“No, no, Rodger, I will remain here awhile in the cheerful sunshine, then I can go down into the cavern alone. Go, and may God speed you,” she replied.
The ranger imprinted a warm and ardent kiss upon her brow, then turned, and with Echo perched upon his shoulder, went in search of his pony.
Silvia watched him until he had disappeared; then she seated herself again, and became absorbed in thought.
How long she had remained so she did not know, but presently a soft footstep aroused her from her abstraction.
She arose to her feet and turned quickly around. An Indian woman, whom she at once recognized as Silver Voice, stood before her. Silvia was the first to speak.
“Oh, Silver Voice! it is you, who were so kind to me!”
“Yes, dear girl,” the woman replied, with much sadness in her voice, “but you are looking happier than when I last saw you.”
“Really, Silver Voice, I should be miserable indeed if I had not found a friend,” returned Silvia.
“Ah! dear girl, I know why. You have learned to love your handsome rescuer and friend, the ranger, and he loves you. Forgive me, but I stood in that shrubbery and heard his avowal of love and your reply.”
Silvia’s face flushed with anger.