296 WILD SCENES AND WILD HUNTERS. 



Power as a fixed expression of abasement, with all the broken, 

 jagged wrecks left obtrusive, sticking here and there and 

 everywhere, just as they had been hurled in the rash rebellion 

 that had provoked it. 



What a scene of desolation for a dreaming man to awake to 

 realize ? I had risen from a blanket ! It seemed as if I must 

 have gone to sleep quite considerately ! — there were evidences 

 about me of my having partaken of food, — the proof was in 

 the vigor that I felt in spite of my lameness ! and then the 

 ■whole terrible scene of the storm came back to me as I brushed 

 my forehead impetuously with my hand. Ha ! ha ! — I have 

 it all! — That woman! I turned my head, and there stood 

 the strange figure, leaning on her rifle, within ten feet of me, 

 chuckling inwardly at my bewilderment, with that same cool 

 smile ! 



"Young man, are you ready now?" she asked, suddenly. 

 I was still somewhat bewildered, and answered, " Ready for 

 what?" 



"To go with me !" was the abrupt reply. 



" But go where ? What would you have me to do ? Who are 

 you? Are you man or woman?" 



" What is that to you, childish boy ? Your questions are 

 foolish. I have saved your life and wish to preserve it far- 

 ther ; you can never get out of this wilderness in your present 

 condition. I will take you home with me until you are re- 

 covered sufficiently." 



"But, have you a home?" I said, pertinaciously. 



"Am I a wild beast?" she answered, taking oflf the strange 

 head-dress, and showing a pure white brow, the feminine lines 

 of which contrasted curiously with the dark, seamed bronze 

 beneath. She smiled, I thought a little proudly, as she re- 

 placed it, and advanced towards my horse for the purpose of 

 equipping him, which was done with perfect dexterity. She 

 then led him to my side. 



"Now, boy, will you mount ?" 



