Next morning Tom arose with a peaceful, serious face. His mother did
not allude to the happy change that had transpired within him during
the night, but as she busied herself about breakfast, she would
occasionally wipe away the tears, for her heart was full.

"Mother," said he, as they finished their frugal meal, "I've been
thinking it would be a good plan to get up all the wood we can while
the weather is pleasant. Winter'll be coming along by and by, and
it'll be so nice to have a warm fire all the time then, and not have
to wade through the snow after something to burn."

"Yes," she replied, "we have not had our Indian summer yet; and while
that lasts we shall use but little fuel, and if you and the children
are smart, you can get quite a pile ahead."

"Why is the beautiful spell we have in fall called Indian summer?" he
asked.

"Because," replied his mother, "the Indians were in the habit of
attacking the white settlements then; they don't go on their war
expeditions after cold weather sets in. And," she added, sighing, "I
shall be glad when snow comes, for I shall feel that we are safe until
spring opens."

"The Allens are dreadful mad about their cattle," remarked Tom. "The
old man tracked them to a ravine in the woods, and found that his oxen
had been killed and dressed: the horns and hide lay on the ground, and
the blood was scarcely cold, but not an Indian was to be seen. He
couldn't even find a trail, and he's an old Indian-fighter, you
know."

"Have any Indians been seen near here, since?"

"Yes; Mr. Payson, the missionary, saw one the other morning as he was
going from Root River settlement to Slough Creek. He was passing the
Norwegian's cabin, near the grove, when suddenly a Sioux galloped by
on his pony, giving a loud whoop as he rode out of sight. And Mrs.
Pingry had a great scare. Her husband was away after supplies, and she
was alone about her work, when the door opened and an Indian stalked
in and took a seat. Pretty soon a second came, and did the same, and
then another; until a dozen sat round the room, silently smoking their
pipes. She says she knew by their manner and the way they were painted
that they intended mischief. She determined, however, not to appear
frightened, and went on with her work. Soon one of them got up and
broke open her husband's trunk, and then the rest fell to rummaging
the house, helping themselves to whatever they wished; and she was
expecting they would next