with Keokuk, searched for the
animals,--expressing, at the same time, her confidence of success.

Having placed Clarice on my horse, I led the animal by the rein till we
reached the spot proposed. We looked out to the westward for Manley and
his troopers, and were greatly disappointed at not seeing them. So, I
suspect, was Clarice. We had not, however, waited long until I caught
sight of three horsemen. They came rapidly on, and to my great
satisfaction I distinguished our friends. On observing us they put
spurs to their horses, and the lieutenant galloped forward.

Clarice met him with a sweet smile.

"I felt very sure that you had not willingly deserted us," she answered,
when, in an agitated voice, Manley told her of the anguish of his mind
at finding himself a prisoner in the hands of the Indians, leaving her
unprotected in the forest.

As we could not tell how long Maysotta might be absent, we lighted a
fire and cooked some provisions, of which both Clarice and Rachel stood
greatly in need. The Indian damsel, however, had been so confident
about finding the horses, that I was not surprised to see Keokuk driving
them towards us, a short time before sunset.

Maysotta expressed her satisfaction at finding the young white chief, as
she called Manley, and his men with us. "As it is now too late to set
off to-night," she said, "we must remain here. There are water and
grass near at hand; and if your men will do as I direct them, we will
quickly put up a wigwam for Clarice, the black woman, and me."

Manley and I offered to act under her directions; but, except that we
cut some rough sticks, and transported some bark, she really gave us
very little to do,--performing nearly the whole of the architectural
operations with her own hands.

I was thankful that Clarice would thus have shelter, and be able to
obtain the rest which she so much required.

Maysotta had shot several small animals, and these, with the provisions
we had brought, afforded us an abundant supper.

The night was passed without any interruption, and early the next
morning we set off for Winnemak's camp. I offered to take Maysotta on
my horse, but she declined, saying that she would proceed on foot, as
she hoped to shoot some deer by the way.

We rode as fast as we could; indeed, I was most anxious to get back,
both on account of the unhappy captives, and because I hoped to hear
news of Uncle Jeff.

As we got into the neighbourhood of