Within the lodge Jean heard that wild cry of fear, and it caused her to spring to her feet in terror. Her eyes stared out into the night, and unconsciously she lifted her right hand and struck at the blackness as if to drive it away. Listening intently, she could hear fearful sounds as of a desperate struggle, and then all was still. What did it mean? What unknown horrors were surrounding her? With cold clenched hands, and body rigid with terror, she strained her eyes into the darkness. She imagined that she could see forms creeping stealthily toward her, and the faintest outlines of great tree trunks were to her hideous monsters.
And as she looked and waited, something did appear suddenly before her.
With a cry she started back, and raised both hands to defend herself.
But a voice at once reassured her, causing her heart to leap with hope.
"White woman safe now," it said. "Injun tak' care white woman. Come."
"Who are you?" Jean asked in a trembling voice.
"Me Injun Sam. White woman no 'fraid Sam. Come."
"Will you save me?" the girl asked. "Will you take me home?"
"A-ha-ha. Bimeby. Come."
A feeling of security now swept upon Jean, so leaving the lodge she followed the Indian, who at once led her away from the river into the forest. It was difficult to see her guide, and so hard was the walking that she often stumbled, and several times fell. At length the Indian took her by the arm.
"Sam help white woman, eh?" he queried.
"Thank you," Jean panted. "You are very good."