The group had passed on, and a single nod of the head and a doubtful smile, on her part, concluded the brief dialogue we have just narrated.

The youth was puzzled to understand the significant warnings, which, from time to time, she had given him.

He felt unconscious of any foe in particular, and though at that time sojourning with a people in whom he could repose but little confidence, he yet saw no reason to apprehend any danger.

If her manner and words had reference simply to the general lawlessness of the settlement, the precaution evidently conveyed no compliment to his own capacities for observation.

Whatever might have been her motive, the youth felt its kindness; and she rose not a little in his esteem, when he reflected with how much dignity and ladylike propriety she had given, to a comparative stranger, the counsel which she evidently thought necessary to his well-being.