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 "By fire," was the answer.

"Have you heard such tidings, or been abroad to search for yourself? or what proof have you?" the young man asked, still looking thoughtfully down upon the mat at his feet.

"I have not been abroad as yet," was the answer, "but have proof enough that mischief has been done."

"What proof have you?"

The words came falteringly. The lumberman noticed the suppressed emotions of his visitor, as he responded:

"I have seen one of the victims."

The young Indian sprang to his feet; bedds of perspiration stood on his brow; his eyes shot forth wild, startled glances, as he whispered, hoarsely:

"Where? where? Alive, or dead?"

The young contractor reached out and took the excited youth by the hand, and said, soothingly:

"Here, and living; so now be calm. Sit by