Edith mused, and shook her head, saying: "I think something else must have frightened them away."
"Would you have courage to fire a pistol in case of need?" asked Lord H----, in a low tone. Edith gently inclined her head, and he then added: "Stay! I will charge this for you again."
He then reloaded the pistol, the charge of which he had drawn to light the fire, and was placing it in Edith's hand, when a tall, dark figure glided into the room with a step perfectly noiseless. Lord H---- drew her suddenly back and placed himself before her, but a second glance showed him the dignified form and fine features of Otaitsa's father.
"Peace," said the old chief. "Peace to you, my brother," and he held out his hand to Lord H----, who took it frankly. Black Eagle then unfastened the blue blanket from his shoulders and threw it around Edith, saying: "Thou art my daughter, and art safe. I have heard the voice of the Cataract, and its sound was sweet. It is a great water, and a good. The counsel is wise, my daughter. Go thou up and rest in peace. The Black Eagle will watch by the Cataract till the eyes of morning open in the east. The Black Eagle will watch for thee as for his own young, and thou art safe."
"I know I am, when thou art near me, Father," said Edith, taking his brown hand in hers, "but is it so with all mine?"
"If I can make it so," answered Black Eagle. "Go, daughter, and be at peace. This one at least is safe also, for he is a great chief of our white fathers, and we have a treaty with him. The man of the Five Nations who would lift his hand against him is accursed."
Edith knew that she could extract nothing more from him, and with her mind somewhat lightened, but not wholly relieved, she ascended to the upper story. Lord H---- seated himself on the step at the foot of the stairs, and the Indian chief crouched down beside him. But both kept a profound silence, and in a few minutes after, the moon, slowly rising over the piece of cleared ground in front, poured in upon their two figures as they sat there side by side, in strange contrast.
CHAPTER IX
There is the fate of another connected with the events of that night of whom some notice must be taken, from the influence which his destiny exercised over the destinies of all. With greater promptness and celerity than had been expected from him, even by those who knew him best, Walter Prevost had executed the business entrusted to him, and was ready to set out from Albany a full day at least before his return had been expected by his family. Fortune had favored him, it is true. He had found the commander-in-chief in the city, and at leisure. A man of a prompt and active mind, he had readily appreciated the promptness and activity of the lad, and his business had been dispatched as readily as circumstances permitted.