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164  and terrified looks they cast on Bran, filled her with some hope of security.

The chief, meanwhile, displayed many signs of sympathy for her pitiful and uncomfortable condition, pointing to her dripping garments, and then pointing to some smoke that appeared to issue from a fire above the beach among the bushes, by which she understood that he invited her to warm herself.

Seeing opposition unavailing, being entirely in their power, and having the protection of Bran, who appeared to hold some mysterious influence over the savages, (which had they possessed sufficient courage, they could easily have despatched with their spears,) she consented to follow them.

On arriving at the fires, round which some small sheds were constructed of sticks and bark, the chief brought from the largest of them a rug made of skins of animals, and apparently the best change of clothes in his wardrobe. This she folded round her, which, with the heat of the fire, soon warmed her.

Great care and attention was paid to her and to her comfort by the chief and the whole tribe, which she had no idea was in their nature. The most delicate portions of fish and game were prepared and offered to her as her food, with some berries and other native fruit.

A more commodious and secure shed was constructed for her accommodation, and which was kept strictly private for her and Bran, who kept watch over her day and night.

The feelings which overwhelmed Bella in her captivity, and the many hardships and sufferings she had to endure, would have crushed many a stout heart. The fate of her companions she could not learn, but the fatal evidence of seeing the clothing and other articles distributed among the tribe, left no room for conjecture; but, how