is foes had drawn, thirsting for his
blood. He bounded on up to the door of the hut and fell exhausted
within. Then for the first time his pursuers perceived that we stood
armed at the entrance. Guessing truly that we possessed plenty of
ammunition, and two or more of their number might fall if they attempted
to advance, they paused, casting glances of disappointed vengeance to
wards their victim, who lay unconscious behind us. Our father told
Malcolm and me to take him in and to try and revive him. We did so, and
when we had moistened his lips with water he quickly revived. Springing
up he seized Malcolm's gun and hurried to the door. The other Indians
had not moved. On seeing him, however, they instantly darted behind
some trunks of trees for shelter, and then we saw them darting away till
they got beyond range of our fire-arms. The young Indian would have
followed, but my father restrained him, and gave him to understand that
though he had saved his life he had no intention of allowing him to take
the lives of others. Darkness was coming on, and we soon lost sight of
the band. Having closed our door with more than usual care, we placed
food before our guest, of which he eagerly partook, and then told us
that his name was Sigenok; that he with others of his tribe had been out
hunting, and had been surprised by a war party of Sioux, who had taken
the scalps of all the rest. He had wandered away unarmed from the camp
when he saw all his companions killed. To revenge them, which the
Indian thought was his first duty, was then impossible, so he took to
flight, hoping to retaliate on another occasion. His wary foes,
however, discovered his trail and followed. He had caught sight of them
when they were not aware of it, and redoubled his speed, making for the
settlements. He gave us to understand that he could not have continued
his flight many more hours, and that he was very grateful to us for
preserving his life. We had brought a dog from England, and we had
lately got another, both very sagacious animals, and so we stationed
them outside the hut at a little distance to give us due notice should
the Sioux return.

Sigenok, as soon as he had satisfied his hunger, praying his confidence
in us, laid himself down in a corner of the room and was immediately
fast asleep. He spent two days with us to recover his strength, which
had been greatly tried, and then set off to carry to his tribe the sad
tidings of th