ke to the chief on another subject. I was not altogether satisfied
as to the way in which he intended to treat his prisoner, and he did not
seem at all disposed to enlighten me. I told him how white men always
fed their prisoners, and took good care of the wounded; and when war was
over, set them free to return to their homes.

"The ways of the Palefaces are not those of the Redskins," he answered
evasively. "Piomingo must be treated according to our customs; and my
braves would complain were I to set him free to commit more mischief."

I pleaded for the poor wretch that he had not done us any injury as yet;
that though he had been watching the camp, we could not tell that he had
any sinister object in doing so; and that, as his life had been
preserved, it would be barbarous to take it afterwards.

The chief heard me very patiently, but he was evidently unmoved by all
my arguments.

I now and then went up and spoke to the poor prisoner, who, I suspected,
was still suffering great pain, although Indian fortitude forbade him to
give expression to his feelings. I urged his bearers, in the few words
I could speak of their language, and by signs, to carry him carefully,
for they were inclined to treat him as they would a deer or any other
animal they might have shot. I saw the prisoner's eyes turned towards
me, but he in no way expressed any gratitude for the service I desired
to render him.

Winnemak was all this time keeping a look-out on every side; while
several of his men were acting as scouts, so as to give us timely notice
of danger.

At night we encamped as before, keeping a strict watch; while the
prisoner was bound in a way which would have rendered it difficult for
him to escape even had he possessed strength enough to run off. Our
camp being pitched in a sheltered position, we lighted a fire, which
even at that time of the year was pleasant, if not absolutely necessary;
and there was but slight risk of its position betraying our presence to
any passing foe.

The next morning we proceeded as before; and I was thankful when at
length, just as evening was approaching, the chief told me that we were
not far from the camp. I looked out eagerly ahead for the first sight
of it, for I hoped to meet Clarice and Uncle Jeff there, and to have my
anxiety at last set at rest.

The sun was just tinging the southern side of the snowy mountains on our
left, ere it sank below them, when I caught sight of the wigwa