I SEEK OUT PIOMINGO--A STRONG DESIRE TO SAVE HIS LIFE--I PLEAD WITH THE
CHIEF, AND GAIN MY POINT--I OFFER THE YOUNG BRAVE MY HORSE AND ARMS--
KINDNESS REQUITED--THE INDIAN'S ESCAPE--A DARING ACT, AND A KIND DEED--
WE SEEK PROTECTION FROM THE INDIANS--RETURN OF UNCLE JEFF AND MAYSOTTA--
AN ADDRESS TO THE BRAVES--HOW IT SUCCEEDED--UNCLE JEFF'S STORY--THE
LIEUTENANT ABOUT TO LEAVE US--HIS PLANS--WE SEND OUT SCOUTS--ALARMING
INTELLIGENCE--THE CAMP STRUCK--WE MOVE TO THE NORTHWARD--WE CHANGE OUR
PLANS--A WONDERFUL REGION--WE SEPARATE FROM OUR INDIAN FRIENDS--THROUGH
A PINE FOREST--THE CATARACT OF THE PASS--WE SEND BACK OUR HORSES--OUR
JOURNEY CONTINUED--A "CANADA STAG" KILLED--ENCAMPED FOR THE NIGHT.
The chief, who seemed inclined to treat us with every kindness,
immediately ordered a wigwam to be put up for Clarice and Rachel, and
another for Manley and me.
In the meantime, feeling interested in the fate of Piomingo, I went to
seek him out. I found him lying on the ground, under the shade of some
trees, to one of which he was secured by ropes. I asked him if he
desired to escape.
"Yes," he replied; "life is sweet. But I am prepared to die as becomes
a brave, if my enemies are resolved to take my life."
"If you were free, what would you do?" I asked.
"I would endeavour to rescue the young squaw who was brought in a
prisoner two days ago; she is the maiden I was about to make my wife.
Life without her would be of little value to me; were she to be put to
death, I should be ready to die with her."
"But are you able to move?" I asked.
"The pain has left my back, and I am as strong as ever," he answered.
"Give me the opportunity, and you will see how I shall act."
Feeling a strong desire to save the lives of these two young people at
every risk, I immediately went back to the chief, and used every
argument in my power to induce him to set Piomingo at liberty. I
pointed out to him how it was far more noble to forgive an injury than
to avenge it, and that if he allowed Piomingo to go free he would make
him his friend for life.
"If you choose to set him at liberty, you are welcome to do so," he said
at last; "but he is unable to move, and if he remains in this camp he
will be killed."
"I will see to that, and assist him to get away," I answered.
I hurried back to where Piomingo lay, and at once undid the cords which
bound him.
"I feel that my strength has returned, and that I shall be able to
perform whatever I undertake," he said.
"I do not wish to do things by halves," I remarked. "You shall have my
horse; I will place the animal in yonder wood. If you have an
opportunity, you can return him; but if not, I will give him to you."
"Young Paleface," he said, struck by my kindness, "Piomingo would wish
to serve you for the remainder of his days; perhaps he will have an
opportunity of showing his gratitude; but he would ask you to show him
your generosity still further. Supply him with arms; without them, he
may fall a victim to the first foe he meets."
"I will give you my knife and sword, but you must promise me not to use
them against any of the people of this tribe except in self-defence,
should they attempt to recapture you."
Piomingo swore by the Great Spirit that he would act as I desired.
"I will leave the sword and knife close to the tree to which I will
secure my horse," I said on leaving him.
I thought it better not to question him as to his intentions in regard
to the young squaw, although I had my suspicions on the subject.
I forthwith went for my horse, which I led to the wood, as I had
promised. All the Indians were so much engaged that they took no notice
of my proceedings; and when every arrangement had been made, I returned
to Piomingo.
Grasping my hand, he exclaimed,--"You are more generous than I deserve;
for when I went to your farm it was with the intention of working you
evil. But after I saw the `Fair Lily,' your sister, I had not the heart
to do her an injury; and instead of remaining and opening the gate to
your enemies, as I had intended, I made my escape. When I was watching
your camp, it was with no treacherous design. I wished to warn you that
the Arrapahas were still advancing, and that their purpose was to occupy
the passes through the mountains, so that they could intercept you and
any other Palefaces who might travel in that direction. They must, by
this time, have carried out that part of their plan, so that I would
advise you and your friends to pass on more to the north, by which means
you may escape them. I have also to tell you that one of your people is
in their hands. They have been carrying him about with them from place
to place; but whether they intend to kill him, as they have done the
other prisoners, I could not learn."
I thanked Piomingo for his information, which, I felt sure, gratitude
had prompted him to give. And, of course, I resolved to urge the chief
to act upon it.
On questioning Piomingo, I was convinced, from the description he gave
of the white man who had been made prisoner, that it must be either
Gideon or Bartle. I had great hopes, at all events, that Uncle Jeff had
escaped from his pursuers; but what had since become of him I could not
conjecture, nor could Piomingo give me any information.
It was now sufficiently dark to allow of the captive making his escape
without being observed. I again cast off the ropes, therefore, and
stole quietly away from the spot. The moment I had gone, he must have
crept away--crouching down, Indian fashion, until he had got to a safe
distance from the camp, when, having first secured the weapons I had
left for him, he must have mounted my horse and galloped off.
The next day had been fixed for the death of the prisoners, so I boldly
told the chief that, taking advantage of his permission, I had set
Piomingo at liberty, and urged him to be equally generous towards the
young squaw.
"My people will complain if they are disappointed," he answered, turning
aside.
I was sorry that I could not see Maysotta, as she might have effectually
pleaded for one of her own sex.
Stakes had now been driven into the ground, and every preparation made
for the horrible sacrifice. But, looking at the captives, I should not
have supposed that they were to be the victims. Even the young squaw
retained her composure.
I spoke to Manley on the subject. "We must not allow these savages to
carry out their cruel intention," I said. "If you and your men will
assist, we might set them free."
"I would gladly do as you propose," he answered, "but it would be at the
sacrifice, probably, of our own lives and that of your sister. These
Redskins now treat us with every respect; but were we to interfere with
their customs, they would naturally turn upon us."
I felt that he was right in that respect; but still I could not bear the
thought of allowing the horrible deed to be perpetrated, without again
interceding for the victims.
The hour now approached for the death of the prisoners, and finding that
Piomingo had escaped, the Redskins were the more eager to put to death
those who remained in their power. They were therefore led out and
bound to the stakes, and the savages commenced their horrible war-dance
round them.
Manley and I again pleaded with the chief.
"It is useless," answered Winnemak; "I have said it, and it must be
done."
Just then, from behind the shelter of a wood on one side of the
mountains, a mounted warrior dashed out. I saw at once that it was
Piomingo. His eyes were fixed on one point; it was the spot where the
young squaw was bound. Quick as lightning he cut the cords which bound
her, and placing her before him on the saddle, galloped off, and was out
of reach before those at hand could hinder him. Fortunately, none of
Winnemak's people had firearms, and their bows and arrows having been
laid aside, they hurried to their wigwams to obtain them. But ere bow
could be drawn the rescued squaw and her deliverer were far beyond their
reach. In vain were showers of arrows sent after them; the fugitives
heeded them not. Many of the braves ran for their horses; but I well
knew that my gallant steed, even with two people on his back, could keep
ahead of them.
The whole camp was soon in confusion and astonishment at the audacity of
the act. Some of the braves may have suspected that I had had a hand in
the business, for I observed that they cast angry glances at me as they
passed. So great was their excitement, too, that for the moment they
had forgotten the other prisoners.
Just then I met Sergeant Custis and Pat Sperry.
"Now is our time to do a kind deed," I said; "it may be at some risk,
but let us set the other prisoners free."
"Sure, won't I, thin!" cried Pat.
"I will venture on it," said the sergeant.
We hurried to the spot, and, in spite of the expostulations of a few old
squaws who had remained to watch them, we cut the ropes which bound the
unhappy captives to the stakes.
"Now run for your lives!" I exclaimed.
The released prisoners did not require a second bidding, although the
old squaws tried to stop them. They were all young and active men, too,
and before any of the braves had returned from their futile chase after
Piomingo, the fugitives had got to a considerable distance from the
camp.
As I knew that our part in the affair must at once become known, I
immediately hastened to the chief.
"I have saved you from committing a great crime, which would have made
you despised and hated by all white men," I exclaimed, with a boldness
at which I myself was surprised. "If my uncle were here he would speak
as I do, and approve of my conduct."
The chief appeared to be dumbfounded at my audacity; but, although he
himself would not have interfered, I do not think he was really sorry
that the prisoners had escaped.
"I must get you to protect us from your people when they return," I
said. "We have no wish to take the places of the prisoners, or to have
bloodshed in the matter. At the same time, we are resolved to fight for
our lives, should your people attempt to molest us."
"You indeed speak boldly," said the chief. "But I will endeavour to
prevent further mischief, and will tell my people all you have said."
Almost immediately afterwards the braves came hurrying back to the camp,
when the old squaws commenced in screeching tones to tell them what had
occurred. The warriors on this advanced towards us with threatening
looks. The chief stepped forward, and holding up his hands, they at
once stopped and prepared to listen to him. He possibly may have made a
very eloquent speech in our favour, but his braves were evidently not
satisfied. We saw them making violent gestures, and, from the words
which reached us, I made out that they insisted on our being delivered
up to suffer in the place of the prisoners we had liberated.
Lieutenant Broadstreet, who had now joined us, rifle in hand, told me to
say to the chief that if his people were injured an army of white men
would be sent by his Government against them, and not one would be
allowed to escape.
Although, I believe, the chief spoke as I begged him, the angry braves
were not to be appeased, still crying out that we must be handed over to
them.
"Not while we have got a cartridge left in our pouches," cried Sergeant
Custis, lifting his rifle as he spoke, as if he intended to make use of
it, while Manley, Pat, and I followed his example.
Just at this juncture two persons were seen approaching the camp,--the
one was Maysotta, accompanied by Keokuk, the other was a tall person
dressed in skins. At first I did not recognise him; but on looking
again, what was my joy to see Uncle Jeff! Both he and Maysotta must
have observed that something unusual was taking place in the camp, for
they hurried forward at a quick pace, and in another moment had
approached the chief.
Uncle Jeff at once put out his hand. "What does all this mean?" he
asked.
Winnemak was silent.
"I will tell you all about it, Uncle Jeff," I said; and I briefly
related what had occurred.
"You acted rightly, Ralph," he answered. "It would never do for white
men to stand by and see murder committed, which proper boldness could
prevent. Hand me a few cartridges, for I have expended my ammunition;
and although we are five to fifty, I feel very sure these fellows will
not interfere with us. However, we will try fair means first; and the
young squaw will, I am sure, be on our side."
He at once turned to Maysotta, and telling her what had occurred, begged
her to plead with her father and his people. She did not seem to think
it necessary to say anything to Winnemak, but at once addressed herself
to the braves, over whom it was evident she had great influence.
I saw the angry expression gradually disappear from their countenances;
their gestures became less menacing, and at length their fury completely
subsided. Maysotta saw the advantage she had gained, and went on to
tell them that we were their guests, and that, even had we been guilty
of a greater provocation, they were bound to protect our lives with
their own; that we had always been friendly with the red men; and, above
all, that we had preserved the life of their chief, who, had it not been
for us, would have died. She by this means completely won over the
braves, but she had a harder task with the old squaws. Finally,
however, she succeeded with them, and what appeared at one time to
threaten a serious termination was at length settled to the satisfaction
of all parties.
We promised, as soon as we could obtain them, presents of tobacco,
blankets, and beads for the squaws, and some arms and ammunition for the
braves, on condition that they would always use them in our service.
We were, of course, very eager to hear how Uncle Jeff had escaped. I
noticed, besides, that he looked fatigued and careworn, and had
evidently suffered much.
"I had a narrow escape from my pursuers, on leaving the farm," he said,
"for more than one bullet whistled close to my ears, while two entered
the sides of my brave Jack--who bore me, notwithstanding, for many a
mile, until I had left my enemies far behind. Then my gallant steed
sank down and died. As I was making my way northward on foot, I caught
sight of several parties of Arrapahas. This made me feel very anxious
on account of Clarice and her escort, who, I feared, might have fallen
into their hands. I myself had some difficulty in avoiding them, and at
length I found it necessary to take to the mountains, where, at the same
time, I should have a better chance of killing game. Unfortunately, for
the first time in my life I became very ill, and had to remain for
several days in a cave, hardly able to crawl out and get a draught of
water from a spring hard by. Recovering, I moved on again; but having
exhausted the few cartridges I possessed, I was reduced to hard straits
for food.
"I was making my way on when I heard a shot fired; and as I approached
the spot, I saw a young Indian girl who had just killed a small deer.
Her quick eye caught sight of me at the same moment. I made signs to
her that I was desperately hungry, and she in turn pointed to the deer;
so, as she appeared in no way alarmed at seeing me, I at once went up to
her. After exchanging a few words, it occurred to me that she must be
the daughter of our friend Winnemak; and on my asking her, she said that
such was the case. I then informed her who I was; upon which she
immediately cut up the deer, lighted a fire, and prepared such a meal as
I had not enjoyed for many a day. I soon felt my strength wonderfully
restored, and my spirits rose when she told me that Clarice and you were
safe. We accordingly at once set off for the camp, and I am thankful
that we arrived in time to settle matters amicably with our friends
here."
The arrival of Uncle Jeff produced a great improvement in the state of
affairs. The Indians had all heard of him, and Winnemak treated him
with the greatest respect. Uncle Jeff was indeed likely to exercise a
beneficial influence over the tribe. He told them that although men had
a right to defend themselves against their enemies, the Great Spirit
disliked their making war one upon another; that he wished them all to
live at peace with their fellow-creatures; to provide proper food,
clothing, and shelter for their squaws and papooses; and that the Great
Spirit intended that they should cultivate the ground, and not depend
upon the precarious supply which the chase afforded. Uncle Jeff told
them also that the Great Spirit loved them all, and wished them to be
his children; that they were very wicked, but that he was ready to
forgive them, and had sent One on earth, his own dear Son, who had
consented to be punished instead of them, that he might become their
Elder Brother, and that they might enjoy the affection and privileges
bestowed by the Father upon his children.
Uncle Jeff was not much of a preacher, but, as he said, he might manage
to break ground, so that any missionary coming after him would be more
likely to be well received.
Clarice did not fail to talk to Maysotta on the same subject; and the
Indian girl appeared to take in the truths of the gospel much more
readily than did the men of her tribe.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although the camp was pitched in a tolerably secure position, both Uncle
Jeff and Winnemak considered it necessary to send out scouts in order to
ascertain what the enemy were about.
Lieutenant Broadstreet, who had no longer any excuse for remaining with
us, felt that it was his duty to proceed, with the two troopers, on his
journey. But he was evidently very unwilling to leave Clarice; and I
suspect that she also had no wish to let him go.
"I cannot tell to what dangers you may be exposed, and I shall be in a
miserable state of anxiety until I once more have the happiness of
seeing you," he said to her. "My intention is to point out the state of
affairs to the commandant at Fort Harwood, and induce him to obtain such
a body of troops as will effectually overawe the savages and drive them
back to the southward, so that your uncle and other settlers may be able
to resume possession of their property, and for the future live in
peace. The sooner, therefore, I set out, the more quickly will this
desirable object be attained."
"I highly applaud your intention, lieutenant," said Uncle Jeff; "and I
speak honestly when I say that, if you wish at any time to turn your
sword into a ploughshare, as the saying is, I shall be happy to have you
for a neighbour; and come when you may, you shall always be welcome at
Roaring Water. I hope that it will not be long before I am back there
again. I only wish I knew what has become of Bartle and Gideon; if they
are alive, we shall very soon get the farm built up again, and
everything put to rights."
The first of the scouts who had been sent out soon came back, with the
information that the enemy were still in considerable numbers in the
neighbourhood. Winnemak and Uncle Jeff agreed, therefore, that it would
be prudent to move further to the north, in consequence of what Piomingo
had told me. Camp was accordingly struck, and the baggage animals--
which, I am sorry to say, for the sake of my Redskin friends, included a
number of the squaws--were loaded. A small party of warriors going
ahead acted as an advance-guard, while the remainder of the tribe
brought up the rear, or went as scouts on either hand.
As the lieutenant had to follow the same road for some distance, we
continued together,--he, as may be supposed, riding alongside of
Clarice. I do not know what Uncle Jeff thought about the matter, but it
was evident to me that Clarice and Manley were very fond of one another.
However, as I thought highly of him, I did not feel myself called upon
to interfere in the matter.
We had proceeded some distance, when another of the scouts came in with
the alarming intelligence that the enemy, in considerable numbers, were
ahead of us, and that it was too probable they intended to attack us on
our march. We had therefore to proceed with greater caution than
before; and the advance-guard was considerably strengthened, so that
they might be able to keep an enemy in check until the remainder of the
tribe could come up.
It was too evident that the Arrapahas had overrun the country, and that
it would be some time before they could be expelled; and, such being the
case, Uncle Jeff said he would fix upon another location, perhaps to the
west of the Rocky Mountains, where the Indians were friendly, and where
he would still be near enough to the high-road to obtain a market for
his produce.
He had, consequently, just settled to accompany the lieutenant through
the pass, when another scout came in with the information that the
Arrapahas had taken possession of the pass itself, and that they had so
fortified themselves that they could not be driven out except by a
strong party, and at considerable loss of life.
This made it necessary for Uncle Jeff and Manley to change their plans.
They settled that we should proceed northwards with the Indians, while
they reconnoitred the pass; promising, should they find the account they
had received to be correct, to rejoin us, and perhaps attempt to cross
the mountains so as to reach the western plains. The mountains to the
northwards, however, were but little known, and even Winnemak confessed
that he had never wandered among them. He had heard, he said, that
there was a wonderful region in that direction, where the earth trembled
frequently; the fountains, instead of being cold, were hot, and that the
water was seen rushing upwards in huge jets; and that there were lakes
amid the mountains, and torrents, and waterfalls such as were nowhere
else to be seen.
"If the chiefs account is correct, it must be an interesting region to
visit," said Sergeant Custis. "For my own part, I hope we shall have
the chance of getting there."
While travelling on we kept in compact order, looking out, as usual, for
the approach of foes; but happily none appeared. Crossing the road
which led to the pass, we continued onwards until nightfall. We then
encamped in as strong a position as we could find. We knew it was of no
use to attempt concealing the route we had followed; for even had we
taken the greatest pains to do so, we should not have succeeded in
eluding the sharp eyes of our foes, had they wished to pursue us.
Soon after it grew dark, the sounds of horses' feet were heard. The
braves flew to arms. We stood ready with our rifles. Before we could
see any one, Uncle Jeff's voice was heard, and he and Manley rode into
camp. They had found that the report of the scouts was correct, and
that we could not hope to be able to get through in that direction.
Accordingly, the next morning we again started, and pushed on until we
reached a spot strongly guarded by rocks and trees, with a stream
flowing on one side. Here Winnemak, believing himself secure from his
foes, resolved to remain.
We now made preparations to separate from our Indian friends. None of
them were willing to encounter the fatigue and dangers necessary to be
undergone in crossing the mountains; they also evidently believed the
region to be enchanted, and, if inhabited at all, to be the abode of
spirits, or beings differing greatly from the human race. When Maysotta
heard we were going, she begged Clarice and Rachel to remain with her;
but Clarice had made up her mind to accompany us, and was fully prepared
for all the difficulties we might have to encounter. Fortunately,
Lieutenant Broadstreet had sufficient supplies of provisions for all our
wants. We were thus not altogether destitute of the necessaries of
life, for we had, I remember, even tea and coffee, sugar and salt. The
lieutenant had also a very small bell-tent, the canvas of which formed
scarcely half a load for a man. He himself seldom used it, but he
insisted that it should be brought, to afford shelter to Clarice. Three
or four Indians, moreover, agreed to accompany us as far as our
baggage-mules could go, that they might convey our provisions and
stores; after which we should have to carry them ourselves in knapsacks
on our backs.
On parting with Winnemak, he told us that we should come back sooner
than we expected, as he was sure we should never get over the mountains.
"`Where there's a will there's a way.' There is nothing like having the
will to do a thing, to help one to succeed," answered Uncle Jeff.
Our guides were under the belief that the only practicable way in which
they could get to the region they had heard of, was by following up a
torrent which, they said, came down from the far-off snowy summits of
the mountains in a succession of cataracts. For some distance we
travelled through a dense pine forest, following the course of a stream
into which we concluded the torrent fell. We frequently had to turn
aside to avoid the numberless fallen trunks, or to dismount and lead our
animals over them. We thus made but slow progress, and were compelled
to encamp in the midst of the forest at a much earlier hour than would
have been necessary in the open country. We kept up a blazing fire,
however, and happily escaped a visit from bears, or any of the savage
animals whose voices we heard round us on every side.
The next morning we moved forward, and looked out eagerly for a torrent.
At length we heard the roar of tumbling waters, and making our way
through the forest we came in sight of a cataract which altogether
surpassed that of our own location. It appeared to be formed of several
streams, which, rushing forth from the snowy heights, joined the main
body, and then came leaping downwards in one vast mass of water, with a
strength sufficient, it would seem, to force its way through the hardest
rock. There could be no doubt that this was the very cataract we were
in search of.
To carry our animals farther, would be impossible; indeed, had they been
able to make their way, they would not have found sufficient grass for
their sustenance in the rocky region we were approaching. We
accordingly encamped on a level spot not far from the cataract. When I
surveyed the wild and difficult region which we had to pass, I regretted
that Clarice had accompanied us, and wished that she had remained with
the Indians. Besides the fatigue which we must undergo, I feared that
we might run short of provisions, and that my sister might be exposed to
other hardships, which she was little able to endure.
She laughed at my fears.
"You do not know how strong I am; I shall be able to go through as much
as any of you," she said. "Although I like Maysotta, I should not have
been happy among her savage tribe."
The next morning we sent the animals back, and loaded ourselves with
packs of provisions. Rachel carried as much as any one of us, and
Clarice insisted on having a load likewise--although Manley, who made it
up, took good care that it should be a very light one.
The first day's journey was not so fatiguing as we expected to find it,
for we managed to wend our way upward on the slopes of the hills,
avoiding the more broken and steep places. We were soon satisfied, too,
that there was no risk of running short of food, for several times we
came upon herds of deer; although, as we approached them without care,
they scampered off before we were near enough to get a shot.
We had made our way through another pine forest, and had just turned an
angle in the mountains, when suddenly before us we saw several wapiti,
commonly known as the "Canada stag," one of the largest of the deer
tribe. This animal is fully as large as the biggest ox I ever saw; his
horns, branching in serpentine curves, being upwards of six feet from
tip to tip. In colour he is reddish-brown; on the upper part of the
neck the hairs are mixed with red and black, while from the shoulders
and along the sides the hide is a kind of grey.
The stags stopped and gazed at us stupidly, without taking to flight,
then began to utter cries which sounded wonderfully like the braying of
an ass; upon which Uncle Jeff lifted his unerring rifle and brought one
of them down, when the rest, taking fright, scampered off.
He and the two soldiers immediately began cutting up the animal.
"I wish we could take the hide with us, for it makes the best leather
anywhere to be found," Uncle Jeff observed; "but we must not add to our
loads."
As the day was now drawing to a close, we had not far to carry the meat
we had just obtained; and coming to a spot near one of the numerous
streams which fed the "big cataract," we encamped. As before, the small
bell-tent, which Pat Sperry had carried, was erected for Clarice and
Rachel; while we made our beds of fir-tops, round our camp-fire, with
such shelter as our blankets and a few boughs afforded. We were too
well accustomed to this sort of life, however, to consider it any
hardship.
We had no longer any fear of being attacked by Indians, but it was still
necessary to keep a watch by night, for it was very possible that a
grizzly might take it into his head to pay us a visit, or a pack of
wolves find us out; or a prowling panther might pounce down upon us,
should the fire go out, and no one be on the alert to drive him off.