Hour after hour wore away; still Rosalind remained at the window. As there was no inclination to sleep, she determined to remain in her position until morning. She knew that it must be far beyond midnight, and at the thought there sprung up a faint hope within her breast. But she was startled by the dismal hoot of an owl. She sprang up, with a beating heart, listening intently and painfully; but no other sound was heard. Trying to smile at her trepidation, she again seated herself and listened; in a moment that cry was repeated, now in an opposite direction from which the first note was heard. Rosalind wondered that the simple circumstance should so affect her; but try as much as she might, she could not shake it off. Again, for a few minutes, she remained trembling with an undefinable fear, when there came another hoot, followed instantly by another, in an opposite direction. She began now to entertain a fearful suspicion. Her first impulse was to awaken her brother, but, after a moment's thought, she concluded to wait a short time. A few more sounds were heard, when they entirely ceased. During this time, Rosalind, although suffering an intense fear, had been gazing vacantly toward the point or clearing nearest the house. As her eyes rested upon the spot, she caught the shadowy outlines of a dark body moving stealthily and noiselessly along upon the ground. Without waiting a moment, she darted to George's room. He had not slept, and in an instant was by her side. "Call Zeb," she exclaimed. "We are surrounded by Indians." Leland disappeared, and in a moment came back with the negro. "Gorra mighty!" said the latter, in a hurried, husky whisper, "where am de cussed niggers? Heigh, Miss Rosa?" "Keep quiet," she replied, "or you will be heard." "Dat's just what I wants to be, and I calkilates I'll be _felt_ too, if dar are any of 'em 'bout." "Stay here a moment," said George, "while I look out. Rosalind, what did you see?" "A body approaching the house from the woods. Be careful and do not expose yourself, George." He made no answer and entered her room, followed by herself and the negro, who remained at a safe distance, while he cautiously approached the window. He had no more than reached it, when Zeb asked: "See noffin'?" This question was repeated perhaps a dozen times without an answer, when the patience of Zeb becoming exhausted, he shuffled to the window and pressed his head forward, exclaiming: "Gorra mighty, whar am dey?" "Hist! there is one now--yes, two of them!" "Whar--whar?" "Keep your mouth shut," interrupted the young man, his vexation causing him to speak louder than he intended. "Heigh! dat's him! Look out!"