While the two women were sitting together, talking over the matter, and endeavoring to comfort each other, Hellena noticing the plain gold ring on the finger of Lightfoot, that had been placed there by Captain Flint during her quarrel with the Indian, asked to be allowed to look at it. On examining the ring, she at once recognized it as the one worn by her lost lover. Her suspicions in regard to Flint were now fully confirmed. She was satisfied that he was in some way concerned in the sudden disappearance of the missing man. Could it be possible that he had been put out of the way by this villain, who, for some reason unknown to any but himself, was now desirous of disposing of her also? The thought filled her with horror. That night the two women retired to rest as usual. It was a long time before sleep came to their relief. But it came at last. The clock which the pirates had hung in the cave, struck twelve, when Hellena started from her slumber with a suppressed cry, for the figure she had seen in the vision many nights ago, stood bending over her! But now it looked more like a being of real flesh and blood, than a spectre. And when it spoke to her, saying, "has the little paleface maiden forgotten; no, no!" she recognized in the intruder, her old friend the Indian chief, Fire Cloud. Hellena, the feelings of childhood returning, sprang up, and throwing her arms around the old chief, exclaimed: "Save me, no, no, save me!" Lightfoot was by this time awake also, and on her feet. To her the appearance of the chief seemed a matter of no surprise. Not that she had expected anything of the kind, but she looked upon the cave as a place of enchantment, and she believed that the spirits having it in charge, could cause the walls to open and close again at pleasure. And she recognized Fire Cloud as one of the chiefs of her own tribe. He was also a descendant of one of its priests, and was acquainted with all the mysteries of the cavern. He told the prisoners that he had come to set them at liberty, and bade them follow. They had got everything for their departure, when they observed for the first time that Black Bill was missing. They could not think of going without him, leaving him there to perish, but the cavern was searched for him in vain. His name was called to no better purpose, till they were at last compelled to go without him, the chief promising to return and make another search for him, all of which was heard by the negro from his hiding place under the pile of skins as related in the preceding chapter.