"Ah!" said she, returning once more within the tent, "I fear they will be too late. The red post is only just now erected; and the war-dance may last for an hour. It is a useless ceremony--only a superstition. The chief himself does not believe in it; but his braves will not go to battle without performing it. Hark! they are commencing the chaunt!" I caught the low monotone of many voices, gradually rising and swelling into a prolonged chorus. At intervals, one was heard speaking in solo: as if proclaiming some distinguished deed, to incite the warriors to emulation. Then followed a clangour of yells, and loud whoops, breathing menace and revenge. "It is the war-song that accompanies their dance," added she. "You may rest till it is finished. Then you must be ready: they will ride off as soon as the ceremony is over." She flung herself on one of the buffalo-robes that covered the floor of the tent; and half seated, half reclining, appeared to reflect. The attitude displayed a feminine form of magnificent outlines; and with a face dazzlingly beautiful, this singular woman presented a picture something more than attractive. "Wa-ka-ra must love her?" thought I. As I made this reflection, I again observed the melancholy expression upon her countenance; and once more the resemblance to her of whom I was thinking! My interest in the beautiful huntress was every moment augmenting. I felt an indescribable yearning to hear the story of her misfortunes: for in no other light could I regard the situation in which I had found her. "You have promised to tell me of yourself?" said I, reminding her of what she had said. "I shall keep my promise--upon the condition, of which I have forewarned you." "Name it then--if not impossible, I am ready to accept it." "It is not impossible--though it may tax your generosity more than you expect. You have said that you intend returning to the States. _Will you take me with, you_?" A start must have betrayed my astonishment at the unexpected request. "Willingly," I replied; "but now--I fear--it is impossible." "Your journey is not ended? Is that what you mean?" "Alas! I know not when or where it may end." "That is strange! But you intend to go back some time? Till then, let me be your travelling companion?" The proposal left me for the moment without a word to say. "Oh, do not refuse me!" continued she, in an appealing tone; "I will wait upon you; I will hunt for you--anything, but longer I cannot stay here. With all their kindness--and they have been kind, in their own rude fashion--I cannot remain. I long for the society of civilised beings. O stranger! I cannot tell you how I long to see!"--She hesitated. "Whom?" I asked in expectation of hearing a name. "A sister--a sweet gentle sister, who loved me as her own life--whom I loved more than my life. Oh! not till we were parted knew I the strength of that love." "How long since you have seen this sister?"