"Certainly," said Little Wolf, vacating her seat with infinite condescention. The maiden drew her blanket more closely around her, and made it fast. Her exceedingly small and finely formed hands were now at liberty, and, instead of the discordant notes which her auditor fully expected, a flood of harmonious sounds burst upon her ear.
"What does this mean?" exclaimed Little Wolf in utter astonishment, when the strains had ceased.
The performer bent upon her a long searching look, and enquired, "Are you Miss De Wolf?"
"I am."
The strange visitor immediately rose and approached the door.
"There! stop; who are you?" demanded Little Wolf, vehemently.
"Hush! I was going to bolt the door," and she deliberately turned the key in the lock. "I'm your friend, young lady, and I'm come to warn you of impending danger."
Little Wolf slightly paled, but she stood firm awaiting further developments.
"Too much time has been wasted already," she began, "Bloody Jim is here, at Chimney Rock, waiting for the first favorable moment to kidnap you, and murder your servants, and set fire to your home. He is now more daring and reckless than ever. Three times you have thwarted him, and he still carries the scars he has received at your hands. This is the day, and, for ought I know, the very hour, that he designs to fall upon you. It was to be when your father was helplessly intoxicated, and yourself entirely off your guard. I think he has two or three accomplices living in this place. I love Bloody Jim, steeped in crime as he is, and I beg of you, if it shall be possible for you to save yourself without taking his life, you will do so. I have now done all I can for you; good bye."
"There, you shall not go," exclaimed Little Wolf, springing towards her, "you must stay and assist me."