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Updated: June 11, 2025
"Ah, but it is not equal to one of your comfortable houses," observed Ashatea, who understood all that Lily said, and had, I found, improved greatly in her knowledge of English, having spent a considerable time at the settlement with Lily and Dora. We had some distance to go, I found, before we could reach the spot where Kepenau and his people were now encamped.
Kepenau and Ashatea returned to their settlement; and the old trapper, who had now recovered, began to make preparations for his departure. He had again invited Reuben to join him, but Mr Claxton, very wisely, would not hear of his son going away with the old man. "It is more than likely we shall never see him again," he observed.
Kepenau, he said, had sent but a small canoe, as we might thus more easily make our way up the stream, and pass the several portages we should have to go over. I knew that Reuben would take delight in the excursion, so I hurried to the settlement to see if he could come.
Ashatea was, I had no doubt, hoping the same. Kepenau had nearly brought his address to a conclusion when we arrived. Now, rising from his seat, he took Manilick's hand, and spoke to him affectionately, as it seemed to me. The young chief hung down his head, and answered only in monosyllables.
A canoe immediately put off and came paddling out towards us; then turned round and accompanied us back to the bank, on which Kepenau, with Ashatea and other members of his family, stood ready to receive us. As we shook hands he told us how glad he was to see us; and Ashatea had many questions to ask about Lily and Dora. "I have been longing to come and visit them again," she said.
This showed that Kepenau and his people were in advance of the hunting Indians, who trust only to the chase for subsistence, and are thereby frequently reduced to a state of starvation. All the inhabitants of the camp turned out to wish us farewell, and offered up prayers for our safety as we stepped into our canoes.
"Kepenau," he answered. "He has, with his whole tribe, moved westward, under my protection. He has buried the hatchet with all mankind, and has induced me to follow his example, provided we are not attacked; for should we be, even he allows that it is both lawful and right to defend ourselves.
You saved my life when the Apaches were about to take my scalp, and enabled me to reach my horse and escape," answered Kepenau. "Ah! I have a faint recollection of that; but I remember more clearly how, when I was hunted by a party of Araphoes, you and your people came sweeping down to my assistance, and put them to flight," replied the old trapper.
"My friend," said the old trapper, touching him on the shoulder, "let me sell them for you. I know how the white men will treat you if they think that they are yours: they will offer a third of the value, and then insist on your taking articles you do not require." "I wish to open a fair trade with the white men," answered Kepenau. "I will let them understand that I have more skins to bring."
He had arranged with Kepenau to sell his peltries, and the next day they were all disposed of at a price which greatly astonished and delighted our Indian friend. He made an arrangement with Uncle Stephen to sell all the produce of the chase which he might bring, and to purchase for him such articles as he required.
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