the
cabin, there was no doubt but that a serious, if not effectual,
resistance might be made. That the Indians were reconnoitring the cabin
was evident, and that they did not do so for nothing was equally
certain. After a while, during which I made out six of them, they fell
back in the wood, and disappeared. The dog at that moment came out to
me, and it was probably the sight of the dog which made them retreat, as
they feared that he would have given notice of their being so close to
us. I waited till the convicts came out, and then I went into the
cabin, and said:

"You drove me out of the house last night, and I come to return good for
evil. As I lay in the tobacco-shed, I saw six Indians in the wood, to
the east of the cabin, reconnoitring, and I have no doubt but that you
will be attacked this night, so I give you notice."

"And you hope that, by this fear of their attack, you will be set free,
is it not?"

"It is perfectly indifferent to me whether I am or not. I have often
asked you to put an end to my misery, and as you have not done it, I
shall bless those Indians for the friendly act; a blow of a tomahawk
will release me, if you will not."

"Well, then, let them come with their tomahawks," replied she, "and I
will protect you from them, for no one shall release you but myself."

"As you please," replied I; "I have done my duty in telling you what I
have seen, and you may take precautions or not; for myself I care
nothing."

So saying, I lifted up my ball of iron and went away out of the door. I
remained out of doors the whole of the day, and therefore did not know
whether my mistress took any precautions or not, but I told the two
convicts what I had seen, and advised them not to go far from the cabin,
as they would run great danger.

They inquired of me where I had seen the Indians and I pointed out the
spot in the wood, after which they went away. I was certain that the
attack would be on this night, as there was no moon till three hours
before daybreak; and as it was very dark it would probably take place in
the early part of the night. I had made up my mind what I would do,
which was not in any way to defend the cabin while chained, but, when I
was freed, I would fight to the last, so that I might be killed where I
stood, and not be taken alive and tortured.

I did not go out from home all that day, and, to my surprise, I was not
molested by my mistress. At dark she called the convicts