ch to make him feel and know the error of his ways, besought his
mother's forgiveness; only just let him off for that one time and he
never, never would run away with the Indians again as long as he
lived--winding up the comforting assurance with a cub-like hug, to make
the surer of clearing his legs of the switching he felt he richly
deserved.

Having heard the rigmarole from beginning to end, and from end to
beginning, and then from middle to middle again, and gathered therefrom
that he to whom she owed her dear boy's life was wounded, Mrs. Reynolds
sent Bushie with word to Burl to bring the young Indian to her door.
When they were come, she made a few inquiries of Burl himself with
regard to their adventures, and when answered, she bid him go and bring
a keeler of water, that they might wash and dress the prisoner's wound.
When the water was brought, she took off the bloody bandages from the
crippled arm and gently laved and washed the wound, which by this time
was much inflamed and swollen; then anointing it with some
healing-salve, she bound it up again with clean bandages. This humane
office duly done, the good woman bid Burl take the young Indian to his
own cabin, there to be lodged and entertained with all hospitality till,
healed of his wound, he should be able to shift for himself, when he
should be allowed to return in peace to his own people.

And as his mistress bid him did Burl right willingly do playing the host
in magnificent style, and setting before his captive guest the best his
house afforded, not suffering a morsel to pass his own or Grumbo's lips
till the claims of hospitality were fully met. This last, however, was a
piece of etiquette not at all to the war-dog's taste, since two hungry
Christian mouths were thereby made to water, and that too only out of
respect to a red heathen, who, as such, in his dogship's opinion,
deserved no better treatment at their hands than a common cur. Therefore
did Grumbo harden his heart all the more against the red barbarian,
holding him in worse odor than before.

Victor and vanquished were still at their friendly repast when all the
ebony of the settlement--to the number of about thirty, men, women, and
children--came flocking to the Fighting Nigger's cabin, and stood
gathered in a close, black knot at the door, waiting with eager ears to
hear the great event of the day from the hero's own lips; nor with eyes
less eager to get a peep at the prisoner of war, a "