For a long time this stillness continued unbroken.
Then from afar sounds began to be heard, gradually drawing nearer and nearer.
It was the howling of the gaunt Florida wolves as they scented a rich repast.
Ere long they could be seen skulking through the enclosure, and quarrelling over the corpses upon the plain. Above them, with shadowy wings, the vultures hovered, waiting to come in for their share of the spoil.
The moon sank in the sky, and drew a pall over the dreadful sight.
At intervals a flickering tongue of flame shooting up from the expiring embers of the burnt house, imparted a weird aspect to the scene, lighting it up, only to display its ghastly horrors.
Where was Elias Rody?
He had proved deceitful to the last.
Wacora and his warriors had sought him everywhere, but had failed to find him.