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?” J said, pertinaciously. 
“Am I a wild beast?” she answered, taking off 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 ?” 
