That time with him was then!
The sufferings he had undergone, in place of softening his heart and bringing pity, had made him still more revengeful, and when he was led into her presence his face was as black as a thunder-cloud.
"Great Heaven!" she exclaimed, instantly surmising the part he had played in the terrible drama, "you here—miserable traitor?"
"Leave us," he said to the Indians. "I would talk to her alone."
"As the pale-face wills. When he is tired of the squaw the red warriors would talk to him also."
His request having been complied with, he hissed:
"Traitor? Better that you use soft words, my lady. Do you know that both yourself and your lover are in my power?"
"But for the love of mercy do not let any harm come to him," and she flung herself upon her knees and raised her clasped hands to him.
"His life is in your hands."
"And you will help me save it?"