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Updated: June 5, 2025
I told him how white men always fed their prisoners, and took good care of the wounded; and when war was over, set them free to return to their homes. "The ways of the Palefaces are not those of the Redskins," he answered evasively. "Piomingo must be treated according to our customs; and my braves would complain were I to set him free to commit more mischief."
One white man, he said, had gone to Winnemak's camp; and from his description I had little doubt that the person he spoke of was either Bartle or Gideon. I was very sure, however, that either of them would without delay have rejoined Uncle Jeff. What Piomingo told me about the other caused me much anxiety.
As, however, we were made of flesh and blood, we were obliged to encamp at night, although the dawn of day found us again in pursuit. Piomingo thrilled my heart with horror by an account which he gave of the cruelties practised by the savages on some of their captives, and I had great fear that our friend Bartle might have been subjected to the same horrible tortures.
The next day had been fixed for the death of the prisoners, so I boldly told the chief that, taking advantage of his permission, I had set Piomingo at liberty, and urged him to be equally generous towards the young squaw. "My people will complain if they are disappointed," he answered, turning aside.
We had confidence in the success of our plan, for Piomingo had ever been celebrated for his cunning and audacity, which he had in times past exercised in less reputable ways than that in which he now proposed to employ them.
"Young Paleface," he said, struck by my kindness, "Piomingo would wish to serve you for the remainder of his days; perhaps he will have an opportunity of showing his gratitude; but he would ask you to show him your generosity still further. Supply him with arms; without them, he may fall a victim to the first foe he meets."
I hurried back to where Piomingo lay, and at once undid the cords which bound him. "I feel that my strength has returned, and that I shall be able to perform whatever I undertake," he said. "I do not wish to do things by halves," I remarked. "You shall have my horse; I will place the animal in yonder wood. If you have an opportunity, you can return him; but if not, I will give him to you."
His example was followed by his former enemy Piomingo, whose young wife and himself became industrious settlers the greater number of their tribe completely abandoning their old barbarous customs.
The hour now approached for the death of the prisoners, and finding that Piomingo had escaped, the Redskins were the more eager to put to death those who remained in their power. They were therefore led out and bound to the stakes, and the savages commenced their horrible war-dance round them. Manley and I again pleaded with the chief.
I got some water from the lake, finding a hard place by which I could approach it, and threw it over the face of the fallen man, who had, I perceived, merely fainted from the excruciating pain he was suffering. He at length opened his eyes, and seemed to recognize me. It was Piomingo. The chief, I noticed, stood by, watching every movement of his late antagonist.
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