Certainly the spectacle was enough to excite the suspicions of a less jealous lover--if not to justify them. Both the equestrians had halted at a distant part of the plain. They were not so distant, but that their attitudes could be observed. They still remained on horseback; but the horses were side by side, and so near each other, that the bodies of their riders appeared almost touching. The head of the chief was bent forward and downward; while his hand appeared extended outward, as if holding that of the huntress! It was a fearful tableau for a lover to contemplate--even at a distance; and the white lips, clenched teeth, and quick irregular beating of Wingrove's heart--perfectly audible to me as I stood beside him--told with what terrible emotions the sight was inspiring him. I was myself puzzled at the attitude of the Utah chief--as well as the silent complaisance with which his attentions appeared to be received. It certainly had the seeming of gallantry--though I was loth to believe in its reality. In truth I could not give credence to such a thought. It was not human nature--not even woman's--to play false in such _sans facon_. The appearance must certainly be a deception? I was endeavouring to conjecture an explanation, when a moving object attracted my attention. It was a horseman who appeared upon the plain, beyond where the huntress and the chief had halted. To our eyes, he was nearly in a line with them--approaching down the valley from the upper canon--out of which he had evidently issued. He was still at a considerable distance from the other two; but it could be seen that he was coming on at full gallop and straight towards them. In a few moments, he would be up to where they stood. I watched this horseman with interest. I was in hopes he would keep on his course, and interrupt the scene that was annoying myself, and torturing my companion. I was not disappointed in the hope. The hurrying horseman rode straight on; and, having arrived within a few paces of the ground occupied by the others, drew his horse to a halt. At the same instant, the Utah chief was seen to separate from his companion; and riding up to the stranger, appeared to enter into conversation with him.