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Did you hear what Kashaqua says: that she will take me to Aunt Prissy's to-morrow?" said Faith. The Indian woman had turned quickly, and her sharp little eyes were fixed on Mrs. Carew's face. "You 'fraid let little girl go with Kashaqua?" she said, a little accusing note in her voice. "No, indeed. Kashaqua would take good care of Faith. I know that. But to-morrow " Mrs.
Aunt Prissy welcomed her little niece, whom she had not expected to see for weeks to come, and then turned to thank Kashaqua. But the Indian woman had disappeared. The bundle containing Faith's clothing lay on the door-step, but there was no trace of her companion.
Is it the bear that your papooses tamed?" exclaimed Faith, remembering the story told her on the way. Kashaqua nodded, at the same time muttering words of reproach to the bear. "He like bad Indian, steal from friends," she explained to Faith. "His name Nooski," she added. Nooski was quite ready to make friends with Faith, but she was not yet sure of his good-nature.
She generally comes before cold weather. Don't let her see your blue beads, Faith." Faith did not make any answer. Kashaqua was an Indian woman who had appeared at the cabin every fall and spring ever since the Carews had settled there. When Faith was a tiny baby she had come, bringing a fine beaver skin as a gift for the little girl.
It seemed to Faith that she had not slept a minute before she awakened suddenly, and found that Kashaqua had disappeared. But she heard a queer scrambling sound behind her and sat up and looked around. For a moment she was too frightened to speak, for a brown bear was clawing the remainder of their luncheon from the basket, grunting and sniffing, as if well pleased with what he found.
Kashaqua was evidently delighted to see Faith safely at home once more. She had brought a present for her little friend; and after Faith had talked to her mother, and yet, as she declared, had "not begun to tell her" all she had to tell, Kashaqua unrolled a soft bundle and spread out the skin of a black bear cub.
She always came alone, and the family looked upon her as a friend, and always made a little feast for her, and sent her on her way laden with gifts. Not all the Indians of the Wilderness were friendly to settlers; and the Carews were glad to feel that Kashaqua was well disposed toward them. She often brought gifts of baskets, or of bright feathers or fine moccasins for Faith.
Faith listened eagerly, and began to think that an Indian village must be a very pleasant place to live. "Where is your village, Kashaqua?" she asked. "You not know my village? Way back 'cross Mooselamoo," answered Kashaqua. "Perhaps I can go there some time," suggested Faith. But Kashaqua shook her head. For several hours they walked steadily on through the autumn woods.
"We can trust the strength and love that has protected us always to go with our little maid," said Mr. Carew; "perhaps Kashaqua is the safest person we could find." "We must hope so; but I shall not draw a good breath until she is here again, and tells me Faithie is safe with Priscilla," responded Mrs. Carew. The little household was awake at an early hour the next morning.
It seemed to the little girl that the bear understood every word Kashaqua uttered; and when they went on their way down the trail Nooski followed, or kept close beside them. It was still early in the afternoon when they reached level ground and Faith had her first glimpse of the blue waters of Lake Champlain and saw the heights of Ticonderoga on the opposite shore.
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