Emily remained silent, while the other continued:
“Wal, yer don’t dispute it, so I s’pose ’tis so. Thar’s nothin’ bad about it, on’y Billy is a leetle wild, that’s all. But, come with me, fer they tell me I’m ter tek keer o’ ye till yer husban’ comes.”
Mechanically, Emily followed the wild-looking creature, while an Indian walked upon either side of her.
CHAPTER VIII.
AFFAIRS AT THE VILLAGE.
They stopped before a low, dismal-looking hut, and Emily shuddered with horror as her eyes took in the disagreeable prospect. She entered after her conductor, while the savages followed closely. The hut was constructed of logs, miserably laid together, and the numerous yawning interstices filled with mud, which, having become hard and dry, answered its purpose quite well.
Within, it was divided into two rude compartments by a curtain formed principally of skins, extending from side to side.
The apartment which they entered was much the larger, containing a small, wooden chimney, a rude table, three or four blocks, answering the purpose of chairs, and two rude couches of skins. A few reminiscences of civilization were scattered around, while against the walls hung various weapons and trophies.
The maid noticed this with a quick eye, and, as the door was closed and barred by the Indians, she sunk upon one of the blocks. She needed not to be told where she was, for every thing about her bespoke the renegade’s home. Strange and uncouth as was the place, it really seemed to her that it was not complete without his hideous presence.
The object which most attracted Emily’s attention, was the strange woman who had preceded her. So far as Emily could judge, she was twenty-five, or might have been thirty years of age. Her hair, which was long, black and matted, hung in wild disorder; if it ever had made the acquaintance of comb or brush, it was evident they had long been strangers. Her eyes were black and flashing, and, as Emily saw their cold look, she beheld only harshness and cruelty depicted there. The features were quite regular, but the beauty they might once have boasted had faded, and given way to dark passion-marks.