the trees so close as you advance, that you will find that 'dim
religious light' whereof the gifted poet writes."

'"Oh, if you are not afraid, Mr. Jonas, why should I be?" and this
poor unsuspecting dove followed the monster toward the snare.

'I will not harrow your feelings by describing the bewilderment,
horror and despair that fell upon that beautiful maid when the naked,
odious, hellish truth was put before her. The Reverend Mr. Jonas, of
course, claimed her as his prey; and no one gainsayed his right. Ah,
it was very horrible. A week later, through some means or another,
the poor girl made her escape from the den, but the old woman and
Silent Poll speedily followed. A short way from the road they
overtook her; and when the fugitive saw the wretches she screamed
murder, and appealed for help. But her cries were soon ended; for the
old woman knocked her senseless with a club; and the two together
accomplished the murder. That night she was buried beneath the roots
of a great pine tree; and I often go there and sit and think; and
watch the violets that I planted upon her grave.'

When the girl ended there was a speechless horror in our hero's
face; and two or three times tears glistened in the eyes of Nancy as
she hurried through with the horrible recital.

'I do not understand what motive the chief could have had this
morning in tolerating your rebellious attitude. Nobody has ever dared
to cross him except Joe, who once or twice while intoxicated forgot
himself. But he is too good a man to put aside. I am sure that the
chief must have made up his mind that you shall aid him in some
desperate enterprise which he has in mind. He speaks much of some