall continue to guard my life while it remains of value to you andyours. Try to rest at ease, for I will soon return, with a laugh at myfoolish suspicions. "

I forced the boat into the swollen stream, and, using one oar as apaddle, silently and swiftly propelled it directly across. Discoveringa spot seemingly fit for travel, I pushed the prow through the longmarsh grass, and stepped ashore. She still stood in the tree shadow ofthe opposite bank, and waving a hand in reassurance, I drew forth mylong rifle from beneath the seat. Advancing silently, I pressedforward into the thick bed of cane, thinking more of Eloise de Noyanthan of the task before me. It proved a hard passage, so extremelydifficult as to call back my mind from foolish day-dreams to savemyself an ugly fall, for the grass under-foot was matted and tangled, interspersed with marshy pools of brackish water, amid whichinnumerable projecting roots spread snares for the feet. The sun, nowwell advanced, gave me the points of the compass, and, holding therifle-stock before my face, I cleared a path through the dense growth, and emerged from the low marsh land upon smooth turf, where some brushfound foothold, yet not so thickly as to impede the walking. 

I discovered myself near the bottom of a steep bank, which, curvingwith the line of the shore, extended forward for probably fifty feet, crowned along its ridge with numerous stunted trees. Trusting thus toobtain a firmer foothold and more extended view, I breasted the steepascent and found the summit a narrow plateau, only a few yards inwidth, with a still more extensive morass upon the opposite side, whichstretched away some distance in a desolate sea of cane and droopinggrass. Fortunately it proved easy travelling along the ridge, whichappeared of stone formation, probably having a terminus at the bigrock, toward which I proposed extending my investigation. 

I moved forward slowly and with caution, not because I expected to meetenemies in this lonely spot, but rather from an instinct of longfrontier training. I had advanced possibly a hundred yards, when Iapproached a small clump of stunted evergreens, so closely woventogether I could not wedge a passage between. Rounding their outeredge, my footsteps noiseless on ground thickly strewn with their softneedles, I came to a sudden halt within five paces of a man. 

CHAPTER XV

A PASSAGE AT ARMS

He stood motionless, one hand grasping the limb of a tree, leaning farout so as to gaze up the river, totally unconscious of my approach. The fellow was tall, yet heavily built, wearing a great leather helmetwith brass facings, his body encased in a slashed doublet, the strapfastenings of a steel breastplate showing at waist and shoulders, whilehigh boots of yellow cordovan leather extended above his knees. Inoticed also the upward curve of a huge gray moustache against thestern profile of his face, while a long straight sword dangled at hisside. Evidently the stranger was a soldier, and one not to be despisedin feats at arms, although in what service I might merely conjecture, as his dress was not distinctive. Yet it was small likelihood anyother nation than Spain had armed men in those parts. 

That he had discovered and was watching our camp, I entertained nodoubt, yet for the moment the surprise of seeing him was so great I wasunable to choose my safer course, --should I withdraw silently as Icame, or make quick attack? If the first, he would certainly see merecross the river, and suspect my mission. Nor was the otheralternative more promising. If I sprang upon him (and he looked aburly antagonist), such combat could not be noiseless, and surely thefellow was not alone in this wilderness. How close at hand lurked hiscompanions was beyond guessing, yet, if the sound of struggle arousedthat band of wolves, my life would not be worth the snapping of afinger. I felt cold chills creep up my spine as I stood hesitating, one foot uplifted, my eyes staring at that motionless figure. 

I waited too long, until every vantage left me. Suddenly the soldierswung back from his lookout on to firmer ground, wheeled, and faced me. I marked his start of surprise, noting his right hand drop, withsoldierly instinct, upon the sword hilt, half drawing the blade beforerecovering from that first impulse. Then curiosity usurped the placeof fear. He took one step backward, still upon guard, surveying mecarefully with one glinting gray eye, for the other had been closed bya slashing cut, which left an ugly white scar extending half-way downhis cheek. Except for this deformity, he was a man of fair appearance, having a stern, clearly chiselled face, with a certain arrogant manner, telling of long authority in scenes of war. A half smile of contemptplayed across his features as he ran me down from head to foot, evidently with the thought I was little worthy of his steel. It wasthen I recognized him. There had been familiarity about his great bulkfrom the first, yet now, as I faced him fairly, marking the haughtysneer curl his lips, I knew him instantly as that officer who passed usin the boat with the priest. 

"By the true cross!" he exclaimed at last, as if his breath had barelyreturned, "you gave me a start such as I have not often had in all mysoldiering. Yet you are no ghost; your aspect is altogether toohealthful for one condemned to exist upon air. _Saprista_! you musthave a light foot to steal thus on me unheard. Who are you, fellow?What do you here upon this soil of Spain?"

I leaned lightly on my rifle, so that I might swing it easily ifoccasion warranted, determined now not to fire unless it provednecessary to save my life, and made careless answer, using the sametongue in which I had been addressed. 

"Nor are you more surprised, Señor, at my presence, than was I a momentback to stumble upon you when I supposed our party alone here in thiswilderness. Who did you say held dominion over this country?"

"His most gracious Christian Majesty, Charles the Third, of Spain, " hereplied shortly. "As his officer, I require that you give proper heedand direct answer to my questioning. Who are you, and where are yougoing?"

The man's domineering manner amused me, yet I replied civilly to hiswords. 

"A wandering hunter, Señor, from the Illinois country, homeward bound. I was not aware this territory had fallen into Spanish hands, supposingit still to be under French control. You are then a soldier of Spain?"

"Ay, " he returned ungraciously, eying me in his irritating way, "of thebattalion of Grenada. "

He was evidently in doubt whether to believe my word, and I rejoiced tomark such indecision, accepting it as proof he had not gained a glimpseof De Noyan, for whom he was in eager search. 

"It may be, fellow, " he consented to say at last, "you speak truth, andit may be your tongue is false as hell. These are times of gravesuspicion, yet there are means of discovery open to men of action. Ijust noted the position of your camp yonder, and have sufficient menwithin easy reach of my voice to make it mine if need arise. So I warnyou to deal fairly, or accept the consequences. The Marquis de Serratois not one given to speaking twice in such quest. I have a soft tonguein ladies' bowers, but my hand is hard enough in camp and field. "

He uttered these words in fierce threat, his one evil eye glaring fullat me as though to terrify. Before I could answer, he shot forth aquestion, direct as a bullet from a gun. 

"I beheld the flap of a dress yonder amid those trees; what means it?Women are not common in these parts--have you one in your company?"

"We have, my lord, " I replied, holding myself to calmness, striving tospeak with apparent respect for his rank. "We are four, altogether;one has his wife along to cook for us. "

"You are voyaging from New Orleans?"

"Nay; from the savannahs of Red River, where we enjoyed a good seasonof sport. "

"You are French?"

"A natural guess, yet a wrong one, Señor. I am of English blood. "

"_Saprista_! 't is a beast of a nation! I like not that such as youshould be here. I will call some of my men and visit your camp. " Hespoke sternly, taking a step backward as if about to seek hiscompanions. "The tale you tell may be true enough, yet these aretroublous days along the river, and my orders are strict againstpermitting any to pass unsearched. "

My hands clinched hard around the gun-barrel for a swing, while Ibraced my body for a leap forward, yet held back from such desperateaction, making hazard of one more effort to draw him out. 

"I have met soldiers of Spain before, my lord, " I said, speaking thewords with deference, yet managing to inject sufficient tinge ofsarcasm to the tone, "yet never previously found them so fearful of astray hunter's camp as not to dare approach it without a guard of armedmen. My companions yonder are asleep, excepting the woman; we are onlythree, and of peaceful life. You would discover nothing except warmwelcome at our fire. "

I caught the quick responsive smile lighting his hard, thin face, observing how suddenly awakened pride and contempt combined to curl hisupturned moustache. 

"Ah!" he exclaimed gayly, with a derisive wave of the hand, "so yousuppose it is from fear I proposed calling others to accompany me!_Caramba_! 'tis well you put your suspicion in no stronger words. Butstay; I trust not altogether the truth of your tale. Saints' love! asoldier can place faith only in what he sees--yet your face is frankand simple enough, and, as you say, there are but three of you, besidesthe woman. I did mark that much from yonder tree. It will be smallrisk to one of my experience in arms, and my men sleep in weariness. Lead on, fellow, yet do not forget I wear this sword for use, not show. "

With muttered thanksgiving at my possessing so honest a countenance, and a blessing on the Spaniard's pride, I turned back, beginning toretrace my steps along the narrow ridge, never deigning to glanceacross my shoulder, yet confident he was close behind. Everyadditional step I inveigled him from his camp was to my advantage, norwould I permit him to feel suspicion on my part, as fearlessness wascertain to beget confidence, and my final plan of action was alreadymade. We thus passed the spot where I had climbed the steep bank, andwere, to the best of my memory, some twenty yards beyond thehiding-place of my boat, when the ridge widened, a thick fringe oflow-growing trees completely shutting out all view of the water. Itwas a likely spot enough, having firm ground under-foot, withsufficient room for a royal struggle, and here I determined to try apassage-at-arms with my burly antagonist. It was useless to hope forsurprise. He was an old soldier dogging my steps, doubtless eying myevery motion, his own hand hard gripping his sword hilt, ready to cutme down did slightest need arise. No; it must be foot to foot, eye toeye, a club of steel against the dancing blade; yet I felt the strangecontest would not prove unfair, for he was a man not as agile as inyears agone, while his armor of proof, valuable as it might be in theturning of a sword thrust, would be more burden than protection againstmy rifle-stock. 

"Señor, " I said, in studied courtesy, stopping suddenly and confrontinghim, "I have hunted across this wilderness more than one season, anddislike greatly being estopped now by Spanish decree. Nor do Icomprehend your right in this matter. Have you warrant for opposingour peaceful passage to the Ohio?"

He stared at me in undisguised amazement at my boldness, a grim smileon his hard, set face. 

"Ay! I have, fellow, " he finally retorted angrily, tapping his hilt. "'Tis in this scabbard at my side. "

"Then draw it, Señor, " I exclaimed, throwing forward my long riflemenacingly. "And may God stand with the better man. "

I have a conception that at the moment he believed he was being frontedby a crazed man, yet there was in my face an expression quicklyteaching him otherwise, and, with a swift twist, he flashed his swordforth into the sunlight, standing on guard. 

"_Por Baco_!" he growled savagely, "you must be little better than afool to hoist that club. It will give me pleasure to teach you bettermanners toward a grandee of Spain. "

"Grandee, or not, " I retorted, angered at his implied contempt, "I mayteach you a trick, Señor, with that same club, never learned in yourSpanish fencing-schools. "

It was swift, intense fighting from the word, he proving past-master ofhis weapon, yet my stiff rifle-barrel was no mean defence against hislighter blade, with a reach preventing his point touching my body, andsufficient weight to bear down the thin, murderous steel whenever thetwo came into contact. It had been long practice with me, havingpicked up the pretty trick from a French zouave when I was a boy, so Iswung the iron as if it were a single-stick; and, in truth, I know ofno better fence against the stroke of a straight sword, althoughfencing-masters, I have heard, make light of it. Nevertheless it wasnew experience to this Spaniard, and it did me good to note how itangered the fellow to be held back by such a weapon. He made suchstress to press in behind my guard that he began to pant like a manrunning a hard race. Nor did I venture to strike a blow in return, for, in simple truth, this soldier kept me busier with parry and feintthan any swordsman before, while he tried every trick of his trade, nota few of them strange to me. So I bided my time, confident he mustmake an opening for fit return if he kept up such furious attack, andthus, with retreat and advance, hack and guard, thrust and parry, wetramped up a wide bit of ground, while there was no sound of thestruggle, except our hard breathing, with now and then a fierce cursefrom him as his flashing steel nicked on my gun-barrel, or flew offinto thin air just as he thought to send its deadly point home. 

Such fighting is wearing even to seasoned nerves, and the dazzle of thesun bothered my eyes, yet he had pressed me back scarcely more than acouple of yards when his dancing blade slipped stealthily up my brownbarrel, suddenly nipping the loose sleeve of my doublet. As it prickedinto the cloth, scraping the skin of my forearm, I let the fellow havethe end of the muzzle full in the side. It was not the best spot forsuch a thrust, nor could I give it proper force, yet I think it crackeda rib, from the way the Spaniard drew back, and the sudden pallor ofhis face; indeed, so ghastly white he got, I thought him done for, andlowered my barrel carelessly. He was more of a man than I had reckonedon, or else his pride made him averse to accepting defeat, for with onequick spring, like a wounded tiger, he was inside my guard, his uglypoint rasping into me just beneath the shoulder. Saint Andrew! It wasan awkward touch, especially as the tough steel held, the puncturedflesh burning like fire; but fortunately the fellow was in too greatpain himself to press his advantage, and, as we clinched and went downtogether, I chanced to be on top, throttling him with right good-will. 

That which followed was but a small matter, yet I left him there, waiting the discovery of his comrades, in as comfortable a posture aspossible, confident he could give no alarm. That Spaniard was a braveman, and I have ever had respect for such. 

CHAPTER XVI

WE CHANGE OUR COURSE

My attempt to recross the river proved difficult. I had lost no smallamount of blood from my wound, which, besides weakening me, had sostiffened my right shoulder as to render any strain upon the oars aconstant pain. Yet the excitement nerved me to the effort, and, crushing down weakness by sheer force of will, I drove the heavy boatstraight through the low, overhanging bushes on to the soft mud of thebank. Before I could arise to my feet Madame was standing beside thedripping prow, her great eyes staring at the blood stains discoloringmy doublet. 

"You are hurt!" she exclaimed, her lips white with apprehension. "Ibeg you tell me, is it a serious wound?"

"Nay, the merest scratch, Madame, " I answered hastily, for it added tomy pain to mark such anxiety in her face. "Not worthy your thought, but I will ask you to call the others at once, and have them loadeverything into the boat without delay. I will await you here, as Ifind myself weak from loss of blood. "

She stood gazing intently at me, as if she read my most secretthoughts; and no doubt my face was sufficiently white to alarm her, yetI smiled back into her eyes, and she turned away, running lightly upthe bank. Nor was she long away, or noisy in her mission, scarcely aminute having elapsed before the three came trooping down to thewater-side, their hands laden with camp utensils, De Noyan wide awakeenough, and filled with intense interest in my adventures, but thePuritan yet cock-eyed from sleep, stumbling as he walked like a man ina dream. 

"Take the oars, both of you, " I said quietly, totally ignoring thequestion in the eyes of the Chevalier. "I have tasted a sword point, and am weakened from loss of blood. Pull up the stream, and be swiftand quiet about it. "

"Hast thou been smitten of the Philistine, friend Benteen?" loudlyquestioned Cairnes, stumbling noisily across the seats. 

"Time enough to tell my story when we are beyond danger, " I returnedtartly, annoyed by his awkwardness. "If you utter another word beforewe are around yonder headland, I will have De Noyan hoist youoverboard. "

I saw him glance askance at the unconscious Chevalier as if mentallycalculating his ability to perform the feat. Then his glinting grayeyes swept the sodden shore as though vaguely wondering what it was wefled from in such unseemly haste. Nor did I long withdraw my ownanxious gaze from that north bank, until we rounded the bend in thestream, and were safely removed from view of any one below. I was ableto mark no sign of life along the ridge, my faith reviving that theSpanish sailors yet slept soundly, while as to their irate commander, Ihad trussed him with a thoroughness which left me confident. Feelingreassured I finally yielded to Eloise's entreaties, laying bare mybreast and permitting Madame to wash away the clotted blood and applysuch bandages as might easily be procured. She was extremely gentleabout it; but I marvelled somewhat at the trembling of her whitefingers and the pallor of her face, for it was not a bad wound, DeNoyan hesitating not to make light of it, although he acknowledged itwas a strong wrist which drove the tuck in. Anyway, what with thereaction and the loss of blood, I lay back quite spent, telling overbriefly those incidents that had occurred to me while they slept. 

"And now, " I said, addressing the Puritan, who was seated at thebow-oar, where I could see nothing of him except the bobbing of his redcrop, "how do you know this stream makes a circuit and approaches themouth of the Ohio? It beareth a little to the west of north here. "

"It was the Spanish captain camping here as I passed down, " heanswered, speaking abominably through his nose. "They called himCastellane, a little fellow, with pop-eyes, who pretended to light hispipe from my hair. He pointed it out upon a map some black-frockedpapist had drawn. It was plain enough to the eye, but 'tis likely theylied, for they were all spawns of Satan. "

"True or false, " I commented coolly, "we seem likely to find out. Ihave also heard somewhere--no doubt in the Illinois country--about anorthern trend to this stream, and one thing is certain, there is nohope for us otherwise; there can be no running those guard-lines backyonder. "

"Do you mean we push on up this river?" broke in De Noyan, who hadmanaged to make something out of our conversation, especially as thePuritan illustrated his knowledge by rudely tracing with a stumpedforefinger a map on the board where he sat. "_Sacre_! 'tis thedirtiest red slough ever I navigated. Why not try the other thing? Abrush with those gentlemen below would be more to my taste. "

"Ay, Master Benteen, " boomed Cairnes with pious emphasis, reading themeaning of the other through his French gestures. "Methinks the Lordof Hosts would assuredly strengthen the hearts of His servants for sucha fray. How many, friend, do you suppose they number, those unwashedsons of Belial?"

"I can only guess. There were twelve oars in the boat passing us onthe lower river, while four others sat with guns in their hands;besides these are the Marquis de Serrato and the Capuchin priest, making a total of eighteen, all of whom we must reckon upon as beingfighting men at a pinch. "

"Faith, merely enough to make the affair of interest, " muttered DeNoyan, as I explained my words to him. "Hardly enough even by yourcount, as the officer nurses a cracked rib, while the priest wouldprove of small moment when it came to blows. I am for bearing downupon the knaves in sudden onset; it will require but a crack or two erethe villains let us by. "

"May the God of Battles place me within fair stroke of that accursedgray-backed emissary of Rome, " snorted the Puritan, his red hair erect. "I promise, Master Benteen, to smite as did David at Goliath. "

I gazed uneasily about from where I lay at the feet of Madame, only toperceive her eyes resting upon me as if she waited anxiously mydecision. 

"Do not suppose, " she said quickly as our glances met, "that I shallshrink from the peril of encounter. If it is best, you may trust me todo whatsoever may become a daughter of France. "

"Nor do we question it, Madame, " I returned warmly, noting theunrestrained flash of pride leaping into the careless eyes of herhusband at these brave words. "But to invite such conflict in ourpresent condition would be sheer madness. There are only two men amongus, for I am but half a man, the rapier thrust has robbed me of solarge an amount of blood; nor do we possess fit weapons to wage battleagainst so well-armed a company as blocks our passage. De Noyan sportshis straight sword, which would be well wielded at close quarters; Ipossess my rifle, with small store of powder and ball, all of which arelikely to be needed to save us from starving in this wilderness; whileCairnes here might indeed prove a strong arm with the tuck I broughtback with me, yet probably knows nothing of the secrets of thrust andparry. Pish! 'tis not worth thinking about. Pit such an outfit asthis against eighteen well-armed men, --for the Marquis can shoot forall his cracked rib, nor do I doubt the fighting qualities of thepriest, --and the venture becomes too difficult for parley. Nay, "warming up as I noted the hot-headed gallant preparing for speech, "noris this all we should have to contend with. Above, along the upperriver, there are at least three other expeditions of Spanish soldiery. They are warned of De Noyan's escape, already guarding every junction. Suppose we succeeded--which in itself would be a miracle--in cuttingour way out from here, could we hope to distance a twelve-oared boatracing against the current, or escape a clash with those others? Iknow the difference between a bold dash and the utter foolhardinesssuch a hopeless venture as this would be. "

"_Sacre_! you appear strangely over-cautious all at once, " and Idetected a covert sneer in the Chevalier's low, drawling tone. "TheSpaniard's blade must have let out the best of your blood. Were you asoldier, now, instead of a mere forest rover, the odds you mentionwould only serve to stir you into action. "

"Pardon, Monsieur, " I said quietly, holding my temper, "it may be Ihave seen harder service than some who boast loudly their soldiership. It requires more than a gay dress, with some skill in thefencing-schools, to make a soldier in my country, nor do I believe youwill ever find me lagging when a proper time comes to strike blows. "

"So I supposed until now; yet 'tis evident you would have us continuetoiling for weeks against this foul current rather than strike onequick blow, and be free from the mess. "

"Nay, Monsieur, " my voice coming stern in rebuke of his rashness, "youare wrong. You know perfectly well, De Noyan, I risk my life readilyas any man in a good cause. I have ranged the woods since boyhood, long accustomed to border broil and battle--there is scarcely an Indiantrail between the Great Lakes and the country of the Creeks I have notfollowed either in peace or war. I have faced savage foemen in battle, and crossed steel with those of your own school, and although I maywear no glittering gold lace, nor sport a title with which to dazzlethe imagination of a girl, yet the man venturing to sneer at mycourage, either amid the wilderness, or in the town, makes answer forthe speech, whenever I come to my strength again. "

"Always at your service, Monsieur, " he murmured gently, "with thegreatest pleasure. "

"Very well then, " I went on, barely noting his words, yet marking thelook of distress on the face of his young wife, and despising him forit. "Understand this, Monsieur--we make no battle here, whether itsuit your hot-brained desires or not. I dragged you from the jaws ofdeath at the request of her who sits in silence yonder. I will neverconsent that your rashness now draw her into the peril of such a_mêlée_ as the attempt to run that gantlet. Cairnes, "--I turned toface the Puritan, sitting all this time with open mouth listening toour quarrel, yet scarcely comprehending a word that passed, --"this gayFrench cockerel would throw us against those eighteen men below, tofight our way from here to the Ohio, as if the Spaniards between wereso many buzzing mosquitoes, and you are not greatly averse to tryingthat same experiment. "

"It would be a godly and pious service to smite so black and Papist acrew. "

"No doubt of that; yet, Master Cairnes, you are scarcely the sort whowould involve a lady in such broil, when, if we escaped at first, thechances are we should have wounded to care for, or, perchance, beprisoners borne southward under Spanish guard--a contingency notover-pleasant, I imagine, to a preacher of your faith. "

I saw him twist his little eyes as if in petition for guidance, whilehe ran his hand nervously through his red hair before venturing a reply. 

"It must ever be as the Lord wills, friend Benteen, " he returnedsoberly, De Noyan surveying the fellow as he might some strange animalwhose ways he did not understand. "I am not one to draw back my handonce upon the plough. Yet I have found you of a level and cool head inmatters of judgment, and it is meet we exercise due care over this rareflower of womanhood who shares our dangers. I like not the hard pullup this swift current, " he cast anxious eyes at the swirling stream. "It is not clear into what additional peril it may lead, nor do I feelgifted at the oars, now the provisions bid fair to become somewhatscant. "

I waited for no more. 

"The Puritan sufficiently agrees with me, " I announced to De Noyanfirmly. "We will pull on up this stream until we learn its true trend, and are beyond Spanish overhauling. It will be best to lose no time inplacing a good stretch of water behind us. "

During this controversy our boat had drifted against the southern bank, its side softly scraping the mud, its bow entangled amid the roots ofan overhanging bush. To my surprise the Chevalier, instead of pickingup his oar, grasped a bit of the projecting root, and, sword danglingafter him, coolly stepped forth upon dry land. 

"You and your cursed canting preacher can do as you please, " heannounced carelessly, staring down at us, "but if you desire to retainme as one of this interesting party, you will wait until I return. "

"Surely, man, you do not propose attacking the Spaniards single-handed?This is sheer madness. "

He laughed lightly at the look of consternation on my face, twistinghis moustache between his white fingers, his good humor instantlyrestored. 

"Nay, most valiant hunter of game, " he returned gayly. "_Le diable_!you appear as horrified as your hellfire friend yonder at sight of acrucifix. _Sacre_! I am not such a fool. I know when the odds aretoo great, even although I wear a uniform. Still, should I chance tomeet obstruction during my ramble, it is not likely I shall run from itwithout a pass or two. I merely return to our camp, and will be backpresently, if naught unpleasant occur. "

"Our camp? You deliberately venture your life, and ours as well, frommere bravado?"

"_Bravado_! _Sacre_! you do wrong to use such term. 'T is of fargreater moment than that--I seek the curling iron I have just missedfrom out my toilet-bag. I mind me now I laid it beside the tree whileI slept. "

Before I could recover speech to stay him, he vanished into the thickcane. It was a difficult task to make the practical-headed old Puritancomprehend the nature of his quest, and when it slowly dawned upon himfor what trivial matter the Frenchman undertook so desperate a journey, there came across his seamed and withered face so odd a look ofcomplete disgust, I laughed outright in my nervousness, discoveringsome slight response in the amused eyes or Madame. It proved a goodhour before the Chevalier returned, somewhat bedraggled of attire, yetwith his prize dangling at the belt, and dropped wearily upon a seatwithin the boat. 

"'Tis time to move, " he answered, responding to my look of inquiry. "They were at the camp when I left; and appeared in ill humor, fromwhat little I could understand of their Spanish mouthings. They hadjust released the noble Marquis from where you trussed him upon therock, and his language has given me a headache. "

CHAPTER XVII

WE MEET WITH AN ACCIDENT

I find it poor work transcribing so much regarding myself in recountingthese small adventures, yet how else may I tell the story rightly?This all occurred so long ago the young man of whom I write seemshardly the same old man who puts pen to paper. The impression growsupon me that I merely narrate incidents which befell a friend I onceknew, but who has long since passed from my vision. 

It was wearying work, toiling up the muddy Arkansas, and in the enddisastrous. Occasionally, for miles at a stretch, our hearts weregladdened by a curve toward the northward, yet we drew westerly so muchwe became fearful lest the Jesuit had made false report on the maincourse of the stream. Every league plunged us deeper into strange, desolate country, until we penetrated regions perhaps never beforelooked upon by men of our race. The land became more attractive, thesickly marsh giving place to wide, undulating plains richly decoratedwith wild grasses, abloom with flowers, bordered by a thick fringe ofwood. Toward the end of our journeying by boat, after we had passedtwo cliffs upreared above the water, the higher rising sheer for twohundred feet, we perceived to the northward vast chains of hills risingin dull brown ridges against the sky-line, seemingly crowned with rareforest growth to their very summits. During all these days and nightsin only two things could we deem ourselves fortunate--we discovered nosigns of roving savages, while wild animals were sufficiently numerousto supply all our needs. 

Three days' journey beyond the great cliff--for we voyaged now duringthe daylight, making camp at nightfall--I became convinced of the utterfutility of further effort. By this time I had recovered sufficientlyfrom my wound to assume a share of labor at the oars, and was pullingthat afternoon, so my eyes could glance past the fiery red crop of thePuritan, who held the after-oar, to where the Captain and Madame restedin the stern. I remarked De Noyan's dissatisfied stare along thefeatureless shore we skirted, and the lines of care and troublebecoming daily more manifest upon Madame's face. Thus studying thetwo, I cast about in my own mind for some possible plan of escape. 

They had been conversing together in low tones, so low, indeed, nowords reached me, while the preacher knew nothing of the languageemployed. Nevertheless I could guess its purport. It was sufficientlyclear to all of us that we merely wasted strength longer breasting theswift current of this river, and were constantly drawing farther fromour goal. Yet I was of proud spirit in those days, finding it not easyto swallow my hastily spoken words, so I continued to pull steadily atthe heavy oars, not seeing clearly how best to conquer myself, confessmy former mistake, and advise retreat. Fortunately a strongerinfluence than false pride urged me to action. Marking again how sadlyEloise drooped her sobered face above the water, it put the heart of aman in me to acknowledge my error, offering such amends as were stillpossible. 

It seems simple enough, yet it was not so small a struggle, nor did Ifully win the battle over stubbornness until the gray of evening beganwrapping about us hazy folds of cloud, the time coming when we mustseek suitable night camp. It was then I found tongue, even whileglancing across my shoulder, through the shadows, searching for alanding-place. As if all this were yesterday, I recall the scene. Everything swam in the gray haze, which, settling across the water, shut off from view much of the land. We were nearly abreast of where asmaller stream came leaping down from the right to hurl its clearcurrent far out into the muddy river. So rapid was this discharge, thewaters about us were thrown into turmoil, tossing our boat like a cork, causing Madame to grasp the rail nervously. Its narrow mouth waspartially concealed by overhanging shrubbery, so we were well withinthe sweep of its invading waters before I could conjecture the forcewith which it came. Through the dim light, confusing to the eyes, Isought to peer ahead. The hills, huddled much closer to the shore, appeared rough in their rocky outlines, while the heavy underbrush, clinging tightly to the water-side, offered nothing in the way of asuitable camping-spot. Beyond the tumultuous sweep of this northerntributary, however, I discovered a considerable patch of grass, overshadowed by giant trees, and there I made selection of the spotwhich should complete our upward voyage. 

"Steer us in toward yonder green bank, Madame, " I called to Eloise, "where you see that group of trees through the fog. God willing, itshall prove our last camp before we turn east and south once more. "

It did my heart good to observe the sudden brightening of her face atthese words of promise, as if they came in direct answer to prayer. Iunderstood then how weary she was with our toll, how cruel I had beento hold her so long at it. She had given utterance to no complaint;even now, it was not her voice which welcomed my decision. It was theChevalier, seldom failing in ready speech, whose careless tongue raspedme with quick retort. 

"Ah, so you have really come to your senses, Benteen, " he criedeagerly. "I thought it would not be much longer after you were able toget grip upon an oar. Our red-headed friend has slow tongue of late, yet I warrant he has little love for such man-killing work; so aturn-about will be the vote of us all. Saint Anne! 'tis the happiestword to ring in my ears since this cursed trip began. "

Nothing tests the innate quality of a man like the wilderness. Howeverbold of heart, if every utterance is a complaint he will prove aconstant hardship. I doubted not both De Noyan and the Puritan wouldshow themselves true men if emergency confronted us; but in the dailyplodding routine of travel the Chevalier gave way to little worries, jerking along in the harness of necessity like an ill-broken colt;while Cairnes, who pulled steadily in sullen discontent, was much thebetter comrade of the two. 

"Call it what you please, " I answered shortly, never removing my gazefrom the pleased face of Madame, thus keeping better control over mytongue. "I have become convinced the map of the Jesuit priest lied, and this stream runs not northward. It is useless pushing any farther. "

"Where, then?"

"Back, of course. To drift down-stream will be easy now we knowsomething of the current. We return to the junction of the rivers, where we left the Spaniards--'tis hardly probable they are still there;but if they are, then we must trust to our stout arms, and have faithin the right. ------ By heavens! Cairnes, what mean you? Damme, man, would you overturn the boat?"

This hasty word of expostulation had hardly left my lips before thePuritan scuttled clumsily overboard, his red hair cropping out of theseething water like a rare growth of fungus. Another instant, and thefull shock of that racing current struck our bow, hurling it about asif the trembling boat were an eggshell. Over him we went, his pudgyfingers digging vainly for some holding-place along the slipperyplanks, his eyes staring up in terror. 

"For God's sake, cling tight, Eloise!"

I heard this shout of warning from De Noyan as he fell backward intothe water, which, luckily, was scarcely above his waist. Helpless toprevent the plunge, I joined company at the bow, going down well overmy head without finding footing, and coming to the surface face to facewith the Puritan, who was spluttering out river water and scraps ofCalvinistic speech, striving madly to lay hold on some portion of theboat, now spinning away on the swift flood. It was no time to seekexplanation from any man wrathful as Cairnes appeared to be, so Idevoted my attention to doing the one thing left us, --keeping the crazycraft upright to save Madame and the cargo. Nor was this an easy task. Seldom have I breasted such angry, boiling surge as beat againstus--there was no fronting it for those of us beyond our depths, whileeven De Noyan, making a manful struggle, was forced slowly back intodeeper water, where he floundered helpless as the rest. It spun usabout like so many tops, until I heard a great crunching of timbers, accompanied by a peculiar rasping which caused my heart to stop itspulsation. All at once the heavy bow swung around. Caught by it, Iwas hurled flat against the face of a black rock, and squeezed sotightly between stone and planking I thought my ribs must crack. 

It was then I noted Cairnes, struggling just beyond me, reachingbackward with his foot until he found purchase against the stone, thenlifting his great crop to gaze about, sweeping the moisture from hiseyes. He braced one mighty shoulder against the boat's side, with sucha heave as I never supposed lay in the muscles of any man; swung thatwhole dead weight free of the rock, and ere the dancing craft, weclinging desperately to it, had made two circles in the mad boiling, Ifelt my feet strike bottom, and stood upright, ready to do my shareagain. 

"Are you safe, Madame?" I questioned anxiously, for I could see nosigns of her presence from where I stood, and she uttered no sound. 

"I am uninjured, " she returned, "but the boat takes water freely. Ifear a plank has given way. "

"_Parbleu_!" sputtered De Noyan, with a great sound of coughing. "Sohave I taken water freely. _Sacre_! I have gulped down enough of thestuff to last me the remainder of life. "

"Hold your wit until we are safe ashore, Monsieur, " I commentedshortly, for as I stood the strain was heavy on my arms. "Push towardthe right, both of you, or the boat will sink before we can beach her;she takes water like a sieve. "

We slowly won our way backward, the effort requiring every pound of ourcombined strength, De Noyan and I tugging breathlessly at the stern, the sectary doing yeoman service at the bow. Yet the effort told, bringing us into quieter water, although we upbore the entire weight ofthe boat on our shoulders after we made firm footing. The water pouredin so rapidly Madame was for going overboard also, but we persuaded herto remain. Anyway, we drove the prow against the bank at last, and, asI rested, panting from exertion, I observed the others draggingthemselves wearily ashore, Cairnes was a sight, with his great mat ofred hair soaked with black mud, which had oozed down over his face, soas to leave it almost unrecognizable. He shook himself like a shaggywater-dog after a bath, flinging himself down full length with a growl. De Noyan fared somewhat better, coming ashore with a smile, eventrolling the snatch of a song as he climbed the bank, but his gaymilitary cap, without which, jauntily perched upon one side of hishead, I had scarcely before seen him, had gone floating down-stream, and the fierce upward curl of his long moustachios had vanished. Theyhung now limp, leaving so little _à la militaire_ in his appearancethat I had to smile, noting the look of surprise in Madame's eyes as hegallantly assisted her to the dry grass, before flinging himself flatfor a breathing spell. 

"God guide us!" I exclaimed, so soon as I could trust myself to speak. "This is a hard ending to all our toil, nor do I understand how it cameabout. "

"_Sacre_!" commented De Noyan, glancing across at the fellow. "Itlooked to me as if yonder canting preacher either was taken with a fit, or sought to make ending here of two papists. "

I turned to face the grim-faced sectary, still too thoroughly winded byhis late exertions to try the lift of a Psalm. 

"See here, sirrah, " I began angrily in English, "perhaps you willexplain what sort of a Connecticut trick you attempted to play there inthe current?"

He twisted his narrow eyes in my direction, apparently studying thefull meaning of my words before venturing an answer. 

"I know not what you mean, friend, " he returned at last, in that deepbooming voice of his. "Did I not perform my work with the best of ye?"

"Ay, you were man enough after we went overboard, but why, in the nameof all the fiends, did you make so foul a leap, bringing us into suchimminent peril?" The gleam of his eyes was no longer visible, but Imarked the rise of his great shoulders, his voice rumbling angrily, like distant thunder, as he made reply. 

"Why did I make the leap, you unregenerated infidel, you thick-headedheretic? Why did I? Better were I to ask why you ran the boat's noseinto that bubbling hell. Why did I? What else saved us losing everypound we carried, together with the woman, you cock-eyed spawn of thedevil, only that Ezekiel Cairnes possessed sufficient sense to throwhimself in the way, upbearing the bulk of the strain? The water wassomewhat deeper than I supposed, and my feet found no bottom, yet 'twas the best thing to do, and the only hope of steadying the boat. Better for you and that grinning papist yonder to be on your kneesthanking the Almighty He sent you a man this day, than lie there likeso many hooked cods, gasping for breath with which to abuse one of theLord's anointed. Yet 'tis but righteous judgment visited upon me forconsorting with papists and unbelievers. "

Feeling the possible justice of his claim I hastened to make amends tothe wrathful and worthy man. 

"You may be right, " I admitted slowly. "Certainly we will returnthanks for deliverance each in his own way. As for me, I greatlyregret having mistrusted your act. Perhaps it was best, yet I think wehave small chance ever to use this boat again. It appears badlyinjured. However, we must await daylight to note the damage. In themeantime, let us make shift to camp; a hot fire will dry our limbs andclothing, and put us in better humor for the morrow. "

CHAPTER XVIII

A HARD DAY'S MARCH

The dawn came with rosy promise of a fair day, a frost lying white overthe grass-land, sufficient nip in the air to stir the blood. Beforethe others were aroused I examined the boat, which rested high in themud where we had heaved it the evening previous. The cruel rent in thesolid planking was such as to afford little hope of our ever being ableto repair it. How the accident occurred I did not rightly comprehend, but we had been cast ashore on the western bank of that swiftmaelstrom. In the light of dawn, I gazed forth upon the whirlpoolextending between the rock against which we had struck and the bankwhere I stood, in speechless wonder at the miracle of our rescue. Standing there in silence broken only by the wild tumult of the waters, I thought of Eloise tossed helpless in their merciless grip, and bowedmy head humbly above the shattered boat, offering up a heartfeltpetition. I was not in those days a man of prayer, yet the germ of myfather's robust faith was ever in my blood, and love teaches many agood lesson. Certainly I felt better within my own heart for thatinstant of communion under the paling stars. 

My head was yet bowed over the gunwale when the heavy footsteps of thePuritan sounded close at hand. I could not fail to remark a softnessin his deep voice as he spoke, resting one hand upon my shoulder. 

"Thou knowest not, friend Benteen, how it gladdens my old heart to findthee before the throne of grace. I fear thou art not greatlyaccustomed to look up unto God in time of trouble, yet doing so cannever weaken thy arm for the moment of trial. Acknowledge the Lord ofHosts, nor dream thou wilt ever prove less of a man because thy heartresponds to His many mercies. "

"You speak truly, " I returned soberly, feeling a new respect for him inthat hour. "There is no better way in which to start the day; and, unless my eyes deceive me, this bids fair to prove a day of sore trial. Have you looked to the damage done the boat?"

"Nay, " he returned earnestly, bending low to examine the rent. "Islept like a man in drink, and even now am scarcely well awakened. 'Tis, indeed, a serious break, friend; one, I fear, which will provebeyond our remedying. "

"Have you skill with tools?"

"It is one of my gifts; yet of what use in the wilderness where toolsare not to be found? However, I will see what may be done, after webreak our fast--there is little accomplished working on an emptystomach. "

It was a morning of sorrowful labor; from the beginning a perfectlyhopeless one. The planking had been so badly crushed that a portionwas actually ground into powder, leaving a great gaping hole. To patchthis we possessed no tool to shape the wood properly, or, indeed, anywood to shape, except the seats of the oarsmen. Nor did we possessnails. More than one expedient was resorted to with bits of canvas, wooden pegs, or whatsoever else we could lay hands upon, but ourefforts resulted each time in sickening failure. At last, long beforethe sun had attained the zenith, the old preacher looked up, disappointment written on every line of his rough face, to say grimly:

"We waste toil, friends; the boat floats no more for all our labors. Nor do I deem it the will of the Lord we longer continue to wearourselves out in vain effort to undo His work. "

He wiped the beads of perspiration from his low forehead, pushing hishand through his matted hair. 

"Were it not for the woman, " he added more cheerfully, "the accidentwould not be so bad either. I am cramped by long boat service, andwould welcome a stiff tramp to loosen out the joints of my legs. "

I glanced across uneasily at Madame, for we were all seated on thegrass in the sunshine, but could perceive nothing except encouragementin the clear depths of her brave eyes. 

"Fear nothing on my account, " she said quietly, instantly reading mythoughts as if my face were an open book. "I am strong, and shall notgreatly mind the walking. "

"At least you are strong of heart, " I returned gravely. "But such atrip as now lies before us will test your power of endurance greatly. Yet what must be done is best done quickly, and there are unpleasantmemories clustering about this spot, making me anxious to leave itbefore another night. Let each one speak frankly his thought as to ourfuture course, so we may choose the route aright. De Noyan, you are asoldier, accustomed to places of difficulty and peril. What would yousuggest?"

He was lying flat upon his back, hands clasped beneath his head, puffsof white smoke from his pipe curling lazily up into the blue sky; nordid he remove the stem from between his lips as he made easy answer. 

"Faith, man, my service on campaign has ever been with the horse; noram I fond of using my own limbs for travelling. It would be fareasier, I think, to knock up the old boat here; then, with whatsoeverelse we might find in this God-forsaken wilderness, construct some sortof raft to upbear our company, and so drift down with the stream. _Parbleu_! it would be a relief from those cursed oars. If the load betoo heavy, the preacher can be left behind; 't would be small loss. "

"Your plan sounds bravely in words, Chevalier, but were we to attemptit, we should soon find ourselves in more serious stress than now, --ay!before we had covered the first day's journey. My Calvinistic friend, what advice have you for our guidance?"

The sectary's eyes were fastened upon the ragged line of hills at ourback, and for the moment he made no response, his seamed face gravewith thought. 

"How far, Master Benteen, " he queried finally, "do you make it fromhere to the mouth of this river?"

"Not much short of sixty leagues, " I answered, after a bit of thinking. "The stream bends and twists so it is difficult to judge the truedistance. "

"It was a grievous journey, " he admitted with a groan, "one I care notto travel again, unless it be revealed plainly to me as the will of theLord. I name the distance full seventy leagues. What has been themain direction of our course?"

"To north of west. "

"Ay! Are we, think you, thirty leagues to northward of where we leftthe Spaniards?"

"I should say yes, maybe ten leagues more. "

"I doubt the extra ten, but even at thirty it would be foolishness toretrace all that hard-won distance merely for the sake of keeping insight of this muddy stream, the very water of which is unfit forChristian stomach, and of no value otherwise. 'Tis my vote we strikedirectly east and north, following as straight a trail as possibleuntil we find the great river. It should be as easy travelling asalong this bank, and will bring us out above the Spanish lines ofguard. "

I know not how long I sat there gazing silently into his impassiveleathern face, turning over within my own mind the argument of hiswords. He was neither woodsman nor mountaineer, yet possessed somejudgment. Thus considering, I saw but one possible objection to hisplan--lack of water or of game along the unknown route to be traversed. But serious scarcity of either was hardly to be expected at this seasonamong the mountains, while the weary leagues of southing thus savedwould make no small difference in the length and time of our journey. 

"It appears to me our best hope, " I admitted candidly. "It willinvolve clambering over rocks, yet yonder range does not appear high, nor of a width to keep us long in its shadow; besides, the lowerreaches of this river are marshy leagues upon leagues, and to my mindwalking will be easier if we take higher ground. It is all guessworkat the best. We know how impassable the trail will be below, and, evenif we retrace our steps down the river, we shall have to make a widedetour to cross this mad stream. But wait; we have heard no word fromMadame de Noyan. "

She also was looking upon those cool, blue hills, apparently close athand, but turned instantly at my addressing her, making quick andconfident answer. 

"My word is only this, Geoffrey Benteen: you are a woodsman, bettercapable of such decision than any woman whose life has been livedwithin the town. I go cheerfully wheresoever your choice lies. "

It has ever been a source of strength to me to be thoroughly trusted bysome other, and I instantly arose to my feet, feeling a new man underthe inspiration of these heartsome words. 

"Then that matter is decided, " I announced, a ring of confidence in myvoice. "We will break bread once more, and then commence our journey. "

"_Sacre_!" ejaculated the Captain, yet lolling upon his back, "if it belike that same biscuit I had an hour since, breaking it will prove nosmall matter. "

The blazing sun stood an hour low in the west when we divided our smallstock of necessaries so as to transport them, and, with merely a lastregretful glance at the damaged boat which had been our home so long, turned our faces hopefully toward those northern hills, commencing ajourney destined to prove for more than one a trip unto death. God'sway is best, and there is a noble purpose in it all; for had we thatday been enabled to view the future, not a single step would we havetaken, nor should I have had in my memory a tale worthy of beingwritten down. 

I led the little company, bearing rifle in hand, keeping vigilantoutlook for game; De Noyan followed, where he might easily afford aidto his wife if she required the strength of his arm along the roughpath; while the old Puritan, grumbling ever to himself, lumbered alongwell in the rear, although we were careful to keep within speakingdistance of each other. We traversed a gently rising slope of grassland, with numerous rocks scattered over its surface, keeping as closeas possible along the bank of the brawling stream, that we might makeuse of its narrow valley through the rocky bluffs, which threatened tobar our passage. These were no great distance away, so a steadygait--I set the pace slow not to distress Madame, who was cramped fromlong sitting within the boat--brought us in an hour to where ournarrowing path was overhung and darkened by the closing in of gloomymountain heights upon either side. It had an awesome look, like theyawning mouth of a cave, opening to intense darkness and mysteriousdanger. I saw a look almost of terror in Madame's eyes as she gazed, yet her lips uttered no protest, and I flung aside a desire to shrinkback, with a muttered curse at my own folly. Saint Andrew! it is oddhow superstition grips the best of us. Those rock walls, binding uswithin their scant confines as in a prison, were not particularlyprecipitous or high, yet our way was sufficiently perilous, leadingalong a contracted defile, the merest chasm, indeed, steep cliffsrising sheer on either side, merely the raging stream and a ribbonlikepath between. The slight expanse of sky above was blue and clear, butit was sombre and gloomy enough down in that black hollow, where wemade difficult progress amid loose bowlders. 

Where this snake-like ravine widened out slightly we made choice forour first camp. We reached there near the sunset hour, although thesun itself had utterly vanished from our view long before, and we movedforward amid a semi-darkness most depressing. On the spot selected thetowering wall of rock on our side of the little river overhungsufficiently to form a comfortable shelter at its base. I had a goodlysupply of fresh pine boughs strewn so as to form a soft bed, while thePuritan busied himself gathering together ample materials for a fire, the reflected light of which caused the deep chasm where we rested toappear more gloomy than before, while scurrying night clouds closed usin as if imprisoned within a grave. 

That evening was not devoted to much conversation. We were alikewearied from our long tramp, heavy-hearted, and strangely depressed bythe desolate gloom of the rock cavern in which we lay. Even De Noyanyielded to this spirit of brooding and, after a faint effort at forcedgayety, crept silently to his sleeping-place. The other two were notlong in following him. I was thus left alone to keep the first watchof the night. Four lonelier, more miserable hours I do not rememberserving at the call of duty. The round moon crept slowly through theblack sky, until its soft, silvery beams rested, brighter than daylighthad been in that gorge, in glowing radiance along the surface of thesmooth, gleaming wall opposite, yet merely succeeded in rendering moreweird and uncanny the sombre desolation. The night wind arose, causingthe shadows of clinging pines to sway back and forth like spectralfigures, while a solemn silence, awesome in its intensity, brooded overall, broken only by the noise of tumbling water, with occasionalrasping of boughs against the face of the cliff. The fire died awayinto a few red embers, occasionally fanned into uncertain flame bybreaths of air sucked up the gorge. By the time my guard ended I wasso thoroughly unstrung that each flitting glimpse of deeper shadowtempted me to fire. 

It was at midnight, or as close to that hour as I was capable ofjudging, when I aroused De Noyan and crawled into his place on the bedof boughs. I lay there watching him a brief space, as he walked overto the stream and plunged his face into the cool water. The last Irecall previous to dropping off into deep slumber was how large hisshadow loomed, silhouetted in the bright moonshine against a huge blackbowlder directly in my front. 

I know not the hour, yet I noted, even in awakening, that the moon hadalready passed from out the narrow ribbon of sky above, although stillfringing in silver beauty the sharp summit of the crest, when a quick, nervous pressure upon my arm awoke me with a start of alarm. Lying atfull length, his head uplifted, was De Noyan. 

"Keep still, Benteen, " he whispered, his voice vibrant with excitement, "and look yonder. In the name of all the fiends, what is that?"

CHAPTER XIX

DEMON, OR WHAT?

I have been free from superstitious terror as most men, yet there werefew in those days who did not yield to the sway of the supernatural. Occasionally, among those of higher education, there may have beenleaders of thought who had shaken off these ghostly chains of the darkages, seeking amid the laws of nature a solution for all the seemingmysteries in human life. Yet it could scarcely be expected a plainwood-ranger should rise altogether above the popular spell which stillmade of the Devil a very potent personality. 

Consequently, as my anxious eyes uplifted toward the spot where DeNoyan pointed, it need be no occasion for wonder that my blood turnedto ice in my veins, and I felt convinced I looked upon His SatanicMajesty. The vast wall of rock, arising a sheer hundred feet directlyopposite to where we lay, appeared densely black now in the shadow, butas my glance swept higher along its irregularity, the upper edge, jagged from outcropping stones, stood clearly revealed in the fullsilver sheen of the moon, each exposed line, carven as from marble, standing distinctly forth in delicate tracery against the background ofthe night sky. 

Appearing to my affrighted eyes the gigantic form of two men strangelymerged into one, there uprose on that summit a figure so odd, weird, and grimly fantastic, it was small wonder I gazed, never thinking itcould be other than the Evil One. It was unclothed from head to heel, and, gleaming ghastly white beneath the moonbeams, it brought no Indiansuggestion to mind. High above the head, causing the latter to appearhideously deformed, arose something the nature of which I could notrightly judge. It reminded me of a vast mat of hair sticking directlyupward, ever waving back and forth to the breath of the night wind. Nor did this horrid figure remain one moment still. There upon thevery edge of the precipice, it would leap high into the air, flingingaloft long gaunt arms, even appearing to float bodily forth into thespace above us, to disappear instantly, like some phantom ofimagination, amid the shrouding gloom of those rock shadows--flittingswiftly, and as upon wings, along the crest; now showing directly inour front, looming like a threatening giant, mocking with wild, furiousgestures; then dancing far to right or left, a vague shade in thesheen, a mere nothing in the shadow, yet ever returning, the sameweird, unnatural, spectral figure, wildly gyrating upon the air, leering down upon our speechless misery. 

My eyes, wide-opened by terror, followed these movements, marking thisghastly shape. I listened vainly for the slightest sound to connect itwith aught human. The mantle of the night's solemn silence, the dreadstillness of wilderness solitudes, rested everywhere. I heard themournful sighing of the wind amid jagged rocks and among the swayingbranches of the cedars; the dull roar of the little river, even thestentorian breathing of the Puritan lying asleep behind us, but thatwas all. That hideous apparition dancing so madly along the cliffsummit emitted no sound of foot or voice--yet there it hung, forebodingevil, gesticulating in mockery; a being too hideous for earth, everplaying the mad antics of a fiend. 

My gaze rested questioningly upon De Noyan's upturned face, and saw itghost-like in lack of color, drawn and haggard. Mine no doubt was thesame, for never have I felt such uncontrollable horror as that which, for the moment, fairly paralyzed me in brain and limb. It is themysterious that appals brave men, for who of earth might hope tostruggle against the very fiends of the air?

"_Mon Dieu_!" whispered my comrade, his voice shaking as if from anague fit. "Is it not Old Nick himself?"

"If not, " I answered, my words scarce steadier, "then some one musttell me what; never before did I gaze on such a sight. Has it beenthere long?"

"I know not whence it came, or how. I was not watching the crest. After I bathed at the stream to open my eyes better, I beganoverhauling the commissary for a bite with which to refresh the innerman. I was sitting yonder, my back against the big stone, munchingaway contentedly, humming the words of a song to keep me awake, when Ichanced to glance up to mark the position of the moon, and there thathell's imp danced in the sheen as he has been dancing ever since. _Sacre_! it was the bravest deed of my life to crawl here and awakenyou; the devilish thing did charm me as a snake does a bird. "

The mere sound of human speech put new heart into me, yet I found itdifficult to avert my eyes from that fantastic figure. 

"If that is the Devil, " I said more composedly, still enthralled by thebaleful presence, "surely we have neither of us done so much evil as tomake us especially his victims. "

As I concluded these words, my courage creeping back, a sudden rustlingamong the pines at our back startled us to glance around. Out of thegloom of the rock shelter a figure uplifted itself on all fours, andthe faint light of a star glimmered directly down upon an upraised, terror-stricken face. Before either De Noyan or myself could mutter ahasty warning, the half-awakened preacher sent his great, gruff voicebooming out into the air:

"O Lord God of Israel deliver Thy servant from destruction and theclutch of the Evil One. O Lord God of----"

I flung myself on him, clutching his brawny throat, throttling hisspeech into a vain gurgle. The fellow made so fierce a struggle, mistaking me for an assistant of the fiend, my fierce hold was jerkedloose, and I was hurled heavily backward at full length upon thestones, striking with no pleasant force upon my shoulder. 

"Verily have I overcome the Devil by Thy strength, O Lord!" he beganfervently. 

"Be still, you red-headed Connecticut fool, " I commanded sharply, nowthoroughly aroused. "Stop, or I 'll drive into you a leaden slug tosilence that blundering tongue of yours for good and all. Get up fromyour knees there, and play the man. If needs be you must pray, keepgrip on that bull voice of yours. "

"It makes small odds now, " chimed in De Noyan with easier tone. "TheDevil, or what, has disappeared from the rock. "

I glanced up at his words, to find them true. The sky was assuming afaint grayish tinge, as if the dawn were near. The vanishing of thatspectral figure relieved us greatly, while the steady coming ofdaylight revived those spirits upon which the haunted night had restedgrimly. Nevertheless I felt it incumbent to speak somewhat harshly tothe yet sulking sectary for such untimely uproar. 

"Did you mistake this for a conventicle, Master Cairnes, " I askedgrimly, "an assembly of crop-eared worshippers, that you venture tolift your voice in such a howl when you wake? It will be better if youlearn to keep still at such a time, if you hope to companion long withme. "

"You!" he scarcely deigned to lift his eyes to regard me. "You are butan unbelieving and damned heretic. Had it not been in all theearnestness of a contrite spirit I besought the Lord in prayer, wrestling even as did David of old, 'tis not likely the foul fiend Ibeheld on yonder crest would have departed so easily. I tell you, youunregenerated son of iniquity, it is naught save the faith of theelect, the prayer of the redeemed, which overcomes the wiles of theDevil, and relieves the children of God from his snares. "

It was useless arguing with the fanatic; yet much of my previoussuperstitious terror at our unwelcome visitant had already vanished, there growing upon my mind a firm conviction that the apparition wasnot a denizen of the sulphurous regions of the damned, but was composedof flesh and blood, even as ourselves. I think Madame had been awakethrough the greater part of the commotion, as I noted her stir slightlyeven when De Noyan first informed me of the strange presence. Yet shespoke not a word. Realizing her judgment was ever clearer than that ofeither of my male companions, I turned to awaken her to some expression. 

"And do you also, Madame, believe that we have been honored by a visitfrom His Satanic Majesty in person?" I asked, wondering as I spoke thatshe should appear so undisturbed in midst of our turmoil. 

"It would be less terrifying to me could I so believe, " she repliedgravely, her eyes questioning my face, as if to read therein whatanswer I desired. "I have that about my person, " and I marked that herfingers toyed with the beads of a rosary at her throat, "which wouldprotect me from his touch. "

"What then did you make of that fantastic figure? I was so gravelystartled myself by the apparition I saw double, scarcely retainingsufficient strength for the uplifting of a hand. So speak, Madame, andplainly, for our comforting, --was that flesh and blood, or was it someghastly visitant from the unknown?"

"I believe, " she answered firmly, "it was human. To my eyes a wildman, partially arrayed in white skins, decorated with a multitude ofgreat feathers, appearing ghastly tall, and weirdly distorted in themoonlight--a fiend, indeed, yet not of the upper air. "

"An Indian?"

"I know not what other name to choose. A savage surely, yet possessinga skin strangely fair in the sheen for one of the red race. "

My roving, unsatisfied eyes met those of De Noyan. 

"Blessed Mother!" he ejaculated with a short, uneasy laugh. "I neverwould have thought it in the night. Holy Saints preserve me, if I wasever more a child! Yet now the dawn brings me new heart of courage, and I would not swear but Eloise may be right. "

"And you, friend Cairnes?" In a few, brief English sentences I retoldto the sectary this opinion expressed by Madame. "Does your mind agreewith ours?"

He stared at me gloomily, his hands knotting into each other, and hislips moving oddly ere he found speech. 

"Nay, " he muttered at last, "you know little about such matters. Itell you again that it was the Devil my eyes saw. Twice have I lookedupon him, and each time, in response to prayer, has the good Lorddelivered His servant from the bondage of sin, the snares of thefowler. Not by carnal weapons of the flesh are we bidden to overcome, but by spiritual wrestling; even as did he of old wrestle with theangel, are we to master the adversary of souls. "

"Madame possesses that also, " and I pointed to the rosary at her whitethroat, "by which she is able to resist the contamination of evil. "

He sniffed disdainfully, his coarse red hair appearing to bristle allover his bullet head. 

"'T is a foul device designed to rob men of the true power of prayer, "he declared angrily. "I say to you, it was the voice of prayer whichcaused that foul fiend to fly away to his own. The prayer of therighteous availeth much. "

"True, friend, " I admitted as he paused for breath, amused to behold aman thus played upon. "If it is a comfort to you, we all confess itwas your voice which put an end to the dancing. Yet if there is a timefor prayer, so there is time also for action, and the latter must behere now. Whatever adventure awaits us before nightfall, we shall meetit no less bravely if we first have food. So let us break our fast, and depart from this accursed spot. "

It was not a cheerful meal, our nerves being still at high tension, andwe partook more from duty than any feeling of enjoyment. I must exceptthe old Puritan, however, who would have eaten, I believe, had thatsame figure been dancing at his elbow. Many anxious looks were castupward at the rock crest, every unwonted sound causing us to start andglance about in nervous terror. It seems to me now Eloise remained themost self-controlled among us, and I have felt sincerely ashamed atyielding to my weaker nature in thus betraying nervousness before thatcompany. Yet had she been in safety I would have proven more of a man, as by this time no haunting superstition remained to burden my heart. I realized we were leaguered by flesh and blood, not by demons of theair, and had never counted my life specially valuable in Indiancampaign. But to be compelled to look into her fair face, to feelconstantly the trustful gaze of her brown eyes, knowing well what wouldbe her certain fate should she fall into savage hands, operated inbreaking down all the manliness within me, leaving me like a helplesschild, ready to start at the slightest sound. De Noyan barely touchedthe food placed in front of him, and, long before Cairnes had completedhis meal, the Chevalier was restlessly pacing the rocks beside thestream, casting impatient glances in our direction. 

"_Mon Dieu_!" he ejaculated at last, "it is not the nature of aFrenchman to remain longer cooped in such a hole. I beg you, Benteen, bid that gluttonous English animal cease stuffing himself like ananaconda, and let us get away; each moment I am compelled to bide hereis torture. "

Experiencing the same tension, I persuaded the Puritan to suspend hisonslaught, and, undisturbed by sight or sound, we began a slow advance, clambering across the bowlders strewing the narrow way, discovering aswe moved forward that those towering cliffs on either side werebecoming lower, although no possibility of scaling them becameapparent. We travelled thus upwards of a quarter of a mile, ourprogress being necessarily slow, when a dull roar stole gradually uponour hearing. A moment later, rounding a sharp edge of projecting rock, and picking our way cautiously along a narrow slab of stone extendingout above the swirling water, we came forth in full view of a vastcliff, with unbroken front extending from wall to wall across thegorge, while over it plunged the stream in a magnificent leap of fullyone hundred and fifty feet. It was a scene of rare, romantic beauty, the boiling stream surging and dancing madly away from its foot, andthe multicolored mists rising up like a gauzy veil between us and thecolumn of greenish-blue water. Yet it pleased us little then, for itbarred our progress northward as completely as would a hostile army. 

Our depth of disappointment at facing this barrier was beyondexpression. We could but stand in silence, gazing upon the broad, impassable sheet of water, blocking further advance. De Noyan wasearliest to recover power of speech. 

"_Le Diable_!" he swore, half unconsciously. "This cursed place issurely damned! Yet it has some consolation to my mind, for that willdrive us backward into the lowlands, out of this demon-haunted defile. "

"Your judgment is right, " I returned gravely enough, not unrelievedmyself by the thought. "There is no other course open to us. We shallbe compelled to retrace our steps, and if we desire to reach the openbefore another night, we need be at it. May the good God grant us freepassage, with no skulking enemies in ambuscade, for never saw I poorerspot for defence than along this narrow shelf. "

Fortunately, the way proved easier travelling as we proceeded downward, and we were not long in passing beyond our haunted camp of the previousnight. Below this spot--which was passed in painful anxiety--weentered into that narrower, gloomy gorge leading directly toward theplain beyond. The little river foamed and leaped in deep black wavesupon our left, the rocks encroaching so near that we were compelled topass in single file, picking a way with extreme caution lest we slipupon the wet stones, and having neither time nor breath for speech. The Puritan led, bearing the Spaniard's naked rapier in his hand. Suddenly, from where I brought up the rear, his voice sounded sonoisily I made haste forward fearing he had been attacked. 

He stood halted, staring like a demented man at a massive rock, a hugemonster with sheer, precipitous front, filling every foot of space fromthe cliff wall to the river, completely closing, as by a wall ofmasonry, the narrow foot-path along which we had advanced unhinderedthe day before. It was easy to see from whence that rock mass came;the great fresh scar on the overhanging cliff summit high above toldthe fatal story of its detachment. Yet how had it fallen so suddenlyand with such deadly accuracy across the path? Was it a strangeaccident, a caprice of fate, or was it rather the hellish work ofdesign?

None knew at that moment; yet we stood there stupefied, staring intoeach others' despairing faces, feeling we were hopeless prisonersdoomed to perish miserably within the gloom confines of that ghastly, haunted hell. 

CHAPTER XX

BACKS TO THE WALL

"This is Indian treachery, " I said decisively, my eyes searching thecliffs, "nor will they remain long inactive now they have fairly caughtus in their trap. Let us get back out of this narrow way; there may beother loosened rocks where this one came from. "

"Back where?"

"To some spot where we can defend ourselves in case of attack. Thesewill prove different from any savages I have ever known if we fail tohear from them as soon as we are ready. "

"But, " protested De Noyan, as we scrambled retreating up the slope, "ifthere is no way leading from this pit of death, how are those devilsgoing to get in? Will it not be more likely they will be content tostarve us?"

"'Tis not Indian nature to hide in patience after having trapped theirvictims. Although there is no apparent way out to our eyes, nor timeto search for one, yet we may put confidence in this: they neverbottled us here without knowing some means whereby they might completetheir work. "

"It is likely to be a fight, then?"

"Either that or a massacre; God knoweth. "

"If, friend Benteen, " boomed Cairnes, now well in our front, andprodigal of voice as ever, "you expect a stand-up battle with thedevils, 'tis my judgment you will find few spots better adapted fordefence than yonder--there where the rock juts out so far; 'tis like asloping roof to protect us from above. "

It was as he described, a place fitted by nature for such a contest, the upper stratum of rock projecting so far forward as almost to form acave beneath, while, partially blocking the centre of this darkenedopening, uprose a great square slab of stone, forming of itself nosmall protection to a party crouching in its shadow. Moreover theground fell away sharply, the higher point being twenty feet above thewater level; and this at the widest part of the gorge, the entire slopethickly strewn with bowlders of varying size. 

"You have made soldierly choice, " I acknowledged heartily, after ahasty survey. "It would be difficult to discover a more proper spotfor purposes of defence. St. Andrew! but three of us ought to holdthat mound against quite a party. "

De Noyan broke in, perfectly at his ease with actual fighting inprospect. "Somewhat open as yet, but that can be remedied by use ofthose scattered stones. Upbuild the circle here, leaving in front ofthe great bowlder room enough for the three of us to battle at ease, with ample space in which to swing our sword-arms, the solid rock atour backs. Saint Anne! but it is beautiful! Bring the stones here soI may place them to the best purpose for such defence. " And he drew arapid half-circle about the mouth of the shallow cave, his eyesbrightening with interest. 

"Pah! your doughty Frenchman appears overly anxious to be killed, "began Cairnes, casting an eager glance toward the provisions droppedupon the ground. "To my mind we had better break our fast beforecommencing such labor. It may happen we shall have no other chance toeat, and it would go hard against my nature to waste that pickled meaton naked savages. Ecod! it would try Job himself to stand by helpless, watching a clouted heathen gorge himself on what should be lyingcomfortable in our own stomachs. What say ye, Master Benteen?"

"That our first effort be with the stones, " I returned with decision. "After that, we can partake of food. The latter can be made readywhile we work, if Madame will spread it here at the mouth of thecave--a bit farther back would prove better, under the protection ofthat slab of rock. "

Rejoicing at thus inducing our fair companion to seek safety undershelter, the three of us fell to work with energy. Under the directionof De Noyan, the scattered bowlders were rolled up the steep and piledin a solid wall, reaching nearly waist high, completely circling theopen front of the cave, its centre somewhat advanced from the stoneslab, with either flank resting solidly against the face of the cliff. It did me good to listen while De Noyan issued energetic orders, swearing at us ardently in army French as if we were of his ownsquadron of chasseurs. 

It required the greater part of an hour to get our rude rock rampart insuch condition as to satisfy the military taste of the Chevalier evenmeasurably, and during that time we toiled as men must when their livesare soon to depend upon the result of their labor. 

"_Saprista_!" he commented at last, wiping his streaming brow, andgazing about him critically. "It will answer fairly well, I think, although another row might strengthen the curves. Still, 'tis notlikely we shall be called upon to battle against gun or pike, and iftoo high the stones might interfere with proper thrust of the sword. So let us lunch. Egad! the sight of that hungry preacher haunts meevery time I turn around; besides, whatever resting-spell we get erethe ball opens will serve to steady our nerves for the onset. Have youspread forth a rare feast for our comrades, Eloise?"

She stood within the shadow, leaning lightly against the great stone, smiling at us. 

"All I have awaits your pleasure, gentlemen, " she returned bravely, "and I trust you may consider it a pleasant duty to do full justice tomy skill. "

It has lingered a unique memory of those days, the outward carelessnesswith which we chattered away during that strange meal. Surely nocompany of wanderers was ever in more desperate stress than we at thatmoment. It was the merest chance of fate if one among us all lived tosee the peaceful setting of the sun, now blazing high overhead. Yetthat simple noonday repast, partaken of beneath the shadow of theoverhanging rock, remains in memory as more redundant with merriment oftongue and face than any since we made departure from New Orleans. Were I not writing truthful narrative, I might hesitate at setting thisdown, yet there are doubtless others living to bear witness with methat there is often experienced an odd relief in discovering thepresence of actual danger; that uncertainty and mystery try mostseverely the temper of men. 

It certainly proved so with us that day, and De Noyan's high spiritsfound echo even in the grim Puritan, who, being at last convinced thathe was not called upon to wrestle with demons from the pit, was as fullof manly fight as the best of us. Eloise added her gentle speech, while even I relaxed my anxiety, though I was careful enough to selecta seat from which I could keep watch both up and down the ravine, convinced that our time of trial was not far away. In consequence ofthis chosen vantage of position I was the first to note those stealthynude figures silently stealing from rock to rock, like so many flittingshadows, making their way down toward our position from the north. Howthey attained entrance to the gorge I could not conjecture; my eyesfirst detected their movement when their leaders stole noiselessly asphantoms about the great shelf of rock higher up the gorge. More thanthis fleeting glimpse I was unable to perceive from where I sat, ourrude rampart somewhat obstructing the view, nor did I call theattention of the others to their approach. Nothing could be gained byexposing ourselves before need arose. Indeed, De Noyan chanced toobserve their presence before I ventured upon speech at all. 

"Ha, my masters!" he exclaimed suddenly, rising to peer above the lowbreastworks. "What have we here? By my soul, the ball is about toopen, gentlemen; the enemy creeps forward as though uncertain of ourwhereabouts, yet hardly as if greatly fearing our numbers. What do youmake of the fellows, Master Benteen?"

"Beyond doubt savages, but not of any tribe within my knowledge. "

"Saint Denis! nor mine, " he acknowledged gravely, staring at them. "Atthis distance they seem to be of strangely whitish skin, and I am notover pleased with their mode of advance; it has the steadiness of adrilled column, such as I never before witnessed in Indian campaign. _Sacre_! note yonder how that tall fellow on the right guides them withhis gestures. They take intervals as firmly as French grenadiers. Eloise, " he turned hastily toward his wife, more tenderness in hismanner than I had ever before remarked, "it is going to be a hardbattle, or I mistake greatly the temper of yonder warriors. Take thispistol; it is all I have of the kind. I will trust my fortune on theblade. You know how best to use it should things go wrong with us atthe front. "

"I know, " she answered calmly, "I have lived all my life within hearingof Indian tales; yet could I not prove some aid beside you?"

"Nay, little woman; there is scarcely room for three of us to stand atthe wall; we shall fight with freer hand knowing you are safe fromsavage blow behind the rock. Come, my lady, it is full time you werethere now. "

She shook hands with us in turn, giving to each man a lightsome, hopeful word ere she drew back out of sight, and never before did Ihave such incentive to battle as I read within the depths of her darkeyes as she came to me the last of all. For a moment after sheregretfully withdrew her hands from my clasp I remained motionless, absolutely forgetful of all else, until De Noyan's voice, harsh nowwith excitement of approaching combat, recalled me to myself and mypost of duty. 

"It is time we took our positions, Messieurs, " he said, bowing with therare French courtesy of battle. "Let Monsieur Cairnes find place uponmy right, while Master Benteen, do you keep the left. It will bebetter to crouch low until I speak the word, and then God give you bothstrong arms and hearts. "

From behind the roughly piled bowlders in my front I had a fair view upthe valley, and was enabled to mark clearly the attacking party as itadvanced cautiously toward our position. It was composed of somethirty members, well-appearing fellows for savages, naked from thewaist up, their exposed bodies quite light in color, and unpainted asis the usual Indian custom for war. Their leader was a tall fellow, having a head of matted coarse hair, which stood almost erect, thusyielding him a peculiarly ferocious aspect. The entire band movedforward, as if in response to prearranged signals, which must have beenconveyed by motion, as I could distinguish not the slightest sound ofspeech. However, it was a relief to note they bore no weapons in theirhands excepting the spear and the war-club, clear evidence that theyhad limited, if any, trade intercourse with Europeans. Yet they cameon with such steadiness of purpose, amid such impressive silence, Iinstinctively felt we stood opposed to no tribe of cowards, whatevertheir name. 

As they crept, rather than walked, forward into the open space in ourfront, their restless, searching eyes were not long in perceiving theirregular outlines of our rude barricade, nor were they dilatory indeciding that behind that pile of rock were to be discovered those theysought. No attacking party operating upon the eastern continent, guided by all the strategy of civilized war, could have acted morepromptly, or to better purpose. The old chief made a quick, peculiargesture from left to right, and in instant response his clustered bunchof warriors spread out in regulated intervals, assuming positions notunlike the sticks of a fan such as the Creoles use, until they formed acomplete semicircle, their flanks close in against the cliff, and theircentre well back upon the bank of the stream. It was a prettymovement, executed with the precision of long discipline, and De Noyanbrought his hand down applauding upon his knee. 

"_Parbleu_!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm. "'Twas as well done as bytroops of the line. I look for a warm time presently, when we crossarms with those fellows. "

Even as he spoke, I observed the old chief passing rapidly from man toman, speaking briefly to each in turn and pointing toward us, as thoughgiving special directions for the coming assault. 

"Chevalier, " I whispered, "would it not be well to try a shot at thattall-haired fellow?"

"It appears too great a distance to my eye. "

"I have dropped a buck through forest limbs fifty feet farther. "

"Then try your fortune, " he said eagerly. "It may be those fellowshave never heard the crack of a gun. The sound and sudden death mightterrorize them. "

I took careful aim above the wall, resting my long rifle-barrel in agroove between the stones, and fired. Ever since, it has seemed to methat God, for some mysterious purpose of His own, deflected thespeeding ball, for never before or since did I miss such aim. Yet missI did, for while the old chief leaped wildly backward, his cheek fannedby the bullet, it was the savage he conversed with who sprang high intoair, coming down dead. Nor did a single warrior make a movement toflee. Instead of frightening, it enraged, driving them into savagefury as they stared at the stiffening body of their comrade. Scarcelyhad the smoke of the discharge drifted upward when, all their formerimpressive silence broken, and yelling like fiends incarnate, they madean impetuous rush for the hill. 

"_Français_! _Français_!"

I was certain they used the word, fairly hissing it forth as if inbitter hatred, yet I had short enough time in which to listen as Ihastily rammed home a second charge with which to greet them as theycame. 

"It will be best to draw, Messieurs, " spoke De Noyan in a cool, drawling voice. "Ah, that was better, Master Benteen!" as two of theadvancing mob went stumbling to the bullet. "It leaves buttwenty-seven to the three of us; not such bad odds! Now, friends, yield no step backward, and strike as you never struck before. "

I enjoyed little space in which to glance behind where I knew Eloisecrouched beneath the protecting shadow of the great stone, yet I amcertain I felt the full magic of her eyes upon me. As I wheeled, newlyarmed for strife, my hands clutched hard about the rifle-barrel, ourfierce assailants came surging up against the stone wall. It was notime to note what others did; one realizes little at such a suprememoment except the flashing in his eyes where menacing weapons playacross his front; the swift blows continually threatening to crush hisguard; the fierce, cruel faces glaring at him eye to eye, and his owndesperate efforts to drive and kill. It all abides in fevered memorynot unlike those pictures of horror coming of a dark night whenlightning leaps from the black void. I mind the first man to reach me, a burly ruffian, whose shining spear-point missed my throat by sonarrow a margin it tasted blood ere my rifle-stock crushed the side ofhis head and sent him backward, a reeling corpse into the mass at hisheels. Then all was confusion, a riot of leaping figures, franticshouting, and clanging weapons, and I know not what was done, exceptthat I struck out like a crazed man, heedless of what might be aimed atme, but letting drive at every savage head within range, until, atlast, there seemed no others in my front. Then, as I paused, breathless and uncertain, passing my hand across my eyes to clear themfrom the blood and hair which half blinded me, I heard De Noyan'sdrawling tone. 

"Most beautifully done, Master Benteen, and as for our red-headedpreacher, by the memory of Jeanne d'Arc, the like of him as fightingman I have never seen. "

I leaned back heavily against the stones, now the strain of battle hadrelaxed, feeling strangely weakened by my exertions as well as the lossof blood, and glanced about me. The discomfited savages had fallensullenly back to the bank of the stream, where they bunched together asif in council, and I noted more than one wounded man among them. DeNoyan sat recklessly upon the stone wall, dangling his long legs, and, back turned contemptuously upon our foe, was carefully examining theedge of his sword. 

"I was fool enough to attempt a down cut, " he explained, observing myeyes upon him. "I tried it on that savage who lies yonder, and it wasrather a neat stroke, yet has sorely nicked the blade. "

"Where is the Puritan?" I asked, not seeing him. 

"Stretched yonder at rest; he did needlessly exhaust himself, notknowing how best to wield his weapon. _Sacre_! he struck hard blows, and will have two savages for whom to make answer in the Day ofJudgment. "

"What loss did the fellows sustain?" I questioned, the cut at the edgeof my hair half blinding me with dripping blood. 

"We dropped seven between us, counting those who fell to your fire, andthere are others who hardly appear in condition for further fighting. As to the garrison, you seem to possess a flesh wound or two, the headof the Puritan rings merrily yet from the tap of a war-club, while Iboast a boot full of blood; 'tis none of it serious. "

"They will attack again?"

"Ay! those lads are not of the breed to let up with one bite; and markyou, man, it is going to be the next turn that will test our mettle. "

He deliberately changed his posture, glancing carelessly across hisshoulder. 

"Do you know aught regarding those devils, Master Benteen?"

"They are strange to me; no kin, I think, to any tribe east of thegreat river. "

He sat in silent contemplation a long moment, his eyes fastened uponthe savage group. 

"Did you chance to notice, " he asked at last, speaking morethoughtfully, "how they hissed that word 'Français, ' when they firstrushed up the hill upon us? It somehow recalled to memory an odd taletold me long ago by old Major Duponceau, who was out with the troops in1729, about a strange people they warred against down on theOcatahoola. These must be either the same savages--although he sworethey were put to the sword--or else of the same stock, and have feltthe taste of French steel. "

"What did he call them?"

"Natchez; although I remember now he referred to them once as 'WhiteApples, ' saying they were of fair skin. He told me, but I recalllittle of it, many a strange story of their habits and appearance, toillustrate how greatly they differed from other tribes of savages withwhom he had met. They worshipped the sun. "

"'T is true of the Creeks. "

"Ay! they play at it, but with the Natchez 't is a real religion; theyhad a priesthood and altars of sacrifice, on which the fires were neverquenched. Their victims died with all the ardor of fanaticism, and inpeace and war the sun was their god, ever demanding offering of blood. But see, the moment comes when we must front those fiends again. "

The afternoon sun had lowered so that its glaring rays no longerbrightened the depths of the canyon, all upon our side of the streamlying quiet in the shadow. The Indians began their advance toward usin much the same formation as before, but more cautiously, with lessnoisy demonstration, permitting me to note they had slung their weaponsto their backs, bearing in their hands ugly fragments of rock. The oldmatted-hair savage, who had received a severe slash upon his shoulderduring our last _mêlée_, hung well to the rear, contenting himself withgiving encouragement to the others. 

"Stand stoutly to the work, friend Cairnes, " I called across to him, feeling the heartsome sound of English speech might prove welcome. "Ifwe drive them this time, they will hardly seek more at our hands. "

"It will be even according to the will of the Lord of Hosts, " hereturned piously. "Yet I greatly fear lest my sword-blade be not soundwithin its hilt. "

"Stoop low for the volley of rocks, " commanded De Noyan, hastily, "thenstand up to it with all the strength you have. "

Halfway up the little hill they let fly a vicious volley, the hardmissiles crashing against the face of the rock, and showering down onbacks and heads, some of them with painful force. As we sprang to ourposts of defence once more, the savages were already nearly withinspear-length of us, and, to our disastrous surprise, delivered a secondvolley of stones directly into our faces. One jagged rock glanced fromoff my rifle-barrel, striking me on the side of the head withsufficient force to send me staggering back against the stone slab. Before I could regain place the Indians swarmed over the low wall, twoof them, in spite of fierce struggles, bearing me backward to theground. Through a half-blinding mist of blood I beheld a carvenwar-club uplifted in the air, noted the face, distorted by passion, ofthe naked giant wielding it; yet, before I could close my eyes to theswift blow, there came a sudden flash of fire mingled with a sharpreport. As if stricken by a lightning-bolt the huge fellow plungedforward, his body across my feet. Involuntarily I gave vent to a groanof despair, realizing that Madame, in an effort to preserve my life, had thrown away her sole chance to escape torture, or an existenceworse than death. 

The knowledge nerved me to renewed struggle, but ere I could rid myselfof that body pinning me fast, others hurled themselves upon us, striking and snarling like a pack of hounds who had overtaken theirquarry. It would have been over in another minute; I already felt thegrind of a stone knife-point at my throat, able to gain only a poorgrip on the fellow's wrist, when suddenly, sounding clear as a bellabove that hellish uproar, a single voice uttered an imperative command. 

Instantly each Indian's face was upturned toward where such unexpectedsummons came, and, lying as I did flat upon my back, my eyes gazedacross the narrow valley, to the summit of the cliff on the fartherside. There, solitary, a carven statue full in the glow of thewestering sun, turning her garments golden, and lightening her richprofusion of hair into radiant beauty, stood a young woman of whiteface and slender, stately figure. It was no time to note dress, yet Icould not fail to observe the flowing white robe, draped from shouldersto feet, gracefully falling away from an extended arm, as she stoodthus in regal poise looking down upon us. There was a suggestion ofdespotic power in both face and posture, and the ring of sternauthority spoke in the sound of her voice. 

Twice she addressed our savage captors in brief sentences strange to myears, once pointing directly at us, once with sweeping gesture up thevalley. A moment longer she remained motionless, bending slightlyforward, permitting the rich, reddish gold of her hair to flash andshimmer in the sunshine; then she stepped swiftly back from the dizzysummit, vanishing instantly, as if dissolved in the haze. 

CHAPTER XXI

THE STRONGHOLD OF THE NATCHEZ

We were hopelessly prisoners. On my part further struggle had becomeimpossible, nor elsewhere did any effort last long, although Cairneshad to be knocked insensible before the heathen finally mastered him. I believed the obstinate fellow dead, so ghastly white appeared hisusually florid face as the victorious savages dragged him roughly pastwhere I lay, flinging his heavy body down like carrion upon the rocks. De Noyan appeared badly cut, his gallant clothing clinging to him influttering rags, silent witnesses to the manliness of his struggle. Yet the Chevalier was far from done. 

"Let me sit up, you villains!" he cried, vigorously kicking at apassing shin. "'T is not my custom to lie with head so low. Ah, Benteen, " he smiled pleasantly across at me, his eyes kindling at therecollection, "that was the noblest fighting that ever came my way, yet'tis likely we shall pay well for our fun. _Sacre_! 't is no pleasantface, that of their grim war-chief, nor one to inspire a man with hopeas he makes plea for mercy. "

"Marry, no, " I replied, determined on exhibiting no greater outwardconcern than he. "Nor will the ugly clip on his shoulder leave hishumor happier. "

The Chevalier's eyes danced at the recollection. 

"'T was our preacher friend who sheared him. I hold it amaster-stroke; but for a spear-butt on the way it would have cleft thefellow into two equal parts. Have you seen aught of Eloise since thefight?"

"She lies yonder against the wall at my left, and remains unhurt, Ithink. I will make effort to turn over, and have speech with her. "

So securely had I been bound with coarse grass rope, I found it nosmall task to change the position of my body sufficiently to peer aboutthe corner of intervening rock, and clearly perceive my lady. She wasreclining in a half sitting posture well within the darker shadow, bound as were the rest of us. 

"You remain uninjured, I trust, Madame?" I asked gently, and itheartened me to observe the smile with which she instantly glanced upat sound of my voice. 

"No blow has touched me, " was her immediate response, "yet I suffernoticing the stains of blood disfiguring both you and my husband. Arethe wounds serious ones?"

"Nay, mere scratches of the flesh, to heal in a week. Why did youwaste your last shot on that savage who would have struck me? It wasnot the will of De Noyan that it be expended thus. "

"You must have formed a poor conception of me, Geoffrey Benteen, " sheanswered, as if my words pained her, "if you suppose I value my lifemore highly than your own. But for my solicitation you would neverhave been in such stress, and, whatever else may be true, Eloise deNoyan is not one accustomed to deserting her friends. "

"Yet there are fates possible to a woman more to be dreaded than death. "

"Ay, and frontier bred, I know it well, yet none so bad as would havebeen the knowledge that I was guilty of ingratitude. My life, myhonor, are in the care of God, Geoffrey, and if I remain grateful foraught this day, it is that my shot proved timely, saving you from thatblow. Tell me, was it not a woman at whose command the combat ceased?"

"It was; a white woman at that, unless my eyes deceived me. She stoodon yonder point of rock, appearing a veritable queen in the sunshine. "

"So I thought, a fair face enough, yet not devoid of savage cruelty. Her presence brings me some rays of hope, making me feel I may haveless to fear in the future than you. If a woman, however debased andbarbarous, rules these savages, she will not be altogether withoutheart to the supplications of a woman. "

I felt less assured of this, yet it was better she be buoyed up by allpossible hope, so ventured upon no answer. There was that in theQueen's face as she gazed down upon us that made me doubt herwomanliness; doubt if behind that countenance of wild beauty there didnot lurk a soul as savage and untamed as any among her barbarousfollowers. What but a spirit of insatiate cruelty could animate andcontrol such fierce warriors in their battle rage? Thinking of this, my eyes on Madame, a movement occurred among our captors quicklychallenging my attention. Fresh shouts and cries evidenced newarrivals. These came swarming down the ravine, and in another momentbegan crawling noisily about us, chattering with our surly captors, orscowling into our faces with savage eyes boding no good. It would beunjust were I to write that these fellows were a brutal lot, as suchwords would be void of that truth I seek to convey. I lived to learnthat many among them had the stuff of which true men are made; yet, nevertheless, they were savages, scarcely touched by the virtues orvices of civilization, a people nursing within their memory a greatwrong, and inflamed by the fierce passions of battle. Gazing about onthe stiffening forms of their stricken warriors, all alike exhibited ineyes and gestures how eagerly they longed for the hour of vengeance, when implacable hate might have full vent in the unutterable agony oftheir victims. I gazed up into their scowling, distorted faces, imagining a final moment of reckoning was at hand; yet some authority, either of chief or tribal custom, restrained their pitiless hatred, reserving us for longer, more intense suffering. 

But the wild thirst for blood was mirrored in those fierce eyes glaringdown into mine, and echoed in the shrill cries with which they markedus yet alive for their barbaric ingenuity to practise upon at leisure. Even as I observed this, realizing from my knowledge of Indian naturethat our ultimate fate would be infinitely worse than merciful death inbattle, I could not remain blind to the wide difference between thesenaked warriors and those other savages with whom my wandering borderlife had made me familiar. My awakened memory dwelt upon the peculiartribal characteristics of the Mingoes north of the Ohio, the Kaskaskiasin the Illinois country, the Shawnees, the Cherokees, even the Creeks, in whose villages I had dwelt as a friend, and beside whose young men Ihad hunted as a brother. Yet here was surely a distinct race, one lessclearly marked with those features peculiarly Indian, --the cheek-bonesnot prominent, the form of nose more varied, the skin decidedlylighter, the heads better shapen, and the figures more thoroughlydeveloped. More, their language had little of the guttural souniversal among Eastern tribes, but had a peculiar, sharp, hissingsound; so, although the faces peering into mine were wild and ferociousenough to leave no doubt as to their barbarous nature, or our probablefate, yet these peculiarities, with the total absence of paint, such asdisfigures and renders grotesquely hideous other Indians upon thewar-path, were sufficient to stamp these savages as members of adistinct race. 

"Natchez?" I ventured to inquire of the burly brute who stood over megrasping spear and war-club. 

"_Sa_, " he grinned savagely. "_Français, Français_. "

I shook my head and tried him again, but soon desisted on discoveringthat these two words marked the full extent of our common language, andso was obliged to be content with silently contemplating the crowds ofcurious, naked heathen swarming on the hill. 

Fortunately, it was not long we were doomed to wait, uncomfortablytrussed with our ropes of plaited grass. The old chief who had led theassault gave his order, and, in immediate obedience, we were roughlydragged forth, the bonds about our lower limbs severed, and, underzealous guards, despatched up the canyon, the entire party promptlyfalling in at the rear, bearing with them their wounded and dead. DeNoyan and I, thus released from our cramped, painful position on therocks, were jerked rudely upon our feet, and, in obedience tothreatening gestures, driven rapidly forward like dumb beasts; butMadame and the Puritan, the latter not yet having regainedconsciousness, were swung aloft in hammocks of coarsely woven cloth, and thus borne upon the shoulders of four stout carriers. In this waywe advanced northward, not moving as slowly as I desired, for I wassore and aching from head to foot, besides being weakened by loss ofblood. Yet there was no hope of escape, no evidence of mercy. If weventured to lag, the vigilant guard promptly quickened our movements bythe vigorous application of spear-points, so we soon learned thenecessity of keeping fully abreast of our assigned position in thecolumn. 

Coming nearer to that great cataract which had effectually dammed ourprogress up the valley, the leaders swerved toward the left, passing soclosely beside the leaping, foaming flood as to be enveloped in thespray as if in a cloud of mist. Almost beneath the fall, the watercrashing on the rocks within reach of an outstretched hand, wecommenced a toilsome climb, along a deep, rocky gully completelyshrouded by overhanging bushes, as if we traversed a tunnel dug by thehands of men. Indeed, I have little doubt that this peculiarpassageway had been constructed by artificial means. Every now andthen, when a faint light from without straggled through the interlacedboughs overhead, I caught a glimpse of the evidences of human labor. This odd passage, crooked and intricate, at times so steep as torequire the chiselling of steps in the solid rock, wound in and outalong the side of the cliff, then ran back into the very face of theprecipice, for more than a hundred and fifty yards. Suddenly weemerged, fifty yards back from the crest, in the heart of a greatcircular hole resembling the crater of a burned-out volcano, havinggreat ragged points of rock, blackened as if incased with lava, juttingup upon every side, and forming as desolate and barren a picture asever eyes looked upon. 

I was completely fagged by this time, the climb being a heavy one, andI noticed De Noyan was ghastly of face, his body trembling like that ofa palsied man. But our relentless drivers permitted no halting torecruit strength. The Chevalier was evidently in greater distress thanI, so from pity I bade him lean on my shoulder; but as he sought todraw near, the merciless brute on guard struck him savagely, and therewas such shaking of spears and fierce uproar on the part of our escort, we could do naught else than set our teeth to it, and go staggering on. The slight path, if it might be named a path, led in and out among theblack lava cones in such labyrinthine fashion that no man could hope toretain memory of its course, while the floor being of irregular stone, the passing feet left no trail for future guidance. We travelledblindly, and reckless through suffering and exhaustion, some distance, until, perhaps a mile above the spot where we had surmounted the cliff, a sudden twist was made to the right, our company creeping on all foursthrough a narrow opening, having a great tree-trunk on one side and ahuge black bowlder on the other. We came forth high in air above theswift, deep water, footing the insecure bark of a rude tree-bridgespanning the current. Once safe on the other bank, our path merely anarrow shelf of stone, we wormed around a sharp projection of thecliff, rising to even greater height than in the gorge below. A densemass of interlaced and overshadowing cedars was partially pressedaside, partially crawled under, and from this we finally emerged intoan open space, containing, I imagine, not far from five hundred acresof land, having vast towering precipices of black frowning rock onevery side, with no outlet apparent, save to one blessed with wings. Saint Andrew! 'twas an awesome place, yet oddly beautiful, so soft andgreen below, with those massive walls completely shutting out all therest of the world, and shadowing the little valley with impregnablegrandeur. 

I had but a moment in which to view the impressive scene. Scarcely hadthe head of our column entered this natural prison when it was greetedwith wild shouts of triumph, immediately succeeded by shrieks ofdistress, while there streamed forward to meet us a tumultuous band ofsavages, a large proportion of whom were women and children. Thechildren were absolutely nude and peculiarly white of skin, while theformer wore rude skirts of coarsely woven cloth fastened about thewaist, their long hair in many instances trailing upon the ground, yielding them a wildness of aspect beyond description; yet withal theywere not uncomely of features. These newcomers thronged about us withscowling faces, and, when sternly forced back by the lowered weapons ofthe guard, either joined the procession, or else trooped alongside, yelling and jeering. 

Pressed forward, although by now so utterly spent I could barelystagger rapidly enough to escape those pitiless thrusts, I mechanicallynoted enough of our surroundings to understand that we traversed groundwhich had been cultivated; that low fences, here and there encountered, divided the land into small sections, even as in more civilized regionsfarmers protect their fields. What their crops may have been I couldnot determine, the season of harvest being already past, yet Idistinguished what I supposed must be evidences of garden culture, observing also a considerable ditch, certainly four feet in width, filled with clear running water, which seemed to encircle the entirebasin, the deeper green of vegetation marking its course close upagainst the farther rock wall. 

The view directly in advance was at first obscured by the leapingfigures of the exultant savages leading the way, whooping withexcitement, and wildly brandishing their war-clubs. These at lengthfell back along either side, our guards hurrying us across the ditch, spanned by the great trunk of a tree, and thus on into the village. This town resembled no other encampment of savages on which my eyes hadever looked. I saw a wide open space, a blackened stake set in themiddle of it, the ground bare of vegetation, and tramped hard as if bycountless feet. Beyond, circling this plaza upon two sides, wereseveral rows of houses, all facing the same direction. It reminded meof pictures I had seen of Hebrew camps in my father's great Bible, onlythe houses were built of sun-dried clay, such as peons use in the farSouthwest on the Brazos, square in shape, of but a single story, havingdome-shaped roofs, heavily thatched with cane. They were windowless, with one narrow opening for a door, protected by a heavy matting ofgrass. Behind these, perhaps a hundred yards or more, and within ashort distance of the steep cliffs bounding the upper extremity of thevalley, there arose from the surface of the plain two immense roundedmounds of earth, each fully a hundred paces wide at its base, slopingsharply upward. Considerable vacant space lay between the two, whileon the apex of each stood buildings of sun-baked clay, resembling inform those below, yet much larger, and, because of their elevation, appearing spacious and imposing. Above one were posed three rudelycarven figures bearing a slight resemblance to giant eagles, theirwings outspread as if for flight. The other was surmounted by ahideous, grotesque figure, blackened as by fire, with distorted facedaubed a glaring yellow, and long hair glittering from red pigment. Here the grass curtain had been drawn aside, while before the entrance, their faces striped with disfiguring black lines, their dull vestmentstrailing to the ground and gaudily trimmed with fanciful trappings, their coarse hair so trained as to stand almost erect, were two agedmen, who, with wild gesticulations, and solemn chanting, wereapparently paying adoration to the setting sun, the last beamsstreaming over them through a rift in the western wall. 

Directly past these priests we were driven like cattle, findingourselves plunged into a vast square gloomy apartment, having anearthen floor, but utterly devoid of either furnishings or ornament. There was another mat-draped opening at the farther side, and in thecentre a huge log smouldered, resting upon what bore the appearance ofa rudely chipped altar of rock. About this were ranged numerousfancifully painted statues of wood, grotesque and hideous, while athird figure, attired as were the aged priests without, lay prone uponthe earth moaning as if in agony. The walls were hung thickly withundressed skins of wild animals, and at the back stood a slightlyupraised platform of logs, cut in halves by a narrow passageway leadingtoward the second curtained door. It was in the midst of this wehalted, still under strict surveillance of our brutal guards. These, however, permitted us to sink down exhausted on the hard floor. 

CHAPTER XXII

PRISONERS IN THE TEMPLE

A fear of impending danger will not always prove sufficiently strong toprevent yielding to the demands of fatigue. I realized the desperationof our position, feeling no doubt regarding our ultimate fate. I readit plainly in our surroundings, as well as within those vengeful, scowling faces, yet so dulled was every physical sense from excessiveweariness that I had passed through much already described like a manin a dream. The brief repose of the previous night, broken by nervous, superstitious terrors, the anxious effort to escape from the hauntedcanyon, the hurried labor on our rude defences, the two fierce combatswith the savages, my numerous wounds, none dangerous yet weakening meby loss of blood, together with the rapid marching and the difficultclimb up the cliff, combined to exhaust my vitality so completely that, the moment we halted within the sacred precincts of this temple, Iflung myself full length upon the floor. I remember the sun hadalready disappeared behind the western heights. I retain some slightmemory of a tender hand resting softly on my forehead, of a familiarvoice questioning me, yet if I made response, it must have been in theunconsciousness of sleep, as these faint remembrances were my last. 

I had no means of telling how long I lay thus, close against the northwall of the building in that very posture in which I had first fallen. It must have been after hours of unconsciousness I was at lastpartially aroused by the reviving touch of cool water with which myface was being bathed. As I slowly unclosed my heavy eyes the hugesmouldering log in the centre of the room burst into sudden flame, lighting the interior, casting weird, dancing shadows along the blackwalls, its red radiance falling upon the face bending above me, andpermitting me to look into the dark, troubled eyes of Eloise de Noyan. 

"There is no necessity for moving, " she explained softly. "Nothing ofmoment has occurred since you fell asleep, except that the savagesbrought us food. "

"Have you been watching over me all this time without rest?"

"Nay; at least no more over you than the others, " she answered with asmile, "yet you appeared in greatest stress. The others have been sometime awake and have partaken of food while you remained in stupor. Donot look at me like that! I am not tired; I was borne all the way upona litter, never once placing foot upon the ground. "

"Have you knowledge as to the hour?"

"Only that it must be well into the night. "

I lifted my body into a more erect posture, finding myself stiff andsore from head to foot, and glanced curiously around our prison-house. In the centre was the blazing log, the sole bit of color my eyes couldperceive. Kneeling upon either side were the motionless figures offour priests, robed from head to foot in black, their faces, darkenedby some pigment, appearing ghastly and repulsive under the flickeringflame. Their lips muttered in monotonous chant a weird incantationwhich sent to my heart a chill of superstitious dread. High above thealtar, blackened by the constantly ascending cloud of smoke, swayeduneasily a peculiar graven image of wood, hideous in disfigurement ofform and diabolical of visage, appearing to float upon outspread wings, and gloating down upon us through eyes glittering ominously in the firesheen. At either extremity of the apartment, where I supposed were theentrance and exit previously noted, stood those savages remaining onguard, grim, naked fellows, whose restless eyes, gleaming in the glow, followed our slightest movements, and whose weapons were constantlyuplifted as though they longed for some excuse to strike. It composeda grewsome scene, savage, cruel, devilish, exhibiting within its gloomyoutlines small promise for the morrow. 

The old Puritan was leaning heavily against a small stake driven intothe earth, resting his aching head upon one hand as he peered at mefrom beneath thatched brows. 

"You have a white face, Master Benteen, " he ventured, wondrously softspoken for him, "yet if the heart remain strong and at peace with God, the body will mend itself. "

"The heart has never yet failed me, " I returned, striving to speakcheerfully, feeling that he would like to hear hearty English wordsagain. "I am glad to behold you safely recovered, friend; that was ahard crack they landed on your skull. "

"'T is not the will of the Almighty that I ignominiously perish at thehands of the heathen, " he responded in his old manner, and as his voiceroared out, not unlike a clap of thunder in that silence, I observedhow the savages about us started. "Again, and yet again hath Hemiraculously delivered his servant from the mouth of the lion. SurelyHe must yet have labor for me in His vineyard; perchance the bearingunto these children of Amalek the message of peace. "

"Do you propose preaching unto them?"

"Ay, why not? Inspired thereunto by the Spirit, I have already soughtserious converse with yonder priest of Baal, kneeling at this side ofthat accursed shrine of idolatry. Yet so wedded is he to idols of woodand stone, he merely chattered back at me in unintelligible speech, andwhen I laid hand upon him to compel him to listen, the brown savagebeyond grievously thrust me with a spear. But I retain faith that theLord, in His own time, will open up a way unto their rebellious andsinful hearts. "

"Such way may be opened, yet I fear these savages will only takeunkindly your efforts at ministry, even if they permit opportunity forthe carrying on of such work. "

"I should be overjoyed to minister unto them with the sharp edge of asteel blade, " interposed De Noyan decidedly, and I noticed him for thefirst time, lying beyond his wife. "What do you expect, MasterBenteen, these villains will do to us?"

"I read no sign of mercy in any face yet seen, " I answered cautiously. "It would be against all savage nature to forgive the loss of thosewarriors sent home this day. "

"You look for death?"

"I expect nothing less, and by torture; still they may permit us theslight chance of the gantlet, although I know not the war customs ofthe tribe. "

He subsided into silence, as though my words merely echoed his owngloomy thought, and for a few moments no sound arose except the dismaldroning of the priests about the altar. Then Cairnes silently pushedover toward me what remained of their evening meal, and I forgot gloomyforebodings in a new realization of hunger. It was while thus busilyengaged Madame spoke to me, whispering her words softly, so that theycould not reach the ears of the others. 

"If the end prove according to our fears, could you outline my probablefate?"

No lack of courage prompted the question, I could perceive that in hereyes as they looked into my own, and some way their expression yieldedme boldness to answer truthfully. 

"I am afraid, Madame, you may be spared, " I said gravely. 

Her hands closed down tightly about each other. 

"That is what renders my heart so heavy in this peril, GeoffreyBenteen. I could die easily, without tremor, beside you; nor would Ishrink back from torture, did it of necessity come to me, for I possessa faith in Christ which would sustain me in such an ordeal. Butthis--O God!--it is too much! The thought that I may be reserved for aworse fate than death, may be compelled to live for months, perhapsyears, as the humiliated companion of these murderous savages--I, alady of France! It is more than I can bear. "

I saw tears shining in her eyes, and my hand, seeking her own, closedover it with sympathetic pressure. 

"God grant there be some escape, " I said earnestly; it was all thatcame to my lips. 

"But I feel there is none. I have not lived upon the border of thisvast wilderness all my life without learning something regarding thecustoms of savages. If they spare a woman from stake or knife it isthat they may doom her to a fate more horrible, making of her theirdegraded slave. I know this, and have read the truth anew in thosefaces glaring upon me to-day. There remains but one faint hope--thatwoman who seems to exercise control over them may incline the savagesto mercy. "

"I cannot encourage you to place much trust in such tenderness, " Iconfessed sadly. "'T is not likely, despite her white face, andcertain graces bespeaking knowledge of civilization, she will prove anyless a savage than those she governs. She would not be here, able tocontrol so wild a brood of wolves, if she were not of their breed inheart; nor do women chiefs have much choice against the vote of thetribe. I do not trust her, Madame; I studied her face--a fair one, Igrant--as she stood in the sun upon the rock summit. It was hard set, and savage with the scent of blood and battle. No mercy led her toprotect us then; like a great cat she prefers playing with her micebefore killing. Has she been here while I slept?"

"No one has visited us excepting the old chief who led the assault; hedid nothing but strike the Puritan, who sought speech with him. "

She paused a moment, her head bent low; then she lifted her face tomine again, and I read within it the quick determination of her soul. 

"Geoffrey Benteen, listen. What would you do to save her who wasEloise Lafrénière from such a fate of horror as now overhangs her?"

"Anything within the power of a man, " I answered instantly, a painfulthrobbing at the heart. "I would even drive the saving steel into yourheart to keep you unsoiled from the clutch of such foul hands. Ay!hard as the task must prove, yet I could do it, believing I performedthe will of God as I struck the blow. But even for that I am helpless, as I possess no weapon. "

I felt her hands touch mine, something cold being pressed against myflesh. 

"I thank thee, Father, there is one whom I may trust even unto death, "she sobbed prayerfully. "Take this knife, Geoffrey Benteen. TheIndians did not think to search a woman for such weapons of war. Ifthe moment comes when all hope is gone, when naught else is left, Ipray you, as a helpless woman utterly dependent upon your aid, let thatsharp point save me endless shame and agony. Have I your promise?"

"But--but why not ask this of your husband?" I questioned, shrinking, in spite of my belief in its righteousness, from the committal of sodreadful a deed. 

"Surely he would better make answer for the necessity of so desperate asacrifice. "

Her dark eyes never wavered from my face, nor did her hands relax theirconfident grasp of mine. 

"Not because I believe he would refuse, but he is of a temperchangeable as the winds of Spring. I must rest in peace, not inperpetual doubting. You I trust implicitly; your word, once gravelygiven, will be kept to the death; nay, surely this is no time in whichto practise deceit with each other, or act parts like mummers upon thestage. I know you love me even as of old. I know this, GeoffreyBenteen, and will abide in my extremity with no other promise than yourown. "

"Eloise, " I answered, strangely calmed and strengthened by her faith, "it shall be as you wish. I thank you for the words, and am better forthem. When the last faint hope flees, and dishonor or death alone isleft, I will strike that blow which sets free your soul. "

I felt her kisses and tears commingled on my roughened hands, butbefore further words might be uttered, the heavy mat concealing thewestern entrance was suddenly lifted, and in from the dark night therestalked in solemn silence and dignity a long line of stalwart savages. 

CHAPTER XXIII

THE VOTE OF DEATH

I have already written that I was never easily affected by supernaturalfears, yet something about that grim entrance chilled the very blood. There was no cessation of the monotonous, dismal chanting of thepriests, as these newcomers, --whose sinister purpose no one coulddoubt, --moving with the silence of spectres, their bodies draped inshapeless robes of skin, appearing ghostlike beneath the uncertainflickering of flame, moved forward like a great writhing snake, passedalong the southern wall beneath the face of the flying dragon overhead, until they found seats on the hard floor between altar and platform;two or three, evidently superior chiefs, by their richer trappings, ascended the raised logs and solemnly squatted thereon, so as to faceus. How many composed this uncanny company I cannot say, having failedto count as they filed past, yet they completely filled the great roomwith scowling, upturned faces, and were probably all the availablewarriors of the tribe. 

This was accomplished in stealthy silence, as wild animals creep upontheir prey, nor did any among them take seats until the oldwar-chief--he who had led the assault in the gulch--made signal to thatend. Responding to a second gesture, we were driven roughly forward byour guard, until permitted to sink down once more, directly in theirfront, within full focus of their cruel eyes. 

It was a fearful spot to be in. That dark interior, dimly lighted byfitful bursts of flame, seemed more the abode of the damned than aplace of human habitation, nor was there anything to remind us of mercyin that savage company gloating over our desperate plight. No one ofus doubted what fate dwelt in the decision of that grewsome gathering, and in those faces we saw nothing except eagerness for revenge. It wastheir speechless silence, their stolid imperturbability, which restedheaviest upon me. It told plainly that we were helpless victims oftheir cruel pleasure. Deliberately, as if desirous of prolonging theagony of our uncertainty, for more than an hour--to us it seemed anage--they sat thus, unmoved as so many statues, except for theirrestless eyes, while the four ministering priests, robed in black fromthroat to sandals, slaughtered animals beneath the frowning shadow ofthe huge winged dragon, pouring warm blood over the stones of thealtar, or smearing it upon their faces. Then, appearing fiendishlyhideous, ghastlier than words can fitly picture, these revoltingfigures began with wild chanting to make offerings to their gods, dancing and capering before the flame to an accompaniment of dismalmusic, burning some incense which polluted the air. 

It was a hellish scene, arousing every sleeping devil within thosesavage hearts; it preyed upon our strained nerves, and the Puritan lostall control, roaring out objurgations on the foul, idolatrous crowduntil he was silenced by the sharp tap of a guard's club on his bushypate. Nor was it easy for De Noyan to remain quiet, while Madame hidher shocked white face in her hands, venturing not to glance up whilethe sound of these rites continued. Whatever this religiousceremony--for such I supposed it to be--may have symbolized, it wasfinally concluded by the entire party uniting in a fierce chant. Asgrim silence settled once more throughout the black interior, the oldwar-chief, appearing taller than ever in the weird light, and renderedpeculiarly repulsive by the bandages wrapping his wounds, rose to hisfeet, commencing an impassioned address. 

No word spoken was intelligible to us, yet I knew so well the natureand customs of savages as to experience little difficulty in decidingthe purpose of this harangue. Without doubt the fellow demanded animmediate sacrifice in payment for the loss inflicted on their tribe. With this conception as guide I noted his continually pointing towardus, one after another, as if singling us out as special subjects fordenunciation, perhaps for torture, as with each he seemed to associatea peculiar term, repeating it again and again with changing cadence, asif thus to force its dread significance more firmly home into the mindsof his listeners. The word I distinguished most frequently had thesound "_ca-tah_, " which became associated in my thought as some specialform of torture to which he desired us sentenced. Nor did I fail toremark in this connection, my every faculty alert and strained to graspthe slightest revealment, that, whenever the orator's baleful glancerested upon the shrinking woman, his lips uttered another word, hissilent audience nodding as though in assent to each demand. 

One followed another, no doubt in accordance with rank. Those chiefsupon the platform spoke first, each in turn seeming to pronounceagainst us in favor of that same unknown fate, making use of those twowords, gesticulating toward us as they gave judgment. Nowhere amid allthat vengeful black circle did I discern a single face not set insavage hatred, while slowly at first, but gathering force as itproceeded, there passed from lip to lip the sullen murmur of that dreadword "_ca-tah_. " As it was pronounced each voter pointed at us, threetimes making repetition of the word, until the last warrior had spoken, and we knew that our doom had been formally pronounced by a tribunalknowing no mercy, from whose decision there was no appeal. 

No hapless prisoner confined, as I have read they were in olden times, within a dungeon whose walls slowly closed to crush him into pulp, could have seen the coming of death, resistless and horrible, withclearer vision than was ours as that group of savages pronounced ourdoom. It was by exercising the greatest effort of will that Iconquered the dread sense of utter hopelessness which seemed to numb myevery faculty; for, although I was to be tortured to the end, andperish at last in utmost physical agony, yet before that moment camethere still remained a duty to be performed for one I loved. For thatI must retain mind and strength to act like a man. 

Slowly, cautiously, moving inch by inch across the small spaceintervening, so as not to attract the attention of our guard, I creptforward, pausing at last close beside Madame. Even as I reached herthe final warrior cast his useless vote with the others, the excitedconcourse voicing appreciation in noisy acclaim. I bent low, tremblingfrom weakness, until my lips were close to her ear. 

"Eloise, " I whispered softly, forgetting at the awful moment that shepossessed another name, "it has been voted that three of us perish bytorture, but you are not in the list; you are named for a differentfate. Is it still your wish that I fulfil the pledge?"

As she glanced up, the old war-chief pointed directly toward her. Icould perceive the baleful gleam of his eyes, and noted with what quickaversion she shrank back until her shoulder pressed my own. 

"Yes, Geoffrey Benteen, " she made immediate, resolute answer. "It willbe mercy. I beg you strike. "

"You forgive the blow?"

"Forgive!" An instant her clear eyes, unfrightened, looked directlyinto mine, a message in their depths I had never seen there before. "More, I love the heart and hand which speed it. "

My hands were bound tightly together, but my arms remained free, thehilt of the knife resting firmly between the palms. Although I drew mybody somewhat back in readiness for the stroke, I delayed the terribledeed until the last possible moment, the perspiration standing in greatbeads upon my face. Oh, how I loved her then! how my half-blinded eyesfeasted upon her sweet, sad face, the flames casting a ruddy glow uponit, and playing fitfully amid the masses of her dark, tangled hair!There swept across my mind every memory of our past, and she was againwith me in her girlhood, before sorrow had stamped her with its seal, and she had turned me away tenderly as ever a woman could. And now shewas doomed to death by my hand; with one blow I was to blot out thelife I loved a thousand times better than my own. Merciful God! what atrick had fate played me! Nor durst I speak to her again, for herfingers toyed with the rosary at her throat, the beads glowing dully inthe flame, and I knew she was in prayer, expecting with each instantthe coming of that stroke which should send her trusting soul to God. I, who have seen much of conflict and peril, much of suffering andatrocity, look back on no moment in all my life so fraught with agonyas this, when, grasping that deadly knife in both hands, I watchedevery threatening movement of the savage arbiters of her fate, prayingunto God for strength with which to perform my duty. 

At last the chiefs stood erect. In response to their gestures ofcommand, the massed warriors below sprang to their feet, flockingeagerly toward us, giving utterance to one deep vengeful cry. Alreadytheir clutches were upon the struggling Puritan, when I swung high thegleaming knife in both my hands. For one terrible second I met herunflinching gaze, a glance which will abide with me until my dyingday--then the keen steel fell, barely deflected from the heart, slashing open the bosom of her dress, yet--thanks be to a kindGod!--finding harmless sheath, not within her quivering flesh but inthe hard-packed earth. It was scarcely less than a miracle that I wasthus able to turn the blow, but, even as I aimed it, putting to thehilt my full strength that I might send it surely home, there came intomy vision a sudden flash of bright color against the dark, skin-drapedwall, and I knew the Queen had come. 

CHAPTER XXIV

THE DAUGHTER OF THE SUN

At first my dimmed eyes beheld her through a mist, my hands shaking asif stricken by palsy, nor did I retain sufficient strength of body touplift myself from the spot where I had fallen with the force of myblow. Nevertheless I shall forever retain the vivid picture imprintedon memory. Before us stood a tall, fair-skinned woman, having dignityof command in every movement, her face thin, strong, dominant, withlarge, dark, passionate eyes, flashing in scornful beauty over theexcited warriors at her feet. Pride, power, imperious will, a scarcelyhidden tigerish cruelty, were in every line of her features; yet sheremained strikingly handsome, with that rare beauty which drives menmad and laughs mockingly at its victims. She was robed completely inred, the brilliant color harmonizing strangely with her countenance, the single outer garment extending, devoid of ornament, from throat toheel, loosely gathered at the waist, and resembling in form and draperythose pictures I have seen of Roman togas, while her magnificent wealthof hair, of richest reddish gold, appeared to shimmer and glow in thesparkle of leaping flames as if she wore a tiara of rubies. 

With quick, passionate speech she poured forth her purpose, and I sawthe savage throng shrink before her, as if they knew and dreaded theoutburst of her anger. Yet, as she paused breathless, the oldwar-chief ventured to face her, returning a stern reply. Thisdisregard of her temper so imparted courage to the others that theyrallied about their leader as one man, numerous hoarse voicessupplementing his protest, until it was plain to be seen that the womanremained alone and unsupported against the savage crew. Yet the linesof determination but deepened in her face, her lips curled in scorn, and she turned from them to look down where we were huddled in despair. A moment her flashing eyes swept across our upturned faces, the howlsof her opponents growing fiercer on every side. With one imperiousgesture she commanded silence, and, as the gruff voices died away inmuttered discontent, the woman addressed us, speaking a clear, pureSpanish, making use now and then of words unknown to me. 

"Prisoners, can any among you interpret my speech?"

I caught my breath in glad surprise, struggling to my feet, and makinghaste to answer. 

"If you speak slowly, " I said, "I shall be able to understand. "

"'Tis well, as it is a tongue unknown to these Indians, " her eyeslighting up with cunning. "Then, Señor, mark with care what I say, and, if the meaning of any escape your ears, bid me speak again, so nomistake be made. "

"It will give me great pleasure, O Queen. "

"I am the Daughter of the Sun, " she interposed proudly, as ifcorrecting my mode of address. "These are my children, given unto meby the great Sun-god. For what purpose have you of white skin daredinvade the land of the Sun?"

"We knew nothing of your presence here, merely seeking a passagethrough these mountains northward. "

"But you killed the warriors of our nation; you have stricken thepeople of the Sun. "

"True, Daughter of the Sun; yet it was done only in self-defence. Whenattacked we struck hard blows. "

Her eyes glowed angrily, her face becoming cruelly hard. 

"None of white blood may set foot in this valley and live. It is theland of the Sun, " she said haughtily. "None have ever before venturedto do so, and found safe way back to their own. Are you French?"

[Illustration: "I am the Daughter of the Sun. These are my children, given unto me by the great Sun-god. . . . None of white blood may setfoot in this valley and live. "]

"Not all, --the lady and yonder cavalier are of French blood, I am ahunter of the Ohio country, while he who crouches beyond also callshimself American. "

"I know nothing of your Ohio, nor what may be an American, " she repliedwith an impatient stamp of the foot, "but it is bad any among youshould prove French. What does the woman do here?"

In a few brief sentences I told our story, marking as I spoke that shefollowed my words with care. As I concluded she merely gazed moreclosely into Madame's upturned face, speaking as though communing withherself. 

"She has the appearance of a fair woman; we need no such here. " Sheraised her voice slightly, addressing me in cold reserve. 

"Your story sounds well. True or false, it makes small odds. Weattacked your party, believing you French, whom the children of the Sunhave good reason to hate. You have cost us the lives of many warriors, and the Sun calls for vengeance. Already has the tribe solemnly votedyour death by fire. Now mark me closely. 'Tis not often I interferein such affairs as this, nor do I now for any higher object than my owngratification. The Daughter of the Sun is no angel, nor ambitious tobecome one. I have looked on unmoved at the torture of the stake morethan once, so 'tis no weak sentimentality that leads me to try to avertyour fate. Nor am I sure I can, whatever my motive be. I possess nopower to overturn the united vote of these warriors--they are allchildren of the Sun. I can think of but one method by which I can evenhope to encompass your escape from immediate torture. If by somesubterfuge I can delay action until day-dawn, I may be able to controlthese savages. The children of the Sun do not light their fires in thepresence of their Father. There is but one possible way to thatend, --does yonder red-headed man comprehend the Spanish tongue?"

"He does not. "

"That is bad, " her brows contracting. "Still he must be used, as noother among you will answer my purpose. Bid him advance to my side onthe platform; bid him pretend to hold converse with me, and, above allelse, have him attend my every gesture and obey. Will he do yourbidding?"

"I know not, " I replied honestly. "He is of a bull-headed breed, yet Imay be able to drive into him a moment of sense. "

"Do your part thoroughly, nor be too long about it. The chiefs growrestless at our talk, and may yet take affairs into their own hands. "

I turned doubtfully toward the Puritan, who was glaring up at the womanfrom beneath his shaggy brows, much as he might have looked upon somewild animal seen for the first time. I presume the fiery red draperycaused him to deem her that veritable scarlet woman about whom heprated so much. He appeared far from being a promising subject for myovertures, especially as his great head must have ached still fromcontact with the club, which had alone beaten him into sullen silence. Yet she commanding the attempt was so desperately in earnest that Idetermined to do my part. 

"Watch carefully my words, " I said sternly in English, "and bear inmind the preservation of all our lives depends on the part you play. The woman chief has made choice of you to help in winning mercy fromthese savages. I know not why you are the one thus chosen, yet Isuspect that fiery crop of hair may have something to do with thehonor. The main point is, are you in a humor to do her bidding?"

"Nay!" he replied, gazing at me stubbornly. 

"You refuse to assist in saving your own life, and the lives of yourcomrades?"

"I touch not the accursed abominations of this place, " he answered, hoarse with anger, "nor will I have aught to do with yonder shamelesscreature. "

"Sirrah!" I cried, thoroughly aroused by his mulishness, "do youdeliberately choose to sacrifice the life of this lady to yourbull-headed fanaticism? Do you refuse to unbend your miserableConnecticut sectarianism, your Puritan cant, although by so doing youmight keep your comrades from the horrors of the stake? If this iswhat you mean, I denounce you as unworthy to be called a man, and Iname your loud protestations of religion no more than a hissing and abyword before the ungodly you profess to despise. You are no betterthan a Pharisee, full of loud-mouthed prayers and vain conceit ofrighteousness, a false prophet, haggling over formalism when theslightest sacrifice of what you hold the letter of the law would resultin the salvation of human life. You call yourself a Christian, afollower of that Nazarene who died for sinners on the cross, deemingyourself better than those who cling to other creed. You sneer at thatrosary in Madame's fingers, yet do you suppose it possible she wouldnot endeavor to pluck your life from the jaws of death if it lay in herpower? Ay! and never waste speech about abominations in the path. "

"The spirit is of greater value than the body, " he persisted doggedly. "Yea, 'tis better the flesh perish miserably in the flame thansurrender up the soul unto the devil. "

"That is no issue here; you seek to deceive yourself by false words. Idenounce you openly as a false follower, for if I read rightly thelanguage of Holy Writ, it was He whom you so delight to term Master whogave his life freely for His friends. But you--you are all words, acharnel-house of dead men's bones. "

Had he been free I might have rued my hasty words, for his eyes werehot with anger, and he strained fiercely at his bonds in effort tobreak free. Yet I felt safe enough beyond the sweep of his great arm, rejoicing that my tongue was sharp enough to penetrate so thick a hide, and make the man squirm beneath his outer vestment of piety. 

"You speak falsely, " he bellowed, nearly beside himself. "Satan putsthose foul words upon your lips tempting me to do evil. "

"Nay; the words are true, " I went on, determined to drive him bytaunts. "They are neither foul nor false, and right glad I am todiscover your real character even at this eleventh hour. I make noloud boasting of my religion, dinning it into the ears of all I meet asif I were the only righteous man on earth, but I do thank God from thedepths of my heart I have never yet basely deserted a friend in time oftrouble. I did consider you a good comrade, but I know now you arenothing but a whited sepulchre, a miserable hypocrite, a Judasbetraying his master with a kiss. Pah! go your way, you are unclean;nor ever hope again for word of fellowship from lips of honest men. Ishall die having performed my duty to the extent of my knowledge, butyou as a dog, a traitor to your comrades, the betrayer of a woman intime of peril. "

"'Tis false, I say; I would yield life gladly to aid her. "

"Zounds! that sounds good from such lips. Why, you have just refusedmuch less. "

"Yonder is an emissary of the Evil One. "

"Keep your cowardly excuses to yourself. Whatever the woman may be, she offers us a chance for our lives, provided only you will performher will in sundry matters. "

He hesitated, his uncertain eyes shifting from her face to mine. 

"What does this scarlet priestess of Baal require that I do?" hequestioned sullenly. 

"Good lack, 'tis little enough even to satisfy your conscience. Merelythat you stand beside her on the platform, pretending converse, markingcarefully her every signal, and obeying it. "

"I play no idolatrous mummery with her. "

"Then may the devil fly away with you, " I retorted, so enraged by thistime I could scarcely refrain from grappling him with my hands. "I goto tell Madame of the fool you are. "

He gave vent to a deep groan, rolling his eyes as was his habit in timeof trial, yet never removing his gaze from that red figure, standingmotionless as a statue, impatiently awaiting his decision. 

"In the name of the holy prophets of Israel!" he snorted desperately atlast. "'T is, indeed, a grievous trial like unto that which befellDaniel in the den of the lions. If I go upon yonder sinful platformbefore these hosts of Satan, it will be only as led by the Almighty, and that I may wrestle mightily in prayer for the redemption of theheathen. "

"I care not, man, so you go. Pray loud as you please, yet give heed tothe signals of the woman if you value your own life or ours. "

Odds! it was a picture to see the fellow start on his unwelcomemission, slouching through the ranks of the surprised savages with ashangdog a look on his mournful countenance as though he mounted thegallows. It was with faint hope as to the result that I watched himlumber onto the platform, doubting not he would perform some crazytrick to offset any good he might endeavor. I could scarce restrain asmile as the two actors faced each other, marking the look ofundisguised horror on his leathern face, and how he shrank back as herhand extended to touch him. The wild, discordant cries of the groupedsavages ceased in wonderment at this unanticipated scene; even theperpetual incantations of the priests died away, every eye gazingcuriously on the strange spectacle. The Puritan had appropriated oneof De Noyan's hats, broad of brim, and so ample of crown the highpeaked head of the worthy sectary was almost lost within its capaciousinterior. No sooner, however, did he attain her side than the womangrasped it in her white fingers, flinging it disdainfully upon thefloor, and, like a flash of unexpected color in the dancing light ofthe fire, there blazed forth before us his flaming covering with abrilliancy which startled even me. Saint Andrew! it was a glow to makethe eyes blink. 

The sudden effect of this disclosure upon the thronging warriors wasbeyond words of mine. There followed a hush so painful in intensity Icould distinguish the quick throbbing of my own heart. I saw the womanpoint at the fellow, giving eager utterance to a single word, her eyessweeping the faces below. Then came an irregular rush forward, inarticulate cries pierced the air, war weapons were dashed clangingupon the earthen floor, while numerous torches, grasped from off thesacred altar, were waved aloft by excited hands, all serving to form asdemoniacal a scene as was ever witnessed this side of hell. 

The full truth flashed across my mind--our comrade had in that momentbeen changed from a helpless, beaten prisoner into an object ofsuperstitious worship. By the magic of a word, the alchemy of athought, he had become to these superstitious savages a mysteriousvisitant from the Sun, and for once, at least, he might fervently blessNature, who had bestowed upon him so rich a coloring of hair. Whetheror not the fellow comprehended the meaning of that uproar, of thosewildly dancing figures in his front, I could never determine; but, before the woman could in any way interfere, the sectary plumped downupon his knees, and, with head bent so low that every separate haircaught the reflection of the ruddy flames, began pouring forth apetition in sturdy English, and with a volume of voice that shook thewhole interior. It was not such a bad play, I take it, although he wasdesperately in earnest. Very plainly he compared his worshippingauditory to certain scriptural characters, in a way that would not haveproven flattering to them could they have interpreted his language. 

"Oh, Lord God!" he roared, rolling his eyes upward and interjectingmany a deep groan after each sentence. "Infinite Jehovah, for somejust reason of Thy own, Thou hast seen fit to lead Thy most humbleservant into this den of iniquity. Thou hast placed me in the fieryfurnace of tribulation, it may be in the test of that faith which wasdelivered unto the saints, yet will I not bow down in the tents of theidolaters, nor profane Thy Holy Name by the worship of their falsegods. Here in the midst of the ravening lions I uplift my eyes untoJerusalem, and my lips unto the throne of grace, beseeching Thee togive unto me the salvation of these heathen, even as brands pluckedfrom the burning. Quench the fire on this altar of Baal, O Lord, bythe outpouring of Thy Spirit, and give unto this people a manifestationof Thy mighty power, redeeming them from their manifold sins. Yea, Lord, give ear unto the words of my petition, and as of old times thoudidst send a message of fire unto Thy prophet Elijah, so come down evennow to visit these unbelieving and mocking hearts with the terror ofThy just wrath. Make bare Thy arm of infinite power that thisabomination of heathendom may be purged of its vain idolatry, and thatThy Israel may triumph over the hosts of the sinful. Even as Thoudidst scatter the forces of the Egyptians in the waters of the Red Sea, even so, O Lord, visit now Thy wrath upon those who mock Thee anddegrade Thy image. Save us from the snare of this scarlet woman, thisproud harlot of Babylon, and forgive Thy servant for thus seeming toobey her will. Thou knowest, O Lord, that it is only that I may thebetter serve Thee, and thus overcome the wiles of the Wicked One. Giveunto me in this hour the strength of Samson that I may overturn thepillars of this temple of abominations, even though we all perish inits destruction. Yea, visit us with power and righteousness, andscatter Thy enemies over the face of the earth. O Lord! I am asnothing, a mere worm of the dust: smite me if Thou wilt, yet I butwrestle with Thee in prayer that through me the heathen may be broughtlow, and led to see the error of their way. "

There was no halting him, yet even as he continued to pour forthfervent supplication, the warriors drew back from the dense circlepressing against the platform, taking solemn counsel together. Thenthe old war-chief advanced to the centre, pointing maliciously towardDe Noyan and myself. I observed the Queen wave her hand in a gestureof apparent carelessness, and before I could clearly conjecture thefull meaning of it, strong hands clutched us, and, in spite ofstruggles, we were dragged roughly back toward the shrouded entrance ofthe lodge. There was no shouting, no din of any kind to disturb thedevotions of the Puritan, who prayed on with closed eyes and a vigor ofutterance making mock of all other sound. Silently as they moved, itwas nevertheless plain to be read in the grim, savage faces closingabout us, that we were being driven forth to no scene of pleasure. Harshly did their gripping hands hustle us forward. The heavy matshading the entrance was flung aside, and like the unexpected flight ofan arrow, into the black gloom of the lodge, weirdly lighting up thewild faces, streamed the clear, white light of the dawn. Far off uponthe highest summit of the yellow cliff there already rested the firstrosy reflection of the rising sun. One shout rang discordant from thesurprised throats of our captors; the brutal hands released theirgrasp, and De Noyan and myself sank back helpless upon the ground. 

CHAPTER XXV

A VISITANT FROM THE SUN

As by magic the uproar of the infuriated savages died away. Gazing upfrom where I lay, my eyes beheld every face turned outward, every eyefastened upon that distant wall of rock. Suddenly a strange cry arose, each throat giving utterance to the same sound as if in trainedobedience to some recognized signal, and immediately every Indian layprostrate, his face in the dust. Gazing toward the spot they hadwatched so intently, I could perceive how the rose tints of the earlysun flecked the upper extremity of the precipitous rock with spots ofcolor, checkers of red and gold, while just below its lofty crest, seemingly touching the deep blue of the morning sky, hardly more thandim specks against the dull background of gray rock, appeared severalmoving black figures, and I could distinguish a series of flashes as ifthey waved blazing torches in welcome to the King of Day. 

"_Sacre_! 'tis an uncanny sight, " muttered my companion uneasily. "Have yonder foul priests been given wings whereby they mount the veryrock in their devil worship?"

"Hardly that, " I returned tersely. "There will be a footpath leadingto the spot either from above or below. "

"True, perchance; yet 'tis not from above. Of that I am certain, asthe crest of the rock overhangs; you may perceive the deep shadow of iteven from here. "

Before I could distinguish clearly the peculiarity pointed out, thewoman chief came forth through the open entrance, appearing more fairand white of skin than ever in the clear light of the dawn. Scarcelyglancing toward either the prostrate tribesmen or those distantsignalling priests, she advanced directly toward where we lay helplessin our bonds. There was a flush upon her cheeks, a light of animationin her eyes, yet she stood looking down upon me much as she might haveviewed an insensate stone. 

"Señor, " she said coldly, still speaking the Spanish tongue, "it didplease my humor but now to play a small trick upon these innocentchildren of nature, knowing their faith and tribal customs. For thetime being I won, and it is you who benefit. You, and these others, are for the present delivered from that torture to which you werecondemned: the rising of yonder Sun has saved you; 'tis the law of theNatchez. Nay, thank me not, " as I sought to express my words ofgratitude. "I told you before it was not from any desire to showmercy, but for a purpose of my own. Yet if you would continue toprofit through my strange whim--and surely I have seldom been thusswayed to action--then it will be well to give heed unto my words. Ibid you proceed at once to that second hut yonder, nor dare ventureforth again until I send. The children of the Sun bow now to thecommands of their ancient faith, yet are of temper hard to control. "

"You fear they may yet demand us in sacrifice?"

"Not to-day, unless you do that which shall arouse their passionsbeyond my power of restraint. While the sun dominates the sky yourlives are preserved from violence, but if you would live longer it mustbe through careful guarding of speech and action. I promise nothingbeyond the present day. But now, " she bent over, severing my bondswith a flint blade, "go; do exactly as I bade you, and no longer bandywords with me. "

"But the lady within the lodge?" I ventured anxiously, as I struggledto my feet, standing erect before her. 

"She bides elsewhere. "

"It will be hard for her alone--"

"What is all that to you, sirrah?" she interrupted haughtily. "According to the tale told, you are not her husband. He who mighthave right to question separation has made no complaint. "

"He does not comprehend your speech. For that reason he remains dumb. "

"Mean you it is he who inspires your objection?" she asked scornfully. 

"No; yet I doubt not 'tis in his heart even as upon my lips. "

She turned aside, an incredulous smile curling her lips, lookingcuriously down upon him, and their eyes met. She stooped swiftly, severing the thongs of grass binding his arms, and with her own handsassisted him to rise. 

"A fair and noble gallant, " she said softly, reluctantly turning backfrom him to me. "Not of hard, stern visage like yours, but with thebearing of a gentleman, the smile of a courtier. Pish! he will notmiss her over-much, or else I read not rightly the challenge of hiseyes. But come, hunter, I bade you go in haste, nor is it well for anyone to wait my bidding twice. "

"'T is no more than just we should be told the destiny of ourcompanions, " I persisted, determined not to desert them thus. "May notboth the Puritan and the woman abide with us?"

Her eyes flashed in uncontrolled anger, her lips giving vent to a low, cruel laugh. 

"I tell you no, and understand once for all my word is law. You arenot standing before a French court to haggle over trifles, and disputeabout your rights. Bah! you have no rights; you live from day to daymerely by my whim. The red-headed man tarries where he is as long asit remains my pleasure; while as to yon dainty creature, she shall meetno harm. Forsooth, it will not greatly hurt her to be beyond yoursight for a space. "

"Does she bide with you?"

"If I so will it, yes; if not, no. Who are you, hunter, to darequestion Naladi after she bids you cease?" she exclaimed, her cheekscrimsoning. "Now go; go ere I am tempted to show you I possess powerto enforce my will. Another word, and you will long regret it. "

She was a tigress now, her eyes burning into mine with the fiercenessof a wild animal scenting blood. It would have been sheer madness toattempt more, with those scowling, savage faces lowering at us fromevery side, their possessors only too eager to spring forward in cruelobedience to a gesture of their Queen. A single word from her red lipswould, in spite of all superstition, cause them to rend us limb fromlimb, so I bade De Noyan follow me, feeling relief when once beyond hersight in the cool depths of the sheltering hut. 

"Well, Master Benteen, " remarked my comrade easily, finding a softbearskin upon which to rest his aching limbs, "this is an odd companyamong whom you have piloted us; one not altogether appealing to mytaste in its masculine elements. Yet, damme, but you possess rareadvantage over the rest of us in holding converse with these people, while I must remain dumb as an oyster, save for a glance of the eye. Perhaps, now that we have time for it, you will kindly explain themeaning of all this mummery with which we passed the night, for, by allthe gods of Rome, it was weird enough to turn my hair gray, yet Iunderstood neither word nor deed. How came that grim preacher toattain such honor, taking position beside their peerless Queen?"

His idiotic lightness of speech and manner jarred unpleasantly upon myhumor. I was heavy-hearted from what had passed, retaining littleconfidence in the future, yet I told him the story as best I could, trusting the recital might serve to sober him, so we could counseltogether regarding our plans. 

"_Pardieu_! 'twas rather a pretty trick of the lady, " he exclaimedlaughingly, as I ended the tale. "She would do honor to a morepretentious court with her wit as well as beauty. What did you callthe title she bore?"

"'Daughter of the Sun' was the name given in the altar-house yonder;later she made use of the word Naladi. "

"Ay! that was it. 'T is a name fitting her well to my taste, and Iboast of some experience with the sex. _Sacre_! I trust not to haveseen the last of so fair a vision as this Queen Naladi. "

He was twirling his moustache, such a look of complacency upon hisfeatures I could only stare at him in bewildered surprise. 

"You appear reconciled to our situation with marvellous good grace, " Imanaged to say at last, in a tone which made no attempt to conceal mydisgust at his coxcombry. "For myself I can see very little to hopefor. "

"Tut, tut, man, " stretching himself negligently into a posture ofgreater ease, "an old soldier learns to take things as they come, without complaint; to extract sweets from every flower. Surely here isa rare rose we have uncovered blooming in the wilderness; nor am Iblind to its beauty, or unmindful of my privileges. Besides, lad, whatis there greatly to worry about? We are preserved, you tell me, fromtorture; food will undoubtedly be supplied in plenty, while the lady issurely fair enough to promise pleasant companionship in exile--providedI ever learn to have private speech with her. What was the tongue?"

"We conversed in Spanish. "

"I thought as much; there were certain familiar words. But, as I said, why complain of fate, with all these blessings showered upon us. _Pardieu_! it would prove us ungrateful wretches. Surely 'tis betterthan the tender mercy of O'Reilly, ay, or the hardship and starvationof the trail. "

"You have forgotten your wife. "

"Forgotten? _Sacre_! I should say not, Master Benteen; nor is thatlikely to occur. Yet what cause have I to worry regarding her presentcomfort. Did you not say that the Queen pledged her safety and goodcare? What more could I accomplish for her than that, even were weback in New Orleans, beneath French protection? Saint Denis! you areof a complaining breed, inclined to act as conscience for your betters. True, there are some few things I greatly miss, that would minister tocomfort. I was ever careful in my toilet, and choice as to my wines intown; still, if these savages have not lost my soaps and brushes, Iwill strive to exist even here, and be content until a way opens towardthat which is better. "

"I greatly admire your patience. "

"Pah! 'tis but the long practice of a soldier. Yet I am somewhat wearyfrom the night, and, if you have talked enough, will seek rest to dreamof Naladi, trusting she may send for me ere long. Did you note thebeauty of her eyes?"

"I marked their cruelty. "

"_Le Diable_! I ever admired spirit in a woman; 'tis the greaterpleasure to watch them take on softer light. In such orbs love shinesthe clearer, once awakened. "

I sat there some time in silence until he fell asleep. Then, realizinghow useless it was for me, wearily as my eyelids drooped, to strivelonger in thought, I sought another robe to rest upon, and was soonhappily unconscious also. 

I presume some unusual noise aroused me, for as I awoke and staredabout, unable at the moment to comprehend my situation, I noticed, byevidence of the sun shining through the entrance of the hut, it wasalready past the noon hour. Consciousness becoming more acute, Iperceived, standing barely within the shadows of the interior, thedusky figure of a warrior, unarmed, and motionless except for a gestureof the hand which seemed to command my following him. Retainingconcealed within my doublet the sharp knife intrusted to me by Madame, I felt little trepidation at the fellow's presence, nor was thereanything about his countenance to foster alarm, he appearing the leastferocious of aspect of all I had observed among the tribe. A moment Ihesitated, then believing him a messenger from the Queen, I followedhis retreating figure out into the sunlight. 

The village reposed in loneliness and silence, nor did I see even childor dog playing before the square huts as we passed them. As we mountedhigher along the slope and began climbing the strangely rounded hill onthe summit of which perched the altar-house, I glanced back curiouslyover the plain outspread below. Little clusters of dark figures werescattered here and there throughout the pleasant valley, many of themcongregated along the greener banks of the circling water-course, others scattered more widely afield, yet all earnestly engaged incultivation of the ground. This quiet, pastoral scene was so foreignto all my previous conception of Indian nature that for the moment Ipaused amazed, gazing upon this picture of peaceful agriculture in theheart of the wilderness. Surely, cruel, revengeful savages though theywere, yet here was a people retaining traditions of a higher life thanthat of the wild chase and desert war. I could perceive no guardsstationed anywhere, yet felt no doubt that every entrance leading intothis hidden paradise, this rock-barricaded basin amid the hills, wouldbe amply protected by armed and vigilant warriors, confining us assecurely within its narrow limits as if a dozen savages followed ourevery footfall. My silent guide, after one glance across his nakedshoulder, to assure himself that I followed, led straight forward upthe hill on a dog-trot, soon placing him far in advance. At theentrance of the altar-house he paused, showing disinclination to enter. In obedience to a gesture I passed within, leaving him standing there, as if awaiting my return, a silent statue in light bronze, the glow ofthe sunshine upon him. 

Wondering what my mission might be, I remained a moment motionlessslightly within the entrance, my eyes almost totally blinded by thesudden transition from the garish day to that dull interior. Slowlythe scene within resolved itself into clearer detail. I began toperceive the crawling red flames licking with hungry tongues along thesides of the huge log resting upon the altar block, and laterdistinguished the black figure of a priest moving silently from pointto point amid the shadows, engaged upon the grewsome functions of hisoffice, his presence ever manifested by the dismal crooning with whichhe worked his magic spells. Beyond these vague suggestions oflife--for they seemed scarcely more--it was like endeavoring to soundthe depths of a cavern, so black, still, and void was all within andabout. Yet, even as I stood thus, peering uneasily into the gloom, Iwas thoroughly startled at the sudden booming forth of a voice, apparently issuing from the darkest corner. 

"May the Lord God forgive ye, Master Benteen, and be merciful unto ye, for thus placing His minister in such stress. 'T is I, EzekielCairnes, who hath become an abomination unto Israel. "

There was a tone of such utter depression in the great roaring voice, Ifeared some serious mishap had befallen him, and hastened to cross theroom, heading toward the corner whence the sound came. As I attainedthe outer edge of the platform, groping my passage through the densegloom, I was halted in the midst of a dozen or more savages, lyingprone upon the hard floor, evidently in adoration of that grotesquefigure perched above, and now clearly revealed by a blazing up of thecharred log. Not one among them stirred from his prostrate position atmy approach. Forgetting them instantly, my whole attention becameriveted upon the marvellous transformation presented by my old Puritancomrade. Odds! what a sight! He sat bolt upright, as though bound inthat stiff posture, occupying a low dais, almost at the edge of theplatform. This latter had been covered with a glaring crimson cloth, roughly woven, presumably of native manufacture, peculiarly brilliantin its coloring, and hence of rare beauty to Indian eyes. At myapproach he began straining at the cords which held him helpless, and Isoon saw that his entire body was wrapped about with ropes of grass insuch a manner as to render vain any hope of escape. His oddly shapenfigure, with the wide, square shoulders and short legs, waslikewise-draped in red, above which flared his fiery shock ofdishevelled hair, while a face fairly distorted with rage, gray fromloss of sleep, and rendered ludicrous by its little snapping eyes, glared down upon me. 

"Memory of Beelzebub! It would be no matter of laughter for ye, MasterBenteen, " he snorted savagely, straining at his cords, "could I burstthese accursed strings, and lay my hands to your throat. Ay! nor wouldyonder idolatrous swine lie there long if I once got free among them. Imagine not, vain and presumptuous unbeliever that the Lord GodAlmighty--He who rideth in the chariot of the whirlwind--will longpermit the heathen to profane His holy places, or triumph in the miseryof one of the elect. There cometh the Day of Judgment, when the wickedshall be scattered as chaff. "

"You are in a most unpleasant condition, friend, " I replied, endeavoring to speak so as to calm his temper. "It is in sorrow, notpleasure, I behold you thus. "

"I am entangled in the snare of the Evil One, Master Benteen. But Icontinue manfully to war against the adversary even as becomes my highstation. "

"Have you been long in so pitiful a state? I dreamed not it would evercome to this. "

"It may be true you were ignorant of the wiles of that emissary ofSatan who doth encompass us, " he acknowledged, a trifle mollified by mysympathy. "I would not be guilty of evil thought even toward anunregenerated heretic. Yet I have sat thus, wrapped like a mummy ofthe Egyptians, since early dawn. Ay, verily have I been sore oppressedboth of body and spirit. Nor has there been any surcease, when theheathen have not lain thus at my feet. What means such action?"

"They mistake you for a god, and prostrate themselves in worship. Youare unto them a mysterious visitant from the Sun--so the Queen namedyou, inspired by the color of your hair. "

He groaned aloud, his chin dropping dejectedly upon his breast. 

"I feared as much, and the thought greatly oppressed me. 'T is as if Iwere a golden calf set aloft in the wilderness to mock the true God. It resteth heavy on my spirit to abide as a vain idol in the tents ofthese idolaters. When first they draped me with this foul livery ofSatan, " he touched the scarlet robe gingerly with his chin, "I made sovigorous a protest two of the black imps went down before me, but theothers overpowered my struggles, binding me fast, as you see. But, verily, I have delivered unto them the whole truth as revealed unto thesaints; have struck and spared not--ay! the very language of thescriptures have I poured forth unstinted upon them, and drawn beforetheir eyes that fiery hell over which they dangle in their sins. Itmust be their understandings are darkened, for they hearken not unto myexhortations, only lie thus, or dance before me by the hour in unholyworship, snapping their fingers and shouting strange words, while twiceyonder black emissary of false religion held his smoking torch soclosely to my face the flame scorched the skin. Nor have my mostfervent prayers availed to drive them hence, or ease the prickings ofthe spirit. 'T is as if the ear of the Lord had been turned aside fromthe supplications of His servant; yea, verily, as if the vials of Hiswrath were being poured forth upon my head, because, in a moment ofweakness, I yielded to the machinations of that scarlet woman. "

"Have you again seen her?" I questioned anxiously, as he paused forbreath. 

"Seen her!--the accursed of God, the moral leper who rules this foulnest? Ay; I have, and may the Lord forgive my ever casting eyes uponsuch a shameless creature. 'T was she who brought me this disgrace. She stood by with mocking smile, bidding her savage minions bind mefast. She is the chief imp of Satan in spite of her fair face, andshall yet be stricken low by the avenging arm of the Almighty. 'Tis nogleam of mercy cometh to me from her taunts, nor in the harlot bloodflowing through her veins. I tell you, Master Benteen, she is theworst devil, for all her softness, in all this heathen crew; and if shespared our lives from the torture, it was done through some darkproject born of the demon within her soul. Nothing good can come forthfrom such as she. Marked you the eyes she cast on De Noyan?"

"I paid no heed, " I answered, wondering he had observed so much. "Haveyou supposed we may owe our escape unto him?"

"Ay! she has marked him victim to her snare, nor do I doubt the fullsuccess of her venture. 'T is small stock of virtue which bedecksitself in such Punchinello dress as that gay gallant wears. Amalekiteis written upon his raiment, and he is ever attired as becomes abridegroom to the shameless harlot ruling this devils' den. Marry, hemay be good enough wielding a sword, yet will prove the undoing of allwho company with him in this adventure. "

"You are unjustly angry, " I insisted, striving to make light of hiswords. "I value not the mercy of the woman, yet she used the onlymeans she had for restraining her savage followers. It was sternnecessity driving her to reliance on the magic of your red hair withwhich to save us all. No doubt she intends giving you early releasefrom so painful a situation. "

"You also are bewitched by her vain fleshly beauty, " he bellowedstoutly. "'Tis a carnal generation. I tell you, Master Benteen, I aman old man, uplifted by communion of the Spirit above all fleshlylusts. I have faithfully preached the word of salvation to civilizedand savage more than forty years, and am not likely to be led astray bya glimpse of a fair face tempting me hellward. I speak you truth, asdelivered of God, so surely as were the tablets of the law deliveredunto Moses, when I say that she who, by some wile of the Devil, rulesthis tribe and holds our lives in her hands, is an incarnate fiend, whowill yet mock our agony whenever her own accursed lust shall besatisfied. 'T is not only that she jeered at me with cruel smiles, andaffronted a preacher of the Word by so ribald a covering; she did asclearly reveal the hideous sin of her heart unto that sweet lady wehave in our keeping. "

"Madame de Noyan?" I cried in awakened interest. "Mean you this womandared do wrong by her?"

"I report only what my eyes beheld, for I can make nothing out of theirheathen gibberish. Yet she who journeyed with us, ever proving herselfa modest, high-bred lady in times of sore trial, begged upon her knees, with tears hot upon her cheeks, to be permitted to accompany you andher husband. What result? Why, this good Queen; this charmingcreature, stood there, like an insensate stone, gazing down upon her;and later, when the poor lady would not walk voluntarily, that paintedharlot ordered two lecherous warriors to drag her forth, and laughedlike a fiend at the scene. "

"Where did they take her?"

"I know not; beyond the entrance she made no outcry that reached myears, while that red-draped witch came back smiling to work her will onme. "

This comprised all he knew, and, no matter what depth of sympathy I mayhave then felt for Master Cairnes in his unfortunate predicament, itwas equally clear I could do nothing to aid him. My heart was soheavily laden by the plight of Eloise, I retained no other desire thana longing to return at once to the hut and hold consultation with DeNoyan. That same silent spectre accompanied me along the briefjourney, leaving me unguarded at the entrance. I entered hastily onlyto find the room vacant, my comrade gone. 

CHAPTER XXVI

THE CHRONICLES OF THE NATCHEZ

These pages have been poorly written if he who reads has not discoveredthat I am of a nature not easily discouraged by events, or disheartenedby misfortune. God had sufficiently armored me with hope; so that inthe midst of much darkness I sought for whatever light of guidancethere might be, making the most of it. Yet the intense, unanticipatedloneliness of that bare hut chilled my blood, and I scarcely recall amore wretched time than while I waited, stung and tortured by fears, for the return of De Noyan. 

In truth the rough conclusions voiced by the angry sectary merelyconfirmed my own fear. I had marked within the eyes of Naladi--dreamyas they appeared beneath the shading of long lashes--no promise oftenderness of heart. I believed it was seldom she inclined to mercy, seldom she would step between her warriors and their revenge. Iacknowledge freely I felt to some degree the strange spell of herpower, the magic influence of her soft, sinuous beauty, which I doubtif any man could utterly resist. Yet I recognized her from the first, even as she stood wrapped in the sun's rays on the rock summit, as onewho, by instinct and nature, was scarce less a savage than her mostdesperate follower, although she possessed the rare gift of masking hercruelty beneath the pleasing smile of a woman not entirely unacquaintedwith the courtesies of refinement. 

I marvelled greatly who she could be, thus sporting the polite gracesof a reception-room in the midst of these squalid huts. What was herstrange life-story? How ever came such a woman, with charm of face, and grace of manner, to be acknowledged leader over such a people? Itwas not so odd that a clever, resourceful woman, driven perhaps bynecessity, should have made unscrupulous use of their dominantsuperstitions, and, by naming herself "Daughter of the Sun, " haveobtained supreme power. The perfect acting of such an assumedcharacter would not prove difficult to her, while their servile worshipof the protesting Puritan, whose red hair alone had elevated him tosainthood, proved how easily these savages might be deceived, and ledslaves by subtle magic. Yet who was the woman? Whence came she? Whyshould she ever have chosen such a life?

And Eloise! Through what misfortune had she already attained theundisguised dislike of this Amazon? To what fate would this unmeriteddisfavor condemn her? It is a terrible thing to remain chained andhelpless at such a time, to realize that cruel wrong, possibly torture, is being visited upon another, upon one you know and love, and yet beunable to uplift hand or voice in warning. I am by nature cool inaction, yet there are few who fret more grievously when held in leash, compelled to await in uncertainty the coming of the unknown. 

All I could do that day was to pace the hard earthen floor, vainlyendeavoring to quiet the wild throbbing of my heart with every hope Imight conjure up, now and then approaching the unguarded entrance ofthe lodge to search anxiously for some ground of hope. It was thus thelong afternoon wore away, until the deepening shadows of sun-settingrested heavily along the western cliffs, and the workers in the fieldsbegan trooping through the village, their shouts of greeting shrill anddiscordant, while the grim priests found place before the drapedentrance to their dread altar-house, with blazing fagots signallingtheir distant brethren on the dizzy summit. It was then De Noyanfinally returned and found me raging from wall to wall like onedistracted. 

It required but a glance to note the subtile change the afternoon hadwrought in his personal appearance, yet at the time I did not greatlymarvel at it. The stains of battle and exposure, that had so decidedlydisfigured him, had disappeared before the magic of new raiment, whichhad about it the color and cut of French fashion; so it was now a fairand prosperous gallant of the court, powdered of hair, waxen ofmoustache, who came jauntily forward with his greetings. 

"What said I, Master Benteen?" he questioned cheerily to my stare ofsurprise. "Did I not boldly contend that this would yet prove apleasant resting-place to relieve the tedium of a journey? Can yougaze upon this gay attire, longer doubting the verity of my dreams?But no happiness finds reflection in your face; 'tis gloomy as a day ofrain. Prithie, the afternoon must have been passed by you far lesspleasantly than its hours sped with me. "

"I have been conversing with good Master Cairnes, " I responded gravely. "I found him in no state of mind or body to bring me pleasant thought. "

"_Parbleu_! I warrant not from all I hear of that worthy servant, " theChevalier laughed gayly. "'T is told me the grim-faced old hypocritesits in worshipful state, a veritable god, trussed like a bronze idolor some mummy of the Egyptians. By my faith, I should enjoy gazing onhis solemn face, and listening to his words withal. "

"'T is an unhappy experience for a Christian. "

"Ay! a pity; yet it should do the canting preacher good to play heathengod a while. She pictured to me most vividly his struggles to escape afit draping with which to match his hair. _Sacre_! I have not laughedso heartily since leaving New Orleans. "

"She?" I exclaimed in new interest. "Have you been with your wife?"

He stroked his moustache, gazing at me in apparent surprise. 

"Nay, friend Benteen; you must be the very soul of innocence to makesuch hasty guess. I rested beneath the same roof with her, so I wasinformed, yet she who spake thus regarding the plight of the Puritanchanced to be the fair Queen, Naladi. "

"Naladi? But you speak no Spanish, --how could you hold converse withher?"

"There are always ways, if the lady be fair. The hands, eyes, lips canall be made into messengers of speech. But in this case she broughtforth a black boy--a most mischievous imp--who managed to convey herwords in my own tongue. Still it was difficult to do justice in such away to so charming a woman; much came to my lips which I hesitated toutter through the medium of that interpreter. "

I looked at him in speechless amazement at this revelation of hissupreme conceit, his reckless vanity. Anxiety alone prompted me tosmother my resentment, hoping thus to obtain information. 

"But your wife, Madame de Noyan? You say she was beneath the sameroof, and yet you saw her not? Do you mean you made no effort toobtain speech with her?"

He leaned back against the wall of the hut, crossing his long limbsnegligently over the soft fur of the robe beneath, drawing from hispocket a small mirror. 

"Ay, I mentioned it; but _la reine Naladi_ appeared not overly wellpleased with the suggestion, so I concluded not to press the matterunduly. One never gains by being ungallant at such a time. Besides, there is no doubt Eloise is well attended; the Queen referred to hermost kindly. "

"The preacher told me, " I broke forth indignantly, determined to testhim to the full, "that this same sweet Naladi compelled her savageminions to drag Madame harshly forth from the altar-house, despite herpleadings. Perchance this tender-spoken Queen has little of the angelbeneath her fairness of skin. "

"_Sacre_! I hope not. I opine an angel would prove wearisome tocompany with for long. My own taste inclines toward flesh and blood. You say Master Cairnes told you this sad tale?"

"Ay, adding that the pitiful Naladi only laughed at the sobs of Madame. "

"Pish! between the two, her word has most weight with me. No doubt'twas a vision born of his own temper. The Queen assured me mostgraciously of the welfare and contentment of Eloise. It would havebeen boorish to question her further. Besides, she took my thoughtfrom other things, repeating to me the strange tale of these savages, although the black made poor enough work with her words. "

It was abundantly evident the man was fairly crazed with conceit, already well entangled in the web of this designing creature. For thehour, at least, all serious consideration of her who should rightfullyclaim his attention had been completely blotted out. He had become awilling victim to a will infinitely stronger than his own, hisconscience deadened by the poison of beauty; so, while my blood riotedin protest to his simpering French vanity, I could perceive no means bywhich I might arouse him to more manly action. To cross such a manonly invites to the surface the worst elements of his nature; besides, were I to stir him by strong protest, it might be doubtful if hecomprehended the nature of my scruples in the matter. Any suchmisunderstanding would result in the exchange of hard words, and in mymaking an enemy where now I possessed a friend. Not that the Chevalierwas a particularly valuable ally, yet he wielded a good sword uponoccasion, and would prove more useful in friendship than in enmity. Imight despise him, yet he remained the husband of Madame, and I durstpick no quarrel with him. To do so would raise a barrier between us, rendering our situation among the savages darker than ever. As to themoral side of the affair, it would be sheer waste of words to broachit, as De Noyan could form no clearer conception of such an issue thana babe unborn. He swung as the wind blew, and in all his pampered lifehad probably never dreamed of denying himself a liberty. Saint Andrew!it was a knotty problem for such a head as mine to solve. I believe Ichose the better course in assuming the role of a neutral, as I satstaring at the fellow while he twisted his moustaches into theirold-time curl, gazing at himself in the pocket mirror, utterlyoblivious of my presence. 

"So this beauty of a Queen told you the tale of her people, " I remarkedat last, determining to humor his mood. "It would interest me to hearthe story. Those I have thus far seen differ widely from any otherorder of savages with whom I have come in contact. "

"Your judgment is right. As she tells the story, they are not ofIndian blood, but belong to a far older race. She says they are theremnant of a master people--although regarding their exact lineage shespoke but little--who once, hundreds of years ago no doubt, heldundisputed dominion from the banks of a great red river flowing throughthe prairies far to the northward, down to the salted sea bounding theland upon the east. She said their ancestors mined in the rocks, andcultivated the rich land of the valleys. They were ruled over by fivekings; and when one of these died all their wives were burned above thegrave, and a hundred slaves sacrificed to the Sun, which theyworshipped, and called Elagabalus. These were all buried around thebody of the king, whose tomb was of rock, and a huge mound of eartherected over them by the labor of thousands of slaves taken in battle. Yet their chief king, in the day of their great power, she calledPalenque, placing his capital to north and east of this place, a landjourney of thirty days. Here was built a great city of wood and stone, surrounded by an immense wall of earth, to which all the smaller kingsjourneyed in state once each year to make account of their kingdoms, and offer up slaves on the altar of the great temple in sacrifice tothe Sun. They would gather thus from noon to noon, and thousands ofcaptives would be slaughtered before the altar by the priests. Shetold me they once possessed vast store of yellow metal and flashingstones, with other treasures. Cities were set apart under guard tohave special care over them. Some of these have descended even untothe present, but are kept hidden away by the priests, though shepromised later to let me view them secretly. And she related a moststrange tale of destiny--of a long, barbarous war, filled with thenames of warriors and towns sounding most uncouth to my ears; a warlasting many years, during which the Chichimes--for so she named thewild hordes sweeping down upon them from the northward--drove theirfathers backward from city to city, beginning far away in the kingdomnamed Talapa, and pillaging clear to the banks of the great river wherePalenque reigned. Their ancestors erected vast forts of earth, thusmanaging to hold their own against the invaders, so long as theirslaves remained loyal. But at last these also rose in revolt, and, when all supplies had been cut off, the hopeless remnant of defendersfell back down the broad river, bearing with them much of their mostvalued treasure, never permitting the sacred flame, which was the giftof the Sun, to die out upon their altars. Like flies they died in thepreservation of this symbol of their religion; for 'tis their faith, that if it be kept burning undimmed, there will yet come to them agreat leader from the Sun to restore their lost glories. She describedto me the arts of that past, the many beautiful things the race hadmade, those wondrous cities protected by high walls, the vast mounds ofearth moulded into strange figures of extinct animals, uplifted asaltars, and sometimes utilized for the burial of their dead and theirtreasure. _Sacre_! I can recall a portion of the story, yet it was aweird, fascinating tale as she told it slowly, and with allseriousness, although the black boy stammered so badly in his words Igot only dim pictures here and there. "

"But how came they here?" I questioned. 

"I was coming to that. It was some trouble with the French inBienville's day. Only a few escaped, and they were driven into thesehills; yet 't is said they saved a considerable amount of treasurewhich had come to them from their fathers, together with some of themummified bodies of their kings. It is forty years since theydiscovered this dell, and only the older men have any memory of thediscovery. "

"What do they call themselves?"

"'Nalmas' was the word the Queen used, but they are that same peoplewhom we knew about in New Orleans as 'Natchez'; their old country wascalled Tlapalan. "

I sat silent, pondering upon his words, but before I thought outfurther questioning, a warrior, bearing food, entered the hut. Settingthis down upon the ground before us, he drew back into the gatheringnight shadows without uttering a word. That which I had just heardcaused me to gaze upon the fellow--a tall, stalwart savage--with newlyawakened interest, and I could not help observing again how widely thetype differed from those Indian tribes with whom my wandering borderlife had rendered me familiar. Not only was this man of fairer, clearer complexion, but his cheek-bones were not in the leastprominent, his nose was wide at the base and somewhat flattened, whilehis forehead sloped sharply backward in such peculiar form as towarrant the opinion that the deformity arose from a compression of thefrontal bone in infancy. The hair, although worn long and flowing downthe back, was decidedly wavy, and not coarse; the color was a ruddybrown. The eyes of these Indians were bold, cruel, crafty, yet in manyinstances the coloring was so light as to be startling; the averagestature was greater than that of those other Indians that I knew. Inshort, they impressed me as being all that was claimed, a distinctrace, with characteristics more nearly allied to the Ethiopian and theMongolian than to the surrounding red races. As I figured this outsomewhat slowly, De Noyan busted himself with the meal, and, thusengrossed, apparently forgot the topic of our conversation. 

"And did this Queen Naladi claim to belong to this old race?" Iquestioned, thinking thus to test his observation. 

"Why not?" he asked in return, suspending operations, and glancing upat me in surprise. "She referred to herself as the 'Daughter of theSun, ' once saying that her ancestors ruled over this people for athousand years. "

"She told you that?"

"At least so the black interpreted her words. Why question it?"

"Doubtless to your thought there exists small cause for questioning theword of so fair a woman, " I acknowledged dryly. "Yet to my vision, notwholly blinded by her charms, she possesses more of the Caucasian inface and manner than any other of the race. If she is not of Europeanbirth I am a poor judge, Monsieur, and 't is my belief, if she told youshe was not, the woman lied. "

I was scarcely prepared for the result of my words upon him; his faceflushed, a sudden glow of anger sweeping into his eyes. 

"You are, indeed, of bold heart, " he exclaimed scornfully, "to malign awoman in her absence. "

"There are women no words can malign, " I retorted sharply, stung by histone, "I opine this Queen of savages belongs to that class. To my mindit would be better were you to wax indignant over the wrongs of yourwife rather than over a just picturing of this harlot. "

Before I could move to draw aside, he was upon his feet, and I felt thestinging blow of his hand across my lips. 

"_Sacre_!" he cried, transported by sudden rage, "Charles de Noyantakes such affront from no man. I denounce you as a cowardly vilifierof an absent woman. "

I know not why I failed to strike the fellow down. My hand was hard onthe knife hilt within my doublet, yet I drew it not as we stood thereeye to eye. There was that between us--the dim, shadowy face of awoman--which held me as by a chain. It seemed to me then as if myknife point would have to pass through her before it touched his heart, and, feeling thus, God gave me power to choke back the hot resentment, and restrain my hand. 

"Monsieur, " I said sternly, "never has the hand of man touched mebefore in anger without my making full return for the blow. Yet now Istrike you not. The time may come when I shall wipe out this insult, but here and now you stand safe from my arm. "

"Safe!" he sneered. "_Parbleu_! you are a cowardly hound to talk thus. Safe! think you I have anything to fear at your hands?"

"I bid you restrain your tongue, Chevalier, " I said, my voice unsteady. "God being my witness, never before did you stand so close to death asnow. Look, " and I held up the keen blade before his eyes. "This steelthirsts for your blood; only one thought has intervened to save you. "

"What was that?"

"The fact that you are the husband of one who was once EloiseLafrénière. "

I know not how much of the truth he suspected, but for a moment westood thus, I half imagining he contemplated a leap at my throat. Thenhis eyes fell, and he drew back with a short laugh. 

"_Le Diable_! 'tis easy for some people to discover excuses at such atime. Still, Monsieur, as you refuse to fight I may as well lie down;having been early awake I am somewhat weary. "

I watched him silently while he arranged his robes for the night. 

"Before you sleep, " I ventured, "it would please my curiosity to knowwhere this pure and peerless Queen of yours makes her abode. "

"Ah! would you pay her a visit?" he asked suspiciously. 

"Far from it; rather that I may avoid her. Yet we are not in speciallypleasant surroundings, and such information might not come amiss. "

He sulked a moment over his answer, but finally relented. 

"In that large hut upon the second mound. "

"You spoke as if Madame de Noyan were beneath the same roof, yet yousaw her not. Does the hut differ from this in being divided intorooms?"

"A partition runs through it from roof to floor. Naladi holds court inthe south room, which is decorated most lavishly with things of beauty. "

"Then Madame occupies the northern portion?"

"So I understood, " with a sleepy yawn. "I asked little in detail;'twas enough for me to be assured she was well. "

CHAPTER XXVII

A VENTURE IN THE DARK

It is occasion for deep regret that I was so blind to my opportunitiesfor learning much relative to this strange people. During those hoursof trial my thoughts were so occupied with our own dangers, it wasmerely incidentally I considered anything else. No small temptationnow assails me to record many things I believe true, things I remembervaguely; but I pass the temptation by, determined to write only what Imay vouch for as of my own observation. 

I remained silent, leaning against the wall and making vigorous use ofmy pipe, a long time after De Noyan fell peacefully asleep. While thefast fading daylight clung dimly to the interior, my eyes were fastenedupon his upturned face, almost boyish in the unconsciousness of repose, and I began to feel pity for his weakness, my anger against him fadingaway. As the darkness became pronounced I remained there still, mysleepless eyes paying small heed to night, the scenes I saw being ofthe brain, memory awakening to paint with glowing colors across theblack screen. The evening was quiet, --within, no more was heard thanthe regular breathing of my companion; without, an occasional savageoutcry, mingled with the low moaning of the night wind. 

It became a lonely vigil, my thoughts unhappy. I had much to reflectupon. The extreme difficulty of our present situation, encompassed andseparated as we were: De Noyan was bewitched by a siren who had alreadybound him by silken cords to any nefarious scheme her unscrupulousdesires might compass; Cairnes was as helplessly entangled in herpower, although held to his fate by ropes of a different nature; whileMadame was scarcely less a prisoner, powerless to escape the ruthlessgrasp of a false-hearted woman whose jealousy might at any instant leadto measures of extremity. I alone of all our little company remainedsomewhat my own master. My hands and heart at least were free from allvisible bonds. Yet what hideous mockery was such freedom! I realizedthat I could venture no step beyond the door of the lodge withoutbecoming the focus of spying eyes; that all about was evidence of thedespotic power of this renegade white queen, who deigned to spare memerely because she deemed I was utterly powerless to interfere with hercruel purposes. Saint Andrew! it was an environment of evil to chillthe blood of any man, nor amid its gathering gloom could I distinguishany gleam promising dawn. About us watched impatiently a horde ofruthless savages, eager to make us victims of their torture, held backtemporarily only by the imperious will of this self-styled "Daughter ofthe Sun, " who ruled through appeal to their grossest superstitions. She, I believed, in spite of fair face and evidences of culture, was asvindictive, barbarous, and relentless as the wildest in that savageband. 

Over and over I turned such unhappy thoughts in my seething brain, until the faintest sound from without had died away. I may have spenthours thus, while De Noyan slept on peacefully as a tired child. Atlast a wild desire for action overcame my lassitude, conquered alllingering discretion. There arose before me, clearly as a paintedpicture, the pleading face of her I loved. I knew that to no other wasshe looking for aid in her despair. There might be little I couldaccomplish for her succor, yet it would bring her new courage even toexchange a brief word with some faithful friend, as proof that she wasnot forgotten. Besides, I longed, as no expression can make clear, togaze again, if only for an instant, into her clear gray eyes, to listento the gentle murmur of her trustful voice. In brief, I was in themood for a desperate venture. 

I crept to the open door, peering cautiously forth into the darkness. It was a heavy night, the little basin was wrapped in shadow, and noteven a star peeped forth from the rifts of low-scudding clouds. In nodirection could I distinguish any twinkling of lights except a singlefitful flash from off the altar, where black-robed priests guarded thesacred fire or worshipped before the Puritan. Encouraged by thedarkness I crept along the outer wall, unchallenged by the skulkingguard, and finally attained the upper corner. Here I observed a secondglimmer, which I instantly recognized as coming from the other greathouse upon the summit of the mound--that house in which I understooddwelt Queen Naladi, and where De Noyan said his wife remained prisoner. 

I scarcely know what I hoped to accomplish by such a move, yet helpfulcircumstances are apt to develop when one attempts boldly to do his ownpart the best he may. It was in blind faith I crept forward throughthe dry grass, drawing ever closer toward that beckoning light. It wasa long journey and a slow one, as the tribe would guard vigilantly thedwelling-place of their Queen. At every rustle in the grass, everyflap of wing overhead, I paused, listening to the pounding of my heart. 

I clasped closely in one hand the knife, my sole weapon of defence, and, as my eyes became accustomed to the gloom and could distinguishsome things more clearly, I paused often, with uplifted head, to studysome indistinct object in the darkness. Thus advancing inch by inch, avoiding with care the least rustling of dry grass, I wriggledsnake-like forward, until I began breasting the steeper incline of themound, its summit now outlined against the lighter space of overarchingsky. 

All my rage deserted me when again in the open, actually attempting toachieve a purpose. My brain cleared as by magic, every nerve steadyingitself to meet whatsoever peril might be lurking along the path. Half-way up the mound I lay close to the earth, peering steadilythrough the gloom. There was no cover to crouch behind, the slopebeing totally bare of vegetation except for the short, dry grass, yet Ifelt reasonably secure from observation unless I entered that bar oflight. Unable to do more than guess, I concluded that the singleflame, splitting the night like the shining blade of a sword, came fromthe northern compartment, while the southern half remained wrapped insilent darkness. Outwardly this Queen's residence was constructed muchlike the building used by the priests as a temple. In the latter Irecalled two entrances opening respectively toward east and west. Werea partition run between, as in this private dwelling, the eastern doorwould open into the southern apartment. It was the west door throughwhich the light streamed, and, daring approach it no closer, my onlyrecourse lay in trying my fortune on the opposite side. 

I began a winding advance along the sloping side of the hill, but sanksuddenly to earth as a spectral figure moved forth from the darkness, stood a moment in the bright glare, and then strode past, vanishingwithin the gloom like a shadow. It was an Indian, spear in hand, oneof the body-guard of the Queen. With renewed caution, my imminentdanger being manifest, I barely lifted my head from the level of thegrass, and began to work onward, reaching out until I got firm grasp ona bunch of grass, then drawing my body forward the full extent of myarms. The progress was slow, involving much labor, and it required afull half-hour to attain the other side of the mound. I could now lookabove, perceiving nothing except the black shadow of the house. IfEloise was within, and if this door led to her prison, it was scarcelypossible that it was unguarded. Naladi had special reasons for lookingcarefully after the safe keeping of this captive, and was not likely toforget. I discovered no outward signs of life, but was too thoroughlyversed in wilderness ways to count upon that, knowing that each darkshadow along the wall might conceal some crouching stealthy figure, ready to pounce forth. With utmost care, anxiously scanning the silenthillside, I drew myself forward, hardly venturing upon a full breath, until I finally rested on my breast barely three paces from where Ibelieved the entrance must be. 

I dreaded any attempt to advance into the unknown, yet I had nointention of withdrawing until I had accomplished that end for which Icame. To retreat was foreign to my nature; indeed, I was now so closeto Eloise, it required an effort of will to restrain a desire to rushblindly forward. But long training overcame this rash impulse. Irested there, silent as a savage, seeking to trace each detail of whatwas barely beyond my hand. It was little enough I could distinguish, straining my eyes to the utmost; and finally, despairing of learningmore, I advanced my hands, silently groping for something to grasp, when I was instantly frozen into a recumbent statue by a slightmovement of something directly in front. This was so faint that, hadnot my every nerve been tense, I should scarcely have noted it at all. Yet there could be no doubt--some one had given a slight shiver, asthough from the chill of the night air; whoever it might be, the personwas not three paces from my out-stretched hands, and, as near as Icould judge, must be sitting on the very threshold of the entrance. 

I was in an awkward position. How I had succeeded in arriving therewithout attracting attention was little short of miraculous. I durstnot venture on any retrograde movement; I even pressed my mouth againstthe hard earth, the better to deaden the sound of breathing. I knownot how long I remained thus; it was until my strained muscles appearedto cord themselves, and I could scarcely keep back a moan of pain. Yetno other sound came from that mysterious presence. Intently as Ilistened, not so much as the faint sound of breathing reached me. Still I could not have been deceived; there assuredly had beenmovement; I distinctly felt a consciousness of other presence, so thatevery nerve tingled, and it required the utmost self-control to hold mestill. I fairly throbbed with insane impulses to leap forward andsolve the mystery. 

Who could be lurking there in such silence? It must assuredly be anenemy, a guard stationed to watch over the fair prisoner within;doubtless, he would remain until relieved by some other. What hope forsuccessful advance held me in such agony of mind and body? I felt thatI must relieve my cramped limbs or else scream aloud in spite of everyeffort at control. Slowly I drew back, my outspread hands searchingfor some hummock of grass against which I might press, to force my bodysilently downward, but discovered none. Then there sounded, slightlyto my left, the soft rustle of a moccasoned foot, and a low, gutturalvoice muttered some indistinct sentences. The lurking form in my frontappeared to rise, and there was a brief grunt as if in response tocommand. Then a huge warrior stalked past so close that his moccasonedfoot planted itself fairly between my outstretched arms. Instantly hefaded away within the enveloping gloom, and with hardly the hesitationof a moment I was on hands and knees creeping toward my goal. Withgroping fingers I touched the riven trunk that formed the threshold, and, reaching upward, noted with a thrill of delight that merely aheavy curtain of woven straw guarded the interior. There was no timefor hesitancy; at any instant the savage guard might return to hisdeserted post. Pushing the slight barrier noiselessly aside, I gainedthe interior, dropped the mat behind me, and, for the first time, ventured to pause and survey my surroundings. 

The single partition did not extend to the roof by a foot or more, sosufficient light found passage through the narrow aperture to renderdimly visible the principal features of this apartment into which I hadventured. It was evidently a sleeping-chamber, handsomely furnished inbarbaric fashion, the faint light gleaming on numerous burnishedornaments, while a carpet of soft skins concealed the floor. To this Igave brief attention, my anxious glance falling almost instantly uponthe draped figure of a woman, vaguely defined in the dimness, lyingoutstretched on a slightly raised cushioned couch, her face concealedby the denser shadows of the wall, sound asleep. 

Cautiously I crept forward, hesitating to touch her lest so sudden anawakening might cause alarm. It seemed safer to trust in speech, asthen she would recognize at once who was by her side. 

"Madame, " I whispered softly, my lips as close as possible to her tinyear, "I seek brief word with you to-night. "

She must have slept lightly, for at my faint whisper I perceived thather wide-opened eyes were scrutinizing my face. 

"'Tis I, Madame, Geoffrey Benteen. I beg you make no noise. "

"You need have no fear, " returned a soft voice in purest Spanish. "Youdo me honor by so unexpected a visit; I bid you welcome, GeoffreyBenteen. "

CHAPTER XXVIII

SPEECH WITH NALADI

If you were ever rudely aroused from pleasant dreams by a sudden dashof cold water in your face, you may partially comprehend my emotionsupon hearing these words of greeting, and realizing that I was lookinginto the beautiful, pitiless eyes of the Daughter of the Sun, nowsitting upright on the couch, happily smiling at my embarrassment. 

"Nay, Geoffrey Benteen, " she exclaimed, significantly waving her whitehand as she noted my swift glance backward, "retire not thus suddenly. You must be a marvellous woodsman to have attained this place throughthe watchful cordon of my guards, but 'tis not likely you would sosafely run the gantlet of return. You are not so fair of visage asyour gay companion the Chevalier, yet now you are here I will enjoy ashort time with you. Yet first let us understand each other. For whatpurpose do you invade my apartment so boldly?"

"I came, " I replied, believing frankness would prove my best play inthis crisis, "expecting to find not you, but your prisoner. "

"Ah! you are honest, if not complimentary, " a quick flash ofunderstanding in her bright eyes. "So it was another woman for whosesake you came creeping recklessly through the night! God's mercy! Ieven ventured to dream my charms had pierced the dull armor of yourcold English heart, yet here you merely stand and laugh at me, --wouldeven flee my presence as though pestilence were upon my breath. Why, Iwonder? am I not also fair? Why then flout me thus disdainfully?Naladi has not been accustomed to such harsh treatment at the hands ofyour sex. "

"You are, indeed, beautiful both in form and face, " I answered, seekingto avoid quarrel, "but it is not for a mere adventurer of the woods toutter words of love to such as you. "

Her lips curled in sarcastic smile. 

"Pish! you grow marvellously modest all at once. I bid you note thatthe passion of love cares nothing for a registry of birth--it looks toflesh and blood, not records. There is more hidden in your secretheart to-night than finds utterance upon the lips. You have the softspeech of a diplomat, full of guile and cunning. Come, I bid you tellme the whole truth. Do you think me an untutored savage, that you denyme in such disdain?"

"I know not how it may prove regarding your heart, " I said boldly, nothesitating to meet her questioning eyes, "but in manner and graces youexhibit the gloss of courts. "

She smiled mockingly, rising to her feet and saluting me with a lowcurtsy. 

"Ah! very prettily said, señor. I perceive your objection then: youthink me fairer without than within. I dare not contend you arealtogether wrong in such conjecture. Faith, why not, señor? It wouldbe strange otherwise. All lives do not flow gently amid prosaicroutine, and my ship has been often enough upon the rocks. I havelearned reasons of deceit and cruelty in the hard school of experience. If, in years of trial, I have grown hard of judgment, reckless ofaction, it is because others have been harsh with me. Power isnaturally tyrannical. But then what use for us to dwell upon the past?So you came to-night to meet another? 'T is strange the risks a manwill run for so infinitesimal a reward. Yet, Mother of God, it givesme a pleasant tale to pour into the ears of him you call De Noyan whenwe meet again to-morrow. If I mistake not, the one you seek in secretbears the name of that gay gallant. At least, she masquerades in thiswilderness under the title of Madame de Noyan. But 'tis you, not he, her reputed husband, forsooth, who seeks her chamber in the midnight. Truly 'tis a pretty tale of romance. "

It flashed upon me, as she thus lightly spoke, what infernal use anunscrupulous woman might easily make of this. The imputation lurkingin her words aroused me to defiant anger, yet before I could collect mythought to make reply, she marked my hesitancy and continued withbitter sarcasm. 

"Madame possesses so sweetly innocent a face I should never havesuspected her of being an immodest wanton, were it not for the evidenceof my own eyes. 'T is a strange world, señor. Yet I have often heardthis is the way with these _grandes dames_ of France. "

"It is only your own foulness of thought which places such constructionupon my coming here, " I broke forth, determined I would face her downat every hazard. "You know well my purpose; I came seeking to aid oneyou held prisoner. It is all because of your sin, not ours. You haverobbed this Chevalier de Noyan of all his manhood by your cursed smilesand honeyed speech. You have made him forget his sworn duty unto herwho is his wife. "

"How interesting you grow, " she interrupted, her lips curling, her eyeshardening. "Señor, you grow almost handsome when your eyes flash. Soyou felt called upon to devote yourself to this poor, misused, neglected wife? I trust you have not found it an unpleasant service, or entirely without reward?"

"I felt called upon to aid her in escaping from your grip. "

"Ah, indeed? Would you kindly, señor, tell me how you proposedperforming such a miracle? It remains in my memory some such effort atrelease has been made before, " her eyes hardening like diamonds. "Downyonder stands a blackened post which tells how Naladi deals with thosedaring to mock her will. "

"You may spare threats, " I retorted, gathering courage from risinganger, "as I care nothing for your good will, nor shall I swerve aninch in the hope of escaping your savage vengeance. Madame de Noyan isso far above you in every attribute of unsullied womanhood that nowords of yours can ever besmirch her reputation; while, as to myself, Iremain so certain of my own rectitude in the action of this night, Ichallenge you to do your worst. "

"No doubt the Chevalier will also feel confidence in all you say, " sheadded maliciously. "I understand it is the way with the French. "

"With whom your previous acquaintance seems to have rendered you mostfamiliar. "

It was a wild, chance shot, for firing which I had no reason exceptingthat twice she had openly sneered at that people, and once had spokenof ships in a way strange to an inland savage. It was worth trying, however, and I marked her slight start of surprise at my insinuatingtone, and the dark shadow sweeping across her face. 

"Think you so, señor? It is passing strange, then, that I should beignorant of the tongue. "

"Yes, were it true, " I made quick reply, encouraged by her manner, determined now to press this guessing home, and abide results. "Butyou had small difficulty comprehending the language a moment back. Permit me to remind you that it chanced to be French I spoke when firstkneeling at your bedside. "

She savagely bit her red lips in rage at my words; yet more, I thought, at her own forgetfulness. 

"Pish! perhaps so;" and she stamped her foot angrily on the stone slabsof the floor. "What does that prove to my discredit for you to harpupon?"

Why my accidental words should thus worry her I could not even guess. Yet, clearly enough, there lay hidden some secret here--a hideoussecret I had harshly probed. Believing this, I felt that I couldenhance my power over her by pressing it relentlessly home withwhatsoever directness of speech I dared to venture. With me, at such acrisis, decision meant action, and I advanced a step nearer, lookingher directly in the eyes. A single moment she met me with a haughtystare; then defiance faded away into pleading, and her glance wavered. Whatever the cause, she was clearly afraid. 

"Who--who are you?" she faltered. "Surely we have never met before?"

"As you know already, I am Geoffrey Benteen. I only regret that yourmemory is so faulty. "

"What is it you know of me?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing, Madame, " and I threw into the utterance of thesewords all the irony possible. "It is not altogether strange Madameshould forget acquaintances of other days, even her native tongue, living so long in the wilderness. "

It was a reckless shot, but somehow it struck the mark. 

"I am a Toltec!" she cried wildly. "You speak to the Daughter of theSun. "

"No doubt; 'tis a neat superstition with which to overawe savages, yetthere was one once across the water greatly resembling you, --a bityounger, perhaps, --yet who was content then with a title not nearly sohigh-sounding, until--oh, well, what need to tell the rest? Of course, it was not you?"

I would never have believed so sudden a change could come over thecountenance of a human being, had I not witnessed it with these eyes. She had sunk back against the couch, her hands pressing her breast asif to still the wild throbbing of the heart, her great eyes staring atme in silent horror. Twice her lips moved as if attempting speech, yetno articulated sound issued from between them. 

"Are you a fiend from hell?" she sobbed at last. "Why have you pursuedme here?"

"You do me far too great an honor. " I made her a low bow, thoroughlyconfident I held the whip hand, provided only I did not overplay mypart. "It is the merest accident of fate which has thus thrown meagain across your path. Nor have I the slightest desire to cause youtrouble, only that through your power may come our safety. "

"You--you have not followed me, then?"

"No. "

I saw she was diligently studying my face in the dim light, vainlyendeavoring to recall where, under what circumstances, we had metbefore. 

"Who are you?"

"Bah! what difference can a name make? Surely you are careless enoughabout your own to be lenient with another choosing to forget. "

"You also are a fugitive?" I caught the sudden ring of hope in hervoice, saw a new light flash into her eyes. 

"I have fled the Spaniards, " I answered carelessly enough. "What oddsis that, so long as what I did has been for France? Still, as I say, Ihave no desire to play you harm provided you deal justly with us all. "

"Harm? You? How could you harm me?" she questioned, evidently more atease from the change in my tone of speech. "You presume, señor; surelyyou forget you address the Queen of the Nahuacs; that even in ourremnant there remain more than a hundred warriors to do my bidding! Ican laugh at threats, señor. "

I stared at her coldly. 

"As you please, Madame _la reine_ Naladi, Daughter of the Sun, formerlywoman of--ah! so you do not care for me to speak that accursed word?Well, I thought you might not, so I spare you the shame. 'T is nothingto me your past, yet I would have you remember there is a people weboth know to whom your miserable horde of savages would be but amouthful. This tribe has already tested the sharpness of the Frenchsword. "

Her troubled eyes fell before mine, the last faint gleam of defiancedying from her face. She glanced about the apartment, evidentlymeditating retreat from my presence, or the swift summoning of herguards. Whichever it might have been, she as evidently thought betterof it, turning toward me once more, no longer a frightened, angryAmazon, but instead a smiling, pleasant-faced woman. 

"We have surely jested long enough, señor, " she exclaimed with apparentlightness of demeanor. "It can never be best for us to be other thangood friends. I doubt not you are a bold man, loyal to those trustingyou, and I honor you for it. Take me, also, into that charmed circle, yet never forget I am a woman capable of doing great harm if I choose, for I have those at my command here who would die gladly at my bidding. The threat of French vengeance moves me little, señor; France isstrong, cruel, relentless; but France is not here. "

"Quite true, " I replied, feeling best now to permit her to enjoy herown way. "But France never forgets, never pardons, and Francepossesses arms which reach across the seas, even into this wilderness. All she needs is a guide, and I could become that. Yet if you grant myrequest I pledge that no words of mine shall result in your injury. "

"Your half threat does not greatly trouble me, señor. I am no frailreed fearing a puff of air. I merely seek that duty which seems mostfair to all concerned. Pray tell me then what it is you would ask atmy hands. Nay, wait; before we go into this business be seated here, so we may more easily converse together. "

It was a low stool beside the couch she indicated, and I could do noless than silently accept her courtesy, the soft, mysterious charm ofthe woman blunting my prejudice. 

"Now, señor, " an engaging smile rendering more beautiful the faceturned toward me. "I pray you trust me fully, and state frankly yourdemands upon Naladi. "

If slightest sarcasm lurked in these softly spoken words I acknowledgetotal oblivion to it. Her fair face was the picture of earnestness, her eyes gazed frankly into mine. 

"Our release, Madame. "

She lifted her white hands in a sudden gesture of expostulation. 

"Why ask that? It is utterly beyond my power, señor--at least, atonce, " in a tone of despair, convincing me she spoke truly. "We haveour laws, which must be obeyed. It was the tribe who in battle tookyou prisoners, not I; it would cost me my position did I endeavor togive you immediate release. "

"Could it be accomplished later?"

"Possibly it might. "

"Will you promise me it shall?"

She hesitated, her eyes downcast, her bosom rising and falling totumultuous breathing. 

"Yes, " at last slowly, as if she had weighed the problem with care. "Iwill pledge you my utmost help to that end. "

"There is one thing more, Queen Naladi, " I contended earnestly. "It isthat Madame de Noyan be permitted meanwhile to abide with her husband. "

The fair face darkened ominously. Instead of immediately answering shestepped across the room; returning, she held in her hands a small boxin which I perceived papers. 

"One moment, señor; move your stool here; yes, a trifle to the leftwhere we may have clearer light shed upon these documents. "

I drew it unsuspectingly to the spot indicated by her gesture, bendingforward, wondering what it might be of importance she held in her hands. 

"This, señor, " she began calmly, slightly unrolling a written sheet, "is, as you will easily comprehend, the very document causing myunfortunate exile in this wilderness. You will take notice--"

As she spoke, I felt myself falling. She sprang hastily back, barelyin time to escape my frenzied clutch upon her draperies; for oneinstant I clung to the stone slab of the floor desperately. Then shelaughed, her heel crunched on my gripping fingers, and, with onemuffled cry of despair, I went plunging down into the blackness. 

CHAPTER XXIX

IN AND OUT THE SHADOW

It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my torturedhands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor. Irecall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon myclutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which shemocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward intothat black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retainno memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fallended. Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may havebeen the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not. I merely state thefact. 

I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stonebottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness. When I finally madeattempt at straightening my cramped limbs it seemed as if each separatemuscle had been beaten and bruised, and it required no littlemanipulation before I even recovered sufficient strength to standupright and endeavor to ascertain the nature of my grewsomeprison-house. My stiffness caused me to believe that I must have lainmotionless for several hours in the same cramped position into which Ifell, before even regaining consciousness. Another evidence of thiswas the blood which, having flowed copiously from a severe cut upon theback of my head, had so thoroughly hardened as to stanch the uglywound, thus, perhaps, preserving my life. 

Slowly I returned to a clear realization of my position, for my eyesopened upon such intense darkness I could scarcely comprehend in myweakened, dazed condition that it was not all a dream from which I wasyet to awaken. Little by little the mind began asserting itself, vaguely feeling here and there, putting scrap with scrap, untilreturning memory poured in upon me like a flood, and I grasped theterrible truth that I was buried alive. The knowledge was a deathlikeblow, with which I struggled desperately, seeking to regain controlover my shattered nerves. I recall yet the frenzied laugh burstingfrom my lips--seemingly the lips of a stranger--ringing wild andhollow, not unlike the laughter of the insane; I remember tearing wideopen the front of my doublet, feeling I must surely choke from thesuffocating pressure upon my chest; I retain memory of glaringviolently into the darkness; how I fondled the sharp edge of thehunting knife, crying and shouting impotent curses, which I trust Godhas long ago forgiven, at that incarnate devil who had hurled me downto such living death. Terror dominated my brain, pulsed like moltenfire through my blood, until, as the desperation of my situation becamemore clearly defined, I tottered upon the very verge of insanity, feeling I should soon become a helpless, gibbering imbecile. 

Yet, as I succeeded in staggering weakly to my feet, the movement andexertion served to quiet my apprehensions, while hope came faintlyback, bringing with it, as though newly born, a determination never toyield without one manly struggle. I possessed a knife; perchance theremight be discovered some opportunity for using it. With outspreadhands, and groping feet, I attempted to advance, but found I had fallenso close to the centre of the well that I had to make several stepsbefore my extended fingers touched the cold wall. This I followedslowly, passing exploring hands with utmost care over each inch, fromthe floor to as high as I could reach on tiptoe, until confident I hadmade the complete circuit. It was all the same, vast slabs of flatstone, welded together by some rude yet effective masonry, the mortarbetween impervious to the sharp probing of the knife. Again and againI made that circuit, testing each crack, sounding every separate stonein the hope of discovering some slight fault in construction by which Imight profit. Everywhere I was confronted by the same dull, dead wallof cold, hard rock, against which I exerted strength and skilluselessly. Finally I dropped upon my knees, creeping inch by inchacross the floor, but with no better result. It likewise was composedof great slabs of stone, one having an irregular crack running throughit from corner to corner, but all alike solid and immovable. 

Then the last faint flicker of hope deserted me. Yet the exercise ofthat fruitless search had restored some measure of manhood; my brain nolonger throbbed with dull agony, nor did my veins burn as with liquidfire. I felt convinced this black vault was destined to become mygrave; here in after years, perhaps, some straying hunter might uncovermy mouldering bones, wondering idly at my unknown story, for here I wassurely doomed to face all that was mysterious and terrible in death. Well, that end must come to me some time, as to all men; I had seenmany die, and, although fate faced me in far more horrid guise than anyof these others, yet after all it was merely death, and I had no morecause to fear it here in the dark than yonder in the sunshine. Besides, I retained the keen knife-blade; if worse came to worse thatwas available for release. I passed it caressingly through my fingers, wondering would God forgive its use if the moment came when I mustchoose between insanity and death. 

Merciful Heaven! how time dragged! What awful conceptions were formedin my fevered brain! What leering, sardonic faces pictured themselvesagainst the black wall; what demon voices spoke and laughed in the voidabove! At times I stood in a cave thronged with jeering devils, somewith the savage countenance of the heathen, some yet more satanic; yetever in the midst of their maddest orgies, the cruel mockery of theinfamous Naladi appeared more hellish than that of the rest. Sheleered down upon me from every side until I seemed to stare into athousand faces, each wearing her hateful, sardonic smile. 

I paced the floor with feverish impatience, counting my steps from wallto wall, hoping by this means to retain control of my brain. Experiencing the sharp pangs of hunger, I slashed a bit of leather frommy belt, and chewed it savagely as a dog might chew a dry bone. In mydespair, I danced, snapping my fingers, and hurling bitter taunts atthe unseen upper world. Exhausted by such useless frenzy, I would sinkprone to the floor, every nerve unstrung, lying there panting inhelplessness until returning strength again sent me back and forth inthat awful tramp from wall to wall. I perceived that the strain ofthat horrible haunted silence was driving me mad. There was no escape, no hope, no peace. Again and again did I break from incoherent ravingsto sink upon my knees, beseeching God for mercy. Yet I arose withoutrest, without peace. At last I sank weakly down against the wall andlay trembling in every limb, staring blindly with wide-open, unseeingeyes. 

I had come to the very end--to that moment when my limbs refused longerto support my swaying body, when my tortured brain was picturing scenesof hellish ingenuity. Ah! look! see! yonder comes now another totorment my soul. O God! Mark that grim, gray face floating againstthe wall! Away, you foul fiend! I am not yet your prey! But see! seehow the ghastly horror grows! It is as large as a man; and mark thoselong, gaunt arms reaching up until they meet overhead. Suddenly itseemed to shed a strange, unnatural radiance over the cave. I imaginedI saw things about me. What, Mother of Mercies, can it be? Daylight!Oh, good God! do my eyes actually look upon the day once more--thesweet, sweet, blessed day? Surely it is but a dream; yet no! it musttruly be light streaming down from above. 

I staggered to my feet, trembling so that I was compelled to clutch thewall for support. Swinging and swaying down toward me through the dimlight, now in the radiance, anon in the shadow, twisting and turninglike a great snake, a grass rope steadily dropped ring by ring untilits loosened end coiled on the stone floor. I saw it, never believingthe testimony of my own eyes, until my trembling hand had actuallyclosed upon it. Then, with the touch in my fingers, the hot tearsgushed from my blinded eyes, the tension on my brain gave way, and Iwas Geoffrey Benteen once more. A cautious whisper pierced the silence. 

"If you remain alive, have you strength to mount the rope quickly?"

So parched and swollen were my lips I could not answer, yet managed totake stronger grasp upon the cord, and, finding it firmly held above, made earnest effort to climb. 'Twas a desperate undertaking for onewho had passed through the strain which had befallen me; but now, thetrembling having somewhat passed, I found myself not entirely devoid ofstrength, while an intense desire to escape from that hell made mewilling to venture. I was dimly conscious of a face gazing intentlydown through the small aperture, yet, with the swaying of that loosenedrope, the slipperiness of its grassy strands between my fingers, Ifound little opportunity for glancing upward while slowly winningtoilsome way toward the light. It was as hard a struggle for life as Iever made, my heart almost ceasing to hope, when I finally felt a handclose firmly upon the collar of my jacket. With that help, I struggledon, until, panting and exhausted, I sank upon the skin-carpeted floorof the apartment from whence I had been hurled into that living tomb. 

Half turning as I fell, I gazed into the face of my rescuer, endeavoring to smile as my glad eyes met those of Eloise de Noyan. 

"Oh, hush!" she sobbed. "Do not speak of what you have suffered, for Iread it all in your eyes. Oh, my poor, poor boy! I thank the mercifulChrist you are still alive. Yet I know not how long that demon in formof woman may be absent; besides, her savage guards are everywhere. Theslightest sound might bring one to the door, and it will be better thatshe believe you her victim, buried forever in that foul grave. "

I could but gaze at her, my breath coming in sobs of pain. 

"How chanced it, Madame, you knew I was thus entombed?" and my hand, yet bleeding from contact with the rope, ventured to touch her own. She looked into my eyes bravely, a red flush in either cheek. 

"I overheard those bold words you spoke to her last night across thepartition. "

"Last night? Rather a week since. "

She smiled, her hand-clasp tightening. 

"Ah, no, Geoffrey. It has seemed that long even to me waitingopportunity for service, yet 'tis scarcely eight hours since you werehurled into yonder hole. See; the sun in the sky tells the storytruly. But every moment we delay only serves to increase our peril ofdiscovery. Assist me, if you have strength, to relay this stone slab. It tested my muscles sorely to drag it aside. No doubt there is acunning spring somewhere, by use of which it moves easily, yet I soughtafter it in vain. "

Toiling together we finally succeeded in returning the flat cover toits proper position in the flooring, and spread over it a thick skin. Seeing everything was left exactly as when she entered, Madame, who hadbecome a new woman to my eyes, capable and alert, silently led methrough a narrow curtained recess to the second apartment. This hadevidently been designed as the Queen's reception room, being fairlygorgeous in coloring, the low walls covered with shields of beatencopper, while burnished bits of the same metal, mingled with dullertones of gold and iron, were scattered everywhere in strange profusion. Varied tinted stones and sea-shells had been built into a raisedplatform, on which stood a couch hidden beneath rich robes of skin, anddraped about with multicolored cloth of rude design and texture. Altogether it was an interior of rich barbaric splendor, savage in itsunusual beauty, yet possessing here and there an odd touch ofcivilization almost startling by contrast. You must understand that Ienjoyed little opportunity to gaze about and note such details, forMadame was impatient of delay, hurrying me forward until we enteredtogether a partially concealed passage behind where the couch stood. Here my fair guide paused, thrusting into my hands a quantity of foodhastily appropriated from a long shelf, concealed by a curtain ofscarlet cloth. 

"Eat heartily, " she commanded quickly, "for you seem very weak. Meanwhile I will stand here, keeping watch lest we be taken bysurprise. Should I give a signal, lift yonder red curtain at itsfarther end, and hide there in silence until I come again. "

I partook of the coarse food eagerly enough, yet my eyes were ever uponher, my lips even finding time for speech. 

"Have you some plan, Madame?" I questioned anxiously. "You said butnow this house was held under heavy guard. "

"I spoke truly. I may not step forth into the air but some savage isat my side driving me back again. Oftentimes they peer within when theQueen is absent, to assure themselves that I am safely caged. "

"And this Naladi--does she treat you well?"

The swift color mounted into her clear cheeks. 

"Not ill, so far, at least, as relates to the physical, " she respondedgravely. "No hand has been angrily laid upon me since I was draggedforth from the altar-house. Yet there are other forms of torture; andshe constantly mocks me with my helplessness, and, I believe, evenhates me for no better reason than that I stand between her and theChevalier. "

"You have seen him?"

"No; but have heard his voice while he held private converse with her, the shameless wanton; have listened to words ill suited to the ears ofa wife. She is a witch, and the slumbering devil in her has made snarefor his weakness. "

"I greatly fear there may be truth in this, " I returned, scarcelyknowing how best to speak at such a time, marking the agitation of herbreathing. "Naladi is a fair woman, softly spoken and seductive whenit is her purpose to please. There are not many men who could resisther wiles. Yet possibly, Madame, were you to have converse with theChevalier your plea might break the spell. "

She turned toward me with proud, impetuous gesture, and I was surprisedat the sudden indignant light glowing within her dark eyes. 

"No, Geoffrey Benteen, that will never be. I am this man's wife. Hehas vowed himself to me before the sacred altar of Holy Church. Thinkyou that I, a lady born of France, would abase myself to beseech hisloyalty? Not though life or death hung upon the issue! If he can castme aside for the caresses of this savage harlot, he may forever go hisway; never will my hand halt him, or my voice claim his allegiance. Iam his wife before God; to the end I will be true unto my solemnpledges to Holy Church; yet I hope never to look again upon the falseface of Charles de Noyan. "

"Are you not over-hasty in such decision?" I ventured, conscious of agladness in my own heart at her impulsive speech. "Possibly this is amere passing whim, an idle fancy; he may yet emerge from the crazepurified by trial. "

She looked hard at me, as if seeking to penetrate the flimsy mask Iwore, and I beheld a pride in her uplifted face such as had never beenvisible there before. 

"Such might be the way with some women, " she returned firmly. "I am ofa race to whom honor is everything. My father gave his life for noless, and I hold him right in his choice. I may forgive much ofwrong--ay! have forgiven--yet the stain of dishonor now rests upon theproud name I bear, and that can never be forgiven. Whether in NewOrleans, or the heart of this wilderness, I am still Eloise Lafrénière, the daughter of a gentleman of France. I would die by the torture ofthese savages before I would surrender the honor due my race. "

There was that in her proud speech silencing my tongue from furtherexpostulation, even had I believed De Noyan deserved a defender. Hehad deliberately chosen his path, now let him follow it; any man whowould thus lightly tread on the heart of such a woman was clearlyoutside the radius of human sympathy, deserving to be. Certainly Ifelt no call to stand between him and his fate. 

"I may not comprehend the claims of family pride, Madame, " I respondedfinally, for want of something better. "Of that I know little. Yet Icannot contend that your decision is wrong. However, let us talk ofother things, permitting this disagreement to adjust itself. You havenot stated how I am to escape from this present predicament. It surelylooks a problem not easily solved. "

"Nor is it clear even in my mind, " she admitted, evidently relieved bythe change of topic, "because I do not know the ending of a certainpassage underground. Yet I have a plan. Behind the curtain, yonder, aconcealed opening leads downward into an underground gallery. I haveventured to explore it for only a brief distance, but trust it may endunder the open sky. At least our only hope is that you may discoversome such ending. If not, you can only return to me, and we wilt seekother means for escape, if, indeed, there are any. "

"I am to understand you do not flee with me?"

She shook her head gravely, her cheeks flushed, her dark eyes lowered. 

"No; I deem such move not best after those words the Queen spoke to youlast night, " she answered simply. "Besides, our best efforts at escapewould be futile should she suspect you have not perished where sheentombed you. I am safe here, for the present at least, while you canaccomplish much more for all of us if she believes you dead and takesno precautions to guard against you. "

I could scarcely bear the thought of her remaining in the power of thathalf-savage creature, who wielded such despotic power over her wildtribesmen. Inspired by fear of the result I begged reconsideration, urging her to accompany me in flight; but she was firm in refusal. 

"No; urge it no longer, good friend. I know you speak from the heart, yet it is not best. You cannot know to what depths of peril, ordisappointment, this passage may lead, while, by remaining behind, Ican help to hide your trail, and possibly open to you some way ofretreat. But hush!" She held up her hand. "It is the Queenreturning; neither of us must be discovered here. "

I took a step forward, gaining undisputed possession of the upliftedpalm. 

"I depart at your wish, Madame, " I said brokenly; "but may the mercifulGod bring us to each other again. "

For a breathless instant, even while the sounds without drew nearer, her eyes looked confidingly into mine. 

"All must be as God wills, " she replied gravely. "Here or hereafter, Geoffrey Benteen, I believe it shall be. Until then, continue to provethe same true man you have ever been, doubting not the trust of her whonow bids you speed. "

There were voices lightly conversing at the entrance, and Idistinguished clearly the senseless laughter of De Noyan. Lower I bentabove the white hand reposing in my rough grasp, until my lips pressedthe soft flesh; nor was it withdrawn from the caress. 

"Good-bye, Eloise, " I whispered, and, sweeping aside the heavy folds ofcurtain, vanished from her sight. 

CHAPTER XXX

UNDERGROUND

A slight radiance found passage through the coarsely woven curtain, proving sufficient, as my eyes became more accustomed to the gloom, toreveal, rude steps excavated from the earth, leading down into lowerdarkness. Pausing merely to assure myself that the meeting betweenNaladi and Madame was outwardly courteous, while De Noyan seemed shamedinto silence by the presence of his wife, I began the descent, quicklyfinding myself in an apartment, rounded in outline, not greatlydissimilar to that other from which I had been so lately rescued. This, however, was smaller, the floor littered with various articles, the nature of which I found it difficult to determine in such dimlight. Nor did I pause for close inspection, but, so soon as searchrevealed an opening into a narrow passageway beyond, I pressed forwardamid dense gloom, feeling my way, fearful lest I meet some pitfall. Itwas a low, contracted gallery, so extremely irregular in excavationthat I sometimes stood erect, unable to reach the roof with extendedfingers, yet a moment later was compelled to creep on hands and kneesin order to progress at all. Had it led through solid rock I shouldhave accepted this as evidence of natural origin, but sides, floor, androof were of earth, while every few feet, rendering progress uncertainand perilous, were huge posts of wood, usually roughly hewn treetrunks, each topped by a flat piece of stone, supporting the saggingroof. 

Altogether it was a surprising excavation, exhibiting some degree ofengineering skill on the part of these savages. I wondered whether theconception originated within the brain of their alien Queen, or wasanother of the unique inheritances of their race. Perhaps I may bepermitted to add here some information which reached me later, thatabundant evidences of the existence of similar passages have been notedelsewhere in the old homes of this people beside the Mississippi. While at Petite Rocher River, I met lately a Jesuit, who had travelledwidely and read many books, and he gravely assured me that in the vastcities of the Aztecs, far to the south in Mexico, their temples andpalaces were connected by means of such long, secret, covered ways. Hence I incline to the belief that this excavation was largely thelabor of slaves; for these Nahuacs had many such, some of negro, othersof Indian blood, and that the earth thus removed had been utilized inconstructing those mounds above, the entire method of building merely atradition from the past. 

Let that be as it may, here the tunnel extended stretching itssnake-like course before me. Along it I carefully felt a passage, nervously gripping the knife hilt, and vainly seeking to distinguishdefinite outlines amid the darkness. My groping feet encounterednumerous obstructions along the path--here a pile of loosened earthover which I plunged headlong, or a flat stone dropped by the rottingaway of its supporting prop, or some sharp declivity, as though softerearth had yielded to rude implements; yet it became evident from thestart that the tunnel level rapidly descended, boring deeper and deeperinto the bosom of the earth. Finally, my fingers came into contactwith small fragments of rock strewing the side walls, and Icomprehended I must already be beneath the base of that rounded moundupon the summit of which the house of Naladi stood. What worried memost was to what end this tunnel was made. Such vast labor had surelynever been performed without adequate purpose. Besides, completed, thepassage was well cared for. I met frequently in my blind groping withevidences of comparatively recent labor. Yet for what purpose was itdesigned? Where did it lead? To my bewildered judgment the generaltrend appeared northward; but that would carry it directly across thebroadest portion of the upper basin. To have an unconcealed entrancein the centre of that unprotected, open plain would be foreign tosavage nature; while to imagine that such a tunnel as this, from whicha vast amount of earth had been borne upon the backs of workmen, couldextend below the full extent of that valley, was beyond conception. Besides, the air was light and pure, as sweet to inhale as if it blewdirectly upon me from the open sky; itself proof positive that someopening could not be far distant. 

Thus questioning, I groped slowly forward. To one accustomed to livingin the open there is something peculiarly oppressive in being coopedwithin the confines of such narrow entries, and being compelled toreflect upon the immense mass of rock and earth resting above, andprevented from crushing him down into everlasting silence only byinsignificant props of wood, whose melancholy groaning in the darknessbore evidence of the vast weight they upheld. There was nothing for mebut to struggle onward, although I do not claim that it was withoutquaking heart, or many a start at odd noises echoing and re-echoingalong that grim gallery. It is comparatively easy to be courageouswhere the peril is of a nature to which we have long accustomedourselves, but many a trained nerve gives way before little venturesamid the unknown. I am told that soldiers coming to thesecolonies--veterans who had faced unflinchingly the flames ofbattle--will tremble and shrink like frightened girls at the slightestsign of a storm at sea; and there was once a famous war-chief of theShawnees, who had fought fiercely with tomahawk and knife, yet who felldead at the first crash of a field gun, although the piece wasuncharged with ball. So I conceive that physical courage is not sohigh a virtue after all, and am not greatly ashamed to acknowledge Iwent timidly forward down that black slope, and with a wild inclinationto fly backward at every sound. Nor do I boast of keeping on, for itwas largely because I knew well what reception would await me; the lookof scorn with which Madame would discover that a faint heart had mademe afraid of the dark. So it was love, or pride, I scarce know which, that kept my reluctant feet moving; and, possibly, both of these arethe true sponsors for most of the courage in the world, except thatengendered by excitement. 

Finally, when, with many a quaking of the heart I thought there must beabove me a full hundred feet of earth, I perceived a flickering ray oflight stealing along the floor. It grew more pronounced with eachadvancing step and soon crimsoned the upper walls. I droppedcautiously upon hands and knees, and crept slowly forward, beside thedancing shadows, taking concealment behind every irregularity. Thusapproaching, I discovered the flaring beacon to be a huge pine knotstuck into the earth wall, blazing right merrily. Lying at fulllength, with head outstretched from behind the tree trunk thatconcealed my body, I gazed forward into a small room, possibly a dozenfeet in width, the walls concealed by grotesquely pictured bark, itsfloor covered with a rude matting, dyed in fanciful colors. Somewhatto the left of where I lay uprose a huge, grim figure, roughly shapenfrom wood, having two uplifted wings pressing the roof, while directlyin front reposed numerous dishes of untasted food. This idol, for suchI conceived it to be, was a most hideous, repulsive object, coloredlavishly with strange pigments, the face and head decorated in crimson, while the huge right hand, grasping a club, was uplifted as if about tostrike down an approaching enemy. The flaring light of the pine knotglittered on great staring eyes which appeared to sparkle as ifcomposed of precious stones; while about neck, zone, and ankles shonethe duller gleam of gold, with the shimmer of some brighter metal. 

It was a grewsome sight to approach in such a place, especially as thepeculiar eyes appeared to follow my slightest movement. Yet only for abreathless moment did I experience doubt as to its nature, then laughedgrimly at myself for a superstitious fool. The remaining portion ofthis dimly revealed underground apartment appeared bare, except for agayly decorated skin or two, and the figure of a man, garbed in thegloomy attire of a priest, lying fast asleep at the very feet of thestatue. Beyond showed a dark opening where the tunnel continued onwardinto the earth. 

It required brief observation to note these outlines, nor did theygreatly serve to delay my advance. I paused merely long enough tobecome thoroughly convinced of the reality of the priest's slumber, andthen crept silently past, keeping close as possible within the shadowof the eastern wall, until once again safely swallowed within theblackness of the passage. Oddly enough the mere sight of that fellowlying there unconscious served to yield me new courage, robbing thecave of its loneliness, and I plunged directly ahead. 

The passage I now followed rose with a sharp pitch, evidently incliningtoward the surface, the opening not far distant. It was like mountinga hill, so marked was the incline, yet I covered a distance fullyequalling that of my previous descent before becoming aware of asteadily increasing gray tingeing the side walls. Halting in thisfaint illumination I was suddenly startled by the sound of vigorousEnglish speech. I advanced cautiously. The words were so confused bythe echoes that little could be made of them until I reached a coarselymatted curtain, through which dimly sifted the welcome daylight. HereI paused, listening intently, striving to discover what mystery layhidden beyond. 

For some moments nothing reached me, excepting a low, dull murmur, asif voices chanted in muffled monotone, the sound commingling with asharp crackling of flames, and an occasional doleful beating upon somesurface resembling the taut parchment of a drum. Suddenly a deep voiceclose at hand roared out hoarsely, and my heart leaped in excitement, although I at once recognized it. 

"You black-faced son of Belial, " came a savage snort, "do you give allthat food unto a dumb idol, when a Christian man, a ministering servantof the Most High, lies groaning with a stomach which has n't tastedfood for four and twenty hours? Possess you no bowels of compassionfor the long sufferings of a fellow-man? Come now, give me just a biteof the white meat, and yonder grinning wooden image will never miss it. You won't, you spawn of Baal, yet I marked plain enough how you filledyour own lean belly with the best there was. "

The straining of cords, together with sound of struggle, bore evidencethat the Reverend Mr. Cairnes was making heroic effort to attain untothat food offered before idols. That such strenuous effort was vainwas soon proven by the bursting forth of his voice once more. 

"Oh, gracious Lord, " he cried, in a tone evidencing more anger thanspiritual exaltation, "surely thy ancient servant Job never bowedbefore greater affliction than this now visited upon me. Verily 't iseven as the experiences of the Apostle Paul, yet without his reward inthe flesh. I beseech Thee from the depth of humiliation--even as didDaniel from the lions' den--loosen my arms that I may smite as with Thywrath this profaner of Thy most holy name, thus bringing peace unto thesmitten heart of Thy faithful servant. O Lord, what have I done to bedeserted in this hour of extremity? As Elijah called down fire fromHeaven, so I call upon Thee to smite with the terror of Thy might theranks of these foul idolaters. He who hath boldly proclaimed Thy truthin the wilderness, who hath proven a faithful witness unto thesesavages, through many years of trial and tribulation, doth now callupon Thee in dire distress. Shall it be in vain, that he thus upliftshis voice supplicating in the wilderness?"

His deep rumbling died away until I could distinguish little exceptthose moans with which he punctuated the conclusion of each sentence. Finally, hearing no other sound to restrain me, I ventured to slightlyuplift one corner of the heavy curtain, and peer into the room. Theentrance opened upon the back of the rude platform, my position beingwithin less than three paces from the famine-stricken Puritan, who, with low-bowed head and hidden face, was still wrestling in ferventprayer. I was unable, from where I hid, to distinguish the form of thecrouching priest, yet knew he could not be far distant, and therefore Idurst not speak above a whisper lest the sound awaken his suspicion. 

"Cairnes, " I said softly, "hush that unseemly racket, man, and giveheed to my words. "

Three times I was compelled to repeat this warning before I noticed himlift his head, in evidence that the faint sound had finally reached hisears. Unable to turn, he rolled his eyes inquiringly upward. 

"What is it, O Lord?" he questioned, with such unbounded faith in acelestial visitant I found it hard to restrain a laugh. 

"Don't be a fool, " I whispered back hastily. "The Almighty may haveguided me here, but 'tis a man in the flesh who speaks. "

The sectary made hard efforts to glance behind, but the cords held toofirmly, so I merely gained a glimpse of the side of his face. 

"Merciful Jehovah! 'tis the voice of Master Benteen, " he exclaimedjoyfully. "I know not how you could come there unless you descendedfrom the sky. "

"From the opposite quarter, my friend, " I replied, awake to the humor. "Pray speak with less noise, and pay heed to what I say. Tell me wherethe priest stands; you are so confounded broad of shoulder I can seenothing beyond. "

"He kneels to the right of the altar, the crawling spawn of hell, wherehe has good chance to fill his lean body with food he makes pretence tofeed unto that foul figure of wood. He is a full imp of Satan, theblack-faced idolater. "

"I care little as to that. Are there others present?"

"None, save the guard, a naked savage. He leans in the doorway, looking without. "

"Then be quiet while I cut your bonds; afterwards move back toward me. But mark well you tread lightly along the floor, with no sound toattract attention. "

He chuckled grimly. 

"Fathers of Israel! it will astound those fellows to discover thisplace empty--'t is likely they will imagine me gone back to the Sun. "

Making no response to this natural conceit, I stretched myself forwardthe full length of my body, quickly drew the keen knife edge across hisbonds, severing them with one stroke, thus setting free his arms. Asthe sundered cords dropped noiselessly to the floor I drew back intohiding, leaving him to rid himself of whatever might remain. A momentlater he joined me, silently as a great shadow, and I cordiallyextended my hand to him. 

CHAPTER XXXI

WE MOUNT THE CLIFF

"May the gracious blessing of the Lord rest upon you, GeoffreyBenteen, " exclaimed the old Puritan fervently, as we faced each otherin that gloomy passage, and it somehow heartened me to note tears inhis gray eyes. There was heart, then, under all his crabbedness. "Ihave suffered much of late both in spirit and flesh, and the very sightof you is as a gift of mercy unto me. No angel with healing in hiswings could prove more welcome, yet I dislike leaving yonder food forthe sustenance of that foul idolater. "

"You hunger then?" I questioned, amused at the regret with which heglanced backward. 

"Is it hungered you call a man who has had but two dry bones to picksince yester-noon?" he groaned, pressing both hands upon his stomach. "I am lean as the Egyptian kine, and fain would welcome even locustsand wild honey. "

"Well, friend, " I insisted firmly, "if you follow, within fifteenminutes you shall partake of a meal equalling that left behind. Imyself know well what a long fast means. "

"'T is truly a grievous affliction, difficult to sustain in meekness ofspirit, " he admitted, yet ever keeping me close company through theincreasing darkness of descent; "yet more am I distressed by the lossof all spiritual nurture amid these wild heathen. Perchance, MasterBenteen, you might be led to unite with me in a moment's ferventsupplication before the throne of grace?"

"Ay; when the right time comes I will gladly join, yet I warn you nownot to send your bull voice roaring through these passages, or you willhave small opportunity for another meal. "

"A time to work and a time to pray has ever been my motto, most worthyyouth, but my soul is so filled with gratitude at my providentialdeliverance from pagan bondage--even as was Daniel from the lions'den--I long to pour forth my joy in songs of praise. Patience, butwere I out of here, verily would I venture to uplift a psalm of Zion. "

He spoke in such ecstasy I feared lest his zeal might conquer hisprudence, although in truth this latter virtue was one never apparentin his composition, and I determined once for all to nip in the bud allsuch inclination. So I halted in the darkness, and, as he lumberedpast, laid a restraining hand upon his shoulder. 

"Now hark you, Ezekiel Cairnes, " I muttered sternly, "I admire yourpiety, but this is no conventicle of the elect we are in; rather aplace where your life, and those of others, depend on our caution. Theechoing of that bull voice along these galleries might cause theblocking of our passage, caging us in here like rats in a hole. Sohold quiet, Master Preacher, and let me hear no more about eitherprayers or psalms. "

The grave determination in my voice served to sober him. 

"'T is in my blood, " he admitted doggedly, "to fight and work better tothe holy songs of Israel. It would bring renewed peace to my soulmerely to uplift a paean of victory over the discomfiture of myenemies. But I seek no quarrel here, and hence bide in silence until aproper moment to unseal my lips. "

"'Twill be well you do. Now follow close at my heels, and I 'llpromise a swift diversion to your thoughts. "

Thus cautiously we crept toward the distant flickering of the torch, the unsteady light from which already began to yellow the packed earthabout us, until we finally emerged into its full glare. I had crawledforth, perhaps half my length beyond the concealment of the woodenpillar, and, knife in hand, was stealthily drawing in toward themotionless form of the still slumbering priest, when the roving eyes ofCairnes encountered the idol, with its flashing gems and widelyoutspread wings, towering above like an avenging demon. I doubt notthe sight was startling to the fellow, terrorized by the undergroundgloom, and he gave utterance to one gruff cry:

"'T is Beelzebub!"

The sleeping priest leaped to his feet, glaring about in bewilderment. Where I lay outstretched it required an instant to gather myself foraction, and, before I could place restraining grip upon him, the fellowsaw us both, and, with echoing scream of terror, fled frantically upthe dark entry to the right. I made desperate effort to halt him, butmy swift-flung knife found bloodless sheath within the soft earth ofthe wall. 

"Zounds! are you a screeching woman with no control over your tongue?"I exclaimed angrily, panting for breath. "'T is likely that priestwill rouse the tribe, and we shall have a run for it. What caused youto make such an uproar?"

"Saints of Israel!" he said, repentantly enough, his glinting eyesstill roving over the silent, leering image, "never before did I beholdsuch monster as that. For the moment, I believed it Satan himself. But, for the love of the prophets, what is this?" He began eagerlysniffing the air with his great nose like a pointer dog. "'T is food Iscent; that which will stay a famished stomach. I beg you, friend, pause shortly while I satisfy in some measure the yearnings of thebody. Then shall I be better fitted to withstand the temptations ofthe world. "

"Odds, man, I hope so, " I responded gloomily, watching his eager attackupon the supply outspread before the idol. "So far you have acted likea lunkhead, and I begin to regret making you comrade in this adventure. If a full stomach inspires to a man's duty, it would be policy alwaysto bear food about with you. "

"Ay, 'tis strange, indeed, " he mumbled, his mouth too full for clearspeech, "that one who ever strives to live in spiritual exercise shouldbe so completely the bound slave of mere bodily indulgence. Yet I didinherit all such ungodly tendency from my mother who was of Dutchblood, as round of form as a Holland churn, while my father was spareof build, and throve marvellously upon the water of life. "

Leaving the engrossed sectary to refresh himself to the full of hiscapacity, I anxiously set to work searching after some species ofcross-tunnel, shrewdly guessing this underground altar masked ajunction point, from whence some such branch passageway would leadtoward the open air. With diligent care I passed along the walls, testing each separate section, yet discovering nothing to reward myefforts, until, finally creeping between the spreading feet of theeffigy, which appeared to sway unsteadily, I lifted the crimson draperyhanging down its back, thus disclosing an opening, barely sufficient topermit the easy passage of a small man while lying flat. 

"Most noble scavenger, " I said, feeling in better humor from thischance discovery of the means of escape, "are the wants of naturefinally satisfied? For if so, I have found a path which will lead usfrom this hole of iniquity. "

"Nay, call it not so while it offers such excellent bodily nurture, " hereplied with fervor, cocking one eye up at me, yet keeping both handsbusily employed in crowding his pockets full of eatables. "Say ratherthe shadow of a great rock in a weary land, or a well of water indesert places. I shall be ready to accompany you upon a journey afterI lay in these few necessaries. The Lord hath given me manna in thewilderness--even as the ravens fed Elijah so hath He succored me--and'twould be sin to make mock of His mercy. "

"Very well; only hurry and follow my lead. "

"Will you not carry the torch to help guide?" he questioned, peeringdoubtfully into the yawning black opening. 

"No; the light would serve to betray us to any spying eyes. Perhapsthat frightened priest may deem us spirits, and muster courage to comecreeping back. If so, it will be best for him to find things hereunchanged, although in faith he will scarcely doubt we possess earthlyappetites when he notes your onslaught on the sacred food. Come, man, enough of stuffing; your pockets can hold no more, so press on with me. "

"It grieves me sorely to leave behind so much good pabulum, " heexplained, eying still the few morsels left. "It would be well, to myjudgment, did you pack the rest of this providential supply. "

Never pausing to answer, I crept between the spreading wooden limbs, and, with the expenditure of no small effort, succeeded in wrigglinginto the narrow hole beyond. It was a cramped passage for a man of mygirth, yet, by digging in firmly with both hands and feet, I managed toadvance, until I finally emerged, within space of perhaps a yard, intoa much larger excavation, resembling the tunnel we had previouslytraversed. 

"Now, Master Cairnes, " I spoke back encouragingly, "it is only a shortdistance to good footing; so take fresh breath and come on. "

His massive head completely shut out the faint light of the narrowopening, and I heard heavy breathing as the fellow squeezed his broadshoulders through the hole. There followed sounds of violent struggleduring his slow and painful advance. 

"By all the prophets and the patriarchs, " he groaned wearily, "'tis notin me to make it! Had I endeavored this before eating I could haveslipped through, scarcely touching either side. But now I am scrapedlike a pig for the feast. Baste me, friend Benteen, but I can moveneither forward nor back in this accursed place; I am full aground inthe centre, and can never hope to progress without aid. "

I reached down until I laid firm hold upon his groping fingers. 

"Find some projection to push against with your feet, " I adviseddisgustedly. 

"Fervently will I endeavor to dig in, and thus render all assistance inmy power, yet I feel little to encourage me here in good works. Wouldit not be wise to test the potency of prayer? Verily the prayer of therighteous availeth much. "

"I try earthly power first, " I returned testily. "So lay to it, and wewill have you out. "

I braced my knees against the firm wall, exerting all the strength Ipossessed. There followed a series of moans and heated expostulations, then the sound of rending cloth, and the disgruntled Puritan came forthwith a suddenness of exit which landed us both in a heap on the floor. 

"May all the spawn of hell be your playmates, " he roared in mad anger. "By the bones of Moses! you have scraped every bit of skin off me, andhalf my coat is ripped loose and left behind. Thou art an ungodly, blaspheming--"

He gasped wildly for breath as I throttled him, but the grip of myhands stilled his speech. 

"It was only that you gorged like a bear preparing for Winter, or youwould have passed through even as I did, " I muttered, heedless of hiseffort to release my clutch. "Lie still now, or, by all the devils inthe pit, I 'll shut down harder on your throat. Ah, so you can keepquiet, friend? Then I will let you go, for I would be free to explorethis passage. "

I could perceive, by means of the faint light streaming through thenarrow opening, that he was busily engaged in rubbing his sorelylacerated sides, and I noted his brown jerkin had been fairly wrenchedoff his shoulders. 

"Where did you leave your coat?"

"Yonder in that accursed hole! It has store of provisions in itspockets. Lord save me, but was there ever such a time!"

He turned, groping anxiously about in the scene of his late adventureuntil he finally brought forth the missing garment. Carefully testingthe pockets to see their contents remained intact, a smile lit up hisleathern face, and he flung it across his shoulders, like a pair ofwell-filled saddle-bags. I reached in also, lowered the drapery, andthen led down the dark tunnel as rapidly as the grim uncertainty of theway would permit. 

The passage proved long and tedious; at least so it seemed to uscompelled to grope slowly onward through the darkness. However, it ranstraight and upon a level, although the numerous supports of the roofgave us occasional foul blows, and proved so confusing we wereconsiderable time in traversing its distance. All I have alreadypictured as occurring since I departed from the presence of Madame, andfirst plunged blindly into the underground labyrinths, had requiredseveral hours, and it must have been close upon sunset when we emergedfrom the gloom of the tunnel into the fresh sweet air. 

The passage traversed so long terminated abruptly, and with a sheerturn to the left, coming forth between two huge rocks. To allappearances, it ended at the high bank of a noisy stream, and waspartly hidden by the overhanging cliff. The latter, devoid of path orchasm, now barred our progress, towering aloft until its ragged summitappeared to press the blue sky. At first view I thought the way endedhere, but Cairnes pointed silently toward the right, and then Iperceived where a path led upward, along the merest narrow, jaggedshelf, skirting the boiling water, yet ever rising higher above it, until, as my eyes followed its serpentine windings from terrace toterrace, I grew dizzy contemplating the possibilities of so mad a climb. 

"I suppose it must be tried, " I admitted soberly, "for there isapparently no other passage. Doubtless it leads straight to the top ofthe cliff. "

"Ay, " with more of indifference than I had expected, "and it will be noeasy trick in the night. "

"The night?"

"Surely, yes; when else could we expect to compass the path? Is it notplain, friend, that before we rose fifty feet we should be in full viewof every eye in the valley with the sun bright upon us? I tell you wemust foot yonder rocks amid the night shadows, or else it will be saferto lie hidden here. "

I perceived the truth of his words and I confess to a sinking of theheart, as I contemplated the work before us. I was never an adept inclambering, it addles my head; and, bad as it appeared by day, surelydoubly bad would it prove by night. Yet there was little help for it, and I made shift to win back my oozing courage by more cheerful speech. "Odds, but that is no such trip as I would seek after, yet needs mustif the devil drives, " I said. "So, now, brother Cairnes, if you wiltconsent to divide your store of food, we shall both front our night'swork with stronger bodies. "

"Saints' rest! and if we go over the edge, " he replied, cheerfullyemptying his bulging pockets on the rock, "it will be a comfort to bearloaded stomachs with us. It was ever against my pleasure to die halffilled. "

We lingered as long as possible over our meal, conversing in such a wayas to encourage each other and indulging in frequent draughts from theclear stream. Nothing occurred to disturb us, and, finally, bothyielded to the soothing influence of the drowsy evening, and, restingback upon the rocks, dropped asleep. I know not the hour of myawakening, yet it greatly heartened me to be greeted by the sight of anearly full moon, and to observe how the clear silvery light floodedthe rocks, revealing the winding path leading upward. To arouseCairnes was no easy task, but at last we advanced on our path. Thehuge rocks overhead appeared to arch us in, while, with utmost caution, we crept along the narrow, irregular ledge, which at times was level, and anon rose abruptly like the steps of a stair; occasionally it woundabout projecting rocks and over vast, unknown depths, until my brainwhirled, while I hugged the smooth rock wall at my right, and feltcautiously forward for solid foothold. 

I imagine we had progressed thus for upwards of three or four hundredyards, and were elevated so far above the stream that scarcely an echoof its noise assailed our ears even in the silence of the night, whensuddenly we came to the end of our path. The rocky shelf was so narrowthe very conception of turning about smote me with terror. Directly infront, extending to the very edge, stretched a solid wall of rock. Myeyes sank to the shelf on which I stood. Lying close against the sheercliff was the root of a tree, its trunk, perhaps a foot or more indiameter, stretching over the abyss, whose depth I durst not guess. Istooped cautiously, my heart throbbing, and ran my fingers along thebark. 

"Oak, " I announced soberly, "and feels solid and strong. No doubtthose Indians must cross here, but it is a bridge to rack the nerves. "

"Will you adventure the passage?" questioned Cairnes, striving to peeracross my shoulder. "As for me I would rather attempt the Red Sea. "

"Odds, man, the choice is not given. 'T is either turn and go back, orfoot the tree; of the two the attempt at turning would addle me worse. "

I leaned out over the edge as far as I dared, clinging desperately tothe root, and gazed down. It was like peering into the mouth of agreat well. Then I nerved myself for the ordeal, and the next momentwas fairly launched over the abyss, hanging on grimly to the log, mybrain reeling as if with drunkenness. Yet I kept moving inch by inch, for there was now no stopping, and soon felt solid rock once morebeneath my groping feet. With prayer on lips I crouched, sick anddizzy, close in against the wall, watching Cairnes where he followedalong the same perilous path. 

CHAPTER XXXII

CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN

The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I movedforward with greater freedom. The path continued to ascend, windingunevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must haveclimbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff. But the overhangingcrest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess thesituation. We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see morethan a few yards ahead. Finally we attained a point where the cliffbulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowedshelf, which was seemingly unsupported. Creeping fearfully forward onhands and knees around the sharp corner I found myself before theyawning entrance to a cavern. I realized that here was the ending ofour toilsome climb, for I could see nothing beyond, excepting aprecipitous wall of stone. If the path had continuation, it must passthrough the cave. 

"Yonder yawns a gloomy-looking hole, Master Benteen, " muttered thePuritan, lying at full length beside me, and staring ahead. "Yet myeyes see no sign of life to alarm us. "

"The front is unguarded surely, " I admitted gravely, "but do not feelconfident that there are no occupants within. If I mistake not, wehave stumbled upon the very spot whence the priests signal down to thevalley the rising and setting of the sun. "

"I never witnessed such ceremony, yet to my mind it would be farpleasanter going forward than lying here on the hard rock. "

Realizing the truth of his comment, yet muttering over my shoulder aword of caution, I began crawling forward into the interior. No signof human presence appeared, and I ventured to stand upright. Thecavern possessed a wide opening, with a broad platform of rockextending well out beyond the face of the cliff. Along the edge Icould observe the rather dim outlines of an immense altar, built ofdetached stones, rising to a considerable height, and partiallyblocking the entrance. From below it might serve to conceal the mouthof the cave. This obstruction shut off much of the moon's light, rendering the interior intensely dark. We were compelled to grope ourway forward with hands pressed against the walls. I had not advancedmore than thirty feet, my every nerve tingling, when I saw the ruddyreflection of a fire, hitherto completely concealed by a sharp turn inthe tunnel. Rounding this abrupt point we found ourselves in a largeroom capable of containing upwards of three hundred persons. Thischamber was partly natural in formation, but, as I discovered later, had been considerably enlarged by artificial means. So high was itthat, in the dim light, I could scarcely distinguish its vaulted roof, while its length was hidden in the darkness. In the very centre ofthis apartment arose a great pile of irregular rock, flattened andhollowed along the top, where was burning a vast log, the smokeascending straight upward, evidently finding outlet above. The light, red and yellow, flared and flickered upon the surrounding bare graywalls, nothing else arresting the eye except a second wide rockplatform close to where we crouched. This was partially concealed by agreat mat of coarsely woven scarlet cloth, which brought to me aconjecture that here, perhaps, the Queen was throned. 

Wherever there was fire burning there must, of necessity, be attendantsto feed the flame, but I could detect no sign of life, no sign of anykind, other than the crackling of the blazing log, and the heavybreathing of my companion. The silence oppressed me. 

"Go to the right, " I advised at last, nervous from inaction, "I willtry the left, until we meet again. Keep close against the wall, andmove with care. "

"'Tis not wholly unlike a visit to hell, " he muttered gloomily, "but Iam weary of lying shivering here. "

I watched the fellow creep forward on his knees, his brillianthead-covering revealed in the glare like a flame. Then I took up myown part of this work of exploration. I had compassed half my distanceamid profound stillness, perceiving nothing strange, and constantlyfeeling more intensely the solemn loneliness of the place, which bynow, to my awakened imagination, appeared peopled with bloodlessvictims of heathen superstition. I felt no doubt this was a torturechamber; that many a hapless slave, or shrieking captive, had yieldedup life in agony upon the summit of the gloomy pile, and the hauntingspectres seemed to grin at me with distorted faces from every crevicealong the walls. I was weakly yielding to such weird dreams, when awild, shrill scream rang forth from the darkness in front. The crycontained such note of affright that, for an instant, I connected itwith the fantasies which thronged my brain. I stood still, rooted tothe spot, the blood curdling in my veins, my eyes straining in vaineffort to pierce the darkness. Then there arose a roar not unlike thatof an angry lion; the sound of a fierce struggle; the dull thud of ablow, and Cairnes's deep voice boomed forth. 

"Ye black-faced villain! 'T is the strength of the righteous you havefelt this day. Blessed be the name of the Lord, who hath given me thevictory! Lie there in your sins, and no longer affront your Maker. "

I sprang eagerly forward, but at my first step came into contact with afleeing figure, which rounded the end of the altar in such blind terroras nearly to hurl me from my feet. I grasped at the floating robe, butmissed, and the next instant was rushing blindly after the fellow downthe dark passage toward where the moonlight silvered the outer rocks. Fright gave him wings, but desperate determination lightened my feet, and I was nearly upon him when the fleeing man rounded the great rock. One instant he paused, glancing behind. What he saw, or imagined hesaw, I have no means of knowing; perchance some shrieking victim of hisfoul rites risen from the dead. With one wild, echoing cry, which rangin my ears like the scream of a lost soul, he gave a mad leap out intothe air, and went plunging down to the jagged rocks at the base. Sickand pulseless I drew back. Trembling in every limb, even in thesilence which followed I could detect no sound of his body as it struckthe earth. I crept to the edge, lying prone upon my face, and lookedover. The moonlight ended a hundred feet beneath me; beyond its linethere was nothing but a black void. There could be no question as towhat had occurred--the man was dead. I made my way back into the caveseeking to discover what had befallen the Puritan. I found him at thefarther extremity of the great altar, calmly enjoying a quantity ofcold meat he had discovered. He was squatting upon the floor, in closeproximity to the motionless, extended figure of a savage arrayed in theblack garments of the priesthood. They formed a picture so startlinglygrotesque I could but stare in amazement. 

"Jerked venison, " he explained, glowering up at me, as I came into thefirelight. "'T is of a peculiar flavor not altogether to my taste, yetnot a food to be despised in the wilderness. Did you lay hands uponthe heathen who fled?"

"No, he escaped me, but only to leap over the outer rock. He lies deadbelow. Have you slain this man?"

He turned the huddled up body over contemptuously with his foot, and Iperceived the wrinkled countenance of an aged man, the eyes bright, thethick hair on his head long and nearly white. The face, thin andemaciated, was so sinister I involuntarily drew back. 

"A snake is not so easily killed, " he answered in indifference. "Istruck but once, and not very hard as I rank blows, yet the fellow hasnot stirred since. 'T is well for him to remain quiet until I finishthis repast, for I am of a merciful disposition when my carnalrequirements are properly ministered unto. Faith, had my eyes notfallen on the food I might have got both the fellows. "

Paying slight heed to his gossip I bent over the priest, rubbing hislimbs until the blood began to circulate. Before the testy sectary hadended his munching, the old savage was sitting up, his back proppedagainst a rock, the firelight playing over his wrinkled face, as hegazed at us, yet dazed and frightened. This was one whom I had neverbefore seen; there was something of distinction about him, both asregards face and costume, which instantly convinced me he held highrank in the tribe--no doubt the chief priest. His sharp, black, malicious eyes wandered unsteadily from the Puritan to myself, as if hesought to regain his scattered senses. Finally he ventured a singleword of inquiry:

"_Français_?"

"No, " I answered shortly, speaking deliberately in French, hopeful hemight know something of the tongue. "We are not of that people, yet Ispeak the language. "

"I glad you not _Français_, " he said brokenly, yet intelligibly, histone gruff, his accent guttural; "but I talk you some in that tongue. "

"How come you to speak French?"

His lean face hardened. As he bent forward, his fingers clinchedconvulsively. At first I thought he would not answer. 

"'T was much time since I learn; when I was young man, " he answeredslowly, recalling the unfamiliar words. "Then no snow in hair, no lamein leg, and my people dwell beside the great river toward thesun-rising. We were a great nation, with slaves to work our land, warriors to fight our battles, and priests to make sacrifice. Then wehad much of treasure from our fathers. " He bowed his head, mumblingindistinctly; then continued, as if talking to himself, after thefashion of the aged: "Long time before that there came to our villagemen in canoes, floating down the great river out of the north. Theywere of white face, and wore shining things on their bodies and heads, and bore in their hands that which spouted fire and death. This wasbefore I was born, yet I was told it often of my fathers. My peoplebelieved them children of the Sun, because of their white faces andlight hair; they were made welcome, taken into the house of the altar, fed, warmed, and loved. I know not who they were, or whence they came, yet they spoke this tongue, did point at themselves and say'_Français_, ' and told of a mighty King away off, and worshipped beforea cross-piece of wood. My people knew not what to make of them; yetthey were not afraid, and treated the strangers with kindness, andthere was no war between them. He who seemed their leader had one hardhand of metal, and they named him 'Tonty. ' Know you such a man of yourcolor?"

"No, " I answered, already deeply interested in his simple story. "Thatwas all before my time, nor do I even remember hearing the name tillnow, yet there were Frenchmen upon the great river full a hundred yearsago, I have been told. 'Twas most likely they who came to your people. Did they do harm to your fathers?"

"They passed away in peace, " he continued, using the language withgreater ease as he proceeded, "for we were then strong, and of couragein battle; the fire bright on our altars. Nor did we look again uponany white face for so long a time that this visit became no more than atradition among the people. More and more did the fathers believe thisTonty was a visitant from the Sun--many there were who worshipped himas a god. When he left he said he would come again, and with everysunrise the eyes of my people were turned in watching up the river. Then, when I was but a child, there came to our village canoes frombelow, from the way of the salt water. They did land, unmolested ofour people, who supposed Tonty had come back; fair-faced men withyellow hair and beards and dressed in shining metal from head to heel. I was at the shore with the others when they came, and heard them speakin this tongue, and call themselves _Français_. Others of that racefollowed, and we welcomed and fed them all, even as our fathers haddone to Tonty. Some were warriors with swords, and fire-sticks, butwith these were also some strange, black-robed men, who sought to tellus of another God, greater than the Sun our fathers worshipped. Theyhad pictures, and crosses of wood, and prayed to these as we to theSun. But we believed not in their God, and tried to drive them awayfrom our village when they put out our fires, for they made muchtrouble among our people, so that the priests came to hate them--theblack-robes. Some among them went, but one would not go, and so wemade offering of him in sacrifice to the Sun. Then we thought we wererid of the black-robes, and could again live as we had been taught ofour fathers. "

He stopped speaking, his head bent low on his breast, his eyes on thealtar name. I waited without a word. 

"But they were of strong heart, " he went on at last, never looking atme, "and returned again, until finally war arose between my people andthese white-faced _Français_. Many came up the great river from thesalt water in big boats, and drove us forth from our village, the homeof our fathers, and gave it up to fire, after killing many warriors. We could not fight against their fire-sticks, yet we saved much that wevalued, and wandered far toward the sunset, bearing along with us thebodies of our chiefs, and the sacred fire from our altar. The_Français_ lost us in the wilderness. We came to a little river whichflowed down to greet us from out the sunset. Here we stopped oncemore, built our village, erecting about it a great wall of earth suchas our fathers did in those days when we were strong and mighty. Wedwelt there in peace for three seasons of sun and cold, having littletrouble with those tribes that roamed about us, until one day therecame into our new village another _Français_, a black-robe. How he gotthere I know not, but we laid hands upon him, --remembering thepast, --bound him before our altar-house, and made of him a sacrificeunto our god, the Sun. Yet it was not well. Even that very night, while we worshipped before the fire which had consumed him, there cameupon us many _Français_ out from the dark woods, with fire-sticks andsharp knives, so that only few of our people escaped, and got away tothe north. I was one, bearing ever with me the sacred fire, which Iwas sworn to guard. We travelled across many rivers, suffering muchfrom want, until those who lived wandered to this place, and here setup once more our fathers' ancient altars. 'T was thus I learned thewords of the tongue, this accursed _Français_, and learned also to hatethose with white faces and black hearts who speak it. "

His voice ceased, and his chin sank wearily upon his breast. My earcaught the heavy breathing of Cairnes, and I turned to mark him lyingat full length upon the stone floor sound asleep. Admiring hisindifference to surroundings, I was yet so deeply engrossed in thistale of the old priest as to be myself insensible of fatigue. 

"You are indeed of an old race, " I said, hoping to make him talkfurther, "if the traditions of your people extend to those firstFrenchmen who came floating south along the great river. "

The old eyes, now scanning my face, gleamed with awakened pride. 

"'T is no more than a page out of our history I have related, " heexclaimed hastily, evidently aroused by my interest. "We are theoldest and greatest people of the earth. Ay, more; we are children ofthe Sun, and, ages ago, when our fathers were true to their faith andtheir God, there were none who could contend against us. We had ourgreat altars on every hilltop, and our villages were in every valley. Our kings ruled from far above the great fresh water down to where thesalt sea kisses the white sand; our slaves toiled in the fields toproduce us food, and in the rocks to give us store of metal for thechase and war. It was then the Sun shone warm upon his children, andthere were none among men who dared to face our warriors in battle. Wewere masters of all the land we trod; we feared no people, for we wereblessed of the Sun. "

"How came the end?"

"It was a curse upon us--curse because we made mock of the Sun. Thesacred fire died out on our altars, while recreant priests slept, andso there came upon the nation a breath of pestilence from the sky whichswept away the people as if by fire. It has been told to me that ourdead lay everywhere; that whole villages were destroyed in a singlenight; that those who survived wandered in the woods foodless, untilonly a pitiful remnant of those who were once so powerful lived in thattainted air, poisoned by decaying bodies. Then the surviving slavesbanded themselves together, fell upon their wandering masters, drivingand killing, until the few who were left drew together on the banks ofthe great river. Here, by lighting the sacred fire again, they madepeace and were saved. It was there I was born. "

I fail utterly to picture the true solemnity of the scene, as the agedpriest, white-haired and evil-eyed, slowly mumbled it forth in hisbroken, halting French, leaning with his back against the rough stonesof the great altar, on the summit of which flamed the sacred fire hehad passed his life in guarding. 'T was like a voice speaking from aforgotten past, which looked forth from sunken eyes, and became visiblein snow-white hair. A grave yawned to give me a glimpse of all whichthat grave contained--the hopes, the struggles, the death of a oncepowerful tribe. Yet it all stands forth perfectly clear to my memoryas I write--the vast black chamber lying in shadow and flame; the darkfigure of the bulky Puritan outstretched upon the stones at our feet;the ghastly, corpse-like face of the savage old priest, whose eyesgleamed so fiercely, as he dreamed once again of the vanished gloriesof his race. 

"But the woman who now rules over you?" I questioned, waiting vainlyfor him to resume. "Is she not white?"

He did not answer; apparently he did not hear. 

"I ask regarding Queen Naladi--is she also of your people?"

"We are alike children of the Sun, " he responded, his tone more sullen. "She is of the Sun and was sent to rule; sent by the Sun to lead usonce again unto our own. "

"She told you this?"

"We know it by signs, by the prophecy of our fathers; we were longlooking for her coming; she was promised us by the Sun. In the hour ofdeepest need, a woman fair of face with hair of reddish gold, a goddessin earthly form, was to be sent to guide us. She came out of themystery, and we wait her will. "

"Then she is not of your race?"

"I have answered--she came to our people from the Sun. "

I have not often felt too secure while in any position of danger, butthis feeble old savage rested so helplessly back against the base ofthe altar, I lost all thought of him as an enemy against whom I neededto guard. Sunk in contemplation of his story, I sat carelessly, myhead somewhat lowered as I mentally viewed the picture drawn. Cairnesmoved uneasily in his sleep, muttering something indistinctly, and Iturned partially so that I might look at him. Instantly, with the leapof a tiger, the priest hurled himself upon me. I flung up one arm, barely in time to intercept a jagged stone aimed full at my head. Aswe clinched and went down, the incarnate fiend buried his yellow teethin my hand, and, in spite of his weight of years, I found myself hardpressed in a death struggle. A very demon seemed to possess him; hisgrip was satanic in its hate. In truth it was Cairnes who seized himby the throat, dragging him off me. He struggled insanely against thetwo of us, until we bound him so securely that nothing except his eyescould move. 

CHAPTER XXXIII

PÈRE ANDRÉ LAFOSSIER

"You treacherous, white-headed old villain, " I exclaimed angrily, "I amhalf inclined to kill you for so savage a trick. Odds! but my armfeels as if it were broken. "

The fellow grinned at me, showing his yellow fangs. 

"I care not if you kill, " he answered, with true Indian stoicism. "Iam old, and have served the Sun long. Kill, but I will not beunavenged of my people; for, whether I live or die, it mattersnot--there is no escape for you. "

He spoke with such confidence as to stun me. 

"No escape? Why?"

His lips curled with undisguised contempt. 

"So my words sting. Well, they are true, nor am I unwilling to tellyou. You are trapped here. There is no path you can travel, either bynight or day, unseen of our people. You have already climbed along theonly passage leading here, and you dare not go back. This way you havereached the end. Behind is the village; here the altar ofsacrifice--choose either, and you die like the _Français_ dogs you are. "

"Who is here to touch us?" I asked derisively. "There is food inplenty; we can wait our chance. "

"Ay, you have grace of this day in which to make ready, " his wrinkledface lighting maliciously. "When yonder moon becomes round it will bethe night of sacrifice. Know you what will happen then?" he licked histhin lips greedily. "I may not be here to see, but it will be thesame. Up that path of rocks will swarm all of my race, and what thencan save you from the altar? How they will welcome the victims waitingtheir pleasure--white-faced _Français_. "

His old, deeply sunken eyes gleamed so with hatred, I drewinvoluntarily back, my blood chilled with a conviction that he did notlie. 

"Here? Do you tell me the tribe comes here?"

"Ay, here, _Français_, --here to make sacrifice of blood, that they maygo forth once more, and conquer the land of their fathers. "

"'T is your custom to kill slaves?"

"When there be none better, but now we have other victims sent us bythe Sun, all _Français_, and you two cooped up here to be added to theothers. 'T will be a sweet sacrifice, and I should like to live tohear your cries for mercy, and drink of the warm blood. "

I stared at him, unable to deny our helplessness. 

"You would make us believe there is no upper entrance to this accursedhole!"

"Seek as you please--there is none. You are trapped beyond struggle;you cannot escape the vengeance of the Sun. "

I pointed, still incredulous, toward the great burning log. 

"Did you grow yonder tree in this cavern? or was it borne here on theback of a slave?"

"It was lowered from above, over the edge of the cliff, by grass ropes. "

"I believe you lie, " I cried, now thoroughly shaken by his surlycontempt; but the fellow only leered at me, and I strode across thegreat room, where I might reflect beyond sight of his eyes. As Ipassed to the other side of the altar I observed a little gray daylightflooding the mouth of the cave. The sight recalled to mind anotherpossible danger. 

"Cairnes, " I called, "it is about the hour of sunrise. Down in thevillage I have noticed that whenever the sun touches the crest of theserocks the priests up here go forth, waving a flame into the air fromyonder platform. I fear if it were missed, the savages below wouldcome swarming up to discover the cause. Take a light from the pile, and wave it yonder. "

The stubborn preacher grimly shook his head. 

"Nay, " he replied. "I have borne part enough in their heathen orgiesalready; it will take a lifetime to purge my soul. I bow down to Baalno more. "

It was useless to argue with such as he, nor had I spirit to do it. 

"Then keep close guard over the priest, " I retorted; and, grasping atorch from among the burning mass upon the altar, made haste toward theouter stone. 

My eyes have seldom gazed upon a grander view of nature than that whichgreeted me, as I crept around the great rock, and peered over the edgedown into that beautiful basin wherein the remnant of the Natchez hadestablished their home. The early sun had not as yet illumined thelower levels, and all beneath my dizzy perch remained wrapped in thesombre gray of promised dawn; the slightly rolling valley was dottedwith numerous square-topped huts of yellow straw, surrounded byponderous walls of gray stone or dun-colored earth, and the irregulargreen fields were intersected by a silvery ribbon of running water: thewhole composed such a fair picture of restful, peaceful beauty, thatfor the moment it held me at the edge in silent contemplation. Itappeared impossible that so sweet, secluded a spot could be thehabitation of savages, vengeful and cruel. Yet those black, movingdots down yonder, clustering in front of the various lodges, I knewwere naked heathen, blood-thirsty and vindictive. Now that theearliest rays of sunlight were beginning to tinge with gold the crestabove me, every expectant face in the tribe would be upturned toward myperch, wondering at the slightest delay in their morning signal. Myeyes becoming accustomed to the distance, could even distinguish thosefaint sparks of light where the priests below gathered before the greataltar-house to wave back response. If we would live for even anotherday there must be no failure now. Nerving myself for the task, Istepped forth on to the narrow shelf--no more than the merest black dotto the watching eyes beneath--and flung forth the flaming torch infiery welcome to the Sun. A shrill cry from the throats far belowreached my ears in the merest thread of sound, yet before I drew backfrom the edge, I witnessed a responsive signal of flame from the moundsummit, and inferred that no suspicion had been aroused in the minds ofthe guardians of these heathen rites. Satisfied of our present safetyI walked back to the great chamber, and beheld the old priest andCairnes glaring angrily at each other, while the latter nursed his legso tenderly as to make me apprehensive of further trouble having arisenbetween them. 

"What now, brother Cairnes?" I questioned in some anxiety, noting as Icame nearer stains of fresh blood on his hose. 

"Yonder black-faced cannibal buried his teeth in my calf, " he growledgloomily. "Saints of Israel! I did merely lean over seeking anotherbit of meat, when he fastened on to me in that fashion, and hung therelike a bull-dog until I choked him loose. 'Tis my vote we kill theungodly man-eater, who has already feasted off your hand and my leg. "

The energetic movement of his red head clearly evidenced the sincerityof his feelings, yet it was not in my heart to avenge our wrongs upon ahelpless prisoner. 

"No, friend; we are white, not red. The pain will pass presently, andit would not be a Christian act to dispose thus of one bound in ourhands. I will give him other food to chew upon, then make fast hismouth while we go together and search out the secrets of this hole. Itwill be best to discover early whether this varlet speaks true or falseas to the chances of escape. Hand over here the meat and water. "

I endeavored to question the fellow further while he sullenly partookof the food offered, but he gave back merely short, uncivil answers, and those of little value. Finally, despairing of learning more fromsuch a source, we securely bucked the sullen fool, rolled his bodyclose against the wall out of sight of any chance visitant, and thenmade preparation to explore our prison-house and discover for ourselvesthe mystery of this gloomy cave. The dense blackness showing directlyahead seemed to promise an extension of passageway into the rock; so, lighting a pine knot at the altar fire, and bidding Cairnes follow meclosely, I led forward down the narrow tunnel. The floor was uneven, while so irregular and rough appeared roof and walls as to convince methis was a natural excavation, probably the run-way for some ancientwatercourse. Yet, as I tested the nature of the stone with the pointof my hunting knife, it proved easily workable with tools, andapparently revealed softer material the deeper we progressed into thehill. Slightly beyond the entrance leading from the main chamber, several rudely fashioned steps led into a sort of gallery. This was ofconsiderable proportions, elevated perhaps ten or more feet above themain floor, its outer parapet formed of loose stones, through thechinks of which one might command unseen a wide view of the cavern andits altar. But, to our rather hasty inspection, this gallery containednothing except bare rock, and, after a single curious glance about wedrew back and moved on cautiously in exploration of the lower tunnel. This curved gradually toward the left, and held a rather steep pitchdownward. It was not above three feet in width until we had traversedfully fifty paces, when it suddenly broadened, and the fitful glare ofthe torch, which I held over my head, flashed back rays of light fromtwo horribly gleaming green eyes. For an instant I believed we hadinvaded the lair of some wild animal, and drew back quickly, my hand onthe knife hilt. 

"Hell's kitchen!" I exclaimed nervously, "but the den has an occupantalready. "

"Ay, and of a kind common enough in these hills, but nothing fit toaffright a servant of the true God, " echoed Cairnes, striding past me. "I am not wont to fear heathen idols, Master Benteen, nor will I bearback now before those green eyes. "

As he spoke he laid rough hand on the thing, and I heard a sharp rattleof metal against wood. 

"Come hither friend, " he called, with a laugh, "'tis no worse thananother painted devil we are called to face. Surely it is you who havethe faint heart now. "

"The glow of the torch blinded me to all except the green stones, " Iexplained, coming forward and throwing the radiance of the flame fullupon the hideous object. "Saint George! 't is of no beauty to my sighteven now, and, as you say, of small fear to Christian heart. Thesaints defend us! What was that? As I live, I heard English speech!"

He was earnestly engaged in an endeavor to detach a bit of dull metalfrom the throat of the image, and scarcely deigned to glance around. 

"Nay, there was no sound other than the chattering of your own tongue. This shining thing is gold, I believe. "

"Let it be; 't is of small value here. I tell you I heard a strangevoice; so hold still and listen. "

For a minute or more we waited in almost breathless suspense, nounusual sound greeting our ears. Then the Puritan sniffed disdainfully. 

"You grow childish, Master Benteen, " he growled roughly, turning backto his labor. "The dark has overstrained your nerves--"

"I bespeak help of de Englishmen for de sake of God!"

There was no mistaking the truth this time--a strange voice wasspeaking broken English almost at our very feet. Cairnes clattered tothe floor with a rough exclamation of surprise, while I stared vainlyat the idol, from which the sound apparently came. 

"In Heaven's name, who are you?" I asked earnestly, "and where are youwho make appeal to us?"

"I am André Lafossier, native of France, for two months past a prisonerto these savages. If you are Christian men I beseech assistance. "

"Nor do you ask vainly. Are you behind the wooden image?"

"Ay, in a small room hollowed out from the rock. "

"Except for that are you free to aid us in your escape?"

"No, Monsieur; I am lamed in limb, and fastened to the stone by a metalband. "

A hoarse growl of rage burst from the throat of the Puritan. "Prophetsof God!" he roared. "Surely we are the selected instruments of theLord sent hither for the salvation of this worthy man; we are thesoldiers of Gideon, the chosen of the Most High. "

Before I could lift hand or voice in interference he had braced hismassive shoulder against the towering figure of wood, and, with amighty heave sent the monster crashing over upon the rock floor, himself sprawling beside it as it fell. As they came down together ina cloud of dust, an opening was revealed behind the stone pedestal onwhich the idol had stood. Torch in hand I instantly crept forward. Ifound myself in what was little more than the merest cell, yet dimlyillumined by a single beam of light streaming downward as ifpenetrating through some slight crevice in the rock. The narrow hole, for it was hardly more, was bare of all furnishing; both walls andfloor were damp, but there were remnants of coarse food and a pannikinof water. 

Its sole occupant sat cross-legged on the hard floor, bound about thewaist with a band of metal. One end of this was attached to the wallin such a manner that the prisoner could neither rise to his feet norlie down. Never have these wandering eyes of mine looked upon a figuremore pathetic. For an instant I stood there, swaying upon my feet asthough from sickness, staring at him incredulously. His thin, pale, effeminate face was rendered wonderfully piteous by the depth ofsuffering so plainly revealed within the great, black, appealing eyes. So peculiarly delicate were the features, so slender the fragile form, about which a frayed and rusty robe clung loosely, that for a moment Iactually believed I was looking upon a young girl. So strong was thisimpression that I drew back, almost abashed. This slight pause enabledCairnes to regain his feet and press past me. As his eager glance fellupon that slender, crouching figure, I observed how suddenly his eyeshardened, his whole expression changed. 

"You are a priest of Rome!" he exclaimed harshly, staring down. 

The white, girlish face brightened instantly, the two thin handsplucking forth from some fold in the tattered robe a small silvercrucifix. At sight of this the stern-mouthed Puritan drew sharplyback, as if he feared contamination from the symbol. 

"_Oui, Monsieur_, " answered the soft voice, with an odd note of joy init. "I am of the Society of Jesus. "

"'T is plain to see. What do you here?"

The priest smiled gently, his eyes dimming with tears fixed upon thecross. 

"'Tis strange question. Surely Monsieur knoweth little of our Order, or he would not need to ask. We are soldiers of Christ, commissionedfor war, even to life or death. We ask nothing but the privilege ofservice, and the command of our superior. I am named missionary untothe savage tribes of this river. It has been the will of God that Isuffer in order that through me some souls born into heathendom maythus be redeemed from the torments of the damned. "

The sectary's rough, gray face reddened until it was nearly the colorof his hair. 

"'Tis false!" he growled, smiting one hand hard upon the other inanger. "You only lead the way straight to hell with your falsedoctrine. Have you made any converts to the Roman harlot in thistribe?"

"Nay, Monsieur, I cannot lay claim to such reward. " His eyes slowlyuplifted to the face of his questioner. "Jesu hath not as yet openedbefore my understanding the way which leadeth to their hearts. I canbut work, and pray for guidance. I have only baptised one who wasdying of a fever, and sprinkled with holy water an infant, unknown toits mother. It is not much, yet I bless the good Mary for thesalvation of those precious souls. "

"Saints of Israel! do you think that mummery saved them?"

"Surely yes, Monsieur; is it not so taught of our Order?"

I shall never forget the look upon Cairnes's face. At the moment Ibelieved him wrestling with temptation to strike the helpless man, soirritated was he by these confident words of Romish faith. Determinedto prevent discussion, I elbowed him aside, and bent down over thefastenings of the Jesuit. 

"Enough of this, " I said sternly, barely glancing at Cairnes. "Keepthe rest of your Puritanical sermonizing for a conventicle. We havehere a fellow-Christian to be rescued from the savages; this is no timeto jangle over creeds. "

"A fellow-Christian! I hold no fellowship with such; he is but anemissary of a false religion, a slave to the Evil One. "

"Enough, I say, " and I rose to my feet fronting him. "I care littlewhich is right in doctrine, you or he. Here is a man begging aid of usin extremity. Surely the priest has suffered for the sake of Christ, regarding whom you speak so freely. So have done with dogma, and playthe man a while--press here with your strength on this knife-bladeuntil I bend back the metal and set him free. "

He yielded, ungraciously enough, to my command, giving so good a turnto the steel with his vice-like fingers that in another moment theJesuit was released from the wall. Slowly and painfully, clinging fastto my hand for aid, the man arose and stood before us, swaying wearily, his thin lips pressed tightly together as if he would stifle a cry ofpain. 

"Are you suffering?" I asked, greatly moved by the expression of agonyimprinted on his pallid face. 

"It will pass, Monsieur, " he answered bravely, trying to smile at me. "'Tis strange the spirit of man is so enslaved to the flesh that onecannot wholly master a bit of physical pain. No doubt I am somewhatcramped from my long imprisonment, and, perchance, my wounds have notrightly healed. "

"Are you wounded? I beg you permit me to attend to that. I possesssome small skill in the bandaging and dressing of cuts. "

His eyes rested upon me with all the tenderness of a woman. 

"I truly thank you, Monsieur, but it is beyond your skill to aid me, even were you of the school of Paris. They be of a savage nature, which God alone may beautify. "

He slightly lifted his long black robe as he spoke, and may themerciful Father forgive the oath which sprang to my lips as I gazed inhorror at the disfiguration--two fleshless limbs, one without even thesemblance of a foot, merely a blackened, charred stump rested on therock floor. 

"Mother of God!" I sobbed, "it has been burned off!"

"Ay, " he returned, in all gentleness, covering the awful sight. "Yetwere they gladly given for Christ's sake. "

"I doubt that not, " gazing in wonder at his girlish face. "But tellme, who were guilty of such fiendish cruelty--the savages of thistribe?"

"Two months ago it was done in the valley below, in the village of theNatchez, " his eyes again upon the crucifix. "Yet dwell not upon it, Monsieur, for it is so little I can hope to do for the glory of God. It may be I am not even worthy of martyrdom. "

"So the Natchez did that!" the breath hissing between my teeth. "Wherewas their gentle-hearted Queen?"

"I know not, Monsieur, if they have a Queen. I saw none exercisingauthority excepting priests of their strange worship. It was the chiefpriest who held me in the flame. "

I crushed back the hot, useless words burning on my lips, and turned tolook at the Puritan. We had conversed in English, and he must havecomprehended every word, yet there was no softening in the glint of hishard, gray eyes. 

"Hear you the priest's story, sirrah?" I asked, feeling stronginclination to vent my spleen on him for such bull-headedness. "Is henot one to honor rather than pick a quarrel with in such place as this?"

"'T is no quarrel I seek, nor am I like to question the fanaticalcourage of a Jesuit. But I tell you his teaching is false, an outrageon the true religion of the saints, and I am of a strain which cannever companion with any of that black-robed breed. Call me what yeplease, Master Benteen, but I am too old a man, too long indoctrined inthe faith, ever to acknowledge brotherhood with hirelings of the Romishchurch. "

"Companion with whom you please, " I retorted savagely. "But I tell youthis, preacher, and once for all, --you 'll bear yourself like a humanbeing to this poor lad while I 'm with you, or else make answer to me. Is that plain? I care nothing for your dogma, or your hair-splitting, but I know what fair play is between man and man, --ay, and mean to haveit here, even if it costs you a split head. "

"I beg you will both be at peace, Messieurs, " broke in the soft, caressing voice at my elbow. "There can be no cause for comradesquarrelling over me. I am not worthy a ruptured friendship. Yet Ifail to understand any occasion for your seeming trouble; has the olderman some reason to distrust my robe?"

"Reason! Saint George! 'tis precious little that ever bothers him. The fellow is a Puritan preacher--of the same breed as theHuguenots--and possesses a head as hard as an oaken plank. "

I nearly laughed at the unrestrained expression of aversion which sweptthe girlish face. An instant the black eyes lost their gentleness, thethin fingers clutched the silver cross. 

"Mother of God! a heretic! a preacher of that doctrine! Never beforehave I met his kind, nor do I care now to make close acquaintance. APuritan! _Sainte Marie_, have mercy! Yet surely in such stress asthis we may for the time overlook our differences in faith, and be asmen together? Is it not God's will? But I know little of conditions. Is there some path open for escape from here? Then will I let thisPuritan be, save for a prayer to the Virgin. "

"I fear there is none, unless you know of some back opening to thisrock hole. "

He shook his head sadly, his gaze still on Cairnes. 

"None, Monsieur; the passage endeth here. "

"Then the three of us are safely cooped for those savages to work theirwill upon. No pleasant thought that, yet little good can arise fromlosing hope. For one, I fight it out, and let others do the praying. Let us retrace our way to the big room, where we can hold council inmore comfort; perchance we may find yet some opening to the upper air. Cairnes, lay hold upon the other side, and help to bear back this lamedman to the altar. "

I doubted greatly his compliance with my order, and determined tosettle this affair between us without more delay. But he came forward, unwillingly enough and muttering. 

CHAPTER XXXIV

THE TALE OF THE PRIEST

With all possible tenderness we bore the slender form of the helplesspriest along the dark, crooked passage, until we found a comfortableresting-place for him against the altar. 

"I thank you much, Messieurs, " he said simply, the depth of hisgratitude apparent in uplifted dark eyes, glistening in the light ofthe fire. "Members of our Order are more accustomed to blows thankindness, so I have no words with which to express thanks for yourcare. "

"Think nothing of it, " I returned hastily, and then, observing how thePuritan drew back from beside him, added, "Master Cairnes, you mightbusy yourself hunting more food--it will be exactly in your line--whileI attempt to bathe the limbs of the priest, and see what little may bedone toward alleviating his pain. "

The mere thought of eating was sufficient to put the Puritan in goodhumor, and he was soon diligently scouring nooks and corners with scentfor provender as keen as that of a pointer dog. I noticed withcuriosity how the motionless Jesuit followed the movements of hishulking figure as he passed back and forth amid the shadows, his darkeyes filled with wonder and aversion. 

"'Tis truly a strange thing, Monsieur, " the latter remarked soberly, "to meet with one pretending love for Christ, yet who hateth MotherChurch, and dares make open mock of Her most holy offices. Thou didstname thy comrade Puritan?"

"Ay, of the same breed as the Huguenots of your country, rebels againstthe Pope. "

He made the sign of the Cross. 

"The curse of Holy Church is upon them all; they are condemned tohell, " he exclaimed with fervor. "A vile pestilence to be stamped out;yet it would afford me joy beyond words could I save this man's soulfrom eternal torture, and lead him back into the true faith. Mother ofGod! what was it moved yonder?"

I glanced quickly about toward where he pointed, seeing the shadowedfigure of our forgotten prisoner. 

"'Tis only one of the savages we have captured and bound. He guardedthis altar, ministering to the superstition of the tribe; an old man, perchance the very chief priest who held you in the flame. "

I anticipated seeing the light of revenge leap into his eyes, but, instead, a rush of pity softened them, and before I could extend myhand to interfere, he crept across the intervening space, and bent overthe fellow. 

"A most cruel turn on the rope, Monsieur, " he exclaimed, busyinghimself at the knot. "Surely the man will rest easier, and no lesssafely, with back propped against the rock. Nay, have no fear; I willkeep him tied fast if that be your wish, yet I seek to relieve his painso I may profitably converse with him upon the needs of his soul. "

"With him! Saint George! he had small enough mercy on you. "

"That is of the past, and abideth not in memory, " and the white handsheld up the crucifix into the light. "He who died on this Crossprayed, 'Father forgive, they know not what they do, ' and who is AndréLafossier, to be harsher than his Master?"

Not until after he had prayed long and earnestly, holding the silvercross ever before the wicked eyes of the unrepentant savage, did hepermit me to bathe his disfigured limbs, dressing them as best I couldwith what rude materials I found at hand. Even while I worked heseemingly thought nothing of himself, but, oblivious to pain, his facewas ever turned to the prisoner, his lips moving in petition for hissoul. I caught but scattered sentences. 

"Oh, Christ, this one--unworthy, yet I beseech Thee--Be merciful, OVirgin--out of the wilderness ariseth the voice of Thy servant--purgethe soul of all past iniquity--yield me this one brand plucked from theburning--Thine be the glory forever--let my life be given for thissoul--this one precious reward for my ministry. "

A little later the three of us partook, although largely in silence, ofthe sustaining food which Cairnes furnished in abundance. Throughoutthe meal I felt it necessary to be ever watchful to prevent the twozealots, who were now my comrades, from clashing. Again and again thepriest sought to lead the sectary to his way of thinking, but the grayface only hardened ominously, his bull voice denouncing bitterly allRomish deeds. 

"Come, be at peace, you two, " I commanded at last, thoroughly tired andangry. "Hold your tongues over those questions, at least while I amwith you. Odds! I care nothing as to your Catholic or Protestant, your popes or preachers. Be done, and bear yourselves like men. Iwill no longer have you vexing the air with controversy while our verylives are hanging by a thread. There are other things to talk aboutjust now. So, Cairnes, if you cannot bide quietly in our company, thenstay here alone while I take the Jesuit out into the sunlight, where wecan hold sensible counsel together. "

Leaving the fellow growling to himself over the remnants of the meal, Ibore the priest along the short passage, until we discovered a secure, comfortable resting-place outside, where our eyes could sweep the fullextent of the wide valley. It was a quietly beautiful scene at thishour, the glow of the sun over all. We could distinguish gangs ofslaves toiling in the fields, and a group of warriors, their spearsglistening, clustered together before the gloomy altar-house. Yet myeyes barely rested upon either scene, for there, close beside the opendoor of the Queen's dwelling, my glance, sharpened by love, perceivedthe movements of a woman's apparel, and from the faint color of it, distinguishable, even at that distance in the sun glare, I knew Ilooked once more upon Eloise. It would be difficult to express inprosaic English with what intense relief I realized, through theevidence of my own eyes, her continued safety. It seemed years alreadysince our last parting, when she had chosen to remain prisoner in thosesavage hands. Father of all! how I loved her then; how I yearned tohave word with her, to read again the silent message of her pure eyes. 

The priest was gazing silently far away up the valley. Busied with myown thoughts, forgetting him utterly, I kept my eyes eagerly, hungrilyupon that single, far-off figure, until, finally, I saw her arise anddisappear within the open door. I growled forth a bitter curse, observing the cause for retreat--a man and a woman slowly climbing themound together. There was no doubt in my mind as to the identity ofthe Queen and De Noyan. Faith! but it would have pleased me then toput hand upon the false coxcomb and choke him back to decency and duty. The look of it was in my face, no doubt, as I stared down upon them inhelplessness, for the Jesuit rested his fingers gently upon my arm, asthough he would restrain my passion. 

"There seemeth something below which angers you, my friend, " he saidsoftly. "'Tis a battle-light flaming in your eyes. "

"'Tis the shame of it all which crazes me, " I responded, trembling withpassion, yet yielding to the influence of his presence. "You have notyet heard the story, so cannot rightly judge our position here. "

As briefly as possible I reviewed the adventures of our little partysince leaving New Orleans, and it was good to observe with what growinginterest he followed the simple story, interrupting with but fewquestions until I reached the end. Then his soft hand closed warmlyover mine, his eyes upon my face. 

"It is a brave tale, " he said kindly, "one not unworthy the days ofknighthood. Yet, good friend, it is scarcely well for you to thinkthus tenderly regarding the wife of another. 'T is against the laws ofHoly Church, and can only lead to harm and suffering. But, Mother ofGod! who am I to pass judgment?--I, who am also guilty of this sin. "

He had uplifted his crucifix, sitting with bowed head before it, withso sad a face I could not forbear questioning. 

"Have you, then, such another tale in your life?"

He did not look at me, yet hesitated not in reply. 

"Ay, 'tis true, yet not so pure a one. I like not to dwell upon iteven in thought; but you have trusted me, and we are here together asmen of a common race in face of death. Perchance our hearts may bettercomprehend each other through such confidences. Do you care to hear mytale?"

"I listen gladly, for in truth I know of nothing better to do, " Ireturned uneasily. "Pish! but I feel as if we were locked in a cellawaiting the headsman. "

"Yet God can open the doors even as He did for Peter, " he saidsolemnly, fastening his eyes on the blue sky. For a moment neitherspoke; then the gentle voice took up the story, as if telling it overto himself. 

"I was not always of the black robe; only six years since I wore theblue and gold of a soldier of France in the dragoon regiment ofAuvergne. I came of good family, and was even known and trusted of theKing. But let that pass. We were stationed at Saint-Rienes, in thesouth country, as fair a spot, Monsieur, as this world holds, yetstrangely inhabited by those discontented under the faith of HolyChurch. But we rode rough shod over all such in those days, for it wasthe will of the King to crush out heresy. 'Tis a pleasure to see theshrinking of a heretic before the wrath of God. Yet this tale haslittle to do with this service, however I love to dwell upon it. As Isaid, we were quartered in garrison at Saint-Rienes, and it was there Ifirst met Marie Fousard, the girl wife of a Captain in His Majesty'sGuard. She was a creature of beauty, Monsieur, with clear cheeks, lipsof the rose, and great trustful eyes. I was but a boy then, she notmuch older in years, but with that knowledge of the world and of menwhich enabled her to make poor, blinded fool--her helpless slave forevil. Merciful Mary! how I did worship her! To me she was as anangel; divinity lurked in her smile and found utterance upon her lips. I could have died at her word, happy to know it was her pleasure. Yet, as I know now, all the love-making between us was no more than play toher; she merely sought to amuse herself with my passion through a dullseason. No, not quite all, for back of her smiles lurked a purpose sodark, so diabolical, 'twas not strange I failed to fathom it. 'Tishard to associate crime with such young womanhood, to feel that evilthoughts lurk behind eyes soft with love and lips breathing tenderness. Yet behind the outer angel of Marie Fousard there was a devilincarnate. I was blind, crazed, helpless to resist an evil I failed toperceive. I loved her; in that passion all else was lost. She hadconfessed love for me; in that was all the heaven I desired. Little bylittle she fanned within my heart a hatred for the man whose wife shewas, my comrade in arms. I cannot relate the details, the stories ofwrong, the lies, the upbraidings which turned my blood to flame, picturing him ever to me as a monster. Ah, it means much, Monsieur, when such things are told with tears, when every sob rings in the earsas though crying for vengeance. I listened, believing it all, untildeep in my heart hate was born. Once she showed me her shoulder, thewhite flesh discolored as if by a blow, swearing that he did it. Thesight maddened me to action. I left her to seek him at the inn, cursing in my teeth, and caring not what happened, so I killed him. What boots now the insult offered which forced him to the field? I cansee his face yet, full of wonder at my words, doubting my very sanity;yet I saw only her and that bruised shoulder. I would kill him, and Idid, running my sword through his body, and gazing down remorselesslyinto his glazing eyes. What cared I for aught but her? It was a duel, fairly fought, and I was safe from censure. God! in that hour it nevercame to me that it was foul murder; that I had stricken down aninnocent man at the word of a harlot. "

He stopped, his white face buried in his hands, his slender formtrembling. I remained motionless. With an effort he resumed. 

"I went back to her at our trysting-place, intoxicated by my deed, confident she would come to my arms in gratitude. Instead she laughed, tore from her face the mask of innocence, called me fool, boasted thatshe had merely used me for her own vile purposes. I shrank away, horrified by my deed, despising her, my love stricken dead. In thatmoment my life was changed; I cared for nothing except to get away frommy fellows, to expiate my sin in the sight of God. I felt no interestin what became of her; I neither smiled nor wept, when, three dayslater, she married the prefect of that village. All was over; the firewithin me had become ashes. "

"But the woman? this Marie Fousard?"

"She went her way, the broad road leading to destruction. We met neveragain, yet I heard, for there were those eager to tell such things. Ayear, and the prefect was dead of poison, but, before the gendarmeslearned the truth, the widow fled by night taking much property. OneD'Anse was her paramour, a sub-lieutenant of hussars. 'T is all Iknow; they took ship together at Marseilles. Mother of Mercy! wherevershe lives it will be under the spell of the Evil One. To my heart Godhath brought peace, but for such as she there can be no peace; she hathbeen damned already. "

I know not how long we sat there motionless, our eyes on the sunlitvalley, our thoughts on past years. The father ran the beads swiftlythrough his white fingers, his lips moving noiselessly; but I found nosuch help, no such consolation in my struggle. His story was foreverended; mine was not, the very scene beneath bringing home to me anewthe desperate burden. Oh, Eloise! Eloise! what of fate awaited us inthe coming night shadows? What sacrifice of mine could bring to youlife and liberty? It is one thing to rush headlong into danger; avastly different one to sit awaiting disaster which it is impossible toavert. The desire to act, to attempt something, became an imperativepassion, and I sprang to my feet. 

"Come, _père_, " I broke forth impatiently, "let us get back inside. Before we are aware it will be night, and we must learn first if thereis any chance for escape. We can dream no longer over the past. SaintGeorge! the present holds sufficient work for us to do. "

I bore him back in my arms and left him lying beside the savage priest, testing again on him the efficacy of prayer, while Cairnes and I faredforth to explore. We sought long and painfully, trying the walls forsome concealed opening, groping in the corners, and squirming throughnarrow crevices. The effort was useless, except to convince us thatthe cavern had but the single entrance. All we discovered was anassortment of odd weapons, war-clubs and stone-tipped spears, collectedin one corner of the gallery. Everywhere else were bare walls. Feeling like rats in a trap we dragged tired limbs back to thealtar-room, our sole remaining hope a possible escape down the rocksunder the early shadows of the night. This might be accomplished ifsufficient time were granted us, and if the good Lord guided. It was ahope, a cheer to the spirits of the others, yet in, my own heart Icounted little upon it. 

CHAPTER XXXV

NIGHT AND THE SAVAGES

The hours of waiting dragged terribly. We conversed little, all alikenervous, irritable under the strain of our desperate situation. TheJesuit was much in prayer; but Cairnes fell asleep and twisted aboutuneasily, his head pillowed on his arm. I could only pace the rockfloor, harassed by bitter, useless thoughts. What a memory picture itis!--the great bare cavern, with black interior only partially revealedby the gleam of the altar flame; the old savage huddled in his bonds, his baleful eyes glowing in the firelight as he watched every movement;the slender _père_ close beside him upon his knees, his frayed blackgown rendering more conspicuous the rapt, upraised face, his whitefingers clasping the crucifix; beyond, Cairnes outstretched on the hardstone, his bulky figure motionless but for nervous twitching, his redhair glaring like a spot of paint. I rejoiced that the fellow slept, for he rasped me with his ceaseless, senseless attacks on the RomanChurch. Yet the gentle-voiced priest had tamed his open hatredsomewhat; so before he lay down the sectary sat long in moody silencestaring at the other with glinting eyes, as though fit speech failedhim. 

As the sun sank to the horizon I went forth again upon the platform, waving a blazing signal torch to the expectant groups below. The skyoverhead was blue, but to the north and east, as far as I could see foroverhanging cliff, great masses of black cloud were showing ominously, their ragged edges emitting lightning flashes, although too distant forme to distinguish the thunder. Below, in the valley, the approachingstorm would not yet be visible; but from my aerie I prayed for a darknight, the swift approach of a battle of the elements. 

Arousing Cairnes, who was already awake but lying glowering at theunconscious priest, I despatched him to the jutting platform, withinstructions to keep close watch on all movements in the village. ThenI busied myself with final preparations for our desperate sortie. Theearliest shades of evening would have to be utilized, for then onlycould we hope for a clear path. Before those wild fanatics swarmedupward to their monthly sacrifice, we must traverse that narrow cliffpath and penetrate the tunnel beyond as far as the underground altar. Nowhere between the cave entrance and that spot could I recall anyplace of concealment. Inspired by this necessity, so soon as darknessbegan to blot the mouth of the cave, I bore the priest that way in myarms, although he begged earnestly to be left behind, saying he was auseless burden. The slowly advancing clouds had not yet mounted highenough to obscure the moon, but hung densely massed across half thesky, low thunder echoing among the rocks, and jagged streaks oflightning tearing the gloom asunder. The burly Puritan lay, a blacksilhouette against the silvered rocks, leaning far over, staring downinto the void. As I touched him, he turned his face toward me, pointing below with one hand. 

"We are securely blocked, Master Benteen, " he asserted gruffly. "A fitreward for associating with papists. "

"Blocked?" failing to comprehend. "How? Are the savages alreadyastir?"

"Look for yourself. See yonder; lights are on the pathway as high asthe tree-bridge. "

I dropped upon my knees, clinging to a bowlder, and peered over. Hespoke truth, and my heart rose choking into my throat. Resemblinginnumerable fireflies tiny flames were gleaming along the entire frontof the cliff--torches borne by human hands. Breathless the three of usclung there staring down, each realizing the utter futility of ourefforts at escape, yet none reckless enough to give the thoughtutterance. The Puritan first found speech. 

"The spawn of hell!" he growled savagely, shaking his great fist, remembering the indignities of the altar-house. "Good Lord, deliver usfrom this iniquity; lead us through the waters dry-shod, even as Thoudidst Thy people of old from the land of Egypt. "

"Come, " I said, "we must seek whatever hiding-place is within, andtrust God for it. "

The priest looked at me pleadingly, his eyes like stars. 

"I would at such an hour you were of my faith, Monsieur. "

"I might do worse, " I admitted, watching intently the lights on thecliff-path, "but it was not the teaching of my childhood. There is onebelow whose prayers are as yours. "

"Madame de Noyan?"

I bowed my head in gesture of reverence. 

"Yes, Monsieur, and whatever she loves is not far from my heart. Butcome, we have scant time for preparation; no, do not endeavor to walk;your weight is nothing to my arms. "

There was no spot within where, even for a short period, we might hopeto avoid discovery, except the rock gallery. Here, crouching behindthe parapet, we could see without being seen, unless some savagechanced to stray that way. At my order the sullen, psalm-quotingpreacher dragged the helpless old chief priest after him, and so wewent groping forward through the darkness of the short passage, untilwe attained the stone steps. Stumbling blindly upward, our heartsthrobbing in realization of the peril that was closing us in, we flungour bodies flat behind the concealing rocks, peering fearfully forthinto the great deserted chamber. Even amid that lonely silence it wasa sight to chill the heart; and to us, comprehending something of whatit would soon reveal of savage orgy. It was like gazing down into themouth of the Pit. The single touch of color in the drear picture camefrom the crimson drapery hanging over the edge of the raised platform. Seeing all this at one glance my anxious eyes sought the deeper gloomshrouding the tunnel leading toward the entrance. As I stared that waya sudden flash of fierce lightning illumined it. So brilliant it burstforth from the opaque night, I hid my blinded eyes, every nerve of mybody quivering. 

"Great God!" burst forth Cairnes, his voice so close as to startle me. "'T is like the end of the world!"

"Be still, " I commanded hastily, pressing him flat, "there they come. "

A dozen flaming torches rounded the rock projection the lightsglistening over the half-naked bodies of the bearers. Saint Andrew! itwas a weird sight, one to strike terror to the soul! With grittedteeth, my heart pounding, I looked out upon it. The leader was apriest, black from head to heel, his face showing devilish in the torchflare, his coarse hair matted high in horrid resemblance to some wildbeast. Behind surged a mob of warriors, women, and children, half-nudebodies striped with red and yellow, a malignant demoniacal crew, yelling and pushing under the flaming lights, rushing tumultuouslyforward to fling themselves prostrate before the altar. It seemed theywould never cease pouring forth from the narrow tunnel, a struggling, gesticulating stream. Behind them lightning played in jagged streaksacross the little patch of sky, and the black smoke of the torchescurled upward to the roof. Their appearance was not human, but that ofdemons incarnate; some ran upon all fours like wolves, gnashing theirteeth and howling; many yelped in fiendish chorus; others brandishedweapons aloft in the yellow flame, or lay, writhing like glisteningsnakes on the rock floor. It was a pandemonium, a babel, anunspeakable hell. To count was impossible, but the great room wasfilled with bodies, and rang with guttural, inarticulate cries. Thebusily flitting priests stirred up the wood until the blaze leapednearly to the roof, mumbling as they worked, the incessant moaning ofthe tribesmen deepening into a weird chant. The frenzied singers leaptinto the air, flinging their limbs about in wild contortion, theirmovements increasing in violence, their grotesquely painted facesbecoming hellish from awakening passion. They became brutes, fiends, whose only thought was cruelty. I saw them strike each other withstone knives, slashing the flesh till blood ran. Heartsick andtrembling, I glanced aside at my companions. The _père_ lay claspingthe stone, his eyes wide with horror, his countenance death-like;Cairnes was upon his knees, his great hands gripped, staring straightdown like some animal crouching for a spring. 

It was when I turned back, loathing the sight yet unable to resistfacing it, that I beheld for the first time those I sought--Eloise, DeNoyan, and the Queen Naladi. An instant I blinded my eyes withuplifted arm, half believing that the horror had turned my brain, thatall this was vision. Yet, as I ventured to look again, they were therebefore me in the flesh--Naladi all in red, a wondrous figure amid thatspectral glow, tall, straight, with proud, imperious face, crowned bythe brilliant hair, radiant and sparkling in the flame. Beside herloitered De Noyan, like one who enjoyed a spectacle arranged for hispleasure, his face darkening somewhat as though the sight were notaltogether to his liking, yet debonair and careless, his waxedmoustaches standing forth conspicuous, his fingers in his waist-belt. About the two were ranged a fringe of warriors, their flint-headedspears rising an impenetrable wall, while farther behind, separated andalone, the light of the fire barely revealing her presence, stoodEloise, a savage guard on either side of her. I caught the outline ofher face, imprinted with horror, the lips moving as if in supplication;then I perceived something else--_her hands were bound_! Smothering anoath, I crept back to the pile of weapons in the corner, gripped awar-club, and, returning as silently, thrust a second into theunconscious hands of Cairnes. Our eyes met, the sectary noddinggrimly, his jaws set like a steel trap. If need should arise we woulddie fighting like cornered rats. 

Their yells reverberating to the vaulted roof, the smoking torchesgyrating wildly above them, the throng of crazed fanatics were now upontheir feet, crowding toward the platform, every tongue clamoring inincessant demand. All was confusion, a medley of noise and motion, tossing arms, and painted faces. Finally, I caught a glimpse ofNaladi's red robe scarcely ten feet away, and behind her thecountenance of De Noyan, still contemptuously smiling at that shriekingrabble. God! my face burned, my grasp tightened on the club. Yet Ilay motionless, knowing well the time of sacrifice was not yet. 

The woman stood at the edge of the rock platform, gazing intently down, a silent, motionless statue, her red robe sweeping to her feet, andbelow her the crimson drapery; the flaring torches in the hands of herbarbaric followers cast their light full upon her. I stared at thestrange creature, comprehending something of the power of passion suchas she could exercise over De Noyan, causing him to forget all honor inher presence. Saint Andrew! she was a witch, a hell-cat, whose smilewas death. Ay! and she was smiling then, a smile of cruel, unrelentingtriumph, gazing down upon the howling slaves who should do herpleasure. She knew them well, every superstition, every wild impulse, and she played contemptuously on their savagery. Not fear, butcommand, was stamped upon her features; she ruled by legerdemain, bylie and trick, and she stood, the supreme she-devil, the master spiritin that raging hell. It seemed to me my heart would burst as I waited, seeing nothing then of Eloise amid the crush, and compelled to gaze onthat dominant scarlet figure. 

[Illustration: The woman gazing intently down, her red robe sweeping toher feet; below the flaring torches in the hands of her barbaricfollowers cast their light full upon her. ]

The cries of the multitude ceased, and a black-draped priest shoutedunintelligible words. Naladi listened, extending one hand. Then herthin lips spoke a single sentence in the sharp tone of command. Instantly burst forth a fierce roar of disapproval; war-clubs poundedthe floor, spears rattled as they were brandished overhead, while abovethe din I caught, again and again, the shriek, "_Français_!_Français_!" The Queen shook her head, her fair face darkening, andglanced aside into the questioning eyes of De Noyan. Below them thetumult increased, the mass surging forward and staring upward, everyvoice yelping that one term of hate, "_Français_!" There was nodoubting the dread menace--they were demanding French victims for thetorture of sacrifice; they clamored for white blood with which tosprinkle the altar. I could dimly perceive now a dozen crouchingslaves against the farther wall, the whites of their eyes showing interror, and--oh, God!--there, to the right of them, alone, except forher burly guards, kneeling on the rock floor, with face hidden in herhands, was Eloise. I half rose to my feet, my whole body pulsatingwith agony. What was to be the ending? What was that mad woman'spurpose? Could she control the fierce blood-lust of those savagefanatics? If she cared to do so, would she dare test her power in sodesperate a game? If one must be sacrificed which would she spare, DeNoyan or his hapless wife? Looking at her, cold, cynical, lustful, hereyes still turned on his face, I felt no doubt. Let the foul fiendchoose! by all the gods, Cairnes should brain her where she stood, and, Heaven helping me to do the deed, the one I loved should never die bytorture!

She took her own time for decision, indifferently ignoring the howls ofrage, her thin lips curling in contemptuous smile, her glance yet uponthe startled Chevalier. Laying her hand upon his sleeve, she said inFrench:

"You hear the wolves howl, Monsieur? They are mad for French blood. "

He shrugged his shoulders, staring into her expressionless face, thendown upon the surging mob below. 

"Saint Giles! give them sufficient of something else, " he replied, striving to pretend indifference, yet with a falter in his voice. "Youpledged us safety if we would accompany you here. "

"I pledged _you_ safety, Monsieur, " she corrected haughtily. "I gaveno word of promise as to others. Yet circumstances have changed. Isupposed then we had enough of victims to appease even such blood-lustas yelps yonder. "

"You mean the preacher and Benteen?"

"Ay; they would suffice, with plenty of slaves for good measure. Butnow, only two remain from which to choose. _Sacre_! there are timeswhen those dogs break away even from my control, and mock me. I knownot now whether one alone will glut their desire, yet I am of a mind totry the experiment before the wolves drag me to hell also. Heard youever such yelping of wild beasts?"

"You would sacrifice me?" his face whitening from horror. "You wouldgive me to the knife and fire? _Mon Dieu_! is this the end of all yourvows?"

She smiled, a cold, cruel smile, her eyes burning. 

"I did not say you, " tauntingly. "There is another here. "

He drew away from her grasp, lips ashen, eyes unbelieving. 

"Eloise! _Mon Dieu_! not Eloise?"

"And if not Eloise, what then, Monsieur?" The low voice hardened, becoming oddly metallic. "The wolves cry for blood--French blood. Isit your wish to die together? _Pardi_! if it be between you two, am Ito have no choice which one I deliver? Why should you shrink back likea baby at first sight of blood? I thought you a soldier, a man. Didyou not tell me you loved her no longer? did you not swear it with yourlips to mine?"

He made no response, staring at her with eyes full of unbelief, thehideous uproar clanging about them in ceaseless volume. Naladi's faceflushed with rising anger. 

"Yet you do! _Mon Dieu_, you do!" she panted, the tiger withinbreaking loose. "Your words were a lie! Here, look at me, " extendingher arms, the white flesh of her bosom clearly revealed in the partingof her drapery. "Am I such as she? will I shrink like a coward, mumbling prayer and fingering rosary? Am I afraid to work my will? AmI not worth being loved? Am I the kind you think to play with? God'smercy! I am minded to throw you both to the beasts. No, no, not that;you dare not front me! I make my own choice of who shall die and wholive. " She laughed mockingly. "Bah! I know your sort, Monsieur--'tisas the wind blows; you love to-day, and forget to-morrow. Yet I keepyou for a plaything--I have no use for her. I care no longer how thewolves tear her dainty limbs. Before this I have tasted vengeance andfound it sweet. "

He shrank before her fury, all conceit and audacity fled, and wordsfailed him. Not even yet could he believe it true, but she permittedno recovery. 

"You think I lie. You think I threaten, but dare not act. You thinkme a soft-hearted fool because I listened to your words of love. Bythe gods! you shall learn better. I have heard love words before; noneever spoke them to my ears without paying the price of deceit. _MonDieu_! and shall you escape? I can hate as well as love; strike aswell as caress. So you played with me, Monsieur? used me to pass adull hour in the wilderness? _Sacre_! 't is now my chance to sportwith you. You forget who I am--I, Naladi, Daughter of the Sun, Queenof the Natchez. Look down! there are hands waiting to rend at my word. I will give them the girl-face for their blood-lust. Seek to stop meif you dare!"

Never can I forget the expression on De Noyan's face as he listened. Incredulity changed to loathing, then to despair. As though the womanhad snatched a mask from off her features he gazed now upon the demonsoul revealed in all its hideousness. Instantly all that wasphysically beautiful became loathsome from the foulness within. Heendeavored to speak, to protest, but all his recklessness had desertedhim and he trembled like a leaf. Already the gesticulating priests, thinking themselves cheated of their victims, were half way up the rudesteps of stone; behind them surged the mob, screaming "_Français_, "their torches waving madly. Naladi laughed. 

"So your nerve fails, Monsieur, " she sneered coldly. "'Tis well itdoes, for you need expect no mercy from me. I also hate the French. "

She turned from him, her arms outspread, the crimson drapery extendedlike wings. The glare of a hundred torches reflected on her face, andher lips spoke one word of stern command. Every voice ceased itshowling, every form became motionless, the silence so sudden it waspainful. The woman stood above them, dominant; every eye was fastenedupon her; the priests were prostrate on the stair. I saw De Noyanleaning forward, his teeth clinched, his face death-like. From wall towall Naladi's gaze wandered; once she looked into his eyes, then downagain upon the mob of savages. Like the sharp hiss of a snake a singlesentence leaped from her thin lips. The effect was magical. Iscarcely realized the transformation, so rapidly was it accomplished. Confusion filled the chamber, yet out of the tumult I caught sight ofMadame being driven toward the altar, her white face full of pleading, her hands, now freed, clasping her rosary. De Noyan must have beheldher at the same instant. With shout of rage he leaped recklesslyforward, hurled aside the scarlet figure, and, uttering an oath, sprangon the parapet. 

"By God! you foul fiend of hell!" he screamed madly. "I 'll fight forit; fight like a gentleman of France!"

I leaped to my feet, Cairnes beside me. Desperate as the chance was, we would be with him on that floor, with him smiting to the death. Yeteven as he poised for the leap downward the woman's scarlet armsstruck, and he went over like a stone, crashing into a huddled heap onthe rock floor. Naladi laughed, leaning far out to look down, like agloating devil. 

"Fight, you poor fool!" she exclaimed in French. "_Sacre_! who struckhardest?"

Sick, trembling like a frightened child, I dragged the dazed Puritandown again, crouching behind the stones. 

CHAPTER XXXVI

THE INTERFERENCE OF THE JESUIT

I could look no longer on that hellish scene. It seemed as if allstrength, all manhood, had deserted me before the utter helplessness ofour position. There was nothing left except useless sacrifice--amoment's hopeless struggle, the sole reward death under the war-club orby torture. God knows it was not myself I considered, but Eloise. Itwas thought of her which so unnerved me, so paralyzed body and mind. The Puritan dropped his heavy hand on my shoulder. 

"Great Jehovah, " he muttered, "look there!"

How he ever made it I know not; how he ever crept on tortured stumpsdown those rude steps, and along the dark, rocky tunnel; how he eversucceeded in penetrating unscathed that howling mob of savages--yetthere, in the very midst of them, fully revealed in the torch glare, his pallid, girlish face uplifted, but concealed beneath the shadow ofhis cowl, the silver cross gleaming in the light, beside Eloise, kneltthe black-robed Jesuit. Amid the sudden hush of surprise I overheardhis voice, fearless, calm, unfaltering, as he gave the weeping womansacrament of the Church. A great brute struck at him; the frail figurereeled sideways to the force of the blow, but the words of prayer didnot cease, nor his grasp on her hand relax. Rallying from theirastonishment, the warriors crowded in upon them, and a fanatical priesthurled the _père_ headlong to the floor. I saw a brandishing of clubs, a glitter of spears, yet the poor fellow came erect once more, his armresting for support on the woman's shoulder. It was all in a flash oftime, like some swift transformation on the stage we could scarcelycomprehend. At the instant a voice spoke, ringing above the babel, which ceased suddenly. I glanced involuntarily toward Naladi. Shestood leaning forward, her hands gripping the stone parapet, conflicting emotions playing across her face. 

As the torches, uplifted, gleamed brighter upon the motionless Queen, they revealed a look of perplexity, almost fear, in her cold eyes. What held her speechless? Was it remembrance of another life, when thestern word of the Church had been law? or was she merely troubled by somysterious an appearance, her guilty soul swayed by superstitiousterror? She was all too strange a riddle for my reading, but someoccult power held her helpless, silent. The vengeful cries of hersavage followers died away into threatening murmurs; the _père_remained motionless, one hand on Eloise's bowed head, his white faceshadowed by the hood, calmly fronting her who had commanded quiet. Slowly he lifted one arm, the loose sleeve lending dignity and power tothe simple gesture, his white extended hand seeming to have in it theauthority of command. A moment, heedless of the scowling, paintedfaces all about, the slight figure stood erect and firm, the dark eyesbearing witness to his earnestness, and never wavering from Naladi'sscornful face. 

"Woman, " he said calmly, even as I imagine Christ may have spoken ofold, "release this prisoner, and make thy peace with God. "

She endeavored to laugh mockingly, yet only a hollow semblance camefrom between her white lips. "Pah!" she cried nervously, "you speakbravely; pray, who gave you authority to give orders to the Daughter ofthe Sun?"

"One greater than the Sun, woman, " he answered. "I speak to you in thename of Jesus of Nazareth, and by authority of the Holy CatholicChurch. "

She leaned yet farther forward, as though seeking to penetrate theshadow concealing his face, a perceptible tremor apparent in her voice. 

"Who are you? Answer me!"

"I am called Father Ignatius, a priest of the Order of Jesuits. "

"And what do you suppose I care for your Romish orders? They have nopower here; a single wave of my hand would condemn you to the place ofyonder slaves. " Her color rose in the wave of passion, sweeping fearaside. "I have nothing but hatred for your black robe, and yourinterference only intensifies my purpose. Mark you now what I say; ifit be the will of my people to put this cringing French woman to thetorture, I lift not so much as a finger to change her fate. More, because of your insolence I give you also into their hands. We take noorders from the Church of Rome. "

"Your people!" the words rang forth with such clearness as almost tobring me to my feet. "You foul fiend of hell, do you think thus toimpose your vile imposture on me? I fear neither your power nor thecruelty of your savage satellites. My life is in the hands of myMaster, who will give me strength to mock your torture. Two months agoI was bound to a stake in the valley below. Ask these fiends, who doyour bidding, whether I shrank back in terror, or made outcry as theflame ate into my flesh. Gaze on these stumps blackened by fire, andlearn how I value your threats. Peace, woman, and no longer mock thefaith of your childhood. "

"My childhood? You know nothing of that!"

"Do I not? Look upon my face, and judge. "

He flung back his cowl, and the light fell full upon his countenance. Upon the silence broke a sharp cry, in which fear and surprise werestrangely blended:

"André Lafossier!"

"Right, woman; you have not forgotten. Sunk as you are in shame andevil deeds, conscience yet lives and haunts you. What do I know ofyou? Enough to justify calling you joint heir with all the fiends ofhell, unless, like the thief on the Cross, repentance make white yourblack soul. Yet, 'tis in my heart that yours is the sin against theSpirit for which there is no forgiveness. Nothing in your face tellsme of an awakening soul. You are a Queen, you say? Ay, of evil, ofdevils incarnate. I would rather be this poor woman bound to the stakethan you upon a throne. Do your worst with us, but know that AndréLafossier has nothing for you save disgust; still, as priest of HolyChurch, I hold open the door of salvation through Jesus Christ. "

Evidences of struggle marked Naladi's face, yet by now she hadoutwardly conquered the first shock of recognition, and stood a cold, stately statue, with glittering eyes on the slender figure of thepriest. 

"I care as little for your Romish mummery, " she said sneeringly, "as Ido for the senseless rites of these savages. But I am glad it is you Ihave in my power. If I am the queen of devils, they serve me well. You are to die, André Lafossier. I might have spared you had you keptyour tongue, but after those words you die. I shall stand here andmock you to the last breath. You say I have no soul; to-night youshall know it true while I laugh at your agony. "

She paused as if seeking to mark the effect of her words, but the_père_ merely stooped slightly, whispering some message of comfort intothe ear of Eloise. Then he stood erect again. 

"As you will, woman; to die for Christ is gain. "

The face of Naladi, which had been pale and drawn, flushed, her eyesfairly blazing. 

"So you dare mock me, you hireling priest!" she hissed. "'T is not forlong; I am no snivelling French girl, afraid of blood. And now I giveyou a taste of my power. "

As the words fell from her thin lips, she flung up one hand, exhibitingwith a peculiar gesture a glittering metallic substance shining in thelight. It must have been a signal for unrestrained sacrifice, for itwas greeted with fierce howls of delight, the savage herd pressing inupon the prisoners, so that I lost sight of them an instant in thecrush. 

"Wait, woman!" rose the priest's voice above the uproar. "I admit yourpower here to take physical life; I expect no mercy from such as you. But, if you be not lost to all shame, grant me one favor, MarieFousard. "

"What?"

"A moment of time in which I may give absolution to this child of Godbefore we die. "

"Pish! is that all? Go on with your fool mummery. I will hold backthe savages till that be done, though the sight of it will but angerthem. "

Eloise had sunk down against the altar, with face buried in her hands. The _père_ dropped upon his knees beside her. About them surged theglistening forms of the savages, maddened with blood-lust, but Naladiclapped her hands, with voice and gesture bidding them wait her furtherword. An instant they swayed passionately back and forth, theirfanatical priests clamoring in opposition to this halting of vengeance. Then Naladi shook loose her hair, permitting its wealth to fall in agolden-red shower, until it veiled her from head to foot. The silencedcrowd stared as if in worship of the supernatural. I know not what shesaid, uplifting her white arms from out that red-gold canopy, yet I canguess. 

"Natchez, I dare you to disobey the Daughter of the Sun!"

Swept by a superstition stronger than hate, they flung themselves ather feet, prostrating their faces to the rock, grovelling like worms, heedless of all except her presence and her supremacy. She was agoddess, one whose will was destruction. Gazing down upon them, conscious of her power, her thin lips smiled in contempt. 'T was so Isaw her last; so I shall always picture her in memory--a motionless, statuesque figure, covered with a veil of red-gold hair, her eyes likediamonds, her bare, white arms gleaming, her lips curved in prouddisdain; a queen of savages, a high priestess of Hell. 

The sudden cessation of noise was awesome, uncanny. It renderedmanifest the ceaseless roar of thunder without. Directly in front ofme yawned the cave entrance, plainly illuminated by vivid lightning. Dreadful as was the spectacle, it yielded me a flash of hope--hereopportunity pointed a path of escape. With no pause for thought Iwhirled to arouse the Puritan, every nerve a-tingle with desperation. His deep-set eyes glowed like two coals, his square jaw projecting likethat of a fighting bulldog. 

"Cairnes, " I muttered, almost heedless of what I said in the necessityfor haste. "If we could attain the tree-bridge, we might hold thedevils. See! the way is clear! What say you to the trial? Will youbear the priest?"

His grip tightened about the war-club, as he half rose to his feet likea maddened bear. 

"Saints of Israel! yes, " he growled, "the Jesuit is a man. "

"Then come!"

With one leap I was upon the floor; almost at the same second he landedbeside me. Twice I struck savagely at some obstructing figure, and infive strides was at the side of Eloise. One shrill cry of warning fromthe lips of Naladi echoed through the chamber, and was answered by theyell of the warriors. I was already clasping Eloise against my breast, and speeding toward the opening. Not a savage stood between, and now, all hope centred upon the desperate race, I dashed forward down therocky path, rendered hideous by the lightning. All the fires of hellseemed swirling about us, writhing serpents of flame leaping from thesky, while fierce crashes of thunder echoed from rock to rock. Iscarcely heard or saw. Below yawned the abyss, black with night; abovestretched solid, overhanging stone, painted by green and yellow flames. I realized nothing except that ribbon of a path, the need of haste, thewhite, upturned face in my arms. God! was ever such a race as that runbefore? Did ever men dash headlong over such a path of death? No oneneed ask how it was done; how speeding feet clung to the narrow rock. I know not; I never knew. Twice I stumbled, sobbing in despair, yetran on like a madman. Under the glare of the lightning I leapeddownward where I had crept in climbing; protruding splinters of rocktore my clothes, bruised my body; my forehead dripped withperspiration, my breath came panting, yet I ran still, her form crushedagainst my breast. I shudder now in the recollection; then I scarcelyknew. Ahead loomed black the tree-bridge; but I recall no shrinkingfear, only exultation, as I bore down recklessly upon it. It must becrossed, upright, swiftly, with no thought of the yawning depth. Ifdeath came we should go down together. 

"Eloise, steady me with hand against the cliff, " I panted, and steppedforth boldly upon the trunk. My moccasoned feet gripped the rough barkfirmly, yet I swayed horribly under my burden, as I footed thetreacherous way. Again and again I felt myself swaying wildly, yetsome power held us, until, at last, I stood on solid rock, utterlyunable to essay another yard. Panting for breath, my arms yet claspingthe motionless figure of Eloise, I glanced backward in apprehension. Icould perceive Cairnes footing the log, the head of the priest showingblack and distinct above his broad shoulder; beyond, a medley of darkfigures appeared to dance dizzily along the cliff face. I staggered tomy knees. With a growl of relief the Puritan dropped his burden. Thenext instant he had one great shoulder under the tree root. Heavingwith all his mighty strength he slowly moved the great trunk, and I sawit topple over into the abyss; I saw his burly figure tottering on thevery brink--then one awful flash lit up the sky, so blinding me that Isank face downward on the rock. The cliff shook as if riven from crestto valley, a single peal of thunder reverberating like the report of athousand guns. 

CHAPTER XXXVII

THE DEAD BURY THEIR DEAD

I may have lost consciousness; I do not know. That awful glare, thethunderous report, the speechless terror of feeling myself a mere pygmyin the midst of such tremendous convulsions of nature, shocked me intomomentary insensibility. I lay huddled against the rock like a mandead, one arm yet clasping the motionless form of Eloise. Stunned, unable to move a muscle, I believed death had overtaken us all; thatout from the very heavens a bolt had stricken us down. I struggledpainfully to arouse myself, every nerve in my body appearing paralyzed. At first I could not even see, but light came back gradually to myblinded eyes, and I staggered to my feet, slowly adjusting my mind tothe situation. 

I began to understand then what had happened--that deadly bolt hadsmitten the cliff as by the wrath of God, yet I was spared. I stilllived, as by a miracle. I stared across the chasm and up the steepascent beyond, still clearly revealed in the lightning flashes. It wasvacant; not a human form stood where those pursuing savages had been. A cry burst from my lips as I gazed--a vast, irregular gash showedclearly in the cliff face, but where the entrance to the cave hadyawned was a solid front of rock. I staggered with the shock, reelingon the very edge of the path, and barely saved myself by dropping to myknees. Again I looked, half believing my brain crazed, that I beheldvisions. As God guards me, it was true! Out of the very heavens Hehad struck, sealing those fiends into a living tomb. Trembling like afrightened child, I bowed my face and sobbed as I prayed for mercy. 

I know not how long I lay unable for either thought or action. But atlast I was upon my knees again, creeping forward to where a blackfigure lay at the very edge of the chasm, one arm dangling over thebrink. I drew the inert body back to safety, peering down into thewhite face of the priest. My touch seemed to arouse him intoconsciousness, his dark eyes staring up into my face. I helped him tosit up and lean back against the wall. An instant he gazed aboutwildly, like one suddenly awakened from sound sleep, then hid his facein his hands. 

"The Puritan--" I questioned--"the man who bore you here--what happenedto him?"

He shuddered, and pointed into the black abyss. 

"'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life forhis friends, '" he quoted solemnly. 

"He went down?"

He bowed his head silently, his fingers searching for his crucifix. Isat staring at him, crushed into helplessness. 

In a few moments I felt the pressure of his fingers. 

"The Lord hath preserved us as by fire, " he said in low, solemn tone, "He hath ridden upon the flaming skies in his chariot, accompanied byangels and archangels. 'T is ours to bless His holy name. "

I gazed into the rapt, boyish face, and said:

"On my knees have I already acknowledged His mercy. I am notungrateful. "

The troubled countenance brightened with a quick smile. 

"God is most good, " he murmured; "He hath spared us that we maycontinue to honor Him, and do His work. The woman--does she also live?"

The question brought me instantly to my feet, wondering how I couldhave neglected her so long. But before I could advance to where shelay, she sat partially up, her face turned toward us. 

"Eloise, " I cried, the heart joy apparent in my voice. "Good God! Ihad forgotten. "

She held forth her hand, her eyes smiling. 

"I hold that not strange, " she answered, the soft voice falteringslightly. "I saw you groping like a blind man, yet could neither movenor speak. I lay helpless as if paralyzed. Tell me what has happened. "

I held her hand, falling upon my knees beside her, my eyes searchingher sweet face. 

"A lightning bolt smote the cliff, " I explained rapidly, "rending thesolid rock. Master Cairnes was hurled headlong into the chasm, and ourpursuers were swept from the path. The very mouth of the cavern hasbeen forever sealed. "

"The cavern?" as if stifled, her eyes opening wide. "They--they areburied alive?"

"I doubt if any lived to know, " I answered soberly. "'T is likelythose within were crushed to death. "

She dropped her face into her hands, sobbing hysterically. Unable tospeak, I bowed my head until it touched her shoulder. The crippledpriest crept toward us, forgetful of his own pain in the call of duty. 

"Daughter, " he said tenderly, stroking her brown hair with his slenderfingers, "to live or die is as Christ wills. The Lord gave, the Lordhath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Be of good comfort, remembering these words of promise, 'Lo! I am with you alway, evenunto the end of the world. '"

She looked up through the mist of her tears, first into his face, theninto mine. 

"I have passed through much, " she confessed simply, "yet 'tis not thespirit but the body which has become weakened. Forgive me, both ofyou. "

"Brave heart!" I echoed, caring nothing for the presence of the father. "No woman ever upbore grievous burden better. If we rest first, youwill regain courage to go on. "

Both her hands were resting trustfully in my own. 

"With you, " she acknowledged softly. "In all confidence with you. "

We sat there until the coming of dawn, speaking only seldom, our verythoughts holding us silent. Occasionally I could feel Eloise's handtouch mine as if she sought thus to be reassured of my presence, and Icould distinguish an inarticulate murmur from the priest's lips, as ifhe continually counted his beads in prayer. The glare of lightninggradually ceased, the storm passing away to the westward with distantreverberations. Yet clouds overcast the skies, leaving the earlymorning hours dark and cheerless. With the first faint glow of daylighting the pathway, I stood up, dizzy at viewing the awful abyssbelow our narrow shelf. We could perceive now more plainly theterrific havoc wrought above, but our eyes turned away from it inhorror. We must linger there no longer, but press forward withwhatever of courage remained. 

"I must ask you to attempt to walk alone, Eloise, " I said regretfully, "as I must bear the _père_, whose limbs are crippled. "

Her startled eyes were filled with womanly sympathy. 

"Crippled? Was it done last night in the storm?"

"No, a month ago; he was tortured at the stake in the village below. Ever since then he has been held prisoner for sacrifice. "

"Do not worry, daughter; my wounds are not worthy your tears, " broke inthe soft voice; "they are but a small part of my debt to Him whoperished upon the cross. Yet I think I might manage to walk, Monsieur, without assistance. Surely, with God's help, I can master the pain. "

"Make no attempt, " I said; "your slight figure will prove no burden tome. It was of Eloise I thought. "

"Then do so in that way no longer, " she burst forth eagerly. "I havebeen trouble enough to you, Geoffrey. I will not consent to remainhelpless. See! I can stand alone--ay, and walk; even this greatheight does not render my head dizzy. "

We advanced slowly and cautiously down the path, feeling yet theexhaustion of the night. The way proved less difficult than weexpected. The tunnel was by far the hardest portion, as we werecompelled to grope the entire distance through intense darkness, guiding ourselves with hands against the wall. Having little fear thatany of the tribe remained to dispute our passage, we conversed freelyand cheerfully, avoiding all unnecessary reference to the recenttragedy. We emerged from the dark hole somewhat before noon, makinguse of the entrance leading through the altar-house. The sight of thedeserted platform reminded us of the Puritan, and as I glanced aside atEloise, her gray eyes were filled with tears. A fire smouldered on thealtar, waiting replenishment from hands that would labor no more; andwe gladly hurried from the gloomy interior to the sunlit slope without. 

The desolate, deserted village presented a scene of lonelinessimpossible to describe; not a figure was moving among the huts, no signof life anywhere. We discovered an abundance of food, and partook ofit in the open. Eloise appeared unwilling to accompany me, so I wentalone to explore the mystery of Naladi's house, leaving her assiduouslyministering to the needs of the priest. My search was rewarded by thediscovery of my lost rifle, with what remained of ammunition, togetherwith a variety of feminine garments with which to replace those sadlysoiled and tattered ones Madame wore. The desire was in the hearts ofus all to get away as soon as possible, to put behind us that desolatespot, those deserted houses, and the haunting cliff. The _père_ hadconstructed, during my absence, a pair of rude crutches for his use;and, so soon as Eloise had more becomingly clothed herself, wedeparted, bearing such provisions as we could conveniently carry. Withthe gun in my possession, I expected no great shortness in the foodsupply. Madame carried it at first, however, as we made swifterprogress by my taking the father on my shoulder. He was no greatburden, his weight scarcely more than that of a child. 

In this manner we tramped steadily forward through the bright sunshine, along canals filled with clear, cool water, and across fields no longertilled by slaves, until we discovered the secret path which led forthfrom this death valley. A moment we paused, glancing back toward thevillage, and up at the frowning front of rock, the tomb of the Natchez. Then silently, soberly, as befitted those who had witnessed an act ofGod, we pressed on into the labyrinth, shutting out forever that scene, except as a hideous memory. To me the change was like entering upon anew world; I was a prisoner released, breathing once again the clearair of hope and manhood. Burdened as we were, the passage through thetangled cedars to where the stream flowed down the canyon proved one ofsevere exertion. When we finally attained the outer rocks, with thesullen roar of the falls just below, I was breathing heavily fromexhaustion, and a flush had come back into Eloise's pale cheeks. Verygladly I deposited the priest in a position of comfort, and the threeof us rested in silence, gazing about upon the wilderness scene. Wehad spoken little to each other regarding the future; under thedepressing influence of that dread valley we felt incapable of thought, our minds yet dazed by the tragic events we had experienced. Even nowI constantly saw before me the faces of Cairnes and De Noyan, scarcelyable to banish their memory long enough to face intelligently therequirements of the present. Yet now it must be done. The _père_ sat, with crutches lying across his rusty black robe, his girlish featuressoftened by a look of infinite peace; Eloise leaned against the rock ina posture of weariness, her bosom rising and falling with tumultuousbreathing. I recalled to mind the leagues of desolate wilderness yetto be traversed. Possibly I indulged unconsciously in outwardexpression, for the priest gazed across at me. 

"The sun is still sufficiently high for considerable travel, my son, "he remarked quietly, "and you will require daylight for the earlierpart of your journey. "

"It was upon my mind, but I scarcely knew how best to proceed. "

"Possibly my experience may guide you. The way should not prove undulyfatiguing after you pass the falls, " with a wave of the hand downward, and a slight smile. "I wandered here alone up that valley, seeking theIndian village somewhat blindly, discovering much of interest on theway. Would that my own future path led me through such ease; but 'tismine to go whithersoever the Lord wills. However, my discoveries willbe of value. Slightly below the falls, concealed beneath anoutcropping rock, you will find several stanch Indian boats. Thelightest one will transport safely the two of you, together with whatprovisions you require. The current runs swiftly, yet a strong, skilful hand on the steering oar should bring you through withoutmishap. "

We both stared at him, greatly puzzled by his strange speech. Eloisewas first to speak in protest. 

"What do you mean by two of us? Do you deem us dastards enough toleave you here alone?"

He smiled into her face with the tender smile of a woman, and held uphis shining silver crucifix. 

"Daughter, " he said modestly, "my work is not yet done. Upon thissymbol I took solemn oath to live and die in faithful service to theheathen tribes of this river. Would you have me retreat in cowardice?Would you have me false to the vows of my Order? to the voice of theMaster?"

"But you are crippled, helpless, in continual pain!" She crossedhastily to him, dropping upon her knees at his side. "Oh, _père_, wecannot leave you; it would mean death. "

His slender fingers stroked her brown hair, his eyes alight with thefire of enthusiasm. 

"Whether or not I am worthy of martyrdom, God knows. All I see is myplain duty, and the beckoning hand of the bleeding Christ. Daughter, you are a child of the true Church; your pleading should never retardthe labor of the priesthood. My suffering is nothing, my life nothing, if only through such sacrifice souls may be rescued from the consumingflames of hell. "

She could not speak, but sobbed, her face hidden. 

"Where do you go seeking other tribes?" I asked hoarsely, scarcelybelieving his words. 

He arose with difficulty to his feet, holding himself erect on the rudecrutches. I noticed now, for the first time, a bag of woven grasshanging at his girdle. 

"Yonder, Monsieur, to the westward, " a new dignity in his manner as hepointed up the narrow canyon. "There are tribes a few days' journeyaway. I have learned of them, without being told their names. Tosuch, under God, I bear my message of salvation. "

"But you will starve on the journey. "

"I carry food here, " touching the bag. "It will suffice; if not, thereare berries and roots in abundance. My Master has always fed me in thewilderness. "

What more could I say or do to change his purpose? It was a girlishface fronting me, yet the thin lips were pressed tightly together, thedark eyes fearless and resolute. I laid my hand on Eloise's shoulder. 

"It must be as he says, " I acknowledged regretfully. "We can butdepart. "

She arose slowly to her feet, her eyes still sadly pleading. The_père_ gazed questioningly into both our faces, the rigid lines of hismouth softening. 

"My daughter, " he said, in calm dignity, "we of a desert priesthood areordained unto strange duties, and unusual privileges. Do you love thisman?"

A wave of color surged into her cheeks, as she gave one rapid glanceaside into my face. Then she answered in all simplicity:

"Yes, _père_, from childhood. "

Resting upon his crutch, he touched her with his hand. 

"Yet he who perished yonder was your husband. How came you thus tomarry, with your heart elsewhere?"

"It was the desire of my father, and the will of the Church. "

He bowed his head, his lips moving in silent prayer for guidance. 

"Then the will of the Church hath been done, " he said humbly. "Here inthe wilderness we perform the will of God, untrammelled by the councilsof men. 'T is my dispensation to bury the dead, baptize the living, and join in marriage those of one heart. It is not meet that you twojourney together except with the solemn sanction of Holy Church. "

My pulses throbbed, yet I could only look at her, as she stoodtrembling, her eyes downcast, her cheeks burning. 

"But--but, _père_, will it be right?" she faltered faintly. 

"Let the dead past bury its dead, " he answered gravely. "I hold itright in the name of Christ, from whom I derive authority. GeoffreyBenteen, take within your own the hand of this woman. "

'T is but a dream, our standing there together in the sun; a dream, those words of the marriage rite spoken by him in the desolation andsilence of the desert. We knelt together upon the stones, handclasping hand, while above our bowed heads were uplifted the priest'sthin, white hands in benediction. Whether or not in that hour AndréLafossier exceeded his authority I cannot tell. In heart we werejoined of God; our union has never been questioned of man. 

We stood there watching, longing to prevent the sacrifice, as he movedaway from us slowly upon his crutches. It was a pitiful sight, thatslender figure, in frayed, tattered black robe, going forward alone, and in agony, to death or torture. It was in my heart to cry afterhim, but she understood far better the mighty motive of his sacrifice, and restrained me with uplifted hand. Far up the canyon, he paused amoment and glanced back. The distance already veiled his face, but upinto the sunlight he lifted the silver crucifix. Then hedisappeared--to endure his fate in Christ's name. Then, hand in handand heart to heart, our voices silent, Eloise and I went down into thevalley to where the boats lay. The dead past was behind us; the futurewas our own. 

THE END