In the blood of us all such terrors linger to unman the bravest; and for the moment such fright and panic swept me as I have never known before or since.

I, who have laughed at death even in the hour of torture, sank in deadly agony before that mystery of light and shadow, as if it indeed foreshadowed the wrath of the Great Spirit.
The sobs of Mademoiselle recalled me somewhat to myself, and led me to forget my own terror that I might help to relieve hers.
"I beg you, fear not," I urged, though my voice trembled and my lips were dry.

"Come, Mademoiselle," and I found her hand and clasped it, feeling the touch a positive relief to my unstrung nerves, "look up and see! the cloud is even now breaking asunder, and has already lost much of its form of terror.

Mind not the words of Captain Wells; he has been raised among the Indians, and drunk in their superstitions.

De Croix, arouse yourself, and help me to bring courage to this girl." He drew back from his grip on the palisades, as if, by sheer power of will, he forced his fascinated eyes from the cloud-bank, shivering like a man with an ague fit.
"_Sacre_! did ever human eyes behold so foul a thing!" he cried, his voice shaking, his hand shading his face.