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Updated: May 12, 2025
I turned to Maysotta and asked her whether she or any of her people had seen the two truants, or had observed the light of a camp-fire anywhere in the forest. "Are you seeking for any one?" she asked. I told her that two of the lieutenant's men, forgetful of their duty, had gone off by themselves, and that they might now be of use, could they be discovered, in defending the farm.
"At all events, we will approach cautiously," said the lieutenant. "If my men are there, we shall have no difficulty in recovering them; or should the fire prove to be at the camp of hostile Indians, we shall be able to retreat unobserved." Maysotta had no fear on the latter point, and advising us to picket our horses where we then were, she led the way towards the point she had described.
"Where will Maysotta remain while you are up in the mountains?" asked Uncle Jeff, after he had accepted Winnemak's offer. "Oh, let her come with us!" exclaimed Clarice. "I wish to show her that I am grateful for the service which she rendered me; and she may perhaps be pleased with the life we lead. She has several times expressed a wish to know how white people spend their time."
It was, of course, important to recover the horses and baggage-mules, and Maysotta proposed that she should conduct us to the edge of the forest, where we could remain while she, with Keokuk, searched for the animals, expressing, at the same time, her confidence of success. Having placed Clarice on my horse, I led the animal by the rein till we reached the spot proposed.
"Not while we have got a cartridge left in our pouches," cried Sergeant Custis, lifting his rifle as he spoke, as if he intended to make use of it, while Manley, Pat, and I followed his example. Just at this juncture two persons were seen approaching the camp, the one was Maysotta, accompanied by Keokuk, the other was a tall person dressed in skins.
At first I did not recognize him; but on looking again, what was my joy to see Uncle Jeff! Both he and Maysotta must have observed that something unusual was taking place in the camp, for they hurried forward at a quick pace, and in another moment had approached the chief. Uncle Jeff at once put out his hand. "What does all this mean?" he asked. Winnemak was silent.
I have been in a dreadful state of alarm and anxiety, thinking that Manley I mean Lieutenant Broadstreet and his men had been killed. Maysotta has somewhat relieved my mind. But where is he? Has he been unable to come and look for me?" The assurance I gave that Manley was well, and not far off, soon restored Clarice to her usual composure.
It was, of course, important to recover the horses and baggage-mules, and Maysotta proposed that she should conduct us to the edge of the forest, where we could remain while she, with Keokuk, searched for the animals, expressing, at the same time, her confidence of success. Having placed Clarice on my horse, I led the animal by the rein till we reached the spot proposed.
Uncle Jeff was not much of a preacher, but, as he said, he might manage to break ground, so that any missionary coming after him would be more likely to be well received. Clarice did not fail to talk to Maysotta on the same subject; and the Indian girl appeared to take in the truths of the gospel much more readily than did the men of her tribe.
Maysotta saw the advantage she had gained, and went on to tell them that we were their guests, and that, even had we been guilty of a greater provocation, they were bound to protect our lives with their own; that we had always been friendly with the red men; and, above all, that we had preserved the life of their chief, who, had it not been for us, would have died.
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