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©fontcntjs.
CHAPTER I.
OUR HABITATION IN THE FOREST MY SHAKE OK THE SPOILS OF THE DAY'8
CHASE — UNCLE MAKK COMMENCES HIS NARRATIVE — WHY MY UNCLES
DECIDE TO EMIGRATE — LANDING IN SAFETY, THEY START UP COUNTRY
— THEIR MEETING WITH SIMON YEARSLEY, AN OLD SETTLER — THE
SETTLEMENT IS FOUND IN RUINS — LILY AND I RESCUED — UNCLK MARK
PROMISES TO RESUME HIS NARRATIVE ON THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY —
MY LOVE OF NATURAL HISTORY — UNCLE MARK CONTINUES HIS NARRA-
TIVE — YEARSLEY GOES IN PURSUIT OF THE INDIANS— THE BURIAL OF
lily's MOTHER — THE RETURN TO THE WAGGON — THEY REACH THE
NEAREST SETTLEMENT — ALARM OF THE SETTLERS UPON HEARING OF THE
OUTRAGE COMMITTED BY THE INDIANS — UNCLE STEPHEN'S MARRIAGE
— CONCLUSION OF UNCLE MARK'S NARRATIVE — LILY AND I GO BERRYING
— WE ARE ATTACKED BY A WOLF — KEPENAU SAVES OUR LIVES — HIS
PRESENT OF VENISON TO AUNT HANNAH — KEPENAU'S BELIEF IN THE
GOODNESS OF THE GREAT SPIRIT — THE INDIAN'S ADVICF. 11-40
CHAPTER II.
OREENFORD SETTLEMENT — THE FLYING SQUIRRELS — MIKE LAFFAN AND TOM
QUAMBO — THEIR DOGS, YELP AND SNAP — A RACCOON-HUNT— MIKE HAV-
ING SEEN A BEAR, WE GO IN CHASE OUR DOGS SCENT BRUIN — QUAMBO
IN DANGER — THE BEAR IS KILLED, AND QUAMBO RELEASED — WE RETURN
TO THE HUT — THE LOGGING BEE — UNCLE STEPHEN'S HOUSE — INDIAN
SUMMER MIKE LAFFAN'S CREMONA — THE NIGHT ATTACK OF THE
WOLVES — WE DETERMINE TO GO LUMBERING FOR THE WINTER — MIKE
AND I GO ON AHEAD— UNCLE MARK IS AXTACKBD BY A WOLF-— MIKE
8A VES HIM, AND WE PROCEED ONWARDS 41-71
CHAPTER III.
KEPENAU'S TIMELY APPEARANCE — WE VISIT KEPP.-
A TERRIFIC SNOWSTORM
NAU'S CAMP — HIS HOSPITALITY — AN INDIAN'S DREAD OF THE
FIRS
Vlll
CONTENTS.
WATER" — WK BID ADIK0 TO OUR INDIAN FRIENDS— OUR ARRIVAL AT
THK LOOOINO ENCAMPMENT— JACQUES MICIIAUD TAKES A FANCY TO
MIKE — JACQUE's raft STORV — MY UNCLE AND 1 START ON OUR RETURN
— WE ARE ATTACKED BY A FIERCE PACK OF WOLVES, AND ARE SAVED
BY KEPENAU AND HIS MEN — MIKE LAFFAN IN A DIFFICULTY — WE RESCUE
HIM — A8HATEA, KKPENAU'S DAUGHTER — MY VISIT TO LILY— MR. AND
MRS. CLAXTON — DORA AND REUBEN — REUBEN VISITS OUR HUT— THE
MARTEN AND PORCUPINE — AN OPOSSUM-HUNT TZ-110
CHAPTER IV.
UNCLE mark's GOOD OPINION OF REUBEN — MIKE LAFFAN'S FIDDLE — THE
BEAVER — Reuben's desire to turn trapper — quambo takes a pipe
— KEPENAU'S canoe — ASUATEA paddles REUBEN HOME — KEPENAU'S
SAGACITY — UNCLE MARK WELCOMES KEPENAU AND HIS DAUOHTER —
THE OLD TRAPPER — REUBEN CARRIES SAMSON'S PACK— ASHATEA IS
TAUGHT ENGLISH BY LILY AND DORA — MARTIN GODFREY'S VISIT TO THE
SETTLEMENT — KEPENAU AND ASIIATEA'S DEPARTURE — SANDY m'cOLL,
TH E IIALF-BREED — > VISIT TO KEPENAU — PORTAGING 111-151
CHAPTER V.
AN INTRUDER — WE ARRIVE AT KEPENAU'S CAMP — ASHATEA INQUIRES KINDLY
AFTER LILY AND DORA — DEER-HUNTING — THE STRANGE INDIANS — KEPE-
NAU'S PRECAUTIONS — MIKE AMUSES THE CAMP WITH HIS FIDDLE — OJR
FAREWELL — KAKAIK's ADVICE WITH REGARD TO RAPID-SHOOTING — THE
TREACHEROUS INDIAN ON SHORE — MIKE AND I PADDLE DESPERATELY —
THE OANOE IS UPSET — CARRIED DOWN THE STREAM — A NATURAL PLACE
OF CONCEALMENT IN A HOLLOW TRUNK — MY TERROR ON PERCEIVING
THE INDIANS — FORCED BY HUNGER TO LEAVE MY CONCEALMENT, I A»I
TAKEN PRISONER BY FOUR INDIANS 162-1S3
CHAPTER VI.
MY INDIAN CAPTORS COMMENCE THEIR HOMEWARD JOURNEY — ARRIVAL AT
THE CAMP — AGUSKOOAUT THE CHIEF — HIS KINDNESS TO ME — MY
ASTONISHMENT ON SEEING MIKE A PRISONER — HIS LUDICROUS FIDDLING —
HIS COMICAL ACCOUNT OF HIS CAPTURE — RETURN OF THE WARRIORS FROM
THE WAR-PATH — MIKE AND I JOIN THE BUFFALO-HUNTERS — THE HERD —
EXCITING SPORT — THE BISON — ITS IMPORTANCE TO THE INDIANS — MY
HOPE OF ESCAPE — I AM IN GREAT DANGER FROM THE HERD — MIKE
RESCUES ME— OUR RETURN TO CAMP 184- 'J20
CHAPTER VII.
hike's PRECAUTION — WE AGAIN GO BUFFALO-HUNTING — THE PRAIRIE ON FIRK
— A RIDE FOR LIFE — OUR ESCAPE FROM THE FIRE AND THE INDIANS —
\
CONTENTS.
IX
IKIBULINU HOUSES — THK KIRK 18 HTOPPBD BY THK RIVBB— A BRIRr HLEE1>
— OUR FI8HINO TACKLE — MIKE CATCHES A CAT-ri8H — OUR LEAN-TO—
BIIKB L08E8 BIB HOOK — THE VISIT OF BRUIN — A HEARTY MEAL — DEATH
OF hike's horse— 1 AM TAKEN SICK — MIKE'S CAREFUL WATCH — MY HOR8E
18 DROWNED — OUR VISIT TO THE RICE LAKE — WS FIND LILY AND DORA
THERE, WITH A8HATEA, IN A CANOE, OATHERINQ RICE — L1LY'8 ACCOUNT
UF MANILICK, THE YOUNU CHIEF, ASQATBA's LOVER— KBPENAU'a ADDRESS
— AGAIN TAKEN ILL — HOW I RECOVER 221-257
CHAPTER VIII.
UNOLB mark's CANOE— OUR START FOR HOME — THE RATTLESNAKES — MIKE
LONOS FOR HIS FIDDLE — OUR NIGHT ENCAMPMENT — JACQUES LEROCQUK'S
FISHING JOKE— MIKE'S TERROR AT THE SUPPOSED INDIAN AMBUSCADE
— THE PHANTOM BEAR — OUR ARRIVAL AT HOME— KAKAIK AND THE
FIDDLE — hike's DELIGHT KEPENAU'S SECOND VISIT — REUBEN's
CHAGRIN — MR. SIMON SPARK'S ADVENT — HIS GLOWING DESCRIPTION OF
THE FAR NORTH-WEST — THE FOREST ON FIRE — OUR HUT DESTROYED —
OUR ESCAPE 258-288
CHAPTER IX.
THE SETTLERS DETERMINE TO ACCEPT MR. SPARKS* OFFERS — LILY's SORROW
AT LEAVING THE OLD SETTLEMENT — MODE OF ADVANCE — SABBATH OBSERV-
ANCE ON THE MARCH — WE ARE LEFT BEHIND, IN CONSEQUENCE OF OUR
WAGGON BREAKING DOWN — OUR GREAT WANT OF WATER — A DANGER-
OU8 DESCENT — THE HORRID SPECTACLE OF THE WOLVES — OUR OXEN
FLAGGING, 1 PROCEED FORWARD ALONE IN THE DIRECTION OF A FIRE IN
THE DISTANCE — MY JOY UPON DISCOVERING OUR FRIENDS — REUBEN
OFFERS TO ACCOMPANY ME BACK — WE GET LOST — FAITHFUL HIKE FINDS
US — STRANGE HORSEMEN — MIKE, REUBEN, AND I TAKEN PRISONERS BY
THE SIOUX 280-319
FIRB
lNS —
CHAPTER X.
MY SPRAINED ANKLE — MIKE'S DEVOTION — REUBEN BROUGHT TO THE CAMP —
THE INDIANS BIND US TO TREES — THE DEBATE ON OUR FATE — I AM
RELEASED BY SANDY m'cOLL — OLD SAMSON AGAIN THE SECRET CAVERN
— SAMSON IS VERY KIND AND ATTENTIVE TO ME — HIS CLOSE ATTENTION
TO MY ACCOUNT OF THE BURNING OF THK SETTLEMENT, AND THE
RESCUE OF LILY AND I WHEN CHILDREN — I RECOVER, AND SAMSON
AND I LEAVB THE CAVERN TO RECONNOITRE — THE INDIAN MASSACRE
— SANDY, REUBEN, AND MIKE ARE HOTLT PURSUED — OUR FORTRESS
BESIEGED — WE HOLD OUT, AND BEAT OFF OUR BESIEGERS — OUR STA.RT
—THE KLK 820-352
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XI.
SAMSON's advice about liUFFALO-HUNTlNO— I SEE BUFFALO IN THE D18-
TANCE — OVERTAKEN BY A TERRIFIC STORM BENIOIITED ON THE PLAIN —
BUNOER-8TRICKEN, I ALLOW MY HORSE TO TAKE HIS OWN WAY— I SWOON
AWAY — THE SPANIARDS FIND ME — PABLO, THE COOK — THE PRAIRIE ON
riHB — INDIANS APPROACHINO, I DASH THROUQII THE FLAMES— MY POOR
HORSE 18 FRTQHTFULLY SCORCHED — THE WOLVES IV PLllSUIT — I TAKE
REFUOB IN A TREE — MY HORSE IS DEVOURED BY THE WOLVES — THE
WOLVES DEPART IN CHASE OF BUFFALO — I DESCEND, AND EAT THE
LOATHSOME WOLF-FLESH IN MY HUNGER — LiaHTINO A FIRE, I CAMP FOR
THE NIOHT — SHOOTING A BEAVER 355-375
CHAPTER XII.
I FIND POOR PABLO, AND ASSIST HIM — BOASTED SQUIRREL — PABLo's REASON
FOR DESIRING TO JOIN THE ENGLISH — WE STALK A BUFFALO — PABLO's
TERROR AT THE APPROACH OP INDIANS — MY SURPRISE AT BEING WEL-
COMED BY HANILICK — MIKE's JOY AT SEEING ME ALIVE — WE AGAIN
START IN THE DIRECTION OF THE WAGGON-TRAIN — OLD SAMSON, REUBEN,
AND SANDY NEARLY ROASTED ALIVE BY THE APACHES — QUAMBo'S CARE
OF "dK fiddle" — lily's RELATIONSHIP TO OLD SAMSON— KEPENAU
AND MANILICK — CONCLUSION 37U-393
Ri
Til
inI
ai$t of i^llustrations.
-♦♦-
OUR CABIN IN THE WOODS
' " •• . .
ROOEn AT WORK,
' * • • • •
AM UNWELCOME VISITOll.
• • • •
THE KIXO OF THE FOREST
' ■ • • • . .
I.V THE POUEST.
•• • • ..
NQUIRKELS CROSSING A STREAM
f • • , ,
A UACCOON-HUNT BY NIGHT
' " • • ..
OARRTING HOME THE PRIZE
> •• •. , ,
VISITED BY WOLVES,
• • • •
LUMBERERS AT WORK,
IN PURSUIT, ..
CHARMING THE WOLVES,
FIGHT BETWEEN A MARTEN AND A PORCUPINE, W
OPOSSUM-HUNTING,
A BEAVER DAM,
BEAVER HOUSES,
DESCENDING THE RAPIDS,
SAMSON AND SANDY STARTING ON THEIR EXPEDITION,
MAKING A PORTAGE, ..
THE DEER AT BAY,
DEER-HUNTING ON THE LAKE,
SETTING OUT FROM THE SETTLEMENT, .. [[
REUBEN IN DANGER, ..
THE DISCOVERY OF THE FOOTPRINTS,
INDIANS AT HOME.
THE chief's INTERCESSION,
KRO]
VTISPIECK
••
23
••
3,i
••
37
..
43
* • •
47
••
61
..
57
• • «
C5
..
79
• • ,
89
..
05
••
103
..
107
••
117
••
121
••
127
••
145
••
149
••
157
•
ICl
•
107
•
171
•
179
•
191
• •
201
Xll
LIST OF ILLUSTIIATIONS.
BUrrALO 0R08BIN0 A RIVER,
A BU/KALO-HUNT,
THK WARNING,
A RACE FOR LIFE,
KEPENAU PRKACIIINO TO THE INUIANH, ..
CROSSINQ THE LAKE, ..
FI8UINO UNDER DIFFICULTIES, ..
THE LAND AUENT,
TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES,
A DREADFUL SCENE, ..
TUE EMIORANT-TRAIN ATTACKED BY INDIANS,
ON THE WATCH,
A TRMPTINO PRIZE,
THE FAITHFUL BTKED, ..
AT KBPENAU'a CAMP, ..
207
213
223
227
253
201
209
281
20&
301
315
337
353
301
385
IN THE FOREST.
CHAPTER I.
OUK HABITATION IN TIIK FOXIEST — MY 811 AUE OF THE SPOILS OF THK I)A\'8
CUASK — UNCLE MAIIK COMMENCES ICIH NAKUATIVE— WU Y MY UNCLES
DECIDE TO EMIORATE— LANDIN(» IN SAFETY, THEY START UP COUNTRY
— TIIEIR MEETINU WITH HIMON YEAHSLEY, AN OLD SETTLER — THE
SETTLEMENT 18 FOUND IN RUINS — LILY AND I RESCUED — UNCLE MARK
PROMISES TO RESl ME HIS NARRATIVE ON THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY —
MY LOVE OF NATURAL HISTORY — UNCLE HARK CONTINUES HIS NARRA-
TIVE — YEAJISLEY GOES IN PURSUIT OF THE INDIANS— THE BURIAL OF
lily's MOTHER — THE RETURN TO THE WAOOON — THEY REACH THE
NEAREST SETTLEMENT — ALARM OF THK HETTLEl. ■} UPON HEARING OF THK
OUTRAGE COMMITTED BY THE INDIANS — UNCLE STEPHEN'S MARRIAGE
— CONCLUSION OF UNCLE MARK'S NARRATIVE — LILY AND I GO BERRYIXO
— WE ARE ATTACKED BY A WOLF — KEPENAU SAVES OUR LIVES — HIS
PRKSEKT OF VENISON TO AUNT HANNAH — KEPENAU'S BELIEF IN THE
GOODNESS OF THE GREAT SPIRIT — THE INDIAN'S ADVICE.
'S Lily not Uncle Stephen's daughter, then ? "
I asked.
The question was put to my uncle, Mark
Tregellis, whom I found seated in front of
our hut as I returned one evening from a
hunting excursion — it having been my duty that day
to go out in search of game for our larder. Uncle
Mark had just come in from his day's work, which
had been that of felling the tall trees surrounding our
12
OUR FOREST-HOME.
habitation. He and I together had cleared an acre
and a hall" since we came to our new location.
It was a wild region in which we had fixed our-
selves. Dark forests were on every rside of us. To
the north and the east was the great chain of lakes
which extend a third of the way across North
America. Numberless mountain-ranges rose in the
distance, with intervening heights, — some rugged
and precipitous, others clothed to their summits
with vegetation. Numerous rivers and streams ran
througli the country; one of which, on whose banks
we purposed building our future abode, passed close
to our hut; Besides the features I have described,
there were waterfalls and I'apids, deep valleys and
narrow gorges penetrating amid the hills ; while to
the south-west could be seen, from the higher ground
near us, the wide prairie, extending away far beyond
human ken. Wild indeed it was, for not a single
habitation of white men was to be found to the west-
ward ; and on the other side, beyond the newl}-
formed settlement in Avhich Uncle Stephen resided,
but few cottages or huts of the hardy pioneers of
civilization, — and these scattered only here and there,
— existed for a hundred miles or more.
Uncle Mark, having lighted the fire and put the
pot on to boil, had thrown himself down on the
ground in front of the hut, with his back to the wall,
and was busy contemplating the dark pines which
towered up before him, and calculating how long it
would take, with his sharp axe^ to fell them.
I had brought home a haunch of venison as my
UNCLE MARK .S NARRATIVE.
13
sliare of the spoils of the chase (in which I had joined
Uncle Stephen) ; and it was in consequence of a
remark made by him while we were out liunting, that
I liad somewdiat eagerly asked at Uncle Mai'k the
question with which this story opens.
" No ; Lily is not Stephen's daughter, — nor even
related to him," he answered. "But we will cut
some steaks off that haunch and broil them ; and
while we are discussing our su}»per, T will tell you all
about the matter."
Tlie slices of venison, and flour-cakes bjiked on the
fire, were soon ready ; and seated at the door of our
hut, with a fire burning Ijefore us to keep off the
mosquitoes, we commenced oui* repast, when I re-
minded my uncle of his promise.
" It is a good many years ago, but even now it is
jiainful to think of those days," he began. " We came
from Cornwall, in the 'old country,' where your
Uncle Stephen, your mother, and I were born. She
had married your father, Michael Penrose, however,
and had emigrated to America, when we were mere
boys; and we were just out of our apprenticeship
(Stephen as a blacksmith and I as a carpenter) when
we received a letter from your father and mother
invitinjj us to join them in America, and s'ttinjj: forth
the advantages to be oljtained in the new country.
We were not long in making up our minds to accept
the invitation; and in the spring of the next year we
crossed the sea, with well nigh three hundred other
emigrants, — some going out to relatives and friends,
others bent on seekincj their fortunes, trustin'^ alone
u
A JOURNEY UP COUNTRY.
to their own strong arms and determined will for
success.
" We found, on landing, that we had a journey of
some hundred miles before us; part of which could
be performed in boats up the rivers, but the greater
portion was along 'corduroy' roads, through dark
forests, and over mountains and plains. Our brother-
in-law, a bold, determined person, had turned back-
woodsman, f^nd, uniting himself with a party of
hardy fellows of similar tastes, had pushed on in
advance of the old settlers, fnr to the westward, in
spite of the difficulties of obtaining stores and pro-
visions, and the dangers they knew they must en-
counter from hostile Indians whose territories they
were invading. We did not, however, think much
of these things, and liked the idea of being ahead, as
it seemed to us, of others. The forest was before us.
We were to win our way through it, and establish a
home for ourselves and our families.
" We had been travelling on for a couple of weeks
or so, following the directions your father had given
us in order to find his new location, but greatly in
doubt as to whether we were going right, when we
were fortunate enough to fall in with a settler
who knew him, and who was returninjj with a waof-
gon and team. He readily undertook to be our
guide, glad to have our assistance in making way
through the forest. We provided ourselves with
crowbars to lift the waggon out of the ruts and holes
and up the steep ascents ; for we had left the
' corduroy ' roads — or, indeed, any road at all — fixr
in
01
ca
I
TirUOUtill 'llli: FOllKST.
15
bcliin<l Our new aequaiiitancc sceiiitd tu be somo-
wlial out of spirits about tlie l)ro.s[^?cts of tlie new
scttlenicnt ; but, notwitlKstandiug, lie b;id J-.t'-niiincd
to chance it witli tlie rc.st. The Indians, h.- said,
had lately been troublcsoni..-, an*l sDine of tliL^ui who
had been found prowling about, evidently b.-nl on
mischief, had been shot. 'We have won the gTound,
and M-e nni.st keep it against all od<ls,' h.j obstrveil.
"Everything in the countiy was tht-n nev.- to us.
I rcnienibcr feeling almost awe-struck \\li\i the still-
ness which roigned in the furosl. Not a leaf or
bough was in motion; nor was a sound huaid, excej)!
when now and then our ears cau-ht the sou'diiii"- (,f
the wind among the lofty beads of the pin>^-trcc-, tho
tai)i)ing of the wood])eckers on the decaying trunks,
or the whistling cry vi' the Utile chitinonl; a-; it raji
from bouL'h to bou'di.
"1 Jjad expected to mec-t v.ith beais, v.olvts,
raccoons, lynxes, and other animals, and w ;is sur!)rl-ed
at encountering so fev,' li\ing creatuivs. 'They arL-
here, notwithstanding,' ob.-orvcd our iVirud; 'you
will get your eyes sharjivned to find them in time.
In the course of a year or two you r/c/y Viocome
cx])crt b»ack woodsmen. Yu\i can't expoct {■) dmp
into the life all at once.' I'>y attr-nding lo the advice
our fi'iond gave us, and k-cojung our sense-; wide
awake, wc gained some knowledge even driiing that
journey.
"We were now aj)proachIng the settlement -
Wcatherford, it was called. It vras a lou.r v.av to the
eastward of where we are now, with mim<Mou~; towns
IG
A fkai;fi:l discovkhv.
M ! I
nnd villnLTCs in tlie noiiililiuiirliood. The Avn'''"'on
lind o^;iiiii'(l (lie ];i.s( lieiglit, iVoiii tlio to]) of wliicli,
our •'•uiili^ told us, wo shiHild l)o a1»lc to catcli sli/lit of
tlio sottlviiient. V.'o Imd boon working away ^\•itll
our cr(n\]iars, licljiin:^ on the wliccls,- -our friend
being al)fa(] {:A^ (he tram, — and liad just I'oaclictl level
ground, wlien we lieard liini utti^r a cry of dismay.
Ivusliing forward, we fourid In'm pointing, with dis-
tende<.l vyc^, into the j>1ain beyond us, from which
could be seen, near the l)anl': of a ri\er, thick volumes
of smoke ascending, ^vhi]e brigld- llames k(:^[)t llicker-
ma: no from below.
"'The SL'tHemcnt has been sui'j'risrd by Indians!'
he cxclaini'd, as soon as ho could find words to
s]>eak. 'J know the bloodthirst}' nrdure of the
savaci'cs, Tluv don't do ihini'S br h; l\es, or
allow a single human being to cscajie, if they can
help it. ]jads, you A\ill stick l)y me; though we can
do nothing, .1 fear, but be revenged on the lledskins.
1 left m\' wife and children (hr.vji thore, and 1 know
that 1 shall nevci' see them alive again.
"lie spoke quite calmly, like a man who had made
up his mind for the Avorst.
'''Wc cannot, leave the \\'a.u':'on here, oi- the Indians
will set' it,- if they have not done so already,— and
know that v.-e are follo\\iivv them. Wc will take it
O
down to yondei' holloNv, and leave it and the oxen.
I'here is j)asture enough f)r them, and they will not
stray far. Then we will follov.' up the Indians' trail;
and mayoe some of their braves won't get back to
boast of their victorv, if you will oidv do as 1 tell you.'
M
4*
I
IN THE VILLAGE.
17
if wliicli,
1 siylit of
\;iV ^\itll
iir fiieiifl
•lictl level
r dismay.
M-ith dis-
)iii wliicli
k volumes
pi llieker-
IiKlians ! '
words to
i-e of tlie
ir-lvos, or
iliey can
]\ we can
led skins.
1 know
lad made
le Indians
dy, — and
lirtako it
tli(^ oxen.
y will not
ians' trail;
•t back to
1 tell you.'
"Of course, we at once agreed to accompany
Simon Yearsley — such was our friend's name — and
follow his directions. Quickly turning the waggon
round, we got it down to the spot he had indicated,
where the oxen were unyoked, and left to crop the
grass by the side of a stream flowing from the hill
above. Then taking our rifles, with a supply of
ammunition, and some food in our wallets, we again
set off", Yearsley leading the way.
" We next descended the hill, concealing ourselves
as much as possible among the rocks and shrubs
^i until we gained the plain. Although Simon moved
■m at a rapid rate, there was nothing frantic in his
gestures. He had made up his mind, should he find
his loved ones destroyed, to follow the murderers
with deadly vengeance, utterly regardless of the con-
sequences to himself. As none of the intervening
country had been cleared except a straight road
through the forest, where the trees had been felled,
and the stumps grubbed up here and there to allow
of a waggon passing between the remainder, we were
able to conceal ourselves until we got close to the
settlement.
"We now saw that, though the greater number
were in flames, two or three huts on one side
remained uninjured. Still, not a sound reached us,
— neither the cries of the inhabitants nor the shouts
of the savages. Nothing was heard save the sharp
crackling of the flames.
" * The Indians have retreated, and the settlers are
following. We shall be in time to join them!' ex-
(627) 2
18
THE MASSACRED SETTLERS.
claimed Yearsley, dashing forward. * But we must
first search for any who have survived.' His pre-
vious calmness disappeared as he spoke, and he
rushed, through the burning huts, towards one of the
buildings.
" Stephen and I were about to follow, when we
heard a cry proceeding from one of the huts at hand,
which, though the doorway was charred and the
burning embers lay around it, had as yet escaped de-
struction. Hurrying in, I stumbled over the corpse
of a man. His rifle lay on the ground, while his
hand grasped an axe, the blade covered with gore.
I gazed on his face, and recognized, after a moment's
scrutiny, my own brother-in-law. He had fallen
while defending his hearth and home. Close to him
lay a young boy, who, I guessed, was his eldest child,
shot through the head.
" My poor sister ! where could she be ?
"Again a cry reached my ear. It came from an
inner room. It was Martha, your mother, who had
uttered the cry. She was stretched on the ground,
holding you in her arms. Her neck was fearfully
wounded, her life-blood ebbing fast away.
" I endeavoured to stanch it, telling her meanwhile
who I was.
" * Stephen and I have come at your invitation,' I
said.
"'Heaven, rather, has sent you, to protect my Roger,'
she faintly gasped out, trying to put you in my arms.
' His father and brother are dead ; I saw them fall.
Hearing voices which I knew to be those of white
A liHAVE ACT.
19
we must
His pre-
and he
ne of the
*vhen we
at hand,
and the
aped de-
le corpse
vhile his
ith gore,
moment's
ad fallen
3e to him
lest child,
from an
who had
ground,
fearfully
ean while
tation,' I
y Roger,'
ny arms,
lem fall.
of white
I
men, I cried out, that they might come and protect
him. Mark ! I am dying. You will ever be a father
to him?'
"Tlic blood continued to flow; and soon she breathed
her last, her head resting on my arm. Your dress
and little hands were stained with her blood ; but you
were too young to understand clearly what had hap-
pened, although, as I took 3''ou up to carry you from
the hut, you cried out lustily to be taken back to
your poor mother.
" Thinking it possible that th . Indians miglit re-
turn, I hurried out to look for Stephen, so that we
might make our escape. I was resolved at all costs
to save your life. I tried to comfort you, at the same
time, by telling you that I was j^our uncle, and that
your mother had wished me to take care of you.
'•' Going on a little way, I found another hut, the
door of which was open, and smoke coming out of it.
The savages had thrown in their firebrands as they
quitted the village, and the front part was already
on fire.
'' While I was shouting for Stephen he rushed out
of the hut, with a blanket rolled up in his arms, the
end thrown over his own head.
" ' I have saved this child, and thank Heaven you
are here to take her!' lie exclaimed, unfolding the
blanket, and putting a little girl into my arms. ' I
must try and preserve the mother ;' and again throw-
ing the blanket over his head, he dashed in through
the flames.
" In another minute he reappeared, struggling
20
" MY LITTLE LILY."
along under the heavy burden of a grown-up person
wrapped in the bhinket. As he reached me he sank
down, overcome by tlie smoke, and I noticed that his
clothes and hair were singed.
" On opening the blanket I saw a young woman,
her dress partly burned. Slie too was wounded. The
fresh air somewhat revived her ; and on opening her
eyes and seeing the little girl, she stretched out her
arms for her
" * Lilias ! my little Lily ! she's saved,* she whis-
pered, as she pressed her lips to the child's brow.
* May Heaven reward you !
" It was the final effort of exhausted nature, and
in a few minutes she breathed her last.
" The flames, meantime, had gained the mastery
over the building, and we saw that it was impossible
to save it.
" But it's time to turn in, Roger," said Uncle Mark.
" I'll tell you more about the matter to-morrow."
As Uncle Mark always meant what he said, I
knew that there would be no use in trying to get him
to go on then, eager as I was to hear more of w}iat
had, as may be supposed, so deeply interested me. I
accordingly turned into my bunk, and was soon asleep.
I dreamed of shriekino: Indians and burninfj vil-
lages ; and more than once I started up and listened
to the strange unearthly sounds which came from the
depths of the forest.
These noises, I may here say, were caused by the
wolves ; for the savage brutes occasionally came near
A LOVE OF NATURAL HISTORY.
SI
ip person
! he sank
I that his
y woman,
led. The
ening her
I out her
ihe vvhis-
i's brow.
Lture, and
mastery
m possible
cle Mark,
ow."
said, I
D get him
of w}iat
d me. I
)n asleep,
ning vil-
listened
from the
cl by the
ime near
I
I
I
i
the settlement, attracted by the sheep and cattle
which the inhabitants had brought with them. A
bright look-out being kept, however, it was .seldom
that any of our stock was carried off. Bears also
occasionally came into the neighbourhood; and we
had already shot two, whose skins supplied us with
winter coats. Our intention was to kill as many
more as we could meet with, that their skins might
serve us for other purposes — especially as coverlets
for our beds. And, besides, their llesh was always a
welcome addition to our larder.
Next morning we went about our usual work. My
uncle with his bright axe commenced felling the trees
round our hut — working away from sunrise to sun-
set, with only an hour's intermission for dinner. I
aided him, as far as my strength would allow, for
a certain number of hours daily. But my uncle
encouraged me to follow the bent of my inclina-
tion, which was to get away and observe the habits
of the creatures dwelling in the surrounding forest.
I had been a naturalist from my earliest days. The
study had been my poor father's hobby — so my uncle
told me — and I inherited his love for it. It had,
moreover, been developed and encouraged by a visit
we had received, some few years bacli, from a scien-
tific gentleman, who had come over to America to
make himself acquainted with the feathered tribes,
the quadrupeds, and the reptiles of the New World.
It had been my delight to accompany this gentle-
man on his excursions while he was with us ; and
I prized a couple of books he had left with me more
22
niRD-STUFFINO.
than 1 should have done a lump of gold of the same
weight. From him I learned to preserve and stuff
the skins of the birds and animals I killed ; a know-
ledge which I turned to proiitable account, by my
uncle's advice — as they Avere sent, when opportunity
occurred, to the Eastern States, where they found a
ready market.
" It pays very well in its way, Roger," observed
Uncle Mark ; " but work is better. If you can com-
bine the two, I have no objection ; but you are now
too old to play, and, for your own sake, you should
do your best to gain your own living. While you
were young, I was ready to work for you ; and so I
should be now, if you could not work for yourself I
want you, however, to understand that it is far nobler
for a man to labour for his daily bread, than to allow
others to labour for him."
I fully agreed with Uncle Mark. Indeed, my am-
bition had long been to support mj'-self I had an
idea, nevertheless, that the skins I preserved brought
more immediate profit than did the result of his
labours with the axe. But, everything considered,
we got on very well together ; for I was grateful to
him for the affection and care he had bestowed on
me during my childhood.
I was hard at work that day preparing a number
of birds I had shot in the morning ; and when dinner-
time came. Uncle Mark, telling me to continue my
task, said he would get our meal ready. Having
quickly prepared it, he brought out the platters, and
set himself down near me. I washed my hands, and
f
he same
nd stutt'
I know-
by my
^rtuiiity
found a
)bserved
an com-
ire now
L should
lile you
md so I
rself. I
r nobler
to allow
my am-
liad an
brought
of his
sidered,
teful to
wed on
number
dinner-
lue my
Having
irs, and
ds, and
^■M^/ U^
ROGER AT WORK.
THE NARRATIVE RESUMED.
85
speedily despatched my dinner; after which I re-
turned to my work.
" Will you go on with the account you w^cre giving
me last night ? " I said, observing that he did not
seem inclined to move. " You have more than half
an hour to rest, and I will then come and help you."
"Where was I? Oh! I remember," said my uncle,
" In the middle of the burning settlement, with you
and Lily in my arms.
" We were wondering what had become of Yearslcy,
when we caught sight of him rushing out fi-om amid
the burning huts.
" ' They are all killed !— all, all, all !' he shrieked out.
'Follow me, lads;* and he pointed with a significant
gesture in the direction he supposed the Indians had
taken.
"'But these children, ^Ir. Yearsley! You would
not have us desert them! And my brother is too
nuich injured, I fear, to accompany you,' I observed.
"He looked at the children for a moment.
" ' You are right,' he ans^vercd. ' Stay by them ;
or rather, make your way back eastward with them.
Ignorant as you are of the habits of the savages, you
could aid me but little. If I do not return, the
waggon and its contents, with the team, will be
yours.'
"Before I had time to reply, or to ask him the
name of the poor young woman who lay dead at
my feet, he had dashed across the stream, and soon
disappeared amid the forest beyond. He had doubt-
less discovered the trail of the Indians, or of the band
26
A SOLEMN TASK.
of settlers who had gone in pursuit of them ; althougli
we at tliat time were quite unable to perceive what
was visible to his more practised eye.
" I told Stephen how I had discovered our sister's
house; so we agreed to return to it, and to carry
there the body of the poor young woman, that we
might bury it with those of our own family. The
hut was one of the very few which had escaped the
flames, and we found some spades and a pickaxe
witliin. Not knowing how soon we might be inter-
rupted, we at once set to work and dug two graves
under a maple-tree at the further end of the garden.
One was large enough to hold our brother-in-law and
sister, and their boy ; and in the other we placed the
poor young lady — for a lady she a'ppeared to be,
judging from her dress, her ear-rings and brooch, and
a Yiw^x which she wore on her finofer. These trinkets
we removed, in order to preserve them for her little
daughter; as also a miniature which hung round her
neck, — that of a handsome young man, who was
doubtless her husband. Stephen told me that the
cottage from which he had rescued her, as far as
he had time to take notice, seemed to be neatly and
tastefully furnished.
"We concluded that her husband, if he had not
been killed when the village Avas surprised, had
followed the sav.ages along with the rest; and he
would be able on his return to identify his child,
while w^e should know him by his portrait.
" Before beginning our sad occupation, we had got
some water and washed the stains from your hands
OUR RKTURN TO THE WAGGON'.
27
ilthoiigh
ve what
' sister's
to cany
that we
y. Tlie
ped the
pickaxe
►e inter-
) graves
garden,
law and
Lced the
to be,
)ch, and
:rinkets
n- little
md her
ho was
lat the
far as
ly and
ad not
d, had
tnd he
child,
ad got
liands
1
4
and clothes, and left you in a room [)laying with little
Lily ; and on our return we gave you both some food
which we found in the house. By this time, too,
you seemed perfectly at home with us.
"At first we thought of remaining in the house
until Mr. Yearsley and the settlers whom we supposed
had gone in pursuit of the savages should return ;
but Stephen suggested that this might be dangerous,
as we should not know what was happening outside.
The Indians might come back and surprise us, when
we should to a certaintv share the fote which had
ft/
befallen so many others. We agreed, therefore, that
our safest course would be to make our way back to
the waggon, where we had abundance of provisions,
and where we could find shelter for the children who
had been committed to us, we felt sure, by Providence.
"They were now our chief care. While I took
charge of them, Stephen hurriedly examined the
other huts which had escaped destruction; crying
out in case any one should be concealed, in order to
let them know that we were ready to help them. No
answer came, however, and we were soon convinced
that every person in the settlement, with the excep-
tion of those who had gone in ])ursuit of the sa ages,
had been slaughtered.
'* As soon as we were satisfied as to this, we began
our retreat, hoping to get back to the waggon before
niirhtfall. Oar intention was to wait there for Mr.
Yearsley, as we felt sure that, after he had punished
the Indians, he would come and look for us where he
had left the waggon.
28
ON THE WATCH.
" The sun was setting as we reached the top of the
ridge ; but we were too far off to distinguish any one
moving in the settlement, although we made out tlie
smouldering fire, from which thin wreaths of smoke
alone ascended in the calm evening air. On reaching
the waggon, we found the cattle grazing quietly beside
it. Having removed some packages, among which was
one of new blankets, we made up beds for the two
children ; and after giving them some supper, we
placed them, sleeping, side by side.
"We agreed that one of us should watch while the
other slept. We also resolved that, in the event of
our being attacked by Indians, we should show them
fight; for we had a good store of ammunition, and
knew well how to handle our weapons. Although
we hoped they would not come, yet we knew that
they might possibly fall upon our trail and discover
our whereabouts. Indeed, had we not thought it
our duty to wait for Mr. Yearsley, we should have
harnessed the cattle, and endeavoured to make our
way down the mountain in the dark.
" After we had put you and Lily to bed, and had
refreshed ourselves with some supper, I climbed again
to the top of the ridge; but I could see no object
moving in the plain, nor could I hear the slightest
sound to indicate the approach of any one. I therefore
returned.
" While Stephen lay down under the waggon, I kept
watch, walking up and down with my rifie ready in
my hand, and resting occasionally by leaning agamst
the wheel of the waggon. After I had watched thus
; ~ I. JM^\: > i 'i jnin,0 f u^
ANOTHER VISIT TO THE SETTLEMENT.
29
)op of the
I any one
e out the
of smoke
reaching
ly beside
liich was
the two
pper, we
vhile the
event of
ow them
:>ion, and
Llthouijh
ew that
discover
>ught it
Id have
ike our
-nd had
I again
object
ightest
erefore
I kept
ady in
Lgamst
d thus
for about four hours, I called Stephen, who took my
place.
" I was again on foot by daybreak, and once more
climbed to the top of the ridge to look out. But I
had the same report as before to give. The fire had
burned itself out, and I could see no one moving.
We waited all that day — and might have waited
for several more, until our cattle had eaten up
the herbage — without being discovered; but Mr.
Ycarsley did not appear, nor could we see any signs
of the other settlers.
" We did our best to amuse you and Lily. You
asked frequently after your poor mother; and it went
to my heart to tell you that you would never see her
agam.
" Stephen proposed that we should the next morning
set out on our journey eastward ; but as I thought it
possible that Mr. Yearsley would by that time have
got back to the settlement, I undertook to go and
search for him — or to try and find any of the other
people, and learn what had become of him. Stephen
agreed to this ; undertaking to look after the children
and guard the waggon during my absence.
" At daybreak I set out, keeping myself concealed,
;ts much as possible, behind bushes and trunks of trees,
until I got back to the scene of tlie catastrophe. I
listened ; but all was still as death. Excepting the
two or chree huts around my brother-in-law's abode,
the whole ground where the settlement had stood
presented only black heaps of ashes, surrounded by
[talings and trunks of trees charred by the flames. I
30
WATLFIELD.
could see no one moving across the river, either; and
the dreadful idea seized me that the settlers who had
gone in pursuit of the foe had been cut off, and that
Mr. Yearsley had in all likelihood shared the same
fate. Had it not been for Steplien and the children,
I would have watched all day, in the hope of our
friend's return ; but I had promised not to be longer
than I could help.
"I again visited my poor brother-in-law's hut, and
packed up such clothes as I saw belonging to you.
I also brought away a few other articles, to remind
us of your mother ; for I thought it probable that the
settlement would be revisited by the savages, who
would take good care to finish the Avork they had
begun. I then set off on my return to the waggon,
looking back every now and then, lest I might be
followed by any of the foe.
" On reaching the waggon, Stephen agreed with
me that we might safely wait till the next morning.
We did so; and poor Yearsley not then appearing,
we proceeded with the waggon along the road we
had taken in coming, until we reached Watfield, a
large settlement which had then been established for
three or four years.
" The account we gave of what had happened caused
the inhabitants considerable anxiety and alarm. The
men at once flew to arms; stockades were put up;
and hcntries were posted at all points, to watch for
the possible approach of the Indians.
" Stephen and I having now no wish to go further
east, we determined to remain where we were. As
UNCLE STEPHEN S MARRIAGE.
31
for the waggon and team, though we had no written
document to show that Yearsley had given them to
us, our statement was believed ; and it was agreed
that we should be allowed to kee[) them, — especially
as we consented to give them up should the original
owner return. But nothing was ever heard of him, or
of the other settlers who had gone in pursuit of the
retreating foe ; and it was generally believed that
the whole had been surrounded and murdered by the
savages.
"As we could not spare time to look after the
children, one of us agreed to marry. Stephen there-
fore fixed upon your Aunt Hannah, who was, he had
discovered, likely to prove a good housewife, and was
kind-hearted and gentle-mannei-ed. A true mother,
too, she has ever proved to our Lily."
Uncle Mark only spoke the truth when he praised
Aunt Hannah; for she had been like an affectionate
motlier to me, as well as to Lily, and much I owed
her for the care she had bestowed upon me.
I need not describe my own early days; indeed,
several years passed without the occurrence of any
incidents which would be especially interesting to
others. Gradually the border-village grew into a
town, although even then the country continued in
almost its original wild state within a mile or two of
us. Both Lily and I got a fair amount of schooling :^
and in the holidays I was able to indulge my taste,
by rambling into the forest and increasing my know-
ledge of the habits of its denizens. Occasionally I
32
ATTACKED BY A WOLF.
got leave for Lily to accompany me, although Aunt
Hannah did not much approve of her going so far
from home.
One day I had persuaded our aunt to let her
accompany me — Lily herself was always ready to go
— for the sake of collecting some bjuskets of berries.
" I promise to come back with as many as I can carry,
to fill your jam-pots," said I. There were whortle-
berries, and thimble-berries, blue-berries, raspberries,
and strawberries, and many others which, I reminded
her, were now in season. "Tf we do not get them
now, the time will pass. Lily's fingers, too, will pick
them quicker than mine, so that we shall get double
as many as I should get by myself," I observed.
My arguments prevailed, and Lily and I set out,
happy as the red-birds we raw flying in and out
among the trees around us.
We had nearly filled our baskets, and I was on my
knees picking some strawberries which grew on the
bank of a small stream running through an open part
of the forest, when Lily, who was at a little distance
from me, shrieked out. I was about to spring to my
feet and hurry to her assistance — supposing that she
had been frightened by some animal — when what was
my horror to see, close to me, a huge wolf, with oj^en
jaws, ready to seize me ! My stick, the only weapon
I carried, lay just within my reach ; so I put out my
hand and instinctively gi-asped it, determined to fight
for my own life and Lily's too — knowing how, if the
Tolf killed me, it would next attack her.
I moved the creature snarled, but did not
As
AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.
PRESERVED BY AN INDIAN.
35
advance any nearer. So, grasping the stick, I sprang
to my feet and swung the weapon round with all
my might, despair giving energy to my nniscles.
The savage creature retreated a few paces, astonished
at the unexpected blow, snarling, and eying me, as
if about to make another attack.
Again Lily shrieked.
"Run, run!" I cried; "I will tackle the wolf."
But she did not move ; indeed, she saw that the
creature was more likely to come off victor than I
was.
I stood ready to receive the animal, doubtful
whether I ought to make the attack ; Lily, in the
meantime, continuing to cry aloud for help. The
wolf at length seemed to get tired of waiting for his
expected prey, and giving a fierce howl, he was on
the point of springing at me, when a bullet fired by
an unseen hand laid him dead at my feet.
Lily sprang towards me, exclaiming, " You are safe !
you are safe, Roger!" and then burst into tears. She
scarcely seemed to consider how I had been saved.
All she saw was the dead wolf, and that I was un-
hurt.
On looking round, I observed an Lidian advancing
towards us from amonijf the trees.
" That must be the man who killed the wolf," I
exclaimed. '* We must thank him, Lily."
Lily had ever a great dread of Indians. " We
must run! we must run, Roger!" she crird. "He
may kill us as easily as he did the wolf, or carry us
away prisoners."
36
FINDING A FRIEND.
" We cannot escape liim, Lily ; and I do not think
he will hurt uh," I answered in an encouratrinir tone.
" T will go forward and thank hiui for saving my life.
It will not do to show any fear ; and if he is disposed
to be friendly, he would think it ungrateful if we
were to run off without thanking him."
I took Lily's hand as I spoke, and led her towards
the Indian. He was dressed in skins, with an axf
hanging from his belt, and had long black hair stream-
inir over his shoulders, — unlike most of the Indians
I had seen, who wear it tied up and ornamented with
feathers. A small silver medal hung from his neck,
and I guessed from this that he was a friend to the
white men, and had received it as a token for some
service he had rendered them.
He made a friendly sign as he saw us approach,
and put out his hand.
" We come to thank you for killing the wolf that
was about to spring upon me," I said in English, for
though I knew a few words of the Indian tongue, I
could not at that time speak it sufficiently well to
express what I wished to say.
" Kepenau is glad to have done j^ou a service," he
answered in English. "I heard the young maiden
cry out, and guessed that she would not do so with-
out cause, so I hurried on to help you. But why are
you so far from home ? It is dangerous for unarmed
people to wander in this forest."
" We came out to gather berries, and were about to
return," said Lily. " You will not detain us ? "
"Not if you wish to go," answered the Indian.
THE KING OF THE FOREST.
A I'UESENT OF VENISON.
39
" But coiiiu with mc, and you .sluill return with some-
thing of more value than these berries."
I felt sure that the Indian would not injure us, so
Lily and J followed him, hand in hand.
He moved throuf^h the forest faster than we could,
nnd presently stopped near some rocks, amid which
lay tlie body of a deer with huge antlers. Placing
himself across tlie carcass of the animal, he exclaimed
with a look of exultation, " See ! I have overcome the
king of these forests. Once, thousands of these
animals wandered here, but since the white man has
come they have all disappeared ; and now that I have
slain him, we must go likewise, and seek for fresh
hunting-grounds. Still, Kepenau bears the White-
skins no malice. He was ever their friend, and in-
tends to remain so. You must take some of the meat
and present it to your friends."
Saying this, he commenced skinning the deer, in
which operation I assisted him. He then cut off
several slices, which he wrapped up in some large
leaves and placed in my basket.
"Take the venison to your mother, and say that
Kepenau sends it," he observed.
" He has no mother," said Lily.
"Is he not your brother ? " asked the Indian.
"No !" said Lily. "His mother was killed by the
Redskins lonrj, lonjx ajjo."
Lily at that time did not know that her own
mother had been murdered when mine was.
" You do not bear the red men any malice on that
account, I trust?" said Kepenau, turning to me.
40
THE INDIAN S ADVICE.
" The Great Spirit tells us to forgive our enemies ;
and there are good and bad Indians."
"You are a good Indian, I am sure," said Lily,
looking up at him with more confidence in her
manner than she had before shown.
** I wish to become so," he said, smiling. " I have
learned to love the Great Spirit, and wish to obey him.
But it is time for you to return home. Wait until I
have secured the flesh of the deer, and then I will
accompany you."
Kepenau quickly cut up the animal, and fastened
the more valuable portions to the bough of a tree — out
of the reach of the wolves — by means of some lithe
creepers which grew at hand; then loading himself
with as much of the venison as he could conveniently
:arry, he said, "We will move on."
Having accompanied us to the edge of the forest,
he bade us farewell. "Should there be more wolves
in the forest, they will not follow you further than
this," he said ; " but if they do, remember that it will
be better to sacrifice some of the venison, than to
allow them to overtake you. Throw them a small
bit at a time ; and as in all likelihood they will stop
to quarrel over it, you will thus have time to escape."
I remembered the Indian's advice, although we did
not need to practise it on this occasion.
We reached home before dark, and greatly sur-
prised Aunt Hannah with the present of venison.
She had, she told us, been very anxious at our pro-
longed absence.
enemies ;
dd Lily,
in her
" I have
bey him.
fc until I
n I will
fastened
['ee — out
lie lithe
himself
eniently
^ forest,
wolves
er than
it will
than to
a small
'ill stop
scape."
we did
ly sur-
enison.
ur pro-
CHAPTER II.
OREENFORD SETTLEMENT — THE FLYING SQUIRRELS— MIKE LAFFAN AND TOM
QUAMBO — THEIR DOGS, YELP AND SNAP — A KACCOON-UUNT — MIKE HAV-
ING SEEN A BEAR, WE GO IN CHASE OUR DOGS SCENT BRUIN — QUAMBO
IN DANGER — THE BEAR IS KILLED, AND QUAMBO RELEASED — WE RETURN
TO THE HUT — THE LOGGING BEE — UNCLE STEPHEN'S HOUSE — INDIAN
SUMMER — MIKE LAFFAN's CREMONA — THE NIGHT ATTACK OF THE
WOLVES — WE DETERMINE TO GO LUMBERING FOR THE WINTER — MIKE
AND I GO ON AHEAD — UNCLE MARK IS ATTACKED BY A WOLF —MIKE
SAVES HIM, AND WE PROCEED ONWARDS.
'E had only lately, as I have already said,
^t arrived at our new location. My uncles
had been imbued with the restless spirit
of backwoodsmen, and Aunt Hannah was
ready to do whatever Uncle Stephen
washed. So, having grown weary of the
life at Watfield, where we had at first been located,
tliey had resolved, along with several other inhabit-
ants of that place, to push westward ; and after mak-
ing their w^ay through forests, rivers, and swamps, and
over hills and plains, had formed the new settlement
where Uncle Stephen now was, and which they had
named Greenford.
To the hut where Uncle Mark and I lived no name
had been given ; but he expressed his belief tliat
it would one day become the centre of a great
city. " Before that day arrives, however, you and I,
i
42
FLYING SQUIUKKLS.
lloger, will have moved far away westward," he
observed.
I used to exercise diligence while I was at work,
in order that I might have more time to attend to
the study of natural history. My great delight was
to get away into the forest and -;rve the habits
of its various inhabitants. Often >uld I sit on the
root of an old tree watching the playful squirrels at
their gambols. When I spied a hole in which I knew
that a family were likely to have taken up their
abode, I would hide myself; and before long I was
generally rewarded by seeing a " papa " squirrel pok-
ing out his nose. Soon he would give an inaudible
sniff, sniff, sniff, then out would come his head, and
he would look round to ascertain whether danc^er
was near. Presently I would catch sight of his
thick furry body and lovely brush, the tail curling
over his head. Then another nose would appear, and
large shining eyes; and out another would pop;
followed in rapid succession by the whole family.
Then, how delightful it was to watch them frolicking
about, darting round the trunks, sending the bark
rattling down as they chased each other; whisking
their tails ; dartin^j alouLj the bouirhs, and boundini^
fearlessly fi'om oranch to branch. One, reaching the
end of a bough, would spread out its arms and tail,
exhibiting the white fur beneath, and fly down to a
lower branch, or to the earth below, followed by its
companions ; then away they w^ould go along the
logs or swinging vines, and up another trunk, quick
as lightning. Sometimes I would catch them at
ard," he
at work,
ttend to
ight was
e habits
it on the
irrels at
I I knew
up their
g I was
•rel pok-
nandible
cad, and
' dangrer
of his
curling
ear, and
Id pop;
family.
licking
le bark
hiskiiiLr
)undinL!:
iw^ the
nd tail,
vvn to a
by its
ng the
, quick
lem at
3
IN THE FOREST.
r
i:
11
t
I
HOW THEY CROSS A RIVER.
45
their supper, Tiibbling away at the nuts which they
liad plucked, or had dug out of the ground with their
sliarp little paws.
A flying squirrel is indeed a beautiful creature.
Its colour is a most delicate gray ; the fur thick and
short, and as soft as velvet ; the eyes large and full.
The membrane by which it is enabled to tiike its
flights is of a soft texture, and white, like the fur
of the chinchilla. The tail greatly resembles an
elegantly-formed broad feather.
One day, as I was wandering along the banks of a
stream, for the purpose of observing the habits of a
family of beavers that had lately made their abode
there, I caught sight of a number of squirrels. They
were evidently about some important operation, since
they were moving steadily along the branches, and
refraining from their usual frisking and playing. Hav-
ing concealed myself from their view, in order that
they might not be disturbed by my presence, I noticed
that they went on until they reached the branch of
a tree overhanging the stream, at the extreme end of
which one, who appeared to be tlieir leader, took
post, looking eagerly up the current. In a short
time a small log floated near, with a tendency to
move over to the opposite side. As it came beneath
the leader of the party he dropped down upon it, .at
the same time uttering a sharp cry. Quick as light-
ning some others followed his example ; and by hold-
ing on to the lower twigs they arrested its progress
until the whole party were seated on board, when
the log was allowed to float, as they sagaciously
M
40
MY CHIEF COMPANION.
knew it would, towards the opposite bank. It
seemed to me as if some of them were steering it
with their tails ; but of that I am not positive. In
a short time, after floating some way down the
stream it was guided to tlie shore ; when one after
the other leaped off, and quickly running along the
boughs of the trees, gained a point exactly opposite
to ' hav rem which they had started ; after which
they went away into the forest, — bent, I doubted
not, on some predatory expedition. They would
soon make their presence known, when they reached
the pu.14 K*;. ;/i"ounds or maize-fields of the settlers.
I was DO;, .vlr'ays alone in my rambles through the
fo)''^st. Lily Wv.'^^' ' have been only too happy to
accor.ipj /ly m bvi lut Hannah judged it jirudent
to keep her at hoiiK ;, -tiid, indeed, she had plenty of
occupation there. My chief companion, therefore,
was one of Uncle Stephen's labourers — an Irishman,
^like Laffan by name.
Although Mike had no great knowledge of natural
history, he was as fond of searching for animals as
I was, and consequently w^as always ready to ac-
company me when he had the chance. He was an
honest fellow ; a thorough Patlander in look, manners,
language, and ideas. When he could, he used to press
Tom Quambo, an old free negro, into the service ; and
Quambo enjoyed the fun as much as Mike did. Each
possessed a dog, of which they were very proud, ugly
as the animals were to look at.
" Den, you see, massa, if Yelp not 'ansome, he know
eberyting," Quambo used to remark. " He braver dan
bank. It
teering it
itive. In
lown the
one after
along the
V opposite
ter whicli
[ doubted
ey "svould
y reached
settlers.
roiitjfh the
happy to
it ])rudent
plenty of
therefore,
Irishman,
if natural
Inimals as
ly to ac-
[e was an
manners,
to press
ice ; and
lid. Each
|oud, ugly
I he know
aver dan
SQUIRRELS CROSSING A STREAM.
t
V
p
tl
RACCOOX-IIUNTINO.
49
painter [meaning the puma], and run like greased
lightning."
It was difficult to say whether Yelp or Mike's dog
was the ugliest ; but both masters were equally proud
of their canine friends,
I too had a dog, which, if not a beauty, was
certainly handsomer than either of his two ac-
quaintances. He was clever enough in his way, but
more useful in watching the hut than in hunting;
indeed, when I went out by myself for the purpose
of observing the habits of the denizens of the forest,
I never took him, knowing that he would only
interfere with their sports.
On one occasion I had been over to see my Uncle
Stephen, and as I was returning home Mike Laffan
mot me.
" Would you loike to be afther looking for a 'coon
to-night, Masther Roger ? " he asked. " Quambo says
lie can come ; and Yelp and Snap are moighty ager
for the sport."
I at once agreed to meet my two friends, accom-
l)anied by my dog Pop.
Accordingly, at the time appointed, the day's work
being over, Mike and Quambo made their appearance
at the hut ; while running at their heels were their
two dogs, who were soon warmly greeted by Pop.
Setting out, we took our way along the banks of
the river, near which we fully expected to fall in
with several raccoons. We had oui guns, and were
provided with torches and the means of lighting
them. We had not gone far before we heard voices,
(027) 4
50
A COON TREED.
and soon we were joined by three lads from the
settlement, who had got notice of the ex])editi(m. As
they had brought their dogs, we had a fidl pack of
mongrels of high and low degree, but united by one
feeling, — that of deadly enmity to raccoons.
On we went, while the dogs, who had just then
scented one of their foes, yelled in chorus. Over huge
logs and rotten trunks, through the brush and dead
trees and briers, we went at full speed ; and some-
times wading across bogs, sometimes climbing up
banks, and occasionally tumbling over on our noses,
we continued to make our wny at the heels of the
dogs, until old Quambo, wav'.ng his torch above his
head, and suddenly stopping short, shouted out, " De
'coon's treed ! "
He had made a mistake, however, for the dogs
bayed loudly and continued their course.
"Dat a mighty old 'coon," cried Quambo. "He
know what he about."
The raccoon, if it had got up the tree, had come
down again, and was still ahead. Some of the party
were almost in despair ; but I knew the habits of the
creature too well not to feel sure that we should get
it at last, so I encouraged my friends, while we
dashed on as before.
Yelp and Snap, having kept well ahead of the
other dogs, were now heard baying under a big tree,
and no doubt remained that the raccoon had taken
refuge amid its branches. Our difficulty was to get
it down. As the others hesitated to encounter the
fierce little animal amid the boughs, Mike, for the
Tom the
:.i()n. As
I pack of
1 Ity one
list then
vcr huge
ind dead
id somo-
ibing up
ur noses,
Is of the
bove liis
out, " De
the dogs
»o. " He
ad come
le party
ts of the
ould get
hile we
of the
)ig tree,
d taken
to get
iter the
for the
A RACCOON-HUNT BY NIGHT.
c
(i
b
t
d
AMOUT TIIK ItACCOON.
53
lionour of "Old Ireland," otibred to make his way up.
Without more ado, tiicii, he got on Quanibo s shoulders,
sprang to a branch within his reach, and was soon
lost to siifht among the I'oliage.
" I see liim ! " he shouted at last ; and bits of
l»ark, leaves, and rotten twigs came rattling down,
while the loud whacks of his stick reached our ears.
Presently there was a " flop ; " the raccoon had been
compelled to evacuate its stronghold. The dogs
once more gave chase; and I, torch in hand, followed
them. In less than a nnnute I came up with the
dogs, and found the creature at bay, its eyes flashing
tire, while it bravely faced the pack, which, with
gnashing growls and savage yells, were about to dash
upon it, though each seemed unwilling to receive
the first bite from its sharp teeth. But, hearing the
voices of their masters, they gained courage, and in
another instant had the poor jinimal s luggling vaiidy
in their midst; while our blows came rattling down,
to finish its sutierings, and prevent them tearing its
skin to pieces.
Such Wtas one of several raccoon-hunts in which I
took part.
The raccoon is about the size of a spaniel, and
its colour is a blackish gray. Its tail is short and
liusliy, and is marked with tive or six blackish rings
on a gray ground. When the animal wjdks slowly,
or sits, it plants the soles of its feet upon tin; ground;
but when in a hurry it runs along on the tips of its
toes. It hunts for its prey chieHy at night, when it
devours any small animals it can catch. It has no
54
LOOKING FOR A BEAR.
objection, however, to a vegetable diet ; and, indeed,
its teeth show that it is capable of feeding on both
descriptions of food.
I once caught a young raccoon, which soon became
domesticated — being quite as tame as a dog. It pos-
sessed, however, a habit of which I could not cure it;
that of seizing any fowls it set eyes on, and biting off
their heads. It having treated two or three of Aunt
Hannah's in this way, I was compelled to carry it
into the forest and set it at liberty. It enjoyed its
freedom but a short time, however, as it was soon
afterwards hunted and killed by some of our boys.
Having got so far from home, our party w^ere not
inclined to return witiiout something in addition to
the unfortunate animal m'c had slaughtered. Mike,
too, announced to us that he had seen a brown bear
at a spot a little further on ; so it was at once agreed
that we should " knock up the quarters of Mr. Bruin."
It was necessary to proceed with caution ; for
though the "musquaw" or brown bear will seldom
attack a human being unless first assaulted, our
friend, if unceremoniously disturbed at night, would
probably not be in a good humour. Our three well-
trained dogs kept at our heels, but the other curs
went yelping away through tlie forest; nor could
their masters' voices succeed in calling them back.
We feared, therefore, that they would rouse up the
bear, and thus give it time to escape before we could
reach its dwelling.
" Faix, though, I am not sure that the noise outside
won't make the old gentleman keep quiet in his den,"
BRUIN FOUND AT HOMB.
56
not cure it ;
observed Mike. " He will be after saying to his wife,
'Sure, what would be the use, Molly, of turning out to
go hunting thim noisy spalpeens of dogs ? I'll sit snug
and quiet till they come to the door; and thin, sure,
it will be toime enough to axe thim what they want.' "
Mike's notion encouraged us to go on; and at
length Pop, Snap, and Yelp gav(3 signs of uneasiness,
and showed a decided inclination to rush forward.
"Let dem go!" exclaimed Quambo.
" Off with you ! " we cried at once ; and the dogs
darted on, barking furiously, until they stopped before
the decayed trunk of a huge tree, round which several
smaller trees, once saplings, had grown up — a well-
selected natural fortification. As the light of our
torches fell on it, we fully expected to see Mr. Bruin
stalk forth and inquire what we vvante<l.
Quambo proposed that we should light a fire in the
neighbourhood, so that, did our enemy appear, we
might be better able to attack him and defend our-
selves. We followed the black's advice; but still
nothing appeared. The dogs, however, showed they
were convinced that some animal or other was con-
cealed within the trunk.
At last, growing impatient, we approached and
thrust our long sticks into the hollow, leeling about
in every direction.
" I am sure that mine has struck something soft ! "
I exclaimed ; and scarcely had I uttered the words
when a low growl reached our ears. A dark body
next appeared for an instant among the stems of the
trees surrounding the hollow trunk, and then out
^
56
A FIGHT WITH A BEAR.
rushed a bear through an opening which we had not
perceived.
Tlie dogs gave chase, and so did we. Bruin had
but a short start ; and although he must have been
well acquainted with the locality, we, scorning all
impediments, soon overtook him — the dogs having
already commenced biting at his hind feet. This
was too much for his equanimity, so, suddenly
turning round, he struck two or three of them with
liis fore paws, sending them sprawling to a distance.
As he did so the glare of our torches dazzled his eyes,
and so perplexed him that he seemed not to know
what to do. Of one thing only he must have been
convinced, — that he was in for a fight; and, brave bear
as he was, he sat up on his hind legs and prepared
to receive us.
Mike fired, but only wounded him in the shoulder.
This stirred up Bruin's anger to a pitch of fury, and,
with a growl like thunder, he dashed forward at his
opponent. Mike, however, nimbly skipped on one
side, and the bear's eye fell on Quambo, who had
lifted his rifle to fire. But scarcely had he pulled the
trigger when the bear was ui)oii him, and botli rolled
over together.
For an instant I thought that the black was killed,
but his voice shouting to us to drag ofi* the bear re-
assured me; and Mike's hunting-knife quickly finished
the animal, which was struggling in the agonies of
deatli. Happily, his teeth had only toni Quambo's
jacket ; and on our dragging away the dead body
the black sprang to his feet.
had not
ruin had
ave been
rning all
} having
t This
suddenly
lem with
distance,
his eyes,
to know
ave been
rave bear
prepared
shoulder,
ury, and,
L-d at his
on one
ho had
lulled the
|th rolled
IS killed,
Ibear I'e-
finished
ronies of
uainbo's
Id body
CARRYIHG HOME THE PRtZE.
CARRYING HOME THE PRIZE.
69
"Berry good sport," he observed, siiaking himself.
" I'se wonder wedder Mrs. Bear not remain behind !
and piccaninny bears too, perhaps ! We look as we
go by. Hov/eber, we now make ready dis gen'leman
to carry home." He and Mike then fastened the
bear's feet together, and hung the animal to a long
pole, which they cut from a sa])ling growing near.
Then having placed it on tho'iv shoulders, with short
pieces at right angles at either end to prevent it
slii)ping, they announced that they were ready to set
oft'; so, while they led the way with our prize, we
commenced our homeward journey.
Whether Mrs. Bruin had occupied part of the
trunk, we could not positively ascertain. Quambo
expressed his belief that she had been there, but had
taken the opportunity, while we went in chase of
her spouse, to make her escape with her otfspring.
We possibly might have found her; but, with her
young to defend, she would have proved a dangerous
foe, and, as our torches were almost burnt out, we
should have iiad to encounter her in the dark. We
therefore considered it j)rudent to proceed on our way.
I remained at the hut while the rest of the party
went back to clie settlement. Aunt Hannah was well
pleased to obtain so valuable a prize ; and she sent
us, some weeks afterwards, a smoked bear's ham as
our share of the spoil.
I can give but a very brief account of the adven-
tures of those days ; indeed, sometimes weeks went
by during which I was hard at work without inter-
60
(<
LOOOINO BEE.
Ill
•I
mission, either assisting Uncle Mark, or joining in
one or other of the "bees" got up for various purposes
— when we went to help othei*s, as our neighbours,
when required, came to help us.
Sometimes we joined what was called a " logging
bee," which I may explain thus : — When a new hut
was to be erected, we and others united to drag the
logs out of the forest, and to hcAV them into proper
lengths to form the walls of the hut. These are placed,
not upright, but horizontally, one above another. The
length of the outside walls is first determined; where-
upon the lowest log is let a little way into the earth,
and a groove is cut on the upper side with a deep
notch at each end. The next log is placed on the
top of it, each end being so cut as to dovetail into
the others at right angles ; thus one log is placed
upon another until the destined height of the wall
is reached. Doors and windows are afterwards sawed
out; and the rafters are fixed on in the usual fashion.
The roof is formed of rough slabs of wood called
shingles; the interstices being filled up with clay.
A big iron stove, the flues running from one end to
the other, keeps the hut thoroughly warm in winter;
while the thickness of the walls causes it to be cool
in summer.
Many of the settlers had large houses of this
description ; but stores, and buildings where warmth
was not of so much consequence, had their walls
merely of planks nailed on to the framework. Uncle
Stephen s house was built of logs raised on a platform
above the ground, -with steps leading to it, and a
THE " INDIAN SUMMER."
61
nning in
purposes
iglibours,
" logging
new hut
drag the
proper
e placed,
ler. The
; where-
lie earth,
1 a deep
1 on the
tail into
s placed
the wall
Is sawed
ash ion.
called
th clay.
end to
winter;
be cool
of this
warmth
r walls
Uncle
latform
and a
broad verandah in front. It contained a sitting-
room, several bedrooms, and a kitchen ; the verandah
])eing painted a bright green, with stripes of pink,
while the window-frames and doors were yellow. I
used to think it a beautiful mansion, but perhaps
that was on account of those who lived within.
The abode of Lily was of necessity, to my mind,
charming.
The autumn of that year was now approaching its
close. There is in North America, at that period of
the year, what is called the "Indian summer." The
air is balmy, but fresh, and mere existence to those in
health is delightful ; a light gauze-like mist pervades
the atmosphere, preventing the rays of the sun, beam-
ing forth from an unclouded sky, from proving over-
0})prcssive. Already the forest has assumed its parti-
coloured tints. The maple has put on a dress of
every hue, — of yellow, red, pink, and green. The
leaves of the beeches become of a golden tinge, and
those of the oak appear as if turned into bronze,
while numerous creepers present the richest reds.
We settlers, however, had but little time in which
to admire the beauties of Nature, for we knew that
every day was rapidly bringing us to the period
when all agricultural labour must cease, and the
ground would be covered with a sheet of snow. Not
that we were then doomed to idleness, however, for
we had abundance of out-of-door work during the
winter, in felling trees; and, as soon as the snow
had hardened, dragging them over it, — either to form
62
MIKE AND HIS " CREMONA."
huge heaps, where they could be burned, or to be
placed in the spots where they were required for
])utting up buildings or fences.
Uncle Stephen having engaged some new hands, —
who, being fresh from the " old country," were unwill-
ing, as they were unfit, to go further into the forest, —
allowed Mike and Quambo to come to us. We there-
fore put up a room for them next to our own, and
which could be heated in winter by the same stove.
We were thus able to get on much more rapidly with
our task of clearing the ground. Mike, indeed, was
a great acquisition to our party ; for, besides singing
a good Iiish song, he had learned to play tlu^ fiddle,
— and, of course, he had brought his " Cremona," of
which he was justly proud, along with him. He
beguiled the long winter evenings with many a merry
tune, and not unfrequently set old Quambo dancing.
Sometimes we would look in ; and we found it great
fun to see Quambo, in the confined space of the
cabin, coming the " double shuffle " — bounding up and
down, and whirling round and round, snapping his
fingers and stamping his feet, until the perspiration
streamed down his sooty cheeks. Mike would con-
tinue bobbing his head, meanwhile, and applauding
with voice and gesture, though keeping his counte-
nance, and looking as grave as a judge wliile listening
to the counsel for a prisoner.
We had now made an opening which enabled us
to see the river from our hut; and Mike declared
that we were getting quite civilized, and were begin-
VISITED BY WOLVES.
63
or to be
uired for
hands, —
-e unwill-
I forest, —
We there-
own, and
me stove,
idly with
deed, was
}s singing
bliv) fiddle,
mona," of
him. He
V a merry
dancing,
it great
of the
g up and
)ping his
spiration
luld con-
plauding
counte-
listening
ibled us
declared
e begin-
ning to look like being in the midst of a great city,
barring the houses, and streets, and people.
" Sure, they'll be afther coming one of these days,"
he added.
" When that happens, it will be time for us to
think of moving further westward," observed Uncle
Mark,
A violent storm, which sent the boughs and leaves
fl3dng about our heads, brought the "Indian summer"
to a conclusion, and the frost set in soon afterwards.
One evening, after the day's work was over, and
supper had been finished, we were sitting in our hut
employed in various occupations before turning in for
the night, when a low howl reached our ears.
" What is that i " I exclaimed.
Before Uncle Mark could make answer, the howl
was answered by .another ; and presently, others join-
ing in, the whole forest reverberated with a melan-
choly .and spirit-depressing chorus.
"Wolves!" said Uncle M.ark. "The frost has
driven them from the high ground, and they are
contemplating a raid on our porkers and cattle. We
must send them to the right-about, or they will
become audacious."
Calling to Mike and Quambo, we put on our coats
and s<allied forth, armed with guns and sticks. The
moon was shining brightly, so we required no torches.
We made our way over the fallen trunks and rough
rocks which formed the bank of the river, but after
a while the howls appeared to come from a still
greater distance tlian before.
64
AT A SAFE DISTANCE.
Uncle Mark now called a halt. " The brute.s hear
us, and are retreating," he said. " Keep silence for
a few minutes, and maybe we shall catch sight of
them."
Under his directions I seated myself on the trunk
of a tree, while he and the two men stayed near.
Presently I caught sight of a pair of glaring eyeballs,
and soon another wolf came into view.
"Get your rifles ready," whispered Uncle Mark.
" You, Roger, shoot the one to the left. I will aim
at the next. Mike and Quambo, you take two others.
Unless they run off, we may give a good account of
the whole pack."
As he finished spe.aking I fired, followed by Uncle
Mark and the other men ; and, as the result, four
wolves rolled over dead. The rest of them, however,
disappointed us by turning tail and scampering off
to a safe distance, from whence only their howls
reached us. Uncle Mark, however, did not consider
it prudent to follow them. Indeed, had they lieard
us approaching they would probably have retreated
out of shot; for wolves, though they will follow a
fugitive, like other savage animals, will generally try
to escape when pursued. So, having secured the
skins of those we had killed, although they were of
no great value, we returned homewards.
After this we had alternately rain and frost, with
a few fine days, till the snow came down, and the
winter commenced in earnest. But we were all
pretty well inured to it. Indeed, except when the
iites hear
lence for
siglit of
he trunk
^ed near.
eyeballs,
;le Mark.
will aim
«ro others.
ccount of
by Uncle
suit, four
however,
|->ering off
ir howls
consider
11 ey lieard
I retreated
follow a
n-ally try
bred the
were of
)st, with
and the
^ere all
rhen the
VISITED BY WOLVE&
m
AN EXPEDITION PROPOSED.
67
wind blew, we were in the habit of hewing in the
forest with our coats off'; and even then we often
found it hot work.
Mike came back one day from the settlement —
where he had been sent for a few stores and powder
and shot — with the information that a party of lum-
berers had commenced operations some miles up a
river which ran into the great lake, and that the
"boss" had sent a ganger to hire hands, more of
whom were wanted.
" A few dollains of ready cash would be very accept-
able," observed Uncle Mark. " What say you, Roger?
We'll start away, and spend a month or so with them.
We can take Mike with us, while Quambo will look
after the hut, the cattle, and pigs."
I was ready, of course ; and so, as my uncle was
a man of action, he determined to set off" the next
morning. We were all good skatei-s ; and although,
during the first part of our journey, we should be
unable to make use of our skates, we settled to carry
them with us.
At daybreak, then, we were up, and having taken
breakfast, were ready to start, — our provisions con-
sisting of flour-cakes and cold pork, with a pot and
annikins. Mike also carried his fiddle hung around
Ids neck.
" It will help to a;nuse the gossoons — and maybe
put a few dollars in my pocket," he remarked with
a wink. " Bedad ! I'll keep their feet going, when
the wo V' is over for the day, and they are afther
sharpp ig their axes."
A GOOD HIGHWAY.
We had but one gun with us, which Mike carried,
as we wished to travel with as little encumbrance as
possible.
But just as we were starting off. Uncle Mark
recollected that he had forgotten to write to Uncle
Stephen upon a matter of importance.
" You, Roger, and Mike, can go on ahead," he said,
"while I finish my letter, which I will leave with
Quambo to be forwarded; and I will soon overtake
you."
As there was now light enough for us to see our wiiy
through the forest, we commenced our tramp. There
was no risk of our taking the wrong road, seeing there
was but one — along the course of the stream, which
ran into the larger river ; and it was now frozen in
such a manner as to afford us a good highway. Mike
was always amusing, and I was glad of his company;
besides wdiich, as we had had a good start of my
uncle, I was in hopes that we might have time to get
a shot at something.
We had accomplished three or four miles, and I
had begun to wonder why Uncle Mark had not over-
taken us, a.** iie was a quick walker, and intended to
carry only his axe, and a small skin bag over his
shoulder containing some necessaries. We were
looking about us, in the hope of catching sight of a
raccoon or opossum, or some larger game, when a
howl, such as had aroused us one night a short time
before, sounded through the forest.
" Sure, that comes from a pack of wolves," observed
Mike. " But no! I belave one of the bniteo is capable
AT BAY.
69
carried,
ranee as
e Mark
o Uncle
he said,
ve with
)vertake
our way
There
ng there
[1, which
rozen in
Mike
)mpany;
of my
le to get
and I
ot over-
nded to
»ver his
e were
ht of a
when a
>rt time
)scrved
ipable
of making that noise. We have heard the echoes
among the trees. I hope that there are not many of
them, as they might take it into their heads to attack
us, and that would not be pleasant."
We went on, however, troubling ourselves very
little about the wolf, for I felt sure that there was
only one, or a couple at the most. The stream, as
we proceeded, became wider, running round tlie foot
of some hills, with larches scattered on either side,
their boughs bent down by the snow which had
frozen hard on them. The sky had become cloudy
by this time, too, and there was every appearance of
SI fresh fall.
" Surely Uncle Mark will be up with us soon, Mike !"
I observed.
But scarcely had I spoken when I heard my uncle
shouting to us. He was in the middle of the frozen
stream, and was hurrying towards us, axe in hand.
He had good reason to keep it there, for just then we
saw a huge wolf rush out from behind a clump of
trees close at hand. He stopped to receive his assail-
ant, which, probably well nigh famished, seemed bent
on his destruction.
Mike, without saying a word, had unslung the gun
and dropped on his knee, for there was not a moment
to be lost. In another instant the fierce wolf would
have sprung at my uncle's throat, and might have
t'lken his life; or, at all events, have severely injured
him, and that befcTre we could get near enough to
render him any assistance. It all depended on
Mike's steady aim, therefore; and although I was
ff
70
GOOD SERVICE.
a good shot, still I was thankful that lie had the
gun.
He fired ; and the brute, the moment that it was
making its spring, fell over, snarling and hissing, with
its shoulder broken. A blow on the head from my
uncle's axe finished its existence.
" You have rendered me good service, Laffan," said
my uncle, when we got up to him. " Had you not
taken steady aim, that brute's fangs would have been
at my throat in another moment."
" Faix, thin, Mr. Mark, it is only what I would
have wished to be done," answered Mike. " And if
you ever catch sight of a bear about to give me a
hug, or such a brute as this at my heels" — and he
gave the dead wolf a kick — " you will be afther shoot-
ing him, sure enough!"
" Well, Mike, we shall then be quits. In the mean-
time I am your debtor," answered my uncle, laughing.
Notwithstanding the danger he had been in, he was
quite unmoved. His cheek had not lost its ruddy
glow, nor did a limb tremble.
We quickly skinned the wolf, and hung the hide
up to the branch of a tree a little way from the bank,
where it would be concealed from any passers-by.
We did not wish to encumber ourselves with it in
the meantime, and we hoped to find it on our return.
We were not likely to forget the spot, any more than
those boys in the " old country " would do, who, as I
have heard, are taken to certain landmarks and
whipped, in order that they may afterwards beai
them duly in mind.
GLIDING ALONG.
71
We were thankful that the wolf whicli had attacked
my uncle was alone, as it would have been unpleasant
to find ourselves followed by a howling pack ; and
we now regretted that we had not all of us brought
our guns.
Trudging on some miles further, we came upon
a part of the river which had not been frozen over
until after the snow fell. Here, the ice being clear, we
put on our skates, and glided merrily along towards
the spot where we understood the lumberers were at
work.
CHAPTER III.
A. TERRiriC SNOWSTORM— KEPENAU'8 TIMKLV API'EARANCK — WK VIHIT KEPE-
NAU'S CAMP — HIS M08PITALITT — AN INDIAN'S DREAD OF THE " FIRE
water" — WE BID ADIEU TO OUR INDIAN FRIENDS— OUR ARRIVAL AT
THE LOOOINO ENCAMPMENT — JACQUES MICHAVD TAKES A FANCY TO
MIKE — JACQUE'S RAFT STORY — MY UNCLE AND I START ON OUR RETURN
— WE ARE ATTACKED BY A FIERCE PACK OF WOLVE«, AND AUE SAVED
BY KBPENAU AND HIS MEN — MIKE LAFFAN IN A DIFFICULTY — WE REHOUK
HIM — ASHATEA, KEPENAU's DAUOHTER— MY VISIT TO LILY — MR. AND
MRS. CLAXTON — DORA AND REUBEN — REUBEN VISITS OUR HUT— THE
MARTEN AND PORCUPINE — AN OPOHSUM-HUNT.
[HE snow had for some time been falling lightly,
but the wind which had arisen blew it off the
ice, and thus it did not impede our progress ;
but that same wind, which was now by a
turn of the river brought directly ahead of
us, soon increased in strength, and drove the particles
of snow, sharp as needles, into our faces. Indeed, the
cold every instant became more intense, while the
snow fell more thickly.
" Faix, and it's moighty loike a shower of pen-
knives, mixed with needles and pins!" cried Mike.
" It's a hard matther to keep the eyes open. What
will we be afther doing. Mr. Mark, if it gets
worse ? "
"We'll go on till it does get worse," said Uncle
Mark. " It would not do to turn back now."
A TERRIFIC SNOWSTORM.
73
Mike said no more, but, bending down liis head,
worked away manfully with might and main.
I did my best to keep up, but I may say that
seldom have I endured such suffering. At last 1 felt
that I could stand it no longer ; so I proposed to my
uncle that we should make for the shore, and there
build a Imt, light a tire, and wait till the storm was
over.
He was, however, bent upon going on. " We
should be half-frozen before we could get up a wig-
wam," he answered.
Just then I heard a voice hailing us in gruff tones,
and I guessed it was that of an Indian; but we
had no reason to dread the Indians of these parts.
As we looked about to see from whence it proceeded,
I caught sight of the tops of two or three wigwams
just peeping out from a cedar-bush at a little distance
from the shore.
"Friends, come here!" exclaimed some one, and we
observed an Indian making towards us ; whereupon
v/e turned round and skated up to him.
" Ah, friends ! I know you," he said. " You cannot
face the storm, which will soon blow stronger still.
Come to my wigwam, where you shall have shelter
till it has passed by."
As he spoke I recognized my old friend Kcpenau,
wliom I had not seen since we had come to our
present location. I had so grown, too, that he did
not at first recognize me.
Having taken off our skates, we followed him
to his camp, where he introduced us to several other
74
KEPENAU S WIGWAM.
among
whom were a
Indians and their squaws,
number of children of all ages.
The thick cedar-bushes sheltered the spot com-
pletely from the wind, and the fire which burned in
the centre afforded us a welcome warmth; for, in
spite of the exercise w^e had gone through, our blood
was chilled by the piercing snowstorm. The Indians
were dressed partly in skins, and partly in garments
made of blankets, received from the white men; most
of the squaws w^ore a large blanket over their heads,
forming a cloak in which they were shrouded. The
wigwams were constructed of long thin poles, fastened
at the top, and spread out in a conical form, the whole
being covered thickly with slabs of birch-bark.
Our red-skinned hosts put us at once at our ease ;
and I asked Kepenau how he came to be in that part
of the country.
" The white men compelled us to move westward,"
he answered. " They have planted on our lands, and
shot the game on which we subsisted ; and though I
should have been content to remain among them and
adopt their customs, yet my people wished to live as
our fathers have lived ; and I would not desert them.
My desire is to instruct them in the truths I have
myself learned; and it is only by dwelling with them,
and showing them that I love them, that I can hope
to do that."
We had much interesting conversation with Kepe-
nau, and I was surprised at the amount of informa-
tion on religious subjects which he possessed; indeed,
I confess that he put us all to shame.
COMFORTABLE QUAKTEKS.
75
m were a
Uncle Mark looked grave, and sighed. " I used
once to read my Bible, and listen gladly to God's
Word read and preached, when I lived with my good
fiitherand mother in the 'old country,' though I have
sadly neglected it since I came out here," he said;
" but I will do so no longer. You have reminded me
of my duty, friend Kepenau."
•' What you say makes me glad. Keep to your
resolve, for you cannot do God's will without read-
ing his Word, to know what that will is," remarked
Kepenau.
Our host gave up one of the wigwams for our
special use, in the centre of which a fire burned,
prevented from spreading by a circle of stones. The
ground around the sides was covered with thick
rushes which served as our beds, and we lay with
our feet towards the fire. Severe as was the cold
outside, and thin as appeared the walls, the heat
from the fire kept us thorouglily wann ; and I never
slept more soundly in my life, for, although our hosts
were Redskins, w^e felt as secure as in our own hut.
Notwithstanding that the storm raged without, the
wigwams were so well protected by the cedar-bushes
that the fierce wind failed to reach us.
In the morning, when we came out of our wig-
wam we found that the squaws had prepared break-
fast; which consisted of dried venison, cakes made
from Indian corn, and fish which had been caught
before the frost set in, and had remained hard-frozen
ever since.
"You can now continue your journey, for the
t.
76
A FEAR OF " FIRE WATER."
II
storm lias ceased ; and may tlie Great Spirit protect
you!" observed Kepenau, looking up at the sky,
across which the clouds were now scarcely moving.
Uncle Mark inquired why he did not bi'ing his
camp nearer the settlement.
" I will tell you," answered Kepenau. " Though I
have been ever friendly with the white men, and
value tlie advantages to be obtained from them, there
is one thing for which I fear them, — their accursed
'fire water.' Already it has slain thousands of my
people, or reduced them to a state lower than the
brutes which perish; and I know not whether my
young men would resist the temptation were it
placed in their way."
"But all the white men do not sell the 'fire
water* of which you speak," observed Uncle Mark.
" I have none in my hut."
"But while one among you possesses the poison,
and is ready to barter it with my people, the harm
may be done," answered Kepenau. " Until I am
sure that none of the 'fire water* exists in your
settlement, I will not allow my people to come near
it.'*
"I am afraid, then, that you will fail to civilize
them, as you desire," observed Uncle Mark.
" Do you call it civilizing them, to teach them the
vices of the white men?'* exclaimed the Indian in a
tone of scorn. " If so, then I would rather that they
remained savages, as you call them, than obtain
knowledge at such a price."
"I believe that you are right," answered Uncle
THE LUMBERERS CAMP.
77
►me near
Mark, as we bade our host and his family good-bye ;
"and I have learned more than one lesson from you. "
Kepenau accompanied us to the bank of the river ;
where we put on our skates, and continued our course
without interruption till we caught sight of several
thin wreaths of smoke above the tops of the trees.
" Sure, that smoke must come from the lumberers'
fires," observed Mike.
"Such is probably the case; but it is just possible
that it may proceed from a camp of Indians, who
n>'^ht not be so friendly as those we left this morning,"
said my uncle.
Still we were not to be stopped, and on we skated.
Even should we meet enemies, we had not much
cause to 'ear them, \mless they possessed firearms. On
we went, I say, gliding along at the rate of ten or
twelve miles an hour ; and as I had never before had
an opportunity of performing so great a distance, I
enjoyed it amazingly.
As we advanced we caufdit sight of numerous logs
of timber hauled out into the middle of the stream.
Shortly afterwards the sound of voices reached our
ears, an we saw a number of men scattered about
— some engaged, with gleaming axes, in felling trees ;
others with horses dragging the trunks, placed on
sleighs, over the hard snow on to the ice. They
were there arranged alongside each other, and bound
together so as to form numerous small rafts. Here
they would remain until the giving way of the frost ;
wdien, on the disappearance of the ice, they would be
floated down towards the mouth of tlie river, and
78
MODE or TRANSPORTING LOOS.
towed across the lake to the various saw-mills on its
banks.
We were glal to be welcomed by the "boss;" who
at once engaged Uncle Mark and Mike to hew, while
I was to undertake the less onerous task of driving a
team.
The shores of the river had been already pretty
well cleared of large timljer, so that I had to bring
the trunks from some distance.
Uncle Mark and Lafian soon showed that they
were well practised axemen.
Our companions were to spend some months en-
gaged in the occupation I have described ; till the
return of spring, in fact, when, the rafts being put
together, they would descend the river till rapids or
cataracts were reached. The rafts would then be
separated, and each log of timber, or two or three to-
gether at most, would be allowed to make their way
as they best coidd down the fall, till they reached
calm water at the foot of it; when they would be
again put together, and navigated by tlie raftsmen
guiding them with long poles. In some places, where
rough rocks exist in the rapids by which the timber
might be injured, slides had been formed. These
slides are channels, or rather canals, as they are open
at the top; and are constructed of thick boards — just
as nmch water being allowed to rush down them as
will drive on the logs. Some of these slides are two
hundred feet long; othei*s reach even to the length
of seven hundred feet. The timbers are placed on
mills on its
boss ; " wlio
hew, while
of driving a
;ady pretty
id to bring
th.at thoy
months en-
ed ; till the
i being put
11 rapids or
id then be
or three to-
their way
ey reached
would be
e raftsmen
ficcs, where
the timber
ed. These
y are open
>ards — just
n them as
[3S are two
he length
placed on
n
jtjlri^i
TIIK UrMBRnERS SII VXTY.
81
cribs, — which nre frainos to Ht tl»e slides, — then, with
!i couple of men on them to guide their courst*, when
they get through they shoot away at a furious rate
down the inclined plane, and without the slightest
risk of injury.
When evening aj)proached we all assembled in a
huge shanty, which had been built under the shelter
of the thick bush. Round it were arranged rows of
hunks, with the cooking-stove in the centre, which
was kept burning at all houi*s, and served thoroughly'
to warm our abode. On each side of the stove were
tables, with benches round them. Here we took our
meals ; which, although sufficient, were not too deli-
cate, — salt pork being the chief dish. Rough as were
the men, too, they were tolerably well-behaved ; but
quarrels occasionally took place, as might have been
expected among such a motley crowd.
On the first evening of our arrival Mike's fiddle
attracted univers.al attention, and he wa.s, of course,
asked to play a tune.
"Why thin, sure, I will play one with all the
pleasure in life," he answered. " And, sure, some of
you gintlemen will be afther loiking to take a dance;"
and without moi*e ado he seated himself on the top
of a bench at the further end of the shanty, and began
to scrape away wi^h might and main, nodding his
head and kicking his heels to keep time. The effect
was electrical. The tables were quickly removed to
the sides of the slianty; and every man, from the
" boss " downwards, began shuffling away, circling
(627) C
m
83
THE GOOD-NATURED LUMBERER.
round his neiglibour, leaping from the ground, and
shrieking at the top of his voice.
When Mike's fiddle was not going, our lumbering
companions were wont to spin long yarns, as we sat
at the supper- tjible. Several of them had worked up
tlie northern rivers of Canada, where the winter lasts
much longer than it docs in tlic district I am describ-
ing ; and among these was a fine old French Canadian,
Jacques Mic^Iiaud by name, who had come south with
a party, tempted by the prospect of obtaining a pocket-
ful of dollars. He stood six feet two inches in his
stockings ; and his strength was in proportion to his
size. At the same time, he was one of the most good-
natured and kind-ljcarted men I ever met.
Atiiong our party were several rough characters;
and it happened that one evening two of them fell
out. Tljcy were about to dmw tlieir knives, when
Jacques neized each of them in l»is vice-like grasp,
and, holding them at arm's-length, gmdually lifted
them off the gi'ound. Tliere he kept chem ; mildly
expostulating, — now smiling at one, and now at the
other, — till they had consented to settle their dispute
amicably ; lie then set them on their legs again, and
made them shake hands.
This man t(X)k a great fancy to Mike. "Ah, I do
wish all your countrymen were like you," he ob-
served, smiling benignantly on him; "but they are
generally very diff*erent, especially when they get the
grog on boaixl : then they often lose their lives, — and
all their own fault, too.
" I had come down the Ottawa with several rafts.
A FEARFUL ACCIDENT.
83
some two hundred miles or more. My own raft was
manned by Canadians, — steady boys, who stuck to
our laws, whatever they do to those of other people,
and kept sober till they brought their raft safe into
(lock. Another raft was manned chiefly by Irishmen,
— who, although I warned thera, would indulge in
strong drink. We were nearing the Chaudifere Falls,
and I had brought my raft safe to shore, where it
was taken to pieces, so that the logs might be sent
do\vTi the slide. I had gone on to a point where I
could watcii this being done, when I heard loud cries;
and on looking up the river I saw that part of
another raft, with four men on it, had got adrift, and,
to my horror, was hurrying towards the most dan-
gerous part of the rapids. I saw at once that in a
few moments it must be dashed to pieces, and, as
I thought, the fate of the four unfortunates on it
was surely sealed.
"On it hurried, whirling round and round amid the
foaming waters. The next instant dashing a^.ainst
the rocks, it separated into as many fragments as
there were timl^crs, each of which was whirled down
towards the fjills. Three of the poor wretches soon
di.snjjpeared among the tossing waves; but the fourth
chiiig to the end of a piece of timber with the grasp
of despair — to that end which reached nearly to the
edge of the cataract. A fearful position ! Still, the
Irishman held on. I was almost sure that the next
moment would be his last; but just then the cun*ent
turned the log, so that the opposite end pointed to
the fjdl. On it went, with even greater rapidity
84
A PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE.
tlian at first; then balancing for an instant on the
brink, the end to which lie held was lifted up high in
the air, ana he was sent from it as from a catapult,
far out into the calm water below the caldron ! I
never expected again to see him, but he rose unin-
jured to the surface; and being a good swimmer,
struck out boldly till he was picked up by one of
several canoes which put off instantly to his assist-
ance. Tim Nolan, I have a notion, was the first man
who ever came over those terrific falls and lived; and
I would not advise any of you young fellows to try
the experiment, for, in my opinion, he is the last who
will ever do so and escape destruction."
Such was one of the many anecdotes I heard from
the lips of old Jacques and our other associates.
I was not sorry when, after some weeks, Uncle
Mark told me that he had made up his mind to
return home. Mike had agreed to finish a job ,vhich
would occupy him a day or so longer ; but as Uncle
Mark was anxious to be off, it was settled that
he and I should start together, leaving the rifle
with Mike, as he would have to come on alone.
We believed that no animals were likely at ■ at
season to attack two people ; besides, Uncle Mark
had ])urrhased a pair of pistols from Jacrpies Michaud,
wliicli he consideivd would be sufHcient for our
defence. Accordingly, pocketing our dollars and sling-
ing our wolf-skin knapsacks over our backs, we put
on our skates and commenced our journey.
We got on famously, for the air was calm, although
UOMEWAUD BOUND.
85
the cold was intense. We found our friend Kepenau,
too, encamped where we Iiad left him ; and stopping
for a short time, we took our mid-day meal with
him. As we had made such good progress during
tlie morning, we hoped to reach the hut before mid-
night, for the moon was up, and we could not miss
our way. Uncle Mark was in good spirits, well
satisfied with the result of our expedition, and we
laughed and chatted as we glided over the smooth
ice.
" We must not forget our wolf-skin," I observed.
" We shall get up to the spot before daylight is over,
and I would rather carry it on my back than leave it
behind."
" I shall not let you do that," answered my uncle.
" It will weigh less on my shoulders than on yours."
We were approaching a part of the river where, the
ice having formed before the snow fell, we should be
compelled to tjike off our skates and travel on foot.
I had just remarked that I supposed the wolves had
gone off to some other district, where game was more
abundant than with us, when a howl reached our ears,
coming down the stream, from the very direction in
wiiich we were going. Another and another followed.
Presently we heard tlie full chorus of a wh()le pack,
and soon we caught sight of numerous dark spots
on the white snow in the distiince.
Uncle Mark watched tlumi for an instant or two.
" We must beat a retreat, Roger, or the brutes will l)e
iijjon us. We cannot hope to tight our way through
them. Off we go ! " and turning round, we skated
86
PURSUED BY WOLVES.
away for deai* life in the direction from whence we
had come.
We hoped soon to distiince the savage creatures ;
in which case, losing sight and scent of us, they
might turn off into the forest and leave tlie road
clear. As we went on, however, we heard their cries
becoming more and more distinct; and casting a
glance over our shoulders, we saw, to our horror, that
they had already gained considerably on us; for with
their light bodies they ran very quickly over the
Imrd-frozen snow.
Forward we dashed, faster than I had ever skated
before; but nearer and nearer grew those terrible
sounds. When once, however, the wolves reached
the smooth ice, they were no longer able to run so
fast as before ; still, they gradually gained on us, and
we felt sure that ere long they must be at our heels,
as they were not now likely to give up the chase.
" Never give up while life remains ! Keep on, keep
on, Roger ! " cried Uncle Mark. " My pistols will do
for two of their leaders ; our sticks must knock over
some of ihe others ; and we must ho})e that the rest
of the pack will stop to devour their carcasses."
It might liave been a quarter of an hour after this,
although the time appeared longer, when, looking
round, I saw a dozen wolves a( Iwist w ithin twenty
yards of us.
"We must try a dodge I have heard of," said
Uncle Mark. " When they get near u> we must
wheel rapidly round, and as tliey cannot turn on the
ice so fast as we can, we shall gain on them."
whence we
Hrst /
""v-l
r'^ f.o-^
?7
A DESPERATE i'tNCOUMTER.
87
We waited until tlie wolves were almost up to us,
then we followed the proposed plan. The brutes,
after rushing on a short disUince, tried to turn also.
In doing so, those behind tumbled over their leaders,
and we skated on as before. We did this several
times, until the cunning wolves, {perceiving our
object, instead of turning kept straight forward.
Uncle Mark now drew one of his pistols, and as he
skated round shot the leading wolf It rolled over
dead. The next he treated in the same manner.
We then brought our sticks down on the heads of
several others.
As we had expected, their foUowers instantly
began tearing away at the dead bodies, and this
enabled us to get some distance ahead of them. I
was in hopes that they would be content with this
feast, and allow us to proceed unmolested ; but before
long our ears were again saluted with their abomin-
able howls, and we saw the survivors of the pack
coming along in full chjise.
As we skated on Uncle Mark deliberately reloaded
luj pistols, observing, " We shall have to play the
sjiine game over again, and I hope we shall play it jus
well."
The wolves, however, seemed resolved not to let us
escape. They nearly overtook us; nnd though we
turned, skating away now to the right and now to
the left bank of the river, they declined imitating
our example.
"Our best chance is to keep str.iight on," sjiid
Uncle Mark. "Don't give in, whatever you do.
88
RESCUKI) BY OUIt INDIAN FKIENDS.
Our legs are as strong as theirs, and they will begin
to get tired at last,"
I was not so sure of that till, looking back for a
moment, I saw that the pack was drawn out into a
long line, showing that some, at all events — probably
the younger animals — were losing wind. If, however,
only one brute had succeeded in catching hold of our
legs, it would have been all up with us.
Fearfully depressing indeed were their howls; as
they sounded close behind us, they almost took the
life out of me. Two of the largest of the brutes
were not five yards from us, and I was already
beginning to feel as if their sharp fangs w^ere fixed in
the calves of my legs, when I saw several figures in
the distiince, and faint shouts were borne on the
breeze towards us.
" Courage, Roger ! courage I " cried Uncle Mark.
'* Put forth all your strength, and we shall be saved.
Those are friends."
As we moved on we perceived Kepenau and a
num V of Indians rushing towards us, fiourish-
ing st 'k.s, and shoutin<j^ at the top of their voices.
Kept!iiau himself, and three others, were armed with
rifies.
"Turn on one side," he sliouted, "and let us aim at
the wolves."
We followed his adviet' ; wlicn four ritte-sliots .sent
over as many of the howling brute.s. The rest,
frii^ditened by the shouts of the Indians as much
probably as by the death of their companions, turned
ort* on one side, and allowed us to esca|)e. Instead,
will begin
back for a
out into a
—probably
f, however,
lold of our
howls; {IS
b took the
bhc brutcH
IS already
re fixed in
figures in
lie on the
cle Mark,
be saved.
au and a
fiourish-
ir voices,
nied with
us aim at
iliots sunt
'he rest,
as much
s, turned
Instead,
C
s
(/)
c
!l.-
&•
.HI:
IB
HOSPITABLE TUEATMKNT.
91
however, of going back, they continued their course
down the river. Probably they had been bound in
that direction when tliey first winded us.
We were saved ; but so overcome were we by our
long-continued violent exertions, that, had not our
Indian friends caught us in their arms, we should
have sunk exhausted on the ice. Taking off our
skates, they supported us between their arms to their
camp. Here, seated on mats, with our feet before the
fire, we were kindly tended by the squaws, who
rubbed our ankles and legs, and bathed our feet in
water. Some wan broth — we did not examine too
minutely the ingredients — quickly restored us; and
we were able to give an account of our adventure.
It was now too late to think of continuing our
journey that night, so the Indians jn*essed us to
remain with them till the next morning; promising
to ascertain the direction taken by the pack of
wolves, so that we might not run the risk of again
falling in with the hungry brutes.
Kepenau would not allow us to use our own pro-
visions, — observing that we might want them tlie
next day, — and he insisted on supplying us with
everything needful.
We slept soundly, but when I tried to get up next
morning I felt little able to continue the journey.
I did not so much feel the effects of the exercise as
of the anxiety I had so long endured. Even Uncle
Mark was very stiff, and seemed inclined to enjoy a
longer rest.
The Indians told us that during the night the
9S
FKARS FOR MIKES SAFETY.
wolves liad (;ome biick ; probably to devour the car-
casses of their slain companions. It was thought
probable that they had returned up the river. One
of the men went out to ascertjiin this, and on coming
back told us that the first surmise was coiTcct — that
the pack had inileed gone up the river, but that it
had afterwards gone down again, as was evident from
the bloody marks left by their feet.
Suddenly my uncle exclaimed : " By-the-by, Mike
will be on his way home some tinie to-day; and if so,
it is more than ])ossible that he may fall in with the
wolves ! Though he ha.s a gun, it will go hard with
bim should they follow his trail."
My uncle accordingly expressed his fears to Kcpenau.
"Then we must set out to meet your white friend,"
said the Indian ; " for should he be coming over the
ice to-day, the wolves are certiiin to espy him."
Mike had told me that he would visit our Indian
friends on the way, and s[)end the night with them,
should he start too late to perform the whole distance
in one day. The recollection of this increased my
apprehension for his safety.
Kepenau said that he and four of the best-armed
of his people would set out early in the afternoon to
look for our friend. Of coui'se, we insisted on accom-
panying them ; and being pretty well rested, we
stJirted at the hour proposed. We put on our skates,
but the Indians kept pace with us by running.
We went on and on, but no sign could we see of
Miko. It was already getting dusk when Kepenau
stopped and examined the ice.
A SEARCH.
98
tlie car-
thought
or. One
\ coming
;ct — tliat
t that it
[cut from
by, Mike
mkI if so,
witli the
art! with
Kcponau.
li friend,"
over the
r Indian
h them,
distance
cd my
jt-armed
rnoon to
accom-
|;ted, wo
skates,
see of
.epenau
" A man has passed tliis way," he said, " and has
turned ott' to the right."
Telling one of his people to follow up the trail, he
proceeded onwards, narrowly scrutinizing the ice.
" It is as I thought," he observed ; " he was coming
along on foot when he saw a pack of wolves follow-
ing him, and instead of continuing on the ice he made
hi » way for the shore, to try and reach a tree into
which he could climb — tl*e wisest thing he could do."
Having made this remark, he led the way in the
direction the other Indian had taken. He soon over-
took him ; but as darkness was increasing we had to
proceed slowly, so as not to lose the trail, which I
was utterly unable to perceive. The banks here
were of a low, marshy nature, so that there were few
trees about up which the fugitive could have escaped.
I did not confidently expect to meet Mike on this
occasion, for he, I thought, would have come along on
his skates, whereas this person, the Indian said, was
on foot.
We had not gone far when Kepenau stopped.
" That is the howl of wolves," he observed ; " but it
is accompanied by a curious sound, and they are not
howling in their usual fashion."
Advancing further, I could clearly distinguish the
howling of the wolves, accomi)anied by another sound.
" Why, as I am alive, those are the tones of Mike
Lattan's fiddle!" exclaimed Uncle Mark. " He is safe,
at all events — that is one comfort ; but it is a curious
place to be playing in."
Kepenau now told us that the path we were follow-
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94
CHARMING THE WOLVES.
ing would lead us to the ruins of an old fort, erected
by the early French settlers, and that he had little
doubt our friend had found his way to it for refuge
from the wolves ; but they had followed him, and
were certainly not far off.
We hurried on, and as the sounds of the fiddle
became more distinct, the full moon rose from behind
a dark mass which pro^'ed to be a ruined wall of the
building; and immediately afterwards, directly in
front of us, we discovered Mike LafFan seated on one
of the time-worn and rickety beams which had once
formed part of the fort. There he was, bow in hand,
fiddling with might and main ; while below him were
a whole pack of wolves, their mouths open, singing
an inharmonious chorus to his music. So entranced
were they, that the . brutes actually did not discover
us; nor, so far as we could see, were they making
any attempt to reach Mike.
At a sign from Kepenau we stopped ; but Mike,
though he had perceived us, went on fiddling. Pres-
ently he changed the tune to one of extraordinary
rapidity: this evidently astonished his vulpine
audience, which began to leap about. Suddenly he
exclaimed, " Now ! shout, friends, shout ! and we
shall put the spalpeens of wolves to flight." As we
raised our voices he made his instrument produce
the most fearful shrieks and cries, while he uttered
at the same time a true Irish howl.
Mike's plan had the desired effect. The wolves,
bewildered by the strange sounds, were seized with
terror, and off they scampered like a pack of curs,
iii
CHARMINQ THE WOLVE&
H i
.-J
i
m
j
1
■
I
PUT TO FLIGHT.
97
howling and biting at each other as they rushed along
towards the forest, in which they soon disappeared.
Mike on this jumped down from his perch, laugh-
ing heartily, and thanked us all for having come to
his assistance. Of course, our opportune appearance
had very much astonished him ; but we soon explained
matters, and expressed our hope that he was none the
worse for his adventure.
"Sorra a bit," he answered, "except that I am
mighty cowld, sitting up there among the snow for so
long ; but I'll soon be afther warming my limbs."
Saying this he set off with us, and at a rapid rate
we retraced our steps to the Indian camp. We
were all glad enough to turn in ; and next morning
our friends, after examining the country around,
assured us that the wolves were not likely to follow
our footsteps.
My uncle had taken a great liking to Kepenau,
and invited him to come and pitch his camp near us;
promising to supply him with powder and shot, and
also to assist him in trading with the white men so
that no risk. might be run of whisky being given in
exchange for game and furs. Kepenau said he would
think about the matter.
One of the young squaws who happened to be pre-
sent was his daughter. On hearing of the invitation,
she begged her father to accept it. She was far
superior to the other Indian women in appearance;
and although not so old as Lily, she was taller than
any of them. Her complexion was of the lightest
olive, through which rich colour could be seen on her
(627) 7
98
THE chief's daughter.
cheeks. She was, indeed, fairer than many Euro-
peans. Her figure was extremely graceful, too. I did
not, however, observe this when I first saw her, for
she was then dressed in her thick blanket robe.
Her name was Ashatea, or " White Poplar ; " a very
suitable name, as I thought. She had seen Lily, I
found, two or three times, before they had moved
westward ; and she longed, she told me, to meet her
again, and begged that I would tell Lily so when I
returned home. It was this that made her so anxious
that her father and his tribe should come and camp
near us.
Before we started, Kepenau had almost promised
to come, though he would not bind himself to do so.
"Circumstances might change," he observed. "He
was well located where his camp was pitched, and it
was trying work to change quarters at that season of
the year."
Ashatea accompanied us, with her people, down to
the ice. " Do not forget," she said, " my message to
your sister Lily."
"You may trust me," I ans\^ered, making her a
bow — for I felt that she was a lady, although an
Indian squaw ; then off we set, hoping this time to
reach home before nightfall. Having completely
recovered from our fatigue, we got on famously.
Mike did not forget to secure the wolf-skin ; and just
as the sun sank behind the trees, we were saluted by
the sharp, joyous barking of Snap, Yelp, and Pop,
and by the gruffer tones of Quambo, who rushed
out of the hut to welcome us home.
A VISIT TO MY RELATIONS.
99
y Euro-
o. I did
her, for
:et robe.
" a very
i Lily, I
d moved
oaeet her
> when I
3 anxious
md camp
promised
to do so.
ed. " He
)d, and it
season of
down to
essage to
ng her a
iough an
time to
)mpletely
'amously.
and just
luted by
,nd Pop,
o rushed
We had plenty of work to do after we returned
home, but I managed to make a run over to the settle-
ment to pay a visit to my uncle and aunt and Lily.
I did not fail to give her Ashatea's message ; and she
was much pleased to hear of her.
"I do hope they will come into our neighbourhood;
1 should be so glad to see her again," said Lily.
" Ashatea promised to take me out in her canoe ; for,
you know, she is as expert as any of the men in
paddling one. She wished to show me how the
Indians catch fish. And then she said that when the
rice was ripe we should go to the rice-lake to collect it.
I hope that Aunt Hannah won't object. It would be
very interesting ; and there could be no possible
danger, as all the Indians in this part of the country
are friendly. But, to tell you the truth, Roger, I am
quite jealous of you, as you are now able to go out
into the forest by yourself, and meet with all sorts of
adventures; whilst I, alas! am compelled to stay at
home, with no other amusement than occasionally a
'sewing' or an 'apple bee.'"
I, of course, sympathized with Lily, and said that
I wished Aunt Hannah would let her come out with
me, and that I should take ver}'^ great care of her.
" I am afraid that she thinks we are now too old
to run about together as we used to do, when you
were a boy and I was a girl," she answered.
" I wish, then, that we were young again ! " I ex-
claimed ; " although I should not then be able to take
as much care of you as I can now. I would sooner
die, Lily, than allow any liarm to happen to you."
um
St*
Si
.>>
100
A NIGHT-WALK THROUGH THE FOREST.
) I
" That I am sure you would, Roger," she said ;
" and I should not be afraid to trust myself with you
anywhere."
We were not very old even then, I should remasji;
but I was feeling myself a man, and was ready to do
all sorts of manly things.
" By-the by," observed Lily, " we have become in-
timate with a famil}'^ among the settlers who arrived
la^st fall, — Mr. and Mrs. Claxton, and Dora their
daughter, a very nice girl of my age, and a great
friend of mine. Dora has a brother called Reuben,
and I think you will like him. Although he is
younger than you are, he seems to be a fine fellow,
and lias your taste for natural history and sporting."
"I shall be very glad to meet with him; but I have
not time to look him up now, as I must get back to
the hut. But you may tell him about me ; and say
that, if he will come over, I shall be happy to take
him out into the forest, where we can have a hunt
together."
Although I had said that I must go immediately, I
lingered for some time with Lily, for I never was in
a hurry to leave her. It was consequently quite
dark before I got half-way to the hut ; still, I knew
the path — indeed, there was only one. The snow,
however, thickly covered the ground, and I had to
guide myself by feeling the scores on the trunks of
the trees. Had every tree been thus marked, there
would have been no gi-eat difficulty ; but, of course,
they were scored only at intervals, and sometimes I
was uncertain whether I had not somehow got out of
m''
c;
ii.^
e said ;
ith you
reina|)i ;
ly to do
jome in-
I arrived
ra their
a great
Reuben,
rh he is
e fellow,
sorting."
it I have
i back to
and say
r to take
} a hunt
iiately, I
Br was in
]y quite
I knew
le snow,
had to
trunks of
ed, there
of course,
letimes I
ot out of
A NEW^ FRIEND. »<» '
the direct line. I knew that, did I once go wrong,
it would be a hard matter, if not impossible, to find
my way back again. There might be wolves prowl-
ing about, too; or I might by chance find myself in
the grasp of a hungiy bear, bent on a visit to the hog-
pens in the settlement. Intending to return early, I
had left without my gun — an act of folly I resolved
not to repeat. Should I lose myself, I should have
no means of making a signal, and I might very
possibly be frozen to death before the morning.
I had. gone some distance without finding a score,
and I began to fear that I really had lost myself; but
it would not do to stand still, so I walked on ; and
greatly to my relief, as I touched tree after tree, I at
length felt a scored one, and knew that I was in the
right direction. Presently a light appeared ahead.
I ran towards it, shouting at the top of my voice. A
welcome halloo came from Mike, who was standing,
with a pine torch in his hand, at the door of the hut.
Two days after this, a tall lad, of fair complexion,
made his appearance at the hut, gun in hand, and
introduced himself as Reuben Claxton. "Miss Lily,
who is a great friend of my sister Dora, told me that
you would be glad to see me ; and so I have come,
and I should much like to have a hunt with you in
the forest," he said itbrupUy.
It was his way, I found. He always went directly
to the point, whether in talking or in doing anything;
and I liked him the better for that.
Uncle Mark invited him to stay with us.
102
A CURIOUS CONTEST.
"I said that I would if you asked me, so they will
not be expecting me at home again," he answered.
In ten minutes we were on as friendly terms as if
we had known each other all our lives. Next day we
started with our guns, accompanied by Mike and
Quambo, and our three dogs. The sky was bright,
the air calm, and, except for the snow and the leafless
trees, we might have supposed ourselves to have been
in the middle of summer.
"We had not gone far when we caught sight of an
animal making its way along the trunk of a fallen
tree. I soon recognized it to be a marten, and was
just going to fire, when I perceived another creature
coming out of a hole hard by. The former animal
was evidently bent on attacking the latter. The
marten immediately stopped, and carefully eyed the
hermit, the character of which I could not at first
make out on account of the distance it was from us.
Quambo would probably have known, but he and
Mike were some way behind us. Of the marten I
had no doubt ; I recognized it by its agile and grace-
ful movements, by its length, which was about a
foot and a half, with a bushy tail somewhat imder a
foot long, and by its dark tawny coat and white
throat, its pointed muzzle, and bright and lively
eyes. We stopped to watch what would take place,
keeping back the dogs, which were about to rush
forward and seize the animals.
The marten soon made up its mind to assault its
opponent, which, instead of retreating into its hole,
came boldly forward and ascended the fallen trunk.
1
I
bliey will
vered.
srms as if
:t day we
like .and
LS bright,
le leafless
lave been
orbt of an
f a fallen
, and was
r creature
er anini.al
,er. The
eyed the
)t dX first
s from us.
t he and
marten I
ind grace-
j about a
it under a
iiid white
nd lively
ake place,
,t to rush
issault its
) its hole,
en trunk.
i
'A
FIQHT BETWEEN A MARTEN AND A PORCUPINE
1
t
f
DOTH COMBATANTS KILLED.
105
I at once saw tliat it was an "urson," or porcupine;
although my companion sup))osed it to be anotlier
animal, as he could not see the long quills with which
the English porcupine is armed. This creature was
fully two feet long. Its back was covered with thick
hair of a dusky brown colour; its head w^is short,
and its nose blunt; it had small round ears, very
powerful teeth, short limbs, and feet armed with
strong crooked claws. These particulars I was after-
wards able to exhibit to him.
The porcupine stood eying its opponent for nearly
a minute ; then the marten began the attack by
showing its teeth, erecting its hairs, and springing
forward with graceful bounds. At the same time the
porcupine, erecting an armour of quills, which had
till then been concealed under its thick hair, ai)peared
all at once to become twice its former size. The
marten had too much impetus to stop its attempt to
seize the porcupine by the snout; but the latter,
suddenly whisking round, dealt the marten a tremen-
dous blow with its tail, filling its body with short
darts, and sending it off the trunk sprawling among
the snow.
The marten was now animated by rage as well as
by the desire to capture its foe. It again sprang up,
ran along the boughs of the fallen tree, and advanced
once more towards the porcupine ; but its courage and
agility did not avail it. Another blow from that for-
midable tail cast it once more into the snow; while
the porcupine looked down with contempt on its de-
feated antjigonist. Reuben, taking good aim with his
106
OPOSSUM-HUNTING.
rifle, put the raarten out of misery ; while I killed the
victorious porcupine. The dogs then rushed forward ;
but Snap, the most eager, had reason to repent his
eagerness, as before we could keep him oft' the animal
he had received several sharp quills in his jaws.
These v/e immediately extracted, but he never again
attempted to seize either a living or a dead porcupine.
We killed another marten and some squirrels, and
were returning home just at sundown, when we met
Uncle Mark, who had followed our trail — no difficult
thing to do over the snow, even for a white man. He
had just before caught sight of an opossum, which
liad escaped him. It had evidently paid a visit to
our poultry-yard a short time previously, and hav-
ing succeeded in carrying off" one of the inhabitants,
was making its way with its prey to its mate or
hungry family when Uncle Mark overtook it. He
had knocked it over with his stick, and supposed it
dying or dead, as it lay with open mouth, extended
tongue, and dim eyes. At that moment he had caught
sight of a marten or some other animal moving through
the forest. The creature thereupon proved that it
was only "possuming;" for the instant his eye was
withdrawn it sprang up, and set off' at a rate which
showed that its powers of locomotion, at least, had
not been impaired by the blows it had received.
He was telling us this, when the dogs began to
yelp, and presently right ahead of us appeared a
creature of the size of a large cat.
"Dere a 'possum," exclaimed Quambo; and we
hurried after it with the dogs.
illed the
forward ;
pent his
e animal
lis jaws.
er again
^rcupine.
Tels, and
I we met
difficult
lan. He
n, which
I visit to
md hav-
labitants,
mate or
it. He
)posed it
xtended
d caught
through
that it
leye was
le which
last, had
led.
iegan to
leared a
tnd we
OPOSSUM-HUNTINa
1 ; i
m
"
i '
i 1 1
I -•).)■;''
1 1;
■■; j$
■i -, M
CAUGHT AT LAST.
109
" Master 'Possum " was not going to be caught so
easily, however. In an instant it was up a tree, and
lost to sight amid the branches, while the dogs yelped
around it.
" The creature is lost," cried Reuben.
" No fear ob dat," answered Quambo. " We soon
find him out."
Then he and Mike, with the rest of us, began to
collect all the decayed branches to be found above
the snow. We soon had enough wood for a fire;
when Quambo striking a light, it quickly blazed up,
and the flames exhibited the opossum making its
way along one of the branches. The dogs leaped
about, and yelped loudly. Quambo had thrown him-
self on the ground to watch the animal's proceedings ;
for the moment we had attempted to take aim, it had
nimbly sprung round to the dark side, apparently
watching us as eagerly as we were watching it. Mike
on this huiTied off to a little distance and lifted his
rifle. He fired, and down came the opossum.
The dogs seized it, and in a few moments life was
extinct. There wjis no shamming now, though the
Irishman gave it another blow, after we had taken
off* the dogs, just to make sure. He having slung it
over his back, we put out the fire to prevent the
risk of igniting the trees, and proceeded homewards
well content with our evening's sport.
It was the last idle day we had for some time, for
we had an abundance of work to get through before
the return of spring, which was now rapidly approach-
ing. It was the least pleasant time of the year, too ;
no
THE END OF WINTER.
for we had thaws of two or three days at a time,
during which the hardened snow was turned into
slush. Then frost would come on again, and hold the
timber with such a grasp that we could not move it.
We occupied the time in putting up sheds, and in
such other work as could be done before the ground
was clear. No one, however, complained ; for we
knew that the snow would soon disappear, that the
leaves would again come forth, and that the rivers
would be open, when we should be able to move
about much more rapidly in our canoes than we had
done over the frozen ground.
• m
t a time,
med into
[ hold the
move it.
is, and in
lie ground
I; for we
', that the
the rivers
to move
m we had
CHAPTER IV.
OKOIK mark's good OPINION OF REUBEN — MIKE LAFFAN'S FIDDLE — TBI
BEAVER — REUBEN'd DESIRE TO TURN TRAPPER — QUAMBO TAKES A PIPE
— KEPENAU'S OANOE — ASH ATE A PADDLES REUBEN HOME— KEPBNAU'S
8AOACITY — UNCLE MARK WELCOMES KEPENAU AND HIS DAUOHTBR —
THE OLD TRAPPER — REUBEN CARRIES SAMSON'S PACK — A8HATEA IS
TAUGHT ENGLISH BY LILY AND DORA — MARTIN GODFREY'S VISIT TO THE
SETTLEMENT — KEPENAU AND ASHATEA's DEPARTURE — SANDY m'COLL,
THE HALF-BREED — A VISIT TO KEPENAU — PORTAGING.
[HE summer had now come. The trees were
decked with their rich and varied foliage;
the notes of the feathered inhabitants were
heard in the forest; and numerous animals
which had either gone south during the win-
ter, or had concealed themselves in sheltered places,
were moving about. There had been too much plough-
ing and sowing to allow of my indulging in my favour-
ite pursuits. All I could do was to run over and pay
my uncle and aunt a visit ; but it may be that Lily
was the chief attraction.
I found her friend Dora with her one day. She
was certainly a very nice girl, although not equal to
Lily by a long way, in my opinion. They inquired
whether we had seen anything of Kepenau and his
daughter Ashatea.
" They have not yet appeared," I answered ; " nor
have we received any tidings of them."
112
REUBEN VISITS OUR HUT.
" Dora wants to make the acquaintance of a real
Indian girl, fit to be a heroine," said Lily, laughing.
" She has hitherto only seen the wretched squaws
who appear in the Eastern States. Slie can scarcely
believe that Ashatea is the interesting creature I
describe her."
I said that I would try to communicate with
Kepenau, if I could learn his whereabouts from any
passing Indians.
"Oh do !" said Lily; "and let him understand how
glad we shall be to see him and his daughter again."
While we were talking Reuben came in, and offered
to accompany me back to the hut. He, like me, had
been very busy all the spring. He certainly did
not look well suited for hard labour; but his face
was more bronzed than heretofore, and he seemed
perfectly well. Wishing the girls good-bye, we
shouldered our guns, and commenced the walk to
the hut. There was no risk of losing our way at
this time, for the days were long, and there was a
bright moon that evening.
Uncle Mark welcomed Reuben, whom he liked for
his straightforward character and honesty.
" I am glad you have got such a companion as
that young fellow/' he said to me. "W^hen two
harum-scarum fellows associate, they are sure to get
into trouble; but you two will help each other out
of difficulties, should you unexpectedly fall into
them."
Mike amused us that evening with a tune on his
fiddle; and Quambo diverted us still more by a dance
A FOREST RAMBLE.
113
■ a real
ughing.
squaws
scarcely
sature I
te with
L'om any
and how
again."
d offered
me, had
inly did
his face
» seemed
bye, we
walk to
way at
:e was a
liked for
mion as
len two
re to get
[ther out
Fall into
16 on his
a dance
he performed to the music, which made Reuben, who
was not addicted to laughing, almost split his sides.
We agreed to have a long ramble into the forest
next day, my uncle giving me leave of absence. He
could not spare Mike, but he allowed Quambo to
accompany us.
"We can cook our dinner without him," I said;
" though, to be sure, we cannot expect to dress it as
well as he would."
" Ah ! Massa Mark, poor black fellow do one t'ing
well; you do ebery t'ing well," observed Quambo,
with a grimace, by which he intended to show that
he was paying a deserved compliment.
We carried our guns, with provisions in our knap-
sacks to last us for a day, although we expected to
kill more game than we should want. As we wished
to make a long excursion, we started at daybreak ;
that is to say, Reuben, Quambo, and I, with the dogs.
Reuben had a great desire to see a beaver settlement
which I had once visited when we first came into
that part of the country ; and I thought that I could
find my way to it. Quambo amused us, as we
walked along, with all sorts of tales about beavers,
raccoons, opossums, bears, and other animals, with the
habits of which he was well acquainted.
The beaver is a good-sized animal, being two and a
half feet long exclusive of the tail, which is one foot
more. It is of a deep chestnut colour; the hair very
fine, smooth, and glossy. The Indians use its incisor
teeth, which are very large and hard, to cut the bone or
horn with which they tip their spears. It is a rodent, or
(627) 8
114
THE BEAVER DESCRIBED.
ii'
gnawing animal. It has a broad, horizontal, flattened
tail, nearly of an oval form, wliich is covered witl)
scales. The hind feet are webbed, and, with the aid
of the tail, which acts as a rudder, enable it to swim
through the water with ease and rapidity. Except in
one respect, I do not know that it can be considered a
sagacious animal; but it is a marvellous engineer, its
faculties being employed in building houses, and in
forming dams for the protection of its village.
One of its chief characteristics is the power it pos-
sesses of producing a substance termed "castor," —
which is contained in two bags, each about the size
of a hen's egg. This castor is peculiarly attractive
to beavers. They scent it at a distance, and inva-
riably make their way towards it. No sooner does
the beaver discover the delicious odour than he sits
upright, sniffs about in every direction, and squeals
with excitement until he can get up to it. The trap-
per, knowing this, always carries a supply of castor,
or bark-stone; and when he reaches a stream or any
other water near which he believes beavers may be
found, he sets his trap, about six inches under the
water. He then chews the end of a twig, dips it in
the castor, and sticks it in with the scented end
u[)permost, just a little above the wiater. The nearest
beaver, on discovering the scent, hurries up to the
spot; and, if a young animal, is nearly certain to be
caught by the trap. The older beavers are more
knowing and cautious, and frequently bite off the end
of the twig without entangling themselves.
Another curious circumstance connected with this
BARK-STONE.
115
lattened
ed with
the aid
to swim
Ixcept in
sidered a
ineer, its
s, and in
^*
er it pos-
jastor," —
t the size
attractive
and inva-
oner does
^n he sits
squeals
The trap-
of castor,
m or any
•s may be
mder the
dips it in
nted end
le nearest
ap to the
ain to be
are more
ff the end
iwith this
" castoreum " is, that as soon as one beaver has de-
posited any of it on tlie ground, the beavers from
anotlier lodge go to the spot, and after covering it
witli earth and leaves, deposit their own " castoreum "
on it. When they have gone away, others in turn
perform the same operation ; and thus the process
goes on till a heap four or five feet in height has been
raised. No one has as yet been able to ascertain the
object of this proceeding. It gives the trapper, how-
ever, the means of catching the poor creatures —
means which they would undoubtedly withhold, if
they had the power. Like human beings, they are
sufferera from their own acts.
Tlie teeth of the beavers are sharp and powerful, and
their jaws possess an extraordinary amount of strength.
Tliis enables them to bite through wood, tear the
bark from trees, and chew vegetable substances of
all sorts. During summer they regale themselves
on fruits and plants of various descriptions; but
their winter stock of food consists of the bark of the
birch, plane, and other trees — and even of the young
wood itself, which they steep in w^ater before devour-
ing it.
Their favourite resort is a stream or a pool near
trees. Here they will assemble to the number of
some hundreds, living in communities, and working
together. They select, when they can, a stream with
a current, because it affords them the means of con-
veying wood and other materials for their habita-
tions. They choose such parts as will afford them
depth of water sufficient to resist the frost in winter.
^'
116
DEAVER DAMS.
and prevent it freezing to the bottom. When, how-
ever, they find that there is not depth enough for
this purpose, they build a dam across the stream, at
a convenient distance b(^low their habitations. If
the current is gentle, the dam is made perfectly
straight; but if rapid, it is constructed with a con-
siderable curve, the convex side being towards the
upper part of the stream. The materials employed are
drift wood, green willows, birch, and poplar; these
are placed horizontally, and kept down by mud and
stones. So strong do these dams become, that they
are capable of resisting a considerable force both of
water and ice ; for generally the wood, taking root,
shoots upwards, and forms ultimately a thick hedge.
In some cases even trees sprout up, in the branches
of which the birds form their nests.
Beavers build their houses of the same materials
as their dams, and of various sizes, according to the
number of tlie inmates. These, however, do not
often exceed four or eight old ones, and from six to
fourteen young ones. The houses are of a circular
form, elevated some feet above the surface of the
water ; but the entrance is always low down beneath
it. They are more rudely constructed than the
dams, too. The wood is laid nearly horizontally, and
crosswise; the branches, which project inwards, they
cut off with their teeth. First there is a layer of wood,
and then one of mud and stones ; and so they work
on till a sufficient height is gained, when the roof, of
rough branches, is placed on the top, and plastered
down with mud and stones.
n, how-
ugh for
ream, at
ms. It"
)erfectly
I a con-
u-ds the
oyed are
r; these
nud and
lat they
1 both of
ing root,
!k hedge,
branches
materials
jT to the
do not
m six to
circuhir
e of the
beneath
han the
allv, and
rds, they
of wood,
ey work
J roof, of
►lastered
A BEAVER OAM.
iUi
i !:i
A COLONY OF IIKAVKIIS.
\\\)
Such was tho interesting account whicli Quanibo
gave us as we walked along.
No event worthy of tloscri|)tion occurred during
our walk, tliough it took us some hours to reach tlio
spot for which I was directing our course.
I was not disap])ointed. As we a])proaclied it
cautiously, we caught sight of several beavers run-
ning about on the banks of the stream, some niljbling
away at the trunks of saplings and small trees
whicli they were engaged in felling. Had we fired,
we might have killed two or three; but the rest would
have disappeared, and we should then have lost the
opportunity of observing them. We therefore crept
on, concealing ourselves among the thick underwood.
At length I was afraid, should we get closer, that
we might make some noise and alarm the animals.
1 therefore made a sign to my companions to stop ;
and looking down, we could discern one of the dams
I have spoken of carried across the stream from one
side to the other, and apparently not quite finished.
Though several beavers were running about it, they
were not at work; indeed, all their operations ire
carried on during darkness. Nature, of course, has
given them the instinct to work at this time, which
saves them the destiuction that would otherwise
probably ovei-take them, both from men and beasts.
After watching them for some time, I wished to
retire and let thera amuse themselves undisturbed;
but Quambo took it into his head to give a loud
shout, when in an instant the startled creatures
scampered off and dived under the water. Our
120
BEAVER DWELLINGS.
chance of seeing mors of them was gone ; they were
evidently on the watch for us, for now and then I
saw a snout popping up above the surface, to ascer-
tain if we had taken our departure.
We made our way along the banks of the stream
for some distance, till we saw before us a broad ex-
panse of water; and we discovered that it was a
shallow lake or pond, bordered by reeds, and with
numerous dead trees rising up out of the water
near its shores. It struck me that this lake had
been produced by the beaver-dams ; and on our
proceeding downwards towards what appeared to be
its outlet, we found what had the appearance of being
a long bank, of a convex form, stretched directly across
the stream. This, on further examination, I had no
doubt was the work of beavers. Alders and willows,
and other water-loving trees of considerable size,
were growing out of it ; and digging down to a slight
depth, we found that it consisted of lengths of the
trunks of young trees, now rapidly decaying and
turning into a vegetable mould, thus affording nour-
ishment to all sorts of plants.
Above the surface of the lake were numerous
beaver-houses, and after we had concealed ourselves for
some time we caught sight of the inhabitants coming
forth and swimming about; while one or two knowing
old fellows climbed to the roof of their houses, to
keep a look-out, as we supposed, and give notice of
approaching danger. We might have shot several, but
without the dogs we should not have been able to
recover them. Indeed, their skins would have been
"^-^,.
5y were
then I
> ascer-
stream
)ad ex-
was a
d with
1 water
ke had
on our
d to be
)f being
y across
had no
ivillows,
le size,
I slight
of the
ig and
r nour-
merous
ves for
joming
lowing
[ses, to
Itice of
l-al, but
i,ble to
been
D
m
>
<
tn
I
c
(A
m
I * .fc't,
miy^
— fcv,...'!*,
liiiilii
l|i
m
k '
::•.: .:-,^.
.V).,
■' •■--•':i^^:-
lf:l
■ s
REUBENS FRIEND THE TRAPPER.
123
of much less value than those caught in traps. After
watching them for some time, then, we agreed that we
ought to be on our homeward way, or we should cer-
tainly be benighted. Though we had found the path
easily enough in daylight, it would be a hard matter
to do so in the dark.
" I should very much like to turn trapper," said
Reuben to me as we walked along. " I once heard
a good deal about the lives the trappers lead, from a
fine old man who stopped at our house one night, on
his way to dispose of his packs of skins at one of
the fur-traders' posts."
" I suspect that it must be a very hard life, and
you would soon get tired of it, Reuben," I answered.
" As to that, I fancy that when I got accustomed
to the hardships I should like it more and more ;
but I would be a trapper on my own hook — have
my own animals and traps, hunt where I chose,
and sell my peltries to whom I pleased. Our old
friend had a horse and two mules. He rode the
horse, and the mules served to carry his packs. He
had six traps, which he carried in a leathern bag
called his trap-sack. I was particularly struck by
his appearance as he rode up to our cottage. His
costume was a hunting-shirt of dressed buckskin,
ornamented with long fringes ; pantaloons of the
same material, decorated with porcupine quills
hanging down the outside of the leg. He wore
moccasins on his feet, and a flexible felt hat upon
his head. Under his right arm, and suspended from
his left shoulder, hung his powder-horn and bullet-
124
REUBEN S NOTION.
pouch, in which he carried balls, flint, and steel.
His long knife, in a sheath of buffalo, hung from a
belt round his waist — made fast to it by a steel
chain. Also, he carried a tomahawk; and slung
over his shoulder was his long heavy rifle; while from
his neck hung his pipe-holder, garnished with beads
and porcupine-quills.
"He had come many hundreds of miles from the west,
having trapped as far ofl' as the Rocky Mountains,
and had met with all sorts of adventures among the
Indians, from whom he had often narrowly escaped
with his life. He said that he would take me with
him, as he much wanted a companion, and would
answer for my life with his own; though I should
run no more risk than he did, if I only followed his
directions. But my father would not hear of it, and
was quite angry with the old man for putting the
idea into my head; so, of course, I had to give
it up.
" ' Well, Reuben, my boy,' he said as he rode away,
* should your father change his mind, and you hold
fast to yours, when I come back I will take you
with me.*
" But he never has come back since."
I laughed at Reuben's notion; for, knowing him as
I did, I saw that he was utterly unfit for the sort of
life he proposed to lead, and would be heartily sick
of it before long. He had a fertile imagination, and
hai pictured a trapper's life as something very de-
lightful, although / was sure he would in reality hate
it. And I believe that is the case with many other
A PAITERN OF POLITENESS.
125
steel,
from a
a steel
slung
le from
I beads
lewest,
mtains,
Dng the
escaped
ae with
would
should
wed his
it, and
ing the
io give
away,
3U hold
:e you
I him as
sort of
[ly sick
)n, and
Iry de-
by hate
other
boys, — especially with those who take it into their
head to go to sea, and who have never been on
board a ship, and know nothing whatever of sea-
life.
We had now performed the greater part of ouv
journey home, and had reached the bank of the larger
river, where it extended into lake- like dimensions,
narrowing again shortly to its former width. Here
several rocks were seen rising out of it — the waters
rushing between them with great force, and forming
a cataract, down which I should have thought it
impossible for the strongest boat to make its way
without being daslied to pieces.
At this point we sat down on the bank to rest and
take some refreshment, when Quambo pulled out his
pipe.
" You no smoke, young gen'lemen ; but ole neegur,
he fond of baccy, and you no object," said Quambo.
Quambo was always a pattern of politeness. We
begged him to smoke as much as he liked, although
we had not taken to it ourselves.
When Quambo was enjoying his pipe, he was never
iu a hurry to move, so we sat on longer than we
should otherwise have done. I considered, at length,
that it was time to move; when, looking up the
stream, across the broad expanse I have mentioned, I
caught sight of a light canoe skimming rapidly over
the surface. It was approaching us; so, prompted
by curiosity, we agreed to wait its arrival at the
shore — for it did not occur to us it could possibly
descend the rapids. It kept, however, in the middle
126
DESCENDING THE RAPIDS.
of the current, and before we had got far from where
we had been sitting I saw that it was about to make
its way amid the tumbling waters.
" These people must be strangers, and cannot be
aware of the danger they are running," I observed.
" Their canoe will be destroyed, and we must do our
best to save them."
We accordingly hurried back. As the canoe ap-
proached, I saw that there were four people in lier :
one in the stern, and two in the bows paddling ; the
other, wlio appeared to be a female, sitting near the
after end, was also dexterously using a paddle, now on
one side and now on the other. On looking again, I
felt nearly sure that the Indian in the stern was our
friend Kepenau, and that the female was his daughter
Ashatea.
I shouted, but it was too late to warn him to turn
back ; indeed, from the calm way in which he sat, I
was convinced that he well knew where he was
going : and almost before I had time to tliink much
about the danger my friends were running, they had
j)assed it, and their canoe was floating in the calm
water at the foot of the rapids.
My sliout attracted the notice of Kepenau, who at
once recognized me, and steered his canoe for the bank.
He and Ashatea stepped on shore, and seemed much
pleased at seeing me. I introduced Reuben, who
made as polite a bow to the Indian girl as he would
have done to a princess. She put out her hand, and
in her broken language inquired if he had a sister.
On his replying that such was the case, Ashatea
mm where
it to make
cannot be
[ observed.
lUst do our
canoe ap-
ple in her:
dling; the
lor near the
lie, now on
ig again, I
rn was our
is daughter
im to turn
1 he sat, I
e he was
liink much
they had
the cahii
LU, who at
the bank,
led much
[ben, wdio
he would
land, and
a sister.
Ashatea
THE CHIEF AND HIS DAUGHTER.
129
expressed a hope that she would become a friend to
lier, as Lily was.
Kepenau told me that they were on their way to
visit our settlement, according to his promise. "I
thought it wisest," he said " to keep my people at a
distance, so we have fixed our camp on the banks
of a stream some miles to the westward ; and as the
rivers are now open, we can easily hold communica-
tion with you. At the same time, as there are several
intervening rapids and waterfalls, the white men are
not likely to find their way often to us, or to bring
the ' fire water ' which I so much dread."
On hearing that we were on our way home, he
offered to accompany us ; observing that Ashatea
could steer the canoe as well as he could, and though
the distance by the river was greater, she would not
be long after us. "There are no more rapids or
waterfalls to be passed, so that the remainder of the
voyage can be performed without danger," he ob-
served.
Reuben, on hearing this, asked leave to take his
place, saying that he should much like the trip by
the river.
" But you cannot use a paddle," said Kepenau.
" Not very well," answered Reuben.
" Then don't make the attempt, or you may upset
the canoe, or lose your paddle. If you go, 3^ou must
sit perfectly quiet," said Kepenau.
Reuben promised to obey orders. Ashatea smiled,
and appeared to be highly amused at the idea of
having a white man as her passenger.
(627) 9
130
ASHATEA S PASSENGER.
As we had no time to lose, Ashatea resumed lier
seat in the stern of the canoe.
"Now, take care," she said, laughing, as she saw
Reuben about to step in, " else you will tumble over
on the other side, or make a hole in the canoe and go
through it."
Reuben looked somewhat alarmed, and in his eager-
ness was very nearly doing both the things against
which he was being warned. Kepenau, however,
taking his arm, helped him in.
" Now, don't move till you reach the end of your
voyage," said the Indian. "Perhaps we shall be there
to help you out."
Ashaiea gave a flourish with her paddle as a fare-
well signal, and striking the water, away the canoe
shot down the stream. We meanwhile took the
path homewards, and as we were anxious to arrive
before the canoe we hurried forward.
Kepenau told me that his daughter had so much
wished to see Lily, — or my sister, as he called her, —
that he had consented to bring her, and to leave her
for two or three days, if my friends would allow it.
I said that I was sure they would.
He desired, he told me, to make some trade arrange-
ments for disposing of the peltries which he and his
people obtained ; his object, at the same time, being
to keep them away from the white men, for fear of
the "fire water." This subject was continually on
his mind. He had seen it prove the destruction of
so many of his countrymen, that he dreaded its intro-
duction among his own tribe, who had hitherto been
POOTSTEPS.
131
kept free from it. However, as my uncles and Mr.
Claxton were men who never touched liquor, he was
not afraid of dealing with them.
I remarked, as we walked along, that his eyes were
consttintly turning in every direction, — now on the
ground, now on the trees and bushes on either side, —
as if he was on the look-out for game, or fancied that
an enemy was lurking near. I at last inquired why
he did this.
"It is the habit of my people," he answered. "We
never can tell whether our foes may be before us or
tracking our footsteps. I noticed that some one be-
sides you and your young friend and the black has
passed this way lately. He wore moccasins, and
may therefore be a red man and an enemy ; but I
have just discovered that he is one of your people,
and has a load on his shoulders. Observe that soft
ground ; his feet sank deeper into it than would have
been the case had he been unencumbered. He is
either an old man, or overcome with fatigue. He
cannot be very far before us, and is going in the
direction of your hut." Kepenau pointed as he spoke
to some mossy ground, where I could just distinguish
a faint outline of the footsteps of a man; but I should
have been unable to read anything beyond that fact
from the marks left behind.
Quambo, who saw them, thought tliat they might
have been, after all, only the footsteps of Uncle
Mark or Mike, who might have come out thus far
in search of game ; but Kepenau laughed when this
was said.
132
THK TRAPPEH.
" No, no," he answered; "these are moccasins. Vou
will see that I am right."
We hurried on, for the sun was getting low, and
already the gloom liad settled down in the recesses ot
the forest.
As we emerged into more open groimd near the
ba nks of the river, the rays of the sun glancing along
it sparkled on the flakes of foam, as the stream
hurried rippling along the banks. Nearing the hut,
we caught sight of three figures standing in front of it.
"I told you so," observed Kepenau. "Yonder is
the man whose trail I discovered. A trapper, who
has come east with his peltries. He is an old man,
too, as I thought, and carried a heavy load."
Before even our friends saw us, the canoe shot into
view down the stream ; and after helping Ashatea
and Reuben to land — or rather the latter, for the
Indian girl sprang lightly on shore without assistance
— we proceeded to the hut.
Uncle Mark advanced to meet us. " All friends
are welcome," he said, taking Kepenau's hand, and
then greeting the young girl in his kind, friendly
way. " You will, however, have to submit to pretty
close stowage, if, as I hope you intend to do, you will
remain the night with us."
" We can quickly put up sufficient shelter for this
time of the year for ourselves, so that we need not
crowd you, my friend," answered the Indian. " And
our aged brother there, I doubt not, is as well accus-
tomed to the open air as we are."
" Many days and nights have passed since I slept
I
TWO OLD FRIKNDS.
133
undei a roof," observed the old Imiiter, who, hcarin*^
himself mentioned, now came forward. " We have
met before, brother," he added, looking at the Indian ;
" ay, and fought and hunted together ! Don't you
recollect me ?"
"Ay, that I do. You saved my life when the
Apaches were about to take my scalp, and enabled
nie to reach my horse and escape," answered Kepenau.
" Ah ! I have a faint recollection of that ; but I
remember more clearly how, when I was hunted by a
party of Araphoes, you and your people came sweep-
ing down to my assistance, and put them to liight,"
replied the old trapper.
" I recollect the event," observed Kepenau ; " but I
have long since buried the war-hatchet, and now strive
to live at peace with my neighbours, if they will let
me."
While the Indian and the old trapper had been
speaking, I had been looking at the latter. I had no
doubt, from the description Reuben had given of the
visitor to his father's house, that this was the same
peraon ; and I was therefore not surprised to see him
and Reuben shaking hands as old acquaintances.
Quambo, knowing that food would be required for
our guests, lost no time, with the assistance of Mike,
in lighting a fire, and immediately set about cooking
whatever his larder supplied. Though we had killed
but little game on our excursion, Uncle Mark and
Mike had been more fortunate during our absence,
and there was no lack of food.
In the meantime Kepenau had called up his people
U '
134
OUR INDIAN GUESTS.
from the canoe, and tliey set to work to collect
materials for two small wigwams, which, though they
were more rudely constructed than usual, served the
purpose intended. One was for the accommodation
of Ashatea, and the other for the chief — his men con-
tenting themselves with a rough lean-to.
The whole parf.y joined us in the hut at supper,
which, thanks to the diligence of Mike and Quambo,
was quickly prepared. The old trapper had many
anecdotes to tell, and many a wild adventure to re-
count, which, I saw, was greatly interesting to Reuben.
Ashatea spoke but little, though I could see, by her
quick glance, that she understood much, if not all,
that was said.
At niijht the chief and his daui^hter retired to their
wigwams, wiule the old trapper accepted a shake-
down in the corner of our hut. He smiled when
Uncle Mark offered him a bed. " For many a long
year I have not slept in one," he answered ; " and I
possibly may never again put my head on a pillow
softer than my saddle or a pack of skins."
Without taking off his clothes, and merely un-
buckling his belt, he lay down, and was soon fast
asleep. Keuben and I, after a few minutes' talk,
did the same. Before I closed my eyes, however, I
saw that Uncle Mark was sitting at the tiible, resting
his head upon his hands, apparently lost in thought.
At break of day the next morning our Indian friends
were on foot, and we turned out to receive them. As
our hut was close, we had our breakfast spread on a
grassy spot beneath the trees, where we could enjoy
1
THE TRAPPEK S OFFER.
135
to collect
oiigh they
served the
amodation
; men con-
at supper,
i Quambo,
had many
iure to re-
to Reuben,
ee, by her
if not all,
ed to their
a shake-
iled when
ny a long
; " and I
a pillow
erely un-
soon fast
tes' talk,
owever, 1
e, resting
thought,
in friends
lem. As
lead on a
dd enjoy
fresh air, which was certainly more suited to their
taste.
Ashatea looked handsomer than ever. Si.3 was
eager to set out to see Lily. Reuben offered to ac-
company her, and show the way : at which Kepenau
laughed, observing that an Indian never required a
guide through his own country ; but, for all that, he
should be happy to have the white stranger's society.
Kepenau had brought several packages of skins,
which it was his object to dispose of.
"My friend," said the old trapper, touching him
on the shoulder, " let me sell them for you. I know
how the white men will treat you if they think that
they are yours : they will offer a third of the value,
and then insist on your taking articles you do not
require."
** I wish to open a fair trade with the white men,"
answered Kepenau. " I will let them understand
that I have more skins to bring."
" The greater reason they will have for putting a
small value on them," observed the old trapper.
" I would advise you to accept Samson Micklan's
ofi'er," said Uncle Mark, turning to the Indian.
Kepenau considered the matter for some time. " I
will do as you advise," he said at length. " I know
that I can trust you. When you have fixed a price,
I will not consent to sell under it. I intend, never-
theless, to go to the settlement."
The old trapper, whose name I now for the first
time heard, appeared to be in no huny to continue
his journey. When at length he declared that he
136
REUBEN AND THE PACK.
was ready to start, Reuben offered to carry his
pack.
Old Samson smiled. " It may make your young
shoulders ache more than you suppose," he observed.
" Let me try," answered Reuben ; and I helped him
to place it on his shoulders. Tr» doing so I was able
to judge of its weight.
"If my uncle can spare me, i will assist you," I
said ; " for I doubt very much whether you w^ll be
able to carry it all the way."
Reuben, however, had made up his mind to fulfil
his promise. I saw a twinkle in the old man's eyes
when he trudged off trying to look as if he did not
feel the weight. My uncle told me I might go too,
so we set off. Kepenau and Samson led the way,
talking together. Reuben, as I expected, dropped
alongside Ashatea; and I followed. The other Indians
brought up the rear, carrying Kepenau's packs.
Before long, I saw that Reuben was walking with
difficulty, and putting his hands behind his back to
try and lift the pack off his shoulders. I ranged up
to him.
" You had better let me carry that a little way for
you," I said. " Or suppose we sling it on our sticks !
we shall then get along more easily, and neither of
us will feel the weight too much."
Still Reuben declared that he could carry it.
Ashatea looked at liim, evidently understanding
the matter as well as I did. " You better let your
friend do as he says," she observed.
At length Reuben, who was getting very hot, and
A8HATEA AND LILY.
137
jarry his
ur young
observed,
elped him
■ was able
it you," I
»u will be
d to fultil
man's eyes
he did not
^ht go too,
I the way,
1, dropped
er Indians
cks.
king with
is back to
[ranged up
le way for
bur sticks !
Ineither of
it.
?rstanding
let your
hot, and
had stumbled more than once, said, " Well, I do think
it will be the best way. I am nmch obliged to you,
Roger."
We soon had the pack slung to the sticks, and
poor Reuben stepped along much more easily than
before.
We soon reached Uncle Stephen's house, when the
old trapper turned round to Reuben. " You are a
brave lad," he said ; " I like your pluck. In a few
years, when you get more muscle in your limbs, you
will laugh at a pack twice the weight of that."
Lily was delighted to see Ashatea, and we left them
together while we went on to Mr. Claxton's, where
old Samson intended to stay. He had arranged with
Kepenau to sell his peltries, and the next day they
were all disposed of at a price which greatly aston-
ished and delighted our Indian friend. He made an
arrangement with Uncle Stephen to sell all the pro-
duce of the chase which he might bring, and to pur-
chase for him such articles as he required.
Reuben brought his sister Dora over to see Ashatea,
and the three girls seemed very happy together.
The Indian girl was as eager to learn English as
Lily and Dora were to instruct her ; and she got on
rapidly.
Old Samson h.ad suffered more from his long tramp
on foot than he was at first willing to confess, and a
fit of illness was the consequence. He was well
cared for, however, by the Claxtons, who treated him
as kindly as if he had been a relation. He was
grateful in his way ; but it struck me that there was
138
THE OLD trapper's ILLNESS.
something hard and unsympathizing in his character.
He spoke of his fights with the Indians, of the scalps
he had taken, of his hairbreadth escapes ; but he
never uttered a word which showed that he had any-
religious feeling. Indeed, he seemed to me to be as
much of a heathen as the Indians among whom he
had lived so long. It appeared strange to me that
an old man should be so hardened. I was not aware,
at the time, that when people once begin to give up
trusting God they go further and furtlier from him ;
and thus, of course, as they advance in years they
think less and less of their souls, and, in fact, become
more dead with regard to all spiritual matters.
I had been accustomed to see Uncle Stephen read
the Bible to his family, and offer up prayers morning
and night ; while he never did any work, except such
as necessity demanded, on the Sabbath. Uncle Mark
had been less exact in these respects, although even
he was accustomed to read the Bible on the Sabbath,
and to refrain from work ; and occasionallv we went
over to Uncle Steplien's on that day and joined his
family at worship. Most of the people of the settle-
ment, however, paid but little attention to the day,
though they ceased frr,?ji all rough work, and made
a sort of holiday of it. There was no church or
chapel of any description in the neighbourhood, and
few paid any attention to what are called religious
duties.
The day after I went to stay with Uncle Stephen,
some little time before sunset I saw a horseman ap-
proaching the house from the eastward. He was a
A NEW VISITOR.
139
middle-aged man, dressed in a suit of dark gray, with
his legs encased in strong leather gaiters, and a broad-
brimmed hat on his head ; a pair of huge saddle-bags,
too, were thrown across the hardy-looking mustang
he bestrode. He had neither gun over his shoulder
nor sword by his side; but he carried a thick staff
of considerable length in his hand.
"Canst tell me, young friend, if yonder house is
the abode of Stephen Tregellis ? " he asked as I ad-
vanced towards him.
" Yes, sir. He is my uncle," I answered, offering to
hold his nag's head while he dismounted.
He threw himself from the saddle with the activity
of a young man.
" I hope, then, that I shall not intrude, for I have
come far, and should like to spend a few days with
one who, if I am not wrongly informed, will receive
mc as a brother Christian," he said.
" Uncle Stephen will be glad to see you, sir," I
answered, feeling sure that I was only saying what
was the case.
" Well, then, young man, go in and tell him that
Martin Godfrey has come to claim his hospitality."
As my uncle had just reached homo, I hurried in
and gave him the message. He immediately came
out and welcomed the stranger, with whom ho. had
a short conversation, which I did not hear, as I was
holding the pony at a little distance. I only caught
the words, uttered by my uncle, " We will make
ready a small upper room, and to that you shall be
welcome as long as you remain in these parts."
i
140
THE BACKWOODS PREACHER.
He then told me to take the mustang round to the
stable, to rub him dr wn, and feed him well, and to
bring the minister's saddle-bags into the house.
When I returned, after having obeyed these orders, I
found the stranger seated at table — on which Aunt
Hannah and Lily had spread supper — talking cheer-
fully; and from what he said I gathered that he had
visit :rl a number of outlying settlements, accompanied
by several young ministers, one of whom he had left
at each.
" I had no one to bring on here, and was unwilling
to loave you without the ' bread of life/ so I was fain
to (-vyHc^ t ' myself," he observed.
I WoTidored what he could mean. Aunt Hannah
oxp.i'.ired afi*.. i /> and Uncle Mark had gone out,
that he Vco ov r Hiose energetic Gospellers who
had done so much for the back settlements of
America ; that he was an overseer among them — his
duty being to move from place to place to form new
congregations where none existed, and to strengthen
and encourage the older ones.
He had much conversation with Kepenau and
Ashatea, with whom he could converse in their own
language. They were evidently deeply interested in
what he said, and I saw him frequently produce his
Bible and refer to it to strengthen what he was
saying. Kepenau had, as I have already said, some
knowledge of Christianity, and he and his daughter
very gladly received the instruction which the mis-
sionary afforded them.
Uncle Stephen went out and succeeded in bringing
RELIGIOUS SERVICES.
141
ill three or four of our neighbours, among whom were
Mr. Claxton and Reuben, and we had a regular
service in the cottage, — the first of the sort I can
recollect. The Bible was read, prayers were offered
up, and the missionary gave an address ; after which
some of Wesley's hymns were sung by Lily and Dora —
Ashatea occasionally joining in, with a very sweet
voice, although she had never heard them before.
Mr. Claxton afterwards begged the missionary to
come and visit old Samson. He gladly complied; but
I heard him next day tell Uncle Stephen that he
feared no impression had been made on the old
trapper's heart. " Still, I do not despair," he added.
" It may be as hard as iron, or stone ; but iron can
be melted by the fire, and stone worn away by the
constant dripping of water. One thing I k lOW, — that
nothing is too difiicult for God to accomplish ; though
we, his instruments, are obliged to confers our own
we^akness."
I must not, however, dwell further on the various
events which took place at this time.
Martin Godfrey spent some days with Uncle
Stephen, preaching every evening in the open air,
and three times on the Sabbath; and he promised the
people, if they would put u]) a chapel, that he would
ere long find a minister for them. Having distri-
buted some Bibles and other books contained in his
saddle-bags, he at length mounted his mustang and
went his way.
I remember Uncle Stephen asking him if he was
not afraid of travelling without firearms.
142
OUR GUESTS LEAVE US.
"I trust to One well able to protect me," he
answered, smiling. "Whenever I have to employ
the arm of flesh, I find my trusty stick sufficient
to defend myself against hostile Indians or savage
beasts ; " and as he whisked it round his head with
a rapidity which dazzled the eyes, I could easily
understand how it would prove a formidable weapon
against either bears or wolves — a tap of it on their
skulls being sufficient to stun them ; while it seemed
to me that he might be able to ward off either the
arrows or the tomahawks of hostile Indians.
Kepenau and Ashatea returned to their settlement;
and the old trapper, who had now recovered, began
to make preparations for his departure. He had
again invited Reuben to join him, but Mr. Claxton,
very wisely, would not hear of his son going away
with the old man.
"It is more than likely we shall never see him
again," he observed. "Whatever his fate may be,
you would probably share it; either to be killed
by Indians, or starved, or drowned, or frozen to
death, or torn to pieces by bears or wolves."
Reuben was inclined to complain. " Father thinks
I cannot take care of myself," he said to me. "As
old Samson has spent so many years out trapping by
himself, why should not I have as good a chance of
escaping from danger ? "
"There is an old saying, 'That the water-pot
which goes often to the well, gets broken at last,* " I
observed. "Such may be the case with regard to
old Samson ; and you know nothing of the country,
THE OLD TRAPPER S COMPANION.
143
me," he
) employ
sufficient
3r savage
lead with
lid easily
le weapon
) on their
it seemed
either the
3.
ettlement;
red, began
He had
r. Claxton,
ping away
jr see him
le may be,
be killed
frozen to
ler thinks
I me. "As
japping by
chance of
I water-pot
It last,'" I
regard to
country,
or of the cunning of tlie Redskins, and would be
very sure to lose your life if he lost his."
The old man, who had set his heart on obtaining a
companion of some sort, succeeded in persuading a
half-breed to accompany him. This was a man named
Sandy M'Coll, whose father was a Scotchman and
his mother an Indian, and who had long been accus-
tomed to the wild life of the prairies. He had
come to the settlement intending to remain, and
had built a hut and begun to cultivate a garden,
with the intention, as was supposed, of taking unto
himself a wife ; but the damsel on whom he had set
his affections had refused him. Sandy after this
became very downcast; he neglected his garden, and
spent most of his time wandering about gun in hand,
shooting any game he could come across. He had
few associates, and was of a morose disposition.
People, indeed, whispered that he had been guilty of
some crime or other, and was forced to leave the part
of the country where he had before resided. Uncle
Stephen, who occasionally exchanged a few words with
him, did not believe that this was the case, and de-
clared that Sandy, in spite of his taciturnity and
love of solitude, was an honest fellow. Be that as it
may, Samson was satisfied with him, and the two
agreed to start together.
Soon after the old man's arrival, he had asked
Reuben and me to make a journey to the place where
he had left his other packs of skins hidden away;
and he described the spot so exactly, that we believed
we should have no difficulty in finding it. My uncle
144
SAYING GOOD BYK,
said 1 might go with Mike Lafian. Reuben, too, got
leave from his father; and Sandy volunteered to
accompany us. Without him we should, I believe,
have lost our way, for lie knew the country much
better than we did.
We had to proceed cautiously during the latter part
of the journey for fear of Indians, as we were far in
advance of the territory claimed by the white men.
But I do not give an account of the expedition, be-
cause, in reality, we met w^ith no adventure worthy of
notice. Thanks to Sandy, we discovered the packs,
and succeeded in bringing them back safe to their
owner; for which Samson was very grateful, and
rewarded us handsomelj^ With the proceeds he
purchased two mustangs, six beaver- traps, a supply
of powder and shot, and other articles. Sandy had
the means of obtaining another mustang, and such
supplies as he required.
After this old Samson quickly recovered. As soon
as he was well enough he and Sandy mounted their
ponies, reserving a third animal to carry their goods ;
and having bidden us all good-bye, they set off into the
wilderness — going to the westward, intending to push
forward to the spurs of the Rocky Mountains, where,
they said, game in abundance was to be found. Reuben,
who was really a very good fellow, soon got reconciled
to remaining at home and attending to his duty.
Kepenau had made me promise to come and visit
him, and had agreed to send one of his people with a
canoe to take me to his lodges ; and at last the Indian
arrived at our hut.
;00, got
jred to
aelieve,
' mucli
ber part
•e far in
te men.
iion, be-
orthy of
3 packs,
to their
iful, and
leeds he
I supply
ndy had
nd such
As soon
Ded their
goods ;
into the
to push
5, where,
1 Reuben,
tconciled
ity.
md visit
|e with a
le Indian
li
.S(
C(
ai
til
w:
sk
til
a ^
as
we
A CANOK-KXPKDrriON.
u;
ICepenau, lie said, Iwul sent but a small canoe, as
we might thus more easily make oui* way up the
stream, and pass the several portages we should have
to go over.
I knew that Ueuben would take (kTi<fht in the
excursion, so I hurried to the settlement to see it' he
could come. His father was very willing to give him
leave, as it might turn his thoughts from the wilder
and more dangerous adventures on which he was
set. He had, some time before tliis, obtained a
birch-bark canoe, which Kepcnau, and sometimes
Ashatea, had taught him how to use ; and as he was
constantly practising, he was by this time well able
to emj)loy his paddle. We obtained leave to take
Mike Latfan with us, too; and thn ;, with the Indian,
we made a party of four in the two canoes.
We carried our guns an<l axes and the usual wood-
men's knives, a pot and i)an for cooking our meals,
some tin cups, and a few siiiall bales of cloths and
coloured calicoes with which to pay the Indians for
any peltries they might have to sell — for our expedi-
tion was on business as well as pleasure. We enjoyed
the thoughts of it all the more on that account. We
expected also to get some hunting, and to come back
with a supply of dried venison, as well as some
skins.
The Indian told us that his name was Kakaik, or
the " Small Hawk ;" he let us understand that he was
a great hunter, but as he could speak no English, and
as we understood but a few words of his language,
we could not carry on much conversation with him.
148
MAKING A " PORTAGE."
'■''■' ^
However, we managed to understand each other very
well by means of signs.
The first part of the voyage was along the main
river, witli which we were well acquainted. We
afterwards struck off up one of its tributiiries, which
varied greatly in width ; sometimes it expanded into
a lake-like form, and at other parts it contracted into
narrow dimensions, where the current ran with great
force, and we had liard work to stem it.
At length we reached a waterfall of nearly thirty
feet in height, where the river rushed over the rocks
and fell down perpendicularly in masses of foam.
Kakaik made sinrns to us that we must land and
carry our canoes for some distance through tlie wood.
This is wliat is called making a " portage." Accord-
ingly we unloaded them, and piled up our goods at
the foot of the fjill. We then lifted the canoes out of
the water; Kakaik taking one bottom upwards on his
shoulders and walking off with it. Mike imitated
his example, as one man could get between tlie trees
better than two, and the canoes were so light that
they could be carried with ease. Reuben, shoulder-
ing a portion of the goods, followed the Indian ; and
I, with another bale on my shoulders and the paddles
and gun under my arm, kept close after Mike — leaving
the remainder of the things for a second trip.
The ground was rough in the extreme, and it was
some way up a steep bank among rocks. My fear
was lest Mike should knock the canoe against the
branches of the overhanging trees and make a hole
in her bottom, so I sang out to him to be cautious.
[i other very
lor the main
minted. We
^iries, which
^panded into
itracted into
n with great
[learly thirty
/er the rocks
5es of foam.
ist hind and
ofh the wood.
re." Accord-
our goods at
;anoes out of
iwards on his
like imitated
sen the trees
;o light that
n, shoulder-
llndian; and
the paddles
Ike — leaving
(trip.
and it was
Is. My fear
agfainst the
lake a hole
cautious.
I ■;
THE CANOES LAUNCHED.
151
" Faix ! Masther Roger, it's that same I intind to be,"
he answered. " I liave no fancy to walk all the way
back again, or forward eitlier, if this is the sort of
ground we should have to pass over."
We had to traverse a quarter of a mile or more
till we saw the stream ahead of us, running placid as
before. Kakaik, going down into the water, placed
his canoe gently on the surface, and then helped to
take Mike's off his shoulders. The goods we had
brought were next placed in them, and the Indian
sat down on the bank to watch them while we went
back for the remainder.
"Suppose some hostile Indians or prowling bear
sliould have paid a visit to the landing-place, and
carried off our property," said Reuben.
" We will hope for the best," I answered, laughing ;
" but T will take my gun, in case of accidents."
CHAPTER V.
AH INTRUDER — WE ARRIVE AT KEPENAU'S CAMP — A8HATEA IKQUIRES KINDLY
AFTER LILV AND DORA — DEER-HUNTING THE STRANGE INDIANS — KEPE-
NAU'S PRECAUTIONS MIKE AMUSES THE CAMP WITH HIS FIDDLE — OUR
FAREWELL — KAKAIK's ADVICE WITH REGARD TO RAPID-SHOOTINQ — THE
TREACHEROUS INDIAN ON SHORE — MIKE AND I PADDLE DESPERATELY —
THE CANOE IS UPSET — CARRIED DOWN THE STREAM — A NATURAL PLACE
OF CONCEALMENT IN A HOLLOW TRUNK— MY TERROR ON PERCEIVING
THE INDIANS — FORCED BY HUNGER TO LEAVE MY CONCEALMENT, I AM
TAKEN PRISONER BY FOUR INDIANS.
rN arriving at the foot of the falls we found
our goods safe; but just as we were about to
shoulder them we heard a rustling among
the bushes. Advancing cautiously towards
the spot, not knowing what might be there,
I caught sight of a dark hairy form. It was
a brown bear, which in another minute would in all
likelihood have been examining our property with no
delicate fingers. I hesitated to fire, for 1 was sure
that I should be unable to hit any vital part; and
as even a brown bear, if wounded, will turn furiously
on his pursuers, before I could have reloaded the
beast might have been upon me. In another instant
Bruin had plunged in among the thick underwood,
and was concealed from view ; but I heard him mak-
ing his way rapidly from us, doubtless considering
that discretion was the better part of valour.
OUR VOYAGE CONTINUED.
153
Having taken up our goods, and looked carefully
round to see that nothing was left behind, we set
off towards the canoes. Kakaik by this time had
them both secured alongside the bank, so that we
quickly reloaded them and recommenced our voyage
up the stream.
I asked Mike to sing one of his Irish songs : this
he was never loath to do, and he soon made the banks
echo with his melody. As soon as he had ceased, the
Indian took up the strain with one of his native
songs. It was melancholy in the extreme, and con-
trasted greatly with Mike's joyous notes.
" Faix ! if it's teal's he wants to draw from our eyes,
I can bate him tliere," observed Mike, when Kakaik
had ceased ; and he began one of those sad ditties
descriptive of the death of some Irish heroine. Though
the Indian could not understand the meaning, he
appeared to be much affected, and it was some time
before he began another song. From the few words
we could make out, we supposed him to be recount-
ing the misfortunes of his people, and their departure
from the hunting-grounds of their fathers.
Mike had brought his fiddle, but of course he could
not play it while paddling.
" When we get to Kepenau's, I'll show the people
what I can do, and set them all jigging away, and
laughing till they split their sides," he observed.
The scenery amid which we passed was wild in the
extreme. Not a sign of a human being, or a habita-
tion of any sort, was visible. Sometimes dark rocks
rose up in precipitous cliffs on both sides of us, and
1
154
KEPENAU S CAMP.
I
i
I
I
I
at other timecj the trees of the forest overhung the
water. We had several portages to make, as it was
easier to carry the canoes over the land than to drag
them up the rapids, but Kakaik signified that on our
return we might shoot them without danger.
At last, in the far-off distance, we caught sight
of a wreath of smoke ascending from near the bank,
and from the gestures of the Indian we understood
that we were now approaching Kepenau's camp. In
a short time shouts were heard, and we saw several
wigwams erected on the greensward in a recess of
the forest, surrounded by trees which sheltered them
completely from the wind.
A canoe immediately put off and came paddling
out towards us ; then turned round and accompanied
us back to the bank, on which Kepenau, with Asha-
tea and other members of his family, stood ready to
receive us. As we shook hands he told us how glad
he was to see us ; and Ashatea had many questions
to ask about Lily and Dora.
" I have been longing to come and visit them again,"
she said. " Now that the rice is ripe, I want to take
them down to the lake where it grows, that we may
gather our canoe full."
Kepenau said that his people would be very glad to
receive the goods we had brought, and would be
ready to purchase them with their beaver-skins and
other peltries, of Avhich they had a considerable
store.
Wlien we talked about hunting, he assured us that
we need have no fear of obtaining plenty of .sport, as,
f-
DEEU-IIUNTING.
155
lung the
IS it was
I to drag
it on our
;lit sight
he bank,
derstood
mp. In
V several
recess of
'ed them
paddling
mpanied
bh Asha-
ready to
10 w glad
uestions
again,"
to take
we may
glad to
3uld be
ins and
derable
us that
)ort, as,
with our rifles, we should be certain to kill the game
much more easily than his people could do with their
bows and arrows. A hunting-party was accordingly
arranged for the next day, on the shores of a lake
some miles off. He had already transported a couple
of canoes to it, so that, should any of the deer take to
the water, we might be able to pursue them. Ashatea
was much inclined to come with us, but her father
told her that she would be acting more like an English
girl if she would stay at home and attend to house-
hold affairs.
We started the next morning ^ ith Kepennu,
Kakaik, and several other Indians, who carried long
spears as well as bows and arrows. We were also
accompanied by a pack of dogs, well trained by the
Indians for chasing the deer, though they were noisy,
ill-looking curs.
We commenced our hunt at some distance from
the shores of the lake, but for an hour or more we saw
no signs of deer, and Reuben and I began to fancy
that we should have to return home without venison.
We had separated from Kepenau, but now we
heard his voice, and immediately afterwards the dogs
gave tongue. We were looking about to ascertain in
what direction to bend our steps, when a line deer
started out from among the trees on our right into
the open glade. My gun being ready, I fired, and felt
sure that I had wounded the deer; but the animal
still continued its course. The next instant the dogs
appeared from the same direction, in liot chase after
the deer.
■'■";
156
THE DEER IN SIGHT.
We followed, joined by Kepenau and the other
men. Marks of blood on the grass showed us that
the deer had been wounded. Still, it might run,
should the dogs not overtake it, for several miles, and
might escape us after all. It was too valuable a
prize to be lost, so we continued the pursuit.
The country now became much more open, and we
saw that the deer had made its way across the plain.
On the further side there were some lofty pines,
towards which the animal appeared to have directed
its course.
We had been running on for several minutes,
when, before I could distinguish anything, the excla-
mations of the Indians showed me that the deer was
in sight ; and presently I saw it standing at bay
under the trees, with the dogs yelping round it and
preventing it from proceeding further.
When I got within gun-shot, I stopped for a
moment to reload my rifle; and crying out to my
friends not to get in the way, I again tired, and the
noble beast rolled over. Kakaik then dashed for-
ward with his hunting-knife, and quickly put an end
to the creature's sufl'erings, while the rest beat ott
the dogs.
The deer was soon cut up, and each man loading
himself with as much as he could carry, the venison
was conveyed to the spot selected for an encamp-
ment; where two of them remained to take care of it
while we went in search of more game.
We had been for some time beating about, when
once more we heard the dogs giving tongue ; and
e other
us that
;ht run,
lies, and
uable a
and we
le plain.
Y pines,
directed
minutes,
le excla-
leer was
at bay
I it and
1 for a
to my
nd the
ed for-
an end
eat oti
loading
'■enison
icamp-
Ire of it
when
: and
THE DEER AT BAY.
A CHASE ON THE LAKE.
159
after making our way tlirougl) the forest, and reaeli-
ing the borders of an open ghide, we cauglit sight of
a herd of eight or ten deer scampering along at full
speed, with the pack of dogs at their heels. We
all of us fired, but although two or three shots took
effect none of the deer stopped. We saw them
directing their course towards the lake; but they ran
faster than we did, and did not allow us an oppor-
tunity of firing. We managed, however, to keep
them in view, and saw that they did not turn either
to the right hand or to the left, so that we felt sure of
overtaking them when they reached the shore of the
lake.
Kakaik, who was on my left hand,, made signs to
me to accompany him towards the spot where we
had left one of the canoes. I also understood him to
signify that the dogs would prevent tlie deer from
turning back. On reachinij the canoe he lifted me
into it, and stepping after me, seized a paddle, and
with a few strokes sent it skimming out into the
lake. Rounding a point, we soon caught sight of
the deer, which stood on the shore with the dogs
barking behind them. The shouts of some of the
people who now came up increased the terror of the
poor animals. First one plunged into the water,
then another, and another; till the whole herd, with
the exception of two which had fallen, were striking
out in different directions, making for the opposite
bank.
Kak.aik pointed out one fine deer, and paddled
towards it. I might have shot the animal, but my
160
FRIKNDR OR FOES f
Indian companion made signs to nie to use a spear
wliicli lay at the bottom of tlie canoe ; so, standing
up, I gnisped the weapon with both my hands, and
drove it with all my force into tlie creature's skull.
In an instant its head went down, and its feet
rising, it lay dead on the surface. Kakaik handed
me a rope to cast round its antlers, and we forth-
with towed it in triumph to the shore. This done,
we made chase after a second deer, which was swim-
ming across the lake towards a spot some little way
off. Greatly to my satisfaction, I succeeded in strik-
ing this animal as I had done the first.
In the meantime the other canoe was paddling
away in chase of two more deer, which had made
towards the further end of the lake.
While we were occujued as I have described, I
saw a third canoe, paddled by two strangers, dart-
ing out from behind a point in pursuit of another
deer. Whether the people were friends or foes, I
could not tell; but as soon as Kakaik saw them he
declared that they were the latter, a»id that we must
be prepared for an attack should they have many
companions in the neighbourhood.
"Then let us at once tow our deer up the lake
towards the camp, where we can obtain assistance,"
I said.
I now observed that those who ha'^ b"p- .ui
to embark in the canoe were makin«. .eir \ / ii.
that direction. They had probably caught sight of
the strange Indians. My fear was that Kipcnau
and Reuben might be attacked on their return. I
;
a spear
standing
\\(h, and
j's skull.
its feet
. handed
ve forth-
l)is done,
as swim-
ittle way
in stiik-
paddling
lad made
;cribed, I
ers, dart-
:' another
r foes, I
them he
we must
e many
the lake
li stance,"
11
I sight of
penau
uuni. I
f
i
DEER-HUNTINO ON THE LAKE.
FULL OF FIGHT.
163
made signs to my companion that we would land the
deer and then go to the assistance of our friends. As
Reuben and I had our rifles, and the strange Indians
were probably without firearms, we might easily
keep them in check or put them to flight; or should
they venture to attack us, we might sink their
canoes, even if we did not kill them with our rifle-
bullets, before they got up to us.
As we reached the shore at the end of the lake,
we found Mike and several of the Indians standing
ready to receive us.
Mike was full of fight. " Arrah ! be aisy, Masther
Roger," he said. "Sure, if the inimy come, I will
sind them to the rightabout wid me firelock, and
they'll not be afther taking our venison from us in a
hurry."
He and the Indians taking charge of the deer, which
they immedi.ately set about cutting up, Kakaik and I
paddled off" again down the lake to the assistance of
our friends. The strange Indians had succeeded in
capturing one of the deer ; but as we considered that
it wjis their lawful prize, although we had driven it
into the water, we did not interfere with them.
Seeing another deer still swimming, though at a
considerable distance, I fired at it, fi^r the purpose of
showing the strange Indians, in case they should not
have heard our other shots, that we had firearms, and
thus probably prevent them attacking us. Whether
or not my shot had taken effect I could not tell, as
the deer continued to swim on towards the bank.
Wo now directed our course for our friends, who
164
A SUCCESSFUL EXPEDITION.
fli
had killed the two deer of which they had gone in
chase. I told them of the strangers we had seen; and
Kakaik, in his own language, gave a long account to
Kepenau of the matter.
" We will let them alone, if they do not molest us,"
answered Kepenau, after expressing his approval of
my conduct.
Having secured the bodies of tlie two deer to
ropes, — Kepenau and Reuben towing one, and Kakaik
and I the other, — we began to paddle back towards
the end of the lake from which we had come.
As we passed the part of the shore near which I
had shot the last deer, we observed several Indians,
who had seized the animal as it landed, and were
now employed in cutting it up. They had evidently
only one canoe with them, and were therefore afraid
of coming off to attack us, whatever may have been
their disposition. We might, therefore, consider our-
selves masters of the seas.
Kepenau was well pleased with the success of our
expedition, and having made up his mind to live at
peace with his neighbours, he was very glad to avoid
a collision with the strangei's, even though we might
come off victorious. " We must, however, be on the
watch for them as we return homewards," he ob-
served. " They may possibly greatly outnumber
our party ; and though our firearms will keep them
in check, they may try to overcome us by stratagem."
The deer we had first killed were soon cut up, and
all the best parts made ready for transportation to
the camp. Those we had now towed on shore were
OUR RETURN TO KEPENAU S LODGES.
165
treated in the same manner; and each man being
loaded with as much as he could possibly carry, we
set off for the camp. Here we found a blazing fire
ready for cooking the venison, of which our friends
ate an enormous quantity — with the exception of
Kepenau, who was as moderate as we were.
Knowing that we had foes in the neighbourhood,
sentinels were posted, two of whom kept watch all the
night round the camp ; but the strangers, seeing us
prepared, did not make their appearance, and on the
following morning we started, an hour before dawn,
on our return. Kepenau kept in the rear, turning
round very frequently to ascertain if we were
followed. He also gave his people directions to keep
a look-out on either hand. Once he caught sight of
a warrior's plume in the distance, but although his
eyes were of the sharpest he could not discover
whether his foe approached nearer. Before evening
we arrived safely at his lodges ; the ample supply of
food we brought affording great satisfaction. The
chief, however, did not fail to send out scouts to
bring word whether the enemy had ventured into
the neighbourhood. As no traces of them could be
seen, Kepenau came to the conclusion that the
strangers had gone off again to the westward, content
with the game they had obtained. Still, he thought
it prudent, in case of treachery, to keep on the watch;
and day and night two or three of the party were
constantly 3Couring the country round, in search of
tracks made by strange Indians.
Tht time had now arrived for us to return. Mik**
166
PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE.
had made himself a universal favourite ; the Indians,
notwithstanding their general gravity, delighting in
the merry tunes he played on his fiddle. He frequently
set them jigging ; and Reuben and I showed them
how white people danced — though neither of us had
any exact notions on the subject. Ashatea sometimes
joined us, and moved about very gracefully, perform-
ing figures of her own invention, which I have since
discovered greatly resemble those of the minuet of
Europe.
She often told me how much she longed to go
back and stay with Lily. Native of the wilds as
she was, she had gained a taste for civilized life, she
told Reuben and me. We assured her that Lily and
Dora would be delighted to see her, and that, if her
father would allow her to accompany us, we should
be glad to take her at once. This, however, Kepenau
refused. He did not tell us why; only saying that
he could not let her go unless he went with her, and
for the present he must not leave his people, who had
to hunt and fish, so as to lay in a store of provisions
for the winter.
I should have said that at the back of the lodges
were several pieces of cleared ground, on which Indian
corn was growing and potatoes had been planted.
This showed that Kepenau and his people were in
advance of the hunting Indians, who trust only to the
chase for subsistence, and i*e thereby frequently re-
duced to a state of starvation.
All the inhabitants of the camp turned out to wish
us farewell, and offered up prayers for our safety as
SETTINO OUT FROM THE SETTLEMENT.
■if' I".
ON THE WATCH.
1G9
we stepped into our canoes. Kakaik and Reuben led
the way in one canoe, and Mike and I followed in the
other, flourishing our paddles over our heads as a fare-
well salute. We plied them diligently, and, gliding
rapidly down the stream, were soon lost to sight.
Having the current with us, we expected to reach
home before nightfall, should no accident happen.
*' I'm afther hoping that none of those Indians we
saw the other day are lurking about, or maybe they
will take a fancy to our packs of dried venison and
skins, and stop us," observed Mike.
" What put that idea into your head ? " I asked.
"Sure, because they are cunning spalpeens; and as
they know the way we must take, they are likely
enough to be on tlie watch for us," he replied.
"We must be on the watch for them, then," I
answered, laughing. "If any of them appear, and
look as if they intended to interfere with us, we shall
have to show them the muzzles of our rifles; al-
though, as I never have shot a man, I trust that I
shall not be obliged to do so."
We paddled on for some time after this, and now
and then we caught up Reuben's canoe and had a
talk with him. I told him what Mike had said.
" Oh ! I don't think there is much chance of that,"
he answered, lightly. " A few rifle-bullets will soon
drive the fellows into the woods, if they show their
noses.
»»
We were now entering a part of the stream which
ran between broken clifls; on one side rocks rose
almost perpendicularly from the water, their summits
170
DESCENDING THE RAPIDS.
shaped like the parapets of mined eas^ , while on
the other the trees came down to the river's brink.
Kakaik reminded lis that we were approaching a
series of rapids ; and he explained by signs that he
would lead the way, and advised Mike and me to
keep exactly in his course. He and Reuben paddled
on, therefore, while we followed at a little distance.
We saw them descend one of the first rapids. Im-
mediately below this, in a turn of the river, was an-
other, the fall in which being probably about four or
live feet, was not sufficient to endanger the safety of
the canoes if carefully handled.
We were approaching the highest of the rapids,
which, as I have said, the other canoe had just de-
scended, when we saw an Indian dart out from behind
the trunk of a tree growing close to the water, and
point his arrow at the first canoe, aiming at Reuben.
The arrow flew from the bow, but whether my friend
was hit or not I could not say, as the canoe, darting
down the rapid, was lost to sight.
We were too near the rapid to paddle back, for in
turning round we should have run the risk of upset-
ting the canoe, when it would have been carried down
sideways, and probably dashed to pieces. Our only
safe course, therefore, was to dash forward ; and we
hoped to pass the Indian before he could perceive us,
or have time to fix another arrow in his bow. Had
we been in still water I might have lifted my rifle
and shot the Indian, but I dared not leave my paddle
for a moment. Down the rapid we dashed, then,
paddling with might and main to turn the canoe so
REUBEN IN OANQER.
I
f
1
Si
d
DANGER AHEAD.
173
as to be ready for the next descent. The Indian
liad disappeared, but we heard his voice, calling, as
we supposed, to his companions, — and directly after-
wards we caught sight of liim running along the
bank among the trees; but he could not have
seen us.
A short way below this was another and still more
dangerous rapid. Kakaik signified that he had often
sliot it, but he at the same time advised that we
sliould land and make a portage. To do this was
now, however, out of the question, as we should be
seized by the Indians on shore did we Land on the
side on which they were; the only practicable one
along which we could make our way.
" Paddle, Mike ! paddle ! " I said in a low voice,
fearing that I might be heard should I shout. " Our
only chance is to dash down the rapid. We can-
not stop to look out for rocks ahead, and must run
all risks."
Mike saw this as well as I did. " Sure, it's the only
thing to be done, any way. May all the saints in the
calendar help us ! " he exclaimed.
I don't think, however, that Mike had much faith
in the saints, although he uttered the expression.
We dashed on, the water hissing and bubbling and
foaming round us, and had almost reached the bottom,
when I felt the bow of the canoe strike something.
The next instant I found myself struggling in the
seething waters, and instinctively striking out for
dear life. Looking down the stream, I caught a
glance of the canoe being rapidly hurried downwards.
174
THE CANOE UPS^T.
with Mike clinging to it. The next moment, be and
the canoe had disappeared.
I had been carried down some distance, when, on
more perfectly recovering my senses, I discovered
that 1 was happily near the side opposite to that on
which I had seen the Indians. I scrambled up on the
bank, therefore, hoping to find some place of conceal-
ment before they could discover me. I had not
gone far, however, before I recollected that my foot-
prints would certainly betray me. I therefore retraced
ray steps and threw myself backwards into the water;
and as I looked up towards the bank, I clearly per-
ceived the marks I had left.
The river in this place was narrow, but though
the current ran strong it was smooth, and I felt sure
that I could swim across it and hide myself among
some thick bushes which I saw growing over the
water. It was my only hope of saving myself, and I
determined to run the risk; but no time was to be
lost, as the Indians might look up the stream and
discover me. I struck out boldly, and found that I
could stem the current, though it certainly required
all the strength I possessed. I looked down the
stream every now and then, to ascertain whether the
Indians were returning, which I thought they might
do when they saw only one person clinging to the
canoe; otherwise I kept my eye as steadily as I could
on the bushes for which I was making. Of course, I
might have crossed the stream much more easily by
allowing myself to be carried down with the current,
but then I should have landed much below the place
A SWIM FOR LIFE.
175
b, he and
when, on
iscovered
) that on
jp on the
[ conceal-
had not
my foot-
e retraced
ihe water;
early per-
it though
[ felt sure
ielf among
over the
;elf, and I
as to be
,rcam and
Ind that I
required
own the
ether the
ey might
gr to the
I could
course, I
easily by
current,
the place
where I hoped to find concealment. I could distin-
guish for some time, even amid the roar of the waters,
the voices of the Indians as they shouted to each
other; but tliey gradually became fainter and fainter,
and this gave me encouragement, as it informed me
that they were getting further off.
Even then I thought of poor Mike. What might
be his fate, should he be captured by the Indians ?
His fiddle, and probably everything else in the canoe,
would be lost, and he would have no means of soften-
ing their savage hearts. With his fiddle in his hand,
I felt that lie might succeed in saving his life. It
may seem strange that such thoughts entered my
mind at that time ; but the truth is, I was less anxious
about myself than I was about him.
I had got more than half-way across when I began
to find my strength failing me. It seemed that I
should never reach the shore ; still, I struck out,
straining every nerve. I was afraid at length that I
should be obliged to allow myself to be carried down
by the current, and be glad to cling to the first rock
or bough I could reach. My eyes were gi'owing dim,
and I could scarcely see the bushes on which they
had so long been fixed. Stiil I struggled on, deter-
mined if possible to succeed. Suddenly I felt myself
caught by an eddy, and the next instant I was carried
close under the bank. I was about to grasp one of
the branches, when I recollected that the sharp eyes
of the Indians would discover where my hand had
crushed the leaves, so I resisted the temptation, turn-
ing myself on my back for a minute to rest ; then I
¥
k
176
A CUNNING HIDINO-PLACE.
c'lved down, and came up again in the very middle
of the bush.
I 10 w without fear drew myself out of the water,
and climb, n^ up, discovered a thick trunk hollowed
out by age, the larger portion of wliieh had been
broken off either by a storm or lightning, the boughs
having sprung out of the remainder — forming, in-
deed, a natural pollard. No concealment could
have been more perfect; for even an Indian's eye
would fail to ])onetrate through tlie bark. By
slipping down I was concealed on all sides, while
at the same time a slit in the trunk afforded me a
"look-out" through the bouohs in the direction of
the river. Here, tlierefore, I considered that I was
safe for the proseiit. The difficulty would be to get
away ; uithougli I might remain concealed as long as
I should desire, hunger would at length compel me
to leave my hiding-j)lace in search of food. I re-
mained crouched down, listening anxiously for any
sounds which might indicate the whereabouts of the
Indians. Mike, I felt sure, had he escaped drown-
ing, would be captured by them ; but I had hopes
that Reuben and his companion, by being so much
ahead, might escape altogether.
The ground was excessively rough ; numerous high
rocky ridges, and intervening sj)aces tilled by trees
and dense underwood, abounded.
The fact that the Indians had been so long shout-
ing to each other convinced me that they had not up
to that time ca])ture(l the first c.nnoo. As 1 heard no
one ai»proaching, I should not have been afraid of
A DISCOVERT.
177
leaving my hiding-place ; but then I knew that my
footsteps would betray me.
I must have remained an hour or more, when I
heard voices in the distance. The sounds came
nearer, and I knew that the Indians were returning.
I scarcely dared to draw breath. They passed close
to the tree in which I lay concealed ; but I did not
venture to look out, lest they should discover me.
I was sure as they went along that they were trying
to discover my trail. I knew, too, by the voices, that
there was only a small party. What had become of
the rest ?
I calculated, by the direction their voices came
from, that they were making their way up the stream.
Some distance oft', the low cliffs between which the
river forced its way were surmounted by trees, which
formed a natural bridge. I knew, therefore, that
should they wish to get to the opposite side they
might easily pass over.
Nearly another anxious hour went by, when I
again heard their voices coming across the stream;
and looking through the slit, I saw three painted
savages standing together in the shallow w(-ter, nar-
rowly examining the bank on both sides. J.'resently
one of them stopped and pointed at the marks
whicli my feet had made as I sprang up the bank.
I saw them standing consultuig eagerly together, but
whether their sagacity would enable them to decide
if I had gone forward across tho country, or leaped
hack into the water, I could not tell.
1 anxiously watched, in order to ascertain to what de-
p
1
178
DISAPPEARANCE OF THE INDIAN&
cision they had come. At length one of them climbed
up the bank and looked about ; then the others fol-
lowed, and walked for some distance, closely scrutiniz-
ing the ground. At first I lioped that tliey were at
fault. I had noticed that the bank was composed, a
little way on, of hard stones, winch could scarcely, I
thought, receive any impression from my feet.
They went on for some distance ; and then I saw
from their gestures that they were fairly puzzled.
At length they came back to the bank, and gazed
down at the rapidly-flowing stream. They were evi-
dently of opinion that I could not have swam across
it. Greatly to my relief, I saw them continuing their
course down the river, examining the bank as they
went along, under tlie belief that I must have landed
again further down, or else have been swept away
by the current. This grtatly relieved my mind. I
sincerely hoped that they would give me up as lost,
and abandon tlie idea tliat they should have the
pleasure of exhibiting me to tlieir squaws, ttnd
torturing me.
On and on they went, until they disappeared among
the trees which grew on the bank. Whether or not
they would again cross the stream 1 could not tell,
or if indeed they had the means of «loing so. The^
had come from the right bank, so I concluded that
they must know of some way or other to get back to
it. Still. I was anxious to be certain that they had
done this before I left my shelter. I had made up
my mind to swim back, and to descend the stream
on the left bank, following it down till I reached
THE DISCOVERY OF THE FOOTPRINTa
ALMOST STARVED.
181
home. There were by this time ripe fruits of all
sorts to be found, I knew, so that I had no fear of
starving.
I sat crouched down, feeling very much as I sup-
pose a hare does, listening for the hunters — eager to
be off, yet not daring to leave her cover. Hour
after hour passed by, but I could hear no sounds except
the notes of the birds in the trees, the woodpeckers
searching for insects in the bark, and the cries of the
squirrels as they skipped from branch to branch. I
really wished that one of them would poke his nose
into my nest, that I might have the chance of cap-
turing him, for I was getting very hungry, and would
have eaten him raw without compunction ; but none
came within my grasp.
At last 1 could bear it no longer. Food I must
have, or strength sufficient would not be left me to
swim across the river. I fully believed that the
Indians had gone to a distance, and that I might
therefore make the attempt without being seen by
them. However, I did not intend to swim directly
across, as I had done before, but to allow myself to
float down with the stream, paddling easily till I
could gain the opposite bank. I should thus be
assisted rather than imneded by the current.
I nerved myself up for tlic enterprise. I believed
tliat it would be more C5i.sy ii make my way out of
the hole through the branches on the land-side, and
then, going round them, take to the water where
there was no back eddy. I had observed, a little
lower down, that the current set directly across to
182
DISCOVERED !
the opposite bank, and it was this which had caused
me so much trouble to reach tlie spot wliere I now
was.
Popping up my liead, I was about to climb out of
the hole, when what was my horror to see four
Indians sitting silently smoking their pipes, directly
in front of me I To escape was impossible, for I knew
that they had perceived me by the loud grunts they
uttered, and by one of them immediately springing to
his feet and rushing fonvard towftrds the tree.
Endeavouring to conceal my fears, I leaped down
and advanced towards them, i)utting out my hand.
Instead of taking it, the man who w.as advancing
grasped me by the shoulder ; while the others bui*st
into a loud guttural laugh, as nmcli as to say, "You
thought yourself very clever, young master, but we
have outwitted you."
How they came to know that I was in the tree, I
could not divine ; perhaps tliey only suspected that I
was in the neighbourhood, from not finding my dead
body lower down, and had taken their seats on that
spot b\ hance.
One < tlie men now addressed me, but I could not
understand a word he said. 1 answered him, how-
ever, in English, inter.s[)erse(l with such Indian expres-
sions as I could recollect. He on this rose to his feet,
patted me on the shoulder, and pointed to the tree ;
intimating, as I fancied, that I had been very clever
to conceal myself as I had done, but that he and his
companions were cleverer still to discover me.
As I was famishing, for my anxiety had not taken
CAPTURED BY INDIANS.
183
away my appetite, I tliought it as well to let tliem
understiind that I wanted something to eat. Espy-
ing some berries growing on bushes near at hand, I
pointed to them ; and the man who lield me letting
me go, I spr.ing forward and ravenously devoured a
number. They quenclied my thirst, though they did
not much tend to appease my hunger. One of the
Indians, suspecting that this was the case, produced
some dried buffalo meat from his pouch, and offered
it to me.
I thanked him by signs, and showed how I appre-
ciated his gift by immediately eating it up. He and
his companions, on observing how hungry I was,
again laughed. One of them now pointed to the sun,
which wa« getting low, and made me understand that
I must accompany them. As I knew that I had no
chance of escaping, I nodded, — .as much as to say that
1 was ready to go if they wished it, — and tried to look
as cheerful as possible.
Their leader, the man who had fii*st spoken to me,
pointed to the west and stalked off; and two of the
others seizing me by the arms, one on each side, we
followed him.
CHAPTER VI.
MT INDIAN OAPTORS COMMENCE THEIR HOMEWARD JOURNEY — ARRIVAL AT
THE CAMP — AOUHKOaAUT THE CHIEF — HIS KINDNESS TO ME — MY
ASTONISHMENT ON 8EEINO MIKE A PRISONER — HIS LUDICROUS FIDDLINU —
HIS COMIOAL ACCOUNT OF HIS CAPTURE — RETURN OF THE WARRIORS FROM
THE WAR-PATH— MIKE AND I JOIN THE BUFFALO-HUNTERS— THE HERD —
EXOITINQ SPORT — THE BISON — ITS IMPORTANCE TO THE INDIANS — MY
HOPE OF ESCAPE — I AM IN GREAT DANGER FROM THE HERD — MIKE
REOOUES ME —OUR RETURN TO CAMP.
*Y captors led me along at a rapid rate over
the rough ground; nimbly climbing the
rocks, and dragging me after them with-
out much consideration as to whether I
was hurt or not. Of course, I had made
up my mind to attempt escaping on the
first opportunity. Perhaps they suspected this, for
they took good care not to afford me the chance.
On we went due west, as I knew by the position
of the sun, scorning all impediments — up hills and
across valleys, through streams and marshes. They
were, I knew, in an enemy's country, and were in a
hurry to get out of it. Their leader did not fail to
keep a look-out on every side — sometimes hurrying on
ahead to the top of a rock, from whence he could take
a glance over the country around to ascertain whether
any one was moving ; still they did not appear to be
very anxious, and they must have been aware of the
A CONSTANT WATCH.
185
ARRIVAL AT
rO MB — MY
i FIDDLINU —
RRIORS FROM
-THE HBRO —
INDIANS — MY
HERD — MIKB
rate over
nbing tbe
lem witli-
hether I
Iliad made
tg on tlie
this, for
ance.
ie position
hills and
exact spot in which Kepenau and his tribe were
encamped, while they knew that they were not likely
to encounter other foes.
We must have traversed a good many miles before
the sun set; and a thick grove now appearing ahead,
with a stream running by its side, they hurried
towards it. Having entered the gi'ove, they imme-
diately began stripping off the bark from some of
the older trees, and collecting firewood. With the
bark they formed a lean-to ; and igniting the wood,
they soon had a fire blazing.
While the dayliglit lasted they allowed me to
search for berries ; one of the party helping me, but
keeping a constant watch on my movements. The
rest, in the meantime, toasted on sticks some dried
buftalo meat, a small portion of which they gave to
me. Having satisfied my hunger, and feeling very
tired, I lay down before the fire, glad of the warmth ;
for my clothes, though partly dry, were still damp,
and I every now and then gave a shiver, which
made me fear that I was going to be seized with
illness.
From the way in which my captors had hitherto
beliaved towards me I hoped that I should not be ill-
treated, and believing that I should some day or other
make my escape, I determined not to be unhappy. I
was soon, therefore, fast asleep. Just before I closed
my eyes I saw the Indians sitting round the fire smok-
ing their pipes, and eagerly discussing some subject or
other — probably, what they should do with me — but,
in spite of my precarious position, I never slept so
¥
18G
LONGING TO ESCAPE.
soundly in my life iis I did for some lioura. When I
at leiJijth awoke, I saw that a few embers alone of
the fire remained. One of the Indians was walking
up and down, acting as sentry; while the others lay,
with their feet towards the tire, wrapped in their
buffalo robes. I was nearly certain that they were
the same men who had discovered my foot[)rints, and
they probably had then left their robes concealed
somewhere while they searched for me in the river,
and had afterwards resumed them.
How I wished that that sentinel would sit down
and go to sleep! If he should do so, I had determined
to get up and run away. They would be imable to
follow my tracks in the dark, so that I should have a
long start of them ; and I thought that I might pos-
sibly roach the river before they could overtsike me,
and either swim down it, or get floated down on a log
of timber or a raft of rushes.
I had still my axe in my belt, which the Indians
had not taken from me, as also my hunting-knife. I
was nearly throwing away the first when crossing the
river, but, feeling its value, I resolved to keep it as
long as I could, and was very glad I had done so.
Once the thought came into my mind that, should the
sentry at last go to sleep, I might kill all the Indians
with my axe before they could awake. I remembered
a story I had heard of a white woman who had been
made prisoner thus killing all her captors while sleep-
ing, and ultimately escaping; but I put the idea from
me as a tempttition of Satan, and felt more happy
when I had done so. They had unjustly made me
A JOURNEY WITH INDIANS.
187
niptive, it is true, but they were only following the
instincts of their savage nature; and it would he a
dreadful thing to think of afterwards, should 1 deprive
them of life.
As the sentry k<i|)t his post, and presently hrought
some more wood, which he threw on the embers, I
felt sure that he was not likely to neglect his duty;
therefore, closing my eyes, I again went off to sleep.
When I next awoke the Indians were yawning and
stivtching themselves. One got up, and then another,
and I saw that day had broken.
I sprang to my feet, and the idea came into my
head to pretend that I was not aware I was their cap-
tive ; so, putting out my hand, I signified that I
would wish them a good morning and take my way
homewards. They shook their heads — laughing,
however, as if they thought the idea a good joke; and
two of them walking on either side of me, we set off
in the same order as before.
We travelled on all day, till, leaving the 'hilly
country and crossing several streams, we 8aw the
wide prairie stretching out before us, beyond some
thick clumps of trees. Towards one of these clumps
the Indians advanced, when I heard the neigh of a
horse. In a few minutes we saw a couple of Indians,
who had charge of several steeds tethered among the
trees. A few words were exchanged between my
captoi*s and them, after which they immediately set to
work to build a loan-to and light a tire. From this
I knew that they were going to pass the night in the
wood. Again the hope rose in my breast that I might
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188
DISAPPOINTED.
^'
have a chance of escaping, but I tried to put on as
unconcerned an air as possible.
The Indians we had found in the wood exhibited
the carcass of a deer, which they had, I supposed,
killed during the day. This w^as quickly cut up in
large pieces, and placed before the fire to roast.
" I only hope, my friends, that you will gorge your-
selves till you are unable to move," I thought.
" Then, if I can but get on the back of one of those
horses, I will gallop off to the hills, and not let you
see my face again if I can help it."
I was not sorry, however, to eat some of the venison
which the Indians gave me ; and then I lay down and
pretended to go to sleep. They sat up feeding for
some time after this ; then, greatly to my disappoint-
ment, one got on his feet and bega.n to walk back-
wards and forwards, while the rest stretched them-
selves on the gi'ound, as they had done the night
before. I watched and watched, and at last believing
that they were too cunning to allow me to escape, I
closed my eyes and went to sleep. I awoke twice,
and on each occasion observed that one of them was
on the watch.
When daylight appeared they all rose, and after
shaking themselves, the horses were caught and they
got on horseback ; their leader making a sign to me
to mount one of the spare animals, of which there
were several. This done, we immediately set oft* at
full gallop across the plain, taking a south-westerly
direction. We stopped twice during the day, to
allow our animals to crop the grass; while we took
MY CAPTORS LODGES.
189
ut on as
jxliibited
supposed,
;ut up in
ast.
,rge your-
tliouglit.
3 of those
ot let you
he venison
down and
■eeding for
iisappoint-
Lvalk back-
hed them-
the night
t believing
;0 escape, I
oke twice,
them was
and after
It and they
Isign to nie
Ihich there
set off at
[h-westerly
le day, to
le we took
some food, a stream near at hand supplying us with
water.
Towards evening I espied several wigwams partly
concealed by the wood before us. On approaching
nearer, I saw that they were very different from those
to which I had been accustomed further east, where
the Indian dwellings are constructed of birch-bark.
These were, however, much larger ; the framework,
consisting of long poles tied together at the top
in a conical shape, was covered with the tanned
skins of buffalo and deer, and was ornamented with
figures of animals and men, — apparently hunting
scenes.
There were five or six of these wigwams pitched
close together. Several women were moving about,
or sitting on the gi'ound. In front of one stood a
tall man wrapped in a buffalo robe, with a spear
in his hand, whom I at once guessed to be the chief.
He contemplated us, as we drew near, without mov-
ing, or seeming in any way interested. This manner
was, I suspected, put on to show his own importance,
when he discovered that a white person w^as among
our party. Getting still nearer, another Indian, who
had been, I concluded, sleeping, and just awakened
by the tramp of our horses, crawled out of the tent
to have a look at us. It was a perfect scene of Indian
domestic life. Near the chief, his wife sat on the
ground playing with her child, a fat little urchin ; a
second woman was busy chopping wood ; a third was
coming in, axe in hand, with a huge bundle of sticks
on her back, and a child clinging round her neck;
190
KINDLY TREATMENT.
while a dog was too busy gnawing a bone to turn
round and bark at us.
On drawing near, our leader got off his horse, and
ordered us also to dismount. We then approached
the chief, to whom he described, as I concluded, the
mode in which I had been taken prisoner. The
clever way in which I had hidden myself, and the
efforts I had made to escape, elicited nc small amount
of admiration from the chief I could, of course, only
guess at what he said, but I caught a word here and
there ; and he looked down on me and smiled with
such benignity as his stern features were capable of
assuming. At all events, I thought that these people,
whatever they mi^ht do, would not torture me or
put me to death.
My captors having unsaddled their horses, turned
them adrift to pick up food on the surrounding-
prairie, where the grass grew with unusual luxuri-
ance. The men then went t j their lodges, leaving
me with the chief He seemed to have taken a
fancy to me from the first, and now invited me into
his lodge, where his wife brought me a mess of broth,
which, hungry as I was, I found very palatable.
The floor of the greater part of the lodge was
covered with buffalo-skins, and a sort of divan, com-
posed of stuffed cushions, was arranged round the
walls ; while in the centre burned a large fire, from
which ascended volumes of smoke through the aper-
ture at the top, though no small quantity pervaded
the wigwam. Though disagreeable, it had the eftect of
driving away mosquitoes and other flying things.
to turn
►rse, and
)roached
ided, the
er. The
and the
I amount
irse, only
here and
iled with
japable of
!se people,
ire me or
es, turned
rrounding
al luxuri-
s, leaving
taken a
I me into
3 of broth,
able.
odge was
van, com-
ound the
fire, from
the aper-
pervaded
e eft'ect of
hings.
LEARNING THE LANGUAGE.
193
I had not expected to be so well treated; still, I
could not tell how long the chief might remain in his
j)resent good humour.
The chief's name was, I found, Aguskogaut. The
tribe into whose hands I had fallen were Sioux, who
live entirely on the prairies, and subsist by hunting
the buffalo. They had come further east than they
generally venture, in order that their warriors might
make predatory excursions against the more pacific
and civilized Indians living near the white men.
They seemed to have no fear of being attacked by
the latter, as, being well supplied with horses, they
could beat a rapid retreat to the westward; and I
discovered that they had scouts out in all directions
to give notice of the approach of a foe.
Not knowing how long I might be kept a prisoner,
I set to work at once to try and learn the language
of my captors. The women, especially, were very
ready to teach me; and my willingness to learn gain-
ing me their friendship, they supplied me plentifully
with food. I was puzzled, however, to know on
what account they had carried me off, as I certtiinly
could in no way benefit them. I concluded that one
object might be to hold me as a hostage, in case any
of their party should be taken prisoners.
The chief took me out riding with him, in search
of deer or other game. He was armed with his bow
and a long spear; and knowing that a bow would
be of little use in my hands, he gave me a spear,
with which to defend myself or attack any animals
we might come across. He kept a sharp look-out on
(027) 13
194
MIKE A IMUSOXER.
m
me, liowever, in case I might tr}' to escape ; but I
well knew that, under present circumstances, it would
be useless to make the attempt.
We were successful the first day in running down
a young deer, with which we returned to the camp.
As we approached, what was my surprise to hear the
sound of a fiddle ! Surely those tones could be pro-
duced by no one but Mike Laifan ! Could he have
escaped ? There, sure enough, as we rode up to the
lodges, was Mike himself, standing in the midst of a
group of Indians ; while he was fiddling away with
might and main, they were dancing to the best of
their ability, and keeping very good time too.
On seeing me he shouted out, " Good luck to ye,
Masther Roger ! Sure my heart was nigh breaking,
when I thought ye had been drownded or shot to
death by these rid gintlemen ; but it would not do to
show me grafe, lest it would make them think manely
of me, so tliinks I to meself, I'll fiddle away as lopg
as me elbow can move."
All the time he was speaking, he continued to play
as furiously as at first; most of those surrounding
him jumping and whirling round and round, or
keeping time with their hands. The Indians, we
knew, must have been aware that we were friends,
and therefore it would be of no use to pretend that
we were strangers to ertch other.
Mike w^as at length obliged to stop playing ; upon
which the chief ordered that he should be brought
before him, and inquired how he had been captured.
What account those who had taken him gave, I
^Sw
/ >
A STRANGE STORV.
195
; but 1
b would
g down
e camp,
lear the
be pro-
he have
p to tbe
idst of a
ray with
3 best of
0.
ck to ye,
breaking,
r shot to
not do to
V nianely
y as lopg
d to play
■rounding
ound, or
ians, we
friends,
end that
brought
[captured,
ffave, I,
could not make out; but Mike told me how, after the
canoe had been upset, he had floated some way down
the stream clinging tightly to it. Most of the
articles were soon thrown out. The guns, of course,
had at once gone to the bottom, but the bales floated
down. At last he saw his beloved fiddle washed
out.
" Faix ! it would have broken me heart to lose it,"
he observed ; "so I made a grab and caught it and
the bow, and held them tight, although the wetting,
to be sure, was doing them no good. Down I went,
fasther and fasther. I could hear the roar of the lower
cataract. Thinks I to meself. If I go over that I
shall be done for, and just then I found the canoe
carried by the current towards the shore. I struck
out with me feet to help it; and glad I was when,
as I let them dhrop, I felt them touch the ground. I
sprang up the bank, but, to me sorrow, the canoe
floated off", and it was more than I could do to get .a
hold of it again. I climbed to the top of a cliff",
hoping to catch sight of you, or of Reuben and the
Indian; but no one coujd I see. And grieving from
the bottom of me heart at the thought that you
were lost, I scrambled down again, and made me
way through the wood, guided by the sound of the
waterfall.
" I went on and on till I had passed it, looking
out for our friends ; but not a glimpse of them could
I see. At last, as I was getting pretty tired, I
thought to meself that I would climb up into a tree
to get some vest, and hide away in case the inimy
196
A SAD SEARCH.
should be looking for me. Scarcely had I stowed
meself away among the branches when I heard voices.
I dared not look out, but I guessed they were those
of the Indians, who had by some means or other
missed me tracks, and having gone down the bank
before me, were now returning. They passed by
without seeing me, which shows that they are not
always so sharp-sighted as is supposed. I stayed up
in the tree all night; but next morning, being very
hungry, I came down to make me breakfast off the
berries I had seen growing about. There was no
lack of them, and I was lucky enough to knock
down two young squirrels with a stick I had picked
up.
"I was not happy in me mind all the time at
going away without looking for 3^ou, so, thinks I to
myself, I'll try and find him. I started up the
stream again to the place where the canoe was upset.
Not a trace of vou could I discover; so with a sad
heart I began to make me way back again. It
struck me that, somehow or other, I must have
wandered away from the river; and after trudging
along all day I could nowhere find it. I felt still
more unhappy than I had done before, and so, think-
ing to solace myself, I sat down on a rock, and
putting me fiddle to me chin, began playing away.
I tried one tune and then another, and a mighty dale
of good it seemed to do me. I was playing the
' Groves of Blarney,' when half a dozen rid-skinned
savages jumped out of the bushes and looked me
full in the face.
CHARMING THE INDIANS.
197
towed
t^oices.
those
other
bank
ed by
re not
yed up
ig very
off the
was no
knock
picked
time at
iks I to
up the
s upset.
1 a sad
lin. It
have
rudging
elt still
, think-
ck, and
away.
iy dale
ling the
ikinned
:ed me
" ' Whoo!' says I. ' Whaugh !' says they, in chorus.
■ Whoo !' says I again. On which they came nearer,
flourishing their ugly-looking scalping-knives.
'"Is that what you're going to be afther?' said I,
feeling uncomfortable on the top of me head. ' Keep
off, me beauties, till I give you another tune.' And
putting up me fiddle to me chin — for I had let it
drop, and small blame to me ! — I began scraping away
as if I would be afther shaking me arm off.
" 'Whaugh !' says they again, beginning to skip and
leap about.
" On this I played f^xster and fjister ; and the faster
I played, the higher they bounded. ' It's all right,'
thinks I to meself ; ' they will not be doing me any
harm if I can keep them at that game.' So I thought
I had best give them a tune with me voice into the
bargain ; and I sang, aiid scraped, and shook me head,
till they all burst out into fits of laughter.
" On this I got up and made them a low bow ;
though I clapped my hat on again pretty quick, in
case of accidents. And says I — 'If you will all sit
down, and behave yourselves like dacent men, I'll tell
you a tale which will astonish you.'
" Whether or not they understood me, I could not
for the life of me tell ; but, sure enough, down they
all squatted. And I began to recount to tliem how
Daniel O'Rourke one night, returning from waking
Widow Casey at Ballybotherem, and having taken a
drop more than usual of the ' crayther,' saw the fairies
come dancing round him ; and I went on to describe
what Daniel said, and what the fairies did. 'And
198
THE END OF MIKES STOKY.
now,' says I, 'just sit quiet wliero you are till I conic
back and finish me story.' And on this, giving
another whoop, and a hop, skip, and a jump, I was
making me way back to the river, when up sprang
the Ridskins and came bounding aftlier me. ' Sure,
thin,' says I, stopping short, and beginning to scrape
away as before on me fiddle, * you don't understand
me.' And, by me faith, indade they did not ; for
without more ado they got round me, and suspecting
that I had been bamboozling them, began to prick
me with their spears behind, as a gentle hint that I
was to march forward.
" Seeing that there was no use trying to make me
escape — for, of course, six men can run faster than
one — I took their hints, which were not to be mis-
taken, and stepped out in the direction they pointed,
now and then playing a tune to keep up me spirits
and put them in good-humour.
" The long and the short of it is, that they made
me prisoner, and brought me along with them ; until
we found some horses, on which — stepping a night or
two on the way — we galloped along till we reached
this place.
" And here I am, Masther Roger ! well pleased to
find that you're alive, and to bear you company."
And so Mike concluded his story.
The Indians allowed Mike and me to talk together
without interfering with us. I told him that I would
try to escape as soon as I could.
" Sure, and that is what I'll be afther," he answered.
" But it's more easily said than done, I am afraid.
ARRIVAL OF WAUUIORS.
190
I conic
giving
), I was
sprang
* Sure,
scrape
lerstand
lot; ibr
ispecting
to prick
it that I
make me
ster than
be mis-
j pointed,
me spirits
hey made
jm; until
night or
reached
pleased to
|)any."
together
i,t I would
mswered.
im afraid.
However, where tlicre is a will there is a way ; and
cunning as the Ridskins think themselves, may bo
we'll be even with them."
While we were talking we had observed some
commotion among the iidiabitants of the lodges; and
presently we caught sight of a band of horsemen
scouring across tlie prairie towards us, and flourishing
their spears as they came along. At first I thought
they might be enemies ; but as no preparations were
made for the defence of the camp, I knevv^ that they
nuist be friends. In a few minutes they galloped
up; and the leading warriors, decked in war-paint
and feathers, dismounted, each of them carrying one
or more scalps hanging to the end of his spear. Our
chief, Aguskogaut, who had put on his finest robes,
advanced to meet them while they stepped forward ;
and their leader began a long harangue, which sounded
very fine, although I could not make out what it was
all about.
Mike and I stood on one side, thinking it as well
to keep out of tht. way. The new-comers, however,
after a time began to point towards where we were
standing ; and I guessed they were talking about us,
and inquiring how we happened to be there.
Aguskogaut then, as we supposed, gave them an
account of what had occurred ; to which (as I judged
from their gestures) they replied, tl'at we ought to
have been killed, and our scalps taken to adorn their
lodges. On this Aguskogaut — who was, happily, our
friend — made another speech ; and lifting up his hand
to heaven, appeared to be invoking the Great Spirit,
200
THE CIIIKFS PROTECTION.
and letting his countrymen understand that we were
under his protection, and thai no harm must happen
to us. So successful was his eloquence, that the
warriors appeared to be satisfied. At all events, we
were allowed to move about within sight of the camp,
no one molesting us.
The next day there was a great feast in honour of
the victory which had been gained.
Mike and I were generally kept apart ; but we
^tccasionally found opportunities for meeting, when
we did not fail to discuss plans for escaping. We
were, however, too narrowly watclied to allow at
present of an}?- of them being feasible : wherever we
went, an Indian, apparently appointed for the pur-
pose, had his eye on us. Had we managed to mount
any of the horses tethered near the lodges or feeding
around, we should have been immediately tracked
and followed. Still, it kept up our spirits to talk of
what we would do. We were not otherwise ill-treated,
and were amply supplied with dried buffalo meat.
Sometimes the hunters brought in a, deer or a bear;
but as there was always on such occasions a grand
feast, the fresh meat did not last long.
At last, one morning the Indians turned out at
daybreak, and immediately began taking down the
tents and packing up their goods. The coverings for
the tents were divided and done up in bales, and^then
secured to the backs of horses. The poor women were
loaded with as much as they could carry, in addition
to the younger children. The chief's squaws were
allowed to mount ; but their animals were also loaded
THE CHIEF'S INTERCESSION.
■ --.i-i^Ltnyr 3 p j-.««»
ON THE MARCH.
203
like the rest of the horses. The men carried only
their arms, and spare buffalo robes strapped on to
their saddles. Mike and I were compelled to assist
in doing up the bales, the squaws showing us how to
perform the operation; sometimes scolding us, at
other times laughing at what they considered our
clumsiness.
When all was done, we were left standing ; so we
concluded that it was the intention of the Indians
to compel us to march on foot.
" Begon-a," exclaimed Mike, ** I don't like this fun
at all, at all ! See, there are two mustangs without
anything on their backs ! Small blame to us if we
just get astride them." And suiting the action to the
word, he leaped on to one of the ponies, while I
mounted the other. Whether they belonged to any
of the Indians, we could not tell, but there were
several spare animals besides.
Urging on our steeds, we joined the throng of war-
riors, who were already forming at a little distance
from our late camp. The chief laughed when he saw
us, and exchanged remarks with some of his com-
panions. We concluded that these were in our favour,
for we were allowed to retain our steeds.
The signal was now given to advance, and the tribe
moved foi 'ard in a south-westerly direction. Though
we were glad to be on horseback, yet our spirits sank
when we found that we were getting further and
further from home, and saw our chances of escape
diminishing.
" No matter," cried Mike ; " the longer we stay
204
MIKE 8 PHILOSOPHY.
I
with these Indians, the more we shall know of their
ways, and be the better able to desave them. We
must appear to be perfectly continted and happy, and
try to spake their language — though it gives me a
pain in me jaws whenever I utter one of their long
words."
" You are right, Mike ; I will try to practise your
philosophv," I answered.
We marched on all day, stopping only for a short
time to take our scanty meals. We could proceed
but slowly, on account of the women and loaded
animals ; but the warriors scoured over the plain on
both sides of our line of march, either looking out for
an enemy or in search of gam 3. Mike and I, however,
were kept with the main body. At night we en-
camped either near a wood or by the side of a stream,
where there were always trees to afford us fuel for
our fires. Thus we went on for several days.
The Indians were, we guessed, making for a region
frequented by buffalo, which had not this year come
so far east as usual. At last we reached the spot at
which they considered it desirable to remain; there
being a full stream from which water could be ob-
tained, and plenty of wood to afford fuel for our fires.
In every other direction, as far as we could see, the
country was nearly level, with little or no timber of
any size growing on it. The women immediately set
about their usual avocations. But as our meals were
very scanty, it was evident that there was a scarcity
of meat in the camp.
Early next morning a band of twenty men mounted
BUFFALO IN SIGHT.
205
r of their
em. We
ippy, and
ves me a
lieir long
;tise your
)r a short
d proceed
id loaded
J plain on
ns: out for
'., however,
lit we en-
a stream,
s fuel for
[
►r a region
year come
le spot at
ain; there
■Id be ob-
our fires,
d see, the
timber of
lately set
leals were
scarcity
mounted
their best horses to set out, as we concluded, in search
of buffalo. Without asking leave, Mike and I got on
our steeds and joined them. They did not object to
this ; probably supposing that we should not attempt
to make our escape so far from home. We each of
us obtained a bow and a quiver full of arrows,
besides a long spear. None of the tribe possessed
firearms.
We rode on for some distance, the main body keep-
ing together, while scouts were sent forward to look
out for buffalo. At last we reached a broad stream,
and were proceeding along the bank, when my com-
panions became greatly interested ; and looking out
to the left, I saw the whole plain covered with a
dense mass of dark objects, which I at once guessed
to be buffalo. It was evident that they were making
for the river. The Indians, urging on their horses,
dashed forward to try to intercept the herd before
they could cross it. It seemed to me, however, that
we should be too late to do that.
I could see the scouts galloping along the flank
of the herd nearest us, trying to find an opening
among them into which they might penetrate ; while
every now and then they let fly one of their arrows
into the neck of an animal. As to turning the herd,
or preventing it from crossing the stream, they might
as well have attempted to stop the falls of Niagara
in their downward course. With a tramp which
shook the earth, and terrific bellowings sounding far
across the plain, onward rushed the seemingly mad-
dened creatures, tossing their heads, throwing high
20G
ATTACKING THE HERD.
their tails, and turning up the earth in their
course.
The river was reached before we could get up to
them ; and their leaders plunging in, they began to
swim across, the animals in the rear driving those in
front into the water. The former would have treated
the latter in the same way had they reached the edge
of a precipice, when all would have gone over together.
As it was, they proved themselves good swimmers,
quickly gaining the opposite bank, and rushing for-
ward as at first.
Before we got within shot of them, the greater
number had crossed ; but the hunters, urging on their
well-trained steeds, rode boldly up, shooting their
arrows within a few feet of the creatures. Three or
four only fell ; others seemed to take no notice of
their wounds ; and several, springing out of the herd,
with heads lowered to the ground, plunged forward
furiously at their assailants. The nimble horses
wheeled as they approached, and escaped the attack
made on them ; their riders never 'failing to discharge
one or two arrows in return at the infuriated buffalo.
Had we possessed firearms, many more would have
been killed.
The Indians had no intention of giving up the pur-
suit. Where the herd had crossed the river, the water
was too deep to allow us to wade over. At a signal
from their leader, however, the hunters turned their
horses, and galloped back in the direction from whence
we had come ; soon we reached a ford, where we all
crossed, though the water almost covered the backs
in
their
to
get \ip
r began to
g those in
Lve treated
id the edge
3r together,
swimmers,
■ushing for-
the greater
ing on their
ooting their
5. Three or
no notice of
of the herd,
oed forward
nble horses
d the attack
to discharge
ated buffalo,
would have
up the pur-
[er, the water
At a signal
[turned their
Ifrom whence
kvhere we all
1(1 the backs
•*> '^f
THE BUFFALO DESCRIBED.
209
of our short-legged ponies. The herd could still be
seen in the far distance, so we immediately galloped
on to overtake it.
Though called buffalo, the animal I am speaking
of is really the bison. It has a protuberant hunch
on its shoulders, and the body is covered, especially
towards the head, by long, fine, woolly hair, which
makes the animal appear much more bulky than it
really is. That over the head, neck, and fore part of
the body is long and shaggy, and forms a beard be-
neatli the lower jaw, descending to the knees in a
tuft ; while on the top it rises in a dense mass nearly
to the tops of the horns, and is strongly curled and
matted on the front. The tail is short, and has a
tuft at the end — the general colour of the hair being
a uniform dun. The legs are especially slender, and
appear to be out of all proportion to the body ; in-
deed, it seems wonderful that they are able to bear
it, and that the animals can at the same time exhibit
the activity they seemed possessed of.
In summer the buffalo finds an abundance of food
by cropping the sweet grass which springs up after
the fires so frequent in one part or other of the prai-
ries. In winter, in the northern regions, it would
starve, were it not possessed of a blunt nose, covered
by tough skin, with which it manages to dig into the
snow and shovel it away, so as to get at the herbage
below. In winter, too, the hair grows to a much
greater length than in summer, when the hinder part
is covered only by a very short fine hair, smooth as
(027) 'l4
Il '
210
VALUE OF THE BUFFALO.
velvet. Many thousands of these magnificent animals
congregate in herds, which roam from north to south
over the western prairies. At a certain time of the
year the bulls fight desperately with each other, on
which occasions their roaring is truly terrific.
The hunters select, when they can, female buf-
falo, as their flesh is far superior in quality and ten-
derness to that of the males. The females are, how-
ever, far more active than the males, and can run three
times as fast, so that swift horses are required to keep
up with them. The Indians complain of the destruc-
tion of the bufi{ilo — forgetting that their own folly in
killing tlie females is one of the chief causes of the
diminution of their numbers.
Huge and unwieldy as is the bufi'alo, it dashes
over the ground at a surprising rate, bounding with
large and clumsy-looking strides across the roughest
country, plunging down the broken sides of ravines,
and trying the mettle of horses and the courage of
riders in pursuit of it.
To the Indians of the prairies the bufi'alo is of the
greatest possible value, for they depend on these
animals for their food, tents, clothing, and numerous
other articles. They dress the skins with the hair on,
and these serve as cloaks or coverings at night. The
horns are converted into powder-flasks; the hides,
when tanned, serve to cover their tents ; and the wool
makes a coarse cloth. When the flesh is eaten fresh,
it is considered superior in tenderness and flavour to
that of the domestic ox ; the hump especially being
celebrated for its delicacy. It is also cut into strips
EXCITING SPORT.
211
, animals
to south
i\e of the
other, on
c.
iiale buf-
r and ten-
are, how-
L run three
•ed to keep
lie destruc-
wn folly in
uses of the
3^ it dashes
nding with
he roughest
of ravines,
courage of
and dried in the sun; or it is pounded up with the
fat and converted into pemmican. The hides are used
also for leggings, saddles, or, when cut into strips, form
halters. With the sinews, strings are made for their
hows. From the bones tliey manufacture a variety
of tools — of the smaller ones making needles, and
using the finer sinews as threads. From the ribs,
strengthened by some of the stronger sinews, are
manufactured the bows which they use so dexter-
ously. The bladder of the animal is used as a bottle;
and often, when the Indian is crossing the prairie
where no water is to be found, he is saved from
])erishing of thirst by killing a buffalo and extracting
the water which is found in its inside.
To resume : In spite of the rate at which the buf-
falo were going, we soon overtook them on our swift
mustangs; and now began the most exciting part of
our day's sport. The leading portion of the herd
kept close together ; but in the rear the animals were
separated — some lagging behind, others scattering on
either side. The Indians, with their bows drawn or
their spears couched in their hands, dashed in among
them, shooting right and left, or plunging their wea-
pons into the shoulders of the brutes — so dexterously
aiming the blows, that many of their victims fell
pierced to the heart.
Mike and I, though gogd horsemen, were but little
accustomed to the Indian weapons ; and although we
did our best, many of the buffalo at which we rode
cither escaped being wounded, or galloped off with
212
A WELL THAI NED STEED.
(jur arrows sticking in their budies. Wc eacli of us,
however, managed to kill an animal, and were gallop-
ing on, closely following one of the principal hunters,
when a huge bull, after which the Indian was riding,
turned suddenly round, and with its head to the
ground rushed madly at him. Jlis horse for a
moment stood stock-still, watching tlie buffalo, while
the Indian shot his arrow. It struck the animal on
the neck, but failed to kill it. I expected that the
next moment I should see both horse and rider roll-
ing on the ground ; but the well- trained steed sprang
nimbly on one side, and the now infuriated buffalo
dashed towards Mike and me. I shot my last arrow,
but it glanced off the skull of the creature, which now
came towards me, looking the picture of savageness.
I endeavoured to make my steed spring on one
side, but barely in time to escape the tremendous
batterinff-ram — for to nothintj else can I liken the
buffalo's head. The creature went rushing on till it
was met by two Indians, one of whom shot his arrow,
while the other struck his spear so exactly in the
buffalo's breast that the huge creature immediately
fell over dead.
Such was the beginning of our day's hunt. I was
completely carried away by the excitement of the
chase, and was as eager to kill buffalo as any Indian
amongst them. As I had exhausted all my arrows,
I had now only my spear to trust to. Had I been
dependent on my own skill, I should have been
quickly overthrown, and probably gored to death ;
but my well-trained mustang knew far more about
ill of us,
e gallop -
huntcvH,
ts riding,
il to the
:sc for a
alo, while
mimal on
I that the
rider roll-
-jcd sprang
^ed buttalo
last arrow,
which now
ivageness.
ing on one
tremendous
liken the
\\cr on till it
his arrow,
;tly in the
mniediately
int. I was
lent of the
[any Indian
liny arrows,
[ad I been
have been
to death;
iiore about
V- - r ■'"
CHARGED BY A BUFFALO.
215
the matter than I did, so I let him get out of the
way of any of the animals which attacked me as he
thought best.
I had singled out a young bull whicli turned off
from the herd, and I followed it up, expecting to be
able to get ahead of it, so that I might point my
spear full at its breast in the way I had seen several
of the Indians do, knowing that my mustang would
spring on one side should it be necessary. Suddenly
the bull stopped ; then turning round and seeing me
before it, came rushing towards me. I endeavoured
to run my spear into its breast, and then make my
steed spring out of the way. I thrust my spear with
all my force ; but before I could let go my grasp it
was whisked out of my hand, after whicli my horse
sprang clear of the animal with a bound which very
nearly threw me from the saddle, and had galloped
some distance away before I could stop it.
What a glorious opportunity this would be for
escaping ! I thought to myself Had Mike been
near me, I should have proposed doing so. I was
looking round, to try and ascertain where he was,
when down came my steed — having stepped into the
hole of a prairie dog, numbers of which honeycombed
the ground around — and I was thrown right over his
head. As I lay half-stunned, I saw to my horror
the whole herd of buffalo tearing along towards me,
ploughing up the turf with their hoofs, and bellowing
loudly. I fully expected to be trampled to death
before many minutes had passed, or to be tossed high
in the air over their shaggy backs. My horse, looking
I.
^M
{
m
i,
j:
^
„
21G
A NARROW ESCAPE.
up, saw his danger, and seemed to understand the
state of affairs as well as I did. He made desperate
struggles to rise; and I endeavoured to get on my
feet and seize the reins, hoping to mount before the
herd was upon me. I might thus gallop off, and
keep ahead of them till I could find an opportunity
of turning on one side.
I rose, but fell again before I could reach the reins
which hung over my steed's neck. Already I could
almost see the eyes of the infuriated beasts ; but I
was not going to give up my life if I could help it.
I therefore made another desperate effort, and reach-
ing the rein, patted the animal's nose, turning his
eyes away from the approaching foe; then in an
instant — I scarcely know how I did it — I was on his
back.
I was fully aware that the same accident which
had brought me to the ground might again occur;
but of that I must run the risk. Before, however,
my horse could spring forward, the herd was close
upon us. Digging my heels into his- flanks, I urged
him on, shrieking at the top of my voice. The sound
of the tramping hoofs behind him, the bellowing of the
bulls, and the expectation every instant of being
probed by their horns, made him strain every muscle
to keep ahead of them. His speed was far greater
than theirs, and he soon distanced them ; but still, the
danger of again falling was imminent, for as we flew
along I could see in every direction the burrows of
those abominable little prairie dogs, though the in-
habitants had taken good care to ensconce themselves
CHARGED BY A BUFFALO.
21'
far down out of the way of the hoofs of the buffalo.
Looking over my shoulder, I saw that by turning to
the right I might soon get clear of the herd, which
did not extend far on that side. I accordingly pulled
the right rein, so as to ride almost across the course
the herd was taking; and observed, as I did so, a num-
ber of the Indians galloping along by the side of the
buffalo, and shooting their arrows.
I was congratulating myself on the prospect of
escaping, when down came my steed once more ; and
as I was as unprepared for the accident as before, I
was thrown over his head, and more severely injured
than at first. Still, though partly stunned, I could
see what was taking place. I fancied that I was,
at all events, sufficiently to the right of the herd
to escape being trampled to death, when just then
a huge bull, who must have had his eye upon me,
wheeled from his companions, and, putting his head
to the ground, made, as I thought, towards me. To
escape by mounting my horse was now out of the
question, for I had been thrown too far to seize the
reins, and the poor animal still lay struggling to get
his feet out of the hole. Any other than a prairie
horse would have broken his legs, or sprained him-
self irretrievably. Just when I expected to be
trampled to death, or gored by the bull's horns, I saw
that the savage creature was making towards my
horse instead of me ; but as it reached the mustang,
uue latter drew his feet out of the hole, and throwing
up his heels at the bull's nose, scampered off", followed
by his enemy, while the rest of the herd swept by
218
MIKE TO THE RESCUE.
m
like a torrent, not ten yards from where I lay. Some
stragglers, however, caught sight of me ; and another
big bull was rushing on to give me a taste of his
horns and hoofs, when a loud " Whallop-a-hoo-a-boo !
Erin go bragh !" sounded in my ears.
"Don't be afraid, Masther Roger, me darlinti"
shouted Mike, for it was he who had uttered the cry;
and dashing forward with spear in rest, he struck the
bull behind the shoulder with such force that his
weapon roust have pierced the animal's heart. It
swerved on one side, thereby enabling Mike to avoid
trampling on me, and the next moment fell over per-
fectly dead.
A number of Indians passing at the moment, ap-
plauded Mike's achievement. I managed at the same
time to get on my feet, and pointed to my horse.
"Ay, to be sure; I'll be affcher him," cried Mike,
" as soon as I can git me shtick out of this haste's
carcass."
He tugged and tugged till he liberated his spear,
then galloped off in the direction my horse had
taken, leaving me by the dead bull.
I had no longer any fear of being knocked over by
the buffalo, as all, except a few laggards, had passed
by, and were further away to the left. I could
just see Mike attacking with his spear the animal
which had puraued my horse ; but a faintness again
came over me, and I was obliged to sit down on the
ground. I had no fear of being deserted, as I was
sure that the Indians would come to look after the
animals they had killed ; and in a few minutes Mike
A FIELD OF SLAUGHTER.
219
returned, leading my horse, who appeared none the
worse for his falls or his encounter with the buffalo.
We had by this time reached a part of the country
where woods and hiDs could be seen rising here and
there above the plain. The rearmost of the buffalo had
become separated, and many of the Indians, having ex-
liausted their arrows, were now attacking them with
their spears ; two hunters generally singling out one
animal, and riding alongside it till they had wounded
it to death. As far as I could see, on either side, the
country exhibited an animated scene, — the buffalo
scampering along in every direction, with Indians
riding after them, their robes wildly flying in the
air, while they flourished their spears above their
heads. On the ground over which we had come
could be distinguished numerous dark spots, — the
bodies of the buffalo we had slain. Indeed, our com-
paratively small party had, I afterwards found, killed
upwards of two hundred animals ; which will give
some idea of the numbers annually slaughtered by
the Indians.
At length they gave over the chase, and com-
menced the operation of skinning their victims, leav-
ing most of the carcasses a prey to the wolves. The
tongues and humps, however, were generally secured,
as well as the flesh of the cows, which is, as I have
said, far superior in tenderness to that of the bulls.
The horaes loaded with skins and meat, we returned
at night to the camp ; and as our captors had now an
abundance of provisions, they were in an unusually
good humour.
220
FEASTING.
" Sure, thin, but this wouldn't be a bad opportunity
for us to git away from these rid gintlemen," observed
Mike, as we watched them feasting on the produce of
the day's hunt — stuffing such huge quantities of flesh
into their insides, that it seemed impossible, were
they long to continue the operation, that they would
be able to move.
CHAPTER VII.
JfllRSS PRECAUTION — WE AGAIN GO BUFFALO-HUNTING — TUB PiiAIRIE ON FUIE
— A RIDE FOR LIFE — OUR ESCAPE FROM THE FIRE AND THE INDIANS-
HOBBLING HORSES — THE FIRE IS STOPPED BY THE RIVER — A BRIEF SLEEP
— OUR FISHING TACKLE— MIKE CATCHES A CAT-FISH— OUR LEAN-TO —
MIKE LOSES HIS HOOK — THE VISIT OF BRUIN — A HEARTY MEAL — DEATH
OF mike's horse — I AM TAKEN SICK — MIKE'S CAREFUL WATCH — MY HORSK
IS DROWNED — OUR VISIT TO THE BICE LAKE— WE FIND LILY AND DORA
THERE, WITH ASHATEA, IN A CANOE, GATHERING RICE — LILY's ACCOUNT
OF MANILICK, THE YOUNG CHIEF, ASHATEA's LOVER — KEPENAU's ADDRESS
— A<iAIN TAKEN ILL— HOW I KECOVER.
'IKE and I were on the watch for an oppor-
tunity of mounting our liorses and gallop-
ing off unperceived by the Indians; but,
though they feasted for severnl successive
days, that opportunity never came. Un-
fortunately, so far as our enterprise was
concerned, they had no whisky in the camp, and were
therefore able to watch our movements.
In a few days the hunters again set out, to obtain
a further supply of buffalo robes; not that these
were required for their own use, but they intended
to exchange them with the traders for whisky and
other articles — especially firearms and ammunition.
The chief and two or three of the leading men had
already procured weapons, although as yet they were
by no means expert in their use.
222
AXOTHER BUFFALO-HUNT.
" They'll soon give us a chance, if they get howld
of the whisky," observed Mike; "so we must have
patience till that happy time comes."
As we had proved ourselves such expert hunters
on the previous occasion, the Indians decided to take
us with them, and allowed us to select two capital
horses, as also some tough spears and a supply of
arrows. We likewise stowed away, at Mike's sug-
gestion, as much dried buffalo meat as our pouches
would hold. "Tliere is no harm in having it," he
observed; "and it may just come in convanient if we
get the chance of giving our rid-skinned frinds the slip."
I was glad to find that the Indians were directing
their course to the north-west of the camp, towards a
plain on which, the scouts had brought word, buffalo
had been seen feeding the previous evening, and it
was supposed that they were not yet likely to have
got far off. When we reached the ground, however,
it was found that they had gone away further to
the northward, so chase was immediately made after
them. The herd must have gone on at a somewhat
rapid rate, for we forded several streams, and entered
on a part of the prairie across which, after riding a
few miles, we could see nothing but the waving grass
on every side.
The chief had of late been friendly, and kept Mike
and me near him. He was evidently pleased with
the good-humour we exhibited, and probably thought
that we were contented with our lot.
At last we came in sight of the rear-guard of the
herd, when the Indians at once gave chase.
liowld
it have
liunters
to take
capital
pply of
i's sug-
pouches
it," he
nt if we
he slip."
lirecting
(Wards a
, buffalo
r, and it
have
lowever,
ther to
de after
mewhat
entered
riding a
nff grass
pt Mike
ed with
thought
d of the
"-^^r..
■ /mm
THE WARNING.
THE PRAIRIE ON FIRE.
226
We had been riding on for some time, the buffalo
evidently moving at a greater speed than they do
under ordinary circumstances, when the chief, who
was on the riglit of the party, stopped, and looking
round him, shouted to those who were within hearing.
I could not understand what he said, and asked Mike
if he could.
"Sure, it's something not altogether plisant," he
answered. " Look there, Masther Roger. What does
that mane ? "
He pointed, as he spoke, to a long line of what
looked like gray mist, forming wreaths, and rising
above the horizon to the westward.
I saw several of the Indians standing up in their
stirrups and gazing in the same direction. They knew
perfectly well what it was, but they were trying to
ascertain a point of vital importance to us all. The
prairie was on fire! Of that there was no doubt; but,
in order to give themselves the best chance of saving
their lives, it was necessary to settle, before galloping
forward, what course to take.
While the Indians were discussing this point, Mike,
who had been looking about him, exclaimed to me, —
" There is one way we want to go, and that is to the
north-east. Never mind if we do get singed a little,
for sure, as we came along, I remember that we passed
several swamps. If we can get into one of them we
shall be safe, as the fire won't be afther crossing the
wather."
"But the Indians -will probably take the same
direction," I observed.
(627)
15
226
A OALLOP FOR LIFK.
"Sure, if they intincled doing tluit same, they
would have been oft' at once," he answered. " Tliey
have sonic raison for wliat tliey tliink of doing, and
we have another for what we will do; so come along,
Masther Roger. There's only one thing I mourn for,
and that is me fiddle ; but no matther; maybe I will
be afther getting that another time. Whallop-ahoo-
aboo! Erin go bragh !" Then digging his heels into
his horse's flanks, he set oft' in the direction he pro-
posed ; and I, seeing that the Indians were too much
occupied to notice us, galloped after him.
As I turned my head I saw them scampering along
towards the north-west. The fire having approached
with far greater ra})idity than I could have supposed
possible, I began to fear that they were right and we
were wrong, when I saw the flames catching the dry
grass and flaring up furiously, with dense masses of
black smoke above them, and already scarcely n
mile behind us ; indeed, they looked very much
nearer. Onward came the conflagration, ffister than
any horse could gallop. Happily we had the start
of it, but we must, we knew, keep our steeds at the
utmost stretch of their powers to maintain a safe
distance.
As our course diverged more and more from that
of the Indians, they soon discovered our object, and
shouted to us to accompany them.
" Bawl away, me boys ! " answered Mike. " It is
not con vanient just now to attind to you."
When our intention became clearly evident, the
chief despatched two of his people in pursuit of us;
le, they
" They
)ing, and
lie along,
ourn for,
be I will
iop-alioo-
leels into
1 lie pro-
too much
ing along
iproached
supposed
it and we
g the dry
masses of
carcely a
ry much
ster than
the start
s at the
n a safe
rroni that
|)ject, and
" It is
lent, the
lit of us:
'>-»i
A RACE FOR LIFE.
OUll ESCAPE FROM THE INDIANS.
229
but we kept well ahead of our pursuers, and they,
fearing that the fire would overtake them, turned
and took the same direction as the main body. Soon
after this we lost sight of our late companions.
" I would be well contint never to set ej^es on you
again, me jewels," said Mike, shaking his spear as a
sign of farewell.
Although my companion kept up his spirits, I could
not avoid fearing that, after all, the fire would overtake
us. Happily our horses were fleet and in good wind,
as we had not exhausted them during the early part
of the day ; and all we could do at present was to
gallop on. Tlie wind, of which there had hitherto
been very little, now got up, and blew almost in our
faces, driving the fire in the direction the Indians liad
taken, and at the same time keeping it back from that
in which we were going. Still on came the fire, the
whole country in our rear apparently one mass of
flame. Even now, did we stop, we should be over-
taken. Happily for us, there were no buffalo in the
direction from which the fire was coming, or we
should have run the danger of being overwhelmed by
them. Smaller animals, liowever, came rusliing by
us or close at our heels, but too much frightened even
to notice as ; and we were in too great a hurry to
interfere with them.
I am almost afraid to say how many miles we
covered in a couple of hours, but certainly not till
that time had elapsed did we get to a safe distance
from the fire ; and even *hen, on looking back, we
could see it raging along the whole verge of the
230
WE REACH A RIVEK.
horizon to the westward and southward. It was
clear to me that Mike was mistaken about the
swamps, and had not the wind, providentially for us,
changed, we should probably have fallen victims.
We now slackened our speed a little, hoping to
meet with some broad river which might pi -; a
barrier to the flames, should another change o ind
drive them towards us, as there was nothing, so far as
we could see, to stop the fire from quickly overtaking
us. Our horses, too, were already suffering from want
of water, and so were we. We therefore eagerly
looked out for a pool or stream at which we might
slake our thirst. At length, greatly to our joy, as
evening was approaching, we caught sight in the far
distance of a silvery line of water glittering in the
rays of the western sun. It was a river running
from the north-west to the south-east, and as we
approached we saw that it was of considerable width.
Should it not prove fordable, we resolved to swim
across.
With infinite satisfaction we reached the bank of
the river, and descending quickly, allowed our horses to
drink; while, stooping down by their sides, we lapped
up the water eagerly with our hands. It seemed as
if we could never drink em ugh. When we had some-
what slaked our thirst, we looked about for a place at
which to cross. From the appearance of the current
a little lower dovvn^ we hoped that we should there
find the river fordable ; we accordingly agreed to
lead our horses to it.
On climbing up the bank we observed that the fire
ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE.
231
was still raging in the direction from whence we had
come ; and it was evidently very much nearer. We
had wished to allow our animals to rest and recover
their strength before attempting to cross; but on
again looking back we saw that there was no time
to be lost. We accordingly at once mounted, and
urged our steeds into the water, keeping their heads
up the stream.
As we advanced it grew deei)er and deeper, and we
expected every moment to have our horses taken off
their legs; still it would not do to turn back. Our great-
est chance of safety lay in pushing forward. The cool
water restored strength to our beasts, and, sagaciously
leaning over against the current, they soon got across
the deep part. We had now no further difficulty, and
in a few minutes landed safely on the opposite side.
Fortunately there was plenty of fresh herbage, and
we allowed the animals to crop it, while we sat down
and discussed some of the pemmican with which,
by Mike's forethought, we had provided ourselves.
Without it we should have starved ; for we could find
nothing eatable anywhere around. As night was
approaching, and our horses were too much knocked
up to go further, we resolved to remain on the bank
of the river till the morning. We accordingly
hobbled the animals, and then looked about for some
place which might afford us shelter.
Our search was rewarded by the discovery of a
hollow made by the stream in the bank during the
spring floods. Here we hoped that we might rest
secure from danger. Indians were not likely to be
232
APPROACH OF THE FIUK.
pjissing at that time of the eveaing, and no wolves
would find their waj^, we believed, into our cave.
Our horses were, of course, more exposed to risk than
ourselves ; but we were obliged to let them take their
chance, for unless they were allowed to feed during
the night they would be unable to carry us the next
day.
After leaving our horses to pick up their supper,
we were about to return to our cave, when, on looking
to the eastward, we observed that the fire was making
most rapid progress in our direction. We felt thank-
ful indeed that we were on the right side of the river.
On came the conflagration, tlie heat sensibly in-
creasing every minute, while dark wreaths of smoke
filled the air, below which the burning grass and
shrubs hissed and crackled. The darkness of night
added to the fearful character of the scene. As far
as the eye could reach there appeared a long unbroken
line of fire : now, as it caught some thick bush or
clump of trees, forked flames rose high in the air; in
other places it came along maintaining the same
height, but ever advancing, till it reached the bank of
the river, when every shrub and tree wes enveloped
in a sheet of fire ; and notwithstanding the width of
the river, we expected every instant to see some of
the sparks carried across, and the whole country on
our side given over to destruction. We might save
our own lives, but our horses would inevitably be
lost.
We sat anxiously watching the conflagration as it
raged along the entire bank : now the sparks, wafted
UTTER DESOLATrON.
233
le river.
by the wind, tlew high into the air; now burning
branches fell hissing into the water.
" It's all very fine," observed Mike, after watching
it for some time; "but I would rather be afther going
quietly to slape."
I felt quite as tired as did Mike, but I sat up till
my eyes began to close and my head to droop, and I
could not for the life of me tell what I was looking
at. I had just sense enough left to lie down along-
side Mike, when I was almost directly asleep. I do
not think I ever slept more soundly in my life than
I did on that occasion. So thoroughly wearied out
was I, that I forgot all about the fire raging within a
few hundred yards of us; or prowling wolves, or
Indians, or rattlesnakes, which might have made
their holes in the bank.
When I awoke I found Mike sitting up, dawn
having just broken. The fire had burned itself out,
a few burning embers alone appearing on the oj)posite
side, with here and there a blackened stem of some
tree which had resisted the flames. One side of the
river presented a scene of utter desolation, while the
other was still green, and glittering with the dew of
early morn.
We knelt down and returned thanks to God for
our preservation, and offered up a petition that he
would still take care of us. We then ate a little
more pemmican, and took a draught of water from
the river ; though, to do so, we had to drive back the
burned twigs and black scum which came floating
down the stream. We then caught our horses, which,
234
IN GOOD SriRITS.
in consequence of being hobbled, liad not strayed far ;
and after leading tliem down to drink we mounted
and rode on to the north-east. Reaching some ele-
vated ground whence we could obtain an extensive
view, we looked round to ascertain if any Indians
were in sight. Not a human being could we discover ;
and we therefore, with increased hopes that we might
escape, continued our juuiney.
I asked Mike how many days he thought it would
take us to reach home, that I might see if his com-
putation agreed with mine, I calculated, recollecting
the distance we had ooi'^e v Uh our captors, that it
would occupy us a week at I'-.AiHi. or perhaps ten days.
He was of the sa .xC 01 i'>ioDi.
"But will our pemniicPi. 'r^si (« is long?" I
asked.
" Sure, that depinds upon how much we take of it
each day," he answered. " The berries are now ripe,
and by good luck I have found a couple of fish-hooks
in me pocket. Maybe, also, I can manage to manu-
facture some traps in which to catch birds or small
animals; and though we have no arrows, if we
are hard pressed we may make some ; and we have
got our spears. If we could only meet with a young
bear, we should have flesh enough to last us for many
a day. Sure, we'll not be fearing harm till it comes
upon us."
I agreed with Mike that we were not so badly otf
after all, and we rode forward in good spirits. There
was still, of course, the danger of being overtaken by
the Indians ; but on that score Mike thought that we
OUR JOURNEY PURSUED.
235
need not trouble ourselves. They would probably
suppose that we had been destroyed by the fire; or
they themselves might have met with the fate from
which we had so narrowly escaped.
The sun shone brightly from the unclouded sky;
the atmosphere was clear, and we could see objects at
a great distance. We looked out, as we rode along,
for any of the natives who might be passing either on
the war-path or engaged in hunting, as we resolved to
endeavour to avoid them rather than risk an encoun-
ter. They might prove to be friends ; but if enemies,
we knew that we should have a poor chance of com-
ing off victorious. Whenever the country was open,
we galloped across it as fast as we could venture to
push our horses without over-fatiguing them ; but
when we came to woody districts we kept as much as
possible under shelter of the trees, so as to avoid
being seen. We did not forget that, should enemies
cross our trail, they would probably follow us. We
therefore very frequently looked about us, to ascertain
if we were pursued. We agreed that, in that case,
we would run for it, trusting to the mettle of our
horses for escape.
It may seem strange, but I enjoyed the excitement,
and should not have been alarmed had we caught
sight of a dozen Redskins, provided they were on foot,
and we had a fair start. Mike did not quite enter
into my feelings, however.
"Sure it would be betther, Masther Roger, if we
could get along asily, and just stop and enjoy our
dinner and supper without the feeling that at any
236
UNDER SHELTER.
moment our scalps might be taken oft* our heads," he
observed.
"We have kept them on through much greater
dangers than we are now likely to meet with," I
answered ; " and while we have fleet horses under us,
we may laugh at the Indians. They won't know that
we are without firearms, and they are terribly afraid
of bullets."
For all this, I should have been glad had we pos-
sessed a good rifle and a brace of pistols apiece.
Though our spears might serve us in a close encounter
with a bear, or even with wolves, we were but ill
able to protect ourselves against the arrows of a party
of "Redskins.
Whenever we reached a height we surveyed the
country both before and behind us, to make sure, in
the first place, that no Indians were following; and,
in the second, that none were encamped ahead, or, as
I have before said, moving about. During the day
we met with several small streams at which we could
water our horses and slake our own thii-st ; and the
first night we encamped under shelter of a wood, where
there was plenty of grass for our steeds. We con-
tented ourselves with forming a lean-to, but did not
light a fire lest it should betray our whereabouts.
Having eaten a little more pemmican, we formed our
beds of spruce-fir tops, and lay down to rest.
" Do you slape as sound as you like, Masther Eoger;
I'll jist keep one eye open, in case any unwelcome
visitor should take the throuble to poke his nose into
our palace," observed Mike. " When you think you
MIKES STYLE OF WATCHING.
237
have had rest enough, you can jist wake up and lot
me take a snooze till morning."
I thanked my honest friend for his kind intentions,
and in less than half a minute my eyes were closely
shut. When I awoke it was already dawn, but Mike,
instead of keeping watch, was as sound asleep as I
had been.
"Hallo, Mike!" I exclaimed; "I thought that you
intended to rest with one eye open all night."
" Sure, Masther Roger, haven't I done so, barring
the last few minutes," he answered. " I did my best,
thinking that every moment you would be getting
up ; and small blame to me if at last I dramed that
you did get up, and told me that 3^ou would take a
turn at watching."
" Never mind, since no harm has happened," I said.
" Now let us mount our horses and ride forward till
we can get some cold water for breakfast."
Our animals, who now knew us, came at our call ;
and throwing ourselves on their backs, we galloped
forward as we had done the day before. Not a human
being did we meet with during the whole day, and
in the evening we encamped by the side of a broad
stream overshadowed by trees. From the appearance
of several deep holes close under the bank, we hoped
that fish might be found in them. As soon, therefore,
as we had secured our horses, we set to work to
manufacture lines for the two hooks which Mike had
found in his pocket.
Some people might have been puzzled how to get
the lines, but we were not to be defeated in our
238
FISHING.
object. We procured them by cutting off a small
portion of the two hobbles, which consisted of long
strips of deer-hide, and plucking some hairs out of
our horses' tails. The deer-hide we cut into thinner
strips, which served for the upper part of the lines,
while the lower were formed of the hair platted
together. We thus in a short time had two good
lines, to which we carefully secured the hooks.
Having caught some grasshoppers, we determined to
try them for bait; while our spears served us for
iishing-rods. Hunger made us keen sportsmen, and
never had I felt so anxious for success.
My line had not been long in the water when I
felt a bite. I almost trembled with eagerness as I
gave a gentle jerk, sufficient to hook the unwary fish.
It tugged pretty hard, and I was sure that I had it
fast ; but still I was afraid that it might break my
line. Carefully I drew it along till I got it sufficiently
near the surface to ascertain its size. To my satis-
faction, I saw that it was not more than two or three
pounds* weight. After playing it fyr some time I
drew it towards the bank, when Mike, who had
hitherto not got a bite, left his rod and rushed into
the water to secure our prize, exclaiming, —
" Faix, thin, we'll have this darlint for our supper
to-night ; and, bedad ! there is another at my line.
Hurrah ! good luck to us ! "
Throwing the fish to me, which proved to be a
gold-eye, he sprang off, just in time to catch his rod,
the end of which was nearly off the bank.
"Och, murther," he cried out, "but it's a big one !"
MIKE CATCH F.S A CAT FISH.
239
and lie rushed along the shore, jumi)ing over nil
impediments ; shrieking out in his eagerness in a
manner which would have made a sedate Indian
fancy that he had gone out of his mind.
I could not help laughing as I watched him.
" Come along, Masther Roger, and lend me a hand,
or the baste will be afther getting away."
Securing our first prize, I followed Mike as he
rushed along down the bank, afraid of breaking his
line, which was by this time stretched to the utmost.
Now he gently pulled it in, now he allowed it to go
off again, as he felt the strain increase. By thus
dexterously managing the fish for some minutes, he
at length brought it close to the shore, and I caught
sight of an ugly-looking dark monster.
" Sure, it's a cat-fish, and mighty good ateing too,
though it's no beauty," exclaimed Mike. "Get howld of
him, Masther Roger; get howld of him, or he will be off."
Following Mike's example, I dashed into the water
and grasped the huge creature, although, covered as
it was with slime, it was no easy matter to do so.
Giving it a sudden jerk, I threw it on shore, rushing
after it to prevent its floundering back again into its
native element. It proved to be a prize worth having,
being at least seven or eight pounds in weight. It
was a wonder how, with such slight tackle, Mike had
contrived to hold it.
We agreed that, as we had now an ample supply of
fish for one day at least, we would not run the risk of
losing our hooks ; and accordingly, carrying our two
prizes, we made our way back to the part of the bank
240
A QUIET NIGHT.
we had selected for our camp. It was under a wide-
spreading tree, which extended over the water, and
would materially serve to hide a fire, which we agreed
to light on a piece of fiat ground, almost level with
the water. We soon collected a sufficient supply of
sticks, and had our fire blazing and our fish cooking.
The cat-fish, in spite of its ugly name and uglier looks,
proved excellent, though somewhat rich — tasting
very like an eel.
Having eaten a hearty meal, and cooked the re-
mainder of our fish for the next day, we put out our
fire, and then arranged our dwelling for the night.
It consisted simply of branches stuck in the ground,
and extending about six feet from the trunk of the
tree. We closed the entrance, so that no wolves or
bears could pay us a visit without some warning;
and kept our spears by our sides, to poke at their
noses should they make their appearance.
The night passed quietly away, and the next morn-
ing at daylight, having caught our horses, we swam
them across the stream. The sun soon dried our
clothes, and as we had no fear of starving for that
day, we rode merrily onward.
Next day we were as successful in fishing at a
stream we reached a short time before sundown; but
we were not so prudent, for after each of us had
caught a couple of fish we continued our sport, when
Mike's hook was earned off. He looked as if he was
going to burst into tears, while he surveyed the end
of his line with an utterly comical expression of
countenance.
OUR PROVISIONS EXHAUSTED.
241
I wide-
er, and
agreed
el with
pply of
ooking.
r looks,
tasting
the re-
out our
3 night,
ground,
: of the
alves or
earning ;
at their
t inorn-
e swam
ied our
br that
iff at a
m; but
I us had
b, when
I he was
[the end
Ision of
"No, bedad ! it's not there," he exchiinied ; "tlio
baste of a fish has got it — ill luck to him ! But we shall
have the consolation of ateing his brothers; and may-
be some day we will come back and hook him."
We had now but one hook left, and this it was
necessa ,o secure with the greatest care. What
a value we set upon that little crooked bit of
steel ! Our lives might depend on it, for though
Mike had set several traps of various descriptions, no
animals would consent to be caught by them.
Two days more we travelled on, catching sight of
what we believed to be Indian encampments in the
distance, but, according to our resolution, carefully
avoiding them. Our fish had come to an end, our
last handful of pemmican was exhausted, and for a
whole d' w^e had no food except a few berries.
Toward ning we reached a wood. As there was
a stream not far from it, while W\ke was engaged a
forming our camp I endeavoured to hook a fish.
My eff'orts were vain; for some time none would
bite. At last I felt a tug, and I was sure that I had
hooked a fish. Eagerly I drew it towards the bank.
It seemed to come willingly enough at first, but there
was another tug, and my line almost flew out of the
water. I cast a blank look at the end. The hook
was gone
Feeling very disconsolate, I returned to the camp.
Mike endeavoured to comfort me for our loss, but he
could not supply us with food. We therefore lay
down to rest, keeping our spears as usual by our sides,
and Mike offering to watch while I slept.
(627) 16
242
VISITED BY A DEAR.
Whether or not he had done so I could not tell,
but suddenly I was awakened by feeling the branches
at my side roughly shaken ; and looking up, what
was my dismay to see, by the moonlight streaming
through the wood, a big brown bear poking his nose
through the bushes, and not five feet from us! Giving
Mike a nudge with my elbow, I grasped my spear,
and rising on my knee, without a moment's considera-
tion as to what might be the result, I thrust the spear
with all my might into the bear's chest. With a
fierce growl and open jaws it rushed at me, — as it
did so, driving the spear still further into its body;
whilst I, expecting the movement, sprang to the inner
end of our arbonr.
Mike in a moment was on his knees, — he had not
time to rise to his feet, — and seizing his weapon,
drove it into the bear's neck. Still the creature,
though thus desperately wounded, broke through the
branches we had put up; but the thick leaves pre-
vented it from seeing us as clearly as it would
otherwise have done. The life-blood was flowing
from its wounds. Mike managed, as I had done, to
get out of Bruin's way ; and before the creature could
turn to pursue either of us, over it fell, on the very
ground on which we had been sleeping. It struggled
for a few seconds, gnashing its teeth, and I had to
retreat through the branches to avoid it. Mike, who
had managed to escape at the other end, now joined
me, and getting hold of the handle of his spear,
endeavoured to pull it out of the bear's body. After
a few tugs he succeeded in regaining possession of
WE KILL AND EAT OUR VISITOR.
243
not tell,
)ranches
ip, what
creaming
his nose
Giving
ny spear,
onsidera-
tlie speav
With a
le, — as it
its body;
the inner
his weapon ; and the first thing he did with it was to
plunge it again into the animal's breast.
" I did it just to make sure," he remarked. " These
bastes have as many lives as a cat ; and maybe he
would have come to again, and taken to ateing us
instead of our ateing him, as I hope we will be afther
doing before long."
Whether or not tlie last thrust was necessary I do
not know, but the bear ceased struggling ; and Mike,
springing on the body, exclaimed, —
" He's dead enough now, anyhow ! And we'll take
the liberty of cutting him up, and getting our teeth
into his flesh ; for, sure, he has spoilt our rest for the
night."
The centre of the hut was by this time a pool of
blood ; we therefore dragged out the bear, and while
Mike began scientifically to flay the carcass, I col-
lected sticks for a fire. We soon had a good one
blazing up, and some of the slices of the bear toasting
before it. We were too hungry to wait until the
morning.
"Sure, the bear was sent to us to be aten," ob-
served Mike ; *' and suppose we get nothing else till
we reach home, it will serve to keep us alive till
then."
Having satisfied the cravings of hunger, we cooked
some more slices of the best portions of the meat,
to serve for our breakfast before starting; and the
remainder we cut into thin strips to smoke over the
fire, and afterwards to dry in the sun. As both
we and our steeds were tired, we agreed not to start
244
DEATH OF MIKE S HORSE.
till a later hour than usual. There was a risk in
remaining, but still it was better to run it, rather
than knock up our horses or ourselves.
Mike faithfully kept watch, and the sun was already
high in the sky when I awoke. We hung up the
strips of bear's flesh, to give them a drying before we
packed them to carry with us. We also did up a
portion of the fresh meat, which would, we calculated,
last us for some time. Then, having taken a late
breakfast, we mounted our horses and continued our
journey.
It would take too much time, were I to describe
the events of the next few days. After continuing on
for the time we supposed it would occupy us in reach-
ing home, we were still unable to recognize any of the
features of the country. Mike, however, remarked
that as forests and hills and rivers were all much
alike, it was no wonder that we could not make out
where we were. I proposed directing our course
eastward, as we should thus certainly come to some
of the settlements. Mike thought that we had not
got sufficiently far to the north, and advised that we
should continue on in that direction. I gave in to
him.
Our horses had hitherto held out well, but sud-
denly Mike's began to stagger, and, almost before he
could throw himself from its back, down the poor ani-
mal fell. What had been the cause of the horse's death
we had not knowledge sufficient to ascertain ; only
one thing was certain, — that it was dead, and that we
must take it by turns to ride, and thus get on at a
AN ATTACK OF ILLNESS.
545
risk in
, rather
, already
up the
efore we
Ud up a
ilculated,
311 a late
inued our
) describe
iinuing on
s in reach-
any of the
remarked
all much
make out
,ur course
tie to some
e had not
led that we
gave in to
much slower pace. There was no use stopping to
mourn our loss, so, having taken off the saddle and
bridle, we did them up in a package, and placed them
on the back of my steed. "We did this lest the dead
horse should be recognized as having beloncrcd to the
Indians, and some of their friends might discover it
and pursue us.
We had, shortly afterwards, a river to cross. True,
we might have made a raft, but as we were both good
swimmers we determined to trust to our own arms
and legs for getting to the other side. After some
persuasion we induced the horse to go in ; and then,
Mike t Mng the rein, we each of us put a hand on
the saddle and swam over, I on one side and Mike
on the other. Though swept down for some distance,
we got safe on shore at last, but we had to trudge on
in our wet clothes. Not only were we wet, but so was
our imperfectly dried meat; the consequence was,
that when we came to cook it in the evening it was
scarcely eatable. Our clothes, too, were damp when
we lav down at niffht.
I awoke shivering the next morning, though the
lire was still blazing near me; and when I tried to
get up I was unable to stand. Mike was in a state
of great distress. The remainder of our provisions
had become worse ; but even had the food been of the
most delicate description, I could not have touched it.
Mike, faithful fellow that he was, immediately set
to work to build a hut, so that I might be sheltered
from the heat of the sun as well as from the wind.
As soon as it was completed he carried me into it,
246
LIVING ON FROGS.
and closing the entrance, said he would set out in
search of food. In a short time he returned witli
some delicious strawberries, which greatly refreshed
me.
For several days he tended me with the greatest
care, and was fortunate in trapping several young
birds, which, though not very fat, served to restore
my strengtli. I asked him how he had managed to
eat the dried bear's meat, being very sure that he had
not touched any of the birds he had caught.
" Bedad, Masther Roger, it's not the mate at all I've
been ateinij," he answered. " I found no lack of bi^
fellows with four legs hopping about in the marsh
down there, and, for want of better food, I took the
liberty of cooking them. They are not so bad,
afther all ; only the idea of the thing was not plisant
at first."
Mike had been living on frogs, I found out, during
all my illness ; and as for a whole day he was unable
to catch any birds, I begged that he would let me
taste the frogs. I confess that I had no reason to
complain of the food, for he gave me the hinder legs
alone, which 1 should have supposed to have been
those of small birds, had he not told me what they
were.
I was at last strong enough to move about, and I
proposed that we should at once continue our
journey. Mike agreed, therefore, that we should
start the next morning.
When da3dight arrived, he left the hut to look for
the horse while I prepared breakfast. He was a long
A SERIOUS LOSS.
247
out in
ed with
efresbecl
o-reatest
l1 young
3 restore
naged to
it he bad
it all I've
ck of big
be marsb
took tbe
b so bad,
Lot plisant
lut, during
as unable
Id let me
reason to
inder legs
lave been
bat tbey
)ut, and I
Linue our
re should
bo look for
ras a long
time absent, and I began to grow anxious, wondering
what could have become of him. I waited and waited
till I could bear the suspense no longer, so, going to a
height at a little distance from the wood in which
we had formed our encampment, I gazed around on
every side. Should any accident have befallen him,
how fearful would be my fate ! I was also deeply
grieved at the thought of losing him ; but I confess
that selfish feelings for the time predominated.
There was a river, I should have said, in the distance,
and on lookint,^ in that direction I at lenfjth saw a
figure moving towards me. It might be Mike, or it
might be an Indian, and perhaps an enemy. Still, I
did not think of concealing myself.
Great was my joy when, as the person drew nearer,
I recognized Mike. I rushed down to meet him; but
I saw that there was something wrong, by the expres-
sion of his countenance.
*' What is the matter, Mike ? " I asked. " I was
terribly afraid that you were lost."
" Sure, a great deal is the matther," he answered.
"That baste of a horse has been afther drowning
himself; and you will have to walk the rest of the
journey on foot, except wl)en I carry you on me
shoulders — and that I will do, as long as I have
the strength, with the greatest pleasure in the
world."
I assured Mike that I was so glad to see him, that
I cared little in comparison for the loss of the horse,
for I felt perfectly able to walk any distance.
"Well, that is one comfort; and seeing that we have
248
A DUCK CHASE.
nothing to carry except our spears, which will helj)
us along, matthers might have been worse," he
answered.
Both of us were determined to make the best of
what had happened; so, having eaten our breakfast,
and packed up the remainder of our provisions, we
recommenced our march forward. Mike insisted on
our encamping early in the day, so that he might
search for food; and before dark he had procured a
supply of the same description as that on which we
had been living for several days.
The next morning we went on as before, and I felt
my strength considerably restored. Soon after noon,
having reached the summit of a height, we saw before
us a wide river, connected with a series of small
lakes, their borders apparently deeply fringed with
tall grass. This, Mike said, he believed must be rice,
and it would aftbrd us a change of diet if we could
procure some; we accordinglv made our way down
towards the nearest. We thought, also, that we might
catch some unwary ducks, if they were not accus-
tomed to the sight of human beings. '
On getting close to the borders, we fancied we
heard some sounds from a brood of ducklings. We
therefore crept cautiously along the shore, when, to
our infinite satisfaction, we caught sight of a couple
of ducks, and not one, but two broods. We had got
almost near enough to catch hold of the hindermost,
when the cries of the mother-ducks warned their
young ones to make the best of their way from us.
Eager to seize our prey, we dashed into the water
A HAPPY MEETING.
249
after them ; when, to escape us, they endeavoured to
make their way through the high gniss.
We had each of us caught a couple, when what was
our astonishment, on pressing aside the grass, to see
directly before us a canoe with three girls in it! Two
of them were busily emploj'-ed in beating out the
rice into their canoe, while the one who sat in the
bow, on hearing the noise we made, turned her head
with an inquiring but somewhat alarmed glance
towards us. Yes! I could not be mistaken; it was
Lily ! Just before her sat Dora, while Ashatea
occupied the stern.
"Lily, Lily!" I exclaimed. "Don't you know me?"
"Yes, yes! I do. Dora, Dora! there is Roger
and Mike Laffan. They were not drowned, or killed
by the Indians ! I always said so," she cried.
In a moment their paddles were out, and, guided
by Ashatea, they were making their way towards us.
" Come into the canoe ! " they exclaimed in chorus.
" There is room for you; and w^e will take you to our
friends. They will be so glad to know tluit you are
alive, though you both look sadly tired and thin."
" No wonder, Misthress Lily," observed ]\Iike ; and
he gave an account of my illness.
They were all eager to hear how we had escaped ;
and as the canoe skimmed lightly over the smooth
surface of the lake, urged by their paddles, I told
them all that had happened to us, from the time we
left the camp of our Indian friends. I then asked
if Reuben and his companion had ever been heard of.
" Yes ; it was they who told us that you had either
250
AT KEPENAU S VILLAGE.
been drowned or made prisoners by tlie Indians," said
Lily. " They escaped by running through the rapids
at a place where no canoe had ever before ventured.
And Reuben has undertaken to come up here and
escort us back to the settlement. We have been pay-
ing our long-promised visit to Ashatea; and I can
assure you she received us in the most hospitable
manner. You will like to see the beautiful dome-
shaped wigwam her people built for us, with a divan
all round, and tlie floor covered thickly with matting.
We felt quite like Indian })rincesses, when she escorted
us into it. It is divided by a curtain into two portions.
The inner serves as our bedroom, and tlie outer as
our drawingroom. As there is space for a fireplace
in the centre, we agreed that we should not object to
spend the winter in it ; while at the present season it
is delightfully cool and pleasant."
" Ah, but it is not equal to one of your comfortable
houses," observed Ashatea, who understood all that
Lily said, and had, I found, improved greatly in her
knowledge of English, having spent a considerable
time at the settlement with Lily and Dora.
We had some distance to go, I found, before we
could reach the spot where Kepenau and his people
were now encamped. The chief had, Lily told me,
spent several months there ; and had, besides, made
a tour with our missionary friend, Martin Godfrey,
for the purpose of bein2^ instructed in gospel truth,
which he was most anxious to impart to his country-
men. The chief had, some time before, learned to
read, and had devoted all his attention to the study
s
NEWS OF HOME.
251
ms," said
he rapids
ventured,
here and
aeen pay-
nd I can
[lospitable
fill dome-
,h a divan
li matting,
ic escorted
o portions.
c outer as
a fireplace
>t object to
,t season it
omfortable
d all that
tly in her
nsiderable
I before we
Ills people
told me,
[des, made
Godfrey,
jpel truth,
country-
learned to
the study
of the Scriptures, so that he was well able to carry
the gospel to others.
My uncles and aunt had been greatly grieved at
my supposed loss, and it had made them less con-
tented with the settlement than they had before been;
Uncle Mark especially missed the assistance of Mike,
though honest Quand^o had done his best to supply
his place.
Various schemes were afloat for occupying fresh
territory, far to the westward. Some speculators had
visited our settlement, and my uncles had listened to
their descriptions of the advantages to be gained
with far more interest than they might otherwise
have done.
" I had hoped that we should remain where we
are," said Lily. " I am attached to the place, and
should be content to spend the remainder of my days
here."
" You have not got over many of them as yet, Lily,"
I said, looking up in her face.
" They may be many, in comparison witli those
which are to come," she answered gravely, and I
thought mournfully.
" I hope to see you grow into a dear old woman,
like Aunt Hannah. I like to think of the future,
and I want my future to be hapj)y. However, it will
be a long, long time before you grow old, Lily."
" I already feel old," she said ; " or I did, at least,
when they told me that you were lost, Roger, though
I did not believe it ; but perhaps I shall now feel
young again. I have been very sorry, too, about poor
252
ASIIATKA S SORROWS.
Ashatea," she continued in a whisper ; " she has her
troubles, tliough she does not show what she feels by
her countenance as much as we white people do.
A young Indian, who is said to be superior to most
of his people, has long wished to maiTy her ; but as
she is a Christian and he is still a heathen, though I
believe she likes him very much, neither she nor her
father will consent. This has produced a feud be-
tween tliem ; and the conduct of Manilick — for that
is his name, which, I believe, means a ' pine-tree * —
has caused them a great deal of anxiety. Kepenau
fears that Manilick will try to carry off his daughter
by force, and he is therefore obliged to keep scouts
constantly watching the movements of the young-
chief Indeed, when you appeared through the rice
grass I fancied that you were Manilick, and that you
might have come to carry us all off together; not
that I believe he would venture to injure any white
people, since he professes to be our friend."
I was much interested in what Lily told me, for
I fancied that Reuben had lost his heart to the
Indian girl. Still, superior as she was in many re-
spects to those of her race, she would scarcely have
made a fitting wife for a well-educated young man ;
though the rough traders and hunters of the Far
West frequently marry Indian wives, who make them
as happy as they wish to be, but are seldom able to
bring up their children properly, the chief objection
to such alliances.
While Lily was talking to me, Mike was recount-
ing to Dora and Ashatea, in his rich Irish brogue,
■'■V 'rK^"A(y^^.
KEPENAU PREACHING TO THE INDIANS.
A MATTER OF IMPOHTANCK.
255
our various adventures with the Indians. Thus the
time was ])assed wliile tlio girls paddled across the
lake and up the river till we reached Kepenau's
lodges.
As we neared the shore, we observed a large con-
course of people assembled near the wigwams. Many
by their costume appeared to be strangers, while
others were Kepenau's own people. I saw that Asha-
tea was regarding them with great interest. In front,
on a rock, sat Kopenau; and I judged by his attitude
and the tone of his voice that he was addressing them
on a matter of importance, while they listened with
rapt attention. His right hand pointed to the sky,
while his left was directed towards the earth ; and by
the words wiiich reached me I knew that he was
preaching the gospel — setting before the people the
way of eternal life.
We all stopped at some distance to listen, and so in-
tent were he and his auditors that none perceived
us. Ashatea, who stood next to Lily, was regarding
the scene with even greater interest than we were.
I saw her eye directed towards a young Indian, who
by the ornaments on his dress I guessed was a chief.
I pointed him out to Lily.
" Yes," ' J, " that is Manilick. I am very
glad U here, as I hope he is receiving the
t , . I K ^)enau is endeavouring to impart."
..shatea. was, I had no doubt, hoping the same.
Kepeii 1 1 had nearly brought his address to a
conclusion when we an ed. Now, rising from his
seat, he took Manilic^ hand, and spoke to him
256
ASHATRA S LOVER.
affectionately, as it seemed to me. The young
chief hung down his liead, and answered only in
monosyllables.
Kepenau, after speaking in the same way to others,
offered up a prayer, in which several of his own people
joined. Not till then did he discover us. With a
look of surprise he at once advanced to greet Mike
and rae, his countenance as well as his words exhibit-
ing his satisfaction. He afterwards turned again to
the young chief, and addressed him. He had, until
now, I found, suspected that Manilick had instigated
the attack on us, if he had not taken part in it, and
he wished openly to exonerate him. Kepenau ques-
tioned me as to the dress and appearance of the
Indians who had made us prisoners. From my de-
scription he was satisfied that they were really Sioux,
and that Manilick had nothing to do with them.
We were anxious to return as soon as possible
to the settlement, to relieve the minds of our relatives;
but that evening, in consequence of the fatigue and
hardships I had endured, I was again taken ill.
Kepenau had a wigwam carefully built for me, in
which Lily and Dora assisted Mike in watching over
me. Good food, however, was all I needed ; and as
our Indian friends had abundance of fish and game,
I was soon well again.
• Just as I had recovered, we one evening saw a
large canoe approaching the camp. Who should
step out of it but Uncle Mark, accompanied by Reu-
ben, Quambo, and several men ! They had brought a
quantity of goods to supi)ly their Indian friends.
AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL.
257
young
)nly in
others,
I people
With a
}t Mike
exhibit-
laain to
id, until
istigated
n it, and
au ques-
( of the
L my de-
ly Sioux,
lem.
josrible
latives;
isue and
iken ill.
me, in
ing over
and as
id game,
As may be supposed, Uncle Mark was delighted to
find that I was alive; and Quambo, in the exuberance
of his joy, embraced Mike.
"But where de fiddle?" he exclaimed, after their
salutations had ceased. " Just play one tune. It do
my heart good, and we set all de camp jigging."
" Och, botheration ! but the Ridskins have got it —
bad luck to the spalpeens ! and sorra a one of thim
can play a tune, or I would not mind it so much/'
answered Mike.
"But you must try to get him back," observed
Quambo ; " if dey not play on him, dey not want
him."
" I'm mighty afraid it's burned, though," said Mike,
with a sorrowful countenance.
When Uncle Mark heard of Mike's loss, he told
Kepenau and Manilick. The latter had that day paid
a visit to the chief They were both of opinion that,
should the fiddle be in existence, it might, by proper
diplomatic proceedings,, be recovered ; and, greatly to
Mike's joy, Manilick undertook to ascertain what had
become of it, and, if possible, to restore it to its
owner.
cr saw a
should
by Reu-
Hrought a
ids.
(rt2T)
17
CHAPTER VIIl.
L'NCLE mark's canoe — OUR START FOR HOMK- THE KATTLE8NAKK.S .MIKK
LONOS FOR HIS FIDDLE — OUR NIOHT ENCAMPMENT — JACQUES LEUOCQITES
FISHING JOKE— mike's TERROR AT THE SUPPOSED INDIAN AMBUSCADK
— THE PHANTOM BEAR — OUR ARRIVAL AT HOME — KAKAIK AND TIIK
FIDDLE — mike's DELIUHT KEPENAU'S SECOND VISIT -• REUBEN'S
CHAQRIN — MR. SIMON SPARK'S ADVENT HIS GLOWING DESCRIPTION OF
THE FAR NORTH-WEST— THE FOREST ON FIRE — OUR HUT DESTROYED —
OUR ESCAPE.
]HE canoe in which Uncle Mark had come up
had been built by some Indians on the lake,
who intended to dispose of it to the fur-
traders; but, in consequence of some dispute,
they had refused to let them have it, and
had thereafter sold it to my uncles at a reduced price.
It was of far superior construction to those we had
hitherto seen used, though of the same materials.
Formed of large sheets of birch-bark, kej^t in shape
bv delicate ribs of lance-wood or willow, it was
nearly forty feet in length, and sharp at both ends;
and the seams where the bark was sewn together
were covered by a thick resinous gum, which became
hard in the water. Like the small canoes, it required
careful handling ; for, having no keel, it was easily
turned over. It was impelled by six or eight paddles,
— three or four on one side, and the same number on
AT THE BANK OF THE RIVER.
259
AKES MIKF.
i I,EUOCQl'ES
I AMBUSCAPK
IK AND THK
C _ BEI'BEN'S
SCRIPTION OK
D EST BOY ED- -
d come up
[i the Isxlve,
the fur-
Lie dispute,
,ve it, and
uced price.
,se we had
materials.
,t in shape
kv, it was
Iboth ends;
In together
lich became
it required
was easily
ht paddles,
number on
the other; one man steering with a paddle, as well as
paddling.
Uncle Mark had come down one river, then across
the lake, and up another river, instead of the shorter
route along the course of several narrower streams
witli rapids, which necessitated the same number of
portages. By this means he was able to bring a
cargo of cottons, cutlery, and other heavy articles.
He purposed returning by the same route, though
it might have been possible to carry the canoe across
the portages, as the bales of peltries occupied less
space than the cargo he had brought. There was
sufficient room, too, for the four additional people the
canoe had now to carry.
The day before we were to st.art, Ashatea appeared
to be very unhappy. It was, -I concluded, at the
thought of parting from Lily ; but Lily afterwards
told me that it was more on account of Maiiilick, who
still refused to embrace Christianity.
"We must pray for him," said Lily. *' Kepenau
has taken every o})portiinity of speaking to him, and
|)utting the truth plainly before him ; but though he
would very gladly make Ashatea his wife, he still
remains firm in his heathen belief"
We could no longer delay our return home, as the
autunui was advancing, and before long we might
expect storms and frosis, which would make our pro-
posed voyage in the canoe both trying and dangerous.
The whole tribe came down to the bank of the river
at early dawn to see us off, as Uncle Mark wished to
cross the lake before sunset. We should have to
260
THE VOYAGE ON THE LAKE.
encamp for tlie night, and continue our voyage up
the river next morning.
We made good progress down the stream, having
the current with us, and entered the lake just as the
sun rose above what appeared like a sea horizon,
though we knew that the shore was not far off on the
opposite side. The calm lake shone like a burnished
mirror. The shore we were leaving was tinted with
various colours, the higher ground here crowned by
groups of spruce firs, and in other ])laces rocky and
barren, but still picturesque in the extreme.
I took a paddle and sat by Lily. Reuben and Mike
also made themselves of use ; while Uncle Mark sat
with Dora at the bottom of the canoe. It was the
first voyage I had ever taken on the lake, and Lily
and I agreed that it would be very pleasant to have
a canoe or small vessel of our own, and to cruise
round the shores, exploring every inlet and creek.
As the sun rose the heat became intense ; not a
breath of air stirred the surface of the lake, and Lily,
who had taken off her hat, was very glad to put it
on again. After paddling for some distance we
landed to breakfast, or rather to dine ; fbr we did
not intend to stop again till we went on shore to
encamp for the night.
Wild rocks fringed the shore, and we had to exer-
cise great caution in approaching it, fo** the slightest
touch would have knocked a hole in ti.3 bow of our
canoe, and we should very soon have had the water
rushing in. We had, therefore, to look out for some
opening into which we could slowly paddle till we
^royage up
Mn, having
just as the
ea horizon,
r off on the
a, burnished
tinted with
crowned by
!S rocky and
[le.
en and Mike
2le 5klark sat
It was the
,]je, and Lily
,sant to have
nd to cruise
ind creek.
tense; not a
ke, and Lily,
lad to put it
distance we
fbr we did
on shore to
had to exer-
the slightest
\,a bow of our
lad the water
out for some
Laddie till we
BREAKFAST ON SHORE.
263
found fi landing-place. After making two or three
inetiectual attempts, we succeeded in finding a bank
with an almost perpendicular side, on to which we
could at once step from the canoe.
Immediately after landing, all hands set to work
to collect wood for a fire. An abundance lay on the
ground, driven there by the wind. Lily and Dora
undertook to cook the breakfast, the materials for
which consisted of eggs, fish, maize cakes, and dande-
lion coffee — the roots having been prepared by Aunt
Hannah. We soon had a fire blazing up, when, as
Uncle Mark declared, Lily and Dora performed their
duties in a most efficient manner.
Just as we had finished, one of the men, who were
seated at some little distance from us, started up,
exclaiming, " Take care ! take care ! there are rattle-
snakes near us."
Scarcely had he spoken when I saw one of the
venomous creatures, the sound of whose tail the man
had heard, rearing its head not five feet off from Lily.
In another moment it might spring on her. Fortun-
ately a long thin stick lay close to me, which I seized,
and with all my might struck the snake a blow on
the head which brought it to the ground, while I
cried out to Lily to run to a distance. Almost in an
instant the snake recovered itself, and sounding its
rattle as it moved forward, made an attempt to
spring at me. Again I struck it ; and Mike coming
to my assistance, it was quickly despatched.
Where one rattlesnake is found, there are generally
many more. Scarcely two minutes had passed
2G4
A COLONY OF UEPTILES.
ere another made its appearance, crawling out of a
hole under a tree. While Mike and Reuben went
to attack it, Uncle Mark advised that we should all
get on board without delay. Our breakfast and
cooking things were quickly packed up; and the
second rattlesnake being destroyed, Mike and Reuben
followed us into the canoe. Scarcely had we shoved
off* when three or four more rattlesnakes were seen,
and we felt thankful that none of us had been bitten
by them. We had literally encamped in the midst
of a colony of the venomous reptiles.
V^e had to exercise the same caution in going out
of the harbour as on entering it ; after which we
continued our course to tlie eastward at a moderate
distance from the shore.
"The day was, Masther Roger, when you and I would
have been very happy to have fallen in with as
many of those same snakes as we could have caught,"
observed Mike to me. " They're mighty good ateing,
barring the head and tail. At laste, the Ridskins
hold to that notion."
I was, I confess, very thankful that we had not
been compelled to eat the creatures; though I did
not know what hunger might have induced me to do.
As we paddled on, Uncle Mark asked Lily and
Dora to sing. They were not girls to offer excuses,
and declare that they were out of voice.
" What shall it be ? " said Lily.
" Anything you like," replied Dora ; and immedi-
ately they commenced a melody which, althougli I had
heard it before, sounded very sweet on the calm water.
THE VOYAGE CONTINUED.
265
out of a
>en went
liould all
:fast and
and the
d Reuben
ve shoved
vvere seen,
een bitten
the midst
going out
which we
I moderate
nd I would
n with as
re caught,"
)od ateing,
Ridskins
\e had not
[ugh I did
me to do.
Lily and
jr excuses,
Id inimedi-
)ugh I had
fealm water.
Reuben and I joined in chorus ; and the men, as
well they might, applauded heartily. Then one of
them commenced a canoe-song, in which they all
joined. As soon as they ceased, Lily and Dora
gave us a third ; and so we went on, singing and
paddling over the calm water.
" Och ! but it's a sad pity that them Ridskins have
got me beautiful ^ddle ! " exclaimed Mike. " Would
I not have been giving you all a tune ! Sure, if I do
not recover it I will be breaking me heart intirely."
He said this in so melancholy and yet comical
a tone, that Reuben and I burst out laughing. We
reminded him that our Indian friend had promised
to try and recover his beloved instrument, and by
degrees he regained iiis spirits.
The weather continued fine, and the water smooth
}is before. As I gazed over the vast expanse spread
out on our left, I could scarcely fancy myself navi-
gating an inland lake, small though it was compared
to many in that region. I thought, too, of how it
would appear should a storm arise, and the now tran-
quil surface be turned into foaming billows by the
furious wind. Our ^^noe, with sides not much
thicker than a few sheets of brown paper, would have
been a frail bark for navigating the lake under such
circumstances.
Evening was approaching, and though we had
paddled on all day we could not as yet see the
mouth of the river, near which we intended to camp.
We redoubled our efforts, therefore, to gain it during
dayliglit.
206
SPINNING YAKNS.
The sun had ulniust reached the watery horizon to
the west, when we espied a clump of tall trees which
marked the spot towards which we were directing
our course. Having rounded a point, we ran into a
bay with a grass-covered sliore ; and here we were
able to land without difficulty.
We unloaded the canoe, and carried our packages
up to a grassy spot underneath the trees. The men
immediately set to work to collect bark with which
to form a wigwam for Lily and Dora ; we contenting
ourselves with a lean-to, which would afford us pro-
tection from the night wind. The usual fire was
lighted, and as we were all very hungry, no time
was lost in cooking supper. As soon as it was over
Lily and Dora retired to their abode, as they had
been up and ready to start some time before dawn.
We sat round the fire spinning yarns, as the sailors
say, and singing songs. We were speaking of the
necessity of trying to get some more fresh fish, as
our stock was nearly exhausted, and Mike had told
the party how successful we had been till our hooks
were bitten off.
" But there is a place not far from here where we
can catch fish without hooks," was the answer.
" Sure, and I should like to see it! " exclaimed Mike.
" But how is it to be done ? "
" Why, with nets, to be sure," said the canoeman.
" And if you like to come with me, I will show you
how I do it."
Mike at once agreed to the proposal.
Hearing that some nets which would suit the pur-
1'
A FISHING EXPEDITION.
207
rizon to
8 wliicli
lirecting
n into a
we were
packages
The men
th wliich
)ntenting
d us pro-
fire was
no time
, was over
they liad
dawn.
,he sailors
ig of the
ih fish, as
had told
,ur hooks
where we
tver.
led Mike.
Icanoeman.
show you
t the pur-
pose had been left en cache with other articles close
at hand, Reuben and I and anotlier man agreed to
accompany them.
Jacques Lerocque, Mike's friend, was an amusing
fellow, and fond of practical joking. It struck me at
the time that he was up to some trick; but he put
on so grave a face, and spoke so earnestly, that my
susj)icions were banished.
On reaching the cache, which was close to the
camp, I found that the nets were something in the
form of hand-nets, only larger. We were also pro-
vided with a lantern containing a thick tallow candle.
"You see how to use these nets!" said Jacques.
" We put them into the water, and then hold the
candle at the further end. When the fish see the
light, they swim towards it and are caught."
The plan seemed very feasible, and Mike declared
that he thought it was a mighty convenient way of
obtaining a supper.
We were to fish in twos ; one man to hold the net,
and the other the light. Reuben agreed to accom-
pany Mike, and I was to take the other man ; while
Jacques said he would superintend operations, pro-
mising us an aVjundance of sport if we would follow
his directions.
Going on for half a mile over hard ground, we
reached a marsh which was connected with the lake.
" It is very full of fish, which come in to feed on
the insects clinging to the reeds," observed Jaccjues.
" But you must not mind wetting your feet."
However, having so recently recovered from a
268
INTERRUPTED SPORT.
severe illness, 1 thought it wiser, when it came to
the point, not to do this ; so Jacques took my in-
tended companion with him,
" Here, Master Reuben, you take one bit of candh^
and I the other," said Jacques, cutting the piece in
tlie Lantern in two.
Reuben and Mike at once plunged into the marsh,
and made their way through the rushes. I lieard
their voices, although from where I stood I could not
see them. Presently Mike exclaimed, —
"Here comes a big one! Howld the light furder
back, Masther Reuben, and, bedad, we'll have him.
Sure, though, he's gone off; come a little furder.
There he is now; this time he'll be afther getting
caught, sure enough."
Then the sound of splashing and the crackling of
the reeds reached my ears, when presently Mike
cried out, — "Och! murther, but what are these bastes
about ? They'll be biting off our noses, and bunging
up our eyes ! But we nmst have the fish, though.
Och ! murther, murther ! "
Reuben's voice joined in chorus, though with varied
exclamations.
I ran to a point near the spot which my friends
had reached, and there I saw Mike bending down,
holding the net in one hand, while he endeavoured
to beat off with his hat a swarm of mosquitoes which
were buzzing thickly round him. Reuben stood near
holding out the candle, and a second net in his
other hand, which prevented him from defending his
face from the venomous bites of his persevering
came to
my in-
jt* candle
piece in
he marsli,
I heavcl
could not
Tht tinder
have bini.
tie furdcr.
,er getting
•ackling of
mtly Mike
[hese bastes
id bunging
ih, though.
vitb varied
Imy friends
ling down,
ideavoured
Itoes which
stood near
Inet in his
fending his
)ersevering
"*■■,* J.
FI8HIN0 UNDER DIFFI0ULTIE8
I
MIKE AND TIIR REDSKINS.
271
assailants. Still, though his countenance exhibited
the sufferings he was enduring, he manfully kept his
post.
Just then the most fearful shrieks and cries rent
the air, sounding like the war-whoop of a band of
savage Indians.
" Och, but the Ridskins are upon us ! " cried out
Mike. " We must run for it, Ma.sther Reuben dear.
Niver mind the nets, or the fish, or the mosquito
bastes. It's too much for any mortal man to stand,
with the savages into the bargain. Come along a.s
fast as your legs can carry you ; but we will find
Masther Roger first We must not lave liini liehind
to be scalped ; and as to Jaccjues and Tom Hodges, if
tliey have not taken care of themselves, it's more than
we can do for them."
Mike was rapidly uttering these expressions while,
floundering along, he made his way up to where I
was standing Whether or not Reuben was aware of
the true state of the cjise I could not tell, but he was
certainly following much more leisurely than might
have been expected, I had that moment caught sight
of the grinning countenances of Jacques and Tom
over the rushes, and guessed that the former was
])laying off one of his tricks.
When Mike saw me, he (»xclaimed, " Run, Masther
Roger, run 1 sure, don't you hear the shrieks of the
Indians? They will have tlie scalps off our heads, if
we don't show them our heels, before many minutes
are over."
I burst oat laughing, and pointe(l to our two com-
L^
mm
272
JACQUES ACTS THE BEAR.
■ I
'•1 !
1
panions, who, however, at that moment bobbed down
and liid themselves among the rushes.
Mike now began to suspect that a trick had been
played him; but nothing ever made him angry, so,
laughing as I was doing, he exclaimed, —
" Come out of that, ye spalpeens ! It will be many
a day before you get me to go fishing with you
again."
Jacques, having had his joke, recovered the nets,
and being well experienced in the style of sport, in a
sliort time caught half a dozen fine fisli, with which
we returned to the camp. I was glad to roll myself
up in my blanket, and go to sleep under the shelter
of our lean-to ; but the rest of the party sat up cook-
ing and eating one of our ])rizes.
T was awoke before long by the sound of loud
growlings, which made Uncle Mark and several of the
party start to their feet, witli guns ready to receive the
bear from whom they e::peeted an attiick. Recollect-
ing Jacques' propensity *-o practical joking, I lay quiet;
and [ heard my uncle come back soon afterwards,
growling almost »is much as the supposed bear, and
observing that the brute had got off, though it must
have been close to the camp. I said nothing, though
1 suspected who had ])<'rfonne(l the part of the bear.
The next morning I looked aVjout, but could discover
no traces of such an animal. Jacques, if ho had
represented it, kept his own counsel ; and after we
had started I heard him complaining that his night's
rest should have been so disagreeably disturbed.
Lily id Dora had been awakened, but they, trust-
WINTER ONCE MORE.
273
ing tfO tlie vigiJance of tlieir protectors, had wisely
gone to sleep again, being very sure that, did any
savage animal approach the camp, we should soon give
a ffood account of it.
We had a long paddle up the river, and had again
to encamp, hut no event worthy of mention occurred;
and the next day, late in the evening, we reached the
settlement. Lily and Dora and Reuben went to their
respective homes; and after we had paid a visit to
Uncle Stephen and Aunt Hannah, to convince them
that we were still alive notwithstanding our perilous
adventures, we returned to the hut, where we were
welcomed l)y our three canine friends, which had been
left to guard it under charge of one of Uncle Stephen's
men.
The autumn soon passed b}"-, and once more the
winter was upon us. We had plenty of work in
f' lling trees, and either burning them or dragging
them over the snow to places where we intended to
cut them up. Occasionally we paid a visit to the
settlement ; indeed, 1 was always glad of an excuse
for ])assing a few hours with Lily wlien I could spare
tlif I 'me. I looked in, also, on my fiiends the Claxtons.
Both they and my uncle.s, as Lily had told me, were, I
(tltserved, bt'coming more and more discontented with
the settlement, as were likewise a numlxjr of other
people, and the attractions of the new regions of the
tar west were the constfint subject of conversation.
We at the hut troubled ourselves much less about
such matters than did our friends. We had j)lenty
(027) H
274
A MYSTERIOUS PARCEL.
of hard work, and were pretty well tired when the
day's labours were over. Mike declared that the
only drawback to his happiness was the loss of his
fiddle, which he never expected to see again.
" Dat am de cause ob my grief," observed Quambo,
putting liis hand to his heart. "If you did get it,
would not we hab a dance! We would kick up de
heels all night long, to make up for lost time."
It was some days after this that we one evening
saw an Indian coming through the opening which
had now been made down to tlie river, walking on
snow-shoes, and ,vith a package of some size on his
back.
"Here comes Kakaik ! I wonder what him brins:!"
exclainjod Quambo, running forward to meet our
visitor.
Kakaik hav'ng made signs that he had got some-
thing valuable, Mike advanced with open mouth and
outstretched hands. An idea had occurred to
him.
" Wl^at is it, me friend?" he asked eagerly.
The Indian began a lo'.:g speech. >
"Och, man alive! just tell us what it's all about,"
cried Mike, who could no longer restrain his curiosity.
By this time Uncle Mark had come out of the hut.
The Indian, however, would go on with his address,
of which we did not understand a word. Mike kept
ill the time pointing to the package, and entreatin
him to undo it.
At length the Indian stop})ed and commenced
untying the thongs which secured the myst^^'iious
MIKE RECOVERS HIS FIDDLE.
275
hen the
that the
5S of bis
Quambo,
id get it,
ck up (le
c.
i evening
ucf which
alking on
ize on his
m bring!"
meet our
trot some-
iiouth and
|curred to
[all about,"
curiosity.
)f the hut.
lis a(hb"ess,
!^liko kept
Icntreating
niinienced
Inysterious
])arcel, and exposed to the delighted eyes of Mike —
his fiddle and bow.
" Sure, I thought so ! " exclaimed the Irishman,
eagerly gras})ing his treasure. " Erin go bragh ! —
long life to yese, me jewil!" and clapping the instru-
ment to his chin, he made an attempt to play on it ;
but it required, as may be supposed, no small amount
of tuning. Mike at once set to work, however,
turning the keys and drawing the bow over the
strings, all the time uttering expressions of gratitude
to the Indian, and to all concerned in the recovery of
the fiddle. The moment he had tuned it to his
satisfaction, he began playing one of the merriest of
jigs, in unison with his own joyous spirits.
Quambo on hearing the sounds started up, snapping
his fingers, kicking up his legs, and whirling round and
round in time to the tune. The Indian, grave as w.as
his exterior, forthwith joined him, outvying him in
his leaps, and adding the wildest shrieks and shouts.
I could not long resist their exam})le, and in a few
minutes even Uncle Mark was dancing away as
vigorously as anv of us; Mike all the tinie kicking
his heels, and bobbing his head with a raj>idity which
seemed to threaten the dislocation of his neck. It
was the wildest scene imaginable, anu any one observ''-
ing us would have supposed that we had all gone mad.
At hist we had to stop from sheer want of breath,
nnd on entering the hut Kakaik informed us that
it was through the exertions of Maniliek tliat the
fiddle had Wen recovered. He liad paid half-a-dozen
yards of cotton, the same number of strings of bead.s,
276
THE IRISHMAN S GRATITUDE.
a looking-glass, and a frying-pan, for the treasure.
It had been regarded with reverential awe by the
possessors. He sent it, however, as a gift to the
rightful owner, and declined to receive anything in
return.
"Faix, thin, I will be grateful to him till the end
of me days," answered Mike ; " and I hope that you
will receive, for your throuble in coming, Masther
Kakaik, my 'baccy-box, and half-a-dozen red cotton
handkerchiefs for your wife and childer, all of them
bran-new, except one which I wore as a night-cap
when I last had a cowld, and another which has been
in usu \uv a matther of a week or so,"
Kakaik accepted the ])roffered gifts with due
gratitude, and further informed us that the Indians
from whom Mike and I escaped had succeeded in
regaining their encampment, though the fire had
been close to their heels ; and until Manilick's ambas-
sador visited them they had supposed that we were
destroyed. By the manner in which we had got
away from them, w< ere very much raised in their
opinicm ; though thev thivatened, s^hould they ever
catch hold of us, to have our scalps otf our heads.
" Much ol)ligod to the gintlemen," remarked Mike ;
" but we will not let them do that same if we can
help it, and we'll show them that the Palefaces have
as much brains in their skulls as the Ridskins, cunning
as they think themselves."
Kakaik consented to stop with us for the night,
and we had several more tunes from Mike's fidtlh,
and another dance, almost as boisterous as the first.
KEPENAU S VISIT.
277
reasure.
by the
; to the
tiling in
the end
that you
Miisther
id cotton
of them
night-cap
has been
with due
le Indians
iceeded in
fire had
's ambas-
t we were
had got
(I in their
they ever
heads.
Ikt'd Mike ;
if we can
[faces have
|is, cunning
I the night,
ke's fid.Ue,
s the first.
Kakaik, after remaining a day with us, took liis
departure, loaded with as many articles as he could
well carry ; some forced on him by Mike and Quambo,
others being given by my uncle and myself as pre-
sents to our friends. I should have said that Kakaik
also told us that Manilick was frequently at Ke[)e-
nau's camp, and appeared to ho favourably received
by Ashatea.
Mike's fiddle was a constant source of amusement
to us during the remainder of the winter.
S|)ring returned, whereupon Kepenau paid us
another visit. He said that he and his pcoj)le had
determined to move further westward, into an un-
occu|)ied territory, and he feared that s(jme time
would pass before he could again see our faces, but
that he hoped occasionally to come with the peltries
he and liis people might obtain.
I accompanied him to the settlement. Lily was
much grieved to find tliat she and Ashatea were not
likely to meet again for a long time.
" I thought that she would have become like one
of us," she said, " and live in a comfortable house, and
adopt our Ir^bits."
"A flower of the forest cannot bloom on the moun-
tain top ; nor can one born in the wilderness live
happily in a city," Jinswered Repenau. " Though she
may not adopt the habits of the Palefaces, she loves
them, and the ti'ue faith they have taught her, and
will ever pray to the same God they woi*ship to pro-
tect them from danger."
278
A HOT SUMMER.
Reuhun scarcely attempted to conceal his disappoint-
ment, and even offered to accompany Kepenau back
to his lodges ; but the chief shook his head.
" If it is not well for my daughter to dwell among
3'^our people, still worse would it oe for you to live
with us, natives of the land," he answered. "Stay
with your parents, and support and protect them,
and you will be blessed, and made far happier than
were you to follow the desires of your heart."
After spending some days with us, Kepenau took
his departure.
We were, as usual, very Inisy getting in the crops
on our newly cleared ground, and carrying on othei
agricultural ])ursuits. The smnmer was intensely
hot, — far hotter than I ever recollected it. The crojis
had come up early, but the locusts appeared and
destroyed every growing thing which had risen above
the surface. This greatly disa])pointed those who
had looked forward to an early harvest.
About this time a stranger arrived at the settle-
ment. He quickly made himself known as Mr. Simon
Sparks ; and said, moreover, that ho was the chief
land agent of a new territory far to the west, which
wonderfully suri)assed our settlement in richness of
soil, and fertility, and abundance of game. His
accounts were eagerly listened to, and my uncles were
completely carried away, as were a large portion of
the conmiunity. Still, some of the older people were
of the opinion that well should be let alone; and that
if we took as much pains in cultivating the ground
as we should have to do were we to make a long
THE LAND A(;KNT.
279
journey, wo should ]irove, uotwitlistandiii^' the dif-
liculties wliieh mii^lit beset us, as successful in the
end.
Mr. Sparks, liowever, wns not a man to 1)0 defeated
in his object; he continued ar<]ruin(^' the point till he
had won over a i^ood many adherents. Still, he had
not jj^nined a sutlieient number to suit his purpose.
" Well, friends," he said, mountini,' his hoi-se one
evenin_L(, as a large munber of the iidiabitants were
assenible<l in the chief open place in the village, which
was designated tlu; S(juare, "do 1 look like a man
who would Uiislead you, or fail f carry out my
promises ? I have slain many a bear, hunted the
buffalo across tue prairies, and, single-handed, fought
and defeated scores of Redskins. With such fellows
as you at my back, even if ten thousand were to
attempt to sto]) us we would force our way onward,
and send them to the right-about. What are you
afraid of? If rivers are to l)e crossed, we can form
rafts and swin\ our cattle over. There is grass on the
}>lains, and game in the forests to supply all our
wants; and a glorious country at the end of the
journey, where happy homes can be established, and
wealth obtained for ourselves and our children. I
ask you again — ^)o you tjike me for a man who would
bamboozle you ; or do I look like one who will prove
true as steel, and fulfil all his engagements, as an honest
man should do ? Those who believe that I speak the
truth, hold up their hands; and those who don't, keep
them down, and we part friends notwithstanding."
Few of us could help confessing that, as Mr. Simon
280
THK FOHRST ON FIKE.
Sparks, witli Iii.s tall sin^jwy figure, tinn-sot lips, and
keen eyes, sat tlicro on uis stron^ly-bnilt nnistang,
liis rifle held across his saddle, he did look like a man
very capahle of* doing what he said he had done, and
what he said he would «lo. Neaily ail hands were
raised u]).
"Thank you, frii ids," he said; " 1 will stay another
day with you, and we will talk the matter over again.
If a fair number are determined to move, we will go
together; if not, I shall soon Hnd others who know
their interests better than you seem to do."
Saying this, he dismounted, and went to spend the
evening with Mr. Claxton, who was one of his ehief
adherents.
I returned home to report to Uncle Mark what Mr.
Sparks had said ; but he was doubtful about moving
till he had secure<l a purchaser for the land we had
cleared with so much labour.
We were about to turn in for the night, when
Quambo, who had been to look after the cattle and
l)igs, re[)orted that he observed a peculiar glare through
the opening towards the west, though no camp-fire
Wiis likely to be burning in that direction. We all
hurried out to look at what the black had described,
and saw the brilliancy of the glare rapidly increasing.
" It is such a fire as it will take many bucketfuls of
water to put out!" exclaimed Uncle Mark. "As I
live, boys, the forest is in flames! And they are likely
to extend prettv rapidly, too, with the wood dry as it
now IS.
" What had we better do ? " I asked.
li|)s, and
iuust}in<^f,
kc a man
lone, and
l\(ls WOR'
y jinotlier
v'cr again.
VQ will go
^'ho know
spend tlic
' his eliiof
what Mr.
^t moving
ul wc had
;lil, when
cattle and
•e through
ca nip- tire
We all
bed,
lescri
hcreasing.
Iketfuls of
"As I
likely
ire
:i?CS' _- •"? >i^^ -?-^^^ "■ ' ' ~ -
ii*-- .^3:^-
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dry
as
it
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Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
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O^
A RETREAT.
283
"Collect our cattle, pigs, and poultry, take our guns
and ammunition, and a supply of food, and get out
of the wood as fast as possible," he answered, quite
calmly. " In a few minutes, if I mistake not, we shall
have the forest blazing away all round us ; and
nothing that I know of can save the hut from destruc-
tion. It will be fortunate if the village itself escapes,
for the forest comes close up to it on two sides ; and
there will be no time to clear away the trees, and put
an open belt between the houses and the fire."
Influenced by Uncle Mark's spirit, we immediately
set to work to drive in the cattle, set the pigs free,
and collect the poultry. We loaded the waggon with
as many articles as it could cany ; and harnessing the
oxen, commenced our retreat.
We were not a moment too soon, for already the
forest to the westward was in a blaze, extending
from the ri/er far away to the north. A narrow
belt of trees alone remained between us and the con-
flagration, the dense smoke, curling in thick wreaths,
being sent by the wind towards us, and making res-
piration diflicult. While Uncle Mark took charge of
the waggon, the rest of us drove on the other animals,
directing our course to the settlement by the only
open road. We knew, indeed, that in a short time
we might have the fire on both sides of us.
The flames rose up high above the tops of the trees
in the rear. The crackling of the burning branches,
and the loud reports as the thick trunks were split in
two by the heat, sounded alarmingly near — tlie whole
landscape before us being lighted up by the glare
284
A FEARFUL THOUGHT.
shed from the burning forest. We might, we believed,
escape with our lives, were we to leave the waggon
and the cattle, but that was very far from Uncle
Mark's thoughts. By voice and whip we urged on the
oxen, and shouting, shrieking, and using our thick
sticks, we endeavoured to drive forward our refrac-
tory charges.
The inhabitants of the village must have seen the
conflagration long before this, and would, we hoped,
be preparing for their escape.
I remembered the fire on the prairie. Then only
the grass was burning, but now we should soon have
the tall trees in flames on both sides of us. In a few
minutes the flaminor masses miorht be tumblincj down
on our heads, and overwhelming us. The thought of
this prevented us from relaxing our efforts. We ran
here and there flourishing our sticks, shouting and
bawling till we were hoarse; still, we kept ahead
of the fire, although it was advancing rapidly in our
track. The hut, outbuildings, and enclosures must
already, we knew, be reduced to a mass of cinders ;
but there was no use thinking about that. We
should be fortunate, did we preserve the more valu-
able part of our property.
At length the road became wider, and we got among
clearings, which would somewhat stop the progress
of the flames, did they not impede them altogether.
We dared not halt, however, but pushed on, directing
our course to the south side of the village, where the
country was completely open, and no trees left stand-
ing. The river, too, ran in that direction, and some
i
THE VILLAGE IX DANGER.
285
flat marshes on the banks would afford security to
all fugitives.
I was thinking all the time of Lily, and my uncle
and aunt ; and had not ray duty compelled me to
remain with the cattle, I would certainly have hur-
ried on to warn them, in case they should not have
discovered their danger. However, I felt sure that
Uncle Mark would not have forgotten them, and
that he was satisfied they would take the necessary
steps to escape. Uncle Stephen had also a waggon
in which to convey his household goods out of the
way of danger.
As we got near the village, we were satisfied that
the inhabitants were aroused ; for already several
waggons were moving forward in the direction we
were going, while we heard the shouts of the men
driving others in the rear. Fortunate, indeed, were
those who had waggons, as the rest of the people
would have to carry on their shoulders ever^^thing
they wished to save.
The wind, which had increased, hurried forward
the fire with terrific rapidity, and drove the smoke
in dense masses round us, so that, bright as were the
flames, we could often see but a short distance ahead.
The shouts and cries of the terrified settlers increased
in loudness. All hope that the village would be pre-
served must by this time have been abandoned. The
fire was coming up from the west and north-west,
leaping at a bound, as it seemed, over the clearings ;
the burning branches, driven by the wind, quickly
igniting all combustible matters amid which they fell.
286
A SEMICIRCLE OF FLAME.
We at last reached the ground I have spoken of;
but not without the loss of some of our hogs, which
had got away from us, in si:)ite of our efforls to drive
them forward. Having early taken the alarm, we
were the first to arrive, but others from the village
quickly followed ; when we immediately set to work
to cut down every bush and blade of grass wljich
might catch fire.
In a short time I heard Uncle Stephen's voice,
and thankful indeed was I to see Lily and Aunt
Hannah safe. They had found time to load their
waggon with the most valuable part of their property
and a store of provisions. The Claxtons directly
afterwards arrived, and reported that there were still
several persons remaining in the village, who believed
that the conflagration would not reach it, and that
they would be perfectly safe. We were, however,
too busily engaged in clearing the ground to think
of anything else.
It was fortunate that these precautions had been
taken. In a short time, as we looked towards the
village, we saw the flames rising up in all direc-
tions. The fire came working its way along; in
some places in thin lines, in others like a wave roll-
ing over the sand}'^ beach, and consuming everything
in its course.
Before the night was half over a semicircle of flame
was blazing up round the spot we occupied ; the river,
which was heie very broad, preventing the progress
of the fire in that direction. Still, a burning brand,
driven across a narrow part by the wind, might set
THE SETTLERS ENCAMPED.
287
jpoken of;
ags, vvhicli
.s to drive
alarm, we
the village
et to work
rass wliicli
len's voice,
and Aunt
load their
iir property
)ns directly
re were still
rlio believed
|it, and that
■e, however,
td to think
is had been
towards the
all direc-
along; in
wave roll-
everything
tele of flame
; the river,
lie progress
Ling brand,
i, might set
some dry grass or bushes on fire ; and it was impos-
sible to say how fur it might then extend. Frequently
the stifling smoke almost prevented our breathing,
and we had to throw ourselves on the ground to
escape it.
All night long did the fire rage round us. The
heat was intense, and the smoke and fine black dust
blown over us was most oppressive. Happily, we had
water near to quench our thirst, blackened though it
was with ashes ; and we had reason to be thankful
that we had reached a place of safety — the only one
near tlie settlement where we could have escaped
destruction.
The women and children were placed in the
waggons, where they endeavoured to obtain some
rest. The ground was too wet for the men to lie
down ; and we therefore either leaned against the
wheels of the waggons or walked about. Indeed,
we had ample occupation in beating out the fire,
which ran along the most dry portions of the ground
we occupied, wherever there was lierbage of any
description.
Morning came : but the fire raged on ; and there
was but little chance of our being able to move for
some days to come. We had, however, no lack of
meat ; for, besides the pigs and poultry, several deer
and numerous small animals rushed for safety towards
our camp — only to meet the fate they were attempt-
ing to avoid. Two or three bears, also endeavouring
to escape from the flames, were shot. No wolves or
foxes came near us : they had probably, exercising
288
A SCENE OF DESOLATION.
their cunning, made their escape from the burning
forest against the wind.
Daylight showed us such a scene of desohition as
I hope never again to look on. Not a vestige of tlie
village remained ; while blackened trunks — some
with a few of their stouter limbs still branching from
them, others reduced to mere black poles, and many
burned down to stumps — appeared in every direction.
The crops had disappeared ; and not even a fence was
standing.
Thus the settlers, with sorrowful countenances, be-
held the labour of years destroyed.
B burning
lolation as
^ige of tlie
iks — some
ching from
and many
Y direction.
[I fence was
mnnces, be-
CHAPTER IX. .
THE SETTLERS DETERMINE TO ACCEPT MR. SPARKS* OFFERS — LILY'S SORROW
AT LEAVING THE OLD SETTLEMENT — MODE OF ADVANCE — SABBATH OBSERV-
ANCE ON THE MARCH — WE ARE LEFT BEHIND, IN CONSEQUENCE OF OUR
AVAGOON BREAKING DOWN OUR GREAT WANT OF WATER A DANGER-
OUS DESCENT — THE HORRID SPECTACLE OF THE WOLVES — OUR OXEN
FLAGGING, I PROCEED FORWARD ALONE IN THE DIRECTION OF A FIRE IN
THE DISTANCE — MY JOY UPON DISCOVERING OUR FRIENDS — REUBEN
OFFERS TO ACCOMPANY ME BACK — WE GET LOST — FAITHFUL MIKE FINDS
US— STRANGE HORSEMEN — MIKE REUBEN, AND I TAKEN PRISONERS BY
THE SIOUX.
C
[HE fire gave more support to the schemes of
Mr. Sparks than did all his arguments and
glowing descriptions. Mr. Claxton, my uncles,
and most of the settlers who possessed the
means of transport, resolved to accept his
offers, and at once prepared for the journey. Those
who had no waggons made up their minds to remain
where they were, and to cultivate the ground, which
the ashes would render more fertile than before. The
grass, after the first rain, would spring up and afford
a rich pasture for their cattle ; and the charred trunks
would enable them to rebuild their log-huts and put up
fences. I had reason afterwards to believe that they
chose the wisest course; though at the time I was well
pleased at the thought of the long journey we were to
take, and the adventures we might expect to meet with.
(627) 19
290
THE JOURNEY COMMENCED.
1 was surprised to find that Lily did not enter into
my feelings. " I would far rather have stayed where
we were," she said. " The trees would soon have be-
come green again, and we could have cultivated the
ground as before, and the river and hills would have
remained the same; though, as Uncle Stephen and
aunt, and you, Roger, wish it, I am ready to go."
My uncles had saved a bag of dollars, and the
Claxtons and others were provided with cash. There-
fore, as soon as the country was sufficiently cool to
enable the waggons to move, two were sent off to the
eastward to bring back such stores as were required ;
while the main body began to move southward, along
the bank of the river, to a spot where we intended
to cross.
Our course for some distance was to be to the
southward ; after which we were to turn to the south-
west till we reached the prairie. I cannot describe
each day's journey. In front marched a body of a
dozen men, with their axes, to clear the road. The
waggons, drawn by long teams of oxen, followed ; and
the loose cattle, driven by tlie younger men and boys,
brought up the rear.
While no fears existed of an attack from the Indians,
the axemen generally marched a day in advance of
us, to cut a road through the woods. Another party,
acting as hunters, ranged on one side or the other
of the line of march in search of deer, bears, or any
other animals, and birds; and they contrived, when
possible, to reach the camping-ground an hour or two
before the waggons, so that they might get the fires
OUR MODF OF CAMPING.
291
enter iuto
,yed where
,n have be-
Divated the
vould have
tephcn and
to go."
rs, and the
^sh. Thcre-
ntly cool to
nt off to the
ire required ;
iiward, along
we intended
o be to the
to the south-
not describe
a body of a
road. The
lUowed; and
ten and boys,
the Indians,
advance ot
lother party,
)r the other
Dears, or any
rived, when
hour or two
Icret the fires
liglited, and have the game they had killed cooking
on the spits, in readiness for the women and children.
Reuben and I undertook to hunt, since we were as
good shots as any of tlio emigrants. We always
went together, and seldom failed to bring in game of
some sort.
As evening approached we made our way towards
the spot fixed on for the encampment. Before night-
fall the main body usually arrived, and the waggons
were arranged in a circle, so as to form a sort of
fortification in case of attack from the Indians :
though we had no great reason to apprehend such
an event at that period of our journey. No time was
lost in commencing supi)er; and .as soon as it was
over the women and children went to rest inside the
waggons, while the men not on guard lay down
either under them or in the neighlxnirhood of the
fires. A spot was always chosen — either by the side
of a stream or near some pool — where the cattle could
find water and good grass. They were then turned
out to graze, under charge of a few armed men. Of
course, we all kept our rifies by our sides, so that we
might be ready to defend ourselves at a moment's
notice.
We met with very few Indians, and those we fell
in with seemed disposed to be friendly. They saw
that we were merely passing through their hunting-
grounds, and had apparently no objection to our kill-
ing the comparatively small amount of game we met
with. Had we shown any intention of settling, the
case might have been different.
292
CROSSING A DESERT REGION.
We thus pushed on for many days together, l:alting
only on the Sabbath, to obtain tlie rest which, both
we and our cattle required. This was a day we all
enjoyed. One of the elders conducted a service, and
the wilderness we were traversing resounded for the
time with praise and prayer.
Thus wo travelled on day after day; but we
made but slow progress through the densely-wooded
country, having sometimes to cut our way amid the
trees, though we were generally able to find a passage
without felling them. Occasionally, however, we
were compelled to do even that, and to drag the huge
trunks out of the road, before the waggons could pro-
ceed. We had also frequently to cross rivers. When
no ford could be found, we built large rafts, jn which
the waggons were ferried ovei', while the oxen gained
the opposite bank by swimming. They were accus-
tomed to the undertaking ; and, strange as it may
seem, we never lost any by t!iis means.
At length we gained an open but more desert
region. The ground was stony and uneven, and we
had rocky hills to ascend and dark gorges to pass
through. Water was scarce, and we had often to
carry sufficient to supply our wants for a couple of
days; while our cattle suftered greatly from thirst.
We could no longer hunt in small parties, for fear of
encountering hostile Indians ; but we were able to
kill game without going to any great distance from
the camp, as we found several species of deer inhabit-
ing those wilds.
Aty uncle's waggon was one day bringing up the rear
A BRKAK-DOWN.
293
ler, l.alting
vliiclx botli
lay we all
icrvice, and
ded for the
^; but we
ely-wooded
^y amid the
,d a passage
awever, we
ag the huge
IS could pro-
ers. When
ts, jn which
oxen gained
were accus-
as it may
iiore desert
ven, and we
'ges to pass
ad often to
a couple of
from thirst.
1, for fear of
ere able to
stance from
leer inhabit-
up the rear
of the train ; and our water being nearly exhausted,
we were pushing forward as fast as the oxen could
move, in the ho])e of reaching a stream before dark,
when one of the wheels came off, and the waggon, in
falling over, suffered considerable damage. Under
other circumstances, the train would have stopped
till our waggon was put to riglits ; but as most of the
oxen were suffering from thirst, and many of the
]»arty had no water remaining, it was important for
them to push forward without dela3^ We were
tiierefore compelled to remain by ourselves; but no
Indians liad as yet becm seen in this part of the
country, and we hoped that we should escape with-
out being attacked.
My uncles were not men to be frightened by diffi-
culties. They and Mike, with Quambo and I, im-
mediately set to work to do what was necessary.
We unloaded the waggon, and commenced repairing
the damage it had received. This, however, took us
some time, and it was quite dark before we got the
wheel on again and the waggon reloaded. Having
been more provident than the rest of the party, we
were able to wet our beasts' muzzles, and still have
sufficient water to last ourselves for a few hours.
As we wished to overtake our companions an
soon as possible, we immediately pushed forward,
and soon got into a somewhat more level c -antry
than we had lately been passing through ; but the
ground was very hard, and in the darkness we could
not perceive the tracks made by those in advance.
Had an Indian guide been with us, he would un-
294
OFF TllK TRACK.
doul)tedly have discovered them; but we had to trust
to our own safjacitv, and we had not ijone far when
we found that we had got out of the right road.
We did our utmost to regain it, but in vain. Still,
believing that we were going in the proper direc-
tion, we proceeded onwards. Tlie stars came out
brightly from the sky, and we sha})ed our course as
directly as we could by them.
Wliile Uncle Stephen drove. Uncle Mark and I,
with iMike and Quainbo, marched on either side, our
faithful dugs following at our heels. We kept a look-
out in every direction, lest we should chance to be
observed by a band of Indians, who, seeing a small
party, might pounce down upon us; still, we were all
accustomed to look on the bright side of things, and
though we were aware of tlic possible danger, we
were not unnecessarily alarmed. Our chief anxiety
arose from a fear of not linding water for our thirsty
beasts. They might hold out during the cool hours
of night ; but should they not be supplied with the
necessary fluid, they must in a short time succumb,
and dreadful indeed would be the consequences to
ourselves.
When I occasionally went up to tlie waggon, I
found Aunt Hannah and Lily awake. They kept up
their spirits very well, and naturally inquired whether
we had as yet discovered the track of those who had
gone before.
" Not yet," I answered in as cheerful a voice as I
could command; "but we soon shall, I dare say; and,
at all events, we are going in the right direction.
d to trust
far
when
crht
road.
in.
Still,
per
direc-
came out 1
course as 1
nk and I,
r side, our
ept a look-
mce to be
no; a small
^^e were all
things, and
Llanger, we
ef anxiety
our thirsty
cool hours
d with the
succumb,
uences to
Avaggon, 1
ey kept up
ed whether
;e who had
voice as I
e say; and,
t direction.
-I
>
<
m
r
r
z
o
z
o
o
c
r
H
m
7)
STILL FOllVVAHD.
297
The stars are shining brightly, and by them Uncle
Stephen can guide the waggon as well as if we had
the train of our friends in view. But we shall soon
be up with them, I hope, and find them all com-
fortably encamped."
" I trust that we may," said Aunt Hannah, ' if not,
we shall find water, I suppose, in a few hours, and we
shall certainly overtake them to-morrow."
This showed what was passing in her mind. She
had begun to suspect — what really was tlie case — that
we had widely deviated from our course. One thing
was very certain, — that it would be destruction to
stop; so, altliough our oxen were beginning to show
signs of fatigue, and we felt our own legs aching, wo
continued to move forward.
At length, about a couple of hours before daw^n, we
arrived at the edge of a ravine, the sides of which,
though not precipitous, appeared to be very steep, and
down which it would have been madness to attempt
taking the waggon in the dark. We must either stop,
or try to find a passage across to the north or south.
We had observed that the valleys already passed
by us were shallower to the southward; we there-
fore turned our waggon in that direction, hoping
shortly to discover a practicable path, though we
suspected that it would lead us even further from the
track of our friends.
We went on and on, fancying that we could discei'n
the bottom of the valley more clearly than at first,
and hoping soon to discover a sufficiently gentle slope
which we might be able to descend. But we were
!* '
298
WATKR FOUND.
deceived, and though Uncle Mark iind I made our
way down in several places, we saw that the waggon
would certainly be upset should we attempt to get it
down. We were almost in despair of success, for
the ravine appeared to run on to the southward
with equally rugged sides as at first. The panting
oxen, too, could scarcely drag on the waggon, and we
began to fear that they would Ml unless water should
be found. We urged them on, however, for stopping
to rest would not avail them, and might prove our
destruction.
Morning at length broke, when we saw a hill
before us which seemed to be the termination of the
ravine ; and as the light increased, to our joy we
caught sight of a silvery line of water making its
way along the course of the valley. Our eagerness
to reach the bottom was now greater than ever; and
we could with difficulty restrain the oxen from rush-
ing down the bank. We had to keep at their heads,
indeed, to prevent them attempting so mad a per-
formance.
On we went, till we saw before us what we had so
long been looking for, — a gentle slope which it would
be easy to descend, while on the opposite side the
ground was equally ftivourable for again ascending
to the same elevation as before. Putting the drag
on the wheel, we commenced the undertaking ; and
though I more than once feared that the waggon
would be upset, we reached the bottom in safety.
Then, immediately unyoking the tired oxen, we
hurried to the fountain-head to obtain water, while
lade our
I waggoD
to get it
;cess, for
•uthwaiJ
panting
[, and we
er should
stopping
rove our
vv a liill
)n of the
r joy we
aking its
eagerness
ver; and
om rusli-
ir heads,
a per-
fQ had so
it would
side the
scending
he drag
ng ; and
waggon
safety,
xen, we
2r, while
A HALT IN THE VALLEY.
299
they ruslied to a pool close below it, wliere they
could more easily drink. Near at hand was an
abundance of fresh grass, with which they quickly
recruited their strength.
Aunt Hannah and Lily offered to watch while vvc
lay down and took the sleep we so much required.
" I will keep a look-out all round, and if I see any
suspicious Indians ap[)roaching I'll scream loud enough
to w{ike you all," said Lily, half in joke, as if she were
not at all anxious on the sul)ject.
" One thing is very certain, — if they do come, we
cannot run away from them," observed Uncle Mark.
" We must hope t'lat they will prove friendly, for if
not we shall have to beat them or be cut to pieces.
However, we will trust to your watchfulness, and pick
up a little strength to continue our journey."
We accordingly lay down under the waggon, and
in less than a minute were fast asleep.
We rested till about ten o'clock, when Aunt Hannah,
as Uncle Stephen had desired, awoke us. Not a
liuman being had approached the valley, though she
said that she had seen some creatures moving along
on the top of the heights ; but what they were she
could not make out, though they did not look, she
thought, like deer.
Having taken a hurried meal, we again yoked the
oxen; and going behind with crowbars to assist, we
commenced the ascent of the hill. It was harder
w^ork than we expected, but, by making a zigzag
course, in about half an hour we got to the top.
Looking ahead, the country appeared to be pretty
300
STILL LEFT BEHIND.
level, with rocky hills rising out of it in various
directions, but we expected to have no difficulty in
making our onward way. We had filled all our skin-
bottles with water, and even should we meet with
no more till the following day the cattle would not
materially suffer.
My uncles were of opinion that we had crossed
near the source of the stream at which the rest of the
party must have stopped, and that by verging to the
right we should fall upon their tracks, although we
did not expect to meet witli them till the close of
the dny, owing to the direction we wore taking.
They might possibly have sent back to help us; but
as they had not many men to spare, it was more
likely that they would push forward, expecting us
ultimately to overtake them. We kept a look-out
for water as we went along, that we might allow our
animals to drink, and thus be able to continue our
journey the next day although none should be
found at the camping-ground. Still, though we
went on and on, no signs could we discover of our
friends. Already the sun was sinking towards the
west.
I had gone on ahead, and made my way up a hill
over which we should have to pass, that I might
obtain before sunset a wide view around, when I saw
some way before me a number of creatures moving
about. They seemed to be very busy, but what they
were doing I could not make out. Some objects lay
near them on the ground. I hastened on, and when
T got nearer I perceived that the objects were broken
various
culty ill
lur skiii-
lei with
3uld not
[ crossed
ist of the
\cf to the
ough we
close of
! takino-.
) us; but
vas more
Dcting us
look-out
.How our
inue our
ould be
)U2li we
jr of our
krds the
ip a hill
I might
len I saw
moving
Ihat they
[jects lay
id when
broken
I
■Is
A DREADFUL SPECTACLE.
303
pieces of waggons, — several wheels, and portions of
the woodwork, — while the animals, I had no doubt,
were wolves, from the horrid sounds which reached
me ; a mixture of snarling, yelping, barking, and
growling, for I cannot otherwise describe the noise
made by the creatures.
Not wishing to approach closer by myself, I returned
to tell my uncles what I had seen. Uncle Mark and
Quanibo accompanied me back, and as we got nearer
the wolves looked up and snarled at us, and continued
their occupation ; but what was our horror, on advanc-
ing a little further, to discover that they were feeding
on the dead bodies of a number of ])ersons stretclied
on the ground ! A dreadful fear seized us. Could
they be those of our late companions ? I shuddered,
and burst into tears.
Yes ! there could be no doubt about it, I thought.
There lay those we had lately parted fi'om in health
and strength, cruelly murdered, and now the prey of
the savage wol ves. Our friends the Claxtons ! — Dora !
honest Reuben ! and their parents !
Then the fearful thought that such might ere long
be our fate came over me.
"Can none have escaped?" I exclaimed.
Uncle Mark advanced a few paces nearer the wolves,
with his gun, ready to fire should they attack him.
He was looking at a man whom the wolves had not
yet torn to pieces. Apparently he was only just
dead, and had probably defended himself to the last,
keeping his assailants at bay.
" That man did not belong to our party," I heard
304
SAD FATE OF AN EMIGRANT-PARTY.
Uncle Mark cry out. " These people must have
formed part of another emigrant-train."
Quambo and I ran up to him. We then shouted
together, and some of the wolves nearest to us,
startled by our approach, left tlicir prey, when we
were convinced, by the dresses of the corpses, that
Uncle Mark's surmise was correct. This dis-
covery somewhat relieved our minds. Our friends
might have escaped ; but at the same time it was too
evident that hostile Indians were scouring that part
of the country, and that we ourselves might ere long
be attacked, and share the fate of the unhap])y persons
we saw before us.
We now slowly retreated, shouting as we did so
to keep the wolves at bay, and turning every few
paces to face them ; for had they seen us fly, they
might have been induced to follow. They were now,
however, happily for us, too nmch engaged in their
dreadful feast to take further notice of us.
Having told Uncle Stephen what we had seen, Ave
turned the heads of the oxen away from the spot,
directing our course to the right, where the ground
appeared to be more even than any we had yet gone
over. We agreed not to let Aunt Hannah and Lily
know of the dreadful scene we had witnessed ; but it
was important to get as far as possible from the spot,
and we determined, if the oxen could drag the
waggon, to continue on all night.
" Do you think it likely that the wolves, when
they have finished their horrible feast, will track us
out ? " I said to Uncle Mark.
lUst have
n shouted
jst to us,
when we
'pses, th.at
This dis-
lur friends
it was too
that part
lit ere long
)py persons
we did so
every few
IS fly, they
were now,
id in their
id seen, we
l\ the spot,
phe pfTound
|d yet gone
and Lily
ied ; but it
the spot,
drag the
Ives, when
ll track us
TUAVKLF>IN(J UY NKUIT.
305
" I hope not," he answered. " Were they starv-
ing, they might do so ; but only the younger
animals, which would have been prevented by
their elders from joining in the feast, maj'" possibly
follow us. If they do, we can keep them at a dis-
tance, for they are more easily frightened than the
older brutes."
The stars, as on the previous night, were very
bright, and we were able, by them, to keep a direct
course. Our chief desire now was to rejoin our
friends, and next to that to find water. We, of
course, as we moved along, kept a strict watch, as
before ; but the scene I had Avitnessed made me feel
much more anxious than usual, and every moment I
expected to see a band of Indians start up from
behind the rocks which here and there rose above
the plain, or to hear a flight of arrows whistling
through the air past our ears — perhaps to feel one
sticking in my body.
Uncle Stephen had advised Aunt Hannah and
Lily to lie down in a space left vacant for them in
the middle of the waggon, where they would be pro-
tected by the luggage piled up on both sides.
We had now gone on many hours without water,
and our cattle began to show signs of being very
thirsty. All we could do was to wet their muzzles
with a little of the water we had brought wiih us ;
but our lives might depend upon our pushing on.
As we generally marched apart — two of us on
either side of the waggon — we had no opportunities
for conversation, and were left, consequently, to our
(627) 20
30C
A CAMP-PIRE SEEN.
own melancholy thoughts. Had I been by myj^elf,
or with male companions only, I should not have
cared so much ; but my mind was troubled by the
idea of what might be dear Lily's fate, and that of
Aun J Hannah, should we be attacked, or should oui
cattle break down and we be unable to proceed.
The oxen went slower and slower, notwithstand-
ing every effort of Uncle Stephen to make them
move at their usual pace. At last tiiey came to a
stand-still. Mike and Quambo, who at the time were
ahead, endeavoured in vain to induce them to move
on. Uncle Mark and I ran forward to assist them.
As I was about to do so I caught siglit of a ruddy
spot in the distance, away somewhat to the left.
That must be a lire, I thought, and I pointed it out
to Uncle Mark.
"It may be the c<amp-fire of our friends," he ob-
served ; " but we must not be too sure, for it may
be that of a band of Indians."
He asked Uncle Stephen what he thought.
" The Indians generally take care to have their
fires in places where they cannot be seen from a
distance, so that is much more likely to be what you
at first supposed," he answered. ''At all events, we
will try and find out."
" If the oxen cannot be got to move, I will go on
and ascertain," I said. " I can direct my course by
the fire, and will approach cautiously. Should I
discover that Indians are encamped there, I will
hurry back and let you know. We must then try
and make our way in some other direction."
myself,
ji have
by the
that of
mid oiii
ed.
thstand-
ke them
ime to a
ime were
to move
;ist them,
a ruddy
the left,
ied it out
he ob-
it may
lave their
ii from a
what you
vents, we
/ill go on
jourse by
hould I
e, I will
then try
RKCONNOITKINO.
307
"I am Mfraid, Roger, that in sucli a case our hope
of escape will be very small," said my uncle in a
grave tone. ** Unless we can find water in some
hollow in which it will be possible to conceal our-
selves, at the return of day, the Indians are sure to
see us. Should they cross our track, they are equally
certain to come uj)on us before long. We must, how-
ever, hope for the best. Go forward as you propose,
and may Heaven protect you, my boy."
Without stopping to bid Lily and my aunt good-
bye I hurried on, keeping my gaze on the fire,
which, growing brighter as I advanced, enabled me
without difficulty to direct my course for it. The
ground was tolerably even, but sloped slightly down-
wards in the direction I was taking. The fire,
indeed, when I first saw it, appeared to be in a
hollow, or at all events at a lower elevation than
tliat where we were standing. I looked back once
or twice, and quickly lost sight of the waggon. So
far I was satisfied that, should the people who had
made the fire be Indians, they would not discover the
v/aggon until daylight, by v/hich time I hoped wo
should be able to conceal ourselves among the hills
in the neighbourhood.
I hurried on as fast as I could venture to move,
ignorant of what was before me. It would be useless,
I knew, to attempt concealing my trail, but as I did
not intend to go nearer the camp-fire than was neces-
sary to make out who were there, I hoped some time
would elapse after I had retreated before the Indians
could discover that any one had been near them.
308
APPROACHING THE CAMP.
Now and then, when crossing a hill, I lost sight of
the fire, and had to direct my course by the stars
overhead. Again I saw it before me, blazing brightly.
I hoped that Uncle Stephen was riglit in his conjec-
tures. The fire, however, was further off tlian I had
supposed, and the greater part of an hour was con-
sumed before I orot close enoufjh to see the figures
moving about it.
I now crept on as noiselessly as I could, for I
knew that the least sound would be conveyed to the
quick ears of the Redskins. Fortunatel}'' there were
a number of bushes in the neighbourhood, behind
which I could conceal myself.
As I was going on I heard voices, and stopped
breatlilessly to listen. They did not sound like those
of Indians, and presently I saw a couple of figures
pass in front of the fire. I almost shouted for joy
as I distinguished by their outlines against the
bright blaze that their dress was that of white
men. I felt sure that the people I saw before
me were our friends ; still, caution was necessary,
for it was possible that they were prisoners of the
Indians, saved from the caravan lately destroyed,
only to meet with a more cruel death by torture.
There might be a large party of Indians encamped.
Presently two other fires came into view, which
had been hitherto concealed by the thick bushes
surrounding the hollow in which the camp was
formed. I crept on and on, crouching down like a
panther about to spring on its prey. The voices
became more and more distinct, and at last I found
A PLEASANT DISCOVEKY.
309
sight of
be stars
^rightly.
5 conjec-
\n I had
^\-as con-
figures
Id, for I
ed to the
lere were
i, behind
1 stopped
like those
lof figures
for joy
ainst the
of white
Lw before
necessary,
s of the
destroyed,
torture,
jamped.
iW, which
k bushes
;amp was
,vn like a
he voices
1 1 found
myself on the top of the bank, with only a few
bushes intervening between me and those encamped
below.
On pushing aside the branches my eyes were
greeted by tlie pleasant sight of waggons, cattle, and
a number of people; some cooking before tlie fires,
others preparing their resting-places for the night.
Not far off, at the lower part of the hollow, for it
could scarcely be called a valley, was a pool reflect-
ing the stars overhead.
Feeling sure that I saw my friends before me, I
now rushed down the slope towards them. The first
person I met was Reuben Claxton.
" Why, Roger ! where have you come from ? " he
exclaimed. " We were very anxious about you, and
my father had determined, should you not appear
soon, to return with a party to your relief."
I quickly told him what had occurred, several
others gathering round to hear my account. They
were greatly alarmed at the description I gave of the
remains of the emigrant train we had discovered. I
pointed out that their own camp was formed with
less care than usual ; of which fact they were con-
vinced, but excused themselves on the plea that they
had arrived ver}^ tired just at dark, having had a
rough country to traverse, and that their cattle had
suttered from want of water since the last place they
had stopped at. The way I liad approached showed
them how easily they might have been surprised by
a party of hostile Indians.
I told them that I must be off ajjain at once, as I
310
THE RETURN TRIP.
was anxious to get back to our waggon, in order that
we might join them without delay. Reuben offered
to accompany me, and I was very glad to have him.
We therefore set off immediately.
It was necessary to be careful, however, to keep a
direct course ; and this could only be done by watch-
ing a star which I had marked, overhanging the spot
where I had left the waggon. By any deviation to
the right hand or to tlie left we might easily pass it.
Reuben told me that many of the emigrants had
become very anxious, and the account I had brought
would make them still more so. Could they venture
back alone, he thought they would be willing to
return to the settlement,
" For my own part, I like the wild sort of life we
are leading ; but I should be happier if I knew that
Lily and my aunt were in safety, whereas they are
exposed to as much danger as we are," I observed.
More than once I thought that we had gone wrong,
as it was impossible to distinguish objects clearly in
the gloom of night. I fancied that we must have
performed the distance; still I could nowhere see the
waggon. The dreadful thought occurred to me that
some prowling Indians might have pounced upon it,
and carried it off.
"I hope not," said Reuben, when I told him my
fears. "We may not have gone far enough yet; or w^e
are perhaps too much on one side or the other."
We went on a little further, trying to pierce the
gloom. Then we stopped to listen, but could he^ci no
sounds.
rder that
n offered
lave him.
,0 keep a
ly watcli-
l the spot
riation to
[y pass it.
[•ants had
I brought
y venture
villing to
of lite we
cnew that
they are
erved.
le wrong,
|clearly in
LUst have
ire see the
me that
upon it,
him my
|et; or we
ier."
iierce the
he^ui no
now WE FOUKD MIKE.
311
** We must have gone wrong," I said ; " for I am
certain that we should otherwise have got up to the
waggon by this time."
Still Reuben thought that I might be mistaken.
" Let us shout, and perhaps they will hear us;" and
before I could stop him, he cried out at the top of his
voice — "Hallo ! Mr. Tregellis, whereabouts are you?"
Thinking it too probable that Indians were not
far off", I dreaded lest the shout might be heard
by them, and I advised Reuben not to cry out
again.
I was still fearing that we had missed the waggon,
when a voice reached our ears. It was that of Mike.
" Is that you, Masther Roger ? If you are yourself,
come on here ; but if not, I'll throuble you to stop
where you are, or I'll be afther shooting you through
the head."
"All right, Mike!" I exclaimed, as we made our
way in the direction from whence the voice came.
He had grown aijxious at my long delay, and had
got leave from my uncles to try and find out what
had become of me.
We soon got back to the waggon ; and by giving
the patient oxen the remainder of our water, they
having in the meantime cropped some grass, we were
able to move forward. The road, in the dark, was
difficult; but we managed to reach the camp without
any accident, and were heartily welcomed by our
friends.
Those who wished to return had, we found, sum-
moned a meeting, and it was settled that the matter
312
THE MARCH RECOMMENCED.
should be decided by the majority of votes. My
uncles turned the scale in favour of going on. Tliey
pointed out that it would be as dangerous to retreat
as to advance.
Mr. Sparks urged that it would be madness to give
up the enterprise. Water, he assured us, would be
found at the end of every day's march, or even
oftener; and though Indians might be met, with
our rifles we could without difficulty keep them at
bay, as none of them Avere likely to possess firearms
— their only weapons being bows and arrows and
spears. His remarks prevailed ; and it was agreed
that after a day's rest, which the cattle greatly
required, we should recommence our march.
Once more we were making our toilsome way
across the desert. For two days we had moved on
without interruption, keeping scouts out as usual on
either side to give notice should any Indians approach.
Reuben and I, and other young men, performed that
necessary duty for several hours each day.
Early in the morning of the second day we caught
sight in the distance of a couple of horsemen with
long spears in their hands. They galloped towards
us, apparently to ascertain who we were ; then,
wheeling round, they quickly disappeared, and
though we were on the watch we saw no more of
them. When we halted at noon, we of course re-
porLod the circumstance. As it showed that Redskins
were in the neighbourhood, several more men were
told off" to act as scouts, with orders to retreat towards
" INDIANS ! INDIANS ! "
313
:es. My
1. Tliey
retreat
is to give
vould be
or even
let, with
them at
firearms
•ows and
LS agreed
5 greatly
ime way
lOved on
usual on
pproach.
ned that
e caught
hen witli
towards
then,
sd, and
I more of
lurse re-
Ledskins
in were
towards
tlie train the moment they might see any Indians,
whether few or many.
Reuben, Mike, and I were advancing as I have
described, somewhat ahead of the train, when towards
evening we entered a valley, the hills sloping away
on cither side of it. At the further end we expected
to find a stream, at the side of which we could
encamp.
I was leading, Mike was next to me, and
Reuben was nearest tlic train. The ground I was
traversing was somewhat rough, and I was leaping
from one rock to another, when I fell and sprained
my ankJe. Just as I got up — l)eing then on liigher
ground than my companions, and liaving a more
extensive view — I saw a large band of horsemen
approaching at full gallop. I knew at once that they
were Redskins.
" Indians ! Indians 1" I shrieked out to Mike. " Tell
Reuben to run and let our friends know that the
enemy are upon us."
Mike shouted at the top of his voice, as I had
desired him. I saw Reuben set off, and Mike follow-
ing him. Presently Mike stopped and looked back
to see what had become of me. I endeavoured to
run, but found it impossible to move. Before I had
made a second step, I sank to the ground.
" Sure, you are not coming, Masther Roger," cried
Mike, on seeing me fall.
The pain I endured prevented ine speaking.
Mike rushed back towards me, crying out all the
time, "Come along! come along!" But move I could
not.
314
OUIl TRAIN ATTACKED.
He was still at some distance from me, when,
looking round, I saw tliat the Indians were rapidly
approaching. I made signs to him to save himself,
but he either did not, or would not, understand them.
" Go back ! go back ! " I at length cried out.
" Arrah ! and sure, not till I've got you on me
back," he answered, still making his way towards me.
I felt very certain that, witli me to carry, he could
not possibl}'- reach the train before the Indians would
be up with us, and lie could scarcely have failed to
know this.
"Cling to me back, Masther Roger, and I'll show
the Ridskins how a bog-trotter can get over the
ground;" and stooping down, he seized my arms and
threw me on his back. " Now, here we go!" he cried
out, and began leaping over the ground with as
much agility as if he had had no burden to carry.
But his efforts, as I feared they would be, were in
vain. A wild whoop sounded in my ears, and looking
back I saw upwards of a dozen Indians in their war-
paint — their feather-plumes and cloaks flying in the
air, as they galloped forward on their mustangs over
the rocky ground, sending the stones and dust flying
away from their heels. I expected every instant to
feel one of those ugly-looking spears plunged into my
back. One of the painted warriors was just about
to finish my career, when I heard a loud voice shout-
ing in an authoritative tone ; and instead of tr.ans-
fixing nie, he let the poin'i of his spear fall, then,
e>eizing me by the collar, dragged me up on his steed,
and laid me across his saddle in front of him. An-
le, when,
e rapidly
3 himself,
ind them.
>ut.
)u on me
wards me.
, he could
xns would
failed to
ITl show
over the
arms and
"he cried
with as
carry,
e, were in
id looking
iheir war-
ing in the
mgs over
|ust flying
instant to
[1 into mv
;t about
ice shout-
of tr<ins-
all, then,
|his steed,
im. An-
THE EMIGRANT-TRAIN ATTACKED BY INDIANS.
MIKE AND I CAPTURED.
317
)tliier treated Mike in tli
same manner, in spite of
his struggles to free himself I made no resistance,
knowing it was useless to do so.
Tlie two Indians who had captured us wheeled
their horses round and galloped away, and we met
crowds of other warriors galloping at full speed in
the track of the first. I got one glance round, which
enabled me to see that the enemy were close up to
the waggons, while the puffs of smoke and tlie report
of rifles showed that my friends were determined to
defend themselves. Several of the Indian saddles
were emptied in a minute, but still a whole host of
the savages appeared charging down on the train.
Whether or not Reuben had succeeded in getting
under shelter of the waggons, I could not tell. I
saw no more, for my captor galloped off with me
round the hill, and they were concealed from view,
though I could still hear the sound of tlie shots and
the shrieks and shouts of the combatants. I had no
hope of escaping with life, and believed that I was
reserved to suffer the fearful tortures to which the
Redskins so frequently subject their prisoners.
After going some distance the Indian stopped, and
lifting me up from the painful position in which I
lay, placed me behind him ; fastening me by a leather
strap round his body, and so securing my arms that
I could not move. He had previously deprived me
of my rifle, which I had hitherto held firmly in my
grasp, hoping against hope that I might have an
opportunity of using it. I saw Mike not fiir off, he
having been treated much in the same manner, though
318
THE INDIANS DEFKATED.
not witliout the assistance of another Indian, who had
accompanied the one on whose horse he was placed.
Having secured us, the Indians again galloped
forward. After going some distance, I saw that we
were approaching a more wooded region than the
one we had left, with a stream or liver running
through it; and I thought that I could distinguish
cliffs, below which the river, in part of its course,
made its way.
I could manage to turn my head, and as I did so I
fancied that I discerned another horseman coming
up behind us, with a prisoner, whom I naturally
feared was Reuben. Further ori were numerous
Indians, but whether they formed the whole of the
body which had attacked the train or not I could
not make out. If they were, I had great hopes that
the Redskins had been defeated, although they would
probably wreak their vengeance on us, their unfor-
tunate captives. Still, in either case I felt sure that
we should be put to death — though I rejoiced in the
belief that Lily and my other relatives and friends
had escaped; for as none of the Indians I had seen
had firearms, I had good reason for hoping that our
party had gained the victory. Should Mr. Sparks
prove equal to his professions, by leading them well
and taking the necessary precautions figainst sur-
prise, they might still fight their way through the
hostile territory.
My mind being relieved of anxiety about my
friends, I was able to think more about myself and
Reuben and Mike. Had we any chance of escaping ?
IN THK INDIAN CAMP.
319
^^ wlio bad
IS placed.
1 galloped
w that we
1 than the
cr running
distinguish
its course.
IS I did so I
man coming
I naturally
L-e numerous
whole of the
not I could
at hopes that
rh tbey would
[ their unfor-
Ifelt sure that
ijoiced in the
|s and friends
,s I had seen
»ing that our
^ Mr. Sparks
[ng them well
against sur-
through the
Ky about my
it myself and
of escaping ?
I Nva.s determined, at all events, to make the attempt;
and I was very sure that they would do likewise. 1
resolved, could I get near enough to Mike, to tell
him of my intention, and to advise him to keep up
his spirits ; and before long I had an opportunitj'.
" Bedad ! it's what I have been afther thinkinor
about," he answered. "I'll let young Keuben know
me thoughts, too. We've outwitted the Ridskins
once before, and, sure, we'll thry to play them
another trick."
He spoke in a tone of voice which showed that no
coward fears had overcome him.
We galloped on until we reached the wood, where
our captors dismounted, aided by the third Indian I
have mentioned. I had scarcely thought about my
foot during my ride, but when I was cast loose and
attempted to move by myself, I found that I could
not stand, and presently sank to the ground. Mike,
onlindinghimself at liberty, hurried to my assistance,
and, taking off my shoe, examined my ankle.
" It's a bad sprain," he observed ; " but maybe these
rid gintlemen will just let me get some cowld wather.
I'll bathe it and bind it up, and in the course of a
few days, or in less time than that, it will be all to
rights again."
I could only smile, not believing that I should be
allowed many days to get w^ell.
He then carried me under the shade of a tree,
against the trunk of which I reclined. The pain
rapidly went off, and I was better able to consider
our position, and the possibility of escape.
^k
CHAPTER X.
MY NPRAINEU ANKLK — MIKE'h DKVOTION — REUBEN HROUOUX TO TUB C'AM1> —
THE INDIANS BIND US TO TREES — THE DEBATE ON OUR FATE — I AM
HRLEASEU BY SANDY m'C'OLL— OLD SAMSON AGAIN — THE SECRET CAVERN
— SAMSON IS VERY KIND AND ATTENTIVE TO ME— HIS CLOSE ATTENTION
TO MY ACCOUNT OF THE MURNINO OK THE SETTLEMENT, AND THE RESCUK
OK LILY AND I WHEN CHILDREN — I llECOVKR, AND SAMSON AND I LKAVK
THE CAVERN TO RECONNOITRE — THE INDIAN MASSACRE — SANDY, RKUHKN,
AND MIKE ARE HOTLY PURSUED — OUR FORTRESS BKSIEOED--WK HOLD
OUT, AND BEAT OKK OUR HEHIEOERS — OUR START — THE ELK.
[HE Indians, instead of binding Mike, as I
expected they would do, allowed him to
come and sit by me under the tree; nar-
rowly watching him, however, though they
did not interfere with us.
" Faix, thin, Masther Roger, I don't think these
Ridskin gintlemen can be intending to do us much
harm, or they would not be afther letting us sit so
quietly by ourselves," he observed.
" I am not so confident of that, Mike," I answered.
" We must wait till the rest come up, to judge how
they will treat us ; at all events, I would advise you,
when you get the chance, to mount one of tlieir best
horses and gallop off. I am afraid that I shall be
unable to make the attempt, or I would try it."
"Why, thin, Masther Roger, would you be afther
belaving that I would go and desart you ? Even if
MIKKa DEVOTION.
321
TUB CAMP —
FATB — I A'*'
CRET CAVKRN
HK ATTENTION
D THE KKHCUK
AND I I-K.AVK,
NDY, RKIIHKN,
ED_WE HOLD
like, as I
d liim to
tree; nar-
iigU they
link these
us much
us sit so
answered,
judge how
Idvise you,
] their best
|I shall be
it.
be afther
Even if
they were to bring me a horse, and tell me to mount
and 1)6 off*, it would break mo heart intirely to think
that I had left you to their tinder mercies. Whativer
they do to you, they may do to me; and I'll stop and
share iverything with you."
" I deeply feel your generosity, Mike," I said ; " but
you might have saved yourself and got back to the
waggons, had you not attempted to carry me off, and
I therefore wish you to try and escape if you have
the opportunity."
Mike laughed and shook his head; and when I still
urged him to escape if he could, he put on that look
of stolidity which i.n Irishman so well knows how to
assume, and refused to reply to any of my remarks.
While we had been talking, the Indian I had seen
following us approached, having slowly walked his
liorse, which had apparently been lamed. I now
caught sight of the person behind him, and with
much concern recognized my friend Reuben. One of
our captors assisted him to dismount; and Reuben,
with his hands bound, was dragged forward to a short
distance from us, where he was compelled to sit down
on the ground, tlie Indians intimating by signs that
he must not move. He looked very melancholy,
evidently imagining that he was soon to be put to
death. I tried to cheer him up by telling him that
we had not been ill-treated.
" That may be," he answered ; " but I know their
treacherous nature. Depend upon it, when they all
get together, and talk over the number of their
wai'riors who have been slain, they will wreak their
(627) 21
322
GLOOMY FOREBODINGS.
m
vengeance upon us. Are you prepared to die, Roger?
We must make up our minds for that, and we may
consider ourselves fortunate if we are not scalped
and flayed first. I have often read, with very little
concern, of the dreadful tortures the Redskins inflict
on their prisoners, little dreaming that I should ever
have to suff*er the same."
" It is not wise to anticipate evil," I said. " Let us
hope for the best; and perhaps means may be off'ered
us, that we do not now think of, to make our escape."
"I don't see where the}^ can come from," he replied.
" These fellows keep too sharp a look-out on us to
give us a chance. Look there ! here come the whole
tribe of savages, and they will soon settle our fate."
He pointed as he spoke to a large number ot
horsemen galloping across the country from diff'er-
ent directions, towards us. They halted outside the
wood, and several of them appeared to be wounded;
but they did not allow themselves to exhibit any sign
of suffering. Having taken the saddles and bridles
from their horses, the greater number led them down
towards the water to drink; while six, who, from
their more ornamental dresses, appeared to be chiefs,
advanced towards us. Their principal man, or head
chief, spoke to us ; but as we could not understand
what he said, we knew that it would be useless to
reply. He then pointed to Mike and me, and ad-
dressed a few words to his companions. They nodded,
and we were led to separate trees, to which we were
bound, with our hands secured behind us in a very
unpleasant fashion.
THE DEBATE ON OUR FATE.
3^3
e, Roger?
•we may
t scalped
^ery little
ins inflict
lould ever
" Let us
be offered
ar escape."
he replied,
t on vts to
I the whole
our fate."
number ot
from differ-
lutside the
wounded ;
lit any sign
^nd bridles
;hem down
who, from
be chiefs,
,n, or head
[understand
useless to
e, and ad-
ey nodded,
!h we were
in a very
Matters now began to look more serious than at
first. Darkness was coming on, and our captors
lighted a large fire near to the spot where we were
bound, and those among them who acted the part of
cooks began dressing tlie evening meal. They then
sat down to discuss it — an operation which was soon
concluded. We in the meantime were left bound to
the trees, watching wliat was going on. After supper,
a similar fire having been lighted near where we were
bound, the principal Indians took their seats round it
and began to smoke tlieir long pipes, while, as I sus-
pected, they deliberated on our fate. They were
some little distance off, but the flames from tljc fire
cast a red glow on their figures, and enabled me to
observe the expression of the countenances of those
turned towards me, from which, with painful anxiety,
I endeavoured to learn how they were disposed
towards us. Though I could hear their voices, I
could not understand a word that was said.
After talking for some time, one of them, whose
back, however, was towards me, got up and addressed
his companions. He spoke at some length, and I
would have given nnich to know what he was saying.
His spear he held with one hand ; with the otlicr he
pointed, now to the sky, now to some unseen distant
object, now he waved it in the air. The other
Indians gazed up at his countenance, as if greatly
moved by his address ; but wlietlier he was pleading
for us or advocating our death, I could by no means
discover, ^n vain I listened to catch any words T
might understand.
324
IN Ff:ARFUL SUSPENSE.
At last he brought his address to a conclusion, and
sat down; when another slowly rose and commenced
a harangue which was equally unintelligible to me.
Still, I felt very sure that the discussion was one
on which our lives depended; and, judging from the
countenances of the Indians, ] is nearly certain
that they intended to kill us,
The next speaker was even more long-winded than
the first. I thought that he would never bring his
address to a conclusion.
A fourth man got up. His face was also turned
away from me. His action was more vehement than
tliat of his predecessors, and the tones of his voice
afforded me but very little hope of mercy from his
hands.
While ho wns speaking, another Indian, whom I had
not hitherto seen, stalked into the circle, and regard-
ing the speaker with a fixed and, as I thought, some-
what contemptuous look, sat himself down among
the others. His appearance evidently created a con-
siderable amount of astonishment, little as the natives
are accustomed to show their feelings. So soon as
the last had ceased speaking, he rose and addressed
tlie assembly. As he did so, it struck me that he
bore a atrorig resemblance to Manilick, though he
was much more gaudil}^ dressed tlian I had ever
seen that young chief
All eyes were turned towards him as he spoke, and
scarcely had he commenced when I heard a voice
whisper in my ear, ** Trust to me ! " At the same
moment I felt that the thongs which bound me were
usion, and
ommenced
ble to me.
I was one
r from the
iy certain
inded than
' bring his
lIso turned
jment than
f his voice
jy from his
vhom I had
ind regard-
loht, some-
wn among
■ited a con-
he natives
So soon as
addressed
le that he
:,hough he
had ever
Ispoke, and
rd a voice
the same
me w^ere
A FRIEND IN NEED.
325
being cut, and the next instant I was at liberty; but,
recollecting my sprained ankle, I feared that it would
not avail me. To my surprise, however, when I tried
to move I found that I could do so without much pain.
I slipped round the tree, when I felt my hand
grasped by that of my deliverer, who, discovering
that I could move but slowly, stooped down and
lifted me on his back. The darkness prevented me
from seeing who he was, but I felt convinced, from
his dress and the tone of his voice, that he was a
white man. He moved along cautiously under the
trees towards the bank of the river.
"Can you swim ?" he asked in a low voice.
" Yes — like a fish," I answered.
" Then we will take to the river at once. There
are horses waiting on the opposite side, lower down.
We can float with the current till we reach them,"
he continued.
We were not more than three or four minutes in
reaching the bank, and we at once glided in so as to
create no splash.
" Strike out towards the middle of the river," he
whispered ; " but do so as gently as possible."
I followed his directions, and found that I could
swim without any pain to my ankle.
"Now throw yourself on your back, and we will
float down with the current," he said.
We could all this time hear the voice of the Indian
addressing the assembly of warriors. So intent were
they in listening to what he was saying, that they
had evidently not discovered my escape.
326
FREE !
"Can nothing be done to save my companions ?" I
asked, thinking of the dreadful fate which might
await Reuben and Mike.
" Others will look after them," he answered. " Don't
speak, lest the water should convey your voice to the
shore."
After we had gone some distance he told me t<;
turn round again and swim, so that we might make
more progress.
" Now make for the shore," he said.
In a short time we gained a spot where the trees
grew close down to the bank. Climbing up there,
he led me through the wood. On the further side
I found a man holding three horses.
" Glad to get you out of the clutches of tlie Indians,
my son Reuben," he said.
" I am not Reuben," I answered ; " but I heartily
wish that he had escaped. I am Roger Penrose."
"Why, Sandy M'Coll, I told you to try and set
Reuben at liberty; though I am glad to see you,
Roger," said the speaker, whom I now recognized as
tlie old trapper, Samson Micklan.
" I should have been discovered if I had attempted
to reach the two others, for they were much nearer
the fire ; and, in truth, I could not distinguish one
from the other," said Sandy.
"Well, we must see what can be done to rescue
Reuben and the Irishman," said old Samson. " Our
friend Manilick promised to plead for you and Mike,
and, should he fail, to come and let me know ; and
he will, I trust, exert his influence in favour of
THE OLD TRAPPER.
327
nions ? " I
ich might
;d. "Don't
oice to the
old me U)
ight make
3 the trees
; up there,
Lirther side
he Indians,
; heartily
nrose."
y and set
see you,
ognized as
attempted
ich nearer
iguish one
to rescue
■Dn. " Our
and Mike,
now; and
favour of
:
Reuben, when lie finds that you have got off. At all
events, the Indians will not put their prisoners to
death till they get back to their lodges, and we must
try and set them at liberty before tlien. Though
they have vowed to have my hair, I fear them not,
for I have outwitted them a hundred times — and in-
tend to outwit them as many more, if I have the
chance. But we must not delay here, for when they
find that you have got away they will suspect that
you took to the river, and will scour the banks in
search of you."
Anxious as I was to save my friends, I had no
wish again to fall into the hands of the Indians. I
therefore very readily mounted one of the horses.
" If you, Samson, will go on to the cave with this
young man, I will return and try to help the others,"
said Sandy. " Maybe, while the Indians are looking
for me, they may leave them unguarded, and I may
have a chance of carrying out my object."
" That's what we'll do, then," answered old Samson.
"I needn't tell you to be cautious, because I know
that you will be so."
As he spoke, Samson threw himself on one of the
horses, and took the rein of the thiid. "We shall
better deceive the Redskins if we take this one with
us," he observed. " They may possibly discover that
it has no rider; but it will puzzle them, at all events,
if they come upon our trail, and they will be less
likely to suspect that you are watching them."
" Don't fear for me," answered Sandy. " I'll keep
my wits about me; and if the other two can make
I
328
A GALLOP FOR LIFE.
good use of their legs, we will overtake you before
long, should I manage to set them free. If I am
caught, why, I shall only suffer the fate I have often
thought would be my lot."
Saying this, Sandy again plunged into the wood
out of which we had come ; while Samson and I
galloped away across the country. It was too dark
to dis^ 'n objects at any distance, but my companion
seemed to be thorouglily acquainted with the ground.
At last I saw before me a hill, rising out of the plain.
As I got nearer, I observed that the sides and summit
in mf«i^v "la^es were covered with trees; in others,
it wsii h .^^r'^ rrid rocky. We directed our course
to\7ardb i; gixv i:\ the hillside, up which we wound
Our wf /.
"Can you \^a]k r \^:id. old Samson.
"I will try,'* I auywBi'ed, imitating his example
and dismounting — when I soon found that I could
get on better than I should have supposed possible.
He led two of the horses, while I followed with
the third; but, passing amid the trees, the animals
had to lower their heads to enable them to creep
under the boughs.
On getting out of the wood, I found that we were
proceeding up a steep zigzag path, along which
two people could not make their way abreast.
At last we reached a naiTow terrace, with a few
trees growing on it. We made our way between
them till Samson entered a cavern, the mouth of
which would admit only a horse, or, at the utmost, a
couple of persons at a time. I followed ; and having
SAMSON S FORTRESS.
329
yovL before
If I am
have often
the wood
ison and I
IS too dark
companion
the ground,
f the plain.
;nd summit
; in others,
our course
we wound
is example
at I could
possible,
owed with
:ie animals
to creep
it we were
mg which
abreast,
dth a few
between
mouth of
utmost, a
Ind having
gone through this narrow archway, Samson told me
to stop. He then, using his flint and steel, lighted a
torch, and by the flame I discovered that we were in
a large vaulted chamber. On one side there were
some rude stalls, and litter for horses; on the other,
a couple of rough bunks, and a table and some
stools, showed that it was used as a human
habitation.
" This is my home and fortress," said Samson. " I
come to it occasionally when tired of hunting; and
I always keep here a store of provisions. At the
further end is a spring of water, so that I miglit
hold it for any length of time against a host of foes.
I have never as yet been attacked, for the Indians
know that they could not attempt to drive me out
with impunity, and think it wiser to leave me and
my companion unmolested."
I asked him how he came to know tliat we had
been captured by the Indians.
"Because I witnessed with my own eyes what
happened," he answered. " I was on the hillside
overlooking the train, but had no time to warn you
of the approach of the enemy, nor could I at first hel[)
you ; but I saw you three carried off", and then made
my way here to get the assistance of Sandy, who had
remained at home, as well as the three horses."
I asked him if he thought that our friends had
escaped.
"I know that the Indians were beaten off," he
answered ; " but whether any of the emigrants were
killed or wounded, I cannot say. They contirmed
330
A VERY RIGHT SPIRIT.
their course, and must have encamped shortly after-
wards by the side of the river. They will there
have formed a strong camp, which the Indians will
not venture to attack. Their road will lead them
not far from this, when you can rejoin them, and I
will pay them a visit."
" But I could not show my face among them with-
out Reuben and Mike. I should feel as if I had
deserted my friends, without attempting to rescue
them," I said.
" A very right spirit, my lad," answered old Sam-
son ; " but you could have done nothing, and would
only have lost your life if you had made the attempt.
Sandy has a long head on his shoulders, and a brave
heart ; and if any man can circumvent the Redskins,
he can. He has a good drop of their blood in his
veins, with the brains of a white man, and knows all
their ways."
These assurances somewhat relieved my mind.
The exertions I had made, however, had brought on
the pain in my foot; and after having eaten some
food which Samson gave me, I was thankful, by his
advice, to lie down in Sandy's bunk. I slept, but
not soundly, for I fancied that I heard the voices
of the Indians consulting as to our fate; and then,
in my dreams, I saw them approaching with their
seal ping-knives to take the hair off my head. Such
being the character of my dreams, I was glad to
awake and find myself in comparative safety.
Old Samson was listening at the entrance of the
cave. He had, I found, the means of barricading it
GROWING MISFORTUNES.
331
)rtly after-
will there
idians will
lead them
liem, and I
;hem witli-
3 if I liad
to rescue
L old Sam-
and would
lie attempt.
Qd a brave
e Redskins,
ood in his
knows all
my mind.
Ibrought on
jaten some
:ful, by his
slept, but
Ithe voices
and then,
dth their
lad. Such
glad to
ice of the
leading it
with stout timbers, so that no foes could force their
way in without paying dearly for the attem] ;. 1
rose from the bunk, intending to join him, but he
told me to lie quiet. I obeyed, and was soon asleep;
and when I again awoke daylight was streaming
through the entrance. I looked round, but Samson
was not to be seen.
On attempting to get up, I found that my ankle
was much swollen, and that I could not walk. With
a groan I sank back again on the bunk, and waited
anxiously for Samson, wondering what had become
of him. The horses were still there, munching their
fodder, so he was not likely to have gone for. At
hist I saw liim at the entrance.
" Well, lad, you may get up now, and have some
breakfast," he said.
I told him that I could not walk, as I was suffering
severely from my ankle.
"That's a bad job," he observed; "I intended to
have moved away from this. There are more Red-
skins in the neighbourhood than I like, as no game
can be got while they are here."
I asked if Sandy had appeared, and brought any
tidings of Reuben and Mike.
" No," he answered ; " for the reason I have given,
they could not make their way across the country
in daylight. But that is no reason why Sandy should
not have succeeded. He may have set them at
liberty, and concealed them and himself in some
other place. There are several caves like this in
different directions, which seem to be made by nature
332
A SAGE OPINION*.
as refuges from the Indians. The only difficulty is
to get to them without being tracked, as it is always
a hard job to escape the keen eyes of the Redskins,
although the horsemen of the plains are not so clever
in tracking a foe as those who go on the war-path on
foot. That makes me hope that we shall hear of our
friends, though it may be some time hence."
These remarks of old Samson again somewhat
relieved my mind. I then asked him when he
thought that the emigrant-train would pass by ; and
whether he could manage to let me join it on
horseback, for I thought that I could ride although I
could not walk.
" I much doubt whether it will pass this way at
all," he answered. " It will either turn back, or, if
the leader is a man of judgment, he will conduct it
by a different route, further to the south. Your
uncles, Mr. Cla.xton, and their companions are brave
men, but they will not wish to encounter the savage
hordes who have assembled to stop their progress on
the road they intended taking."
I was very glad to hear this opinion from one who
was so well able to judge rightly, and I felt more
reconciled than I otherwise should have been at
remaining inactive ; for, as to moving, unless I was
placed on horseback, I knew that was impossible.
As far as I could tell, it might be many days before
I could recover, as a sprain, I was aware, is frequently
as difficult to cure as a broken bone ; still, I did not
like to keep old Samson in the cave, should he wish
to go out for the purpose of ascertaining what had
CONFINED TO THE CAVE.
333
iiiiiculty is
it is always
e Redskins,
ot so clever
rar-path on
hear of our
e."
somewhat
1 when he
Lss by; and
join it on
! although I
this way at
back, or, if
1 conduct it
uth. Your
s are brave
the savage
progress on
im one who
felt more
le been at
lless I was
[impossible,
lays before
[frequently
,1 did not
Id he wish
what had
become of Sandy. I told him tiiat I should not be at
all afraid of staying by myself, if he could manage to
close the entrance behind him.
" I have no desire to show myself on the plain, or
I should have a dozen Redskins galloping after me ;
and though I should not fear to meet twice as many,
provided I could take shelter behind some big trees,
I would rather not meet them where I should be
exposed to their arrows," he answered. " We must
make up our minds to be prisoners for some days to
come ; and keep a constant watch, too, lest they
should get upon our trail, and find their way up
here."
" But how can you manage to keep watch alone ?
You will require some sleep," I observed.
" Two or three hours are quite sufficient for me ;
and they are not likely to attack us for the first hour
or two before and after midnight," he answered. " If
they come at all during the night, it will be soon
after dark, or just before dawn. I know their ways,
and have thus been frequently enabled to get some
necessary rest, even when I knew that they were on
my trail."
"But you would surely be better for more than
two or three hours of sleep; and if you will drag my
bunk to the door, I will keep watch while you rest."
To this he would not agree. " You require all the
sleep that you can get," he said. " No enemy, either,
is able to break in on us unawares. I have made
arrangements in case of an attack, as you would
have seen, had you examined the entrance. There
334
now THE CAVE WAS FORTIFIED.
is a thick door which can be slid across it; and in
the door several loopholes, so that Sandy and I could
hold it against any number of Indians who might
manage to make their way up the hill."
From what old Samson had said, I fully expect^''
that the cave would be attacked; for I did not supp^
that the Indians, scouring the country, would fail to
observe our tracks.
The entrance was always kept closed, and we should
have been in darkness had it not been for a rude
lamp, fed by bear or deer f\it, which stood on the
table. The old hunter and his comj)anion had stored
up a large supply of dried grass for the horses, so that
it was not necessary to turn tliem out to feed. He
allowed me to sleep as much as I could, and when I
was awake he generally seemed disposed to en
into conversation. He told me many of his adveu
tures and escapes from Indians, .and appeared to like
to have me talk to him, and to hear all about my
uncles. Aunt Hannah, and Lily.
One day I began repeating to him the history
Uncle Mark had given me of his and Uncle Stephen's
arrival in America. As I went on, I saw that he was
listening with more and more interest ; and when I
described how, on reaching the village where my
parents had lived, they found it burnt to the ground,
and discovered Lily and me, and our murdered
mothers, he exclaimed, —
" Did your uncles learn the name of the little girl's
mother ? "
" No," I answered ; " she died before she had time
SAMSON S NARRATIVE.
335
it; and in
ind I could
who might
[y expect«^d
not supp^
ould fail to
il we si 1 ould
for a rude
,ood on the
L had stored
irses, so that
feed. He
and when T
ed to en
his adveu
ired to like
1 about my
the history
ie Stephen's
:hat he was
Lud when I
where my
;he ground,
murdered
little girl's
Ie had time
to utter it, and could only commit her infant to their
charge."
" Strange ! " exclaimed the old man. " I had a
daughter, my only child, living in that village; and
she, with her husband and babe, were, I had every
reason to suppose, slaughtered by the savages who
attacked the place. Yet it is possible that their
infant may be the very one your uncles saved ; but,
alas ! I can never be sure of that."
" But I think that you may have very satisfactory
proofs whetlier or not Lily is your daughter's child,"
1 answered, "for Aunt Hannah has carefully preserved
her clothing, and some ornaments which her mother
wore, and which you may be able to i^cognize."
" That I certainly should," said old Samson, " for I
had but a few days before parted from my daughter
to proceed eastward. On hearing of the massacre, I
returned; but finding the whoie village a mass of
blackened ashes, and being unable to gain any tid-
ings of the beings I loved best on earth, I had no
doubt left on my mind that they had all perished.
Having thus no one to care for, I took to the life J
have since led — which I had before only occasionally
followed, after the death of my wife and the marriage
of my daughter, for the sake of the sport it afforded
me."
From this time forward old Samson constantly
spoke about Lily; and, persuaded by his own hopes
that she was his grand-daughter, he seemed to be
fully convinced that such was the case. His anxiety
to see her, and to examine the clothes and ornaments
33G
WHEHE ARE OUR FRIENDS?
wliicli Aunt Hannah had preserved, increased every
day ; but how were we to find Lily and Aunt
Hannali ? Had our friends turned back ; or had
tliey pushed forward, fighting their way successfully
towards the fertile region to which they were bound ?
Neither he nor I could bring ourselves to contemplate
what might otherwise have happened — had they been
overwhelmed by the hordes of savages, and met the
fearful fate which had overtaken the smaller band
whose remains we had discovered ?
The old trapper went out every day to ascertain if
the Indians had moved away from the plain below
us — should he find the country open, he intended, he
said, to go in search of Sandy, and those he might
have rescued — but he as often returned with the in-
formation that the Indians still occupied the country.
I, of course, greatly hampered him, for he would not
leave me in the cavern for long together. Had he
been by himself, he could easily have stai'ted at night
and made his escape.
Gradually my ankle regained strength, and Samson
now made me get u\) and walk aliout to try it. Unwill-
ing longer to detain him, I at last declared that it was
quite well, making light of the pain I still felt when I
walked, and begged to accompany him the next time
he went out. He consented. " But you must not go
without a weapon ; and you can use it well, I know,"
he observed, as he drew a rifle from under his bunk.
He produced also a powder-horn, which I slung over
my shoulder, and a bajr of bullets. The ffreat draw-
back to our place of concealment was, that although
,sed every
and Aunt
: ; or had
iCcessfuUy
re bound ?
)ntem plate
they been
d met the
aller band
ascertain if
lain below
itended, he
} he might
ith the in-
|he country,
would not
Had he
ed at night
nd Samson
Unwill-
that it was
'el t when I
next time
ust not go
1, I know,"
his bunk.
Islung over
Ireat draw-
t althoufifh
ON THE WATCH
THE INDIANS AND THE WAGGON.
339
well hidden from the sight of those in the plain, we
had to go some distance before we could obtain a
view of the surrounding country.
Leaving the horses in the stable, and the entrance
open, we set out. Then going some distance down
the hill, we made our way through the thick wood
which covered its sides, and were just emerging into
the open space, when, through the bushes, I caught
sight of several horsemen galloping across the country.
I made a sign to my companion to keep concealed,
and crept forward on my hands and knees. As I
looked out, I discovered the object of the Indians.
A solitary waggon had just come into view, and they
were about to attack it.
I drew cautiously back, for though the Indian
warriors were probably intent on the business in hand,
their keen eyes might have detected me. I asked
Samson if we could assist the unfortunate people in
the waggon,
" I fear not," he answered. " We might kill a few
of the Redskins ; but unless the travellers possess a
number of rifles, and make a bold stand, we cannot
lielp them. We will, however, be ready to take a
part if we have opportunity."
As the horsemen approached, three rifles alone
opened fire upon them from behind the waggon.
One of their number fell, but several d.ashed for-
ward; while others, circling round, prepared to
attack the devoted emigrants from the opposi<,e
side. The afliiir, which was a short one, was dread-
ful to witness. We should, I saw well enough, lose
340
AN EXPLOSION.
our lives did we show ourselves. Indeed, before we
could have got up to the waggon, all its defenders
were killed by tlie savages surrounding it ; and we
knew too well that those inside must, according
to their cruel custom, have been put to death,
whether women or children. The Indians of the
plains have no compassion either for age or sex.
The dreadful thought occurred to me that those we
had seen slaughtered might be our own friends. It
was evident, however, from his calmness, that the
idea of such a thing had not crossed old Samson's
mind.
After plundering the waggon of everything they
considered of value, the savages set it on fire. While
it was burning, and they were still gathered round it,
a dreadful explosion took place, scattering destruction
among them. Panic-stricken, and not knowing what
might next happen, the survivors mounted their horses
and galloped off. A keg of powder, which they must
have overlooked, had probably exploded.
"They deserve their punishment," said the old
man, " and they will not come back again in a hurry ;
so we may now descend into the plain, and see if we
can learn who the unfortunate people were."
This was what I was wishing to do. We accord-
ingly left the wood and made our way down the hill,
towards the remains of the waggon. We had not
got far, however, when we caught sight of three
horsemen galloping across the plain towards us. My
companion scrutinized them narrowly.
" If they are friends, they have reason for their
OUR FRIENDS PURSUED.
341
)efore we
iefenders
; and we
according
io death,
13 of the
e or sex.
, those we
lends. It
, that the
Samson's
^ling they
[re. While
d round it,
destruction
.wing what
heir horses
they must
iid the old
linahurry;
id see if we
e.
IWe accord-
|wn the hill,
''e had not
[it of three
fds us. My
In for their
hurry; and if enemies, the sooner we get under
cover the better," he observed. " We must not now
attempt to reach the waggon. Ah ! I understand
all about it. See ! out there come a dozen or more
horsemen. They must be Indians in pursuit of the
first — who, if I mistake not, are our friends. Come
on, Roger ! they will reach the hill as soon as we do."
As he said this we retreated to the foot of the hill,
and began to climb it as rapidly as we could.
" But, if these are our friends, will they find their
way to the cave ? " I asked.
" Yes, yes ! Sandy knows it as well as I do," he
answered, without stopping.
We were just approaching the entrance of the cave,
when the war-whoops of the Indians, and their loud
cries, as they shouted to each other, reached our ears.
"They are making their way up the hill," said
Samson. " Get inside, lad, and prepare to close the
entrance when I tell you."
The loud rustling sound of persons making their
way through the brushwood was heard, and presently
Sandy, accompanied by Reuben and Mike, sprang out
from among the trees, and rushed towards the mouth
of the cavern.
" No time to be lost," sang out Sandy. " The Red-
skins are at our heels ! "
In a moment they were all three within the cave.
Old Samson was still outside, and I saw him lift his
rifle and fire. At the same moment two arrows flew
past his head — one sticking in the woodwork, the
other entering the cavern — and just then I caught
342
THE CAVERN BESIEGED.
sight of the fierce countenances onuilf-a-dozen red war-
riors who were making their way between the trees.
Their leader, sjn-inging forward tomahawk in hand,
nearly reached Samson ; when, with the agility of
a far younger man, he sprang through the opening,
and I immediately closed the door — the sharp blade
of the weapon burying itself deep in the wood.
" Now, we'll give it them ! " exclaimed Samson, as
he and Sandy opened three of the concealed loopholes,
through which we thrust the barrels of our rifles and
tired on our assailants. Their leader fell dead, shot
through the heart by Samson. Two others were
severely wounded, but numbers Avere following them,
and rushing forward with their hatchets, dealt des-
perate blows on the door.
" You may cut away pretty hard, my laddies, before
you break that in," observed Sandy, as he reloaded his
rifle. Samson and I were doing the same, and again
we fired ; but most of the Indians, knowing the time
Ave should take to do that, sprang aside, and only one
of them Avas hit.
"You Avill find two more rifles in yonder chest,"
said Samson to Reuben and Mike. " Quick ! load
them, and we'll astonish the Redskins."
While he was speaking, the blows on the door were
redoubled, and in spite of its strength it appeared
every instant as if it would give way. Samson was,
in the meantime, ramming down his charge, and
again his rifle sent forth its deadly contents. Instead
of tiring together, we now followed each other, alloAV-
ing a few seconds to elapse between each shot, thus
A RESOLUTE DEFENCE.
343
making our assailants afraid of approaching the door.
We guessed that tl.»ey were collected on either side,
where our rilies could not reach them.
In a couple of minutes or so Reuben and Mike
liad found the rifles, and loaded them.
" Now ! " said Samson, " you two and Roger fire
together ; and then Sandy and I will take your
places, and try what we can do."
We waited till the savages, losing patience, again
attacked the door with their axes, in a way which
threatened each instant to bring it down, when we
all three ran out the muzzles of our rifles and fired.
Another savage was, at all events, hit j but they had
been on the watch, and had actively sprung, some on
one side and some on the other, so that we could not
be certain what execution had been done. The
moment, however, that our rifles were withdrawn, as
many as could attack tlie door leaped forward, and
began Iiacking away with greater fury tlian before.
Scarcely had the first strokes been given when
Samson and Sandy fired into their midst, killing two
of the most determined — the bullets passing through
the bodies of the first and wounding others behind
them. Five rifles, however, were more than they
were prepared to encounter. They must have
guessed that we had increased our number, for, with
cries of rage and disappointment, they deserted the
door and got under shelter.
" Hurrah ! we have beaten them," I cried out, and
was turning to Reuben to shake hands, and to ask how
he and Mike had escaped, when Samson observed, —
344
BURNING THE DOOR.
" We must not be too sure that they will not make
another attempt, for they are up to all sorts of tricks,
and will not give in so easily."
" What ai-e they likely to do ? " I asked.
"Try to burn us out," answered Samson. "But
we must be prepare*!, and show them that five well-
handled rifles can cope with all the arrows and
hatchets among them. We do not lack ammunition,
and might stand the siege for a month or more."
Samson's surmises were correct. Though we could
not see the Indians, we heard their voices, and the
sound of chopping, and presently a bundle of fagots
was thrown down in front of the door.
" Stand ready," said Samson, " and fire, if we can
catch sight of one of them through the loopholes."
Another and another fagot followed, but as yet so
carefully had they been throw^n that we could not
get a shot. It appeared to me that they were dropped
from above. The pile was increasing, and soon rising
higher than the loopholes, prevented us from seeing
any one. Presently we heard the sound of crackling,
and the flames rapidly caught the pile.
" Close the loopholes," said Samson. " We'll keep
out the smoke as long as we can. The door is tough,
too, and will stand the flames better than our enemies
suppose."
We all stood with our rifles in our hands, ready for
any emergency.
"Should the door burn through and the cavern
fill with flames, we must rush out, lads, rather than
be stifled ; and we may be pretty sure of knocking
SAMSON S PREPARATIONS.
345
over four or five Redskins, if they stop to give us the
chance," said Samson, who had not for a moment
lost his calm manner. " It may be the smoke won't
be more than we can bear. See ! I am prepared for
everything." He pointed to a mass of woodwork,
which leant against the wall of the cavern. It was
longer than the width of the door, and of a height
which would enable us to fire over it. " This will
serve as a barricade," he said. " When the Indians
fancy that they are going to get in without difficulty,
they will find themselves stopped in a way they little
expect."
The crackling sound of the flames increased, and
thin wreaths of smoke found their way in through
the crevices between the woodwork and the rock ;
still the stout door resisted the fire, which we began
to hope might bum itself out without igniting our
defences. We could hear the voices of the Indians
outside. They were, we guessed, piling up more
fagots, as the others had burned down.
Sandy put his hand to the door. " It's getting very
hot," he said.
" Well, then," exclaimed old Samson, " we must get
our barricade ready, should the door give way, and
then crouch down behind it. The nearer we are to
the ground, the less we shall suff'er from the smoke."
We accordingly dragged the heavy piece of wood-
work from the place where it had been standing, to
the position it was to occupy, where we laid it flat
on the ground. It was at the proper moment to be
lifted up, and supported by stout pieces of timber.
34C
UNEXPECTED RESISTANCE.
serving as props, on tliu inner side. It would thus
shelter us, and prevent our enemies from entering.
The door took even longer than we had expected
to burn through ; but at last, here and there, the
forked flames were seen making their way through
it, and after this its complete destruction was rapid,
Down the upper part came with a crash, followed by
the shouts of the Indians, and a shower of arrows
— which, however, flew over our heads. No further
attempts were made to increase the pile of fagots ;
our foes supposing that their work was accomplished,
and that, even were we not suflfocated by the smoke,
we should speedily become their victims. We knew
that the Indians were not likely to rush through the
flames ; we therefore waited concealed on either side,
behind the rock, till they had somewhat subsided.
Old Samson listened eagerly for any sounds which
might indicate that the attack was about to be re-
commenced.
" Now, lads ! up with the barricade ! " he shouted
out; and with one united eflbrt we lifted it from the
ground, directly across the doorway. Scarcely was
it securely fixed before the Indians, who had not
perceived what we were about, leaped over the
burning embers and came rushing on. Our five
rifles rang out together, and as many Redskins bit
the dust. The rest found themselves stopped by the
barricade; and with the crowbars which we had used
to get it in position we struck furiously at their
heads, beating them back into the hot embers, where
several of them, stunned by our blows, were quickly
FLIGHT OF THE INDIANS.
317
v^ould thus
ntering.
d expected
there, the
ay tlirough
was rapid,
ollowed by
of arrows
No further
of fagots ;
3omplisbed,
the smoke,
We knew
hrough the
either side,
lubsided.
inds which
to be rc-
le shouted
from the
ircely was
had not
over the
Our five
dskins bit
)ed by the
had used
at their
rs, where
e quickly
suffocated, or burned to death. The remainder,
believing success hopeless, fled from the spot, and
made their way down the hill to where they had left
their liorses. On this we dashed out and followed
them, picking off several more. We should have
pursued them further, had not their numbers made it
prudent for us to remain under shelter of the wood.
On reaching their steeds they mounted and galloped
off. In their haste to attack us, they had not taken
the trouble to destroy the horses which Sandy, Reuben,
and Mike had ridden, and which were grazing at a
little distance. Having caught them without much
difficulty, we returned with tliem to the cave.
" This will no longer be a secure hiding-place for
us," observed Samson, " for the Indians arc sure ere
long to come back and attempt to revenge themselves.
They will watch day after day for weeks together,
till they see some of us go out in search of game; and
they will then manage to get between us and the
cave, so as to cut us off. I can pretty well guess the
sort of tricks they will trj^^ to play us ; and it is not
always easy to circumvent them."
Samson's advice was not to be despised. The
Indians, however, were not likely to come back that
day, so that we might take some hours' rest before
preparing for our departure — our wish being to try
and ascertain the course followed by the emigrant-
train, which we would then endeavour to overtake.
This, as we had horses, we might hope to do in the
course of a week or ten days, even supposing that it
had pushed forward without any stoppages.
348
QUITTING THE FORTRESS.
With such ammunition and provisions as wo could
carry, we started on our journey just after the sun
had gone down, as Samson thought it prudent to get
some distance ahead during the hours of darkness, so
that, should our enemies be on the look-out for us,
we might escape unobserved.
Well armed and well mounted as we were, we did
not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows
and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on
the road. Our chief danger would lie in being at-
tjicked while encamped at night. To guard as much
as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of
access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with .1
few trees which might aftbrd us shelter, without con-
cealing the approach of our foes ; or else we threw
up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which
we could be protected from the arrows of our assail-
ants. The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at
making arrangements of this kind, and were never
at a loss. Of course, one of the party, or sometimes
two, kept guard ; our horses being hobbled near, as
we always chose localities where there was an
abundance of grass. We could thus, in case of alarm,
immediately bring them in under such protection as
we had formed for ourselves. They, of course, rar
greater risk of being shot than we did, but tl
not be helped.
I had naturally been curious to know how KeubrM
and Mike had escaped from the Indians. Reuben
told me that he had given himself up for lost when
he heard the chiefs discussing, as he supposed, what
HOW MY FRIENDS WERE RESCUED.
349
1 \vc could
r the sun
ent to get
Li'kness, 8o
ut for us,
re, we did
y of bows
while on
being at-
d as much
difficult of
m, with .1
thout con-
we threw
ind which
ur assail-
adepts at
ere never
ometimes
near, as
was an
of alarm,
section as
rse, rar
1
V Keubon
Reuben
ost when
ed, what
they should do with us. Each in succession made a
long speech, becoming more vehement as they pro-
ceeded. He fully expected to be flayed alive, or
roasted over a slow flre, or shot to death with arrows
aimed so as to avoid vital parts. He had not lecog-
nized Manilick, and was therefore not aware that we
had a friend in the council. The warriors at last
ceased speaking, when he saw one approaching with
uplifted tomahawk, which he fully expected would
be buried in his brain. What was his surprise to
find, instead, the thongs which bound him severed,
and to feel himself at liberty! He stood for a moment
or two irresolute, not knowing what to do.
"Run! my friend, run!" said the Indian; "make
for the river, and you will escape."
He was not slow to obey the command, but before
doing so he looked wistfully at Mike, whose bonds were
also cut, ns his had been, and by the same friendly
Indian. Mike immediately started off with him, but
they had not got far when they met Sandy, who
had been on the watch for them; and all three
slipping noiselessly into the stream, swam across it.
On landing, Sandy led them on foot at a rapid pace
to a rocky hill some five or six miles away from the
river. Having proceeded along it, the nature of the
ground being such that even an Indian could not
discover their trail, Sandy led them to a cave very
similar to the one we had occupied. Here, he assured
theni, they would run little risk of being discovered.
Sa y supplied them with game, and finally succeeded
i tting possession of three horses, which he man-
350
OUR JOURNEY WESTWARD.
aged to carry ofi* from the Indians. He did not call
it "stealing " them, observing that they had all doubt-
less been taken from white men. On these they had
finally made their escape and joined us, though, as
we had seen, hotly pursued.
I asked Reuben if he liked the sort of life we were
leadinfj.
"I sliall be very thankful to find myself safe in
some settlement where the war-whoops of the Indians
are not likely to be heard," he answered. "I u^-'ed to
like to hear about such adventures as we are ffoinff
through, but I confess that I consider them very un-
j)lcasant realities."
I was very much inclined to agree with Reuben.
One thing, however, was certain — for the present we
must make u\) our minds to go through whatever
came in our way.
Day after day we travelled on, encamping as I
have j^i'eviously described at night, or sometimes
pushing .orward during ihe hours of darkness and
halting in the day-time. By doing this we saved
ourselves the hibour of ftjrminix <lefences. as we could
in a moment mount and be in readiness to encounter
a fo3. We had, however, greatly exhausted our stock
of provisions, and it became necessary to look after
game with which to replenish our store. This we
had hitherto avoided doing, as when hunting we
should of necessity be separated, and if discovered by
enemies we might be cut <>ft' in detail. We agreed,
[1 not call
all doubt-
they had
liough, as
i we were
slf safe in
le Indians
' I nsed to
are going
I very un-
ii Reuben.
present we
whatever
)ing as I
sometimes
:ness and
we saved
we could
sncounter
lour
stock
)ok after
This we
iting we
kvered by
agreed,
A MAGNIFICENT DEER.
351
at List, that hunt we must; for we had all been on a
very slender allowance of food, and were beginning
to feel the pangs of hunger. Our horses, too, from
being constantly on the move, now showed signs of
fatigue. We accordingly halted earlier than usual
one day, on the side of a tree-covered knoll, from
which we could obtain a good look-out over the sur-
rounding country. Here we resolved to remain for a
couple of days, for, having seen no signs of Indians,
we hoped to be unmolested. After putting up the
framework of a lean-to, to afford us shelter at night,
we ate the remainder of our provisions; and while
Sandy took the horses down to a stream whicii
flowed below us, we lay down to rest, keeping our
rifles by our sides.
I had been dreaming of venison, and buffalo humps,
and other prairie luxuries, when I heard Reuben
whisper,—
" See ! Roger, see ! There's a magnificent deer
within easy shot."
I instinctively rose to my knees, with my rifle in
my hand, and levelled it at the animal. It was a
fine elk, as I knew by the thick brancliy horns. At
the same moment old Samson sat up. Reuben, know-
ing that he was not so good a shot as I was, did not
attemj^t to fire. I felt somewhat nervous lest I might
miss, though old Samson was not likely to let the
deer escape even if I did so. I pulk'il the trigger,
however, and the deer, giving one bound from the
earth, fell over, shot through the heart. The sound
awok'^ Mike, and we all rushed down to take posses-
352
AGAIN ON THE MARCH.
sion of our prize. We very quickly cut it up, and
shouldering the better portions, carried them to our
encampment. Here we soon had a fire blazing, and
some rich steaks before it.
Though we had now obtained sufficient food to last
us for some days, yet we remained for the time we
had determined on, in order to dry the venison, so
that we might cure it, and prevent its becoming unfit
for use. We were fortunate in killing another deer
almost in sight of our camp; so, with renewed strength
after our long rest, we again set out, hoping before
long to gain tidings of our friends, whom Samson
still persisted in believing were ahead of us. I had
my doubts on the subject, but felt that I ought to
yield to his better judgment.
it up, and
3m to our
izing, and
)od to last
e time we
enison, so
ning unfit
3th er deer
d strength
ine: before
n Samson
js. I had
L ought to
H
m
•0
H
Z
o
V
N
pi
HiZllalTiilli'lul^'
CHAPTER XT.
SAMSON-'S AKVU'K A BIUJT MM Kt'A r.O-II UVTI NO - I SKK BITI'PALn IN Til K HIS
TAN'CE- OVKKTAKEN BV A TKIUlIFir' STnltM BKNIdlirKD UN THK I'l.AIN —
IIIINdKB-sTltlCKKN, I AM.«)W MV IKiKSK TO TAKK HIS OWN WAY- I MWOON
AWAY — TlIK Si'ANIAItKS KINii M K t>AKI,U, THK (lOOK THK PHA'IUK ON
PIKE— INDIANS AriMtoAI'IIINIt, I HASH THKllIUIIl TlIK PLAMES- II V POOIl
IIOUSK IS KKKIHTFll.l.V SCoHCIIKD THE WOI.VKS IN riKSI'IT I TVKK
ItKFrOE IN A THEE— MY IIIlKSE IS DEVOIKKD BY TlIK WOI.VKS THK
WOLVES DKPAKT IN CHASK OK BUFFALO -I DESCENK, AN1> E\T THK
LOATHSOME WOLF-KLESII IN MY HI NtIKU- I.KIHTINO A FIUE, I CAMP lOE
THE NIUHT^8HOOTIN»J A BEAVEll.
'N vain we searched for the trail of our frioiuls.
We ouglit to have caught tlioiii up ]>y tliis
time, even Samson acknowledged, unless
they had ])ushed on more rai)idly than ox-
trains generally travel.
Our j»rovisions again ran short, and it was neces-
sary to rei)lenish our larder. Tliougli we saw deer
in the distance, they scented us, and we could not
get up to them ; but we were in the region where
buHalo might be found, and we hoped to fall iii with
a herd. I had gained experience, when with the
Indians, in hunting these creatures, and both Samson
and Sandy were well ac(iuainted with their habits,
but Reuben had never even seen them. Hunger,
however, compelled us to follow a course on which
we should n(»t otherwise have ventured.
356
8AMS0N S ADVICE TO REUBEN.
Old Samson advised our inexperienced companion
how to act.
" One thing remember, ray boy — do not shoot any
of us," he observed; "and take care that the buffalo
do not run their horns into you or your horse. The
chances are that it is better acquainted with the
habits of the buffalo than you are, so let it have its
own way. It will generally manage to carry you
out of danger, if you give it the rein. Don't fire
till you can aim at the animal's shoulder or chest;
and the moment you fire, load again. Pour in the
powder, and drop the b<all after it ; you ought to be
able to do so at full gallop. If you fancy you can
manage this, you may try your hand, should you get
near any buffalo; otherwise, just keep out of their
way. If you manage to sight any, bring me word.
A single fat cow is all we want, but they are harder
to get up to than the bulls."
I saw that Reuben was not very confident of his
skill. He therefore imdertook to act as a scout,
keeping an eye on Samson's movements. Sandy
and I agreed to ride to some distance : he was to go
to the north, I to the south ; and we were afterwards
to meet under a hill we saw in the distance. In case
of the appearance of Indians, we were immediately to
try and reunite.
These arrangements being made, I galloped off in
the direction proposed. I had ridden for some
time, when, on mounting a slight elevation, I saw
afar off a number of black dots sprinkling the plain,
and knew that they must be buffalo, though I was
ompanion
shoot any
he buffalo
)r9e. The
with the
t have its
carry you
Don't fii'e
or chest;
)ur in the
ight to be
y you can
Id you get
it of their
me word,
are harder
nt of his
IS a scout,
ts. Sandy
was to go
fterwards
In case
idiately to
)ed off in
for some
)n, I saw
I the plain,
igh T was
BUFFALO IN THE DISTANCE.
367
unable to determine in what direction they were
heading. I therefore galloped on in order to
ascertain this point, as it was necessary to do so
before returning to inform Samson of my discovery.
On descending to the lower ground they were lost
to view; but I hoped, by moving forward, again to
catch sight of them. On I galloped, without observ-
ing the sudden change which had taken place in the
weather, so eager was I to get up with the buffalo.
Not till I had gone much further than I had sup-
posed necessary, did I begin to suspect that, instead
of feeding, as I had at first fancied, they were
going at full rate, and that I must push my horse at
his utmost speed to come up with them ; still I did
not like the idea of allowing them to escape me,
without ascertaining whereabouts they were to be
found. I forgot at the moment that all I had to do
was to come upon their trail, and tliat we could then
easily follow them up, however far they might go.
On I went, however, looking out for some higher
ground, from which I might again catch sight of
them and mark their course. Eager in the pursuit
of the animals, I did not notice how time went by,
or how far I was going, and thought not of the
danger to which I should be exposed if I encoun-
tered hostile Indians, nor of the difficulty I might
experience in regaining my companions.
I believed that I was pushing due south, but it
did not occur to rae that I was running any risk of
losing myself. Once again I caught sight of the
buffalo; but though I had gained on them, they were
358
OVERTAKEN BV A STORM.
still a long way off'. I know, therefore, that they
must be moving rapidly; but yet I wished to get
nearer to them, and if possible to kill one of the rear
of the herd, and return with the meat, in case my
friends should have been less successful. Being also
desperately hungry, I contem])lated eating a slice,
even though I might not have litne to cook it first.
I had, of course, flint and steel, and should not have
been long in lighting a fire.
I was first made aware of the storm which had for
some thne been brewing, by a bright flash of light-
ning which almost blinded me, followed quickly by a
rattling peal of thunder; making my horse give a
start, which, had I not had a firm hold of the saddle
with my knees, would have unseated me. Another
and still brighter fiash was quickly followed by a yet
louder peal. My horse stood still, trembling violently,
and afraid to move. In a wonderfully short time
the whole sky was overcast with a dense mass of
black clouds ; and then, after a succession of almost
blinding flashes of lightning and terrific peals of
thunder, down came the rain in torrents, completely
concealing from view all objects at a distance.
Had I remained perfectly still, I might have ascer-
tained the direction in which I was going, but when
I attempted to make my horse move on he wheeled
round and round, and the rain quickly obliterated
the track I had previously made. I was thus utterly
unable to determine what course to pursue. There
was no wind, even, to guide me, and the rain came
down perpendicularly, so that I was in a few minutes
UKNIGHTED ON TIIR PUAIRIE.
359
wet to the skin. I tliouglit tliut porli.aps my horse's
instinct would lead him back to his equine associates;
or, if he was an old butl'alo-hunter, that he might
follow the trail of the herd we had been pursuing.
I was anxious to obtain both food and shelter. If
I could overtake the buffalo, I might satisfy the
cravings of hunger; but how to find shelter, was a
more difficult point to settle. I therefore gave my
steed the rein, and for some time he went in what I
supposed was a straight course. Again, however, the
lightning burst forth, with even more fearful flashes
than before, while the thunder rattled like peals of
artillery fired close to my eai-s. My steed again stood
stock-still; and when I attempted to urge him on, he,
as before, wheeled round and round. Every moment
I expected to be struck by the lightning, which,
coming down from the clouds in forked flashes, ran
hissing over the ground like fiery serpents.
I was aware, from the time I had been out, that
evening must be approaching, but, more suddenly
than I hjid calculated on, darkness came down upon
mt, i.nd I found myself benighted on the open plain,
without the slightest means of guiding my course.
Still, I might perish if I remained where I was, so
I thought that the best thing I could do was to
move on, if I could get my horse to carry me. The
thunderstorm, however, continued to rage with un-
abated fury, and while it lasted I could not induce
my steed to move. I got off and tried to lead him,
but he plunged so much that I was afraid ha would
break away, so I therefore mounted again. He went
3eo
lost!
on at first slowly, but suddenly, for what reason I
could not tell, he broke into a galloj), and with all my
efforts I was unable to check him. The darkness, too,
prevented me from seeing the features of the country,
and I was thus utterly unable to ascertain in what
direction I was going.
All night long he continue^' , sometimes stopping
to regain breath, and tlien going on again, in spite
of the thunder and lightning. Tlie rain had ceased,
and the water gradually drained out of my clothes,
but I felt very damp and uncomfortable.
At last dawn broke, and the storm gradually died
away, but not a gleam of ruddy light indicated in
what direction the sun was to be found. Although
not thirsty, I was suffering greatly from the pangs of
hunger, and felt myself growing weaker and weaker.
The appearance of the country was strange, and I
could not discern any object which could enable me
to determine what course ray horse had taken.
Although I could not obtain food for myself, I got
off, and loosening the bridle, allowed my steed to
crop the gi*ass, in order that he might recruit his
strejigth; for my life would depend, I knew, on his
being able to carry me back to my companions, or to
go in chase of game. After he had fed for a couple
of hours I again mounted and let him go on, when he
at once took the course he had before been pursuing.
I looked about on every side, in the hope of seeing
some bird or animal that I might shoot. The small-
est would have been w^elcome, but neither large nor
small appeared. I was now becoming very faint;
t reason I
dth all my
rkness, too,
le country,
in in what
3S stopping
in, in spite
had ceased,
my clothes,
,dually died
ndicated in
Although
:he pangs of
md weaker.
mge, and I
enable me
.ken.
|yself, I got
ly steed to
recruit his
lCW, on his
ions, or to
[or a couple
in, when he
pursuing,
le of seeing
IXhe small-
large nor
ery faint;
HESCUKD IJY .SrANIAUr)S.
3G3
wliilo my lioad felt gi<l»ly Jiiul my eyes dim. I en-
deavoured to rouse myselt', but in vain. Trying to
st{ind up in my stirrups to look round, I t'aneied
[ saw before me a wood. Could I but reaeh it, I
might shoot a bird or s([uirrel, or some other of its
i)dial)itants.
Another evening was a])|)roaehing, as I caleulated,
when I neared the wood. I have a faint reeollee-
tion of reaehing it; then, utterly exhausted, I felt
myself slip from the saddle. I disengaged my foot,
and was aware that I had reached the ground, on
which I stretched myself, trying to hold the rein in
my hand. The next instant I must have swooned
There I lay, utterly unable to help myself — my faith-
ful horse standing over me.
How long I had thus lain, I cannot say. Certain
it is that, })rovidentially, no wild beasts came near
me, or I should have become an easy prey. When
I returned to semi-consciousness, I found several
people standing round me, one of whom had poured
some brandy down my throat, while others were
rubbing my feet and hands. I again closed my eyes,
unable to make out who the strangers were. They
gave me, I believe, more brandy, diluted with water,
and then some broth, the effect of which was that I
speedily regained a little strength.
In half an hour I was able to sit up. I then <lis-
covered that the Samaritans who had relieved me
were Spaniards, who, having encamped under shelter
of the wood, had, while in search of game for break-
fast, discovered me at early dav;n. When I was
^u
PABLO THE COOK.
sufiiciently recovered, they moved me to their camp,
where they intended remain inf( for a day to dry tlieir
clothes and packages, which liad been saturated by
the rain. They formed a large party, bound across
the continent with goods for traffic ; for only a strong
body of v;cll-armed men could venture to travel, with
the certainty of meeting bands of Iiostile Indians,
who would be restrained from attacking so foJinidable
a force through dread of their rifles.
The day's rest, and the careful treatment I received
from the Spaniards, fpiickly restored my strength.
T'.cy had all been in the States, and con.secpiently
many of them could speak English ; but I had no
wish to live long amongst them, for, though kind
to me, numy of them were fierce, desperate char-
acters, long accusfomed to savage warfare with the
Indians, and held life at a remarkably cheap rate.
The one who was especially attentive to me was
old Pablo, — who acted as cook, — and he was con-
stantly bringing me the most delicate messes he could
concoct.
By the time they were ready to start I was well
able to sit my hor.se. The (pie.stion now wjus, In wfiiat
direction should I proceed ? They assured me that,
were 1 to attem})t to make my way back to my
friends, I should certainly be cut off by the Indians,
who were tracking their footstep.s, looking out for
stragglei*H, and ready to j^ounce down upon them
should they be found unprepared. They advised
me to accompany them, and afterwards to try and
make my way northward with any party of white
AN ESPECIAL AVERSION.
365
their camp,
,0 dry their
turated by
>und across
ily a strong
travel, with
lie Indians,
) formidable
t I received
ly strength,
onseqnently
it I had no
hough kind
)er}ite char-
re with the
cheap rate.
to me was
le was con-
ses he could
I was well
'JUS, In what
led me that,
^ack to my
t,he Indians,
liner out for
[upon them
>ey advised
I to try and
by of white
trappers or hunters who might be going in that
direction.
Pablo strongly urged me to take this course. He
had his reasons, he said, for wishing to go to the
northward, and w^ould accompany me. Though his
appearance was not attractive, — for he looked more
like an old Jew pedlar than a son of the prairies, as
he called himself, — I had confidence in him. I should
have said that my now friends were accompanied by
a small party of Indians, who acted as guides. To
these people Pablo had an especial aversion, the
cause of which he did not divulge to me ; but I
believe that his rea.son for wishing to quit the party
was to get away from the Indians.
The Spaniards remaine<l a day longer than they
intended; but we started at dawn, and made con-
siderable progress during the cooler hour, of the
morninf'. The sun then came out with witheririfr
heat, and the air appeared to me to be unusually op-
pressive; wliilo, notwithstanding the rain, the grass
rapidly became as dry as before. A brown hue per-
vaded the landscape.
We halted at night by tlic side of a stream, which,
though very small, n Horded water for our horses. By
this time I felt (piite myself again, and capable for
any exertion.
The next day, about noon, I observed the Indian
chief, who acted as our principal gui<h', standing up
in his stirrups and looking anxiously towards the
south-west. He exchanired some words with our
white lejider ; but still they advanced.
3G6
THE PRAIRIE ON FIRE.
%
I now noticed a long thin line of what appeared
like mist rising above the horizon, but rapidly increas-
injr in heiffht and extending: on either hand. Tlie
rest of the party also began to look anxious. I re-
membered the ajipearance of the prairie fire from
which I had before so narrowly escaped, and I now
became convinced that we were about to encounter
a similar danger.
Ti»e clouds of smoke rose hiofher and hiijher, and
extended further botli east and west. Here and
there, liowever, there were ga})s, and our leaders
seemed to consider it possible that we might make
our way through them. At all events, we continued
to advance.
The Sj.aniards Ijegan to talk vehemently to each
other, ev' lently not liking the a])})earance of things.
The gaps, towards the broadest of which vv^e had
been directing our coui-se, now began to close up, and
presently a number of deer came scampering by, only
turning slightly aside to avoid us. Whole herds
followed — their instinct telling them it was time
to Uiake their escap(^ from that region. Our 1 •! lors
thouglit likewise; so, turning our horses, we galloped
back in the direction from whence we had come.
The wliole party had been riding in somewhat less
compact order than usual, and they mnv became widely
scattered. I was on the extreme right, and ahead of
most of them. Pablo was near me. I urged on my
steed to its utmost speed, for I knew liow rapidly the
fire would spread over the tall, diy grass through
winch we had passed. Before us was what, in the
it appeared
Uy increas-
liaml The
ious. I re-
e fire from
and I now
encounter
higher, and
Here and
our leaders
mitdit make
vc continued
ntly to each
ice of things.
lich we had
ose up, and
ng hy, only
kVhole herds
wa,s time
Our 1 "' lers
wo galloped
.1 come,
nowhat less
came wi<lely
iiid ahead of
irged on my
r rapidly the
•ass through
what, in the
)i
PURSUED BY THE FLAMES.
367
winter season, would have been a marsh. It was
now mostly solid, and here the grass grew even more
luxuriantly than in other places. By keeping to the
right, I avoided it.
In our rear I heard a thundering sound, intermixed
with loud belloving, and glancing round for a moment
I caught sight of a herd of buffalo, which, mad with
fright, were dashing on to escape the flames, the
crackling and hissing sound of which, I fancied, could
now be heard. Another glance showed me the horse
of the chief plunging in the marsh, and the frantic
herd bearing down directly upon him and several of
the Spaniards, who, it seemed to me, must inevitaVjly
be overwhelmed; but I had to take care of myself,
though I would gladly have gone to their assistance
had I been able to do so. Recollecting how Mike and
I had before escaped, I kept veiging more and more
to the right, where the country was higher, and the
grass woidd, I knew, though equally dry, be juuch
shorter. The fire too, in that direction, seemed to bo
advancing much more slowly than it was behind us.
I therefore shouted to Pablo to follo.v me, but was
uncertain whether lie hoard my voice.
I at lengtli lo:*'t sight of my com}i:inions, but as I
without ditficulty kept well ahead of the fiamos, I
was satisfied that 1 had followed the wisest coui-so.
On lookinjr round I saw a number of animals
followinf; me : str.aj'fjlin;!: buffalo, door of sevrral
descriptions, wolves, and many smaller quadrupo<ls.
It ^^^'ould not <lo, however, to stop {'or a mon>oiit; so I
jMislicd on as fast as my horse could go, and a^Vr
3G8
HOSTILE INDIANS.
galloping several miles I was satisfied that I had
gained considerably on the fire.
Looking to the right, it appeared to me that I
might double on it, as it seemed not to be extending
in that direction. I was therefore about to change
my course with that object, when I saw scampering
along the plain a band of Indians, who, I guessed,
from the tall plumes on their heads, their long spears,
and general appearance, were on the war-path, and
would not hesitate to take the scalp of a white man
for the sake of adding to their trophies. Were I to
continue as I had been going, I should ride almost
into their midst. Of one thing, however, I felt sure
— they would not willingly advance nearer the ap-
proaching fire.
They soon espied me, and several detached them-
selves from the main body and galloj^ed forward.
Should they come near me, my fate, I felt sure, would
bo sealed. I had not a moment to deliberate. I would
rather /ush through the flames than trust myself to
their tender mercies ; so, turning my horse's head, I
galloped back towards the advancing fire. Directly
in front of me was a spot where the flames reached
to a much less height than in other places, and the
belt of fire seemed also much narrower. Unstrapping
the blanket I carried on my saddle, with desperate
energy I tore oft* a broad strip and fastened it over
my horse's eyes. The larger portion 1 threw over
my own head, fastening the onds round my body.
Before I had finished this operation I heard the
wild whoops of the Indians directly behind me.
TllUOUai'i THK FLAMKS.
369
tmt I liad
me that I
1 extending
to change
scampering
I guessed,
long spears,
r-path, and
t white man
Were I to
ride almost
r, I felt sure
aver the ap-
achcd them-
|:>ed forward,
sure, would
,te. I would
ist myself to
.rse'a head, I
e. Directly
[mes reached
ces, and the
Unstrapping
th desperate
lencd it over
threw over
my body.
I heard the
behind me.
Tightening the rein, I dug my heels into my horse's
Hanks and urged him forward, steering him Ixitween
the numberless animals escaping from the fire. My
poor horse knew not where he was going. I waited
till the smoke began to curl round my head, then
drawing the blanket over my face and chest, in total
darkness I dashed forward into the midst of the
flames. The lieat was intense, and I felt that my
boots were scorching, but the blanket kept the
smoke from my mouth and nostrils, and I was able,
though with difficulty, to breathe. I could feel the
flames round me, and hear their crackling sound, so
my only hope of safety depended on my horse keep-
ing his legs. Should he fall, I must be destroyed.
He kept up wonderfully, and at length I knew
that the worst was past. I threw the blanket from
my head, for I had begun to fear that I should be
suttbcated. I was able to draw a free breatli, though
the ail' was full of smoke. I had })assed safely through
the tire, but my clothes were scorched, and my poor
steed was fearfull}- burnt. Tlie ground, too, over
which T was passing was still strewed with smoulder-
ing embei's, which Mjy horse's hoofs threw r.p behind
him at every stej).
The tire went rolling on. As 1 looked down my
poor steed's neck and shoulders, 1 saw that the hair
had been completely singed otf. A plunge in cold
watei-, therefore, could alone restore him. A droau-
lul thirst, besides, ha<l seized me. I knew by the
course the Are had taken, that away to the eastward
I should And a broad stream or marsh. I therefore
(027 1 24
370
ATTACKED BY WOLVES.
rode towards it, and tlie instinct of my steed showed
him that I was proceeding to where lie could obtain
relief from his sufferings.
After galloping along for some distance, having to
hold him up with all the strength I could muster, I
saw before me the bright water shining between the
scorched trees. As I neared it, nothing could restrain
the suffering animal. Springing down the bank, he
plunged in, carrying me with him. I had not time
to stop him ; but after a minute I got him into shal-
low water, and was able to leap off his back on to
the shore.
Scarcely had I dismounted, when a chorus of howls
saluted my ears; and looking up, I saw a score or
more of wolves, which had observed me as they were
following in the rear of the fire, according to their
custom, to feed on the carcasses of the animals whi^h
had fallen victims to the flames. Some had sprung
into the water, and were swimming towards me ;
OL. ra came along the bank. I fired at the nearest
an . knocked him ovor — the others I attacked with
my gun barrel, keeping the cowardly creatures at
bay; but their sentinels, who remained on the upper
part of the biink, were all the time uttiring the fear-
ful howls they make to summon their companions to
attack a living animal, or to feed on the carcass they
have discovered. I knew that in a few minutes I
should be surrounded by a whole army of the savage
creatures, and though I might keep a few at bay, I
should be unable to resist the numbers which would
ere long surround me.
SEEKING FOR SAFETY.
371
B(l showed
uld obtain
, having to
I muster, 1
etwoen the
ukl restrain
lie bank, he
id not time
II into shal-
back on to
,rus of liowls
Y a score or
as they were
linf to their
limals whi zh
had sprung
towards me;
t the nearest
[ttacked with
creatures at
on the upper
[ ing tlie tear-
impanions to
carcass they
w minutes I
,f the savage
:ew at bay, I
which would
My horse seemed aware of his danger. Driving
back the wolves, I reloaded my rifle, and then shout-
ing and firing at the most daring, wliile tlie howling
pack retreated I mounted and daslied forward. Tlie
wolves sprang up round my horse's legs, trying to
seize liis neck, but I beat them off; and, maddened
with terror, he galloped on, sending those his lieels
reached right and left. Scorched and suffering from
the flames though he was, he strained every muscle
to keep ahead of the yelping pack, and soon com-
pletely distanced them ; still, their horrid yelps told
me that they were continuing the pursuit. As I
looked over my shoulder I could see a long line of
fresh animals joining from all sides.
On and on we went, till we left behind the region
blackened by the fire, and I saw before me a wood
which the flames had not reached. I made for it,
hoping that the wolves would not follow; or, if they
did, then I might climb a tree, and defend my horse
with my rifle as I sat amid the branches.
I reached the wood, and discovered on the very
borders just such a tree as I desired. The poor
animal was trembling all over, and looked in a
wretched plight. My first aim was to make a fire,
through which I knew that the wolves would not
venture to pass. While engaged in collecting fuel,
their yelps again sounded in my ears, and before I
could pnxluce a flame I saw them coining on. My
only chance now was to mount the tree. Springing
on to my horse, I climbed from his b ick into the fork
of the tree, where I was out of the reach of my foes.
372
A I'UKY TO THK WOLVKS.
Tliia was the last service my faithful horse rendered
me.
On looking towards the wolves, I perceived, to
my dismay, that there were several large white
ones among them, the most savage of their tribe.
I now knew that I must abandon all hope of sav-
ing my horse. I fired at the nenrest white wolf and
knocked the creature over, but this did not avail
my poor steed, for in an instant he was surrounded
and pulled to the ground, where the dreadful brutes
quickly destroyed him. I loaded and fired, in revenge,
as fast as I could ; and though at eacii shot I killed
a wolf, it appeared in no way to diminish their
numbers, while the living lost no time in devouring
their dead companions. Directly I killed a white
wolf, the yelling brutes set upon him and tore him
to pieces.
Strange as it may seem, I felt an extraordinary
])le}isure in thus destroying the most savage animals
of those wilds; but fortunately I remembered in time
that if I continued my sport I might exhaust my
ammunition. I therefore only fired when I was
certain of bringing down one of the larger animals.
Darkness was coming on, but still the wolves
showed no inclination to take their departure. As
far as I could tell, they might starve me to death.
Not a particle of my horse was by this time left, for
they had torn even the saddle and bridle to threads,
and, excepting the wood and ironwork, had devoured
the whole.
Matters were becoming serious, for I was already
i»;
rendered
ceived, to
rge white
heir tribe,
pe of Hav-
e wolf and
[ not avail
uirrounded
dful brutes
in revenge,
lot I killed
linisb their
II devouring
cd a white
^d tore him
traordinary
[age animals
red in time
^ixhaust my
hen I was
animals,
the wolves
^arture. As
iC to death.
me left, for
to threads,
,(1 devoured
Ivas already
MASTER OF THE SITUATION.
373
desperately hungry. Could I have discovered even
a small bird or any creature in the tree, I might
have satisfied the gnawings of my stomach, and held
out longer.
At length, when I was beginning to despair of
relief, my ear wiught the same yelping, j'elling sound
which had warned me of the approach of the wolves
when I was in the river. On looking out, I saw a
couple of buffalo bulls galloi)ing across the prairie,
with a ptick of wolves on their trail. The animals
still surroundinL the tree also heard the sounds.
They looked uj) wistfully at me, making a few
desperate efforts to reach the branch on which I wa,s
seated ; but finding that all their attempts were vain,
first one stirted otl* in the direction the other pack
had taken, then another and another went away. In
a few minutes only three hungiy animals remained,
gnawing at the bones of the white wolves and some
of their own nearer relatives whom 1 had shot
These I did not fear to encounter. Killing one from
where I sat, and then reloading, I jumped down from
my perch. The brutes snarled, and one of them
made a spring at me; but I shot him, and knocked
the other over with the butt of my liHe, thereby
saving a charge of powder and lead.
Hunger induced me to cut a slice out of one of the
wolves, although it was with no jtleasant feelings that
I did so. For some minutes I gnawed away at the
unsavoury morsel, till nausea compelled me to stop.
I then set to work to collect sticks and branches, the
waning daylight scarcely affording me sufficient time
374
AGAIN SURROUNDED BY WOLVKS.
to pick up as many as I required. With those I
could obtain I liglited a fire, spreading it in a circle ;
then, satisfied that it would burn brightly for a
couple of hours, and that no wolves would venture
to break through it, I lay down to obtain the rest I
so much needed.
When I awoke, a circle of hot embers alone re-
mained. As I had a small supply of wood yet un-
consumed, I began to throw on stick after stick, to
keep up the fire as long as possible, when I again
heard that horrid yeli)ing close to me, and through
the darkness I could see the glaring eyeballs of num-
berless wolves gathering round. They dared not, how-
ever, pass the fiery boundary, and I knew that I
was safe as long as I could keep up even a slight
blaze ; still, my stock of wood wjis growing less and
less, and should a bladk gap appear in the circle, some
of the most savage might break through.
Having exhausted the last twig, I saw that I must
do something to rid myself of my foes. Seizing a
burning branch, tlie end of which remained uncon-
sumed, I waved it round and round in the faces of the
wolves, shouting at the same time at the top of my
voice. It had the effect I wished ; for, a panic seiz-
ing them, away they all scampered, leaving me once
more alone. I lost no time in springing over the fire
and collecting a sufficient quantity of wood to enable
me to keep it blazing till the morning.
The wolves did not return ; and at dawn, having
cut .some more slices from one of the wolves which I
had drawn iuside the circle, I set off, with my face to
th those 1
in a circle ;
;htly for a
lid venture
L the rest I
rs alone re-
00(1 yet un-
'ter stick, to
lien I again
find through
•alls of nun\-
'cd not, how-
cnew that I
ven a slight
ma less and
circle, some
that I must
. Seizing a
[lined uncon-
faces of the
10 top of my
a panic seiz-
linjr me once
lover the fire
[)od to enable
llawn, having
lives which I
Ih my face to
A SOLITARY JOURNKY.
375
the northward, hoping ahnost against hope that I
might fall in with some of my late companions, or
that I might find the means of supporting existence
till I could strike the trail of old Samson and my
other friends, — or the emigrant-train, should they
have got so far south. Happily I saw no more of
the wolves, and by keeping along tlio bank of the
river, which here ran north and south, I avoided the
district ravaged by the fire. Througli not falling in
with any of the Spaniards, I began to fear that they
must have perished.
The first day I fortunately shot a beaver; and
having cooked it, I made a hearty meal — stowing
away tlie rest in my wallet. That night I slept up
among the branches of a tree, which were so j)laced
that 1 had no feJir of falling down; and next morning,
greatly refreshed, I pushed forward on my solitary
journey.
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ft%
CHAPTER XII.
1 FIND POOR PABLO, AND ASSIST HIM — ROASTED SQUIRREL — PAMLO's REASON
FOR DESIRINO TO JOIN THE ENOLISH — WE STALK A BUFFALO — PABLo's
TERROR AT THE APPROACH OF INDIANS — MY SURPRISE AT BEING WEL-
COMED BY MANILICK — MIKE'S JOY AT SEEINO ME ALIVE — WE AGAIN
START IN THE DIRECTION OF THE WAOGON-TRAIN — OLD SAMSON, REUBEN,
AND SANDY NEARLY ROASTED ALIVE BY THE APACHES — QUAMBO's CARE
OF "dE fiddle "—lily's RELATIONSHIP TO OLD SAMSON— KEPKNAU
AND MANILICK — CONCLUSION.
HAD been trudging on for some hours, di-
recting my course by the sun, which shone
jbrightly from an unclouded sky, when, feel-
ing weary, I sat down to rest vmder the
shade of a tree not far from the river's
brink. Scarcely had I stretched out my legs, when
I heard a voice, in a tone of suffering, calling to me;
and going in the direction from whence it proceeded,
what was my surprise to see, among the branches of
a tree, my late companion Pablo !
" Misericordia, Senor Roger !" he cried out. " I
am starving, and too weak to get down of myself"
I climbed up and gave him some of the beaver-
flesh, which soon revived him. He told me how he
had been frightened up the tree by the wolves, and
that, having lost his gun and his flint, he had no means
of defending himself, or of lighting a fire, and should
certainly have perished had I not come to his aid.
PABLO S WISHES.
377
—Pablo's reamon
lUFFALO — PABLo'rt
E AT BEING WEI.-
.LIVE — WE AGAIN
SAMSON, REUBEN,
— QUAMBO'S CARE
AMSON— KEPENAU
le hours, di-
wliich shone
, when, feel-
,t under the
the river's
ly legs, when
lling to me;
lit proceeded,
branches of
id out. "I
)f myself."
the beaver-
me how he
wolves, and
^ad no means
and should
to his aid.
Having assisted him down, I led him towards the
river, where he quenched his thirst.
We made but little progress that day, for Pablo
was ill able to v/alk; so, having reached a spot where
we could obtain sufficient bark and wood to build a
hut and keep up a blazing fire all night, we encamped.
Leaving Pablo to finish the hut, I set off in search of
game. I brought down two black squirrels; and
I afterwards came upon several bushes of berries,
which would add a variety to our meal.
On my return to the camp, I found that Pablo had
finished all the arrangements, and we soon liad one
of the squirrels roasting before the fire.
Pablo opened his heart to me. I had been the
means, he said, of saving his life, and lie should ever
be grateful. The reason, he told me, of his being so
anxioi^s to join the English, was, that he had met
with a missionary — who proved to be no other than
our friend Martin Godfrey — and that his object,
therefore, was to live with those who held the same
opinions, for he was sure that they were the right
ones. He cared nothing for all the fatigue and danger
he might have to go through, provided that lie gained
his wishes at last.
We travelled on for several days, sometimes having
to encamp in the open prairie, where we were more
especially exposed to the risk of being attacked by
wolves, or run over by a stampede of buffalo — though
we did not trouble our heads much on that score.
Our chief risk lay in encountering any bands of hostile
Indians who might be traversing the open prairie, Jis
378
CROSSING THE PRAIRIE.
it would be scarcely possible to conceal ourselves from
them. I could only hope that, in the event of our
being seen, they would not attack two wayworn
travellers who could not injure them. Pablo, how-
ever, observed that there were some tribes who would
murder us for the sake of our scalps, so as to be able
to boast that they had killed two enemies in battle.
He had no affection for the Indians, and was inclined
to doubt whether they possessed any good qualities.
How we should have got across the wide extent of
prairie we traversed I know not, had we not been
able to stalk a buffalo, by getting well to leeward of
it, whereupon I brought it down with my rifle. Its
stomach was full of water, with which we quenched
our thirst ; and the flesh afforded us food for many
days — partly eaten fresh, and partly dried in the sun,
and turned into a coarse description of pemmican.
We were hoping soon to strike another river, where
we could obtain water. This kept up our spirits;
and we certainly needed something to do that, for
we were growing weary of our long tramp across the
open country. As may be supposed, too, we kept our
eyes about us as we walked along; for should we
espy any suspicious horsemen, our best chance of
escaping, we agreed, would be to ftill flat on the
ground, where we might be hidden by the grass.
The sun was already verging towards the west,
when Pablo, who happened at the moment to be
looking eastward, exclaimed, " Here come Indians !
here come Indians ! Down — down !"
We both dropped to the ground, hoping that we
[irselves from
event of our
^0 wayworn
Pablo, how-
es who would
as to be able
lies in battle.
[ was inclined
)od qualities,
ivide extent of
we not been
to leeward of
my rifle. Its
we quenched
■ood for many
ied in the sun,
of pemmican.
river, where
our spirits;
do that, for
,mp across the
), we kept our
or should we
est chance of
flat on the
the grass,
[rds the west,
loment to be
Jome Indians!
[ping that we
INDIANS IN SIGHT.
379
i.
seen, and that they would pass by
or the other. I could catch sight,
had not been
on one side
as I lay, of their feather, metal, and shell ornaments
glittering in the sun, and of their spear-heads with
long tufts waving in the wind. They were pushing
rapidly across the prairie; but at the distance they
still were from us I could not distinguish the tribe
or nation to which they belonged They might be
Apaches or Comanches, deadly foes; or a tribe keep-
ing up a friendly intercourse with the white men.
At first I was doubtful in what direction they were
going, but I was soon convinced that they were rid-
ing directly towards the spot where we lay, and that
our chance of escape from their eagle-eyes was small
indeed. I observed their leader at length stand up
in his stirrups and gaze around. From this I felt
nearly sure that we had been seen, and that he was
looking for us.
" We are sure to be discovered," I whispered to
Pablo. " Our wisest mode of proceeding will be to
stand up and face them boldly. It will be better to
die on our feet, than to be speared like skulking
foxes."
" Do as you think best," answered Pablo.
I immediately rose, and, with outstretched hand,
advanced towards the Indians. Their leader galloped
forward, then, greatly to my surprise, threw him-
self from his horse as he got up to me, and putting
out his own hand, took mine.
" I have been searching for you ! Don't you know
me?" he exclaimed.
380
AN UNEXPECTED ALLY.
As he spoke I recognizf d Manilick, the young
chief, Ashatea's lover.
" I happily met the friend of my tribe, Samson
Micklan, who, with his companions, are anxious
about you," he continued. " Confident of your
courage and hardihood, they would not believe that
you were lost; and they urged me to make a circuit
to the south, in the possibility of coming on your
trail. Glad I am to have fallen in with you, for I
had almost given you up as lost. Right heartily will
our aged friend rejoice that you have been found."
I thanked Manilick warmly for the interest he
had taken in me, and inquired whether the waggons
had turned back or continued their course west-
ward, and whether they had been overtaken. He
replied that Samson had discovered their trail, but,
in his search for me, he had lost so much time, that
he had not yet been able to come up with them.
As the party had several spare horses, Pablo and I
were at once provided with steeds. We then pushed
on at a quick rate, Manilick observing that he wished
to reach the camp of a friend the following day.
I inquired who the friend was.
" Kepenau," he answered. " He has, with his
whole tribe, moved westward, under my protection.
He has buried the hatchet with all mankind, and
has induced me to follow his example, provided we
are not attacked ; for should we be, even he allows
that it is both lawful and right to defend ourselves.
The good preacher, Martin Godfrey, has accompanied
him, for the purpose of instructing his people and
, the young
ribe, Samson
are anxious
3nt of your
, believe that
nake a circuit
ning on your
th you, for I
t heartily will
een found."
le interest he
f the waggons
course west-
vertaken. He
heir trail, but,
uch time, that
vith them.
s, Pablo and I
e then pushed
hat he wished
^ing day.
|ias, with his
f protection.
lankind, and
provided we
^en he allows
md ourselves.
accompanied
[s people and
TRAVELLING WITH FRIENDS.
381
mine ; and he afterwards intends to visit the Pale-
faces settled in other parts of the country."
"And has his daughter accompanied him?" I
asked, looking at the young chief.
"Yes," he answered, with a smile; "and she is
shortly to become my wife, as she is satisfied that I
am now a believer in the same faith she has long
lield. I bless the day, too, when she won me over,
though I had not before supposed it possible that I
could abandon the religion of my forefathers."
I told Manilick how glad I was to hear this, and
wished him every happiness.
We encamped that night in a wood near a stream,
which we reached just before dark. The same pre-
cautions were taken against surprise which our small
band had considered necessary; for, Manilick told me,
should the Apaches discover his trail, they would be
certain to attack him.
" However," he observed, " we have hitherto been
preserved by the Great Spirit, and we have no fear
of the result of a fight."
" Then you cannot be said altogether to have
buried the hatchet," I observed.
" We have resolved to attack no one, and the
sin will lie with those who attack us," he answered;
" while it is possible, we will avoid a quarrel, and pro-
ceed peaceably on our way."
As Manilick's party was numerous and well-armed,
they were calculated to inspire respect ; and if any
foes did approach the camp, they probably thouglit
it prudent to retire to a distance.
382
AN IRISH WELCOME.
The next morning we continued our march, and
towards evening came in sight of a thick wood. I
saw that Manilick's eagerness increased as we rode
on. We were still at some little distance from the
wood, when I observed a man with a gun in his
hand issuing from under the shelter of the trees. He
looked towards us, apparently suspicious as to who
we were. I had no doubt, from his appearance, that
he was a Paleface; and as we got still nearer to
him, to my infinite satisfaction I recognized Mike
Laffan. He knew me almost at the same moment,
and throwing up his cap, and giving vent to an Irish
shout of joy, he ran forward.
" Sure ! is it you, Masther Roger dear, alive and
well ?" he exclaimed. " It brings back joy to me
heart, for it was mighty throubled at the thoughts
that you were lost intirely."
I jumped from my horse to receive the greetings
of the honest fellow. He had, I found, overcome
with the poignancy of his feelings at the thought of
my death, been knocked up, and had remained with
Kepenau, whose camp he told me was concealed
within the wood. He led the way round to a narrow
opening, where Manilick dismounted. Proceeding
through it, we soon reached an open spot on which
Kepenau had pitched his tents. He himself was the
first person who advanced to greet us. Behind him
stood Ashatea, a lovely specimen of an Indian girl,
her countenance beaming with that intelligence which
education could alone have given her. Though she
met Manilick with a bashful reserve, I had little
AT KEPENAU S CAMP.
383
r march, and
lick wood. I
id as we rode
ance from the
a gun in his
the trees. He
ous as to who
)pearance, that
still nearer to
cognized Mike
same moment,
ent to an Irish
3 ear, alive and
>ack joy to me
,t the thoughts
the greetings
(und, overcome
[the thought of
remained with
jwas concealed
Ind to a narrow
Proceeding
1 spot on which
limself was the
Behind him
fin Indian girl,
diligence which
Though she
I had littlb
doubt that she had at length bestowed on him the
heart he sought. Still I recollected honest Reuben's
admiration. Yet I was very glad that it was so ; for,
charming as he might deem her, she was still a child
of the desert, — and one of our fair countrywomen
would, I was very sure, make liim a far more useful
and companionable wife than Ashatea would prove.
Kepenau told me that he intended to pitch his
tents in the neighbourhood of the proposed settle-
ment — remarking that he should now have no fear of
his people being seduced by the terrible " fire water "
— and that he hoped to change his skin-tents into
substantial dwellings like those of the Palefaces, and
to cultivate the ground instead of depending on the
chase for subsistence. In the meantime, however, he
and his people must hunt the buffalo and deer to
obtain support for themselves and their families; and
he was only awaiting the arrival of Manilick and his
tribe to set out with that object, as provisions were
already running short in the camp. Though I had
borne the journey, I felt too much exhausted and
weak to accompany him ; and as both Mike and Pablo
were much in the same condition, they insisted on
taking care of me and themselves without troubling
the Indians, who had plenty to do in guarding the
camp and looking after the horses.
Mike and Pablo soon became gi*eat friends; and
though I had no real authority over either of them,
they took a pleasure in serving me.
" Sit still and be aisy for once in your life, Masther
Roger," said Mike, as he brought a bundle of sticks
384
THK lirNTKKS HKTURN.
and piled them up on the fire he had lit. ** Sure,
Pablo and I can do all tlie work, without you
throublin^' yourself. There's Misthress Ashatea and
the young chief hilling and cooing at her tent-door
like two turtle-doves; and if they were to see you
moving about, maybe they'd think it necessary, out
of courtesy, to come and help you — and it would be
a pity to disturb them."
Mike's arguments prevailed, and for once in my
life, as he advised, I did sit quiet, — and very glad I
was to do so, — while I watched the Indians through
the trees making preparations for their departure.
The young chief, after a short rest, started off with
some of his best hunters in search of a herd of buffalo
which had been seen in the neighbourhood; and before
the end of the next day they returned with an ample
supply of meat. After remaining a couple of days to
dry what was not required for immediate consumj)-
tion, the camp was broken up, and we proceeded in
the direction it was said the wai^won-train had taken.
We were, however, not able to travel very much
faster than the steady-going oxen, and we therefore
had little hope of * overtaking it before it had reached
its destination.
As trails were discovered which w^ere pronounced
to be those of Apaches, I felt some anxiety lest old
Samson and his companions might have been attacked
and overpowered.
" He is too well acquainted with their ways to be
caught," observed Kepenau.
I remembered, however, the eagerness the old man
lit. " Sure,
without you
1 Ashatea and
her tent- door
re to see you
necessary, out
id it would be
r once in my
id very glad I
idians through
departure,
barted oft* with
herd of buftalo
)od; and before
with an ample
iple of days to
iate consump-
proceeded in
in had taken.
very much
we therefore
lit had reached
t'e pronounced
Ixiety lest old
[been attacked
»ir ways to be
Is the old man
AT KEPENAU'S CAMP.
I
ATTACKED BY APACHES.
387
had shown to overtake the train, in order that he
might ascertain whether Lily was, as he had hoped,
his grand-daughter ; and he might thus push forward,
when his usual prudence would have induced him to
remain concealed, or to have retreated from his foes.
We advanced like an army in an enemy's country —
with scouts ranging on oither side, so that there was
no probability of our being taken by surprise ; while
our main body was too numerous to have invited an
attack.
We had made good progress for several days, when
the sound of rifle-shots reached our ears through the
still air of a warm summer noon. Directly after-
wards the scouts came in with the intelligence that
a large number of Indians were collected in the
neighbourhood of what looked like a log-hut, on the
bank of a stream in the plain below us. We were,
at the time, approaching the edge of a plateau over
which we had been travelling. In the far distance
rose some blue hills, spurs of a still more lofty range
of mountains. It was at the foot of these hills that
the new settlement was, I understood, to be formed.
While our main body advanced slowly for the sake
of the women and children, Manilick, with a chosen
band of warriors, rode rapidly forward. He at once
expressed his opinion that a small party of white
men had taken lefuge in the hut, to defend them-
selves against the Apaches, and that it was our
duty to hasten to their relief We waited among
the trees on the upper portion of the slope, to give
time to our main body to appear just before we should
388
THE RESCUE OF OUR FRIENDS.
reach the enemy — who, finding themselves menacec
by superior nunibei's, would in all probability tak(
to flight. At the proper moment Manilick shoutec
" Forward ! " and we rapidly descended the hill.
We did not arrive a moment too soon, for th(
fire of the little garrison had begun to slacken, an(
the besiegers were preparing to scale the walls. Or
seeing us approach, and observing the large number
of armed men who at that moment reached the edge
of the height, they took to flight, and endeavoured to
make their escape to the southward. We gained a
bloodless victory, for Manilick would not allow them
to be pursued.
No sooner had the enemy retreated than the door
of the hut was thrown open, and old Samson, followed
by Reuben and Sandy, rushed out, while the hut
burst into flames — the savages having just before
set fire to it in several places.
"You have come just in time to save us from
roasting!" exclaimed the old trapper, recognizing
Manilick, but not seeing me. " We caught sight of
the Apaches bearing down upon us, and had just
time to take shelter in the hut and barricade the
doors and windows, before they reached it. They
carried off" our good steeds, but we have secured our
packs and arms."
At length catching sight of me as I rode out from
among the men, he expressed his satisfaction with a
vehemence I had never before seen him exhibit —
almost bursting into tears as he shook my hand.
" I should have grieved if you had been lost, Roger,
DS.
THE SEITLEMENT REACHED.
389
Qselves menaced
probability take
lanilick shouted
ed the hill.
)o soon, for the
I to slacken, and
ie the walls. On
he large number
reached the edge
d endeavoured to
'd. We gained a
d not allow them
bed than the door
Samson, followed
t, while the hut
Lving just before
to save us from
iper, recognizing
caught sight of
lus, and had just
|nd barricade the
sached it. They
Ihave secured our
I rode out from
itisfaction with a
him exhibit —
my hand.
been lost, Roger,
and I had had to announce the sad tidings to my
young grand-daughter; for that your Lily is my
grand-daughter, I feel as sure as I do of my own exist-
ence. I have dreamed about her every night since
you told me her history, and something tells me I
must be her grandfather. Nothing must now stop us.
Our friend Manilick will supply us with horses, and
we shall reach the settlement before nightfall. They
are all safe there long ago, for I came upon their
trail ; and they were strong enough to beat off any of
the Redskins who may have attempted to interfere
with them."
Notwithstanding Samson's eagerness, we had to
wait till the main body came up, when, horses having
been supplied to my three friends, they, with Mike
and I, and six of Mauilick's tribe, set forward at a
rapid rate in the direction of the new settlement.
The sun had not yet set when we saw before us, on
the banks of a clear stream backed by a wood, some
white tents, and the canvas covers of a number of
waggons. My heart began to beat with the antici-
pation of once more meeting Lily, my uncles and
aunt, and other friends. As we approached the bank
we were observed by the inhabitants, who at once
assembled, rushing from all quarters with arms in
their hands. On our drawing still nearer, however,
they recognized us, and coming down to the water,
pushed off on a largo raft, which they propelled with
long poles to the side on which we stood.
The first to spring on shore was Uncle Mark. He
received Reuben, Mike, and me as people risen from
390
WARM GREETINGS.
the dead. Quambo followed closely, and, taking me
in his arms, gave me a hug, in his joy, which ahnost
squeezed the breath out of my body. Mike came in
for the same sort of greeting.
" Och, sure ! do you take me for a baby ?" ex-
claimed Mike — " though you would have squeezed the
life out of me if I had been one. But I am moighty
plased to see you ; and, bedad, we'll be footing it away
to the sound of me fiddle, I am hoping, before many
hours are over. You have got it all safe ?"
"Yes. I keep de fiddle all right, and let no one
play on it — not even myself," observed Quambo.
" True for you, Quambo," said Mike, laughing ; " for
the best of raisons — there's no one else but meself
could make the music come out of it."
Our Indian escort having set off to return to the
camp, according to orders, we crossed the river to the
opposite bank, where our relatives had collected to
receive us.
Lily looked somewhat pale. Though she had not
abandoned all hope, she had been fearfully anxious
about me ; and she made me promise not to go wander-
ing again over the wilds, if I could help it. Mr. and
Mrs. Claxton and Dora had been equally anxious
about Reuben, and were proportionably thankful to
get him back safe.
Old Samson stood gazing at Lily while I was talk-
ing to her. He then hastened up to Aunt Hannah.
" You have been a mother to that sweet child, and
I will bless you for it as long as there is breath in my
old body," he said. "But I want to take her from you.
LILY S GRANDFATHER.
391
and, taking me
y, which ahnost
Mike came in
r a baby ?" ex-
ave squeezed the
at I am moighty
5 footing it away
ing, before many
safe?"
, and let no one
sd Quambo.
}, laughing ; " for
else but meself
»
I.
1 to return to the
I the river to the
had collected to
Uffh she had not
fearfully anxious
ot to go wander-
elp it. Mr. and
equally anxious
ibly thankful to
rhile I was ^ulk-
Aunt Hannah.
I sweet child, and
is breath in my
Lke her from you.
She is mine by right, for I am, I believe, her only
living relative. You have got the proofs ; and if you
do not wish to try the feelings of an old man, which
he thought were long ago dead and gone, show me
the things you have taken care of since she was com-
mitted to your charge."
Aunt Hannah looked very much surprised at first ;
but the truth quickly dawned on her.
" You shall see them, Mr. Micklan, for they are safe
in my box in the waggon ; and if you recognize them,
as you expect to do, Lily shall call you 'Grandfather;'
but as to giving her up — No, no ! you will not ex-
pect that of us. For sixteen years she has been our
child, and we have loved her, and love her still, as if
she were our own. You would not be so hard-hearted,
even if you have the right, as to deprive us of her !"
" Well, well — I cannot gainsay you ; but only let
me know that I have got some one to love, and I will
give up my wandering life and come and settle down
among you."
Lily and I accompanied Uncle Stephen and Aunt
Hannah, with the old hunter, to the waggon, where
the baby-dress and the ornaments she had worn were
soon produced.
Samson gazed at them, without speaking, for some
seconds. Then he exclaimed, " Yes, yes ! there is no
doubt about it. — Come, Lily, do not be afraid of your
old grandfather. I will not run away with you ; but
just let me love you, and watch over you, and take
care of you, and I shall be content, and end my days
more happily than I had ever hoped to do."
\j., Ifp
392
FORMIDABLE ALLIEb.
Lily came forward and put her hand into that of
the old man, who, stooping down, kissed her fair brow,
and pressed her to his heart.
After this a change seemed to come over Samson
Micklan. He was no longer the rough old trapper
he had hitherto appeared — though he worked as hard
as any one in the camp, and took especial delight
in assisting to build the house Lily was to occupy.
Every one, as may be supposed, was busy from sun-
rise to sunset, and a village soon sprang up in that '
hitherto desert spot. Our Indian friends rendered us
important assistance, by supplying us with the meat
they obtained in their hunting expeditions, as also by
acting as our guardians ; for they were constantly on
the watch, and no foes would venture to attack us
while supported by such formidable allies. The set-
tlement flourished and rapidly increased, for we were
soon joined by other parties from the eastward ; and
even my uncles acknowledged that they had no desire
to make another move — greatly to Aunt Hannah's
satisfaction.
Lily, in course of time, became my wife ; and Mr.
Micklan, loved and respected by the whole of the
community, lived to hear the prattle of his great-
grandchildren.
Our friends Reuben and Dora both married happily,
and we, who were once hardy backwoodsmen, became
quiet and contented citizens. I own that though the
life we had led possessed its attractions, our present
condition was on many accounts preferable.
ad into that of
id her fair brow,
le over Samson
igh old trapper
worked as hard
especial delight
ras to occupy.
i busy from sun-
rang up in that
3nds rendered us
is with the meat
itions, as also by
jre constantly on
ire to attack us
allies. The set-
sed, for we were
^e eastward ; and
ey had no desire
Aunt Hannah's
ly wife ; and Mr.
^e whole of the
|:le of his great-
larried happily,
podsmen, became
that though the
Jons, our present
arable.
CONCLUSION.
393
Mike and Quambo purchased a lot between them
at a short distance from the settlement, and became
prosperous farmers; but they remained bachelors
to the end of their days — Mike declaring that the
sound of his fiddle was more satisfactory to his ears
than the scolding of a wife or the squalling of chil-
dren. Albeit, he never failed to bring it on his fre-
quent visits, to the infinite delight of my youngsters,
who invariably began to dance and snap their fingers
when they caught sight of him and his sturdy nag
approaching our door.
Kepenau and Manilick, having become civilized
themselves, laboured incessantly in the civilization
of their people — aided by our revered friend, Martin
Godfrey, who eventually settled down among them.
We were not altogether without some trials and
troubles, but we had also much to make us happy ;
and 1 can honestly say that we had good reason to
be thankful — though we could never be sufliciently so
— to that Merciful Being who had preserved us amid
the many dangers we had passed through during the
oeriod I have described.
^^fmim
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