females sat, and, as if speaking of the game the dog had found, took up one of the fire sticks, with the apparent intention of smoking it out. On seeing this, Maria whispered in her companion's ear, when the latter sprung up instantly, and approached the shell, which the dog was still tearing at.
This was the opportunity for the pent-up prisoner to make his presence known, as the native was now returning with the fire-brand; placing his lips to the crack, he had only time to whisper, "Bella, dear, if that be you, save Charlie Stuart, or we both shall be lost." With wonderful self-possession and presence of mind, she turned round, and in a tone which bespoke gentleness and persuasion, arrested the savage in his intention. The meaning of the petition Charlie could not understand, but the voice was unmistakably that of Bella, and whatever was the purport of her supplication, it had sufficient influence over the savage, as he instantly yielded possession of the weapon, which she carried back to the fire at the same time calling Bran to her side, and also coaxing the savage to follow the example. On returning to the fire, she invited him to seat himself between her and Maria, when both females engaged his attention, thus warding off the terrible fate which threatened Charlie in his cell. But, alas! these hopes were but of short duration, for he had hardly time to feel thankful for his deliverance, when another of the tribe, who had evidently been an eye-witness to the scene, thought he might perhaps secure the game in a quieter manner, by climbing up to the top of the stump, and harpoon it with his spear. Just as he gained the top the mysterious whistle rang a second time through the air, with a strange and piercing shrillness, and which for a few seconds arrested the savage's attention. During this interval Charlie had time to raise his rifle to his shoulder, and when the savage was in the act of setting his feet on each side of the stump, so that he could properly use his spear, he fired.
The unexpected and loud explosion from within the shell, and the death-yell of the savage as he fell backwards on the ground, made an awful and unearthly
