"Dey camp too near to let us light fire," he said, "but nebber mind, dey
turn de horses loose, and our two mustangs come dis way."
"The red-skins don't think we are near them, that's very clear," I
answered. "We will try to recover our own horses, though I am afraid it
will be more difficult to get back our saddles and saddle-bags, or our
rifles. Our horses know us, and will come at our call, even though they
may be hobbled. If we can manage to get them, we must ride directly for
the fort. Now, Dio, it is possible that we may be separated, and if so,
I charge you to deliver the message I received from my father, to
entreat that the surgeon may be sent off immediately. If there is no
one else to accompany him, you must go, should I not have arrived. I
only say this in case of accident. We will do our best to keep
together, but still we may fail to do so. Do not suppose, however,
though I may not appear, that I am lost; I can picture a dozen events
occurring, which may prevent me from soon reaching the fort, though I
may do so at last. You understand me, Dio? Take care also not to alarm
the family, but repeat to them what I say to you. You will promise me?"
"Yes, Massa Mike," answered Dio, looking me earnestly in the face; "but
it break dis niggar's heart, if you nebber come home."
"Have no fears on that score," I answered, wishing to encourage him.
"If you manage to catch one of the horses and I should fail, I repeat
again, that it is of the greatest consequence that you should push on to
the fort; of course we may get there together, or you may lose your way,
or I may get there first. Do you understand my object?"
"Yes, yes, massa; an' I promise to try and get to de fort, and to take
de doctor to Missie Loraine," answered the faithful Black, in a
melancholy tone, showing that though ready to follow out my injunctions,
he grieved at the thoughts of being separated from me, when perhaps I
might be caught and killed by the Indians.
"But, Massa Mike, we try and keep togedder, won't we?" he added.
"Of course, Dio, both for your sake and my own, you may depend upon
that; I give you these instructions only on the chance of our being
separated."
Dio clambered inside, and closing the entrance, we sat down, with Boxer
at our feet, thus enjoying more warmth than we should otherwise have
done.
We passed the time in chewing pieces of the raw buffalo meat, which,
tough as it was, served to keep up our strength. Boxer came in for a
larger share than he would have obtained probably, had it been cooked.
We might, of course, have avoided the Indians and continued our journey
during the night, but, should no more snow fall, we felt sure that they
would discover our trail, and follow us up, whereas, could we regain our
horses, we might, before daylight, get to such a distance from them,
that they would be unable to overtake us. The other alternative was to
stay in our place of concealment, until they had taken their departure,
but then our food was exhausted, and as they might possibly remain two
or three days, we should be starved. We decided, therefore, that our
best plan was to try and recover our horses, as we had proposed.
We waited until darkness came down on the earth, and then, getting out
of our hiding-place, stole cautiously towards the Indian camp. We could
proceed but very slowly, as we had to make our way among fallen logs,
between the trunks of trees, and round clumps of bushes, too thick to
penetrate. We stopped also frequently to listen for any sounds which
might show us that we had got near the horses. Dio had been enabled to
ascertain on which side of the camp they had been turned loose. Boxer
kept close at our heels, apparently understanding the danger of our
expedition. At length a glare on the leafless boughs of the trees some
way ahead showed us that we were approaching the camp. On we crept;
once more we stopped to listen. Although I could not distinguish what
was said, I was satisfied, from the loud and continuous tones, that one
of the chiefs was addressing his braves, perhaps exciting them to attack
the fort of the pale-faces. The rest of the people kept a perfect
silence while he spoke. I knew therefore that their attention would be
absorbed, and that we consequently should have a better chance of
catching the horses unobserved, than had the people been moving about
and engaged in the usual occupations of a camp. Still I did not forget
that they were habitually on their guard, and might have sentries on the
watch outside the camp. We had now to consider in which direction we
should most probably find the horses. We might have to make almost a
circuit of the camp. I resolved to go to the right, where, as the
forest was more open than on the other side, there would be a greater
probability of the animals finding grass. I touched Dio's arm, and we
moved away in that direction. We had already got to the south of the
camp, when we came to the edge of a glade, in which we could distinguish
several horses feeding. Unfortunately, however, but few trees
intervened between them and the fire, and, should we alarm them, the
quick eyes of the Indians would probably observe their movements. It
was impossible in the dark to distinguish our own animals from the
others. We waited, in the hope that they might come near us, and,
recognising our voices, allow us to mount them; whereas, the Indians'
horses, knowing us to be strangers, would keep at a distance. Still it
was important not to lose time. The chief might bring his speech to an
end, and there would be a greater chance of our being discovered. To my
satisfaction I saw that the heads of some of the animals were directed
towards us, and, as they turned up the snow to get at the grass beneath,
they came nearer and nearer. I could hear my heart beat with eagerness.
Presently one of them stopped feeding, and, looking about, gave a low
whinny, then shuffled forward. Directly afterwards another, a little
way behind, did the same, and I felt assured that they were our own
horses, which had scented us out.
"You catch the first, I'll look after the other," I whispered to Dio;
"steer for that star appearing above the trees, it will at all events
take us clear of the forest."
The first horse, from a white patch on his shoulder, I recognised as
Dio's, and knew that it would readily consent to his mounting. I had
little doubt that the other was mine. We had our knives ready to cut
the hobbles, the work of a moment. If we could once mount we should get
a good start, as the Indians would be delayed in catching their steeds
and setting their legs at liberty.
"Now is your time," I said to Dio.
We both crept forward on our hands and knees, so that we might perform
the first necessary operation of cutting the thongs which secured our
horses' legs, before showing ourselves. I saw Dio reach his horse,--in
an instant his sharp knife had set its legs free; following my
directions, he mounted. Mine gave another whinny, and came up to me.
The Indians must have heard the sound, for I saw them start, and several
who had been seated round the camp-fire sprang to their feet.
"On, Dio, on; I'll follow you in an instant," I cried out, as I worked
away with my knife; but it was blunter than usual, and I had to make
several hacks before I could cut through the tough hide. Ere I had done
so, Dio, urging on his animal, was already at a considerable distance.
Whether or not the Indians had discovered him, I could not tell; but
they must have seen me, for as I rose to my feet, about to mount,
leaving their camp-fire, they came rushing forward. I sprang on to my
horse's back, and pressing my knees into his side, patted him on the
neck. "Now, Jack," I cried, "show what you're made of. Don't let those
fellows catch us."
The horse, knowing my voice, obeying as if he had understood what I
said, galloped forward. I looked ahead, but could nowhere see Dio. I
believed that my animal would follow the course of the other horse. I
was very certain that in a few moments I should have the whole pack of
Indians at my heels. If I could lead them on one side or the other, I
might give Dio a better chance of escaping. Brave Boxer kept close to
me. I stooped to avoid the boughs under which my horse carried me. He
seemed as eager to get away from the Indians as I was. I could hear
them shouting and shrieking as they ran to catch their horses. Several
arrows whistled over my head, or fell beside me, but they were afraid of
shooting low, for fear of wounding their own horses, which were between
me and them. In another minute, however, I was out of their sight among
the trees. Although it was night, there was sufficient light, I feared,
to enable them to discover my trail. Not that I thought much about that
at the time, or anything else but the idea of escaping. My horse made
too much noise as he galloped over the crisp ground, to allow me to hear
whether they had yet mounted, and the only sounds from behind me which
reached my ears were their shouts. Presently, however, these ceased,
and I then knew that they were pursuing either Dio or me. I had had,
however, a fair start. My hope rose high that I should be able to keep
ahead of my pursuers. It was important, however, to get out of the wood
as soon as possible, or they would, by going faster over the ground,
make their way round, and be ready to meet me as I emerged from it. A
narrow glade opened out before me, leading in the direction I wished to
take; it was formed either by deer or buffalo, who, from constantly
following the same tracks, are the chief road-makers of the primeval
forests. I dashed along it; fortunately neither fallen trunks nor
stumps impeding my progress. As may be supposed, I looked out eagerly
for Dio, and I thought it very possible that I might fall in with him,
but no signs could I discover of his having passed that way, as the snow
lay unbroken along the whole path. I dared not turn my head to
ascertain whether the Indians had yet entered the opening. I was
encouraged, however by believing that they were not better acquainted
with the country than I was, and that they would have no advantage over
me in that respect.
It was no easy matter to stick on to the bare back of my horse, and had
he not gone steadily forward, I could scarcely have done so. On and on
I went; if I could continue my course until daylight, I hoped that I
might get into the neighbourhood of the fort, and perhaps meet with some
of the garrison out hunting deer or buffalo. It was a question,
however, whether my horse would hold out so long. At present, he was
behaving beautifully, and showing no signs of flagging. My earnest
prayer was that Dio's would behave as well. As long as the glade was
level I had little doubt about his keeping up the same pace, but should
it come uneven, with rocks to pass over, or hills to climb, I feared
that he might give in. How many miles I had gone over, I could not
tell. The open prairie was at length reached; no Indians had appeared.
Some way farther on I caught sight of a rocky height against the deep
blue sky, running directly across my course. If there was no path
through it, I must surmount it, and with my tired steed, this would
cause delay, and probably, should the Indians be pursuing, they would
catch me up. The task, however, had to be accomplished; I rode forward;
it was farther off than I expected, but at length I reached it. I soon
found from the way my poor horse went, that I must dismount.
Taking him by the halter, which had served as my bridle, I began to
climb up over the uneven ground. On gaining the top, I took one glance
round and made out some dark objects moving over the plain towards me.
A shout reached my ears; I had been seen; but my pursuers would have to
climb up as I had done, and could I reach the bottom in safety I should
gain on them. I was well aware that the descent was more difficult and
dangerous than the ascent. On I went: to my dismay I came to the edge
of a precipice; it was of no great depth, but both my horse and I might
break our legs should we attempt to leap it, though Boxer might have
performed the operation without danger. I rode along, hoping to find a
more practicable path; I had, however, to ascend some distance, and then
continue along the side of the hill, before the slope was sufficiently
gradual to permit me again to descend. I was aware that I had spent
much precious time in searching for a way down, and that, should I be
delayed much longer, my enemies would be upon me. I felt like a person
in a dreadful dream. I had got but a short distance down, when I saw
that, even although I was leading my horse, there would be a great risk
of our being rolled over. Still I hurried on, when again a precipice
yawned before me. Its depth I could not distinguish. Once more I led
my horse upwards, and then continued, as before, along the side of the
hill. At length I came to a slope, which, although rough, seemed
practicable. I might even ride down it if necessary, but without a
saddle there was the danger of slipping over the horse's neck. Boxer,
as if satisfied that we could get down, sprang forward. I followed, my
tired steed slipping down on his haunches. I had got about half-way to
the bottom, when I heard a shout, and for a moment looking round, I
caught sight of the figures of several Indians standing on the brow of
the hill, their outlines clearly marked against the sky. The next
instant a flight of arrows came flying after me. I heard them strike
the rocks behind, and on either side. Others followed, and I felt that
I was wounded; I hoped, however, but slightly. It would be better to be
dashed to pieces than be made a captive, or a target; so, springing on
my horse's back, I urged him down the steep descent. Gathering up his
legs, he dashed forward, while I leant back as much as possible, to
throw the weight off his shoulders. How I reached the bottom I could
scarcely tell. By this time the dawn had broken, and the daylight was
rapidly increasing. It enabled the Indians to see me more clearly, and
I knew that they would soon be close at my heels. My poor horse, too,
was becoming weaker and weaker, although, as he heard my voice, he
endeavoured to spring forward. The ground was far more uneven than any
I had passed over on either side of the hill. My pursuers' horses,
however, were probably suffering as much as mine was, but, then, should
theirs fail them, they might dismount and follow me on foot.
Notwithstanding this, I had no thought of giving in, and determined,
should my horse fall, that I would try the speed of my legs. I could
run as fast as most Indians, boasting as they do of their swiftness of
foot. Some distance before me appeared a wood, bordering a stream: I
determined to try and gain it, and dismounting, to leave my poor horse
to his fate, when I would make my way along the bank, and then cross the
stream, if it was sufficiently shallow to allow me to ford it, so that
the Indians might possibly lose my trail. The intermediate ground,
however, was very rough. Twice already my horse had stumbled and nearly
come down on his knees. Not having a bit in his mouth, I had no power
to keep him up. In spite of the difficulties to be surmounted, I had
hopes that I was once more distancing my pursuers, when my poor steed
fell. I was thrown over his head but alighted on my feet. My first
impulse was to turn round and help him to rise. As I did so, I saw the
Indians coming on, several of them on horseback, but others on foot.
Although my horse was trembling in every limb, I leaped on his back, and
with indomitable spirit he sprang forward. It was but for a few
minutes; before I could reach the wood he came down again, and I, being
thrown with far more violence than before to the ground, was almost
stunned. I lay for some seconds unable to move. I could hear the
shouts of the Indians, as they thought that they had at length secured
their prey. Boxer barked furiously in return and ran to my horse to try
and make him get up, but the poor animal's strength was exhausted. I,
too, made an attempt to rise. It was with difficulty that I could get
on my feet. I saw at a glance that my horse could no longer avail me.
The Indians were advancing with their scalping-knives in their hands; in
another minute, unless I could escape, I should be in their power. Life
was sweet, notwithstanding the pain I suffered from the fall, and from
the wound I had just received. Mustering up my remaining strength, I
turned to fly. In vain, however, were all my efforts; the Indians came
on whooping and shrieking; at every bound they were gaining upon me.
Had I possessed a weapon, I would have fought for my life, but escape by
flight was impossible. Their scalping-knives flashed in the rising sun.
I raised my eyes to take one farewell look, as I supposed, of the blue
sky above me, and patted the head of my faithful dog, who affectionately
licked my hands, conscious of the fearful predicament in which we were
placed, and as if to say, "I am ready to stop and die with you, my
master." Had they chosen it, the Indians might have sent a dozen arrows
into my body, but, although they had their bows in their hands, they
refrained from shooting. At that moment, when all hope seemed lost, I
heard a shout coming from out of the wood behind me, and the words--
"Run for it, friend!"
I did not require a second summons, exerting all my remaining strength,
I turned and hastened in the direction whence the voice proceeded. I
saw two persons with rifles in their hands, one a white man, the other
an Indian. The next instant I fell fainting to the ground. I heard
loud voices, but no shot was fired. The white man was addressing the
Indians, and they replied. I in vain endeavoured to arouse myself, and
in a short time became totally unconscious of what was passing around.
When my senses returned, I found myself in a roomy wigwam of birch bark,
the floor was lined with fine mats, and there were two skin-covered
couches, besides the one on which I lay. Several weapons, cooking
utensils, and other articles, hung to the supports, while round the
walls were piled up packages of skins. At my side lay Boxer, looking
sleek and fat, as if he had recovered from his fatigue and had been well
cared for. He and I were the only inmates of the hut. Though I talked
to him he could give me no information as to what had happened, or how I
came to be there. It was some time, indeed, before I recollected the
events which had occurred, and I then knew that I was indebted for my
life to the white hunter I had seen just as the Indians were on the
point of capturing me.
I dozed off once more after this, when I was aroused by the cool air
coming in owing to the curtain in front of the tent being drawn aside as
the hunter entered. After looking at me for a few seconds, and
discovering that I was awake; he said in a kind voice, "I am glad to
find, my young friend, that you have come to yourself. You'll do well
now, I've no doubt, but you have had a tough struggle for life, though
by the way you made your escape from the red-skins I had great hopes
from the first that you would come off the victor."
"Have I been long here?" I asked. "Pray let me get up; I want to get
to Fort Hamilton, to send the doctor to my mother, who is very ill; and
if he doesn't go, I am afraid she will die."
"I won't keep you in suspense; the doctor went away the day after you
were brought here, and I sent word by him that you were safe. The brave
black fellow, who managed to reach the fort, after escaping from the
Indians, took the message, but he considered that you were not fit to be
moved, and were better off with me than you would be in the crowded
fort. To tell you the truth, you've been here six weeks or more, and
the chances are that you will remain another six weeks."
"I have much to thank you for," I answered, "the news you have given me
will restore my strength faster than anything else, and I should feel
still happier if you can tell me that mother benefited by the doctor's
visit."
"Of that I can assure you, for I way-laid him, and got him to come and
see you. He informed me that she is in a fair way of recovery."
I reiterated my thanks to my host. It was not until he was seated
before the fire, cooking some venison steaks from a deer he had just
killed, and the flame fell on his countenance, that, examining it, I
recognised the white hunter we had met so long before, on our way to
Smiling Valley. He had, however, greatly changed since then, and had
evidently been leading a wild hunter's life, his dress was of skins, and
except his rifle and hunting traps, and cooking utensils, everything in
the hut appeared to have been of his own manufacture.
"We have met before," I said, "and I had then to thank you for saving me
and my companions from the Indians. Don't you remember me?"
"I recollect the circumstance, though you have altered so much, that I
did not recognise you," he answered. He then made inquiries after the
Dominie, and expressed his satisfaction at hearing of our success at
Smiling Valley. "Indeed, I knew that some white people had settled
there from my Indian friend Kluko, who has been for a long time my firm
ally, and frequently assisted me to escape from the red-skins. He will
be here before long, as he visits me frequently."
I replied that I knew the chief, who had shown his friendly disposition
towards us, and should be happy to meet him. I then inquired whether he
had been eastward since the time of which we were speaking.
"Once, and for the last time," he answered, a shade of melancholy
passing over his countenance.
Though afraid that I might pain him if I put further questions, my
curiosity prompted me to inquire what had taken him to the settlements,
since he appeared wedded to his wild life.
"Your question arouses the recollection of circumstances I have been
endeavouring to forget. I had at one time resolved to abandon my
hunter's life and to return to civilisation. I married and settled at
Ohio, but misfortune overtook me, floods destroyed my crops, and all the
capital I had saved by years of toil was lost. To regain it I resolved
once more to plunge into the wilderness, and set off, leaving my wife
and infant child with her father. I was as successful as I expected,
and having realised a considerable sum from the furs I had obtained, I
returned to the settlement, expecting to find my wife and child with her
family. On reaching it, bitter was my disappointment to learn that my
father-in-law's farm had been destroyed by a fearful fire which raged
over the country, and that he, taking my wife and child, had set off
with some of his neighbours to migrate westward. A report had been
circulated that I had been killed by the Indians, my wife consequently
had left no message for me. Once more I turned my face westward, hoping
to overtake the train, or to find out where the party had located
themselves. In vain I searched for them, but at length had too certain
evidence that the train had been cut off by Indians, and every person
belonging to it massacred."
"I am afraid in most respects your information was correct," I observed;
and I then told him how on our journey we had come up with a train which
had been destroyed as had the one he spoke of, "though it might not be
the same," I added, "for one person escaped, a little girl, who told us
that her name was Lily."
"Lily!" exclaimed the hunter, "that was the name of my child. Did she
survive? Where is she?"
I replied that she had lived with us ever since as my parents' adopted
daughter. "Indeed my father and mother and Uncle Denis love her as much
as they do any one of us," I added.
"Uncle Denis!" repeated the hunter, and he seemed lost in thought.
"Young man," he said at length, "what is your name?"
"Michael Loraine," I answered.
"And your uncle's surname?"