Father had made the casket and mother made the shroud. They buried the
dear old lady beside the husband she loved so well. Two Indian hunters
came that way on their return from hunting. They helped to dig the grave
and stayed to bring mother home on their sleds. Mother baked and cooked
for John, as they could not persuade him to come home with them to
remain until spring. Mr. Frankle sent two men to see if father and
mother were safe and they met them coming with the Indians. What happy
children we all were to see them again. Bob was wild with delight to see
father and mother, and when they learned how Bob had saved brother's
life there was nothing too good for him. Old grandpa was so glad when
they came home, for his trials were great with us four children. He said
to father one day in broken English, "Oh. Mr. Whitney, I so scare. I
fraid you keel me when boy lost in wood. Bob one good dog, he fine heme
quick. Bob worth ten thousand dollar. Me most crazy all time you gone.
Baby she cry all night. Earache. Charley she cut he finger. Lewis he
burn she's hand. Oh, I fraid we all go die sure!"
My mother was worried about John McWilliams being left alone so far from
any neighbors. The Indian Chief Ossawinamakee sent two of his Indians
with their wives and papooses to live near John until spring came. They
built warm wigwams covered with fur pelts of bear skins. John was very
sick and they took care of him. When John came to see us in the spring
he told us his story how it came they were here so far from their old
home. In after years mother told it to me, and I tell it now, as near as
possible, as John told it to her.