Marion was on her knees beside the old councilor.
Nathaniel hurried ahead of the lieutenant and his men.

The girl glanced up at him and his heart filled with dread at the terror in her eyes.
"Is he dead ?" "No--but--" Her voice trembled with tears.
Nathaniel did not let her finish.

Gently he raised her to her feet as the lieutenant came up.
"You must go to the cabin, sweetheart," he whispered.
Even in this moment of excitement and death his great love drove all else from his eyes, and the blood surged into Marion's pale cheeks as she tremblingly gave him her hand.

He led her to the door, and held her for a moment in his arms.
"Strang is dead," he said softly.

In a few words he told her what had happened and turned back to the door, leaving her speechless.
"If he is dying--you will tell me--" she called after him.
"Yes, yes, I will tell you." He ran back into the opening.
The lieutenant had doubled his coat under Obadiah's head and his face was pale as he looked up at Nathaniel.