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 "We can not get away without the pale-face's knowledge; she hath sharp eyes and quick ears," said Pink Ear; "besides, if we left her alone, and she came to harm, then the old chief, who bade us stay by her, saying that he would reward us on his return, will be very angry, and we shall all perish by his tomahawk. Nay, sisters, there is no way for us to do but bide patiently the old chief's coming. The time of his absence is half expired already, so let us take courage."

"I don't see how old North Wind can think so high of the hateful, young white squaw," said Brown Wren.

"No more do I," added Blue Top; "she seems to me the Bad Spirit's own papoose."

"If I could see her brought down to bite dust, I would not fret for the water I now carry to scald the wooden bowl from which she eats," said Brown Wren; and a lowering vengeance gleamed in her murky eye.

A ringing sound, as of an ax laid stoutly to