The relief of finding that those nearest and dearest to him were living was so great, that in his weariness he seemed powerless to realise anything more; mind and body were alike benumbed; and when Loïs brought in the supper they had to rouse him and force him to eat. It was evident he had no idea of what had occurred, by the words to which he had already given utterance. After he had eaten, looking up at Loïs, he said,—
“I heard the settlement was burnt to the ground, and you were all slain. The man who told me said he was an eye-witness, and had fled when the village was in flames.”
“But for Nadjii’s warning and Roger’s sudden arrival, such would have been the case,” answered Loïs.
“Nadjii! what had Nadjii to do with it?” said Charles sharply.
“She told me you had bidden her watch over us. She came to me, and gave us notice that the Indians were coming to attack us; and so they did not surprise us, and we were able to defend ourselves until Roger came. It seems he had been warned by one of her people.”
“My true-hearted Nadjii, my brave little squaw!” said Charles, his whole face lighting up with pleasure and emotion. “Where is she? What has become of her? Has she returned to her tribe?”
There was a moment’s silence; he was quick to notice it.
“What has become of her? Where is she?” he asked hastily.
“She saved my life, she saved Father Nat’s life,—she died for us;” and standing before him, Loïs burst into tears.
He started; every particle of colour forsook his face.