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 round in these woods, most of them empty in winter."

"But what if they are burned to death in the flames?" demanded the old woman.

"Nonsense! they will take care of that," said the bold villain. "Though, admitting that they were burned, what would follow? They have no tribe to avenge them, and the Yankees wouldn't meddle; it is against their interests to mad us Frenchers; so nothing would be done if the red-skins did stay in their hut, and eat their fill of fire."

"I am not so sure of that," returned the woman, discontentedly; "and I wish that you had kept away, and let the creatures alone. At any rate, I hope you will keep close mouths now, and not let the tale go outside of this cabin."

The woman tossed the socks, which she held in her lap, on the table, and rose from her seat. As she did so, a sound like the crack of aboard was heard distinctly by the whole party.