no 



turned. By his command flie abftained for forae time from gratifying 

 her curiofity by following his fteps upon thefe occaGons. At times when 

 fhe feemed to be alleep, to try her, he would call out, " your bed is on 

 fire". He had obfcrved, and was fatisfied by her obedience. At length 

 ftealing after him unnoticed, flae faw with horror the barriers of the pri- 

 fon removed, and had juft ftrength enough left to regain her place, whea 

 her hufband returned ; he perceived her agitation, he fufpefted the caufe, 

 and with a voice and look of rage, in dark fpeeches infmuated the fatal 

 confequences of difobedience to his commands. She paffed the night 

 fleeplefs, the day relieved her from her conftraint by the accuftomed ab- 

 fence of her hufband. Horror however fo far overpowered her that flic 

 had not courage to (lir abroad. He feigning to go to the chace as ufual, 

 flopped at a fliort diftance from the wigwam, where he continued motion- 

 lefs during the whole day, with his eyes rivetted on the entrance of the 

 cave. Seeing night arrive without any fleps approaching it, he confi- 

 dered his fufpicjons as unfounded ; and returned home at the ufual hour, 

 for the firfl: time announcing an unfuccefsful cliace. His compofed looks 

 befpoke confidence and infpired it, and the next day after a night of re- 

 pofe, he took his accuflomed courfe with his accuftomed phlegm in pur- 

 fuit of his prey. His wife's curiofity now overcame her terror, and 

 Ihe obeyed its fuggeftions by approaching the fpot, where by the glim- 

 mering light of the fire flie had feen her hufljand defcend. As fhe re- 

 moved fome of the loofe bark and leaves, the found of her feet upon 

 the hollow ground, roufed the half torpid fenfes of the fubterraneous 

 inhabitant and drew forth his groans. The voice feemed human ; flie 

 approached nearer, the voice was human. She removed the bark 

 ■which covered the mouth of the cave, and beheld a wretch whom 

 fhe foon recognized for a brother. She learnt his ftory, flie wept 

 over his fuiferings, flie adminiftered to his wants, her converfation like 

 a charm gave him new exiftence, and imparting relief fhe found con- 

 folation even in this cave of darknefs. When evening approached 

 the bark and leaves were replaced, and the feparated wretches 

 now added to their former griefs apprehenfions for each other. The 

 tyrant returned, his fufpicions were not awakened. From day to 



day. 



