unalloyed by misgivings, that he brooded over the means to accomplish
his purpose.

He dared not communicate it to Peéna. He understood her gentle
nature too well to suppose that, under any circumstances, she could
sympathize with him, even though she felt no sense of obligation to
Holden; and, besides, he distrusted her as one who had abandoned the
faith of her fathers. For, although no Christian in the proper import
of the word, the sweet and purifying influences of Christianity had
not been wholly thrown away upon Peéna. She had many friends in the
neighboring village who had been attracted by her gentle temper and
modesty, conspicuous among whom was Faith Armstrong. Hence, when she
came to the village, as not unfrequently was the case, in order to
sell the berries she had gathered in the fields, or pretty baskets
stained with such lively colors as the simple skill of the Indians
knew how to extract from roots and the bark of trees, it seldom
happened that she returned without having made Faith a visit. On such
occasions the enthusiastic girl would strive to inform her on points
of religion which, to her own mind, were of the highest importance.
Peéna would listen, and never contradict, though, it is probable, she
understood but little of what to Faith's apprehension was clear.

It was impossible, however, not to derive benefit from such meetings.
None could be in the presence of Faith without being influenced by
the atmosphere of goodness in which she moved. And, indeed, that she
herself derived pleasure from the presence of Peéna, was evidence of
the gentle worth of the latter.

No wonder then that Ohquamehud determined to conceal his fell purpose
in his own heart. When, therefore, with the quiet step peculiar to his