Absolutely terrified with the
misgivings of his own heart, he, in the wildness and
unconnectedness of his purpose, now resolved to make the
attempt to return alone, although he knew not even the
situation of the path he had so recently quitted. He had
actually moved a pace forward on his desperate enterprise,
when he felt a band touching the extended arm with which
he groped to find the entrance to his hiding-place. The
unexpected collision sent a cold shudder through his
frame; and such was the excitement to which he had worked
himself up, it was not without difficulty he suppressed
an exclamation, that must inevitably have sealed his
doom. The soft tones of Oucanasta's voice re-assured him.
"The day will soon dawn," she whispered; "the Saganaw
must go."
With the return of hope came the sense of all he owed to
the devotedness of this kind woman. He grasped the hand
that still lingered on his arm, pressed it affectionately
in his own, and then placed it in silence on his throbbing
heart. The breathing of Oucanasta became deeper, and the
young officer fancied he could feel her trembling with
agitation.
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