She slipped the knot of her shoe-laces and pretended great care in the tying thereof as a bunch of Indians came out of the woods above and down through the mud.

Three or four bucks led the way, followed by many squaws, all bending in the head-straps to the heavy packs.

Behind came the children burdened according to their years, and in the rear half a dozen dogs, tongues lagging out and dragging forward painfully under their several loads.
The men glanced at her sideways, and one of them said something in an undertone.

Frona could not hear, but the snicker which went down the line brought the flush of shame to her brow and told her more forcibly than could the words.

Her face was hot, for she sat disgraced in her own sight; but she gave no sign.