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 warriors they numbered. It is, altogether, a dangerous path we move in; for a friend whose face is turned from you, often bears a bloodier mind, than the enemy who seeks your scalp!"

"Explain," said Duncan.

"'Tis a long and melancholy tradition, and one I little like to think of! for it is not to be denied, that the evil has been mainly done by men with white skins. But it has ended in turning the tomahawk of brother against brother, and brought the Mingo and the Delaware to travel in the same path!"

"You then suspect it is a portion of that people among whom Cora resides?"

The scout nodded his head in assent, though he seemed anxious to waive the further discussion of a subject that appeared painful. The impatient Duncan now made several hasty and desperate propositions to attempt the release of the sisters. Monro seemed to shake off his dull apathy, and listened to the wild schemes of the young man, with a deference that his grey hairs and reverend years should have denied. But the scout, after suffering the ardour of