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But the Senecas will not listen to the words of Red Wolf: they love not Omas as does Red Wolf." The Delaware child now found herself in a quandary. She had made her plea, but, so far as she could see, it was in vain, since the friendship of Red Wolf alone was not enough.
And yet, but for the favoring aid of Heaven, they hardly could have come up at the crisis which brought them all together. Under the blest instruction of Mrs. Ripley, the doubts of Omas finally vanished, never to return. The once mighty warrior, foremost in battle and ferocity and courage, became the meek, humble follower of the Saviour triumphant in life, and doubly triumphant in death.
It was evident that when Omas left his child with her friends, and spoke of returning the next day, or soon thereafter, he did not know how near the invasion was. Mrs. Ripley expected that when he did learn it, he would hasten back for her. The night, however, passed without his appearance, and the hot July sun came up over the forests on the eastern bank of the river, and still he remained away.
Young as she was, she understood the peril of her friends, and set out to do all she could for them. She knew that Omas, her father, was a great warrior. He belonged to the Delaware tribe, which years before had been soundly beaten by the Iroquois and reduced almost to slavery; but among the conquered people were many without superiors in bravery, skill, and prowess.
"I couldn't," the mother hastened to say; "Omas left her in our care, and I must not neglect her. She will go with us." "I don't think it will be safe for her father to come after her, when the flurry is over." "Why not?"
The Seneca turned aside and sauntered to the carcass of the bear as if that had more interest just then for him. "What will Omas do if my brother warriors take your friends back to the other river, but Red Wolf does not help?" "He will strike them down with his tomahawk; my father, Omas, is a great warrior."
Sometimes the climbing was abrupt, but all, even to Alice, were accustomed to that kind of work, and they kept up a steady gait, which must have placed many miles to the rear if continued long. Omas continued at the head. Directly behind him walked his child, the path most of the time being so narrow that they were obliged to travel in Indian file.
When the warriors left, the man crawled out and got safely away. You know that the home of the Ripleys was on the eastern shore, which they left that same morning. They had crossed over in a large flatboat with a number of other families, so that now they were near their own home again. Omas had guided the canoe, too, so they landed not far from the little structure.
When, therefore, she said something in a low tone, he placed his hand softly over her mouth and whispered "S h! go to sleep, baby." He smoothed the silky hair away from the forehead so gently and so soothingly that she could not resist the effect. She meant to keep awake until Omas made his final decision; but no person can resist the approach of slumber, except by active movement.
She heard the laughter and prattle of the children in the house, and she thought of that bright boy, playing with his young friends not far away. "Where can we go?" she asked, in the same guarded voice. "With Omas," was the prompt reply; "hide in wigwam of Omas. Nobody hurt palefaced friend of Omas." It was a trying situation.
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