house.«
    »Arrowhead know - see every thing, and June be kill. June come to tell young
pale face friend, not to tell men. Every warrior watch his own scalp. June
squaw, and tell squaw; no tell men.«
    Mabel was greatly distressed at this declaration of her wild friend, for it
was now evident the young creature understood that her communication was to go
no farther. She was ignorant how far these people considered the point of honor
interested in her keeping the secret, and most of all, was she unable to say how
far any indiscretion of her own might actually commit June, and endanger her
life. All these considerations flashed on her mind, and reflection only rendered
their influence more painful. June, too, manifestly viewed the matter gravely,
for she began to gather up the different little articles she had dropped, in
taking Mabel's hand, and was preparing to depart. To attempt detaining her, was
out of the question, and to part from her, after all she had hazarded to serve
her, was repugnant to all the just and kind feelings of our heroine's nature.
    »June,« she said eagerly, folding her arms around the gentle but uneducated
being, »we are friends. From me you have nothing to fear, for no one shall know
of your visit. If you could give me some signal just before the danger comes,
some sign by which to know when to go into the block-house - how to take care of
myself.«
    June paused, for she had been in earnest in her intention to depart, and
then she said quietly -
    »Bring June pigeon.«
    »A pigeon! Where shall I find a pigeon to bring you?«
    »Next hut - bring old one - June go to canoe.«
    »I think I understand you, June - but had I not better lead you back to the
bushes, lest you meet some of the men?«
    »Go out first - count men - one - two - tree - four - five - six« - here
June held up her fingers and laughed - »All out of way, good - all but one, call
him one side. Then sing, and fetch pigeon.«
    Mabel smiled at the readiness and ingenuity of the girl, and prepared to
execute her requests. At the door, however, she stopped, and looked back
entreatingly at the Indian woman.
    »Is there no hope of your telling me more, June?« she said.
    »Know all now - Block-house good
