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Updated: June 11, 2025
I was aroused by a shout from Sigenok. I lifted up my head and saw a dark object in the distance rising above the water. "It is our house!" exclaimed Malcolm, "Sigenok says so. Oh, that our father may be there!" We kept our eyes anxiously fixed on the distant object. It was growing dusk. Malcolm said that he saw something moving on it. "Man there, alive!" observed Sigenok.
"He no speak till he eat," observed Sigenok, after he had secured the canoe to the hut. We took the hint, and gave him some food.
Sigenok might have thought the same, for he sent out scouts on either side, and advanced with greater caution than before, though still at a rapid pace. We pulled up at an open glade. Sad was the sight which met our eyes. On every side were strewed the bodies of our companions, all denuded of their scalps. I almost fell fainting from my horse.
We pronounced his name. He gave a well-satisfied smile. "Ah, you have not forgotten me, nor I you," he said in his own language. "Favours conferred bind generous hearts together. Sigenok guessed that you were in distress. Your elder brother has long been looking for you."
Beyond that we dared not proceed, as the country was so open that we might easily have been seen had we made the attempt. The band, accordingly, here left their horses under charge of five of their number, and as soon as it was dusk they commenced their stealthy approach to the camp. Sigenok and another young and active Indian undertook to look after me.
Our neighbours, in spite of the value of their time to themselves, came and helped us, and we very soon had our hut over our heads, though, excepting the articles we had saved in the canoe, we had no furniture remaining. "Sigenok live here with you," observed our Indian friend. "Of course; very glad," we answered, thinking he intended to take up his abode in our hut.
At last we heard shouts in the distance, which became louder and louder, till by the light of the fire, which had been renewed, we saw Sigenok and his companions ride into the camp flourishing at the end of their spears the dreadful trophies of their success.
Sigenok told us that the Sioux of whom they had gone in chase, had nearly effected their escape, but that he had come up with them as they were attempting to pass a broad river, and where, from being in the water, not hearing the approach of their foes, he and his companions had shot them all down, so that he believed not one had got off.
I dared not ask Sigenok what he thought; the slightest sound might have betrayed us. Oh how I longed to rush forward and join his fate, whatever that might be. I believe that I should have done so when I saw him lift up his pale countenance, so expressive of grief and pain, had not Sigenok held me back.
For several days we travelled on without seeing any buffalo, till one day, soon after we had camped, notice was brought by the scouts that a large herd were in the neighbourhood. All was now excitement and preparation in the camp. Sigenok called us early in the morning, and, after a hasty breakfast, in high spirits we mounted our horses, and accompanied the band of hunters.
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