172 WILD SPOETS IN THE SOUTH. 



her with his spear, but she seized his arm, and, bringing 

 her face close to his, he recognized Yahchilane. 



"A moment's pause followed this strange interview. 

 She seemed to be studying him ; and he Avas wondering 

 at her. Had she attempted force, he would have called ; 

 but her pleading look kept him silent. A little of the 

 old love seemed softening his eye, and the touch of her 

 hand thrilled his arm. 



" ' Chatte Echo, you have my husband here, let him 

 go.' Her voice was low and inquiring. 



" *• Sooner a wild cat when I had my arrow drawn to 

 shoot,' rephed the warrior, in a bitter tone. 



" ' He shall flee us, and will trouble you no more.' 



" ' He can trouble me no more than a few hours if he 



" ' You refuse me this, and you Avill be my enemy.' 



" ' I am your enemy now,' said the warrior, gloomily. 



" ' No, Chatte Echo ; you are my friend,' wliispered 

 the Indian woman, in her lowest tone, laying her arm on 

 his shoulder. 



" The chief's voice trembled, as he replied : * Where 

 will be your friendship when you get your lover back?' 



" ' Ha ! he is no lover to me !> said the woman, in her 

 quick, fierce mood. * Listen boy ! that brave is a wolf — 

 yet he must not die — I do not love him — he is no more 

 of mine — let him go, and he will flee, and — Chatte Echo, 

 I i\dll love you. Refuse me this, and I will hate you. 

 No one will know it — ^he A\ill take that canoe and go 

 without a trace, and the dawn will find him leagues away. 



