He saw, accordingly, that any injury to the captive must be accomplished by his own agency; the more so, as he had already endeavoured to excite a feeling of jealousy in Nelatu's mind, of which she and Wacora were the objects. The generous youth not only refused belief, but angrily reproved the slanderer, for daring to couple his cousin's name with an act so unworthy! When a person resolves upon mischief it is astonishing how many opportunities present themselves. Alice, although unsuspicious of the enmity of which she was the object, avoided Maracota. She did so from a different motive. She knew that it was he who had fired the fatal shot at her brother, and could not help regarding the act with abhorrence. His sister, how could she? And, as his sister, how could she look upon his executioner without repugnance--more than repugnance--with horror? The exigencies of the war had kept Maracota away from the town, and for long periods; but the same causes that brought Wacora back, also controlled his return. He felt that now, if ever, was the time to carry out his schemes of malignity. He accordingly watched her every movement; amongst others, the many lonely visits she paid to the ruined fort. There was the opportunity he wanted, if he could only find the means to avail himself of it. In a community of red men, where everything is reduced, even in times of a temporary peace, to dull routine, it was not difficult to devise a plan of revenge. But it must be unnoticed, or go unpunished, for he had a wholesome dread of Wacora's displeasure, and was not disposed to incur it. Some days had elapsed since the interview described between the chief and his captive, during which time they had seen nothing of each other. Wacora, with great delicacy, had avoided her, and she had kept herself within the dwelling assigned to her, afraid to meet him, yet pondering deeply over what he had said. In spite of a natural prejudice against the Indian race, she was startled and wonder-stricken at the nobility of thought and rare talent he had exhibited. She did not doubt but that a portion, at least, of his argument was based on false reasoning, but she was not subtle enough, or perhaps indisposed, to detect the erroneous argument. We are very apt to acknowledge the truth of what we admire, whilst admitting its errors. Alice Rody was in this predicament. She had learned to respect the Indian chief, and her respect was tinged with admiration of his good qualities. This mental ratiocination had occupied her during the days of her seclusion. She endeavoured to divert her mind to other subjects, and to this end determined to pay another visit to the old fort. She was prompted to it by a thought of having too long forgotten the Indian maiden who slept within the ruins. It was a glorious morning as she set forth for a walk to the place.