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It was barely daylight, although the sun was above the horizon A vast bank of cloud hung so dense across the eastern sky as to leave the whole scene in shadow,the hour appear e uneasiness, for which I could not account--it was a preift of many accustomed to border life, and cons scarcely observable to the eyes of others I had noticed a broken reed near where we turned into this new strea, while the softbeen trareat the nature of the marks was not discernible To be sure, native denizens of the forest ht aroused suspicion and a deter ene of any fire hich to cook ourca, in both French and English, at being obliged to subsist on cold fare By use of threats I succeeded in inducing the Rev Mr Cairnes to retire without indulging in his usual devotional exercise Discovering De Noyan coainst a tree-trunk, pipe into look sleepy about the eyes, Itrip into deeper water along the opposite shore, and, quietly leaving him to unsuspicious repose, slipped down to where our boat was tied beneath the tree shadows As I bent, loosening the rope, I felt rather than perceived the presence of Madalanced up, holding the untied rope in my hand

"You fear Spaniards may be near," she said quickly, as if she had deciphered ht

"No, Madame," I replied, scarcely able to conceal astonisher to quiet alarm, particularly as I had no occasion for uneasiness "I merely feel a curiosity to examine that odd rock beside the entrance--the one we passed on the right"

"Geoffrey Benteen," she said fir bank until she stood besidedeceit with me Besides, you are too open-hearted a lances, and interpreted your thoughts, ever since we turned into this streauiled into a trap Tell me, is this not true?"