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I told him how white men always fed their prisoners, and took good care of the wounded; and when war was over, set them free to return to their homes. "The ways of the Palefaces are not those of the Redskins," he answered evasively. "Piomingo must be treated according to our customs; and my braves would complain were I to set him free to commit more mischief."
"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.
As the light rapidly increased, and I saw him more clearly than at first, it struck me that he was the young brave, Piomingo, who had lately paid us a visit at the farm; but of this, seeing him at the distance he was from me, I could not be certain. The chase promised to be a far longer one than I had expected. The stranger seemed as resolved to escape as Winnemak was to overtake him.
I spoke earnestly and faithfully to Piomingo of this, and I was thankful to find that he listened not only willingly but eagerly to what I said. "Yes," he exclaimed at length, "I see that you are right. Although some white men have set us a bad example, it is no reason that all should do so. The truths about which you speak are independent of man.
"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.
"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.
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.
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.
A squaw followed him. He stopped and gazed at me. Then, as I rode on, he advanced, and, putting out his hand, exclaimed, "You know me! Piomingo. This my squaw. You save my life and her life, and I am ever your friend." I told him that I was very glad to see him, and that he could give me information I very much desired.
As Bartle would certainly be unable to move for some time, Gideon and I remained by him, while Piomingo returned to inform Sergeant Custis of our success, and also to warn him that the enemy were not far ahead. The sergeant, we afterwards heard, pushed rapidly on, and in a short time came up with the party, and, by the careful way in which he approached, took them completely by surprise.
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