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"The great Spirit takes care of those who trust him," observed Kluko reverently. Having as much game as our horses could carry, we set off to return home. The Indian, although on foot, easily kept up with us, and I could not but admire his firm step and graceful carriage as he moved over the ground, whether rough or smooth.
Kluko remained with us nearly a month, and won our regard by his quiet, intelligent, and unobtrusive manners. Although dressed in skins, he was perfectly the gentleman, moreover an enlightened and sincere Christian, for he had thrown aside all heathen customs and superstitions. His great object appeared to be to benefit his fellow-creatures.
"When they take prisoners they torture them, it is true, for a short time, but they then put them to death; they would not subject them to a long life of torture of soul and body." Kluko accompanied us on several hunting expeditions, but he was much less expert than we were in the use of the rifle.
"I heard the sound of your rifle several times, and I tracked you here, as I wanted to bring you good news," he said. "I thank you, pray speak on," I answered; "I know that it will give Kluko as much pleasure to tell good news as it will afford me to hear it."
Kluko had also taken charge of his bales of skins and peltries; and the wigwam which had so long served as our abode was left for the benefit of any person who might choose to take possession of it. The hunter, for so I will still call him, was unusually nervous as we approached "Smiling Valley." We were nearly in sight of the farm, when we saw my father approaching.
My uncle tried to recollect whether he had ever seen Kluko before, but the Indian asserted that they had never met. He remained with us until the following morning; then, charging us earnestly not to forget his warning, took his departure. Early in the day the Dominie and two of the men arrived with the horses, which we at once loaded and set off as fast as possible on our return home.
Knowing that he would be very glad of more food on awaking, I spitted a double supply of venison and bear's flesh. Sooner than I had expected, Uncle Denis and Dan made their appearance. As they approached the camp Kluko started to his feet, even in his sleep hearing their footsteps. They were much astonished on seeing him, but still more so on learning the object of his visit.
I, of course, thanked the Indian for his warning, assuring him that my father was too wise a man not to profit by it, and that he would be glad to reward him for the important service he had rendered us. "Kluko requires no reward. Gratitude prompts him to try and save the lives of his pale-faced friends," answered the Indian.
"Indeed, I knew that some white people had settled there from my Indian friend Kluko, who has been for a long time my firm ally, and frequently assisted me to escape from the red-skins. He will be here before long, as he visits me frequently." I replied that I knew the chief, who had shown his friendly disposition towards us, and should be happy to meet him.
You know Kluko is your friend, and that you can trust him." I assured the Indian that I put full confidence in the information he had brought, and invited him to accompany us to the farm, as I was sure my father would be glad to see him and thank him for the service he had rendered us. He was evidently pleased, and said he would come and see his pale-faced brothers.
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