Page 136 (1/1)

"I cannot encourage you to place much trust in such tenderness," I confessed sadly "'T is not likely, despite her white face, and certain graces bespeaking knowledge of civilization, she will prove any less a savage than those she governs She would not be here, able to control so wild a brood of wolves, if she were not of their breed in heart; nor do woainst the vote of the tribe I do not trust her, Madarant--as she stood in the sun upon the rock sue with the scent of blood and battle No reat cat she prefers playing with herHas she been here while I slept?"

"No one has visited us excepting the old chief who led the assault; he did nothing but strike the Puritan, who sought speech with him"

She paused a ain, and I read within it the quick determination of her soul

"Geoffrey Benteen, listen What would you do to save her as Eloise Lafrénière fro within the power of aat the heart "I would even drive the saving steel into your heart to keep you unsoiled from the clutch of such foul hands Ay! hard as the taskI performed the will of God as I struck the blow But even for that I am helpless, as I possess no weapon"

I felt her hands touch ainst my flesh

"I thank thee, Father, there is one whom I may trust even unto death," she sobbed prayerfully "Take this knife, Geoffrey Benteen The Indians did not think to search a woman for such weapons of war If the ht else is left, I pray you, as a helpless woman utterly dependent upon your aid, let that sharp point save ony Have I your promise?"

"But--but why not ask this of your husband?" I questioned, shrinking, in spite of hteousness, from the committal of so dreadful a deed

"Surely he would better make answer for the necessity of so desperate a sacrifice"

Her dark eyes never wavered frorasp of mine

"Not because I believe he would refuse, but he is of a te IYou I trust iiven, will be kept to the death; nay, surely this is no time in which to practise deceit with each other, or act parts like e I know you love me even as of old I know this, Geoffrey Benteen, and will abide in my extremity with no other promise than your own"