diff options
Diffstat (limited to '4215-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 4215-h/4215-h.htm | 19042 |
1 files changed, 19042 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/4215-h/4215-h.htm b/4215-h/4215-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7767224 --- /dev/null +++ b/4215-h/4215-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,19042 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Oak Openings, by James Fennimore Cooper + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Oak Openings, by James Fenimore Cooper + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Oak Openings + +Author: James Fenimore Cooper + + +Release Date: July, 2003 [Etext# 4215] +This file was first posted on December 11, 2001 +Last Updated: March 11, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OAK OPENINGS *** + + + + +Text file produced by Charles Franks and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + OAK OPENINGS + </h1> + <h2> + By James Fennimore Cooper + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>THE OAK OPENINGS.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + It ought to be matter of surprise how men live in the midst of marvels, + without taking heed of their existence. The slightest derangement of their + accustomed walks in political or social life shall excite all their + wonder, and furnish themes for their discussions, for months; while the + prodigies that come from above are presented daily to their eyes, and are + received without surprise, as things of course. In a certain sense, this + may be well enough, inasmuch as all which comes directly from the hands of + the Creator may be said so far to exceed the power of human comprehension, + as to be beyond comment; but the truth would show us that the cause of + this neglect is rather a propensity to dwell on such interests as those + over which we have a fancied control, than on those which confessedly + transcend our understanding. Thus is it ever with men. The wonders of + creation meet them at every turn, without awakening reflection, while + their minds labor on subjects that are not only ephemeral and illusory, + but which never attain an elevation higher than that the most sordid + interests can bestow. + </p> + <p> + For ourselves, we firmly believe that the finger of Providence is pointing + the way to all races, and colors, and nations, along the path that is to + lead the east and the west alike to the great goal of human wants. Demons + infest that path, and numerous and unhappy are the wanderings of millions + who stray from its course; sometimes in reluctance to proceed; sometimes + in an indiscreet haste to move faster than their fellows, and always in a + forgetfulness of the great rules of conduct that have been handed down + from above. Nevertheless, the main course is onward; and the day, in the + sense of time, is not distant, when the whole earth is to be filled with + the knowledge of the Lord, “as the waters cover the sea.” + </p> + <p> + One of the great stumbling-blocks with a large class of well-meaning, but + narrow-judging moralists, are the seeming wrongs that are permitted by + Providence, in its control of human events. Such persons take a one-sided + view of things, and reduce all principles to the level of their own + understandings. If we could comprehend the relations which the Deity bears + to us, as well as we can comprehend the relations we bear to him, there + might be a little seeming reason in these doubts; but when one of the + parties in this mighty scheme of action is a profound mystery to the + other, it is worse than idle, it is profane, to attempt to explain those + things which our minds are not yet sufficiently cleared from the dross of + earth to understand. Look at Italy, at this very moment. The darkness and + depression from which that glorious peninsula is about to emerge are the + fruits of long-continued dissensions and an iron despotism, which is at + length broken by the impulses left behind him by a ruthless conqueror, + who, under the appearance and the phrases of Liberty, contended only for + himself. A more concentrated egotism than that of Napoleon probably never + existed; yet has it left behind it seeds of personal rights that have + sprung up by the wayside, and which are likely to take root with a force + that will bid defiance to eradication. Thus is it ever, with the progress + of society. Good appears to arise out of evil, and the inscrutable ways of + Providence are vindicated by general results, rather than by instances of + particular care. We leave the application of these remarks to the + intelligence of such of our readers as may have patience to peruse the + work that will be found in the succeeding pages. + </p> + <p> + We have a few words of explanation to say, in connection with the + machinery of our tale. In the first place, we would remark, that the + spelling of “burr-oak,” as given in this book, is less our own than an + office spelling. We think it should be “bur-oak,” and this for the simple + reason, that the name is derived from the fact that the acorn borne by + this tree is partially covered with a bur. Old Sam Johnson, however, says + that “burr” means the lobe, or lap of the ear; and those who can fancy + such a resemblance between this and the covering of our acorn, are at + liberty to use the two final consonants. Having commenced stereotyping + with this supernumerary, for the sake of uniformity that mode of spelling, + wrong as we think it, has been continued through-out the book. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing imaginary in the fertility of the West. Personal + observation has satisfied us that it much surpasses anything that exists + in the Atlantic States, unless in exceptions, through the agency of great + care and high manuring, or in instances of peculiar natural soil. In these + times, men almost fly. We have passed over a thousand miles of territory + within the last few days, and have brought the pictures at the two + extremes of this journey in close proximity in our mind's eye. Time may + lessen that wonderful fertility, and bring the whole country more on a + level; but there it now is, a glorious gift from God, which it is devoutly + to be wished may be accepted with due gratitude and with a constant + recollection of his unwavering rules of right and wrong, by those who have + been selected to enjoy it. + </p> + <p> + June, 1848. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE OAK OPENINGS. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + How doth the little busy bee + Improve each shining hour, + And gather honey all the day, + From every opening flower. + WATTS' HYMNS FOR CHILDREN. +</pre> + <p> + We have heard of those who fancied that they beheld a signal instance of + the hand of the Creator in the celebrated cataract of Niagara. Such + instances of the power of sensible and near objects to influence certain + minds, only prove how much easier it is to impress the imaginations of the + dull with images that are novel, than with those that are less apparent, + though of infinitely greater magnitude. Thus it would seem to be strange + indeed, that any human being should find more to wonder at in any one of + the phenomena of the earth, than in the earth itself; or should especially + stand astonished at the might of Him who created the world, when each + night brings into view a firmament studded with other worlds, each equally + the work of His hands! + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, there is (at bottom) a motive for adoration, in the study of + the lowest fruits of the wisdom and power of God. The leaf is as much + beyond our comprehension of remote causes, as much a subject of + intelligent admiration, as the tree which bears it: the single tree + confounds our knowledge and researches the same as the entire forest; and, + though a variety that appears to be endless pervades the world, the same + admirable adaptation of means to ends, the same bountiful forethought, and + the same benevolent wisdom, are to be found in the acorn, as in the + gnarled branch on which it grew. + </p> + <p> + The American forest has so often been described, as to cause one to + hesitate about reviving scenes that might possibly pall, and in retouching + pictures that have been so frequently painted as to be familiar to every + mind. But God created the woods, and the themes bestowed by his bounty are + inexhaustible. Even the ocean, with its boundless waste of water, has been + found to be rich in its various beauties and marvels; and he who shall + bury himself with us, once more, in the virgin forests of this widespread + land, may possibly discover new subjects of admiration, new causes to + adore the Being that has brought all into existence, from the universe to + its most minute particle. + </p> + <p> + The precise period of our legend was in the year 1812, and the season of + the year the pleasant month of July, which had now drawn near to its + close. The sun was already approaching the western limits of a wooded + view, when the actors in its opening scene must appear on a stage that is + worthy of a more particular description. + </p> + <p> + The region was, in one sense, wild, though it offered a picture that was + not without some of the strongest and most pleasing features of + civilization. The country was what is termed “rolling,” from some fancied + resemblance to the surface of the ocean, when it is just undulating with a + long “ground-swell.” + </p> + <p> + Although wooded, it was not, as the American forest is wont to grow, with + tail straight trees towering toward the light, but with intervals between + the low oaks that were scattered profusely over the view, and with much of + that air of negligence that one is apt to see in grounds where art is made + to assume the character of nature. The trees, with very few exceptions, + were what is called the “burr-oak,” a small variety of a very extensive + genus; and the spaces between them, always irregular, and often of + singular beauty, have obtained the name of “openings”; the two terms + combined giving their appellation to this particular species of native + forest, under the name of “Oak Openings.” + </p> + <p> + These woods, so peculiar to certain districts of country, are not + altogether without some variety, though possessing a general character of + sameness. The trees were of very uniform size, being little taller than + pear-trees, which they resemble a good deal in form; and having trunks + that rarely attain two feet in diameter. The variety is produced by their + distribution. In places they stand with a regularity resembling that of an + orchard; then, again, they are more scattered and less formal, while wide + breadths of the land are occasionally seen in which they stand in copses, + with vacant spaces, that bear no small affinity to artificial lawns, being + covered with verdure. The grasses are supposed to be owing to the fires + lighted periodically by the Indians in order to clear their + hunting-grounds. + </p> + <p> + Toward one of these grassy glades, which was spread on an almost + imperceptible acclivity, and which might have contained some fifty or + sixty acres of land, the reader is now requested to turn his eyes. Far in + the wilderness as was the spot, four men were there, and two of them had + even some of the appliances of civilization about them. The woods around + were the then unpeopled forest of Michigan; and the small winding reach of + placid water that was just visible in the distance, was an elbow of the + Kalamazoo, a beautiful little river that flows westward, emptying its + tribute into the vast expanse of Lake Michigan. Now, this river has + already become known, by its villages and farms, and railroads and mills; + but then, not a dwelling of more pretension than the wigwam of the Indian, + or an occasional shanty of some white adventurer, had ever been seen on + its banks. In that day, the whole of that fine peninsula, with the + exception of a narrow belt of country along the Detroit River, which was + settled by the French as far back as near the close of the seventeenth + century, was literally a wilderness. If a white man found his way into it, + it was as an Indian trader, a hunter, or an adventurer in some other of + the pursuits connected with border life and the habits of the savages. + </p> + <p> + Of this last character were two of the men on the open glade just + mentioned, while their companions were of the race of the aborigines. What + is much more remarkable, the four were absolutely strangers to each + other's faces, having met for the first time in their lives, only an hour + previously to the commencement of our tale. By saying that they were + strangers to each other, we do not mean that the white men were + acquaintances, and the Indians strangers, but that neither of the four had + ever seen either of the party until they met on that grassy glade, though + fame had made them somewhat acquainted through their reputations. At the + moment when we desire to present this group to the imagination of the + reader, three of its number were grave and silent observers of the + movements of the fourth. The fourth individual was of middle size, young, + active, exceedingly well formed, and with a certain open and frank + expression of countenance, that rendered him at least well-looking, though + slightly marked with the small-pox. His real name was Benjamin Boden, + though he was extensively known throughout the northwestern territories by + the sobriquet of Ben Buzz—extensively as to distances, if not as to + people. By the voyageurs, and other French of that region, he was almost + universally styled le Bourdon or the “Drone”; not, however, from his + idleness or inactivity, but from the circumstances that he was notorious + for laying his hands on the products of labor that proceeded from others. + In a word, Ben Boden was a “bee-hunter,” and as he was one of the first to + exercise his craft in that portion of the country, so was he infinitely + the most skilful and prosperous. The honey of le Bourdon was not only + thought to be purer and of higher flavor than that of any other trader in + the article, but it was much the most abundant. There were a score of + respectable families on the two banks of the Detroit, who never purchased + of any one else, but who patiently waited for the arrival of the capacious + bark canoe of Buzz, in the autumn, to lay in their supplies of this savory + nutriment for the approaching winter. The whole family of griddle cakes, + including those of buckwheat, Indian rice, and wheaten flour, were more or + less dependent on the safe arrival of le Bourdon, for their popularity and + welcome. Honey was eaten with all; and wild honey had a reputation, + rightfully or not obtained, that even rendered it more welcome than that + which was formed by the labor and art of the domesticated bee. + </p> + <p> + The dress of le Bourdon was well adapted to his pursuits and life. He wore + a hunting-shirt and trousers, made of thin stuff, which was dyed green, + and trimmed with yellow fringe. This was the ordinary forest attire of the + American rifleman; being of a character, as it was thought, to conceal the + person in the woods, by blending its hues with those of the forest. On his + head Ben wore a skin cap, somewhat smartly made, but without the fur; the + weather being warm. His moccasins were a good deal wrought, but seemed to + be fading under the exposure of many marches. His arms were excellent; but + all his martial accoutrements, even to a keen long-bladed knife, were + suspended from the rammer of his rifle; the weapon itself being allowed to + lean, in careless confidence, against the trunk of the nearest oak, as if + their master felt there was no immediate use for them. + </p> + <p> + Not so with the other three. Not only was each man well armed, but each + man kept his trusty rifle hugged to his person, in a sort of jealous + watchfulness; while the other white man, from time to time, secretly, but + with great minuteness, examined the flint and priming of his own piece. + </p> + <p> + This second pale-face was a very different person from him just described. + He was still young, tall, sinewy, gaunt, yet springy and strong, stooping + and round-shouldered, with a face that carried a very decided top-light in + it, like that of the notorious Bardolph. In short, whiskey had dyed the + countenance of Gershom Waring with a tell-tale hue, that did not less + infallibly betray his destination than his speech denoted his origin, + which was clearly from one of the States of New England. But Gershom had + been so long at the Northwest as to have lost many of his peculiar habits + and opinions, and to have obtained substitutes. + </p> + <p> + Of the Indians, one, an elderly, wary, experienced warrior, was a + Pottawattamie, named Elksfoot, who was well known at all the + trading-houses and “garrisons” of the northwestern territory, including + Michigan as low down as Detroit itself. The other red man was a young + Chippewa, or O-jeb-way, as the civilized natives of that nation now tell + us the word should be spelled. His ordinary appellation among his own + people was that of Pigeonswing; a name obtained from the rapidity and + length of his flights. This young man, who was scarcely turned of + five-and-twenty, had already obtained a high reputation among the numerous + tribes of his nation, as a messenger, or “runner.” + </p> + <p> + Accident had brought these four persons, each and all strangers to one + another, in communication in the glade of the Oak Openings, which has + already been mentioned, within half an hour of the scene we are about to + present to the reader. Although the rencontre had been accompanied by the + usual precautions of those who meet in a wilderness, it had been friendly + so far; a circumstance that was in some measure owing to the interest they + all took in the occupation of the bee-hunter. The three others, indeed, + had come in on different trails, and surprised le Bourdon in the midst of + one of the most exciting exhibitions of his art—an exhibition that + awoke so much and so common an interest in the spectators, as at once to + place its continuance for the moment above all other considerations. After + brief salutations, and wary examinations of the spot and its tenants, each + individual had, in succession, given his grave attention to what was going + on, and all had united in begging Ben Buzz to pursue his occupation, + without regard to his visitors. The conversation that took place was + partly in English, and partly in one of the Indian dialects, which luckily + all the parties appeared to understand. As a matter of course, with a sole + view to oblige the reader, we shall render what was said, freely, into the + vernacular. + </p> + <p> + “Let's see, let's see, STRANger,” cried Gershom, emphasizing the syllable + we have put in italics, as if especially to betray his origin, “what you + can do with your tools. I've heer'n tell of such doin's, but never see'd a + bee lined in all my life, and have a desp'rate fancy for larnin' of all + sorts, from 'rithmetic to preachin'.” + </p> + <p> + “That comes from your Puritan blood,” answered le Bourdon, with a quiet + smile, using surprisingly pure English for one in his class of life. “They + tell me you Puritans preach by instinct.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know how that is,” answered Gershom, “though I can turn my hand + to anything. I heer'n tell, across at Bob Ruly (Bois Brulk [Footnote: This + unfortunate name, which it may be necessary to tell a portion of our + readers means “burnt wood,” seems condemned to all sorts of abuses among + the linguists of the West. Among other pronunciations is that of “Bob + Ruly”; while an island near Detroit, the proper name of which is “Bois + Blanc,” is familiarly known to the lake mariners by the name of + “Bobolo.”]) of sich doin's, and would give a week's keep at Whiskey + Centre, to know how 'twas done.” + </p> + <p> + “Whiskey Centre” was a sobriquet bestowed by the fresh-water sailors of + that region, and the few other white adventurers of Saxon origin who found + their way into that trackless region, firstly on Gershom himself, and + secondly on his residence. These names were obtained from the intensity of + their respective characters, in favor of the beverage named. L'eau de mort + was the place termed by the voyagers, in a sort of pleasant travesty on + the eau de vie of their distant, but still well-remembered manufactures on + the banks of the Garonne. Ben Boden, however, paid but little attention to + the drawling remarks of Gershom Waring. This was not the first time he had + heard of “Whiskey Centre,” though the first time he had ever seen the man + himself. His attention was on his own trade, or present occupation; and + when it wandered at all, it was principally bestowed on the Indians; more + especially on the runner. Of Elk's foot, or Elksfoot, as we prefer to + spell it, he had some knowledge by means of rumor; and the little he knew + rendered him somewhat more indifferent to his proceedings than he felt + toward those of the Pigeonswing. Of this young redskin he had never heard; + and, while he managed to suppress all exhibition of the feeling, a lively + curiosity to learn the Chippewa's business was uppermost in his mind. As + for Gershom, he had taken HIS measure at a glance, and had instantly set + him down to be, what in truth he was, a wandering, drinking, reckless + adventurer, who had a multitude of vices and bad qualities, mixed up with + a few that, if not absolutely redeeming, served to diminish the disgust in + which he might otherwise have been held by all decent people. In the + meanwhile, the bee-hunting, in which all the spectators took so much + interest, went on. As this is a process with which most of our readers are + probably unacquainted, it may be necessary to explain the modus operandi, + as well as the appliances used. + </p> + <p> + The tools of Ben Buzz, as Gershom had termed these implements of his + trade, were neither very numerous nor very complex. They were all + contained in a small covered wooden pail like those that artisans and + laborers are accustomed to carry for the purpose of conveying their food + from place to place. Uncovering this, le Bourdon had brought his + implements to view, previously to the moment when he was first seen by the + reader. There was a small covered cup of tin; a wooden box; a sort of + plate, or platter, made also of wood; and a common tumbler, of a very + inferior, greenish glass. In the year 1812, there was not a pane, nor a + vessel, of clear, transparent glass, made in all America! Now, some of the + most beautiful manufactures of that sort, known to civilization, are + abundantly produced among us, in common with a thousand other articles + that are used in domestic economy. The tumbler of Ben Buzz, however, was + his countryman in more senses than one. It was not only American, but it + came from the part of Pennsylvania of which he was himself a native. + Blurred, and of a greenish hue, the glass was the best that Pittsburg + could then fabricate, and Ben had bought it only the year before, on the + very spot where it had been made. + </p> + <p> + An oak, of more size than usual, had stood a little remote from its + fellows, or more within the open ground of the glade than the rest of the + “orchard.” Lightning had struck this tree that very summer, twisting off + its trunk at a height of about four feet from the ground. Several + fragments of the body and branches lay near, and on these the spectators + now took their seats, watching attentively the movements of the + bee-hunter. Of the stump Ben had made a sort of table, first levelling its + splinters with an axe, and on it he placed the several implements of his + craft, as he had need of each in succession. + </p> + <p> + The wooden platter was first placed on this rude table. Then le Bourdon + opened his small box, and took out of it a piece of honeycomb, that was + circular in shape, and about an inch and a half in diameter. The little + covered tin vessel was next brought into use. Some pure and beautifully + clear honey was poured from its spout into the cells of the piece of comb, + until each of them was about half filled. The tumbler was next taken in + hand, carefully wiped, and examined, by holding it up before the eyes of + the bee-hunter. Certainly, there was little to admire in it, but it was + sufficiently transparent to answer his purposes. All he asked was to be + able to look through the glass in order to see what was going on in its + interior. + </p> + <p> + Having made these preliminary arrangements, Buzzing Ben—for the + sobriquet was applied to him in this form quite as often as in the other—next + turned his attention to the velvet-like covering of the grassy glade. Fire + had run over the whole region late that spring, and the grass was now as + fresh, and sweet and short, as if the place were pastured. The white + clover, in particular, abounded, and was then just bursting forth into the + blossom. Various other flowers had also appeared, and around them were + buzzing thousands of bees. These industrious little animals were hard at + work, loading themselves with sweets; little foreseeing the robbery + contemplated by the craft of man. As le Bourdon moved stealthily among the + flowers and their humming visitors, the eyes of the two red men followed + his smallest movement, as the cat watches the mouse; but Gershom was less + attentive, thinking the whole curious enough, but preferring whiskey to + all the honey on earth. + </p> + <p> + At length le Bourdon found a bee to his mind, and watching the moment when + the animal was sipping sweets from a head of white clover, he cautiously + placed his blurred and green-looking tumbler over it, and made it his + prisoner. The moment the bee found itself encircled with the glass, it + took wing and attempted to rise. This carried it to the upper part of its + prison, when Ben carefully introduced the unoccupied hand beneath the + glass, and returned to the stump. Here he set the tumbler down on the + platter in a way to bring the piece of honeycomb within its circle. + </p> + <p> + So much done successfully, and with very little trouble, Buzzing Ben + examined his captive for a moment, to make sure that all was right. Then + he took off his cap and placed it over tumbler, platter, honeycomb, and + bee. He now waited half a minute, when cautiously raising the cap again, + it was seen that the bee, the moment a darkness like that of its hive came + over it, had lighted on the comb, and commenced filling itself with the + honey. When Ben took away the cap altogether, the head and half of the + body of the bee was in one of the cells, its whole attention being + bestowed on this unlooked-for hoard of treasure. As this was just what its + captor wished, he considered that part of his work accomplished. It now + became apparent why a glass was used to take the bee, instead of a vessel + of wood or of bark. Transparency was necessary in order to watch the + movements of the captive, as darkness was necessary in order to induce it + to cease its efforts to escape, and to settle on the comb. + </p> + <p> + As the bee was now intently occupied in filling itself, Buzzing Ben, or le + Bourdon, did not hesitate about removing the glass. He even ventured to + look around him, and to make another captive, which he placed over the + comb, and managed as he had done with the first. In a minute, the second + bee was also buried in a cell, and the glass was again removed. Le Bourdon + now signed for his companions to draw near. + </p> + <p> + “There they are, hard at work with the honey,” he said, speaking in + English, and pointing at the bees. “Little do they think, as they + undermine that comb, how near they are to the undermining of their own + hive! But so it is with us all! When we think we are in the highest + prosperity we may be nearest to a fall, and when we are poorest and + hum-blest, we may be about to be exalted. I often think of these things, + out here in the wilderness, when I'm alone, and my thoughts are acTYVE.” + </p> + <p> + Ben used a very pure English, when his condition in life is remembered; + but now and then, he encountered a word which pretty plainly proved he was + not exactly a scholar. A false emphasis has sometimes an influence on a + man's fortune, when one lives in the world; but it mattered little to one + like Buzzing Ben, who seldom saw more than half a dozen human faces in the + course of a whole summer's hunting. We remember an Englishman, however, + who would never concede talents to Burr, because the latter said, a + L'AmEricaine, EurOpean, instead of EuropEan. + </p> + <p> + “How hive in danger?” demanded Elksfoot, who was very much of a + matter-of-fact person. “No see him, no hear him—else get some + honey.” + </p> + <p> + “Honey you can have for asking, for I've plenty of it already in my cabin, + though it's somewhat 'arly in the season to begin to break in upon the + store. In general, the bee-hunters keep back till August, for they think + it better to commence work when the creatures”—this word Ben + pronounced as accurately as if brought up at St. James's, making it + neither “creatur'” nor “creatOOre”—“to commence work when the + creatures have had time to fill up, after winter's feed. But I like the + old stock, and, what is more, I feel satisfied this is not to be a common + summer, and so I thought I would make an early start.” + </p> + <p> + As Ben said this, he glanced his eyes at Pigeonswing, who returned the + look in a way to prove there was already a secret intelligence between + them, though neither had ever seen the other an hour before. + </p> + <p> + “Waal!” exclaimed Gershom, “this is cur'ous, I'll allow THAT; yes, it's + cur'ous—but we've got an article at Whiskey Centre that'll put the + sweetest honey bee ever suck'd, altogether out o' countenance!” + </p> + <p> + “An article of which you suck your share, I'll answer for it, judging by + the sign you carry between the windows of your face,” returned Ben, + laughing; “but hush, men, hush. That first bee is filled, and begins to + think of home. He'll soon be off for HONEY Centre, and I must keep my eye + on him. Now, stand a little aside, friends, and give me room for my + craft.” + </p> + <p> + The men complied, and le Bourdon was now all intense attention to his + business. The bee first taken had, indeed, filled itself to satiety, and + at first seemed to be too heavy to rise on the wing. After a few moments + of preparation, however, up it went, circling around the spot, as if + uncertain what course to take. The eye of Ben never left it, and when the + insect darted off, as it soon did, in an air-line, he saw it for fifty + yards after the others had lost sight of it. Ben took the range, and was + silent fully a minute while he did so. + </p> + <p> + “That bee may have lighted in the corner of yonder swamp,” he said, + pointing, as he spoke, to a bit of low land that sustained a growth of + much larger trees than those which grew in the “opening,” “or it has + crossed the point of the wood, and struck across the prairie beyond, and + made for a bit of thick forest that is to be found about three miles + further. In the last case, I shall have my trouble for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “What t'other do?” demanded Elksfoot, with very obvious curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Sure enough; the other gentleman must be nearly ready for a start, and + we'll see what road HE travels. 'Tis always an assistance to a bee-hunter + to get one creature fairly off, as it helps him to line the next with + greater sartainty.” + </p> + <p> + Ben WOULD say acTYVE, and SARtain, though he was above saying creatoore, + or creatur'. This is the difference between a Pennsylvanian and a Yankee. + We shall not stop, however, to note all these little peculiarities in + these individuals, but use the proper or the peculiar dialect, as may + happen to be most convenient to ourselves. + </p> + <p> + But there was no time for disquisition, the second bee being now ready for + a start. Like his companion, this insect rose and encircled the stump + several times, ere it darted away toward its hive, in an air-line. So + small was the object, and so rapid its movement, that no one but the + bee-hunter saw the animal after it had begun its journey in earnest. To + HIS disappointment, instead of flying in the same direction as the bee + first taken, this little fellow went buzzing off fairly at a right angle! + It was consequently clear that there were two hives, and that they lay in + very different directions. + </p> + <p> + Without wasting his time in useless talk, le Bourdon now caught another + bee, which was subjected to the same process as those first taken. When + this creature had filled it-self, it rose, circled the stump as usual, as + if to note the spot for a second visit, and darted away, directly in a + line with the bee first taken. Ben noted its flight most accurately, and + had his eye on it, until it was quite a hundred yards from the stump. This + he was enabled to do, by means of a quick sight and long practice. + </p> + <p> + “We'll move our quarters, friends,” said Buzzing Ben, good-humoredly, as + soon as satisfied with this last observation, and gathering together his + traps for a start. “I must angle for that hive, and I fear it will turn + out to be across the prairie, and quite beyond my reach for to-day.” + </p> + <p> + The prairie alluded to was one of those small natural meadows, or + pastures, that are to be found in Michigan, and may have contained four or + five thousand acres of open land. The heavy timber of the swamp mentioned, + jutted into it, and the point to be determined was, to ascertain whether + the bees had flown OVER these trees, toward which they had certainly gone + in an air-line, or whether they had found their hive among them. In order + to settle this material question, a new process was necessary. + </p> + <p> + “I must 'angle' for them chaps,” repeated le Bourdon; “and if you will go + with me, strangers, you shall soon see the nicest part of the business of + bee-hunting. Many a man who can 'line' a bee, can do nothing at an + 'angle'.” + </p> + <p> + As this was only gibberish to the listeners, no answer was made, but all + prepared to follow Ben, who was soon ready to change his ground. The + bee-hunter took his way across the open ground to a point fully a hundred + rods distant from his first position, where he found another stump of a + fallen tree, which he converted into a stand. The same process was gone + through with as before, and le Bourdon was soon watching two bees that had + plunged their heads down into the cells of the comb. Nothing could exceed + the gravity and attention of the Indians, all this time. They had fully + comprehended the business of “lining” the insects toward their hives, but + they could not understand the virtue of the “angle.” The first bore so + strong an affinity to their own pursuit of game, as to be very obvious to + their senses; but the last included a species of information to which they + were total strangers. Nor were they much the wiser after le Bourdon had + taken his “angle”; it requiring a sort of induction to which they were not + accustomed, in order to put the several parts of his proceedings together, + and to draw the inference. As for Gershom, he affected to be familiar with + all that was going on, though he was just as ignorant as the Indians + themselves. This little bit of hypocrisy was the homage he paid to his + white blood: it being very unseemly, according to his view of the matter, + for a pale-face not to know more than a redskin. + </p> + <p> + The bees were some little time in filling themselves. At length one of + them came out of his cell, and was evidently getting ready for his flight. + Ben beckoned to the spectators to stand farther back, in order to give him + a fair chance, and, just as he had done so, the bee rose. After humming + around the stump for an instant, away the insect flew, taking a course + almost at right angles to that in which le Bourdon had expected to see it + fly. It required half a minute for him to recollect that this little + creature had gone off in a line nearly parallel to that which had been + taken by the second of the bees, which he had seen quit his original + position. The line led across the neighboring prairie, and any attempt to + follow these bees was hopeless. + </p> + <p> + But the second creature was also soon ready, and when it darted away, le + Bourdon, to his manifest delight, saw that it held its flight toward the + point of the swamp INTO, or OVER which two of his first captives had gone. + This settled the doubtful matter. Had the hive of these bees been BEYOND + that wood, the angle of intersection would not have been there, but at the + hive across the prairie. The reader will understand that creatures which + obey an instinct, or such a reason as bees possess, would never make a + curvature in their flights without some strong motive for it. Thus, two + bees taken from flowers that stood half a mile apart would be certain not + to cross each other's tracks, in returning home, until they met at the + common hive: and wherever the intersecting angle in their respective + flights may be, there would that hive be also. As this repository of + sweets was the game le Bourdon had in view, it is easy to see how much he + was pleased when the direction taken by the last of his bees gave him the + necessary assurance that its home would certainly be found in that very + point of dense wood. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + How skilfully it builds its cell, + How neat it spreads the wax, + And labors hard to store it well, + With the sweet food it makes. + WATTS' HYMNS FOR CHILDREN. +</pre> + <p> + The next thing was to ascertain which was the particular tree in which the + bees had found a shelter. Collecting his implements, le Bourdon was soon + ready, and, with a light elastic tread, he moved off toward the point of + the wood, followed by the whole party. The distance was about half a mile, + and men so much accustomed to use their limbs made light of it. In a few + minutes all were there, and the bee-hunter was busy in looking for his + tree. This was the consummation of the whole process, and Ben was not only + provided for the necessities of the case, but he was well skilled in all + the signs that betokened the abodes of bees. + </p> + <p> + An uninstructed person might have passed that point of wood a thousand + times, without the least consciousness of the presence of a single insect + of the sort now searched for. In general, the bees flew too high to be + easily perceptible from the ground, though a practised eye can discern + them at distances that would almost seem to be marvellous. But Ben had + other assistants than his eyes. He knew that the tree he sought must be + hollow, and such trees usually give outward signs of the defect that + exists within. Then, some species of wood are more frequented by the bees + than others, while the instinct of the industrious little creatures + generally enables them to select such homes as will not be very likely to + destroy all the fruits of their industry by an untimely fall. In all these + particulars, both bees and bee-hunter were well versed, and Ben made his + search accordingly. + </p> + <p> + Among the other implements of his calling, le Bourdon had a small + spy-glass; one scarcely larger than those that are used in theatres, but + which was powerful and every way suited to its purposes. Ben was not long + in selecting a tree, a half-decayed elm, as the one likely to contain the + hive; and by the aid of his glass he soon saw bees flying among its dying + branches, at a height of not less than seventy feet from the ground. A + little further search directed his attention to a knot-hole, in and out of + which the glass enabled him to see bees passing in streams. This decided + the point; and putting aside all his implements but the axe, Buzzing Ben + now set about the task of felling the tree. + </p> + <p> + “STRANger,” said Gershom, when le Bourdon had taken out the first chip, + “perhaps you'd better let ME do that part of the job. I shall expect to + come in for a share of the honey, and I'm willing to 'arn all I take. I + was brought up on axes, and jack-knives, and sich sort of food, and can + cut OR whittle with the best chopper, or the neatest whittler, in or out + of New England.” + </p> + <p> + “You can try your hand, if you wish it,” said Ben, relinquishing the axe. + “I can fell a tree as well as yourself, but have no such love for the + business as to wish to keep it all to myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Waal, I can say, I LIKE it,” answered Gershom, first passing his thumb + along the edge of the axe, in order to ascertain its state; then swinging + the tool, with a view to try its “hang.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't say much for your axe, STRANGER, for this helve has no tarve + to't, to my mind; but, sich as it is, down must come this elm, though ten + millions of bees should set upon me for my pains.” + </p> + <p> + This was no idle boast of Waring's. Worthless as he was in so many + respects, he was remarkably skilful with the axe, as he now proved by the + rapid manner in which he severed the trunk of the large elm on which he + was at work. He inquired of Ben where he should “lay the tree,” and when + it came clattering down, it fell on the precise spot indicated. Great was + the confusion among the bees at this sudden downfall of their + long-cherished home. The fact was not known to their enemy, but they had + inhabited that tree for a long time; and the prize now obtained was the + richest he had ever made in his calling. As for the insects, they filled + the air in clouds, and all the invaders deemed it prudent to withdraw to + some little distance for a time, lest the irritated and wronged bees + should set upon them and take an ample revenge. Had they known their + power, this might easily have been done, no ingenuity of man being able to + protect him against the assaults of this insignificant-looking animal, + when unable to cover himself, and the angry little heroes are in earnest. + On the present occasion, however, no harm befell the marauders. So + suddenly had the hive tumbled that its late occupants appeared to be + astounded, and they submitted to their fate as men yield to the power of + tempests and earthquakes. In half an hour most of them were collected on + an adjacent tree, where doubtless a consultation on the mode of future + proceedings was held, after their fashion. + </p> + <p> + The Indians were more delighted with le Bourdon's ingenious mode of + discovering the hive than with the richness of the prize; while Ben + himself, and Gershom, manifested most satisfaction at the amount of the + earnings. When the tree was cut in pieces, and split, it was ascertained + that years of sweets were contained within its capacious cavities, and Ben + estimated the portion that fell to his share at more than three hundred + pounds of good honey—comb included—after deducting the + portions that were given to the Indians, and which were abstracted by + Gershom. The three last, however, could carry but little, as they had no + other means of bearing it away than their own backs. + </p> + <p> + The honey was not collected that night. The day was too far advanced for + that; and le Bourdon—certainly never was name less merited than this + sobriquet as applied to the active young bee-hunter—but le Bourdon, + to give him his quaint appellation, offered the hospitalities of his own + cabin to the strangers, promising to put them on their several paths the + succeeding day, with a good store of honey in each knapsack. + </p> + <p> + “They do say there ar' likely to be troublesome times.” he continued, with + simple earnestness, after having given the invitation to partake of his + homely fare; “and I should like to hear what is going on in the world. + From Whiskey Centre I do not expect to learn much, I will own; but I am + mistaken if the Pigeonswing, here, has not a message that will make us all + open our ears.” + </p> + <p> + The Indians ejaculated their assent; but Gershom was a man who could not + express anything sententiously. As the bee-hunter led the way toward his + cabin, or shanty, he made his comments with his customary freedom. Before + recording what he communicated, however, we shall digress for one moment + in order to say a word ourselves concerning this term “shanty.” It is now + in general use throughout the whole of the United States, meaning a cabin + that has been constructed in haste, and for temporary purposes. By a + license of speech, it is occasionally applied to more permanent + residences, as men are known to apply familiar epithets to familiar + objects. The derivation of the word has caused some speculation. The term + certainly came from the West-perhaps from the Northwest-and the best + explanation we have ever heard of its derivation is to sup-pose “shanty,” + as we now spell it, a corruption of “chiente,” which it is thought may + have been a word in Canadian French phrase to express a “dog-kennel.” + “Chenil,” we believe, is the true French term for such a thing, and our + own word is said to be derived from it—“meute” meaning “a kennel of + dogs,” or “a pack of hounds,” rather than their dwelling. At any rate, + “chiente” is so plausible a solution of the difficulty, that one may hope + it is the true one, even though he has no better authority for it than a + very vague rumor. Curious discoveries are sometimes made by these rude + analogies, however, though they are generally thought not to be very near + akin to learning. For ourselves, now, we do not entertain a doubt that the + sobriquet of “Yankees” which is in every man's mouth, and of which the + derivation appears to puzzle all our philologists, is nothing but a slight + corruption of the word “Yengeese,” the term applied to the “English,” by + the tribes to whom they first became known. We have no other authority for + this derivation than conjecture, and conjectures that are purely our own; + but it is so very plausible as almost to carry conviction of itself. + [Footnote: Since writing the above, the author has met with an allusion + that has induced him to think he may not have been the first to suggest + this derivation of the word “Yankee.” With himself, the suggestion is + perfectly original, and has long since been published by him; but nothing + is more probable than the fact that a solution so very natural, of this + long-disputed question in language, may have suggested itself to various + minds.] + </p> + <p> + The “chiente'” or shanty of le Bourdon stood quite near to the banks of + the Kalamazoo, and in a most beautiful grove of the burr-oak. Ben had + selected the site with much taste, though the proximity of a spring of + delicious water had probably its full share in influencing his decision. + It was necessary, moreover, that he should be near the river, as his great + movements were all made by water, for the convenience of transporting his + tools, furniture, etc., as well as his honey. A famous bark canoe lay in a + little bay, out of the current of the stream, securely moored, head and + stern, in order to prevent her beating against any object harder than + herself. + </p> + <p> + The dwelling had been constructed with some attention to security. This + was rendered necessary, in some measure, as Ben had found by experience, + on account of two classes of enemies—men and bears. From the first, + it is true, the bee-hunter had hitherto apprehended but little. There were + few human beings in that region. The northern portions of the noble + peninsula of Michigan are some-what low and swampy, or are too broken and + savage to tempt the native hunters from the openings and prairies that + then lay, in such rich profusion, further south and west. With the + exception of the shores, or coasts, it was seldom that the northern half + of the peninsula felt the footstep of man. With the southern half, + however, it was very different; the “openings,” and glades, and + watercourses, offering almost as many temptations to the savage as they + have since done to the civilized man. Nevertheless, the bison, or the + buffalo, as the animal is erroneously, but very generally, termed + throughout the country, was not often found in the vast herds of which we + read, until one reached the great prairies west of the Mississippi. There + it was that the red men most loved to congregate; though always bearing, + in numbers, but a trifling proportion to the surface they occupied. In + that day, however, near as to the date, but distant as to the events, the + Chippewas, Ottawas, Pottawattamies, kindred tribes, we believe, had still + a footing in Michigan proper, and were to be found in considerable numbers + in what was called the St. Joseph's country, or along the banks of the + stream of that name; a region that almost merits the lofty appellation of + the garden of America. Le Bourdon knew many of their warriors, and was + much esteemed among them; though he had never met with either of those + whom chance now had thrown in his way. In general, he suffered little + wrong from the red men, who wondered at his occupation, while they liked + his character; but he had sustained losses, and even ill-treatment, from + certain outcasts of the tribes, as well as from vagrant whites, who + occasionally found their way to his temporary dwellings. On the present + occasion, le Bourdon felt far more uneasiness from the circumstance of + having his abode known to Gershom Waring, a countryman and + fellow-Christian, in one sense at least, than from its being known to the + Chippewa and the Pottawattamie. + </p> + <p> + The bears were constant and dangerous sources of annoyance to the + bee-hunter. It was not often that an armed man—and le Bourdon seldom + moved without his rifle—has much to apprehend from the common brown + bear of America. Though a formidable-looking animal, especially when full + grown, it is seldom bold enough to attack a human being, nothing but + hunger, or care for its young, ever inducing it to go so much out of the + ordinary track of its habits. But the love of the bear for honey amounts + to a passion. Not only will it devise all sorts of bearish expedients to + get at the sweet morsels, but it will scent them from afar. On one + occasion, a family of Bruins had looked into a shanty of Ben's, that was + not constructed with sufficient care, and consummated their burglary by + demolishing the last comb. That disaster almost ruined the adventurer, + then quite young in his calling; and ever since its occurrence he had + taken the precaution to build such a citadel as should at least set teeth + and paws at defiance. To one who had an axe, with access to young pines, + this was not a difficult task, as was proved by the present habitation of + our hero. + </p> + <p> + This was the second season that le Bourdon had occupied “Castle Meal,” as + he himself called the shanty. This appellation was a corruption of + “chateau au Mtel” a name given to it by a wag of a voyageur who had aided + Ben in ascending the Kalamazoo the previous summer, and had remained long + enough with him to help him put up his habitation. The building was just + twelve feet square, in the interior, and somewhat less than fourteen on + its exterior. It was made of pine logs, in the usual mode, with the + additional security of possessing a roof of squared timbers of which the + several parts were so nicely fitted together as to shed rain. This unusual + precaution was rendered necessary to protect the honey, since the bears + would have unroofed the common bark coverings of the shanties, with the + readiness of human beings, in order to get at stores as ample as those + which the bee-hunter had soon collected beneath his roof. There was one + window of glass, which le Bourdon had brought in his canoe; though it was + a single sash of six small lights, that opened on hinges; the exterior + being protected by stout bars of riven oak, securely let into the logs. + The door was made of three thicknesses of oaken plank, pinned well + together, and swinging on stout iron hinges, so secured as not to be + easily removed. Its outside fastening was made by means of two stout + staples, a short piece of ox-chain, and an unusually heavy padlock. + Nothing short of an iron bar, and that cleverly applied, could force this + fastening. On the inside, three bars of oak rendered all secure, when the + master was at home. + </p> + <p> + “You set consid'rable store by your honey, I guess, STRANger,” said + Gershom, as le Bourdon unlocked the fastenings and removed the chain, “if + a body may judge by the kear (care) you take on't! Now, down our way we + ain't half so partic'lar; Dolly and Blossom never so much as putting up a + bar to the door, even when I sleep out, which is about half the time, now + the summer is fairly set in.” + </p> + <p> + “And whereabouts is 'down our way,' if one may be so bold as to ask the + question?” returned le Bourdon, holding the door half-opened, while he + turned his face toward the other, in expectation of the answer. + </p> + <p> + “Why, down at Whiskey Centre, to be sure, as the v'y'gerers and other + boatmen call the place.” + </p> + <p> + “And where is Whiskey Centre?” demanded Ben, a little pertinaciously. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I thought everybody would 'a' known that,” answered Greshom; “sin' + whiskey is as drawin' as a blister. Whiskey Centre is just where <i>I</i> + happen to live; bein' what a body may call a travellin' name. As I'm now + down at the mouth of the Kalamazoo, why Whiskey Centre's there, too.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand the matter, now,” answered le Bourdon, composing his + well-formed mouth in a sort of contemptuous smile. “You and whiskey, being + sworn friends, are always to be found in company. When I came into the + river, which was the last week in April, I saw nothing like whiskey, nor + anything like a Centre at the mouth.” + </p> + <p> + “If you'd 'a' be'n a fortnight later, STRANger, you'd 'a' found both. + Travellin' Centres, and stationary, differs somewhat, I guess; one is + always to be found, while t'other must be s'arched a'ter.” + </p> + <p> + “And pray who are Dolly and Blossom; I hope the last is not a WHISKEY + blossom?” + </p> + <p> + “Not she—she never touches a spoonful, though I tell her it never + hurt mortal! She tries hard to reason me into it that it hurts ME—but + that's all a mistake, as anybody can see that jest looks at me.” + </p> + <p> + Ben DID look at him; and, to say truth, came to a somewhat different + conclusion. + </p> + <p> + “Is she so blooming that you call her 'Blossom'?” demanded the bee-hunter, + “or is she so young?” + </p> + <p> + “The gal's a little of both. Dolly is my wife, and Blossom is my sister. + The real name of Blossom is Margery Waring, but everybody calls her + Blossom; and so I gi'n into it, with the rest on 'em.” + </p> + <p> + It is probable that le Bourdon lost a good deal of his interest in this + flower of the wilderness, as soon as he learned she was so nearly related + to the Whiskey Centre. Gershom was so very uninviting an object, and had + so many palpable marks, that he had fairly earned the nickname which, as + it afterward appeared, the western adventurers had given HIM, as well as + his ABODE, wherever the last might be, that no one of decently sober + habits could readily fancy anything belonging to him. At any rate, the + bee-hunter now led the way into his cabin, whither he was followed without + unnecessary ceremony, by all three of his guests. + </p> + <p> + The interior of the “chiente,” to use the most poetical, if not the most + accurate word, was singularly clean for an establishment set up by a + bachelor, in so remote a part of the world. The honey, in neat, + well-constructed kegs, was carefully piled along one side of the + apartment, in a way to occupy the minimum of room, and to be rather + ornamental than unsightly. These kegs were made by le Bourdon himself, who + had acquired as much of the art as was necessary to that object. The woods + always furnished the materials; and a pile of staves that was placed + beneath a neighboring tree sufficiently denoted that he did not yet deem + that portion of his task completed. + </p> + <p> + In one corner of the hut was a pile of well-dressed bearskins, three in + number, each and all of which had been taken from the carcasses of fallen + foes, within the last two months. Three more were stretched on saplings, + near by, in the process of curing. It was a material part of the + bee-hunter's craft to kill this animal, in particular; and the trophies of + his conflicts with them were proportionably numerous. On the pile already + prepared, he usually slept. + </p> + <p> + There was a very rude table, a single board set up on sticks; and a bench + or two, together with a wooden chest of some size, completed the + furniture. Tools were suspended from the walls, it is true; and no less + than three rifles, in addition to a very neat double-barrelled “shot-gun,” + or fowling-piece, were standing in a corner. These were arms collected by + our hero in his different trips, and retained quite as much from affection + as from necessity, or caution. Of ammunition, there was no very great + amount visible; only three or four horns and a couple of pouches being + suspended from pegs: but Ben had a secret store, as well as another rifle, + carefully secured, in a natural magazine and arsenal, at a distance + sufficiently great from the chiente to remove it from all danger of + sharing in the fortunes of his citadel, should disaster befall the last. + </p> + <p> + The cooking was done altogether out of doors. For this essential comfort, + le Bourdon had made very liberal provision. He had a small oven, a + sufficiently convenient fire-place, and a storehouse, at hand; all placed + near the spring, and beneath the shade of a magnificent elm. In the + storehouse he kept his barrel of flour, his barrel of salt, a stock of + smoked or dried meat, and that which the woodsman, if accustomed in early + life to the settlements, prizes most highly, a half-barrel of pickled + pork. The bark canoe had sufficed to transport all these stores, merely + ballasting handsomely that ticklish craft; and its owner relied on the + honey to perform the same office on the return voyage, when trade or + consumption should have disposed of the various articles just named. + </p> + <p> + The reader may smile at the word “trade,” and ask where were those to be + found who could be parties to the traffic. The vast lakes and innumerable + rivers of that region, however, remote as it then was from the ordinary + abodes of civilized man, offered facilities for communication that the + active spirit of trade would be certain not to neglect. In the first + place, there were always the Indians to barter skins and furs against + powder, lead, rifles, blankets, and unhappily “fire-water.” Then, the + white men who penetrated to those semi-wilds were always ready to “dicker” + and to “swap,” and to “trade” rifles, and watches, and whatever else they + might happen to possess, almost to their wives and Children. + </p> + <p> + But we should be doing injustice to le Bourdon, were we in any manner to + confound him with the “dickering” race. He was a bee-hunter quite as much + through love of the wilderness and love of adventure, as through love of + gain. Profitable he had certainly found the employment, or he probably + would not have pursued it; but there was many a man who—nay, most + men, even in his own humble class in life-would have deemed his liberal + earnings too hardly obtained, when gained at the expense of all + intercourse with their own kind. But Buzzing Ben loved the solitude of his + situation, its hazards, its quietude, relieved by passing moments of high + excitement; and, most of all, the self-reliance that was indispensable + equally to his success and his happiness. Woman, as yet, had never + exercised her witchery over him, and every day was his passion for + dwelling alone, and for enjoying the strange, but certainly most alluring, + pleasures of the woods, increasing and gaining strength in his bosom. It + was seldom, now, that he held intercourse even with the Indian tribes that + dwelt near his occasional places of hunting; and frequently had he shifted + his ground in order to avoid collision, however friendly, with whites who, + like himself, were pushing their humble fortunes along the shores of those + inland seas, which, as yet, were rarely indeed whitened by a sail. In this + respect, Boden and Waring were the very antipodes of each other; Gershom + being an inveterate gossip, in despite of his attachment to a vagrant and + border life. + </p> + <p> + The duties of hospitality are rarely forgotten among border men. The + inhabitant of a town may lose his natural disposition to receive all who + offer at his board, under the pressure of society; but it is only in most + extraordinary exceptions that the frontier man is ever known to be + inhospitable. He has little to offer, but that little is seldom withheld, + either through prudence or niggardliness. Under this feeling—we + might call it habit also—le Bourdon now set himself at work to place + on the table such food as he had at command and ready cooked. The meal + which he soon pressed his guests to share with him was composed of a good + piece of cold boiled pork, which Ben had luckily cooked the day + previously, some bear's meat roasted, a fragment of venison steak, both + lean and cold, and the remains of a duck that had been shot the day + before, in the Kalamazoo, with bread, salt, and, what was somewhat unusual + in the wilderness, two or three onions, raw. The last dish was highly + relished by Gershom, and was slightly honored by Ben; but the Indians + passed it over with cold indifference. The dessert consisted of bread and + honey, which were liberally partaken of by all at table. + </p> + <p> + Little was said by either host or guests, until the supper was finished, + when the whole party left the chiente, to enjoy their pipes in the cool + evening air, beneath the oaks of the grove in which the dwelling stood. + Their conversation began to let the parties know something of each other's + movements and characters. + </p> + <p> + “YOU are a Pottawattamie, and YOU a Chippewa,” said le Bourdon, as he + courteously handed to his two red guests pipes of theirs, that he had just + stuffed with some of his own tobacco—“I believe you are a sort of + cousins, though your tribes are called by different names.” + </p> + <p> + “Nation, Ojebway,” returned the elder Indian, holding up a finger, by way + of enforcing attention. + </p> + <p> + “Tribe, Pottawattamie,” added the runner, in the same sententious manner. + </p> + <p> + “Baccy, good”—put in the senior, by way of showing he was well + contented with his comforts. + </p> + <p> + “Have you nothin' to drink?” demanded Whiskey Centre, who saw no great + merit in anything but “firewater.” + </p> + <p> + “There is the spring,” returned le Bourdon, gravely; “a gourd hangs + against the tree.” + </p> + <p> + Gershom made a wry face, but he did not move. + </p> + <p> + “Is there any news stirring among the tribes?” asked the bee-hunter, + waiting, however, a decent interval, lest he might be supposed to betray a + womanly curiosity. + </p> + <p> + Elksfoot puffed away some time before he saw fit to answer, reserving a + salvo in behalf of his own dignity. Then he removed the pipe, shook off + the ashes, pressed down the fire a little, gave a reviving draught or two, + and quietly replied: + </p> + <p> + “Ask my young brother—he runner—he know.” + </p> + <p> + But Pigeonswing seemed to be little more communicative than the + Pottawattamie. He smoked on in quiet dignity, while the bee-hunter + patiently waited for the moment when it might suit his younger guest to + speak. That moment did not arrive for some time, though it came at last. + Almost five minutes after Elksfoot had made the allusion mentioned, the + Ojebway, or Chippewa, removed his pipe also, and looking courteously round + at his host, he said with emphasis: + </p> + <p> + “Bad summer come soon. Pale-faces call young men togedder, and dig up + hatchet.” + </p> + <p> + “I had heard something of this,” answered le Bourdon, with a saddened + countenance, “and was afraid it might happen.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother dig up hatchet too, eh?” demanded Pigeonswing. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I? I am alone here, on the Openings, and it would seem foolish + in me to wish to fight.” + </p> + <p> + “Got no tribe—no Ojebway—no Pottawattamie, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I have my tribe, as well as another, Chippewa, but can see no use I can + be to it, here. If the English and Americans fight, it must be a long way + from this wilderness, and on or near the great salt lake.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't know—nebber know, 'till see. English warrior plenty in + Canada.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be; but American warriors are not plenty here. This country is a + wilderness, and there are no soldiers hereabouts, to cut each other's + throats.” + </p> + <p> + “What you t'ink him?” asked Pigeonswing, glancing at Gershom; who, unable + to forbear any longer, had gone to the spring to mix a cup from a small + supply that still remained of the liquor with which he had left home. “Got + pretty good scalp?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose it is as good as another's—but he and I are countrymen, + and we cannot raise the tomahawk on one another.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't t'ink so. Plenty Yankee, him!” + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon smiled at this proof of Pigeonswings sagacity, though he felt a + good deal of uneasiness at the purport of his discourse. + </p> + <p> + “You are right enough in THAT” he answered, “but I'm plenty of Yankee, + too.” + </p> + <p> + “No, don't say so,” returned the Chippewa—“no, mustn't say DAT. + English; no Yankee. HIM not a bit like you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, we are unlike each other, in some respects, it is true, though we + are countrymen, notwithstanding. My great father lives at Washington, as + well as his.” + </p> + <p> + The Chippewa appeared to be disappointed; perhaps he appeared sorry, too; + for le Bourdon's frank and manly hospitality had disposed him to + friendship instead of hostilities, while his admissions would rather put + him in an antagonist position. It was probably with a kind motive that he + pursued the discourse in a way to give his host some insight into the true + condition of matters in that part of the world. + </p> + <p> + “Plenty Breetish in woods,” he said, with marked deliberation and point. + “Yankee no come yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me know the truth, at once, Chippewa,” exclaimed le Bourdon. “I am + but a peaceable bee-hunter, as you see, and wish no man's scalp, or any + man's honey but my own. Is there to be a war between America and Canada, + or not?” + </p> + <p> + “Some say, yes; some say, no,” returned Pigeonswing, evasively, “My part, + don't know. Go, now, to see. But plenty Montreal belt among redskins; + plenty rifle; plenty powder, too.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard something of this as I came up the lakes,” rejoined Ben; “and + fell in with a trader, an old acquaintance, from Canada, and a good + friend, too, though he is to be my enemy, according to law, who gave me to + understand that the summer would not go over without blows. Still, they + all seemed to be asleep at Mackinaw (Michilimackinac) as I passed there.” + </p> + <p> + “Wake up pretty soon. Canada warrior take fort.” + </p> + <p> + “If I thought that, Chippewa, I would be off this blessed night to give + the alarm.” + </p> + <p> + “No—t'ink better of dat.” + </p> + <p> + “Go I would, if I died for it the next hour!” + </p> + <p> + “T'ink better—be no such fool, I tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “And I tell you, Pigeonswing, that go I would, if the whole Ojebway nation + was on my trail. I am an American, and mean to stand by my own people, + come what will.” + </p> + <p> + “T'ought you only peaceable bee-hunter, just now,” retorted the Chippewa, + a little sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + By this time le Bourdon had somewhat cooled, and he became conscious of + his indiscretion. He knew enough of the history of the past, to be fully + aware that, in all periods of American history, the English, and, for that + matter, the French too, so long as they had possessions on this continent, + never scrupled about employing the savages in their conflicts. It is true, + that these highly polished, and, we may justly add, humane nations—(for + each is, out of all question, entitled to that character in the scale of + comparative humanity as between communities, and each if you will take its + own account of the matter, stands at the head of civilization in this + respect)—would, notwithstanding these high claims, carry on their + AMERICAN wars by the agency of the tomahawk, the scalping-knife, and the + brand. Eulogies, though pronounced by ourselves on ourselves, cannot erase + the stains of blood. Even down to the present hour, a cloud does not + obscure the political atmosphere between England and America, that its + existence may not be discovered on the prairies, by a movement among the + In-dians. The pulse that is to be felt there is a sure indication of the + state of the relations between the parties. Every one knows that the + savage, in his warfare, slays both sexes and all ages; that the door-post + of the frontier cabin is defiled by the blood of the infant, whose brains + have been dashed against it; and that the smouldering ruins of log-houses + oftener than not cover the remains of their tenants. But what of all that? + Brutus is still “an honorable man,” and the American, who has not this sin + to answer for among his numberless transgressions, is reviled as a + semi-barbarian! The time is at hand, when the Lion of the West will draw + his own picture, too; and fortunate will it be for the characters of some + who will gather around the easel, if they do not discover traces of their + own lineaments among his labors. + </p> + <p> + The feeling engendered by the character of such a warfare is the secret of + the deeply seated hostility which pervades the breast of the WESTERN + American against the land of his ancestors. He never sees the Times, and + cares not a rush for the mystifications of the Quarterly Review; but he + remembers where his mother was brained, and his father or brother + tortured; aye, and by whose instrumentality the foul deeds were mainly + done. The man of the world can understand that such atrocities may be + committed, and the people of the offending nation remain ignorant of their + existence, and, in a measure, innocent of the guilt; but the sufferer, in + his provincial practice, makes no such distinction, confounding all alike + in his resentments, and including all that bear the hated name in his + maledictions. It is a fearful thing to awaken the anger of a nation; to + excite in it a desire for revenge; and thrice is that danger magnified, + when the people thus aroused possess the activity, the resources, the + spirit, and the enterprise of the Americans. We have been openly derided, + and that recently, because, in the fulness of our sense of power and sense + of right, language that exceeds any direct exhibition of the national + strength has escaped the lips of legislators, and, perhaps justly, has + exposed them to the imputation of boastfulness. That derision, however, + will not soon be repeated. The scenes enacting in Mexico, faint as they + are in comparison with what would have been seen, had hostilities taken an + other direction, place a perpetual gag in the mouths of all scoffers. The + child is passing from the gristle into the bone, and the next generation + will not even laugh, as does the present, at any idle and ill-considered + menaces to coerce this republic; strong in the consciousness of its own + power, it will eat all such fanfaronades, if any future statesman should + be so ill-advised as to renew them, with silent indifference. + </p> + <p> + Now, le Bourdon was fully aware that one of the surest pulses of + approaching hostilities between England and America was to be felt in the + far West. If the Indians were in movement, some power was probably behind + the scenes to set them in motion. Pigeonswing was well known to him by + reputation; and there was that about the man which awakened the most + unpleasant apprehensions, and he felt an itching desire to learn all he + could from him, without betraying any more of his own feelings, if that + were possible. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think the British will attempt Mackinaw,” Ben remarked, after a + long pause and a good deal of smoking had enabled him to assume an air of + safe indifference. + </p> + <p> + “Got him, I tell you,” answered Pigeonswing, pointedly. + </p> + <p> + “Got what, Chippewa?” + </p> + <p> + “Him—Mac-naw—got fort—got so'gers—got whole + island. Know dat, for been dere.” + </p> + <p> + This was astounding news, indeed! The commanding officer of that + ill-starred garrison could not himself have been more astonished, when he + was unexpectedly summoned to surrender by an enemy who appeared to start + out of the earth, than was le Bourdon, at hearing this intelligence. To + western notions, Michilimackinac was another Gibraltar, although really a + place of very little strength, and garrisoned by only one small company of + regulars. Still, habit had given the fortress a sort of sanctity among the + adventurers of that region; and its fall, even in the settled parts of the + country, sounded like the loss of a province. It is now known that, + anticipating the movements of the Americans, some three hundred whites, + sustained by more than twice that number of Indians, including warriors + from nearly every adjacent tribe, had surprised the post on the 17th of + July, and compelled the subaltern in command, with some fifty odd men, to + surrender. This rapid and highly military measure, on the part of the + British, completely cut off the post of Chicago, at the head of Lake + Michigan, leaving it isolated, on what was then a very remote wilderness. + Chicago, Mackinac, and Detroit, were the three grand stations of the + Americans on the upper lakes, and here were two of them virtually gone at + a blow! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —Ho! who's here? + If anything that's civil, speak; if savage, + Take, or lend— + + Cymbeline +</pre> + <p> + Not another syllable did le Bourdon utter to the Chippewa, or the Chippewa + to him, in that sitting, touching the important event just communicated. + Each carefully avoided manifesting any further interest in the subject, + but the smoking continued for some time after the sun had set. As the + shades of evening began to gather, the Pottawattamie arose, shook the + ashes from his pipe, gave a grunt, and uttered a word or two, by way of + announcing his disposition to retire. On this hint, Ben went into the + cabin, spread his skins, and intimated to his guests that their beds were + ready for them. Few compliments pass among border men on such occasions, + and one after another dropped off, until all were stretched on the skins + but the master of the place. He remained up two hours later, ruminating on + the state of things; when, perceiving that the night was wearing on, he + also found a nest, and sought his repose. + </p> + <p> + Nothing occurred to disturb the occupants of “Castle Meal,” as le Bourdon + laughingly called his cabin, until the return of day. If there were any + bears scenting around the place, as often occurred at night, their + instinct must have apprised them that a large reinforcement was present, + and caused them to defer their attack to a more favorable opportunity. The + first afoot next morning was the bee-hunter himself, who arose and left + his cabin just as the earliest streaks of day were appearing in the east. + Although dwelling in a wilderness, the “openings” had not the character of + ordinary forests. The air circulates freely beneath their oaks, the sun + penetrates in a thousand places, and grass grows, wild but verdant. There + was little of the dampness of the virgin woods; and the morning air, + though cool, as is ever the case, even in midsummer, in regions still + covered with trees, was balmy; and, at that particular spot, it came to + the senses of le Bourdon loaded with the sweets of many a wide glade of + his favorite white clover. Of course, he had placed his cabin near those + spots where the insect he sought most abounded; and a fragrant site it + proved to be, in favorable conditions of the atmosphere. Ben had a taste + for all the natural advantages of his abode, and was standing in enjoyment + of its placid beauties when some one touched his elbow. Turning, quick as + thought, he perceived the Chippewa at his side. That young Indian had + approached with the noiseless tread of his people, and was now anxious to + hold a private communication with him. + </p> + <p> + “Pottawattamie got long ear—come fudder—” said Pigeonswing; + “go cook-house—t'ink we want breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + Ben did as desired; and the two were soon side by side at the spring, in + the outlet of which they made their ablutions—the redskin being + totally without paint. When this agreeable office was performed, each felt + in better condition for a conference. + </p> + <p> + “Elkfoot got belt from Canada fadder,” commenced the Chippewa, with a + sententious allusion to the British propensity to keep the savages in pay. + “KNOW he got him KNOW he keep him.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, Pigeonswing—by your manner of talking I had set you down + for a king's Injin, too.” + </p> + <p> + “TALK so—no FEEL bit so. MY heart Yankee.” + </p> + <p> + “And have you not had a belt of wampum sent you, as well as the rest of + them?” + </p> + <p> + “Dat true—got him—don't keep him.” + </p> + <p> + “What! did you dare to send it back?” + </p> + <p> + “Ain't fool, dough young. Keep him; no keep him. Keep him for Canada + fadder; no keep him for Chippewa brave.” + </p> + <p> + “What have you then done with your belt?” + </p> + <p> + “Bury him where nobody find him dis war. No—Waubkenewh no hole in + heart to let king in.” + </p> + <p> + Pigeonswing, as this young Indian was commonly called in his tribe, in + consequence of the rapidity of his movement when employed as a runner, had + a much more respectable name, and one that he had fairly earned in some of + the forays of his people, but which the commonalty had just the same + indisposition to use as the French have to call Marshal Soult the Duc de + Dalmatie. The last may be the most honorable title, but it is not that by + which he is the best known to his countrymen. Waubkenewh was an + appellation, notwithstanding, of which the young Chippewa was justly + proud; and he often asserted his right to use it, as sternly as the old + hero of Toulouse asserted his right to his duchy, when the Austrians + wished to style him “le Marechal DUC Soult.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are friendly to the Yankees, and an enemy to the red-coats?” + </p> + <p> + Waubkenewh grasped the hand of le Bourdon, and squeezed it firmly. Then he + said, warily: + </p> + <p> + “Take care—Elkfoot friend of Blackbird; like to look at Canada belt. + Got medal of king, too. Have Yankee scalp, bye'm by. Take care—must + speak low, when Elkfoot near.” + </p> + <p> + “I begin to understand you, Chippewa; you wish me to believe that YOU are + a friend to America, and that the Pottawatamie is not. If this be so, why + have you held the speech that you did last night, and seemed to be on a + war-path AGAINST my countrymen?” + </p> + <p> + “Dat good way, eh? Elkfoot den t'ink me HIS friend dat very good in + war-time.” + </p> + <p> + “But is it true, or false, that Mackinaw is taken by the British?” + </p> + <p> + “Dat true too—gone, and warrior all prisoner. Plenty Winnebago, + plenty Pottawatamie, plenty Ottowa, plenty redskin, dere.” + </p> + <p> + “And the Chippewas?” + </p> + <p> + “Some Ojebway, too”—answered Pigeonswing, after a reluctant pause. + “Can't all go on same path this war. Hatchets, somehow, got two handle—one + strike Yankee; one strike King George.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is your business here, and where are you now going if you are + friendly to the Americans? I make no secret of my feelings—I am for + my own people, and I wish proof that you are a friend, and not an enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Too many question, one time,” returned the Chippewa, a little + distastefully. “No good have so long tongue. Ask one question, answer him—ask + anoder, answer HIM, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, what is your business, here?” + </p> + <p> + “Go to Chicago, for gen'ral.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that you bear a message from some American general to the + commandant at Chicago?” + </p> + <p> + “Just so—dat my business. Guess him, right off; he, he, he!” + </p> + <p> + It is so seldom that an Indian laughs that the bee-hunter was startled. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the general who has sent you on this errand?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “He at Detroit—got whole army dere—warrior plenty as oak in + opening.” + </p> + <p> + All this was news to the bee-hunter, and it caused him to muse a moment, + ere he proceeded. + </p> + <p> + “What is the name of the American general who has sent you on this path?” + he then demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Hell,” answered the Ojebway, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Hell! You mean to give his Indian title, I suppose, to show that he will + prove dangerous to the wicked. But how is he called in our own tongue?” + </p> + <p> + “Hell—dat he name—good name for so'ger, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I understand you, Chippewa—Hull is the name of the + governor of the territory, and you must have mistaken the sound—'is + it not so?” + </p> + <p> + “Hull—Hell—don't know—just same—one good as + t'other.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, one will do as well as the other, if a body only understands you. So + Governor Hull sent you here?” + </p> + <p> + “No gubbernor—general, tell you. Got big army—plenty warrior—eat + Breesh up!” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Chippewa, answer me one thing to my likin', or I shall set you down + as a man with a forked tongue, though you do call yourself a friend of the + Yankees. If you have been sent from Detroit to Chicago, why are you so far + north as this? Why are you here, on the banks of the Kalamazoo, when your + path ought to lead you more toward the St. Joseph's?” + </p> + <p> + “Been to Mackinaw. Gen'ral says, first go to Mackinaw and see wid own eye + how garrison do—den go to Chicago, and tell warrior dere what + happen, and how he best manage. Understan' dat, Bourdon?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, it all sounds well enough, I will acknowledge. You have been to + Mackinaw to look about you, there, and having seen things with your own + eyes, have started for Chicago to give your knowledge to the commandant at + that place. Now, redskin, have you any proof of what you say?” + </p> + <p> + For some reason that the bee-hunter could not yet fathom, the Chippewa was + particularly anxious either to obtain his confidence, or to deceive him. + Which he was attempting, was not yet quite apparent; but that one or other + was uppermost in his mind, Ben thought was beyond dispute. As soon as the + question last named was put, however, the Indian looked cautiously around + him, as if to be certain there were no spectators. Then he carefully + opened his tobacco-pouch, and extricated from the centre of the cut weed a + letter that was rolled into the smallest compass to admit of this mode of + concealment, and which was encircled by a thread. The last removed, the + letter was unrolled, and its superscription exposed. The address was to + “Captain—Heald, U. S. Army, commanding at Chicago.” In one corner + were the words “On public service, by Pigeonswing.” All this was submitted + to the bee-hunter, who read it with his own eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Dat good”—asked the Chippewa, pointedly-“dat tell trut'-b'lieve HIM?” + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon grasped the hand of the Indian, and gave it a hearty squeeze. + Then he said frankly, and like a man who no longer entertained any doubts: + </p> + <p> + “I put faith in all you say, Chippewa. That is an officer's letter, and I + now see that you are on the right side. You play'd so deep a game, at + first, hows'ever, that I didn't know exactly what to make of you. Now, as + for the Pottawattamie—do you set him down as friend or foe, in + reality?” + </p> + <p> + “Enemy—take your scalp—take my scalp, in minute only can't + catch him. He got belt from Montreal, and it look handsome in his eye.” + </p> + <p> + “Which way d'ye think he's travelling? As I understood you, he and you + fell into the same path within a mile of this very spot. Was the meeting + altogether friendly?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; friendly—but ask too many question—too much squaw—ask + one question, den stop for answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true—I will remember that an Indian likes to do one thing at a + time. Which way, then, do you think he's travelling?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't know—on'y guess—guess he on path to Blackbird.” + </p> + <p> + “And where is Blackbird, and what is he about?” + </p> + <p> + “Two question, dat!” returned the Chippewa, smiling, and holding up two of + his fingers, at the same time, by way of rebuke. “Blackbird on war-path;—when + warrior on dat path, he take scalp if can get him.” + </p> + <p> + “But where is his enemy? There are no whites in this part of the country, + but here and there a trader, or a trapper, or a bee-hunter, or a + VOYAGEUR.” + </p> + <p> + “Take HIS scalp—all scalp good, in war time. An't partic'lar, down + at Montreal. What you call garrison at Chicago?” + </p> + <p> + “Blackbird, you then think, may be moving upon Chicago. In that case, + Chippewa, you should outrun this Pottawatamie, and reach the post in time + to let its men know the danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Start, as soon as eat breakfast. Can't go straight, nudder, or + Pottawatamie see print of moccasin. Must t'row him off trail.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true; but I'll engage you're cunning enough to do that twice over, + should it be necessary.” + </p> + <p> + Just then Gershom Waring came out of the cabin, gaping like a hound, and + stretching his arms, as if fairly wearied with sleep. At the sight of this + man the Indian made a gesture of caution, saying, however, in an + undertone: + </p> + <p> + “How is heart—Yankee or Breesh—love Montreal, eh? Pretty good + scalp! Love King George, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I rather think not, but am not certain. He is a poor pale-face, however, + and it's of no great account how he stands. His scalp would hardly be + worth the taking, whether by English or American.” + </p> + <p> + “Sell, down at Montreal—better look out for Pottawatamie. Don't like + that Injin.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll be on our guard against him; and there he comes, looking as if his + breakfast would be welcome, and as if he was already thinking of a start.” + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon had been busy with his pots, during the whole time this + discourse was going on, and had warmed up a sufficiency of food to supply + the wants of all his guests. In a few minutes each was busy quietly eating + his morning's meal, Gershom having taken his bitters aside, and, as he + fancied, unobserved. This was not so much owing to niggardliness, as to a + distrust of his having a sufficient supply of the liquor, that long + indulgence had made, in a measure, necessary to him, to last until he + could get back to the barrels that were still to be found in his cabin, + down on the shore of the lake. + </p> + <p> + During the breakfast little was said, conversation forming no material + part of the entertainment, at the meals of any but the cultivated. When + each had risen, however, and by certain preliminary arrangements it was + obvious that the two Indians intended to depart, the Pottawatamie advanced + to le Bourdon, and thrust out a hand. + </p> + <p> + “Thankee”—he said, in the brief way in which he clipped his English—“good + supper—good sleep—good breakfast. Now go. Thankee—when + any friend come to Pottawatamie village, good wigwam dere, and no door.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Elksfoot—and should you pass this way, ag'in, soon, I + hope you'll just step into this chiente and help yourself it I should + happen to be off on a hunt. Good luck to you, and a happy sight of home.” + </p> + <p> + The Pottawatamie then turned and thrust out a hand to each of the others, + who met his offered leave-taking with apparent friendship. The bee-hunter + observed that neither of the Indians said anything to the other touching + the path he was about to travel, but that each seemed ready to pursue his + own way as if entirely independent, and without the expectation of having + a companion. + </p> + <p> + Elksfoot left the spot the first. After completing his adieus, the + Pottawattamie threw his rifle into the hollow of his arm, felt at his + belt, as if to settle it into its place, made some little disposition of + his light summer covering, and moved off in a southwesterly direction, + passing through the open glades, and almost equally unobstructed groves, + as steady in his movements as if led by an instinct. + </p> + <p> + “There he goes, on a bee-line,” said le Bourdon, as the straight form of + the old savage disappeared at length, behind a thicket of trees. “On a + bee-line for the St. Joseph's river, where he will shortly be, among + friends and neighbors, I do not doubt. What, Chippewa! are you in motion + too?” + </p> + <p> + “Must go, now,” returned Pigeonswing, in a friendly way. “Bye'm by come + back and eat more honey-bring sweet news, hope-no Canada here,” placing a + finger on his heart-“all Yankee.” + </p> + <p> + “God be with you, Chippewa-God be with you. We shall have a stirring + summer of it, and I expect to hear of your name in the wars, as of a chief + who knows no fear.” + </p> + <p> + Pigeonswing waved his hand, cast a glance, half friendly half + contemptuously, at Whiskey Centre, and glided away. The two who remained + standing near the smouldering fire remarked that the direction taken by + the Chippewa was toward the lake, and nearly at right angles to that taken + by the Pottawattamie. They also fancied that the movement of the former + was about half as fast again as that of the latter. In less than three + minutes the young Indian was concealed in the “openings,” though he had to + cross a glade of considerable width in order to reach them. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter was now alone with the only one of his guests who was of + the color and race to which he himself belonged. Of the three, he was the + visitor he least respected; but the dues of hospitality are usually sacred + in a wilderness, and among savages, so that he could do nothing to get rid + of him. As Gershom manifested no intention to quit the place, le Bourdon + set about the business of the hour, with as much method and coolness as if + the other had not been present. The first thing was to bring home the + honey discovered on the previous day; a task of no light labor, the + distance it was to be transported being so considerable, and the quantity + so large. But our bee-hunter was not without the means of accomplishing + such an object, and he now busied himself in getting ready. As Gershom + volunteered his assistance, together they toiled in apparent amity and + confidence. + </p> + <p> + The Kalamazoo is a crooked stream; and it wound from the spot where le + Bourdon had built his cabin, to a point within a hundred yards of the + fallen tree in which the bees had constructed their hive. As a matter of + course, Ben profited by this circumstance to carry his canoe to the latter + place, with a view to render it serviceable in transporting the honey. + First securing everything in and around the chiente, he and Gershom + embarked, taking with them no less than four pieces of fire-arms; one of + which was, to use the language of the west, a double-barrelled “shot-gun.” + Before quitting the place, however, the bee-hunter went to a large kennel + made of logs, and let out a mastiff of great power and size. Between this + dog and himself there existed the best possible intelligence; the master + having paid many visits to the prisoner since his return, feeding and + caressing him. Glad, indeed, was this fine animal to be released, bounding + back and forth, and leaping about le Bourdon in a way to manifest his + delight. He had been cared for in his kennel, and well cared for, too; but + there is no substitute for liberty, whether in man or beast, individuals + or communities. + </p> + <p> + When all Was ready, le Bourdon and Gershom got into the canoe, whither the + former now called his dog, using the name of “Hive,” an appellation that + was doubtless derived from his own pursuit. As soon as the mastiff leaped + into the canoe, Ben shoved off, and the light craft was pushed up the + stream by himself and Gershom without much difficulty, and with + considerable rapidity. But little driftwood choked the channel; and, after + fifteen minutes of moderate labor, the two men came near to the point of + low wooded land in which the bee-tree had stood. As they drew nigh, + certain signs of uneasiness in the dog attracted his master's attention, + and he pointed them out to Gershom. + </p> + <p> + “There's game in the wind,” answered Whiskey Centre, who had a good + knowledge of most of the craft of border life, notwithstanding his + ungovernable propensity to drink, and who, by nature, was both shrewd and + resolute. “I shouldn't wonder”—a common expression of his class—“if + we found bears prowling about that honey!” + </p> + <p> + “Such things have happened in my time,” answered the bee-hunter, “and + twice in my experience I've been driven from the field, and forced to let + the devils get my 'arnin's.” + </p> + <p> + “That was when you had no comrade, stranger” returned Gershom, raising a + rifle, and carefully examining its flint and its priming. “It will be a + large family on 'em that drives us from that tree; for my mind is made up + to give Doll and Blossom a taste of the sweets.” + </p> + <p> + If this was said imprudently, as respects ownership in the prize, it was + said heartily, so far as spirit and determination were concerned. It + proved that Whiskey Centre had points about him which, if not absolutely + redeeming, served in some measure to lessen the disgust which one might + other-wise have felt for his character. The bee-hunter knew that there was + a species of hardihood that belonged to border men as the fruits of their + habits, and, apparently, he had all necessary confidence in Gershom's + disposition to sustain him, should there be occasion for a conflict with + his old enemies. + </p> + <p> + The first measure of the bee-hunter, after landing and securing his boat, + was to quiet Hive. The animal being under excellent command, this was soon + done; the mastiff maintaining the position assigned him in the rear, + though evidently impatient to be let loose. Had not le Bourdon known the + precise position of the fallen tree, and through that the probable + position of his enemies, he would have placed the mastiff in advance, as a + pioneer or scout; but he deemed it necessary, under the actual + circumstances, to hold him as a reserve, or a force to be directed whither + occasion might require. With this arrangement, then, le Bourdon and + Whiskey Centre advanced, side by side, each carrying two pieces, from the + margin of the river toward the open land that commanded a view of the + tree. On reaching the desired point, a halt was called, in order to + reconnoitre. + </p> + <p> + The reader will remember that the bee-elm had stood on the edge of a dense + thicket, or swamp, in which the trees grew to a size several times + exceeding those of the oaks in the openings; and le Bourdon had caused it + to fall upon the open ground, in order to work at the honey with greater + ease to himself. Consequently, the fragments lay in full view of the spot + where the halt was made. A little to Gershom's surprise, Ben now produced + his spy-glass, which he levelled with much earnestness toward the tree. + The bee-hunter, however, well knew his business, and was examining into + the state of the insects whom he had so violently invaded the night + before. The air was filled with them, flying above and around the tree; a + perfect cloud of the little creatures hovering directly over the hole, as + if to guard its treasure. + </p> + <p> + “Waal,” said Gershom, in his drawling way, when le Bourdon had taken a + long look with the glass, “I don't see much use in spy-glassin' in that + fashion. Spy-glassin' may do out on the lake, if a body has only the tools + to do it with; but here, in the openin's, nature's eyes is about as good + as them a body buys in the stores.” + </p> + <p> + “Take a look at them bees, and see what a fret they're in,” returned Ben, + handing the glass to his companion. “As long as I've been in the business, + I've never seen a colony in such a fever. Commonly, a few hours after the + bees find that their tree is down, and their plans broken into, they give + it up, and swarm; looking for a new hive, and setting about the making + more food for the next winter; but here are all the bees yet, buzzing + above the hole, as if they meant to hold out for a siege.” + </p> + <p> + “There's an onaccountable grist on 'em”—Gershom was never very + particular in his figures of speech, usually terming anything in + quantities a'grist”; and meaning in the present instance by + “onaccountable,” a number not to be counted—“an onaccountable grist + on 'em, I can tell you, and if you mean to charge upon sich enemies, you + must look out for somebody besides Whiskey Centre for your vanguard. What + in natur' has got into the critters! They can't expect to set that tree on + its legs ag'in!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you see a flight of them just in the edge of the for-est—here, + more to the southward?” demanded le Bourdon. + </p> + <p> + “Sure enough! There is a lot on 'em there, too, and they seem to be comin' + and goin' to the tree, like folks”—Gershom WOULD put his noun of + multitude into the plural, Nova-Anglice—“comin' and goin' like folks + carryin' water to a fire. A body would think, by the stir among 'em, them + critters' barrel was empty!” + </p> + <p> + “The bears are there,” coolly returned the bee-hunter; “I've seen such + movements before, and know how to account for them. The bears are in the + thicket, but don't like to come out in the face of such a colony. I have + heard of bears being chased miles by bees, when their anger was up!” + </p> + <p> + “Mortality! They have a good deal of dander (dandruff) for sich little + vipers! But what are WE to do, Bourdon? for Doll and Blossom MUST taste + that honey! Half's mine, you know, and I don't like to give it up.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter smiled at the coolness with which Gershom assigned to + himself so large a portion of his property; though he did not think it + worth his while, just then, to “demur to his declaration,” as the lawyers + might have it. There was a sort of border rule, which gave all present + equal shares in any forest captures; just as vessels in sight come in for + prize-money, taken in time of war by public cruisers. At any rate, the + honey of a single tree was not of sufficient value to induce a serious + quarrel about it. If there should be any extra trouble or danger in + securing the present prize, every craft in view might, fairly enough, come + in for its share. + </p> + <p> + “Doll shall not be forgotten, if we can only house our honey,” answered + the bee-hunter; “nor Blossom, neither. I've a fancy, already, for that + blossom of the wilderness, and shall do all I can to make myself agreeable + to her. A man cannot approach a maiden with anything sweeter than honey.” + </p> + <p> + “Some gals like sugar'd words better; but, let me tell you one thing, + STRANger-” + </p> + <p> + “You have eaten bread and salt with me, Whiskey, and both are scarce + articles in a wilderness; and you've slept under my roof: is it not almost + time to call me something else than stranger?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Bourdon, if you prefer that name; though STRANger is a name I like, + it has sich an up and off sound to it. When a man calls all he sees + STRANgers, it's a sign he don't let the grass grow in the road for want of + movin'; and a movin' man for me, any day, before your stationaries. I was + born on the sea-shore, in the Bay State; and here I am, up among the + fresh-water lakes, as much nat'ralized as any muskelunge that was ever + cotch'd in Huron, or about Mackinaw. If I can believe my eyes, Bourdon, + there is the muzzle of a bear to be seen, jist under that heavy hemlock—here, + where the bees seem thickest!” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt in the world,” answered le Bourdon, coolly; though he had taken + the precaution to look to the priming of each of his pieces, as if he + expected there would soon be occasion to use them. “But what was that you + were about to say concernin' Blossom? It would not be civil to the young + woman to overlook her, on account of a bear or two.” + </p> + <p> + “You take it easy, STRANger—Bourdon, I should say—you take it + easy! What I was about to say was this: that the whull lake country, and + that's a wide stretch to foot it over, I know; but, big as it is, the + whull lake country don't contain Blossom's equal. I'm her brother, and + perhaps ought to be a little modest in sich matters; but I an't a bit, and + let out jist what I think. Blossom's a di'mond, if there be di'monds on + 'arth.” + </p> + <p> + “And yonder is a bear, if there be bears on earth!” exclaimed le Bourdon, + who was not a little amused with Gershom's account of his family, but who + saw that the moment was now arrived when it would be necessary to + substitute deeds for words. “There they come, in a drove, and they seem in + earnest.” + </p> + <p> + This was true enough. No less than eight bears, half of which, however, + were quite young, came tumbling over the logs, and bounding up toward the + fallen tree, as if charging the citadel of the bees by preconcert. Their + appearance was the signal for a general rally of the insects, and by the + time the foremost of the clumsy animals had reached the tree, the air + above and around him was absolutely darkened by the cloud of bees that was + collected to defend their treasures. Bruin trusted too much to the + thickness of his hide and to the defences with which he was provided by + nature, besides being too much incited by the love of honey, to regard the + little heroes, but thrust his nose in at the hole, doubtless hoping to + plunge it at once into the midst of a mass of the sweets. A growl, a start + backward, and a flourishing of the fore-paws, with sundry bites in the + air, at once announced that he had met with greater resistance than he had + anticipated. In a minute, all the bears were on their hind-legs, beating + the air with their fore-paws, and nipping right and left with their jaws, + in vigorous combat with their almost invisible foes. Instinct supplied the + place of science, and spite of the hides and the long hair that covered + them, the bees found the means of darting their stings into unprotected + places, until the quadrupeds were fairly driven to rolling about on the + grass in order to crush their assailants. This last process had some + effect, a great many bees being destroyed by the energetic rollings and + tumblings of the bears; but, as in the tide of battle, the places of those + who fell were immediately supplied by fresh assailants, until numbers + seemed likely to prevail over power, if not over discipline. At this + critical instant, when the bears seemed fatigued with their nearly frantic + saltations, and violent blows upon nothing, le Bourdon deemed it wise to + bring his forces into the combat. Gershom having been apprised of the + plan, both fired at the same instant. Each ball took effect; one killing + the largest of all the bears, dead on the spot, while the other inflicted + a grievous wound on a second. This success was immediately followed by a + second discharge, wounding two more of the enemy, while Ben held the + second barrel of his “shot-gun” in reserve. While the hurt animals were + hobbling off, the men reloaded their pieces; and by the time the last were + ready to advance on the enemy, the ground was cleared of bears and bees + alike, only two of the former remaining, of which one was already dead and + the other dying. As for the bees, they followed their retreating enemies + in a body, making a mistake that sometimes happens to still more + intelligent beings; that of attributing to themselves, and their own + prowess, a success that had been gained by others. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter and his friend now set themselves at work to provide a + reception for the insects, the return of which might shortly be expected. + The former lighted a fire, being always provided with the means, while + Gershom brought dry wood. In less than five minutes a bright blaze was + gleaming upward, and when the bees returned, as most of them soon did, + they found this new enemy intrenched, as it might be, behind walls of + flame. Thousands of the little creatures perished by means of this new + invention of man, and the rest soon after were led away by their chiefs to + seek some new deposit for the fruits of their industry. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The sad butterfly, + Waving his lackered wings, darts quickly on, + And, by his free flight, counsels us to speed + For better lodgings, and a scene more sweet, + Than these dear borders offer us to-night. + SIMMS. +</pre> + <p> + It was noon before Ben and Gershom dared to commence the process of + cutting and splitting the tree, in order to obtain the honey. Until then, + the bees lingered around their fallen hive, and it would have been + dangerous to venture beyond the smoke and heat, in order to accomplish the + task. It is true, le Bourdon possessed several secrets, of more or less + virtue, to drive off the bees when disposed to assault him, but no one + that was as certain as a good fire, backed by a dense column of vapor. + Various plants are thought to be so offensive to the insects, that they + avoid even their odor; and the bee-hunter had faith in one or two of them; + but none of the right sort happened now to be near, and he was obliged to + trust, first to a powerful heat, and next to the vapor of damp wood. + </p> + <p> + As there were axes, and wedges, and a beetle in the canoe, and Gershom was + as expert with these implements as a master of fencing is with his foil, + to say nothing of the skill of le Bourdon, the tree was soon laid open, + and its ample stores of sweets exposed. In the course of the afternoon the + honey was deposited in kegs, the kegs were transferred to the canoe, and + the whole deposited in the chiente. The day had been one of toil, and when + our two bordermen sat down near the spring, to take their evening meal, + each felt glad that his work was done. + </p> + <p> + “I believe this must be the last hive I line, this summer,” said le + Bourdon, while eating his supper. “My luck has been good so far, but in + troublesome times one had better not be too far from home. I am surprised, + Waring, that you have ventured so far from your family, while the tidings + are so gloomy.” + </p> + <p> + “That's partly because you don't know ME, and partly because you don't + know DOLLY. As for leaving hum, with anybody to kear for it, I should like + to know who is more to the purpose than Dolly Waring? I haven't no idee + that even bees would dare get upon HER! If they did, they'd soon get the + worst on't Her tongue is all-powerful, to say nawthin' of her arms; and if + the so'gers can only handle their muskets as she can handle a broom, there + is no need of new regiments to carry on this war.” + </p> + <p> + Now, nothing could be more false than this character; but a drunkard has + little regard to what he says. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad your garrison is so strong,” answered the beehunter, + thoughtfully; “but mine is too weak to stay any longer, out here in the + openings. Whiskey Centre, I intend to break up, and return to the + settlement, before the red-skins break loose in earnest. If you will stay + and lend me a hand to embark the honey and stores, and help to carry the + canoe down the river, you shall be well paid for your trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Waal, I'd about as lief do that, as do anything else. Good jobs is + scarce, out here in the wilderness, and when a body lights of one, he + ought to profit by it. I come up here thinkin' to meet you, for I heer'n + tell from a voyager that you was a-beeing it, out in the openin's, and + there's nawthin' in natur' that Dolly takes to with a greater relish than + good wild honey. 'Try whiskey,' I've told her a thousand times, 'and + you'll soon get to like THAT better than all the rest of creation'; but + not a drop could I ever get her, or Blossom, to swallow. It's true, that + leaves so much the more for me; but I'm a companionable crittur, and don't + think I've drunk as much as I want, unless I take it society-like. That's + one reason I've taken so mightily to you, Bourdon; you're not much at a + pull, but you an't downright afeared of a jug, neither.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter was glad to hear that all the family had not this man's + vice, for he now plainly foresaw that the accidents of his position must + bring him and these strangers much in contact, for some weeks, at least. + Le Bourdon, though not absolutely “afraid of a jug,” as Whiskey Centre had + expressed it, was decidedly a temperate man; drinking but seldom, and + never to excess. He too well knew the hazards by which he was surrounded, + to indulge in this way, even had he the taste for it; but he had no taste + that way, one small jug of brandy forming his supply for a whole season. + In these days of exaggeration in all things, exaggeration in politics, in + religion, in temperance, in virtue, and even in education, by putting “new + wine into old bottles,” that one little jug might have sufficed to give + him a bad name; but five-and-thirty years ago men had more real + independence than they now possess, and were not as much afraid of that + croquemitaine, public opinion, as they are to-day. To be sure, it was + little to le Bourdon's taste to make a companion of such a person as + Whiskey Centre; but there was no choice. The man was an utter stranger to + him; and the only means he possessed of making sure that he did not carry + off the property that lay so much at his mercy, was by keeping near him. + With many men, the bee-hunter would have been uneasy at being compelled to + remain alone with them in the woods; for cases in which one had murdered + another, in order to get possession of the goods, in these remote regions, + were talked of, among the other rumors of the borders; but Gershom had + that in his air and manner that rendered Ben confident his delinquencies, + at the most, would scarcely reach bloodshed. Pilfer he might; but murder + was a crime which he did not appear at all likely to commit. + </p> + <p> + After supping in company, our two adventurers secured everything; and, + retiring to the chiente, they went to sleep. No material disturbance + occurred, but the night passed in tranquillity; the bee-hunter merely + experiencing some slight interruption to his slumbers, from the unusual + circumstance of having a companion. One as long accustomed to be alone as + himself would naturally submit to some such sensation, our habits getting + so completely the mastery as often to supplant even nature. + </p> + <p> + The following morning the bee-hunter commenced his preparations for a + change of residence. Had he not been discovered, it is probable that the + news received from the Chippewa would not have induced him to abandon his + present position, so early in the season; but he thought the risk of + remaining was too great under all the circumstances. The Pottawattamie, in + particular, was a subject of great distrust to him, and he believed it + highly possible some of that old chief's tribe might be after his scalp + ere many suns had risen. Gershom acquiesced in these opinions, and, as + soon as his brain was less under the influence of liquor than was common + with him, he appeared to be quite happy in having it in his power to form + a species of alliance, offensive and defensive, with a man of his own + color and origin. Great harmony now prevailed between the two, Gershom + improving vastly in all the better qualities, the instant his intellect + and feelings got to be a little released from the thraldom of the jug. His + own immediate store of whiskey was quite exhausted, and le Bourdon kept + the place in which his own small stock of brandy was secured a profound + secret. These glimmerings of returning intellect, and of reviving + principles, are by no means unusual with the sot, thus proving that “so + long as there is life, there is hope,” for the moral, as well as for the + physical being. What was a little remarkable, Gershom grew less vulgar, + even in his dialect, as he grew more sober, showing that in all respects + he was becoming a greatly improved person. + </p> + <p> + The men were several hours in loading the canoe, not only all the stores + and ammunition, but all the honey being transferred to it. The bee-hunter + had managed to conceal his jug of brandy, reduced by this time to little + more than a quart, within an empty powder-keg, into which he had crammed a + beaver-skin or two, that he had taken, as it might be incidentally, in the + course of his rambles. At length everything was removed and stowed in its + proper place, on board the capacious canoe, and Gershom expected an + announcement on the part of Ben of his readiness to embark. But there + still remained one duty to perform. The beehunter had killed a buck only + the day before the opening of our narrative, and shouldering a quarter, he + had left the remainder of the animal suspended from the branches of a + tree, near the place where it had been shot and cleaned. As venison might + be needed before they could reach the mouth of the river, Ben deemed it + advisable that he and Gershom should go and bring in the remainder of the + carcass. The men started on this undertaking accordingly, leaving the + canoe about two in the afternoon. + </p> + <p> + The distance between the spot where the deer had been killed, and the + chiente, was about three miles; which was the reason why the bee-hunter + had not brought home the entire animal the day he killed it; the American + woodsman often carrying his game great distances in preference to leaving + it any length of time in the forest. In the latter case there is always + danger from beasts of prey, which are drawn from afar by the scent of + blood. Le Bourdon thought it possible they might now encounter wolves; + though he had left the carcass of the deer so suspended as to place it + beyond the reach of most of the animals of the wilderness. Each of the + men, however, carried a rifle: and Hive was allowed to accompany them, by + an act of grace on the part of his master. + </p> + <p> + For the first half-hour, nothing occurred out of the usual course of + events. The bee-hunter had been conversing freely with his companion, who, + he rejoiced to find, manifested far more common sense, not to say good + sense, than he had previously shown; and from whom he was deriving + information touching the number of vessels, and the other movements on the + lakes, that he fancied might be of use to himself when he started for + Detroit. While thus engaged, and when distant only a hundred rods from the + place where he had left the venison, le Bourdon was suddenly struck with + the movements of the dog. Instead of doubling on his own tracks, and + scenting right and left, as was the animal's wont, he was now advancing + cautiously, with his head low, seemingly feeling his way with his nose, as + if there was a strong taint in the wind. + </p> + <p> + “Sartain as my name is Gershom,” exclaimed Waring, just after he and Ben + had come to a halt, in order to look around them—“yonder is an + Injin! The crittur' is seated at the foot of the large oak—hereaway, + more to the right of the dog, and Hive has struck his scent. The fellow is + asleep, with his rifle across his lap, and can't have much dread of wolves + or bears!” + </p> + <p> + “I see him,” answered le Bourdon, “and am as much surprised as grieved to + find him there. It is a little remarkable that I should have so many + visitors, just at this time, on my hunting-ground, when I never had any at + all before yesterday. It gives a body an uncomfortable feeling, Waring, to + live so much in a crowd! Well, well—I'm about to move, and it will + matter little twenty-four hours hence.” + </p> + <p> + “The chap's a Winnebago by his paint,” added Gershom—“but let's go + up and give him a call.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter assented to this proposal, remarking, as they moved + forward, that he did not think the stranger of the tribe just named; + though he admitted that the use of paint was so general and loose among + these warriors, as to render it difficult to decide. + </p> + <p> + “The crittur' sleeps soundly!” exclaimed Gershom, stopping within ten + yards of the Indian, to take another look at him. + </p> + <p> + “He'll never awake,” put in the bee-hunter, solemnly—“the man is + dead. See; there is blood on the side of his head, and a rifle-bullet has + left its hole there.” + </p> + <p> + Even while speaking, the bee-hunter advanced, and raising a sort of shawl, + that once had been used as an ornament, and which had last been thrown + carelessly over the head of its late owner, he exposed the well-known + features of Elks-foot, the Pottawattamie, who had left them little more + than twenty-four hours before! The warrior had been shot by a rifle-bullet + directly through the temple, and had been scalped. The powder had been + taken from his horn, and the bullets from his pouch; but, beyond this, he + had not been plundered. The body was carefully placed against a tree, in a + sitting attitude, the rifle was laid across its legs, and there it had + been left, in the centre of the openings, to become food for beasts of + prey, and to have its bones bleached by the snows and the rains! + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter shuddered, as he gazed at this fearful memorial of the + violence against which even a wilderness could afford no sufficient + protection. That Pigeonswing had slain his late fellow-guest, le Bourdon + had no doubt, and he sickened at the thought. Although he had himself + dreaded a good deal from the hostility of the Pottawattamie, he could have + wished this deed undone. That there was a jealous distrust of each other + between the two Indians had been sufficiently apparent; but the bee-hunter + could not have imagined that it would so soon lead to results as terrible + as these! + </p> + <p> + After examining the body, and noting the state of things around it, the + men proceeded, deeply impressed with the necessity, not only of their + speedy removal, but of their standing by each other in that remote region, + now that violence had so clearly broken out among the tribes. The + bee-hunter had taken a strong liking to the Chippewa, and he regretted so + much the more to think that he had done this deed. It was true, that such + a state of things might exist as to justify an Indian warrior, agreeably + to his own notions, in taking the life of any one of a hostile tribe; but + le Bourdon wished it had been otherwise. A man of gentle and peaceable + disposition himself, though of a profoundly enthusiastic temperament in + his own peculiar way, he had ever avoided those scenes of disorder and + bloodshed, which are of so frequent occurrence in the forest and on the + prairies; and this was actually the first instance in which he had ever + beheld a human body that had fallen by human hands. Gershom had seen more + of the peculiar life of the frontiers than his companion, in consequence + of having lived so closely in contact with the “fire-water”; but even HE + was greatly shocked with the suddenness and nature of the Pottawattamie's + end. + </p> + <p> + No attempt was made to bury the remains of Elksfoot, inasmuch as our + adventurers had no tools fit for such a purpose, and any merely + superficial interment would have been a sort of invitation to the wolves + to dig the body up again. + </p> + <p> + “Let him lean ag'in' the tree,” said Waring, as they moved on toward the + spot where the carcass of the deer was left, “and I'll engage nothin' + touches him. There's that about the face of man, Bourdon, that skears the + beasts; and if a body can only muster courage to stare them full in the + eye, one single human can drive before him a whull pack of wolves.” + </p> + <p> + “I've heard as much,” returned the bee-hunter, “but should not like to be + the 'human' to try the experiment That the face of man may have terrors + for a beast, I think likely; but hunger would prove more than a match for + such fear. Yonder is our venison, Waring; safe where I left it.” + </p> + <p> + The carcass of the deer was divided, and each man shouldering his burden, + the two returned to the river, taking care to avoid the path that led by + the body of the dead Indian. As both labored with much earnestness, + everything was soon ready, and the canoe speedily left the shore. The + Kalamazoo is not in general a swift and turbulent stream, though it has a + sufficient current to carry away its waters without any appearance of + sluggishness. Of course, this character is not uniform, reaches occurring + in which the placid water is barely seen to move; and others, again, are + found, in which something like rapids, and even falls, appear. But on the + whole, and more especially in the part of the stream where it was, the + canoe had little to disturb it, as it glided easily down, impelled by a + light stroke of the paddle. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter did not abandon his station without regret. He had chosen a + most agreeable site for his chiente, consulting air, shade, water, + verdure, and groves, as well as the chances of obtaining honey. In his + regular pursuit he had been unusually fortunate; and the little pile of + kegs in the centre of his canoe was certainly a grateful sight to his + eyes. The honey gathered this season, moreover, had proved to be of an + unusually delicious flavor, affording the promise of high prices and ready + sales. Still, the bee-hunter left the place with profound regret. He loved + his calling; he loved solitude to a morbid degree, perhaps; and he loved + the gentle excitement that naturally attended his “bee-lining,” his + discoveries, and his gains. Of all the pursuits that are more or less + dependent on the chances of the hunt and the field, that of the bee-hunter + is of the most quiet and placid enjoyment. He has the stirring motives of + uncertainty and doubt, without the disturbing qualities of bustle and + fatigue; and, while his exercise is sufficient for health, and for the + pleasures of the open air, it is seldom of a nature to weary or unnerve. + Then the study of the little animal that is to be watched, and, if the + reader will, plundered, is not without a charm for those who delight in + looking into the wonderful arcana of nature. So great was the interest + that le Bourdon sometimes felt in his little companions, that, on three + several occasions that very summer, he had spared hives after having found + them, because he had ascertained that they were composed of young bees, + and had not yet got sufficiently colonized to render a new swarming more + than a passing accident. With all this kindness of feeling toward his + victims, Boden had nothing of the transcendental folly that usually + accompanies the sentimentalism of the exaggerated, but his feelings and + impulses were simple and direct, though so often gentle and humane. He + knew that the bee, like all the other inferior animals of creation, was + placed at the disposition of man, and did not scruple to profit by the + power thus beneficently bestowed, though he exercised it gently, and with + a proper discrimination between its use and its abuse. + </p> + <p> + Neither of the men toiled much, as the canoe floated down the stream. Very + slight impulses served to give their buoyant craft a reasonably swift + motion, and the current itself was a material assistant. These + circumstances gave an opportunity for conversation, as the canoe glided + onward. + </p> + <p> + “A'ter all,” suddenly exclaimed Waring, who had been examining the pile of + kegs for some time in silence—“a'ter all, Bourdon, your trade is an + oncommon one! A most extr'ornary and oncommon callin'!” + </p> + <p> + “More so, think you, Gershom, than swallowing whiskey, morning, noon, and + night?” answered the bee-hunter, with a quiet smile. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, but that's not a reg'lar callin'; only a likin'! Now a man may have + a likin' to a hundred things in which he don't deal. I set nothin' down as + a business, which a man don't live by.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you're right, Waring. More die by whiskey than live by whiskey.” + </p> + <p> + Whiskey Centre seemed struck with this remark, which was introduced so + aptly, and was uttered so quietly. He gazed earnestly at his companion for + near a minute, ere he attempted to resume the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “Blossom has often said as much as this,” he then slowly rejoined; “and + even Dolly has prophesized the same.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter observed that an impression had been made, and he thought + it wisest to let the reproof already administered produce its effect, + without endeavoring to add to its power. Waring sat with his chin on his + breast, in deep thought, while his companion, for the first time since + they had met, examined the features and aspect of the man. At first sight, + Whiskey Centre certainly offered little that was inviting; but a closer + study of his countenance showed that he had the remains of a singularly + handsome man. Vulgar as were his forms of speech, coarse and forbidding as + his face had become, through the indulgence which was his bane, there were + still traces of this truth. His complexion had once been fair almost to + effeminacy, his cheeks ruddy with health, and his blue eye bright and full + of hope. His hair was light; and all these peculiarities strongly denoted + his Saxon origin. It was not so much Anglo-Saxon as Americo-Saxon, that + was to be seen in the physical outlines and hues of this nearly + self-destroyed being. The heaviness of feature, the ponderousness of limb + and movement, had all long disappeared from his race, most probably under + the influence of climate, and his nose was prominent and graceful in + outline, while his mouth and chin might have passed for having been under + the chisel of some distinguished sculptor. It was, in truth, painful to + examine that face, steeped as it was in liquor, and fast losing the + impress left by nature. As yet, the body retained most of its power, the + enemy having insidiously entered the citadel, rather than having actually + subdued it. The bee-hunter sighed as he gazed at his moody companion, and + wondered whether Blossom had aught of this marvellous comeliness of + countenance, without its revolting accompaniments. + </p> + <p> + All that afternoon, and the whole of the night that succeeded, did the + canoe float downward with the current. Occasionally, some slight obstacle + to its progress would present itself; but, on the whole, its advance was + steady and certain. As the river necessarily followed the formation of the + land, it was tortuous and irregular in its course, though its general + direction was toward the northwest, or west a little northerly. The + river-bottoms being much more heavily “timbered”—to use a woodsman + term—than the higher grounds, there was little of the park-like + “openings” on its immediate banks, though distant glimpses were had of + many a glade and of many a charming grove. + </p> + <p> + As the canoe moved toward its point of destination, the conversation did + not lag between the bee-hunter and his companion. Each gave the other a + sort of history of his life; for, now that the jug was exhausted, Gershom + could talk not only rationally, but with clearness and force. Vulgar he + was, and, as such, uninviting and often repulsive; still his early + education partook of that peculiarity of New England which, if it do not + make her children absolutely all they are apt to believe themselves to be, + seldom leaves them in the darkness of a besotted ignorance. As usually + happens with this particular race, Gershom had acquired a good deal for a + man of his class in life; and this information, added to native + shrewdness, enabled him to maintain his place in the dialogue with a + certain degree of credit. He had a very lively perception—fancied or + real—of all the advantages of being born in the land of the + Puritans, deeming everything that came of the great “Blarney Stone” + superior to everything else of the same nature elsewhere; and, while much + disposed to sneer and rail at all other parts of the country, just as much + indisposed to “take,” as disposed to “give.” Ben Boden soon detected this + weakness in his companion's character, a weakness so very general as + scarce to need being pointed out to any observant man, and which is almost + inseparable from half-way intelligence and provincial self-admiration; and + Ben was rather inclined to play on it, whenever Gershom laid himself a + little more open than common on the subject. On the whole, however, the + communications were amicable; and the dangers of the wilderness rendering + the parties allies, they went their way with an increasing confidence in + each other's support. Gershom, now that he was thoroughly sober, could + impart much to Ben that was useful; while Ben knew a great deal that even + his companion, coming as he did from the chosen people, was not sorry to + learn. As has been, already intimated, each communicated to the other, in + the course of this long journey on the river, an outline of his past life. + </p> + <p> + The history of Gershom Waring was one of every-day occurrence. He was born + of a family in humble circumstances in Massachusetts, a community in + which, however, none are so very humble as to be beneath the paternal + watchfulness of the State. The common schools had done their duty by him; + while, according to his account of the matter, his only sister had fallen + into the hands of a female relative, who was enabled to impart an + instruction slightly superior to that which is to be had from the servants + of the public. After a time, the death of this relative, and the marriage + of Gershom, brought the brother and sister together again, the last still + quite young. From this period the migratory life of the family commenced. + Previously to the establishment of manufactories within her limits, New + England systematically gave forth her increase to the States west and + south of her own territories. A portion of this increase still migrates, + and will probably long continue so to do; but the tide of young women, + which once flowed so steadily from that region, would now seem to have + turned, and is setting back in a flood of “factory girls.” But the Warings + lived at too early a day to feel the influence of such a pass of + civilization, and went west, almost as a matter of course. With the + commencement of his migratory life, Gershom began to “dissipate,” as it + has got to be matter of convention to term “drinking.” Fortunately, Mrs. + Waring had no children, thus lessening in a measure the privations to + which those unlucky females were obliged to submit. When Gershom left his + birthplace he had a sum of money exceeding a thousand dollars in amount, + the united means of himself and sister; but, by the time he had reached + Detroit, it was reduced to less than a hundred. Several years, however, + had been consumed by the way, the habits growing worse and the money + vanishing, as the family went further and further toward the skirts of + society. At length Gershom attached himself to a sutler, who was going up + to Michilimackinac, with a party of troops; and finally he left that place + to proceed, in a canoe of his own, to the head of Lake Michigan, where was + a post on the present site of Chicago, which was then known as Fort + Dearborn. + </p> + <p> + In quitting Mackinac for Chicago, Waring had no very settled plan. His + habits had completely put him out of favor at the former place; and a + certain restlessness urged him to penetrate still farther into the + wilderness. In all his migrations and wanderings the two devoted females + followed his fortunes; the one because she was his wife, the other because + she was his sister. When the canoe reached the mouth of the Kalamazoo, a + gale of wind drove it into the river; and finding a deserted cabin, ready + built, to receive him, Gershom landed, and had been busy with the rifle + for the last fortnight, the time he had been on shore. Hearing from some + voyageurs who had gone down the lake that a bee-hunter was up the river, + he had followed the stream in its windings until he fell in with le + Bourdon. + </p> + <p> + Such is an outline of the account which Whiskey Centre gave of himself. It + is true, he said very little of his propensity to drink, but this his + companion was enabled to conjecture from the context of his narrative, as + well as from what he had seen. It was very evident to the bee-hunter, that + the plans of both parties for the summer were about to be seriously + deranged by the impending hostilities, and that some decided movement + might be rendered necessary, even for the protection of their lives. This + much he communicated to Gershom, who heard his opinions with interest, and + a concern in behalf of his wife and sister that at least did some credit + to his heart. For the first time in many months, indeed, Gershom was now + PERFECTLY sober, a circumstance that was solely owing to his having had no + access to liquor for eight-and-forty hours. With the return of a clear + head, came juster notions of the dangers and difficulties in which he had + involved the two self-devoted women who had accompanied him so far, and + who really seemed ready to follow him in making the circuit of the earth. + </p> + <p> + “It's troublesome times,” exclaimed Whiskey Centre, when his companion had + just ended one of his strong and lucid statements of the embarrassments + that might environ them, ere they could get back to the settled portions + of the country—“it's troublesome times, truly! I see all you would + say, Bourdon, and wonder I ever got my foot so deep into it, without + thinkin' of all, beforehand! The best on us will make mistakes, hows'ever, + and I suppose I've been called on to make mine, as well as another.” + </p> + <p> + “My trade speaks for itself,” returned the bee-hunter, “and any man can + see why one who looks for bees must come where they're to be found; but I + will own, Gershom, that your speculation lies a little beyond my + understanding. Now, you tell me you have two full barrels of whiskey—” + </p> + <p> + “Had, Bourdon—HAD—one of them is pretty nearly half used, I am + afeared.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, HAD, until you began to be your own customer. But here you are, + squatted at the mouth of the Kalamazoo, with a barrel and a half of + liquor, and nobody but yourself to drink it! Where the profits are to come + from, exceeds Pennsylvany calculations; perhaps a Yankee can tell.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget the Injins. I met a man at Mackinaw, who only took out in his + canoe ONE barrel, and he brought in skins enough to set up a grocery, at + Detroit. But I was on the trail of the soldiers, and meant to make a + business on't, at Fort Dearborn. What between the soldiers and the + redskins, a man might sell gallons a day, and at fair prices.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a sorry business at the best, Whiskey; and now you're fairly sober, + if you'll take my advice you'll remain so. Why not make up your mind, like + a man, and vow you'll never touch another drop.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe I will, when these two barrels is emptied—I've often thought + of doin' some sich matter; and, ag'in and ag'in, has Dolly and Blossom + advised me to fall into the plan; but it's hard to give up old habits, all + at once. If I could only taper off on a pint a day, for a year or so, I + think I might come round in time. I know as well as you do, Bourdon, that + sobriety is a good thing, and dissipation a bad thing; but it's hard to + give up all at once.” + </p> + <p> + Lest the instructed reader should wonder at a man's using the term + “dissipation” in a wilderness, it may be well to explain that, in common + American parlance, “dissipation” has got to mean “drunkenness.” Perhaps + half of the whole country, if told that a man, or a woman, might be + exceedingly dissipated and never swallow anything stronger than water, + would stoutly deny the justice of applying the word to such a person. This + perversion of the meaning of a very common term has probably arisen from + the circumstance that there is very little dissipation in the country that + is not connected with hard drinking. A dissipated woman is a person almost + unknown in America; or when the word is applied, it means a very different + degree of misspending of time, from that which is understood by the use of + the same reproach in older and more sophisticated states of society. The + majority rules in this country, and with the majority excess usually takes + this particular aspect; refinement having very little connection with the + dissipation of the masses, anywhere. + </p> + <p> + The excuses of his companion, however, caused le Bourdon to muse, more + than might otherwise have been the case, on Whiskey Centre's condition. + Apart from all considerations connected with the man's own welfare, and + the happiness of his family, there were those which were inseparable from + the common safety, in the present state of the country. Boden was a man of + much decision and firmness of character, and he was clear-headed as to + causes and consequences. The practice of living alone had induced in him + the habits of reflection; and the self-reliance produced by his solitary + life, a life of which he was fond almost to a passion, caused him to + decide warily, but to act promptly. As they descended the river together, + therefore, he went over the whole of Gershom Waring's case and prospects, + with great impartiality and care, and settled in his own mind what ought + to be done, as well as the mode of doing it. He kept his own counsel, + however, discussing all sorts of subjects that were of interest to men in + their situation, as they floated down the stream, avoiding any recurrence + to this theme, which was possibly of more importance to them both, just + then, than any other that could be presented. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He was a wight of high renown, + And thou art but of low degree; + 'Tis pride that pulls the country down— + Then take thine auld cloak about thee. + SHAKESPEARE. +</pre> + <p> + The canoe did not reach the mouth of the river until near evening of the + third day of its navigation. It was not so much the distance, though that + was considerable, as it was the obstacles that lay in the way, which + brought the travellers to the end of their journey at so late a period. As + they drew nearer and nearer to the place where Gershom had left his wife + and sister, le Bourdon detected in his companion signs of an interest in + the welfare of the two last, as well as a certain feverish uneasiness lest + all might not be well with them, that said something in favor of his + heart, whatever might be urged against his prudence and care in leaving + them alone in so exposed a situation. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afeard a body don't think as much as he ought to do, when liquor is + in him,” said Whiskey Centre, just as the canoe doubled the last point, + and the hut came into view; “else I never could have left two women by + them-selves in so lonesome a place. God be praised! there is the chiente + at any rate; and there's a smoke comin' out of it, if my eyes don't + deceive me! Look, Bourdon, for I can scarcely see at all.” + </p> + <p> + “There is the house; and, as you say, there is certainly a smoke rising + from it.” + </p> + <p> + “There's comfort in that!” exclaimed the truant husband and brother, with + a sigh that seemed to relieve a very loaded breast. “Yes, there's comfort + in that! If there's a fire, there must be them that lighted it; and a fire + at this season, too, says that there's somethin' to eat, I should be + sorry, Bourdon, to think I'd left the women folks without food; though, to + own the truth, I don't remember whether I did or not.” + </p> + <p> + “The man who drinks, Gershom, has commonly but a very poor memory.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true—yes, I'll own that; and I wish it warn't as true as it + is; but reason and strong drink do NOT travel far in company—” + </p> + <p> + Gershom suddenly ceased speaking; dropping his paddle like one beset by a + powerless weakness. The bee-hunter saw that he was overcome by some + unexpected occurrence, and that the man's feelings were keenly connected + with the cause, whatever that might be. Looking eagerly around in quest of + the explanation, le Bourdon saw a female standing on a point of land that + commanded a view of the river and its banks for a considerable distance, + unequivocally watching the approach of the canoe. + </p> + <p> + “There she is,” said Gershom, in a subdued tone—“that's Dolly; and + there she has been, I'll engage, half the time of my absence, waitin' to + get the first glimpse of my miserable body, as it came back to her. Sich + is woman, Bourdon; and God forgive me, if I have ever forgotten their + natur', when I was bound to remember it. But we all have our weak moments, + at times, and I trust mine will not be accounted ag'in' me more than them + of other men.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a beautiful sight, Gershom, and it almost makes me your friend! + The man for whom a woman can feel so much concern—that a woman—nay, + women; for you tell me your sister is one of the family—but the man + whom DECENT women can follow to a place like this, must have some good + p'ints about him. That woman is a-weepin'; and it must be for joy at your + return.” + </p> + <p> + “'Twould be jist like Dolly to do so—she's done it before, and would + be likely to do so ag'in,” answered Gershom, nearly choked by the effort + he made to speak without betraying his own emotion. “Put the canoe into + the p'int, and let me land there. I must go up and say a kind word to poor + Dolly; while you can paddle on, and let Blossom know I'm near at hand.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter complied in silence, casting curious glances upward at the + woman while doing so, in order to ascertain what sort of a female Whiskey + Centre could possibly have for a wife. To his surprise, Dorothy Waring was + not only decently, but she was neatly clad, appearing as if she had + studiously attended to her personal appearance, in the hope of welcoming + her wayward and unfortunate husband back to his forest home. This much le + Bourdon saw by a hasty glance as his companion landed, for a feeling of + delicacy prevented him from taking a longer look at the woman. As Gershom + ascended the bank to meet his wife, le Bourdon paddled on, and landed just + below the grove in which was the chiente. It might have been his long + exclusion from all of the other sex, and most especially from that portion + of it which retains its better looks, but the being which now met the + bee-hunter appeared to him to belong to another world, rather than to that + in which he habitually dwelt. As this was Margery Waring, who was almost + uniformly called Blossom by her acquaintances, and who is destined to act + an important part in this legend of the “openings,” it may be well to give + a brief description of her age, attire, and personal appearance, at the + moment when she was first seen by le Bourdon. + </p> + <p> + In complexion, color of the hair, and outline of face, Margery Waring bore + a strong family resemblance to her brother. In spite of exposure, and the + reflection of the sun's rays from the water of the lake, however, HER skin + was of a clear, transparent white, such as one might look for in a + drawing-room, but hardly expect to find in a wilderness; while the tint of + her lips, cheeks, and, in a diminished degree, of her chin and ears, were + such as one who wielded a pencil might long endeavor to catch without + succeeding. Her features had the chiselled outline which was so remarkable + in her brother; while in HER countenance, in addition to the softened + expression of her sex and years, there was nothing to denote any physical + or moral infirmity, to form a drawback to its witchery and regularity. Her + eyes were blue, and her hair as near golden as human tresses well could + be. Exercise, a life of change, and of dwelling much in the open air, had + given to this unusually charming girl not only health, but its appearance. + Still, she was in no respect coarse, or had anything in the least about + her that indicated her being accustomed to toil, with some slight + exception in her hands, perhaps, which were those of a girl who did not + spare herself, when there was an opportunity to be of use. In this + particular, the vagrant life of her brother had possibly been of some + advantage to her, as it had prevented her being much employed in the + ordinary toil of her condition in life. Still, Margery Waring had that + happy admixture of delicacy and physical energy, which is, perhaps, + oftener to be met in the American girl of her class, than in the girl of + almost any other nation; and far oftener than in the young American of her + sex, who is placed above the necessity of labor. + </p> + <p> + As a stranger approached her, the countenance of this fair creature + expressed both surprise and satisfaction; surprise that any one should + have been met by Gershom, in such a wilderness, and satisfaction that the + stranger proved to be a white man, and seemingly one who did not drink. + </p> + <p> + “You are Blossom,” said the bee-hunter, taking the hand of the + half-reluctant girl, in a way so respectful and friendly that she could + not refuse it, even while she doubted the propriety of thus receiving an + utter stranger—“the Blossom of whom Gershom Waring speaks so often, + and so affectionately?” + </p> + <p> + “You are, then, my brother's friend,” answered Margery, smiling so + sweetly, that le Bourdon gazed on her with delight. “We are SO glad that + he has come back! Five terrible nights have sister and I been here alone, + and we have believed every bush was a red man!” + </p> + <p> + “That danger is over, now, Blossom; but there is still an enemy near you + that must be overcome.” + </p> + <p> + “An enemy! There is no one here, but Dolly and myself. No one has been + near us, since Gershom went after the bee-hunter, whom we heard was out in + the openings. Are you that bee-bunter?” + </p> + <p> + “I am, beautiful Blossom; and I tell you there is an enemy here, in your + cabin, that must be looked to.” + </p> + <p> + “We fear no enemies but the red men, and we have seen none of them since + we reached this river. What is the name of the enemy you so dread, and + where is he to be found?” + </p> + <p> + “His name is Whiskey, and he is kept somewhere in this hut, in casks. Show + me the place, that I may destroy him, before his friend comes to his + assistance.” + </p> + <p> + A gleam of bright intelligence flashed into the face of the beautiful + young creature. First she reddened almost to scarlet; then her face became + pale as death. Compressing her lips intensely, she stood irresolute—now + gazing at the pleasing and seemingly well-disposed stranger before her, + now looking earnestly toward the still distant forms of her brother and + sister, which were slowly advancing in the direction of the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “Dare you?” Margery at length asked, pointing toward her brother. + </p> + <p> + “I dare: he is now quite sober, and may be reasoned with. For the sake of + us all, let us profit by this advantage.” + </p> + <p> + “He keeps the liquor in two casks that you will find under the shed, + behind the hut.” + </p> + <p> + This said, the girl covered her face with both her hands, and sunk on a + stool, as if afraid to be a witness of that which was to follow. As for le + Bourdon, he did not delay a moment, but passed out of the cabin by a + second door, that opened in its rear. There were the two barrels, and by + their side an axe. His first impulse was to dash in the heads of the casks + where they stood; but a moment's reflection told him that the odor, so + near the cabin, would be unpleasant to every one, and might have a + tendency to exasperate the owner of the liquor. He cast about him, + therefore, for the means of removing the casks, in order to stave them, at + a distance from the dwelling. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, the cabin of Whiskey Centre stood on the brow of a sharp + descent, at the bottom of which ran a brawling brook. At another moment, + le Bourdon would have thought of saving the barrels; but time pressed, and + he could not delay. Seizing the barrel next to him, he rolled it without + difficulty to the brow of the declivity, and set it off with a powerful + shove of his foot. It was the half-empty cask, and away it went, the + liquor it contained washing about as it rolled over and over, until + hitting a rock about half-way down the declivity, the hoops gave way, when + the staves went over the little precipice, and the water of the stream was + tumbling through all that remained of the cask, at the next instant. A + slight exclamation of delight behind him caused the bee-hunter to look + round, and he saw Margery watching his movement with an absorbed interest. + Her smile was one of joy, not unmingled with terror; and she rather + whispered than said aloud—“The other—the other—THAT is + full—be quick; there is no time to lose.” The bee-hunter seized the + second cask and rolled it toward the brow of the rocks. It was not quite + as easily handled as the other barrel, but his strength sufficed, and it + was soon bounding down the declivity after its companion. The second cask + hit the same rock as the first, whence it leaped off the precipice, and, + aided by its greater momentum, it was literally dashed in pieces at its + base. + </p> + <p> + Not only was this barrel broken into fragments, but its hoops and staves + were carried down the torrent, driving before them those of the sister + cask, until the whole were swept into the lake, which was some distance + from the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “That job is well done!” exclaimed le Bourdon, when the last fragment of + the wreck was taken out of sight. “No man will ever turn himself into a + beast by means of that liquor.” + </p> + <p> + “God be praised!” murmured Margery. “He is SO different, stranger, when he + has been drinking, from what he is when he has not! You have been sent by + Providence to do us this good.” + </p> + <p> + “I can easily believe that, for it is so with us all. But you must not + call me stranger, sweet Margery; for, now that you and I have this secret + between us, I am a stranger no longer.” + </p> + <p> + The girl smiled and blushed; then she seemed anxious to ask a question. In + the mean time they left the shed, and took seats, in waiting for the + arrival of Gershom and his wife. It was not long ere the last entered; the + countenance of the wife beaming with a satisfaction she made no effort to + conceal. Dolly was not as beautiful as her sister-in-law; still, she was a + comely woman, though one who had been stricken by sorrow. She was still + young, and might have been in the pride of her good looks, had it not been + for the manner in which she had grieved over the fall of Gershom. The joy + that gladdens a woman's heart, however, was now illuminating her + countenance, and she welcomed le Bourdon most cordially, as if aware that + he had been of service to her husband. For months she had not seen Gershom + quite himself, until that evening. + </p> + <p> + “I have told Dolly all our adventur's, Bourdon,” cried Gershom, as soon as + the brief greetings were over, “and she tells me all's right, hereabouts. + Three canoe-loads of Injins passed along shore, goin' up the lake, she + tells me, this very a'ternoon; but they didn't see the smoke, the fire + bein' out, and must have thought the hut empty; if indeed, they knew + anythin' of it, at all.” + </p> + <p> + “The last is the most likely,” remarked Margery; “for I watched them + narrowly from the beeches on the shore, and there was no pointing, or + looking up, as would have happened had there been any one among them who + could show the others a cabin. Houses an't so plenty, in this part of the + country, that travellers pass without turning round to look at them. An + Injin has curiosity as well as a white man, though he manages so often to + conceal it.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you say, Blossom, that one of the canoes was much behind the + others, and that a warrior in that canoe DID look up toward this grove, as + if searching for the cabin?” asked Dorothy. + </p> + <p> + “Either it was so, or my fears made it SEEM so. The two canoes that passed + first were well filled with Injins, each having eight in it; while the one + that came last held but four warriors. They were a mile apart, and the + last canoe seemed to be trying to overtake the others. I did think that + nothing but their haste prevented the men in the last canoe from landing; + but my fears may have made that seem so that was not so.” + </p> + <p> + As the cheek of the charming girl flushed with excitement, and her race + became animated, Margery appeared marvellously handsome; more so, the + bee-hunter fancied, than any other female he had ever before seen. But her + words impressed him quite as much as her looks; for he at once saw the + importance of such an event, to persons in their situation. The wind was + rising on the lake, and it was ahead for the canoes; should the savages + feel the necessity of making a harbor, they might return to the mouth of + the Kalamazoo; a step that would endanger all their lives, in the event of + these Indians proving to belong to those, whom there was now reason to + believe were in British pay. In times of peace, the intercourse between + the whites and the red men was usually amicable, and seldom led to + violence, unless through the effects of liquor; but, a price being placed + on scalps, a very different state of things might be anticipated, as a + consequence of the hostilities. This was then a matter to be looked to; + and, as evening was approaching, no time was to be lost. + </p> + <p> + The shores of Michigan are generally low, nor are harbors either numerous, + or very easy of access. It would be difficult, indeed, to find in any + other part of the world, so great an extent of coast that possesses so + little protection for the navigator, as that of this very lake. There are + a good many rivers, it is true, but usually they have bars, and are not + easy of entrance. This is the reason why that very convenient glove, the + Constitution, which can be made to fit any hand, has been discovered to + have an extra finger in it, which points out a mode by which the federal + government can create ports wherever nature has forgotten to perform this + beneficent office. It is a little extraordinary that the fingers of so + many of the great “expounders” turn out to be “thumbs,” however, + exhibiting clumsiness, rather than that adroit lightness which usually + characterizes the dexterity of men who are in the habit of rummaging other + people's pockets, for their own especial purposes. It must be somewhat + up-hill work to persuade any disinterested and clear-headed man, that a + political power to “regulate commerce” goes the length of making harbors; + the one being in a great measure a moral, while the other is exclusively a + physical agency; any more than it goes the length of making ware-houses, + and cranes, and carts, and all the other physical implements for carrying + on trade. Now, what renders all this “thumbing” of the Constitution so + much the more absurd, is the fact, that the very generous compact + interested does furnish a means, by which the poverty of ports on the + great lakes may be remedied, without making any more unnecessary rents in + the great national glove. Congress clearly possesses the power to create + and maintain a navy, which includes the power to create all sorts of + necessary physical appliances; and, among others, places of refuge for + that navy, should they be actually needed. As a vessel of war requires a + harbor, and usually a better harbor than a merchant-vessel, it strikes us + the “expounders” would do well to give this thought a moment's attention. + Behind it will be found the most unanswerable argument in favor of the + light-houses, too. + </p> + <p> + But, to return to the narrative: the Kalamazoo could be entered by canoes, + though it offered no very available shelter for a vessel of any size. + There was no other shelter for the savages for several miles to the + southward; and, should the wind increase, of which there were strong + indications, it was not only possible, but highly probable, that the + canoes would return. According to the account of the females, they had + passed only two hours before, and the breeze had been gradually gathering + strength ever since. It was not unlikely, indeed, that the attention paid + to the river by the warrior in the last canoe may have had reference to + this very state of the weather; and his haste to overtake his companions + been connected with a desire to induce them to seek a shelter. All this + presented itself to the beehunter's mind, at once; and it was discussed + between the members of the party, freely, and not without some grave + apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + There was one elevated point—elevated comparatively, if not in a + very positive sense—whence the eye could command a considerable + distance along the lake shore. Thither Margery now hastened to look after + the canoes. Boden accompanied her; and together they proceeded, side by + side, with a new-born but lively and increasing confidence, that was all + the greater, in consequence of their possessing a common secret. + </p> + <p> + “Brother must be much better than he was,” the girl observed, as they + hurried on, “for he has not once been into the shed to look at the + barrels! Before he went into the openings, he never entered the house + without drinking; and sometimes he would raise the cup to his mouth as + often as three times in the first half-hour. Now, he does not seem even to + think of it!” + </p> + <p> + “It may be well that he can find nothing to put into his cup, should he + fall into his old ways. One is never sure of a man of such habits, until + he is placed entirely out of harm's way.” + </p> + <p> + “Gershom is such a different being when he has not been drinking!” + rejoined the sister, in a touching manner. “We love him, and strive to do + all we can to keep him up, but it IS hard.” + </p> + <p> + “I am surprised that YOU should have come into this wilderness with any + one of bad habits.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? He is my brother, and I have no parents—he is all to me: + and what would become of Dorothy if I were to quit her, too! She has lost + most of her friends, since Gershom fell into these ways, and it would + quite break her heart, did I desert her.” + </p> + <p> + “All this speaks well for you, pretty Margery, but it is not the less + surprising—ah, there is my canoe, in plain sight of all who enter + the river; THAT must be concealed, Injins or no Injins.” + </p> + <p> + “It is only a step further to the place where we can get a lookout. Just + there, beneath the burr-oak. Hours and hours have I sat on that spot, with + my sewing, while Gershom was gone into the openings.” + </p> + <p> + “And Dolly—where was she while you were here?” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Dolly!—I do think she passed quite half her time up at the + beech-tree, where you first saw her, looking if brother was not coming + home. It is a cruel thing to a wife to have a truant husband!” + </p> + <p> + “Which I hope may never be your case, pretty Margery, and which I think + never CAN.” + </p> + <p> + Margery did not answer: but the speech must have been heard, uttered as it + was in a much lower tone of voice than the young man had hitherto used; + for the charming maiden looked down and blushed. Fortunately, the two now + soon arrived at the tree, and their conversation naturally reverted to the + subject which had brought them there. Three canoes were in sight, close in + with the land, but so distant as to render it for some time doubtful which + way they were moving. At first, the bee-hunter said that they were still + going slowly to the southward; but he habitually carried his little glass, + and, on levelling that, it was quite apparent that the savages were + paddling before the wind, and making for the mouth of the river. This was + a very grave fact; and, as Blossom flew to communicate it to her brother + and his wife, le Bourdon moved toward his own canoe, and looked about for + a place of concealment. + </p> + <p> + Several considerations had to be borne in mind, in disposing of the + canoes; for that of Gershom was to be secreted, as well as that of the + bee-hunter. A tall aquatic plant, that is termed wild rice, and which we + suppose to be the ordinary rice-plant, unimproved by tillage, grows + spontaneously about the mouths and on the flats of most of the rivers of + the part of Michigan of which we are writing; as, indeed, it is to be + found in nearly all the shallow waters of those regions. There was a good + deal of this rice at hand; and the bee-hunter, paddling his own canoe and + towing the other, entered this vegetable thicket, choosing a channel that + had been formed by some accident of nature, and which wound through the + herbage in a way soon to conceal all that came within its limits. These + channels were not only numerous, but exceedingly winding; and the + bee-hunter had no sooner brought his canoes to the firm ground and + fastened them there, than he ascended a tree, and studied the windings of + these narrow passages, until he had got a general idea of their direction + and characters. This precaution taken, he hurried back to the hut. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Gershom, have you settled on the course to be taken?” were the + first words uttered by the bee-hunter when he rejoined the family of + Whiskey Centre. + </p> + <p> + “We haven't,” answered the husband. “Sister begs us to quit the chiente, + for the Indians must soon be here; but wife seems to think that she MUST + be safe, now I'm at home ag'in.” + </p> + <p> + “Then wife is wrong, and sister is right. If you will take my advice, you + will hide all your effects in the woods, and quit the cabin as soon as + possible. The Injins cannot fail to see this habitation, and will be + certain to destroy all they find in it, and that they do not carry off. + Besides, the discovery of the least article belonging to a white man will + set them on our trail; for scalps will soon bear a price at Montreal. In + half an hour, all that is here can be removed into the thicket that is + luckily so near; and by putting out the fire with care, and using proper + caution, we may give the place such a deserted look, that the savages will + suspect nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “If they enter the river, Bourdon, they will not camp out with a wigwam so + near by, and should they come here, what is to prevent their seein' the + footprints we shall leave behind us?” + </p> + <p> + “The night, and that only. Before morning their own footsteps will be so + plenty as to deceive them. Luckily we all wear moccasins, which is a great + advantage just now. But every moment is precious, and we should be + stirring. Let the women take the beds and bedding, while you and I + shoulder this chest. Up it goes, and away with it!” + </p> + <p> + Gershom had got to be so much under his companion's influence, that he + complied, though his mind suggested various objections to the course + taken, to which his tongue gave utterance as they busied themselves in + this task. The effects of Whiskey Centre had been gradually diminishing in + quantity, as well as in value, for the last three years, and were now of + no great amount, in any sense. Still there were two chests, one large, and + one small. The last contained all that a generous regard for the growing + wants of the family had left to Margery; while the first held the joint + wardrobes of the husband and wife, with a few other articles that were + considered as valuable. Among other things were half a dozen of very thin + silver tea-spoons, which had fallen to Gershom on a division of family + plate. The other six were carefully wrapped up in paper and put in the + till of Margery's chest, being her portion of this species of property. + The Americans, generally, have very little plate; though here and there + marked exceptions do exist; nor do the humbler classes lay out much of + their earnings in jewelry, while they commonly dress far beyond their + means in all other ways. In this respect, the European female of the same + class in life frequently possesses as much in massive golden personal + ornaments as would make an humble little fortune, while her attire is as + homely as cumbrous petticoats, coarse cloth, and a vile taste can render + it. On the other hand, the American matron that has not a set—one + half-dozen—of silver tea-spoons must be poor indeed, and can hardly + be said to belong to the order of housekeepers at all. By means of a + careful mother, both Gershom and his sister had the half-dozen mentioned; + and they were kept more as sacred memorials of past and better days than + as articles of any use. The household goods of Waring would have been + limited by his means of transportation, if not by his poverty. Two common + low-post maple bedsteads were soon uncorded and carried off, as were the + beds and bedding. There was scarcely any crockery, pewter and tin being + its substitutes; and as for chairs there was only one, and that had + rockers: a practice of New England that has gradually diffused itself over + the whole country, looking down ridicule, the drilling of + boarding-schools, the comments of elderly ladies of the old school, the + sneers of nurses, and, in a word, all that venerable ideas of decorum + could suggest, until this appliance of domestic ease has not only fairly + planted itself in nearly every American dwelling, but in a good many of + Europe also! + </p> + <p> + It required about twenty minutes for the party to clear the cabin of every + article that might induce an Indian to suspect the presence of white men. + The furniture was carried to a sufficient distance to be safe from + everything but a search; and care was had to avoid as much as possible + making a trail, to lead the savages to the place selected for the + temporary storeroom. This was merely a close thicket, into which there was + a narrow but practicable entrance on the side the least likely to be + visited. When all was accomplished the four went to the lookout to + ascertain how far the canoes had come. It was soon ascertained that they + were within a mile, driving down before a strong breeze and following sea, + and impelled by as many paddles as there were living beings in them. Ten + minutes would certainly bring them up with the bar, and five more fairly + within the river. The question now arose, where the party was to be + concealed during the stay of the savages. Dolly, as was perhaps natural + for the housewife, wished to remain by her worldly goods, and pretty + Margery had a strong feminine leaning to do the same. But neither of the + men approved of the plan. It was risking too much in one spot; and a + suggestion that the bee-hunter was not long in making prevailed. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that le Bourdon had carried the canoes within the + field of wild rice, and bestowed them there with a good deal of attention + to security. Now these canoes offered, in many respects, better places of + temporary refuge, under all the circumstances, than any other that could + readily be found on shore. They were dry; and by spreading skins, of which + Boden had so many, comfortable beds might be made for the females, which + would be easily protected from the night air and dews by throwing a rug + over the gunwales. Then, each canoe contained many articles that would + probably be wanted; that of the bee-hunter in particular furnishing food + in abundance, as well as diverse other things that would be exceedingly + useful to persons in their situation. The great advantage of the canoes, + however, in the mind of le Bourdon, was the facilities they offered for + flight. He hardly hoped that Indian sagacity would be so far blinded as to + prevent the discovery of the many footsteps they must have left in their + hurried movements, and he anticipated that with the return of day + something would occur to render it necessary for them to seek safety by a + stealthy removal from the spot. This might be done, he both hoped and + believed, under cover of the rice, should sufficient care be taken to + avoid exposure. In placing the canoes, he had used the precaution to leave + them where they could not be seen from the cabin or its vicinity, or, + indeed, from any spot in the vicinity of the ground that the savages would + be likely to visit during their stay. All these reasons le Bourdon now + rapidly laid before his companions, and to the canoes the whole party + retired as fast as they could walk. + </p> + <p> + There was great judgment displayed on the part of the bee-hunter in + selecting the wild rice as a place of shelter. At that season it was + sufficiently grown to afford a complete screen to everything within it + that did not exceed the height of a man, or which was not seen from some + adjacent elevation. Most of the land near the mouth of the river was low, + and the few spots which formed exceptions had been borne in mind when the + canoes were taken into the field. But just as Gershom was on the point of + putting a foot into his own canoe, with a view to arrange it for the + reception of his wife, he drew back, and exclaimed after the manner of one + to whom a most important idea suddenly occurs: + </p> + <p> + “Land's sake! I've forgotten all about them barrels! They'll fall into the + hands of the savages, and an awful time they'll make with them! Let me + pass, Dolly; I must look after the barrels this instant.” + </p> + <p> + While the wife gently detained her eager husband, the bee-hunter quietly + asked to what barrels he alluded. + </p> + <p> + “The whiskey casks,” was the answer. “There's two on 'em in the shed + behind the hut, and whiskey enough to set a whole tribe in commotion. I + wonder I should have overlooked the whiskey!” + </p> + <p> + “It is a sign of great improvement, friend Waring, and will lead to no bad + consequences,” returned le Bourdon, coolly. “I foresaw the danger, and + rolled the casks down the hill, where they were dashed to pieces in the + brook, and the liquor has long since been carried into the lake in the + shape of grog.” + </p> + <p> + Waring seemed astounded; but was so completely mystified as not to suspect + the truth. That his liquor should be hopelessly lost was bad enough; but + even that was better than to have it drunk by savages without receiving + any re-turns. After groaning and lamenting over the loss for a few + minutes, he joined the rest of the party in making some further + dispositions, which le Bourdon deemed prudent, if not necessary. + </p> + <p> + It had occurred to the bee-hunter to divide his own cargo between the two + canoes, which was the task that the whole party was now engaged in. The + object was to lighten his own canoe in the event of flight, and, by + placing his effects in two parcels, give a chance to those in the boat + which might escape, of having wherewithal to comfort and console + themselves. As soon as this new arrangement was completed, le Bourdon ran + up to a tree that offered the desired facilities, and springing into its + branches, was soon high enough to get a view of the bar and the mouth of + the river. By the parting light of day, he distinctly saw FOUR canoes + coming up the stream; which was one more than those reported to him by + Margery as having passed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And long shall timorous fancy see + The painted chief and pointed spear; + And reason's self shall bow the knee + To shadows and delusions here. + FRENEAU. +</pre> + <p> + A bright moon reflected on the earth for about an hour the light of the + sun, as the latter luminary disappeared. By its aid the bee-hunter, who + still continued in the tree, was enabled to watch the movements of the + canoes of the Indians, though the persons they contained soon got to be so + indistinct as to render it impossible to do more than count their numbers. + The last he made out to be five each in three of the canoes, and six in + the other, making twenty-one individuals in all. This was too great an + odds to think of resisting, in the event of the strangers turning out to + be hostile; and the knowledge of this disparity in force admonished all + the fugitives of the necessity of being wary and prudent. + </p> + <p> + The strangers landed just beneath the hut, or at the precise spot where + Whiskey Centre was in the habit of keeping his canoe, and whence Boden had + removed it only an hour or two before. The savages had probably selected + the place on account of its shores being clear of the wild rice, and + because the high ground near it promised both a lookout and comfortable + lodgings. Several of the party strolled upward, as if searching for an + eligible spot to light their fire, and one of them soon discovered the + cabin. The warrior announced his success by a whoop, and a dozen of the + Indians were shortly collected in and about the chiente. All this proved + the prudence of the course taken by the fugitives. + </p> + <p> + Blossom stood beneath the tree, and the bee-hunter told her, as each + incident occurred, all that passed among the strangers, when the girl + communicated the same to her brother and his wife, who were quite near at + hand in one of the canoes. As there was no danger of being overheard, + conversation in an ordinary tone passed between the parties, two of whom + at least were now fond of holding this sort of communion. + </p> + <p> + “Do they seem to suspect the neighborhood of the occupants of the cabin?” + asked Margery, when the bee-hunter had let her know the manner in which + the savages had taken possession of her late dwelling. + </p> + <p> + “One cannot tell. Savages are always distrustful and cautious when on a + war-path; and these seem to be scenting about like so many hounds which + are nosing for a trail. They are now gathering sticks to light a fire, + which is better than burning the chiente.” + </p> + <p> + “THAT they will not be likely to do until they have no further need of it. + Tell me, Bourdon, do any go near the thicket of alders where we have + hidden our goods?” + </p> + <p> + “Not as yet; though there is a sudden movement and many loud yells among + them!” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven send that it may not be at having discovered anything we have + forgotten. The sight of even a lost dipper or cup would set them + blood-hounds on our path, as sure as we are white and they are savages!” + </p> + <p> + “As I live, they scent the whiskey! There is a rush toward, and a pow-wow + in and about the shed—yes, of a certainty they smell the liquor! + Some of it has escaped in rolling down the hill, and their noses are too + keen to pass over a fragrance that to them equals that of roses. Well, let + them SCENT as they may—even an Injin does not get drunk through his + NOSE.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right, Bourdon: but is not this a most unhappy scent for + us, since the smell of whiskey can hardly be there without their seeing it + did not grow in the woods of itself, like an oak or a beech?” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Margery, and there is good sense in what you say. They + will never think the liquor grew there, like a blackberry or a chestnut, + though the place IS called Whiskey Centre!” + </p> + <p> + “It is hard enough to know that a family has deserved such a name, without + being reminded of it by those that call themselves friends,” answered the + girl pointedly, after a pause of near a minute, though she spoke in sorrow + rather than in anger. + </p> + <p> + In an instant the bee-hunter was at pretty Margery's side, making his + peace by zealous apologies and winning protestations of respect and + concern. The mortified girl was soon appeased; and, after consulting + together for a minute, they went to the canoe to communicate to the + husband and wife what they had seen. + </p> + <p> + “The whiskey after all is likely to prove our worst enemy,” said the + bee-hunter as he approached. “It would seem that in moving the barrels + some of the liquor has escaped, and the nose of an Injin is too quick for + the odor it leaves, not to scent it.” + </p> + <p> + “Much good may it do them,” growled Gershom—“they've lost me that + whiskey, and let them long for it without gettin' any, as a punishment for + the same. My fortun' would have been made could I only have got them two + barrels as far as Fort Dearborn before the troops moved!” + </p> + <p> + “The BARRELS might have been got there, certainly,” answered le Bourdon, + so much provoked at the man's regrets for the destroyer which had already + come so near to bringing want and ruin on himself and family, as + momentarily to forget his recent scene with pretty Margery; “but whether + anything would have been IN them is another question. One of those I + rolled to the brow of the hill was half empty as it was.” + </p> + <p> + “Gershom is so troubled with the ague, if he don't take stimulant in this + new country,” put in the wife, in the apologetic manner in which woman + struggles to conceal the failings of him she loves. “As for the whiskey, I + don't grudge THAT in the least; for it's a poor way of getting rich to be + selling it to soldiers, who want all the reason liquor has left 'em, and + more too. Still, Gershom needs bitters; and ought not to have every drop + he has taken thrown into his face.” + </p> + <p> + By this time le Bourdon was again sensible of his mistake, and he beat a + retreat in the best manner he could, secretly resolving not to place + himself any more between two fires, in consequence of further blunders on + this delicate subject. He now found that it was a very different thing to + joke Whiskey Centre himself on the subject of his great failing, from + making even the most distant allusion to it in the presence of those who + felt for a husband's and a brother's weakness, with a liveliness of + feeling that brutal indulgence had long since destroyed in the object of + their solicitude. He accordingly pointed out the risk there was that the + Indians should make the obvious inference, that human beings must have + recently been in the hut, to leave the fresh scent of the liquor in + question behind them. This truth was so apparent that all felt its force, + though to no one else did the danger seem so great as to the bee-hunter. + He had greater familiarity with the Indian character than any of his + companions, and dreaded the sagacity of the savages in a just proportion + to his greater knowledge. He did not fail, therefore, to admonish his new + friends of the necessity for vigilance. + </p> + <p> + “I will return to the tree and take another look at the movements of the + savages,” le Bourdon concluded by saying. “By this time their fire must be + lighted; and by the aid of my glass a better insight may be had into their + plans and feelings.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter now went back to his tree, whither he was slowly followed + by Margery; the girl yielding to a feverish desire to accompany him, at + the very time she was half restrained by maiden bashfulness; though + anxiety and the wish to learn the worst as speedily as possible, + prevailed. + </p> + <p> + “They have kindled a blazing fire, and the whole of the inside of the + house is as bright as if illuminated,” said le Bourdon, who was now + carefully bestowed among the branches of his small tree. “There are lots + of the red devils moving about the chiente, inside and out; and they seem + to have fish as well as venison to cook. Aye, there goes more dry brush on + the fire to brighten up the picture, and daylight is almost eclipsed. As I + live, they have a prisoner among 'em!” + </p> + <p> + “A prisoner!” exclaimed Margery, in the gentle tones of female pity. “Not + a white person, surely?” + </p> + <p> + “No—he is a red-skin like all of them—but—wait a minute + till I can get the glass a little more steady. Yes—it is so—I + was right at first!” + </p> + <p> + “What is so, Bourdon—and in what are you right?” + </p> + <p> + “You may remember, Blossom, that your brother and I spoke of the two + Injins who visited me in the Openings. One was a Pottawattamie and the + other a Chippewa. The first we found dead and scalped, after he had left + us; and the last is now in yonder hut, bound and a prisoner. He has taken + to the lake on his way to Fort Dearborn, and has, with all his craft and + resolution, fallen into enemies' hands. Well will it be for him if his + captors do not learn what befell the warrior who was slain near my cabin, + and left seated against a tree!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think these savages mean to revenge the death of their brother on + this unfortunate wretch?” + </p> + <p> + “I know that he is in the pay of our general at Detroit, while the + Pottawattamies are in the pay of the English. This of itself would make + them enemies, and has no doubt been the cause of his being taken; but I do + not well see how Injins on the lake here can know anything of what + happened some fifty miles or so up in the Openings.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the savages in the canoes belong to the same party as the warrior + you call Elksfoot, and that they have had the means of learning his death, + and by whose hand he fell.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter was surprised at the quickness of the girl's wit, the + suggestion being as discreet as it was ingenious. The manner in which + intelligence flies through the wilderness had often surprised him, and + certainly it was possible that the party now before him might have heard + of the fate of the chief whose body he had found in the Openings, short as + was the time for the news to have gone so far. The circumstance that the + canoes had come from the northward was against the inference, however, and + after musing a minute on the facts, le Bourdon mentioned this objection to + his companion. + </p> + <p> + “Are we certain these are the same canoes as those which I saw pass this + afternoon?” asked Margery, who comprehended the difficulty in an instant. + “Of those I saw, two passed first, and one followed; while here are FOUR + that have landed.” + </p> + <p> + “What you say may be true enough. We are not to suppose that the canoes + you saw pass are all that are on the lake. But let the savages be whom + they may, prudence tells us to keep clear of them if we can; and this more + so than ever, now I can see that Pigeonswing, who I know to be an American + Injin, is treated by them as an enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “How are the savages employed now, Bourdon? Do they prepare to eat, or do + they torture their prisoner?” + </p> + <p> + “No fear of their attempting the last to-night. There is an uneasiness + about them, as if they still smelt the liquor; but some are busy cooking + at the fire. I would give all my honey, pretty Margery, to be able to save + Pigeonswing! He is a good fellow for a savage, and is heart and hand with + us in this new war, that he tells me has begun between us and the + English!” + </p> + <p> + “You surely would not risk your own life to save a savage, who kills and + scalps at random, as this man has done!” + </p> + <p> + “In that he has but followed the habits of his color and race. I dare say + WE do things that are quite as bad, according to Injin ways of thinking. I + DO believe, Margery, was that man to see ME in the hands of the + Pottawattamies, as I now see HIM, he would undertake something for my + relief.” + </p> + <p> + “But what can you, a single man, do when there are twenty against you?” + asked Margery, a little reproachfully as to manner, speaking like one who + had more interest in the safety of the young bee-hunter than she chose + very openly to express. + </p> + <p> + “No one can say what he can do till he tries. I do not like the way they + are treating that Chippewa, for it looks as if they meant to do him harm. + He is neither fed, nor suffered to be with his masters; but there the poor + fellow is, bound hand and foot near the cabin door, and lashed to a tree. + They do not even give him the relief of suffering him to sit down.” + </p> + <p> + The gentle heart of Margery was touched by this account of the manner in + which the captive was treated, and she inquired into other particulars + concerning his situation, with a more marked interest than she had + previously manifested in his state. The bee-hunter answered her questions + as they were put; and the result was to place the girl in possession of a + minute detail of the true manner in which Pigeonswing was treated. + </p> + <p> + Although there was probably no intention on the part of the captors of the + Chippewa to torture him before his time, tortured he must have been by the + manner in which his limbs and body were confined. Not only were his arms + fastened behind his back at the elbows, but the hands were also tightly + bound together in front. The legs had ligatures in two places, just above + the knees and just below the ankles. Around the body was another + fastening; which secured the captive to a beech that stood about thirty + feet from the door of the cabin, and so nearly in a line with the fire + within and the lookout of le Bourdon, as to enable the last distinctly to + note these particulars, aided as he was by his glass. Relying on the + manner in which they secured their prisoner, the savages took little heed + of him; but each appeared bent on attending to his own comfort, by means + of a good supper, and by securing a dry lair in which to pass the night. + All this le Bourdon saw and noted too, ere he dropped lightly on his feet + by the side of Margery, at the root of the tree. + </p> + <p> + Without losing time that was precious, the bee-hunter went at once to the + canoes and communicated his intention to Waring. The moon had now set, and + the night was favorable to the purpose of le Bourdon. At the first glance + it might seem wisest to wait until sleep had fallen upon the savages, ere + any attempt were made to approach the hut; but Boden reasoned differently. + A general silence would succeed as soon as the savages disposed of + themselves to sleep, which would be much more likely to allow his + footsteps to be overheard, than when tongues and bodies and teeth were all + in active movement. A man who eats after a long march, or a severe + paddling, usually concentrates his attention on his food, as le Bourdon + knew by long experience; and it is a much better moment to steal upon the + hungry and weary, to do so when they feed, than to do so when they sleep, + provided anything like a watch be kept. That the Pottawattamie would + neglect this latter caution le Bourdon did not believe; and his mind was + made up, not only to attempt the rescue of his Chippewa friend, but to + attempt it at once. + </p> + <p> + After explaining his plan in a few words, and requesting Waring's + assistance, le Bourdon took a solemn leave of the party, and proceeded at + once toward the hut. In order to understand the movements of the + bee-hunter, it may be well now briefly to explain the position of the + chiente, and the nature of the ground on which the adventurer was required + to act. The hut stood on a low and somewhat abrupt swell, being surrounded + on all sides by land so low as to be in many places wet and swampy. There + were a good many trees on the knoll, and several thickets of alders and + other bushes on the lower ground; but on the whole, the swamps were nearly + devoid of what is termed “timber.” Two sides of the knoll were abrupt; + that on which the casks had been rolled into the lake, and that opposite, + which was next to the tree where Boden had so long been watching the + proceedings of the savages. The distance between the hut and this tree was + somewhat less than a mile. The intervening ground was low, and most of it + was marshy; though it was possible to cross the marsh by following a + particular course. Fortunately this course, which was visible to the eye + by daylight, and had been taken by the fugitives on quitting the hut, + might be dimly traced at night, by one who understood the ground, by means + of certain trees and bushes, that formed so many finger-posts for the + traveller. Unless this particular route were taken, however, a circuit of + three or four miles must be made, in order to pass from the chiente to the + spot where the family had taken refuge. As le Bourdon had crossed this + firm ground by daylight and had observed it well from his tree, he thought + himself enough of a guide to find his way through it in the dark, aided by + the marks just mentioned. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter had got as far as the edge of the marsh on his way toward + the hut, when, pausing an instant to examine the priming of his rifle, he + fancied that he heard a light footstep behind him. Turning, quick as + thought, he perceived that pretty Margery had followed him thus far. + Although time pressed, he could not part from the girl without showing + that he appreciated the interest she manifested in his behalf. Taking her + hand, therefore, he spoke with a simplicity and truth, that imparted to + his manner a natural grace that one bred in courts might have envied. What + was more, with a delicacy that few in course would deem necessary under + the circumstances, he did not in his language so much impute to concern on + his own account this movement of Margery's, as to that she felt for her + brother and sister; though in his inmost heart a throbbing hope prevailed + that he had his share in it. + </p> + <p> + “Do not be troubled on account of Gershom and his wife, pretty Margery,” + said the bee-hunter, “which, as I perceive, is the main reason why you + have come here; and as for myself, be certain that I shall not forget who + I have left behind, and how much her safety depends on my prudence.” + </p> + <p> + Margery was pleased, though a good deal confused. It was new to her to + hear allusions of this sort, but nature supplied the feeling to appreciate + them. + </p> + <p> + “Is it not risking too much, Bourdon?” she said. “Are you sure of being + able to find the crossing in the marsh, in a night so very dark? I do not + know but looking so long at the bright light in the cabin may blind me, + but it DOES seem as if I never saw a darker night!” + </p> + <p> + “The darkness increases, for the star-light is gone; but I can see where I + go, and so long as I can do that there is not much fear of losing my way. + I do not like to expose you to danger, but—” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind me, Bourdon—set me to do anything in which you think I + can be of use!” exclaimed the girl, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Well then, Margery, you may do this: come with me to the large tree in + the centre of the marsh, and I will set you on a duty that may possibly + save my life. I will tell you my meaning when there.” + </p> + <p> + Margery followed with a light, impatient step; and, as neither stopped to + speak or to look around, the two soon stood beneath the tree in question. + It was a large elm that completely overshadowed a considerable extent of + firm ground. Here a full and tolerably near view could be had of the hut, + which was still illuminated by the blazing fire within. For a minute both + stood silently gazing at the strange scene; then le Bourdon explained to + his companion the manner in which she might assist him. + </p> + <p> + Once at the elm, it was not so difficult to find the way across the marsh, + as it was to reach that spot, coming FROM the chiente. As there were + several elms scattered about in the centre of the marsh, the bee-hunter + was fearful that he might not reach the right tree; in which case he would + be compelled to retrace his steps, and that at the imminent hazard of + being captured. He carried habitually a small dark lantern, and had + thought of so disposing of it in the lower branches of this very elm, as + to form a focus of it, but hesitated about doing that which might prove a + guide to his enemies as well as to himself. If Margery would take charge + of this lantern, he could hope to reap its advantages without incurring + the hazard of having a light suspended in the tree for any length of time. + Margery understood the lessons she received, and promised to obey all the + injunctions by which they were accompanied. + </p> + <p> + “Now, God bless you, Margery,” added the bee-hunter. “Providence has + brought me and your brother's family together in troublesome times; should + I get back safe from this adventure, I shall look upon it as a duty to do + all I can to help Gershom place his wife and sister beyond the reach of + harm.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, Bourdon!” half whispered the agitated girl. “I know it is + worth some risk to save a human life, even though it be that of an Injin, + and I will not try to persuade you from this undertaking; but do not + attempt more than is necessary, and rely on my using the lantern just as + you have told me to use it.” + </p> + <p> + Those young persons had not yet known each other a single day, yet both + felt that confidence which years alone, in the crowds of the world, can + ordinarily create in the human mind. The cause of the sympathy which draws + heart to heart, which generates friendships, and love, and passionate + attachments, is not obvious to all who choose to talk of it. There is yet + a profound mystery in our organization, which has hitherto escaped the + researches of both classes of philosophers, and which it probably was the + design of the Creator should not be made known to us until we draw nearer + to that great end which, sooner or later, is to be accomplished in behalf + of our race, when “knowledge will abound,” and we shall better understand + our being and its objects, than is permitted to us in this our day of + ignorance. But while we cannot trace the causes of a thousand things, we + know and feel their effects. Among the other mysteries of our nature is + this of sudden and strong sympathies, which, as between men for men, and + women for women, awaken confidence and friendship; and as between those of + different sexes, excite passionate attachments that more or less color + their future lives. The great delineator of our common nature, in no one + of the many admirable pictures he has drawn of men, manifests a more + profound knowledge of his subject, than in that in which he portrays the + sudden and nearly ungovernable inclination which Romeo and Juliet are made + to display for each other; an inclination that sets reason, habit, + prejudice, and family enmities at defiance. That such an attachment is to + be commended, we do not say; that all can feel it, we do not believe; that + connections formed under its influence can always be desirable, we are far + from thinking: but that it may exist we believe is just as certain as any + of the incomprehensible laws of our wayward and yet admirable nature. We + have no Veronese tale to relate here, however, but simply a homely legend, + in which human feeling may occasionally be made to bear an humble + resemblance to that world-renowned picture which had its scenes in the + beautiful capital of Venetian Lombardy. + </p> + <p> + When le Bourdon left his companion, now so intensely interested in his + success, to pick his way in the darkness across the remainder of the + marsh, Margery retired behind the tree, where the first thing she did was + to examine her lantern, and to see that its light was ready to perform the + very important office which might so speedily be required of it. Satisfied + on this point, she turned her eyes anxiously in the direction of the hut. + By this time every trace of the bee-hunter was lost, the hillock in his + front forming too dark a background to admit of his being seen. But the + fire still blazed in the chiente, the savages not having yet finished + their cooking, though several had satisfied their appetites, and had + already sought places where they might stretch themselves for the night. + Margery was glad to see that these last individuals bestowed themselves + within the influence of the fire, warm as was the night. This was done + most probably to escape from the annoyance of the mosquitos, more or less + of which are usually found in the low lands of the new countries, and near + the margins of rivers. + </p> + <p> + Margery could distinctly see the Chippewa, erect and bound to his tree. On + him she principally kept her looks riveted, for near his person did she + expect first again to find the bee-hunter. Indeed, there was no chance of + seeing one who was placed beneath the light of the fire, since the brow of + the acclivity formed a complete cover, throwing all below it into deep + shade. This circumstance was of the greatest importance to the adventurer, + however, enabling him to steal quite near to his friend, favored by a + darkness that was getting to be intense. Quitting Margery, we will now + rejoin le Bourdon, who by this time was approaching his goal. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter had some difficulty in finding his way across the marsh; + but floundering through the impediments, and on the whole preserving the + main direction, he got out on the firm ground quite as soon as he had + expected to do. It was necessary for him to use extreme caution. The + Indians according to their custom had dogs, two of which had been in + sight, lying about half-way between the prisoner and the door of the hut. + Boden had seen a savage feeding these dogs; and it appeared to him at the + time as if the Indian had been telling them to be watchful of the + Chippewa. He well knew the services that the red men expected of these + animals, which are kept rather as sentinels than for any great use they + put them to in the hunts. An Indian dog is quick enough to give the alarm, + and he will keep on a trail for a long run and with considerable accuracy, + but it is seldom that he closes and has his share in the death, unless in + the case of very timid and powerless creatures. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the presence of these dogs exacted extra caution in the + movements of the bee-hunter. He had ascended the hill a little out of the + stream of light which still issued from the open door of the hut, and was + soon high enough to get a good look at the state of things on the bit of + level land around the cabin. Fully one-half of the savages were yet up and + in motion; though the processes of cooking and eating were by this time + nearly ended. These men had senses almost as acute as those of their dogs, + and it was very necessary to be on his guard against them also. By moving + with the utmost caution, le Bourdon reached the edge of the line of light, + where he was within ten yards of the captive. Here he placed his rifle + against a small tree, and drew his knife, in readiness to cut the + prisoner's thongs. Three several times, while the bee-hunter was making + these preparations, did the two dogs raise their heads and scent the air; + once, the oldest of the two gave a deep and most ominous growl. Singular + as it may seem, this last indication of giving the alarm was of great + service to le Bourdon and the Chippewa. The latter heard the growl, and + saw two of the movements of the animals' heads, from all which he inferred + that there was some creature, or some danger behind him. This naturally + enough induced him to bestow a keen attention in that direction, and being + unable to turn body, limbs, or head, the sense of hearing was his only + means of watchfulness. It was while in this state of profound listening + that Pigeonswing fancied he heard his own name, in such a whisper as one + raises when he wishes to call from a short distance with the least + possible expenditure of voice. Presently the words “Pigeonswing,” and + “Chippewa,” were succeeded by those of “bee-hunter,” “Bourdon.” This was + enough: the quick-witted warrior made a low ejaculation, such as might be + mistaken for a half-suppressed murmur that proceeded from pain, but which + one keenly on the watch, and who was striving to communicate with him, + would be apt to understand as a sign of attention. The whispering then + ceased altogether, and the prisoner waited the result with the stoic + patience of an American Indian. A minute later the Chippewa felt the + thongs giving way, and his arms were released at the elbows. An arm was + next passed round his body, and the fastenings at the wrist were cut. At + this instant a voice whispered in his ear—“Be of good heart, + Chippewa—your friend, Bourdon, is here. Can you stand?” + </p> + <p> + “No stand,” answered the Indian in a low whisper—“too much tie.” + </p> + <p> + At the next moment the feet of the Chippewa were released, as were also + his knees. Of all the fastenings none now remained but that which bound + the captive to the tree. In not cutting this, the bee-hunter manifested + his coolness and judgment; for were the stout rope of bark severed, the + Indian would have fallen like a log, from total inability to stand. His + thongs had impeded the circulation of the blood, and the usual temporary + paralysis had been the consequence. Pigeonswing understood the reason of + his friend's forbearance, and managed to rub his hands and wrists + together, while the bee-hunter himself applied friction to his feet, by + passing his own arms around the bottom of the tree. The reader may imagine + the intense anxiety of Margery the while; for she witnessed the arrival of + le Bourdon at the tree, and could not account for the long delay which + succeeded. + </p> + <p> + All this time, the dogs were far from being quiet or satisfied. Their + masters, accustomed to being surrounded at night by wolves and foxes, or + other beasts, took little heed, however, of the discontent of these + creatures, which were in the habit of growling in their lairs. The + bee-hunter, as he kept rubbing at his friend's legs, felt now but little + apprehension of the dogs, though a new source of alarm presented itself by + the time the Chippewa was barely able to sustain his weight on his feet, + and long before he could use them with anything like his former agility. + The manner in which the savages came together in the hut, and the gestures + made by their chief, announced pretty plainly that a watch was about to be + set for the night. As it was probable that the sentinel would take his + station near the prisoner, the bee-hunter was at a loss to decide whether + it were better to commence the flight before or after the rest of the + savages were in their lairs. Placing his mouth as close to the ear of + Pigeonswing as could be done without bringing his head into the light, the + following dialogue passed between le Bourdon and the captive. + </p> + <p> + “Do you see, Chippewa,” the bee-hunter commenced, “the chief is telling + one of the young men to come and keep guard near you?” + </p> + <p> + “See him, well 'nough. Make too many sign, no to see.” + </p> + <p> + “What think you—shall we wait till the warriors are asleep, or try + to be off before the sentinel comes?” + </p> + <p> + “Bess wait, if one t'ing. You got rifle—got tomahawk—got + knife, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I have them all, though my rifle is a short distance behind me, and a + little down the hill.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat bad—nebber let go rifle on war-path. Well, YOU tomahawk him—<i>I</i> + scalp him—dat'll do.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall kill no man, Chippewa, unless there is great occasion for it. If + there is no other mode of getting you off, I shall choose to cut this last + thong, and leave you to take care of yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Give him tomahawk, den—give him knife, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Not for such a purpose. I do not like to shed blood without a good reason + for it.” + </p> + <p> + “No call war good reason, eh? Bess reason in world Pottawattamie dig up + hatchet ag'in' Great Fadder at Wash'ton—dat no good reason why take + his scalp, eh?” + </p> + <p> + In whispering these last words the Chippewa used so much energy, that the + dogs again raised their heads from between their forepaws and growled. + Almost at that instant the chief and his few remaining wakeful companions + laid themselves down to sleep, and the young warrior designated as the + sentinel left the hut and came slowly toward the prisoner. The + circumstances admitted of no delay; le Bourdon pressed the keen edge of + his knife across the withe that bound the Indian to the tree; first giving + him notice, in order that he might be prepared to sustain his own weight. + This done, the bee-hunter dropped on the ground, crawling away out of the + light; though the brow of the hill almost immediately formed a screen to + conceal his person from all near the hut. In another instant he had + regained his rifle, and was descending swiftly toward the crossing at the + marsh. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + We call them savage—oh, be just! + Their outraged feelings scan; + A voice comes forth, 'tis from the dust— + The savage was a man! + SPRAGUE. +</pre> + <p> + As soon as le Bourdon reached the commencement of that which might be + called his path across the marsh, he stopped and looked backward. He was + now sufficiently removed from the low acclivity to see objects on its + summit, and had no difficulty in discerning all that the waning fire + illuminated. There stood the Chippewa erect against the tree as if still + bound with thongs, while the sentinel was slowly approaching him. The dogs + were on their feet, and gave two or three sharp barks, which had the + effect to cause five or six of the savages to lift their heads in their + lairs. One arose even and threw an armful of dried branches on the fire, + producing a bright blaze, that brought everything around the hut, and + which the light could touch, into full view. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter was astonished at the immovable calmness with which + Pigeonswing still stood to his tree, awaiting the approach of the + sentinel. In a few moments the latter was at his side. At first the + Pottawattamie did not perceive that the prisoner was unbound. He threw him + into shadow by his own person, and it required a close look to note the + circumstance. Boden was too far from the spot to see all the minor + movements of the parties, but there was soon a struggle that could not be + mistaken. As the Pottawattamie was examining the prisoner, an exclamation + that escaped him betrayed the sudden consciousness that the Chippewa was + unbound. The sound was no sooner uttered than Pigeonswing made a grasp at + the sentinel's knife, which however he did not obtain, when the two closed + and fell, rolling down the declivity into the darkness. When the + Pottawattamie seized the Chippewa, he uttered a yell, which instantly + brought every man of his party to his feet. As the savages now united in + the whoops, and the dogs began to bark wildly, an infernal clamor was + made. + </p> + <p> + At first, le Bourdon did not know how to act. He greatly feared the dogs, + and could not but think of Margery, and the probable consequences, should + those sagacious animals follow him across the marsh. But he did not like + the idea of abandoning Pigeonswing, when a single blow of his arm, or a + kick of his foot, might be the cause of his escape. While deliberating in + painful uncertainty, the sounds of the struggle ceased, and he saw the + sentinel rising again into the light, limping like one who had suffered by + a fall. Presently he heard a footstep near him, and, calling in a low + voice, he was immediately joined by Pigeonswing. Before the bee-hunter was + aware of his intention, the Chippewa seized his rifle, and levelling at + the sentinel, who still stood on the brow of the hill, drawn in all his + savage outlines distinctly in the light of the flames, he fired. The cry, + the leap into the air, and the fall, announced the unerring character of + the aim. In coming to the earth, the wounded man fell over the brow of the + sharp acclivity, and was heard rolling toward its base. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon felt the importance of now improving the precious moments, and + was in the act of urging his companion to follow, when the latter passed + an arm around his body, whipped his knife from the girdle and sheath, and + dropping the rifle into his friend's arms, bounded away in the darkness, + taking the direction of his fallen enemy. There was no mistaking all this; + Chippewa, led by his own peculiar sense of honor, risking everything to + obtain the usual trophy of victory. By this time, a dozen of the savages + stood on the brow of the hill, seemingly at a loss to understand what had + become of the combatants. Perceiving this, the bee-hunter profited by the + delay and reloaded his rifle. As everything passed almost as swiftly as + the electric spark is known to travel, it was but a moment after the + Pottawattamie fell ere his conqueror was through with his bloody task. + Just as le Bourdon threw his rifle up into the hollow of his arm, he was + rejoined by his red friend, who bore the reeking scalp of the sentinel at + his belt; though fortunately the bee-hunter did not see it on account of + the obscurity, else might he not have been so willing to continue to act + with so ruthless an ally. + </p> + <p> + Further stay was out of the question; for the Indians were now collected + in a body on the brow of the hill, where the chief was rapidly issuing his + orders. In a minute the band dispersed, every man bounding into the + darkness, as if aware of the danger of remaining within the influence of + the bright light thrown from the fire. Then came such a clamor from the + dogs, as left no doubt in the mind of the bee-hunter that they had scented + and found the remains of the fallen man. A fierce yell came from the same + spot, the proof that some of the savages had already discovered the body; + and le Bourdon told his companion to follow, taking his way across the + marsh as fast as he could overcome the difficulties of the path. + </p> + <p> + It has already been intimated that it was not easy, if indeed it were + possible, to cross that piece of low wet land in a direct line. There was + tolerably firm ground on it, but it lay in an irregular form, its presence + being generally to be noted by the growth of trees. Le Bourdon had been + very careful in taking his landmarks, foreseeing the probability of a + hasty retreat, and he had no difficulty for some time in keeping in the + right direction. But the dogs soon left the dead body, and came bounding + across the marsh, disregarding its difficulties; though their plunges and + yells soon made it apparent that even they did not escape altogether with + dry feet. As for the savages, they poured down the declivity in a stream, + taking the dogs as their guides; and safe ones they might well be + accounted, so far as the SCENT was concerned, though they did not happen + to be particularly well acquainted with all the difficulties of the path. + </p> + <p> + At length le Bourdon paused, causing his companion to stop also. In the + hurry and confusion of the flight, the former had lost his landmarks, + finding himself amidst a copse of small trees, or large bushes, but not in + the particular copse he sought. Every effort to get out of this thicket, + except by the way he had entered it, proved abortive, and the dogs were + barking at no great distance in his rear. It is true that these animals no + longer approached: for they were floundering in the mud and water; but + their throats answered every purpose to lead the pursuers on, and the low + calls that passed from mouth to mouth, let the pursued understand that the + Pottawattamies were at their heels, if not absolutely on their trail. + </p> + <p> + The crisis demanded both discretion and decision; qualities in which the + bee-hunter, with his forest training, was not likely to be deficient. He + looked out for the path by which he had reached the unfortunate thicket, + and having found it, commenced a retreat by the way he had come. Nerve was + needed to move almost in a line toward the dogs and their masters; but the + nerve was forthcoming, and the two advanced like veterans expecting the + fire of some concealed but well-armed battery. Presently, le Bourdon + stopped, and examined the ground on which he stood. + </p> + <p> + “HERE we must turn, Chippewa,” he said, in a guarded voice. “This is the + spot where I must have missed my way.” + </p> + <p> + “Good place to turn 'bout,” answered the Indian—“dog too near.” + </p> + <p> + “We must shoot the dogs if they press us too hard,” returned the + bee-hunter, leading off rapidly, now secure in the right direction. “They + seem to be in trouble, just at this time; but animals like them will soon + find their way across this marsh.” + </p> + <p> + “Bess shoot Pottawattamie,” coolly returned Pigeonswing. “Pottawattamie + got capital scalp—dog's ears no good for nutting any more.” + </p> + <p> + “Yonder, I believe, is the tree I am in search of!” exclaimed le Bourdon. + “If we can reach that tree, I think all will go well with us.” + </p> + <p> + The tree was reached, and the bee-hunter proceeded to make sure of his + course from that point. Removing from his pouch a small piece of moistened + powder that he had prepared ere he liberated the Chippewa, he stuck it on + a low branch of the tree he was under, and on the side next the spot where + he had stationed Margery. When this was done, he made his companion stand + aside, and lighting some spunk with his flint and steel, he fired his + powder. Of course, this little preparation burned like the fireworks of a + boy, making sufficient light, however, to be seen in a dark night for a + mile or more. No sooner was the wetted powder hissing and throwing off its + sparks, than the bee-hunter gazed intently into the now seemingly tangible + obscurity of the marsh. A bright light appeared and vanished. It was + enough; the bee-hunter threw down his own signal and extinguished it with + his foot; and, as he wished, the lantern of Margery appeared no more. + Assured now of the accuracy of his position, as well as of the course he + was to pursue, le Bourdon bade his companion follow, and pressed anew + across the marsh. A tree was soon visible, and toward that particular + object the fugitives steadily pressed, until it was reached. At the next + instant Margery was joined; and the bee-hunter could not refrain from + kissing her, in the excess of his pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “There is a dreadful howling of dogs,” said Margery, feeling no offence at + the liberty taken, in a moment like that, “and it seems to me that a whole + tribe is following at their heels. For Heaven's sake, Bourdon, let us + hasten to the canoes; brother and sister must think us lost!” + </p> + <p> + The circumstances pressed, and the bee-hunter took Margery's arm, passing + it through one of his own, with a decided and protecting manner, that + caused the girl's heart to beat with emotions not in the least connected + with fear, leaving an impression of pleasure even at that perilous moment. + As the distance was not great, the three were soon on the beach and near + to the canoes. Here they met Dorothy, alone, and pacing to and fro like a + person distressed. She had doubtless heard the clamor, and was aware that + the savages were out looking for their party. As Margery met her sister, + she saw that something more than common had gone wrong, and in the + eagerness of her apprehensions she did not scruple about putting her + questions. + </p> + <p> + “What has become of brother? Where is Gershom?” demanded the sensitive + girl, at once. + </p> + <p> + The answer was given in a low voice, and in that sort of manner with which + woman struggles to the last to conceal the delinquencies of him she loves. + </p> + <p> + “Gershom is not himself, just now,” half whispered the wife—“he has + fallen into one of his old ways, ag'in.” + </p> + <p> + “Old ways?” slowly repeated the sister, dropping her own voice to tones + similar to those in which the unpleasant news had just been communicated. + “How is that possible, now that all the whiskey is emptied?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems that Bourdon had a jug of brandy among his stores, and Gershom + found it out. I blame no one; for Bourdon, who never abuses the gifts of + Providence, had a right to his comforts at least; but it IS a pity that + there was anything of the sort in the canoes!” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter was greatly concerned at this unwelcome intelligence, + feeling all its importance far more vividly than either of his companions. + They regretted as women; but he foresaw the danger, as a man accustomed to + exertion in trying scenes. If Whiskey Centre had really fallen into his + old ways, so as to render himself an incumbrance, instead of being an + assistant at such a moment, the fact was to be deplored, but it could only + be remedied by time. Luckily they had the Indian with them, and he could + manage one of the canoes, while he himself took charge of the other. As no + time was to be lost—the barking of the dogs and the cries of the + savages too plainly letting it be known that the enemy was getting through + the marsh by some means or other—he hurried the party down to the + canoes, entering that of Whiskey Centre at once. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon found Gershom asleep, but with the heavy slumbers of the + drunkard. Dolly had removed the jug and concealed it, as soon as the state + of her husband enabled her to do so without incurring his violence. Else + might the unfortunate man have destroyed himself, by indulging in a liquor + so much more palatable than that he was accustomed to use, after so long + and compelled an abstinence. The jug was now produced, however, and le + Bourdon emptied it in the river, to the great joy of the two females, + though not without a sharp remonstrance from the Chippewa. The bee-hunter + was steady, and the last drop of the liquor of Gascony was soon mingling + with the waters of the Kalamazoo. This done, the bee-hunter desired the + women to embark, and called to the Chippewa to do the same. By quitting + the spot in the canoes, it was evident the pursuers would be balked, + temporarily at least, since they must recross the marsh in order to get + into their own boats, without which further pursuit would be fruitless. + </p> + <p> + It might have been by means of a secret sympathy, or it was possibly the + result of accident, but certain it is, that the Chippewa was placed in + that of le Bourdon. As for Whiskey Centre, he lay like a log in the bottom + of his own light bark, cared for only by his affectionate wife, who had + made a pillow for his head; but, fortunately, if no assistance just then, + not any material hindrance to the movements of his friends. By the time le + Bourdon and the Chippewa had got their stations, and the canoes were free + of the bottom, it was evident by the sounds, that not only the dogs, but + divers of their masters, had floundered through the swamp, and were + already on the firm ground east of it. As the dogs ran by scent, little + doubt remained of their soon leading the savages to the place of + embarkation. Aware of this, the bee-hunter directed the Chippewa to + follow, and urged his own canoe away from the shore, following one of + three of the natural channels that united just at that point. + </p> + <p> + The clamor now sensibly increased, and the approach of the pursuers was + much faster than it had previously been, in consequence of there no longer + being wet land beneath their feet. At the distance of fifty yards from the + shore, however, the channel, or open avenue among the rice-plants that the + canoes had taken, made a short turn to the northward; for all the events + we have just been recording occurred on the northern, or leeward side of + the river. Once around this bend in the channel, the canoes would have + been effectually concealed from those on the beach, had it even been broad + daylight, and, of course, were so much more hidden from view under the + obscurity of a very dark night. Perceiving this, and fearful that the dip + of the paddles might be heard, le Bourdon ceased to urge his canoe through + the water, telling the Chippewa to imitate his example, and let the boats + drift. In consequence of this precaution the fugitives were still quite + near the shore when, first, the dogs, then a party of their masters, came + rushing down to the very spot whence the canoes had departed scarcely two + minutes before. As no precautions were taken to conceal the advance of the + pursuers, the pursued, or the individuals among them who alone understood + the common language of the great Ojebway nation well, had an opportunity + of hearing and understanding all that was said. Le Bourdon had brought the + two canoes together; and the Chippewa, at his request, now translated such + parts of the discourse of their enemies as he deemed worthy of + communicating to the females. + </p> + <p> + “Say, now, nobody dere!” commenced the Indian, coolly. “T'ink he no great + way off—mean to look for him—t'ink dog uneasy—won'er why + dog so uneasy.” + </p> + <p> + “Them dogs are very likely to scent us here in the canoes, we are so near + them,” whispered le Bourdon. + </p> + <p> + “S'pose he do, can't catch us,” coolly answered the Chippewa—“beside, + shoot him, don't take care—bad for dog to chase warrior too much.” + </p> + <p> + “There is one speaking now, who seems to have authority.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—he chief—know he voice—hear him too often—he + mean to put Pigeonswing to torture. Well, let him catch Pigeonswing fust—swift + bird do that, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “But what says he?—it may be of importance to learn what the chief + says, just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Who care what he say—can't do nuttin'—if get good chance, + take HIS scalp, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, that I dare say—but he is speaking earnestly and in a low + voice; listen, and let us know what he says. I do not well understand at + this distance.” + </p> + <p> + The Chippewa complied, and maintained an attentive silence until the chief + ceased to speak. Then he rendered what had been said into such English as + he could command, accompanying the translation by the explanations that + naturally suggested themselves to one like himself. + </p> + <p> + “Chief talk to young men,” said the Chippewa—“all chief talk to + young men—tell him dat Pigeonswing must get off in canoe—don't + see canoe, nudder—but, muss be canoe, else he swim. T'ink more than + one Injin here—don't know, dough—maybe, maybe not—can't + tell, till see trail, morrow morning—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well; but what does he tell his young men to DO?” demanded the + bee-hunter, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be squaw, Bourdon—tell all by'em bye. Tell young men s'pose + he get canoe, den he may get OUR canoe, and carry 'em off—s'pose he + swim; dat Chippewa devil swim down stream and get OUR canoe dat fashion—bess + go back, some of you, and see arter OUR canoe—dat what he tell young + men most.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a lucky thought!” exclaimed le Bourdon—“let us paddle down, + at once, and seize all their canoes before they can get there. The + distance by water, owing to this bend in the river, is not half as great + as that by land, and the marsh will double the distance to them.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat good counsel,” said Pigeonswing—“you go—I follow.” + </p> + <p> + This was no sooner said, than the canoes again got in motion. The darkness + might now have been a sufficient protection had there been no rice, but + the plant would have concealed the movement, even at noon-day. The fire in + the hut served as a beacon, and enabled le Bourdon to find the canoes. + When he reached the landing, he could still hear the dogs barking on the + marsh, and the voices of those with them, calling in loud tones to two of + the savages who had remained at the chiente, as a sort of camp-guard. + </p> + <p> + “What do them chaps say?” asked le Bourdon of the Chippewa. “They yell as + if striving to make the two men at the door of the hut hear them. Can you + make out what they are bawling so loud?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell two warrior to come down and take care of canoe—dat all—let + 'em come—find two here to take care of DEM—got good scalp, + them two rascal Pottawattamie!” + </p> + <p> + “No—no—Pigeonswing—we must have no more of that work + to-night, but must set about towing these four canoes off the shore as + fast as we can. Have you got hitches on your two?” + </p> + <p> + “Fast 'nough—so fast, he follow,” answered the Indian, who, + notwithstanding his preparations to help to remove the canoes, was + manifestly reluctant to depart without striking another blow at his + enemies. “Now good time for dem rascal to lose scalp!” + </p> + <p> + “Them rascals, as you call them, begin to understand their friends in the + marsh, and are looking to the priming of their rifles. We must be moving, + or they may see us, and give us a shot. Shove off, Chippewa, and paddle at + once for the middle of the bay.” + </p> + <p> + As le Bourdon was much in earnest, Pigeonswing was fain to comply. Had the + last possessed a rifle of his own, or even a knife, it is highly probable + he would have leaped ashore, and found the means of stealing on some of + his enemies unawares, and thus secured another trophy. But the bee-hunter + was determined, and the Chippewa, however reluctant, was compelled to + obey; for not only had le Bourdon kept his rifle at his side, but he had + used the precaution of securing his knife and tomahawk, both of which he + carried habitually, the same as a red man. + </p> + <p> + The canoes had now a somewhat difficult task. The wind still blew fresh, + and it was necessary for one of these light craft, pretty well loaded with + its proper freight, and paddled by only a single person, to tow two other + craft of equal size dead to the windward. The weight in the towing craft, + and the lightness of those that were towed, rendered this task, however, + easier than it might otherwise have proved. In the course of a couple of + minutes all the canoes were far enough from the shore to be out of sight + of the two Indians, who, by that time, had got down to the beach to look + after their own craft. The yell these savages raised on finding themselves + too late, not only announced their disappointment, but communicated the + extent of the disaster to their friends, who were still floundering + through the marsh. + </p> + <p> + The great advantage that the party of the bee-hunter had now obtained must + be very apparent to all. In possession of ALL the canoes, their enemies + were, or would be for some time at least, confined to the northern side of + the river, which was so wide near its mouth as to present an effectual + barrier between them and those who occupied the opposite bank. The canoes, + also, enabled the weaker party to change their position at will, carrying + with them as many effects as were on board, and which included the whole + of the property of le Bourdon; while their loss deprived their enemies of + all extra means of motion, and would be very likely to induce them to + proceed on their expedition by land. The objects of that expedition could + only be conjectured by the bee-hunter, until he had questioned the + Chippewa; a thing he did not fail to do, so soon as he believed the party + quite safe under the south shore. Here the fugitives landed, proceeding up + a natural channel in the wild rice in order to do so, and selecting a bit + of dry beach for their purpose. Margery set about lighting a fire, in + order to keep the mosquitos at a distance, selecting a spot to kindle it, + behind a swell on the land, that concealed the light from all on the other + shore. In the morning, it would be necessary to extinguish that fire, lest + its smoke should betray their position. It was while these things were in + progress, and after le Bourdon had himself procured the fuel necessary to + feed pretty Margery's fire, that he questioned the Chippewa touching his + captivity. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, tell all 'bout him,” answered the Indian, as soon as interrogated—“no + good to hide trail from friend. 'Member when say good-by up in openin' to + Bourdon?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly—I remember the very instant when you left me. The + Pottawattamie went on one path, and you went on another. I was glad of + that, as you seemed to think he was not your friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; good not to travel on same path as inimy, 'cause he quarrel + sometime,” coolly returned the Indian. “Dis time, path come together, + somehow; and Pottawattamie lose he scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “I am aware of all that, Pigeonswing, and wish it had not been so. I found + the body of Elksfoot sitting up against a tree soon after you left me, and + knew by whose hands he had fallen.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't find scalp, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “No, the scalp had been taken; though I accounted that but for little, + since the man's life was gone. There is little gained by carrying on war + in this manner, making the woods, and the openings, and the prairies, + alike unsafe. You see, to what distress this family is reduced by your + Injin manner of making war.” + </p> + <p> + “How you make him, den—want, to hear. Go kiss, and give venison to + inimy, or go get his scalp, eh? Which bess fashion to make him afeard, and + own you master?” + </p> + <p> + “All that may be done without killing single travellers, or murdering + women and children. The peace will be made none the sooner between England + and America, because you have got the scalp of Elksfoot.” + </p> + <p> + “No haben't got him any longer; wish had—Pottawattamie take him + away, and say he bury him. Well, let him hide him in a hole deep as white + man's well, can't hide Pigeonswing honor dere, too. Dat is safe as notch + cut on stick can make him!” + </p> + <p> + This notch on a stick was the Indian mode of gazetting a warrior; and a + certain number of these notches was pretty certain to procure for him a + sort of savage brevet, which answered his purpose quite as well as the + modern mode of brevetting at Washington answers our purpose. Neither + brings any pay, we believe, nor any command, except in such cases as + rarely occur, and then only to the advantage of government. There are + varieties in honor, as in any other human interest: so are there many + moral degrees in warfare. Thus, the very individual who admires the + occupation of Algiers, or that of Tahiti, or the attack on Canton, + together with the long train of Indian events which have dyed the + peninsulas of the East in the blood of their people, sees an alarming + enormity in the knocking down of the walls of Vera Cruz, though the breach + opened a direct road into San Juan de Ulloa. In the eyes of the same + profound moralists, the garitas of Mexico ought to have been respected, as + so many doors opening into the boudoirs of the beautiful dames of that + fine capital; it being a monstrous thing to fire a shot into the streets + of a town, no matter how many came out of them. We are happy, therefore, + to have it in our power to add these touches of philosophy that came from + Pigeonswing to those of the sages of the old world, by way of completing a + code of international morals on this interesting subject, in which the + student shall be at a loss to say which he most admires—that which + comes from the schools, or that which comes direct from the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + “So best,” answered the bee-hunter. “I wish I could persuade you to throw + away that disgusting thing at your belt. Remember, Chippewa, you are now + among Christians, and ought to do as Christians wish.” + </p> + <p> + “What Christians DO, eh?” returned the Indian, with a sneer, “get drunk + like Whiskey Centre, dere? Cheat poor red man; den get down on knee and + look up at Manitou? DAT what Christian do, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “They who do such things are Christian but in name—you must think + better of such as are Christians in fact.” + </p> + <p> + “Ebberybody call himself Christian, tell you—all pale-face + Christian, dey say. Now, listen to Chippewa. Once talk long talk wit' + missionary—tell all about Christian—what Christian do—what + Christian say—how he eat, how he sleep, HOW he drink!—all good—wish + Pigeonwing Christian—den 'member so'ger at garrison—no eat, no + sleep, no drink Christian fashion—do ebbery t'ing so'ger fashion—swear, + fight, cheat, get drunk—wuss dan Injin—dat Christian, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “No, that is not acting like a Christian; and I fear very few of us who + call ourselves by that name, act as if we were Christians, in truth,” said + le Bourdon, conscious of the justice of the Chippewa's accusation. + </p> + <p> + “Just dat—now, I get him—ask missionary, one day, where all + Christian go to, so dat Injin can't find him—none in woods—none + on prairie—none in garrison—none in Mack'naw—none at + Detroit—where all go to, den, so Injin can't find him, on'y in + missionary talk?” + </p> + <p> + “I am curious to know what answer your missionary made to that question.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, tell you—say, on'y one in ten t'ousant RAAL Christians 'mong + pale-face, dough all call himself Christian! DAT what Injin t'ink queer, + eh?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not easy to make a red man understand all the ways of the + pale-faces, Pigeonswing; but we will talk of these things another time, + when we are more at our ease. Just now, I wish to learn all I can of the + manner in which you fell into the hands of the Pottawattamies.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat plain 'nough—wish Christian talk half as plain. You see, + Bourdon, dat Elksfoot on scout, when we meet in openin', up river. I + know'd his ar'nd, and so took scalp. Dem Pottawattamie his friend—when + dey come to meet ole chief, no find him; but find Pigeonwing; got me when + tired and 'sleep; got Elkfoot scalp wid me—sorry for dat—know + scalp by scalp-lock, which had gray hair, and some mark. So put me in + canoe, and meant to take Chippewa to Chicago to torture him—but too + much wind. So, when meet friend in t'odder canoe, come back here to wait + little while.” + </p> + <p> + This was the simple explanation of the manner in which Pigeonswing had + fallen into the hands of his enemies. It would seem that Elksfoot had come + in a canoe from the mouth of the St. Joseph's to a point about half-way + between that river and the mouth of the Kalamazoo, and there landed. What + the object of the party was, does not exactly appear, though it is far + from being certain that it was not to seize the bee-hunter, and confiscate + his effects. Although le Bourdon was personally a stranger to Elksfoot, + news flies through the wilderness in an extraordinary manner; and it was + not at all unlikely that the fact of a white American's being in the + openings should soon spread, along with the tidings that the hatchet was + dug up, and that a party should go out in quest of his scalp and the + plunder. It would seem that the savage tact of the Chippewa detected that + in the manner of the Pottawattamie chief, which assured him the intentions + of the old warrior were not amicable; and that he took the very summary + process which has been related, not only to secure HIS scalp, but + effectually to put it out of his power to do any mischief to one who was + an ally, and by means of recent confidence, now a friend. All this the + Indian explained to his companion, in his usual clipped English, but with + a clearness sufficient to make it perfectly intelligible to his listener. + The bee-hunter listened with the most profound attention, for he was fully + aware of the importance of comprehending all the hazards of his own + situation. + </p> + <p> + While this dialogue was going on, Margery had succeeded in lighting her + fire, and was busy in preparing some warm compound, which she knew would + be required by her unhappy brother after his debauch, Dorothy passed often + between the fire and the canoe, feeling a wife's anxiety in the fate of + her husband. As for the Chippewa, intoxication was a very venial offence + in his eyes; though he had a contempt for a man who would thus indulge + while on a warpath. The American Indian does possess this merit of + adapting his deportment to his circumstances. When engaged in war he + usually prepares himself, in the coolest and wisest manner, to meet its + struggles, indulging only in moments of leisure, and of comparative + security. It is true that the march of what is called civilization is fast + changing the red man's character, and he is very apt now to do that which + he sees done by the “Christians” around him. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon, when his dialogue with the Chippewa was over, and after a few + words of explanation with Margery, took his own canoe, and paddled through + the rice-plants into the open water of the river, to reconnoitre. The + breadth of the stream induced him to float down before the wind, until he + reached a point where he could again command a view of the hut. What he + there saw, and what he next did, must be reserved for a succeeding + chapter. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The elfin cast a glance around, + As he lighted down from his courser toad, + Then round his breast his wings he wound, + And close to the river's brink he strode; + He sprang on a rock, he breathed a prayer, + Above his head his arm he threw, + Then tossed a tiny curve in air, + And headlong plunged in the water blue. + DRAKE. +</pre> + <p> + An hour had intervened between the time when le Bourdon had removed the + canoes of the Pottawattamies, and the time when he returned alone to the + northern side of the river. In the course of that hour the chief of the + savages had time to ascertain all the leading circumstances that have just + been related, and to collect his people in and around the hut, for a + passing council. The moment was one of action, and not of ceremonies. No + pipe was smoked, nor any of the observances of the great councils of the + tribe attended to; the object was merely to glean facts and to collect + opinions. In all the tribes of this part of North America, something very + like a principle of democracy is the predominant feature of their + politics. It is not, however, that bastard democracy which is coming so + much in fashion among ourselves, and which looks into the gutters solely + for the “people,” forgetting that the landlord has just as much right to + protection as the tenant, the master as the servant, the rich as the poor, + the gentleman as the blackguard. The Indians know better than all this. + They understand, fully, that the chiefs are entitled to more respect than + the loafers in their villages, and listen to the former, while their ears + are shut to the latter. They appear to have a common sense, which teaches + them to avoid equally the exaggerations of those who believe in blood, and + of those who believe in blackguardism. With them the doctrines of “new + men” would sound as an absurdity, for they never submit to change for + change's sake. On the contrary, while there is no positive hereditary + rank, there is much hereditary consideration; and we doubt if a red man + could be found in all America, who is so much of a simpleton as to cite + among the qualifications of any man for a situation of trust and + responsibility, that he had never been TAUGHT how to perform its duties. + They are not guilty of the contradiction of elevating men BECAUSE they are + self-taught, while they expend millions on schools. Doubtless they have, + after a fashion of their own, demagogues and Caesars, but they are usually + kept within moderate limits; and in rare instances, indeed, do either ever + seriously trespass on the rights of the tribe. As human nature is + everywhere the same, it is not to be supposed that pure justice prevails + even among savages; but one thing would seem to be certain, that, all over + the world, man in his simplest and wildest state is more apt to respect + his own ordinances, than when living in what is deemed a condition of high + civilization. + </p> + <p> + When le Bourdon reached the point whence he could get a good view of the + door of the hut, which was still illuminated by the fire within, he ceased + using the paddle beyond the slight effort necessary to keep the canoe + nearly stationary. He was quite within the range of a rifle, but trusted + to the darkness of the night for his protection. That scouts were out, + watching the approaches to the hut, he felt satisfied; and he did not + doubt that some were prowling along the margin of the Kalamazoo, either + looking for the lost boats, or for those who had taken them away. This + made him cautious, and he took good care not to place his canoe in a + position of danger. + </p> + <p> + It was very apparent that the savages were in great uncertainty as to the + number of their enemies. Had not the rifle been fired, and their warrior + killed and scalped, they might have supposed that their prisoner had found + the means of releasing his limbs himself, and thus effected his escape; + but they knew that the Chippewa had neither gun nor knife, and as all + their own arms, even to those of the dead man, were still in their + possession, it was clear that he had been succored from without. Now, the + Pottawattamies had heard of both the bee-hunter and Whiskey Centre, and it + was natural enough for them to ascribe some of these unlooked-for feats to + one or the other of these agents. It is true, the hut was known to have + been built three or four years earlier, by an Indian trader, and no one of + the party had ever actually seen Gershom and his family in possession; but + the conjectures on this head were as near the fact, as if the savages had + passed and repassed daily. There was only one point on which these close + calculators of events were at fault. So thoroughly had everything been + removed from the chiente, and so carefully the traces of its recent + occupation concealed, that no one among them suspected that the family had + left the place only an hour before their own arrival. The bee-hunter, + moreover, was well assured that the savages had not yet blundered on the + hiding-place of the furniture. Had this been discovered, its contents + would have been dragged to light, and seen around the fire; for there is + usually little self-restraint among the red men, when they make a prize of + this sort. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, there was one point about which even those keen-scented + children of the forest were much puzzled, and which the bee-hunter + perfectly comprehended, notwithstanding the distance at which he was + compelled to keep himself. The odor of the whiskey was so strong, in and + about the chiente, that the Pottawattamies did not know what to make of + it. That there should be the remains of this peculiar smell—one so + fragrant and tempting to those who are accustomed to indulge in the liquor—in + the hut itself, was natural enough; but the savages were perplexed at + finding it so strong on the declivity down which the barrels had been + rolled. On this subject were they conversing, when le Bourdon first got + near enough to observe their proceedings. After discussing the matter for + some time, torches were lighted, and most of the party followed a grim old + warrior, who had an exceedingly true nose for the scent of whiskey, and + who led them to the very spot where the half-barrel had been first stove + by rolling off a rock, and where its contents had been mainly spilled. + Here the earth was yet wet in places, and the scent was so strong as to + leave no doubt of the recent nature of the accident which had wasted so + much of a liquor that was very precious in Pottawattamie eyes; for + accident they thought it must be, since no sane man could think of + destroying the liquor intentionally. + </p> + <p> + All the movements, gestures, and genuflections of the savages were plainly + seen by the bee-hunter. We say the genuflections, for nearly all of the + Indians got on their knees and applied their noses to the earth, in order + to scent the fragrance of the beloved whiskey; some out of curiosity, but + more because they loved even this tantalizing indulgence, when no better + could be had. But le Bourdon was right in his conjectures, that the matter + was not to end here. Although most of the Indians scented the remains of + the whiskey out of love for the liquor, a few of their number reasoned on + the whole transaction with quite as much acuteness as could have been done + by the shrewdest natural philosopher living. To them it was very apparent + that no great length of time, a few hours at most, could have elapsed + since that whiskey was spilled; and human hands must have brought it + there, in the first place, and poured it on the ground, in the second. + There must have been a strong reason for such an act, and that reason + presented itself to their minds with unerring accuracy. Their own approach + must have been seen, and the liquor was destroyed because it could not be + removed in time to prevent its falling into their hands. Even the precise + manner in which the whiskey had been disposed of was pretty nearly + conjectured by a few of the chiefs, acute and practised as they were; who, + accustomed to this species of exercise of their wits, had some such + dexterity in examining facts of this nature, and in arriving at just + results, as the men of the schools manifest in the inquiries that more + especially belong to their habits and training. But their conclusions were + confined to themselves; and they were also sufficiently enveloped in + doubts, to leave those who made them ready enough to receive new + impressions on the same subject. + </p> + <p> + All this, moreover, le Bourdon both saw and understood; or, if not + absolutely all, so much of it as to let him comprehend the main + conclusions of the savages, as well as the process by which they were + reached. To obtain light, the Indians made a fire near the charmed spot, + which brought themselves and their movements into plain view from the + canoe of the bee-hunter. Curiosity now became strongly awakened in the + latter, and he ventured in nearer to the shore, in order to get the best + possible view of what was going on. In a manner, he was solving an enigma; + and he experienced the sort of pleasure we all feel at exercising our wits + on difficulties of that nature. The interest he felt rendered the young + man careless as respected the position of his canoe, which drifted down + before the strong breeze, until le Bourdon found himself in the very edge + of the wild rice, which at this point formed but a very narrow belt along + the beach. It was this plant, indeed, that contributed to make the young + man so regardless of his drift, for he looked upon the belt of rice as a + species of landmark to warn him when to turn. But, at no other spot along + that whole shore, where the plant was to be found at all, was its belt so + narrow as at this, immediately opposite to the new fire of the savages, + and almost within the influence of its rays. To le Bourdon's surprise, and + somewhat to his consternation, just as his little craft touched the rice, + the forms of two stout warriors passed along the beach, between him and + the light, their feet almost dipping in the water. So near were these two + warriors to him, that, on listening intently, he heard not only their + voices, as they communicated their thoughts to each other in low tones, + but the tread of their moccasined feet on the ground. Retreat, under the + circumstances, would not be safe, for it must have been made under the + muzzles of the rifles; and but one resource presented itself. By grasping + in his hand two or three stalks of the rice-plant, and holding them + firmly, the drift of the canoe was arrested. + </p> + <p> + After a moment's reflection, le Bourdon was better satisfied with this new + station than he had been on first gaining it. To have ventured on such a + near approach to his enemies, he would have regarded as madness; but now + he was there, well concealed among the rice, he enjoyed the advantages of + observation it gave him, and looked upon the chance that brought him there + as lucky. He found a thong of buckskin, and fastened his canoe to the + stalks of the plant, thus anchoring or mooring his little bark, and + leaving himself at liberty to move about in it. The rice was high enough + to conceal him, even when erect, and he had some difficulty in finding + places favorable to making his observations through it. When the + bee-hunter made his way into the bow of his canoe, however, which he did + with a moccasined and noiseless foot, he was startled at perceiving how + small was his cover. In point of fact, he was now within three feet of the + inner edge of the rice-plant, which grew within ten feet of the shore, + where the two warriors already mentioned were still standing, in close + communication with each other. Their faces were turned toward the fire, + the bright light from which, at times, streamed over the canoe itself, in + a way to illumine all it contained. The first impulse of le Bourdon, on + ascertaining how closely he had drifted to the shore, was to seize a + paddle and make off, but a second thought again told him it would be far + safer to remain where he was. Taking his seat, therefore, on a bit of + board laid athwart, from gunwale to gunwale, if such a craft can be said + to have gunwales at all, he patiently waited the course of events. + </p> + <p> + By this time, all or nearly all of the Pottawattamies had collected on + this spot, on the side of the hill. The hut was deserted, its fire got to + be low, and darkness reigned around the place. On the other hand, the + Indians kept piling brush on their new fire, until the whole of that + hill-side, the stream at its foot, and the ravine through which the latter + ran, were fairly illuminated. Of course, all within the influence of this + light was to be distinctly seen, and the bee-hunter was soon absorbed in + gazing at the movements of savage enemies, under circumstances so + peculiar. + </p> + <p> + The savages seemed to be entranced by the singular, and to most of them + unaccountable circumstance of the earth's giving forth the scent of fresh + whiskey, in a place so retired and unknown. While two or three of their + number had certain inklings of the truth, as has been stated, to much the + greater portion of their body it appeared to be a profound mystery; and + one that, in some inexplicable manner, was connected with the recent + digging up of the hatchet. Ignorance and superstition ever go hand in + hand, and it was natural that many, perhaps most of these uninstructed + beings should thus consider so unusual a fragrance, on such a spot. + Whiskey has unfortunately obtained a power over the red man of this + continent that it would require many Fathers Matthew to suppress, and + which can only be likened to that which is supposed to belong to the + influence of witchcraft. The Indian is quite as sensible as the white man + of the mischief that the “fire-water” produces; but, like the white man, + he finds how hard it is to get rid of a master passion, when we have once + submitted ourselves to its sway. The portion of the band that could not + account for the fact of the scent of their beloved beverage's being found + in such a place, and it was all but three of their whole party, were quite + animated in their discussions on the subject, and many and crude were the + suggestions that fell from their lips. The two warriors on the beach were + more deeply impressed than any of their companions, with the notion that + some “medicine charm” was connected with this extraordinary affair. + </p> + <p> + The reader will not be surprised to hear that le Bourdon gazed on the + scene before him with the most profound attention. So near did he seem to + be, and so near was he, in fact, to the savages who were grouped around + the fire, that he fancied he could comprehend what they were saying, by + the expressions of their grim and swarthy countenances. His conjectures + were in part just, and occasionally the bee-hunter was absolutely accurate + in his notions of what was said. The frequency with which different + individuals knelt on the ground, to scent an odor that is always so + pleasant to the red man, would of itself have given a clew to the general + character of the discourse; but the significant and expressive gestures, + the rapid enunciation, and the manner in which the eyes of the speakers + glanced from the faces near themselves to the spot consecrated by whiskey, + pretty plainly told the story. It was while thus intently occupied in + endeavoring to read the singular impression made on the minds of most of + those wild beings, by an incident so much out of the usual track of their + experience, that le Bourdon suddenly found the bow of his canoe thrusting + itself beyond the inner margin of the rice, and issuing into open water, + within ten feet of the very spot where the two nearest of the savages were + still conferring together, apart. The buckskin thong which served as a + fastening had got loosened, and the light craft was again drifting down + before the strong southerly wind, which still continued to blow a little + gale. + </p> + <p> + Had there been an opportunity for such a thing, the bee-hunter would have + made an effort to escape. But so sudden and unexpected was this exposure, + that he found himself almost within reach of a rifle, before he was aware + of his approaching the two warriors on the shore, at all. His paddle was + in the stern of the canoe, and had he used the utmost activity, the boat + would have grounded on the beach, ere he could have obtained it. In this + situation, therefore, he was absolutely without any other means than his + hands of stopping the canoe, had there even been time. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon understood his real situation without stopping to reflect; and, + though his heart made one violent leap as soon as he perceived he was out + of cover, he immediately bethought him of the course he ought to pursue. + It would have been fatal to betray alarm, or to attempt flight. As + accident had thus brought him, as it might be on a visit, to the spot, he + at once determined to give his arrival the character of a friendly call, + and the better to support the pretension, to blend with it, if possible, a + little of the oracular, or “medicine” manner, in order to impose on the + imaginations of the superstitious beings into whose power he had so + unwittingly fallen. + </p> + <p> + The instant the canoe touched the shore, and it was only a moment after it + broke through the cover, le Bourdon arose, and extending his hand to the + nearest Indian, saluted him with the mongrel term of “Sago.” A slight + exclamation from this warrior communicated to his companion an arrival + that was quite as much a matter of surprise to the Indians as to their + guest, and through this second warrior to the whole party on the + hill-side. A little clamor succeeded, and presently the bee-hunter was + surrounded with savages. + </p> + <p> + The meeting was marked by the self-command and dignified quiet that are so + apt to distinguish the deportment of Indian warriors, when they are on the + war-path, and alive to the duties of manhood. The bee-hunter shook hands + with several, who received his salutations with perfect calmness, if not + with absolute confidence and amity. This little ceremony gave our hero an + opportunity to observe the swarthy countenances by which he was + surrounded, most of which were fierce in their paint, as well as to + reflect a little on his own course. By a fortunate inspiration he now + determined to assume the character of a “medicine man,” and to connect his + prophecies and juggleries with this lucky accident of the whiskey. + Accordingly, he inquired if any one spoke English, not wishing to trust + his explanations to his own imperfect knowledge of the Ojebway tongue, + which is spoken by all the numerous tribes of that widely-extended nation. + Several could render themselves intelligible in English, and one was so + expert as to render communication with him easy, if not very agreeable. As + the savages, however, soon insisted on examining the canoe, and taking a + look at its contents, previously to listening to their visitor's + explanations, le Bourdon was fain to submit, and to let the young men + satisfy their curiosity. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter had come on his hazardous expedition in his own canoe. + Previously to quitting the south shore, however, he had lightened the + little craft, by landing everything that was not essential to his present + purpose. As nearly half of his effects were in the canoe of Whiskey + Centre, the task was soon performed, and lucky it was for our hero that he + had bethought him of the prudence of the measure. His sole object had been + to render the canoe swifter and lighter, in the event of a chase; but, as + things turned out, he saved no small portion of his property by using the + precaution. The Indians found nothing in the canoe, but one rifle, with a + horn and pouch, a few light articles belonging to the bee-hunter's + domestic economy, and which he had not thought it necessary to remove, and + the paddles. All the honey, and the skins and stores, and spare powder, + and lead, and, in short, everything else that belonged to le Bourdon, was + still safe on the other side of the river. The greatest advantage gained + by the Pottawattamies was in the possession of the canoe itself, by means + of which they would now be enabled to cross the Kalamazoo, or make any + other similar expedition, by water. + </p> + <p> + But, as yet, not a sign of hostility was betrayed by either party. The + bee-hunter seemed to pay no attention to his rifle and ammunition, or even + to his canoe, while the savages, after having warily examined the last, + together with its contents, returned to their visitor, to re-examine him, + with a curiosity as lively as it was full of distrust. At this stage in + the proceeding, something like a connected and intelligible conversation + commenced between the chief who spoke English, and who was known in most + of the north-western garrisons of the Americans by the name of + Thundercloud, or Cloud, by way of abbreviation, on account of his sinister + looks, though the man actually sustained a tolerably fair reputation for + one of those who, having been wronged, was so certain to be calumniated. + No man was ever yet injured, that he has not been slandered. + </p> + <p> + “Who kill and scalp my young man?” asked Cloud, a little abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “Has my brother lost a warrior?” was the calm reply. “Yes, I see that he + has. A medicine-man can see that, though it is dark.” + </p> + <p> + “Who kill him, if can see?-who scalp him, too?” + </p> + <p> + “An enemy did both,” answered le Bourdon, oracularly. “Yes; 'twas an enemy + that killed him; and an enemy that took his scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do it, eh? Why come here to take Pottawattamia scalp, when no + war-path open, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Pottawattamie, the truth must always be said to a medicine-man. There is + no use in trying to hide truth from HIM. There IS a war-path open; and a + long and a tangled path it is. My Great Father at Washington has dug up + the hatchet against my Great Father at Quebec. Enemies always take scalps + when they can get them.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat true—dat right, too—nobody grumble at DAT—but who + enemy? pale-face or red-skin?” + </p> + <p> + “This time it was a red-skin—a Chippewa—one of your own + nation, though not of your own tribe. A warrior called Pigeonswing, whom + you had in thongs, intending to torture him in the morning. He cut his + thongs, and shot your young man—after which he took his scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “How know dat?” demanded the Cloud, a little fiercely. “You 'long, and + help kill Pottawattamie, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” answered le Bourdon, coolly, “because medicine-men know most + of what happens. Do not be so hasty, chief, for this is a medicine spot—whiskey + GROWS here.” + </p> + <p> + A common exclamation escaped all of the red men, who comprehended the + clear, distinct, and oracular-like language and manner of the bee-hunter. + He intended to make an impression on his listeners, and he succeeded + admirably; perhaps as much by means of manner as of matter. As has been + said, all who understood his words—some four or five of the party—grunted + forth their surprise at this evidence of their guest's acquaintance with + the secrets of the place, in which they were joined by the rest of their + companions, as soon as the words of the pale-face had been translated. + Even the experienced and wary old chiefs, who had more than half + conjectured the truth, in connection with this mysterious odor of whiskey, + were much unsettled in their opinions concerning the wonder, and got to be + in that condition of mind when a man does not know what to think of any + particular event. The bee-hunter, quick-witted, and managing for his life, + was not slow to perceive the advantage he had gained, and he proceeded at + once to clinch the nail he had so skilfully driven. Turning from Cloud to + the head-chief of the party, a warrior whom he had no difficulty in + recognizing, after having so long watched his movements in the earlier + part of the night, he pushed the same subject a little further. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; this place is called by the whites Whiskey Centre,” he added—“which + means that it is the centre of all the whiskey of the country round + about.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat true,” said Cloud, quickly—“I hear so'ger at Fort Dearborn call + him Whiskey Centre!” + </p> + <p> + This little circumstance greatly complicated the mystery, and le Bourdon + perceived that he had hit on a lucky explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Soldiers far and near—soldiers drunk or sober—soldiers with + scalps, and soldiers without scalps—all know the place by that name. + But you need not believe with your eyes shut and noses stopped, chief, + since you have the means of learning for yourselves the truth of what I + tell you. Come with me, and I will tell you where to dig in the morning + for a whiskey spring.” + </p> + <p> + This communication excited a tremendous feeling among the savages, when + its purport came to be explained to the whole party. Apart from the + extraordinary, miraculous nature of such a spring, which in itself was + sufficient to keep alive expectation and gratify curiosity, it was so + comfortable to have an inexhaustible supply of the liquor running out of + the bowels of the earth, that it is no wonder the news spread infinite + delight among the listeners. Even the two or three of the chiefs who had + so shrewdly divined the manner in which the liquor had been spilled, were + staggered by the solemnity and steadiness of the bee-hunter's manner, and + perhaps a little carried away by sympathy with those around them. This + yielding of the human mind to the influence of numbers is so common an + occurrence as scarcely to require explanation, and is the source of half + the evils that popular associations inflict on themselves. It is not that + men capable of SEEING the truth are ever wanting; but men capable of + MAINTAINING it, in the face of clamor and collected power. + </p> + <p> + It will be readily conceived that a medicine-man who is supposed to + possess the means of discovering a spring that should overflow with pure + whiskey, would not be left without urgent demands for a speedy exercise of + this art. This was now the case with le Bourdon, who was called on from + all sides to point out the precise spot where the young men were to + commence digging in order to open on the treasure. Our hero knew that his + only hope of escape was connected with his steadily maintaining his + assumed character; or of maintaining this assumed character, with his + going on, at once, to do something that might have the effect, temporarily + at least, of satisfying the impatience of his now attentive listeners. + Accordingly, when the demand was made on him to give some evidence of his + power, he set about the task, not only with composure, but with a good + deal of ingenuity. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon, it will be remembered, had, with his own hands, rolled the two + barrels of whiskey down the declivity. Feeling the great importance of + effectually destroying them, he had watched their descent, from the top to + the bottom of the hill, and the final disappearance of the staves, etc., + into the torrent which brawled at its foot. It had so happened that the + half-filled cask broke and let out its liquor at a point much more remote + from the stream, than the filled. The latter had held together until it + went over the low rocky precipice, already mentioned, and was stove at its + base, within two yards of the torrent, which received all its fragments + and swept them away, including most of the liquor itself; but not until + the last had been spilled. Now, the odorous spot which had attracted the + noses of the savages, and near which they had built their fire, was that + where the smallest quantity of the whiskey had fallen. Le Bourdon reasoned + on these circumstances in this wise:—if half a barrel of the liquor + can produce so strong a scent, a barrel filled ought to produce one still + stronger; and I will manifest my medicine-character, by disregarding for + the present moment the spot on the hill-side, and proceed at once to that + at the foot of the rocks. To this latter point, therefore, did he direct + all the ceremony, as well as his own footsteps, when he yielded to the + solicitations of the Pottawattamies, and undertook to point out the + position of the whiskey spring. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter understood the Indian character too well to forget to + embellish his work with a proper amount of jugglery and acting. Luckily, + he had left in the canoe a sort of frock of mottled colors that he had + made himself, to wear in the woods in the autumn as a hunting-dress, under + the notion that such a covering would conceal his approach from his game, + by blending its hues with those of the autumn leaf. This dress he now + assumed, extorting a good deal of half-suppressed admiration from the + younger warriors, by the gay appearance he made. Then he drew out his + spy-glass to its greatest length, making various mysterious signs and + gestures as he did so. This glass proved to be a great auxiliary, and + possibly alone kept the doubters in awe. Le Bourdon saw at once that it + was entirely new, even to the oldest chief, and he felt how much it might + be made to assist him. Beckoning to Cloud, and adjusting the focus, he + directed the small end of his glass to the fire, and placed the large end + to that Indian's eye. A solitary savage, who loved the scent of whiskey + too much to tear himself away from the spot, was lingering within the + influence of the rays, and of course was seen by the chief, with his + person diminished to that of a dwarf, and his form thrown to a seeming + distance. + </p> + <p> + An eloquent exclamation followed this exhibition of the medicine-man's + power; and each of the chiefs, and most of the other warriors, were + gratified with looks through the glass. + </p> + <p> + “What dat mean?” demanded Cloud, earnestly. “See Wolfeye well 'nough—why + he so little?—why he so far off, he?” + </p> + <p> + “That is to show you what a medicine-man of the pale-faces can do, when he + is so minded. That Indian is named Wolfseye, and he loves whiskey too + well. That I know, as well as I know his name.” + </p> + <p> + Each of these exhibitions of intelligence extorted exclamations of wonder. + It is true, that one or two of the higher chiefs understood that the name + might possibly have been obtained from Cloud; but how was the medicine-man + to know that Wolfseye was a drunkard? This last had not been said in + terms; but enough had been said, to let those who were aware of the + propensity feel that more was meant than had been expressed. Before there + was time, however, to deliberate on, or to dissect this specimen of + mysterious knowledge, le Bourdon reversed the glass, and applied the small + end to the eye of Cloud, after having given it its former direction. The + Indian fairly yelled, partly with dread, and partly with delight, when he + saw Wolfseye, large as life, brought so near him that he fancied he might + be touched with his own hand. + </p> + <p> + “What dat mean?” exclaimed Cloud, as soon as surprise and awe enabled him + to find his voice. “Fuss he little, den he big—fuss he great way, + den he close by—what dat mean, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “It means that I am a medicine-man, and this is a medicine-glass, and that + I can see with it into the earth, deeper than the wells, or higher than + the mountains!” + </p> + <p> + These words were translated, and explained to all three. They extorted + many ejaculations of wonder, and divers grunts of admiration and + contentment. Cloud conferred a moment with the two principal chiefs; then + he turned eagerly to the bee-hunter, saying— + </p> + <p> + “All good, but want to hear more—want to l'arn more—want to + SEE more.” + </p> + <p> + “Name your wants freely, Pottawattamie,” answered le Bourdon, with + dignity, “they shall be satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “Want to see—want to TASTE whiskey spring—see won't do—want + to TASTE” + </p> + <p> + “Good—you shall smell first; then you shall see; after that you + shall taste. Give me room, and be silent; a great medicine is near.” + </p> + <p> + Thus delivering himself, le Bourdon proceeded with his necromancy. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He turned him round, and fled amain With hurry and dash to the beach + again; He twisted over from side to side, And laid his cheek to the + cleaving tide; The strokes of his plunging arms are fleet, And with all + his might he flings his feet, But the water-sprites are round him still, + To cross his path and work him ill. + —The Culprit Fay. +</pre> + <p> + The first step in the conjuration of the bee-hunter was, to produce an + impression on the minds of his untutored observers, by resorting to a + proper amount of mummery and mystical action. This he was enabled to do + with some effect, in consequence of having practised as a lad in similar + mimicry, by way of pastime. The Germans, and the descendants of Germans in + America, are not of a very high class, as respects education, taken as a + body, and they retain many of the most inveterate of the superstitions of + their Teutonic ancestors. Although the bee-hunter himself was of purely + English descent, he came from a State that was in part peopled by these + Germans and their descendants; and, by intercourse with them, he had + acquired a certain knowledge of their notions on the subject of + necromancy, that he now found was of use. So far as gravity of mien, + solemn grimaces, and unintelligible mutterings were concerned, le Bourdon + played his part to admiration; and by the time he had led the party half + the distance he intended to go, our necromancer, or “medicine-man,” had + complete possession of the imaginations of all the savages, the two or + three chiefs already mentioned alone excepted. At this stage of the + proceedings occurred a little incident, which goes to prove the + disposition of the common mind to contribute in deceiving itself, and + which was of considerable assistance to le Bourdon, in maintaining his + assumed character. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that the place where the Indians had found their + strongest scent was on the hill-side, or the spot where the half-filled + barrel had let out most of its contents. Near this spot their new fire was + still brightly blazing, and there Wolfseye remained, regaling one of his + senses, at least, with an odor that he found so agreeable. But the + bee-hunter knew that he should greatly increase the wonder of the savages + by leading them to a NEW scent-spot, one to which there was no visible + clew, and where the odor was probably much stronger than on the hill-side. + Accordingly he did not approach the fire, but kept around the base of the + hill, just enough within the influence of the light to pick his way + readily, and yet so distant from it as to render his countenance + indistinct and mysterious. No sooner, however, had he got abreast of the + scent-spot known to the savages, than the crowd endeavored to lead him + toward it, by gestures and hints, and, finally, by direct intimations that + he was going astray. All this our “medicine-man” disregarded; he held his + way steadily and solemnly toward that place at the foot of the hill where + he knew that the filled barrel had let out its contents, and where he, + reasonably enough, expected to find sufficient traces of the whiskey to + answer his purposes. At first, this pertinacity provoked the crowd, which + believed he was going wrong; but a few words from Crowsfeather, the + principal chief, caused the commotion to cease. In a few more minutes le + Bourdon stopped, near the place of his destination. As a fresh scent of + whiskey was very perceptible here, a murmur of admiration, not unmixed + with delight, passed among the attendants. + </p> + <p> + “Now, let the young men build a fire for ME” said the bee-hunter, solemnly—“not + such a fire as that which is burning on the hill, but a medicine-fire. I + SMELL the whiskey spring, and want a medicine-light to SEE it.” + </p> + <p> + A dozen young men began to collect the brush; in a minute a pile of some + size had been accumulated on a flat rock, within twenty feet of the spot + where le Bourdon knew that the cask had been dashed to pieces. When he + thought the pile sufficiently large, he told Crowsfeather that it might be + lighted by bringing a brand from the other fire. + </p> + <p> + “This will not be a medicine-light, for that can come only from + 'medicine-matches,'” he added; “but I want a fire to see the shape of the + ground. Put in the brand, brothers; let us have a flame.” + </p> + <p> + The desire of the bee-hunter was gratified, and the whole of the base of + the hill around the spot where the filled cask had broken, was + illuminated. + </p> + <p> + “Now, let all the Pottawattamies stand back,” added le Bourdon, earnestly. + “It might cost a warrior his life to come forward too soon—or, if + not his life, it might give a rheumatism that can never be cured, which is + worse. When it is time for my red brothers to advance, they will be + called.” + </p> + <p> + As the bee-hunter accompanied this announcement by suitable gestures, he + succeeded in ranging all of the silent, but excited savages on three sides + of his fire, leaving that next his mysterious spring to himself, alone. + When all was arranged, le Bourdon moved slowly, but unaccompanied, to the + precise spot where the cask had broken. Here he found the odor of the + whiskey so strong, as to convince him that some of the liquor must yet + remain. On examining more closely, he ascertained that several shallow + cavities of the flat rock, on which the cask had been dashed, still + contained a good deal of the liquor; enough to prove of great assistance + to his medicine character. + </p> + <p> + All this while the bee-hunter kept one portion of his faculties on the + alert, in order to effect his escape. That he might deceive for a time, + aided as he was by so many favorable circumstances, he did not doubt; but + he dreaded the morning and the results of a night of reflection and rest. + Crowsfeather, in particular, troubled him; and he foresaw that his fate + would be terrible, did the savages once get an inkling of the deception he + was practising. As he stood there, bending over the little pools of + whiskey, he glanced his eyes toward the gloom which pervaded the northern + side of the hill, and calculated the chances of escape by trusting to his + speed. All of the Pottawattamies were on the opposite side, and there was + a thicket favorably placed for a cover, so near that the rifle would + scarce have time to perform its fatal office, ere he might hope to bury + himself within its leaves. So tempting did the occasion appear, that, for + a single instant, le Bourdon forgot his caution, and his mummeries, and + had actually advanced a step or two in the direction toward which he + contemplated flight, when, on glancing an uneasy look behind him, he + perceived Crowsfeather and his two intimate counsellors stealthily + preparing their rifles, as if they distrusted his intentions. This at once + induced a change of plan, and brought the bee-hunter back to a sense of + his critical position, and of the indispensable necessity of caution to a + man in his situation. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon now seemingly gave all his attention to the rocks where he + stood, and out of which the much-coveted liquor was expected to flow; + though his thoughts were still busily employed in considering the means of + escape, the whole time. While stooping over the different pools, and + laying his plans for continuing his medicine-charms, the bee-hunter saw + how near he had been to committing a great mistake. It was almost as + indispensable to carry off the canoe, as it was to carry off himself; + since, with the canoe, not only would all his own property, but pretty + Margery, and Gershom and his wife, be at the mercy of the Pottawattamies; + whereas, by securing the boat, the wide Kalamazoo would serve as a nearly + impassable barrier, until time was given to the whites to escape. His + whole plan was changed by this suggestion, and he no longer thought of the + thicket and of flight inland. At the same time that the bee hunter was + laying up in his mind ideas so important to his future movements, he did + not neglect the necessary examination of the means that might be required + to extend and prolong his influence over the minds of the superstitious + children of the forest on whom he was required to practise his arts. His + thoughts reverted to the canoe, and he concocted a plan by which he + believed it possible to get possession of his little craft again. Once on + board it, by one vigorous shove he fancied he might push it within the + cover of the rice-plants, where he would be in reasonable safety against + the bullets of the savages. Could he only get the canoe on the outer side + of the narrow belt of the plant, he should deem himself safe! + </p> + <p> + Having arranged his course in his own mind, le Bourdon now beckoned to + Crowsfeather to draw near, at the same time inviting the whole party to + approach within a few feet of the spot where he himself stood. The + bee-hunter had brought with him from the boat a fragment of the larger end + of a cane fishing-rod, which he used as a sort of wand. Its size was + respectable, and its length about eight feet. With this wand he pointed + out the different objects he named, and it answered the very important + purpose of enabling him to make certain small changes in the formation of + the ground, that were of the greatest service to him, without permitting + curious eyes to come so near as to detect his artifices. + </p> + <p> + “Now open your ears, Crowsfeather; and you, Cloud; and all of you, young + braves,” commenced the bee-hunter, solemnly, and with a steadiness that + was admirable; “yes, open wide your ears. The Great Spirit has given the + red man a nose that he might smell—does the Cloud smell more than + common?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain—smell whiskey—this Whiskey Centre dey say—nat'ral + dat such smell be here.” + </p> + <p> + “Do all the chiefs and warriors of the Pottawattamies who are present, + also smell the same?” + </p> + <p> + “S'pose so—why he don't, eh? Got nose—can smell whiskey good + way, tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is right they should smell the liquor here, for out of this rock a + whiskey spring will soon begin to run. It will begin with a very small + stream, but soon will there be enough to satisfy everybody. The Great + Manitou knows that his red children are dry; he has sent a 'medicine-man' + of the pale-faces to find a spring for them. Now, look at this piece of + rock—it is dry—not even the dew has yet moistened it. See—it + is made like a wooden bowl, that it may hold the liquor of the spring. Let + Crowsfeather smell it—smell it, Cloud—let all my young men + smell it, too, that they may be certain that there is nothing there.” + </p> + <p> + On this invitation, accompanied as it was by divers flourishes of the + wand, and uttered in a deep, solemn tone of voice, the whole party of the + Indians gathered around the small hollow basin-like cavity pointed out by + the bee-hunter, in order both to see and to smell. Most knelt, and each + and all applied their noses to the rock, as near the bowl as they could + thrust them. Even the dignified and distrustful Crowsfeather could not + refrain from bending in the crowd. This was the moment for which le + Bourdon wished, and he instantly prepared to carry out his design. + </p> + <p> + Previously, however, to completing the project originally conceived, a + momentary impulse prevailed which urged him to adopt a new mode of + effecting his escape. Now, that most of the savages were on their hands + and knees, struggling to get their noses as near as possible to the bowl, + and all were intent on the same object, it occurred to the bee-hunter, who + was almost as active as the panther of the American forest, that he might + dash on toward the canoe, and make his escape without further mummery. Had + it been only a question of human speed perhaps such would have been the + wisest thing he could do; but a moment's reflection told him how much + swifter than any foot of man was the bullet of a rifle. The distance + exceeded a hundred yards, and it was altogether in bright light, by means + of the two fires, Wolfseye continuing to pile brush on that near which he + still maintained his post, as if afraid the precious liquor would start + out of the scent-spot, and be wasted should he abandon his ward. Happily, + therefore, le Bourdon relinquished his dangerous project almost as soon as + it was entertained, turning his attention immediately to the completion of + the plan originally laid. + </p> + <p> + It has been said that the bee-hunter made sundry flourishes with his wand. + While the savages were most eager in endeavoring to smell the rock, he + lightly touched the earth that confined the whiskey in the largest pool, + and opened a passage by which the liquor could trickle down the side of + the rock, selecting a path for itself, until it actually came into the + bowl, by a sinuous but certain channel. + </p> + <p> + Here was a wonder! Liquor could not only be smelled, but it could be + actually seen! As for Cloud, not satisfied with gratifying the two senses + connected with the discoveries named, he began to lap with his tongue, + like a dog, to try the effect of taste. + </p> + <p> + “The Manitou does not hide his face from the Pottawattamie!” exclaimed + this savage, rising to his feet in astonishment; “this is the fire-water, + and such as the pale-faces bring us for skins!” + </p> + <p> + Others imitated his example, and the exclamations of wonder and delight + flew from mouth to mouth, in a torrent of vehement assertions and + ejaculations. So great a “medicine” charm had never before been witnessed + in that tribe, or in that region, and a hundred more might succeed, before + another should equal this in its welcome character. There was whiskey, of + a certainty, not much in quantity, to be sure, but of excellent quality, + as several affirmed, and coming in a current that was slowly increasing! + This last sign was owing to the circumstance that le Bourdon had deepened + the outlet of the pool, permitting a larger quantity to flow down the + little channel. + </p> + <p> + The moment had now come for a decisive step. The bee-hunter knew that his + precious rivulet would soon cease to run, and that he must carry out his + design under the first impressions of his charm, or that he probably would + not be permitted to carry it out, at all. At this moment even Crowsfeather + appeared to be awed by what he had seen; but a chief so sagacious might + detect the truth, and disappointment would then be certain to increase the + penalties he would incur. + </p> + <p> + Making many sweeps of his wand, and touching various points of the rock, + both to occupy the attention of the savages, and to divert it from his + pool, the bee-hunter next felt in his pocket and drew out a small piece of + resin that he knew was there; the remains of a store with which he resined + the bow of his fiddle; for our hero had a violin among his effects, and + often used it in his solitary abodes in the openings. Breaking this resin + on a coal, he made it flash and blaze; but the quantity was too small to + produce the “medicine-fire” he wanted. + </p> + <p> + “I have more in my canoe,” he said, addressing himself to the interpreter; + “while I go for it, the red men must not stir, lest they destroy a + pale-face's doings. Least of all they must go near the spring. It would be + better for the chiefs to lead away their young men, and make them stand + under the oak, where nothing can be done to hurt the 'medicine-charm.'” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter pointed to a tree that stood in the direction of the canoe, + in order to prevent distrust, though he had taken care to select a spot + whence the little craft could not be seen, on account of an intervening + swell in the land, Crowsfeather led his warriors to the indicated place, + where they took their stations, in silent and grave attention. + </p> + <p> + In the mean while, le Bourdon continued his incantations aloud; walking + toward his canoe, waving his hand, and uttering a great deal of gibberish + as he slowly proceeded. In passing the tree, our hero, though he did not + turn his head, was sensible that he was followed by the chiefs, a movement + against which he did not dare to remonstrate, though it sadly disappointed + him. Neither hastening nor retarding his steps, however, in consequence of + this unpleasant circumstance, the young man continued on; once or twice + sweeping the wand behind him, in order to ascertain if he could reach his + followers. But Crowsfeather and his companions stopped when they reached + the swell of land which concealed the canoe, suffering the “medicine-man” + to move on alone. Of this fact le Bourdon became aware, by turning three + times in a circle, and pointing upward at the heavens with his wand, as he + did so. + </p> + <p> + It was a nervous moment when the bee-hunter reached the canoe. He did not + like to look behind him again, lest the chiefs should suspect his motive, + and, in shoving off from the shore, he might do so within a few yards of + the muzzle of a hostile rifle. There was no time to lose, however, for any + protracted delay on his part would certainly cause the savages to + approach, through curiosity, if not through distrust of his motives. He + stepped into his light craft, therefore, without any delay, still + flourishing his wand, and muttering his incantations. The first thing was + to walk to the stern of the canoe, that his weight might raise the bow + from the shore, and also that he might have an excuse for turning round, + and thus get another look at the Indians. So critical was his situation, + and so nervous did it make our young hero, that he took no heed of the + state of matters in the canoe, until the last moment. When he had turned, + however, he ascertained that the two principal chiefs had drawn so near as + to be within twenty yards of him, though neither held his rifle at + “ready,” but each leaned on it in a careless manner, as if in no + anticipation of any necessity to make a speedy use of the weapon. This + state of things could not last, and le Bourdon braced his nerves for the + final trial. On looking for his paddle, however, he found that of three + which the canoe had contained when he left it, not even one was to be + seen! These wily savages had, out of all question, taken their opportunity + to remove and secrete these simple, but almost indispensable, means of + motion. + </p> + <p> + At the instant when first apprised of the loss just mentioned, the + bee-hunter's heart sunk within him, and he fell into the seat in the stern + of the canoe, nearly with the weight of so much lead. Then a species of + desperation came over him, and putting an end of his cane wand upon the + bottom, with a vigorous shove he forced the canoe swiftly astern and to + windward. Sudden as was this attempt, and rapid as was the movement, the + jealous eyes and ready hands of the chiefs seemed to anticipate it. Two + shots were fired within a few seconds after the canoe had quitted the + shore. The reports of the rifles were a declaration of hostilities, and a + general yell, accompanied by a common rush toward the river, announced + that the whole band now understood that some deception had been practised + at their expense. + </p> + <p> + Although the two chiefs in advance had been so very prompt, they were not + quick enough for the rapid movement of the canoe. The distance between the + stern of the boat and the rice-plants was so small, that the single + desperate shove given by the bee-hunter sufficed to bury his person in the + cover, before the leaden messengers reached him. Anticipating this very + attempt, and knowing that the savages might get their range from the part + of the canoe that was still in sight, le Bourdon bent his body far over + the gunwale, grasping the rice-plants at the same time, and hauling his + little craft through them, in the way that sailors call “hand over hand.” + This expedient most probably saved his life. While bending over the + gunwale, he heard the crack of the rifles, and the whizzing of two bullets + that appeared to pass just behind him. By this time the whole of the canoe + was within the cover. + </p> + <p> + In a moment like that we are describing, incidents pass so rapidly as + almost to defy description. It was not twenty seconds from the instant + when le Bourdon first put his wand down to push the canoe from the land, + ere he found his person emerging from the cover, on its weather side. Here + he was effectually concealed from his enemies, not only on account of the + cover made by the rice-plants, but by reason of the darkness; the light + not extending far enough from the fire to illumine objects on the river. + Nevertheless, new difficulties presented themselves. When clear of the + rice, the wind, which still blew strong, pressed upon his canoe to such a + degree as not only to stop its further movement from the shore, but so as + to turn it broadside to, to its power. Trying with his wand, the + bee-hunter ascertained that it would no longer reach the bottom. Then he + attempted to use the cane as a paddle, but soon found it had not + sufficient hold of the water to answer for such an implement. The most he + could effect with it, in that way, was to keep the canoe for a short + distance along the outer edge of the rice, until it reached a spot where + the plant extended a considerable distance farther toward the middle of + the river. Once within this little forest of the wild rice, he was enabled + to drag the canoe farther and farther from the north shore, though his + progress was both slow and laborious, on account of the resistance met. + </p> + <p> + All this time, the savages were not idle. Until the canoe got within its + new cover, it was at no instant fifty yards from the beach, and the yells, + and orders, and whoopings sounded as if uttered directly in le Bourdon's + ear. A splashing in the water soon announced that our fugitive was pursued + by swimmers. As the savages knew that the beehunter was without a paddle, + and that the wind blew fresh, the expectation of overtaking their late + captive, in this manner, was by no means chimerical. Half a dozen active + young men would prove very formidable to one in such a situation, more + especially while entangled in the mazes of the rice-plant. The bee-hunter + was so well convinced of this circumstance, that no sooner did he hear the + splashes of the swimmers, than he redoubled his exertions to pull his + canoe farther from the spot. But his progress was slow, and he was soon + convinced that his impunity was more owing to the fact that his pursuers + did not know where to find him, than to the rapidity of his flight. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding his exertions, and the start obtained, le Bourdon soon + felt assured that the swimmers were within a hundred feet of him, their + voices coming from the outer margin of the cover in which he now lay, + stationary. He had ceased dragging the canoe ahead, from an apprehension + of being heard, though the rushing of the wind and the rustling of the + rice might have assured him that the slight noises made by his own + movements would not be very likely to rise above those sounds. The + splashing of the swimmers, and their voices, gradually drew nearer, until + the bee-hunter took up his rifle, determined to sacrifice the first savage + who approached; hoping, thereby, to intimidate the others. For the first + time, it now occurred to him that the breech of his rifle might be used as + a paddle, and he was resolved to apply it to that service, could he once + succeed in extricating himself from the enemies by whom he was nearly + environed, and from the rice. + </p> + <p> + Just as le Bourdon fancied that the crisis had arrived, and that he should + soon be called on to kill his man, a shout was given by a savage at some + distance in the river, and presently calls passed from mouth to mouth, + among the swimmers. Our hero now listened to a degree that kept his + faculty of hearing at a point of painful attention. The voices and plashes + on the water receded, and what was startling, a sound was heard resembling + that which as produced by a paddle when struck incautiously against the + side of a canoe. Was it then possible that the Chippewa was out, or had + the Pottawattamies one boat that had escaped his attention? The last was + not very probable, as he had several times counted their little fleet, and + was pretty sure of having taken it all to the other side of the river. The + sound of the paddle was repeated, however; then it occurred to the + bee-hunter, that Pigeonswing might be on the scent for another scalp. + </p> + <p> + Although the conjecture just mentioned was exceedingly unpleasant to le + Bourdon, the chase of the strange canoe gave him an opportunity to drag + his own light craft ahead, penetrating deeper and deeper among the wild + rice, which now spread itself to a considerable distance from the shore, + and grew so thick as to make it impossible to get through the waving mass. + At length, wearied with his exertions, and a little uncertain as to his + actual position, our hero paused, listening intently, in order to catch + any sounds that might direct his future movements. + </p> + <p> + By this time the savages ceased to call to each other; most probably + conscious of the advantage it gave the fugitive. The bee-hunter perfectly + understood that his pursuers must be aware of its being entirely out of + his power to get to windward, and that they would keep along the shore of + the river, as he did himself, expecting to see his canoe sooner or later + driven by the wind on the beach. This had made him anxious to drag his + boat as much toward the outer edge of the rice as he could get it, and by + the puffs of wind that he occasionally felt, he hoped he had, in a great + measure, effected his purpose. Still he had his apprehensions of the + savages; as some would be very apt to swim quite out into the stream, not + only to look for him, but to avoid being entangled among the plants. It + was only in the natural channels of the rice, of which there were a good + many, that a swimmer could very readily make his way, or be in much + safety. By waiting long enough, moreover, the bee-hunter was sure he + should tire out his pursuers, and thus get rid of them. + </p> + <p> + Just as le Bourdon began to think this last-mentioned purpose had been + accomplished, he heard low voices directly to windward, and the splashing + of water, as if more than one man was coming down upon him, forcing the + stalks of the plants aside. He grasped the rifle, and let the canoe drift, + which it did slowly, under the power of the wind, notwithstanding the + protection of the cover. The swimmers forced their way through the stalks; + but it was evident, just then, that they were more occupied by their + present pursuit than in looking for him. Presently a canoe came brushing + through the rice, forced by the wind, and dragged by two savages, one of + whom swam on each bow. The last did not see the bee-hunter, or his canoe, + the one nearest having his face turned in the opposite direction; but they + were distinctly seen by the former. Surprised that a seizure should be + made with so little fracas, le Bourdon bent forward to look the better, + and, as the stern of the strange canoe came almost under his eyes, he saw + the form of Margery lying in its bottom. His blood curdled at this sight; + for his first impression was, that the charming young creature had been + killed and scalped; but there being no time to lose, he sprang lightly + from one canoe to the other, carrying the rifle in his hand. As he struck + in the bottom of the boat of Gershom, he heard his name uttered in a sweet + female voice, and knew that Margery was living. Without stopping, however, + to inquire more, he moved to the head of the canoe, and, with a sharp blow + on the fingers, made each of the savages release his grasp. Then, seizing + the rice-plants, he dragged the little craft swiftly to windward again. + All this was done, as it might be, in an instant; the savages and the + canoe being separated some twenty feet, in much less time than is required + to relate the occurrence. + </p> + <p> + “Bourdon, are you injured?” asked Margery, her voice trembling with + anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least, dear Margery—and you, my excellent girl?” + </p> + <p> + “They caught my canoe, and I almost died of fright; but they have only + dragged it toward the shore.” + </p> + <p> + “God be praised! Is there any paddle in the canoe?” + </p> + <p> + “There are several—one is at your feet, Bourdon—and here, I + have another.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, let us search for my canoe, and get out of the rice. If we can but + find my canoe, we shall be safe enough, for the savages have nothing in + which to cross the river. Keep your eyes about you, Margery, and look + among the rice for the other boat.” + </p> + <p> + The search was not long, but it was intently anxious. At length Margery + saw the lost canoe just as it was drifting past them, and it was secured + immediately. In a few minutes, le Bourdon succeeded in forcing the two + craft into open water, when it was easy for him to paddle both to + windward. The reader can readily imagine that our hero did not permit many + minutes to elapse, ere he questioned his companion on the subject of her + adventures. Nor was Margery reluctant to tell them. She had become alarmed + at le Bourdon's protracted absence, and taking advantage of Pigeonswing + lying down, she unloaded her brother's canoe, and went out into the river + to look for the absent one. As a matter of course—though so feminine + and far removed from all appearance of coarseness, a true American girl in + this respect—Margery knew perfectly well how to manage a bark canoe. + The habits of her life for the last few years, made her acquainted with + this simple art; and strength being much less needed than skill, she had + no difficulty in going whither she wished. The fires served as beacons, + and Margery had been a distant witness of the bee-hunter's necromancy as + well as of his escape. The instant the latter was effected, she endeavored + to join him; and it was while incautiously paddling along the outer edge + of the rice, with this intention, that her canoe was seized by two of the + swimmers. As soon as these last ascertained that they had captured a + “squaw,” they did not give themselves the trouble to get into the canoe—a + very difficult operation with one made of bark, and which is not loaded—but + they set about towing the captured craft to the shore, swimming each with + a single hand and holding on by the other. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not soon forget this kindness of yours, Margery,” said le + Bourdon, with warmth, when the girl had ended her simple tale, which had + been related in the most artless and ingenuous manner. “No man could + forget so generous a risk on the part of a young woman in his behalf.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you do not think it wrong, Bourdon—I should be sorry to have + you think ill of me!” + </p> + <p> + “Wrong, dear Margery!—but no matter. Let us get ourselves out of + present difficulties, and into a place of safety; then I will tell you + honestly what I think of it, and of you, too. Was your brother awake, dear + Margery, when you left the family?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe not—he sleeps long and heavily after drinking. But he can + now drink no more, until he reaches the settlements.” + </p> + <p> + “Not unless he finds the whiskey spring,” returned the bee-hunter, + laughing. + </p> + <p> + The young man then related to his wondering companion the history of the + mummery and incantations of which she had been a distant spectator. Le + Bourdon's heart was light, after his hazards and escape, and his spirits + rose as his narrative proceeded. Nor was pretty Margery in a mood to balk + his humor. As the bee-hunter recounted his contrivances to elude the + savages, and most especially when he gave the particulars of the manner in + which he managed to draw whiskey out of the living rock, the girl joined + in his merriment, and filled the boat with that melody of the laugh of her + years and sex, which is so beautifully described by Halleck. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The things that once she loved are still the same; + Yet now there needs another name + To give the feeling which they claim, + While she the feeling gives; + She cannot call it gladness or delight; + And yet there seems to be a richer, lovelier light + On e'en the humblest thing that lives. + —WASHINGTON ALLSTON. +</pre> + <p> + The history given by le Bourdon lasted until the canoes reached the south + shore. Glad enough was Dorothy to see them both safe back, for neither of + her companions had yet awoke. It was then midnight, and all now retired to + seek the rest which might be so needful to prepare them for the exertions + of the next day. The bee-hunter slept in his canoe, while Margery shared + the buffalo-skin of her sister. + </p> + <p> + As perfect security, for the moment at least, was felt by the sleepers, + their slumbers were sound, and reached into the morning. Then le Bourdon + arose, and withdrawing to a proper distance, he threw off his clothes and + plunged into the stream, in conformity with a daily practice of his at + that genial season of the year. After bathing, the young man ascended a + hill, whence he might get a good view of the opposite shore, and possibly + obtain some notion of what the Pottawattamies were about. In all his + movements, however, the bee-hunter had an eye to the concealment of his + person, it being of the last importance that the savages should not learn + his position. With the intention of concealment, the fire had been + suffered to go down, a smoke being a sign that no Indian would be likely + to overlook. As for the canoe and the bivouac of the party, the wild rice + and an intermediate hill formed a perfect cover, so long as nothing was + shown above them. + </p> + <p> + From the height to which he ascended, the bee-hunter, aided by his glass, + got a very clear view of Whiskey Centre and the parts adjacent. The + savages were already stirring, and were busy in the various avocations of + the red man on a war-path. One party was disposing of the body of their + dead companion. Several were cooking, or cleaning the wild-fowl shot in + the bay, while a group was collected near the spot of the wished-for + spring, reluctant to abandon the hopes to which it had given birth, at the + very moment they were plotting to obtain the scalp of the “medicine-man.” + The beloved “fire-water,” that seduces so many to their destruction, who + have enjoyed the advantages of moral teaching, and which has been a + withering curse on the red man of this continent, still had its influence; + and the craving appetites of several of the drunkards of the party brought + them to the spot, as soon as their eyes opened on the new day. The + bee-hunter could see some of this cluster kneeling on the rocks, lapping + like hounds at the scattered little pools of the liquor, while others + scented around, in the hope of yet discovering the bird that laid the + golden egg. Le Bourdon had now little expectation that his assumed + character could be maintained among these savages any longer, did accident + again throw him in their way. The chiefs, he saw, had distrusted him all + along, but had given him an opportunity to prove what he could do, in + order to satisfy the more vulgar curiosity of their young men. He wisely + determined, therefore, to keep out of the hands of his enemies. + </p> + <p> + Although le Bourdon could hold a conversation in the tongue of the + Ojebways, he was not fond of so doing. He comprehended without difficulty + nearly all of what was said by them, and had observed the previous night + that the warriors made many allusions to a chief whom they styled Onoah, + but who he himself knew was usually called Scalping Peter among the whites + of that frontier. This savage had a fearful reputation at all the + garrisons, though he never showed himself in them; and he was now spoken + of by the Pottawattamies present, as if they expected to meet him soon, + and to be governed by his commands or his advice. The bee-hunter had paid + great attention whenever this dreaded name was mentioned, for he was fully + aware of the importance of keeping clear of an enemy who bore so bad a + reputation that it was not considered prudent for a white man to remain + long in his company even in a time of peace. His English sobriquet had + been obtained from the circumstances of its being reputed that this chief, + who seemed to belong to no tribe in particular, while he had great + influence with all, had on divers occasions murdered the palefaces who + fell in his way, and then scalped them. It was added, that he had already + forty notches on his pole, to note that number of scalps taken from the + hated whites. In short, this Indian, a sort of chief by birth, though of + what tribe no one exactly knew, appeared to live only to revenge the + wrongs done his color by the intruders, who had come from toward the + rising sun to drive his people into the great salt lake on the other side + of the Rocky Mountains. Of course there was a good deal that was + questionable in these reports; a rumor in the “openings” and on the + prairies, having this general resemblance to those that circulate in town, + and in drawing-rooms, and at feasts, that no one of them all can be relied + on as rigidly exact. But le Bourdon was still young, and had yet to learn + how little of that which we all hear is true, and how very much is false. + Nevertheless, as an Indian tradition is usually more accurate than a white + man's written history, so is a rumor of the forest generally entitled to + more respect than the ceaseless gossipings of the beings who would be + affronted were they not accounted civilized. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter was still on the elevated bit of ground, making his + observations, when he was joined by Margery. The girl appeared fresh and + handsome, after a night of sleep, and coming from her dressing-room in a + thicket, and over a stream of sweet running water; but she was sad and + thoughtful. No sooner had le Bourdon shaken her hand, and repeated his + thanks for the succor of the past night, than the full heart of Margery + poured out its feelings, as the swollen stream overflows its banks, and + began to weep. + </p> + <p> + “Brother is awake,” she said, as soon as her sobs were quieted by a + powerful effect; “but, as is usual with him after hard drinking, so + stupid, that Dolly cannot make him understand our danger. He tells her he + has seen too many Injins to be afraid of these, and that they will never + harm a family that has brought so much liquor into their country.” + </p> + <p> + “His senses must be at a low ebb, truly, if he counts on Injin friendship + because he has sold fire-water to the young men!” answered le Bourdon, + with a nice understanding of not only Indian nature, but of human nature. + “We may like the sin, Margery, while we detest the tempter. I have never + yet met with the man, pale-face or red-skin, who did not curse, in his + sober moments, the hand that fed his appetite while intoxicated.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say that may be very true,” returned the girl, in a low voice; + “but one has need of his reason to understand it. What will become of us + now, it is hard to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, now, Margery, more than yesterday, or the day before?” + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday there were no savages near us, and Gershorn had all along told + us he intended to start for the garrison at the head of the lake, as soon + as he got back from his visit to the openings. He is back; but not in a + state to protect his wife and sister from the red man, who will be looking + for us as soon as they can build a canoe, or anything that will do to + cross the river with.” + </p> + <p> + “Had they even a canoe,” returned le Bourdon, coolly, “they would not know + where to look for us. Thank Heaven! that will be a job that would take + some time; nor is a bark canoe built in a minute. But, Margery, if your + brother be a little dull and heavy, after his debauch, <i>I</i> am sober, + and as much awake as ever I was in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you have no weakness like that of poor brother's, to make you + otherwise; but, Bourdon, you will naturally wish to take care of yourself + and your property, and will quit us the first good opportunity. I'm sure + that we have no right to expect you will stay a minute longer than it is + your interest to do so, and I do not know that I wish it.” + </p> + <p> + “Not wish it, Margery!” exclaimed the bee-hunter, in the manner of a + disappointed man. “I had supposed you would have wished my company. But, + now I know the contrary, I shall not much care how soon I go, or into + whose hands I fall.” + </p> + <p> + It is strange how apt are those who ought to understand one another so + readily, to misinterpret each other's thoughts. Margery had never seen the + bee-hunter twenty-four hours before, though she had often heard of him, + and of his success in his art; for the fame of a man of good reputation + and active qualities spreads far on a frontier. The very individual whose + existence would be nearly overlooked in a crowded region, shall be spoken + of, and known by his qualities, a hundred leagues from his place of + residence, when settlements are few and far apart. In this way, Margery + had heard of Boden, or of “Bourdon,” as she called him, in common with + hundreds who, confounding his real name with his sobriquet, made the + mistake of using the last under the impression that it was the true + appellation. Margery had no other knowledge of French than the few words + gleaned in her slow progress among a frontier on which, it is true, more + of that language than of any other was heard, but heard under + circumstances that were not particularly favorable to the acquisition of a + foreign tongue. Had she understood the real meaning of “Bourdon,” she + would have bitten off her tongue before she would have once called Boden + by such an appellation; though the bee-hunter himself was so accustomed to + his Canadian nickname as to care nothing at all about it. But Margery did + not like to give pain to any one; and, least of all, would she desire to + inflict it on the bee-hunter, though he were only an acquaintance of a + day. Still, Margery could not muster sufficient courage to tell her new + friend how much he was mistaken, and that of all the youths she had ever + met she would most prefer to keep him near her brother and sister in their + distress; while the young man, inspired by a pure and infant passion, was + just in the frame of mind to believe the worst of himself, and of his + claims to the attention of her who had begun to occupy so many of his + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + No explanation occurring, our young people descended from the hill, + misconceiving each other's meaning and wishes, and unhappy under the + influence of an ideal source of misery, when actual circumstances created + so many that were substantial and real. Gershom was found awake, but, as + his sister had described him, stupid and lethargic. The bee-hunter at once + saw that, in his present condition, Whiskey Centre would still be an + incumbrance rather than of any service, in the event of an occasion for + extraordinary exertion. Margery had hinted that it usually took + twenty-four hours to bring her brother entirely round, after one of his + serious debauches; and within that time it was more than probable that the + fate of the family would be decided. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon thought intently, during breakfast, of the condition of his + party, and of the best mode of proceeding, while the pallid and anxious + young creature at his side believed he was deliberating solely on the best + means of extricating himself and his store of honey, from the savages on + the other shore. Had the acquaintance between these young people been of + longer date than it actually was, Margery could not have entertained a + notion so injurious to the bee-hunter, for a single moment; but there was + nothing either violent, or depreciating, in supposing that one so near + being a total stranger would think first of himself and his own interests, + in the situation in which this young man was now placed. + </p> + <p> + Little was said during the meal. Dorothy was habitually silent; the result + of grief and care. As for her husband, he was too stupid to talk, though + usually somewhat garrulous; while the Indian seldom did two things at the + same time. This was the hour for acting; when that for talking should + arrive, he would be found equal to its duties. Pigeonswing could either + abstain from food, or could indulge in it without measure, just as + occasion offered. He had often gone for days without tasting a mouthful, + with the exception of a few berries, perhaps; and he had lain about the + camp-fire, a week at a time, gorging himself with venison, like an + anaconda. It is perhaps fortunate for the American Indian, that this + particular quality of food is so very easy of digestion, since his + excesses on it are notorious, and so common to his habits as almost to + belong to his nature. Death might otherwise often be the consequence. + </p> + <p> + When the breakfast was ended, it was time to consult about the future + course. As yet, the Pottawattamies had made no new discovery; but the + sagacity of the red man was ever to be feared, when it came to be merely a + question of finding his foe in a forest. + </p> + <p> + “We have obtained one advantage over the enemy,” said le Bourdon, “by + crossing the river. Water leaves no trail; even had Crowsfeather a canoe, + he might not know where to go in it, in order to find us.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat not so,” put in the Chippewa, a little dogmatically; “know we hab + canoe—know cross river in him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should they know this, Pigeonswing? We may have gone out upon the + lake, or we may have gone up in the oak openings again, for anything the + Pottawattamies can know to the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell you, not so. Know don't go on lake, cause wind blow. Know don't go + up river, cause dat hard work; know come here, cause dat easy. Injin like + to do what easy, and pale-face do just what Injin do. Crowsfeather make + raft, pretty soon; den he come look arter scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Margery, gently; “you had better load your canoe at once, and + go on the lake, while the savages cannot reach you. The wind is fair for + them that are to go north; and I have heard you say that you are bound to + Mackinaw.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall load my canoe, and I shall load yours, too, Margery; but I shall + not go away from this family, so long as any in it stand in need of my + services.” + </p> + <p> + “Brother will be able to help us by afternoon. He manages a canoe well, + when himself; so go, Bourdon, while you can. I dare say you have a mother + at home; or a sister perhaps a wife—” + </p> + <p> + “Neither,” interrupted the bee-hunter, with emphasis. “No one expects me; + no one has a right to expect me.” + </p> + <p> + The color stole into pretty Margery's cheeks as she heard these words, and + a ray of comfort gleamed on an imagination that, for the last hour, had + been portraying the worst. Still, her generous temper did not like the + idea of the bee-hunter's sacrificing himself for those who had so few + claims on him, and she could not but again admonish him of the necessity + of losing no time. + </p> + <p> + “You will think better of this, Bourdon,” the girl resumed. “We are going + south, and cannot quit the river with this wind, but you could not have a + better time to go north, unless the wind blows harder than I think it + does.” + </p> + <p> + “The lake is a bad water for a canoe, when there is much wind,” put in + Gershom, yawning after he had spoken, as if the effort fatigued him, “I + wonder what we're all doing over on this side of the river! Whiskey Centre + is a good enough country for me; I'm going back to look arter my casks, + now I've breakfasted. Come, Doll; let's load up, and be off.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not yourself yet, Gershom,” returned the sorrowful wife, “or you + would not talk in this way. You had better listen to the advice of + Bourdon, who has done so much for us already, and who will tell you the + way to keep out of Injin clutches. We owe our lives to Bourdon, Gershom, + and you should thank him for it.” + </p> + <p> + Whiskey Centre muttered a few half intelligible words of thanks, and + relapsed into his state of drowsy indifference. The bee-hunter saw, + however, that the effects of the brandy were leaving him, and he managed + to get him on one side, where he persuaded the fellow to strip and go into + the water. The bath did wonders for the poor creature, who soon got to be + so far himself again, as to be of use, instead of being an incumbrance. + When sober, and more especially when sober for several consecutive days, + Gershom was a man of sufficient energy, possessing originally great + personal strength and activity, which had been essentially lessened, + however, by his excesses in liquor. It has already been stated what a + different being he became, in a moral point of view, after having been + sober for any length of time. + </p> + <p> + On his return from the bathing, le Bourdon again joined the females. + Margery had been weeping; but she smiled in a friendly way, on meeting his + eye, and appeared less anxious for his departure than she had been an hour + before. As the day advanced, and no signs of the savages were seen, a + sense of greater security began to steal over the females, and Margery saw + less necessity for the departure of their new friend. It was true, he was + losing a wind; but the lake was rough, and after all it might be better to + wait. In short, now that no immediate danger was apparent, Margery began + to reason in conformity with her wishes, as is so apt to be the case with + the young and inexperienced. The bee-hunter perceived this change in the + deportment of his fair friend, and was well enough disposed to hope it + would admit of a favorable construction. + </p> + <p> + All this time, the Chippewa had taken little visible interest in the state + of the party to which he had now attached himself. The previous evening + had been fertile in excitement and in gratification, and he had since + slept and ate to his entire content. He was ready to meet events as they + might arise, and began to plot the means of obtaining more Pottawattamie + scalps. Let not the refined reader feel disdisgust at this exhibition of + the propensities of an American savage. Civilized life has had, and still + has, very many customs, little less excusable than that of scalping. + Without dragging into the account the thousand and one sins that disgrace + and deform society, it will be sufficient to look into the single interest + of civilized warfare, in order to make out our case. In the first place, + the noblest strategy of the art is, to put the greatest possible force on + the least of the enemy, and to slay the weaker party by the mere power of + numbers. Then, every engine that ingenuity can invent, is drawn into the + conflict; and rockets, revolvers, shells, and all other infernal devices, + are resorted to, in order to get the better of an enemy who is not + provided with such available means of destruction. And after the battle is + over, each side commonly claims the victory; sometimes, because a partial + success has been obtained in a small portion of the field; sometimes, + because half a dozen horses have run away with a gun, carrying it into the + hostile ranks; and, again, because a bit of rag has fallen from the hands + of a dead man, and been picked up by one of the opposing side. How often + has it happened that a belligerent, well practised in his art, has kept + his own colors out of the affair, and then boasted that they were not + lost! Now, an Indian practises no such shameless expedients. His point of + honor is not a bit of rag, but a bit of his skin. He shaves his head + because the hair encumbers him; but he chivalrously leaves a scalp-lock, + by the aid of which his conquerors can the more easily carry away the + coveted trophy. The thought of cheating in such a matter never occurs to + his unsophisticated mind; and as for leaving his “colors” in barracks, + while he goes in the field himself, he would disdain it—nay, cannot + practise it; for the obvious reason that his head would have to be left + with them. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was with Pigeonswing. He had made his toilet for the war-path, and + was fierce in his paint, but honest and fair-dealing in other particulars. + If he could terrify his enemies by looking like a skeleton, or a demon, it + was well; his enemy would terrify him, if possible, by similar means. But + neither would dream, or did dream, of curtailing, by a single hair, that + which might be termed the flag-staff of his scalp. If the enemy could + seize it, he was welcome to the prize; but if he could seize that of the + enemy, no scruples on the score of refinement, or delicacy, would be apt + to interfere with his movements. It was in this spirit, then, that + Pigeonswing came to the canoe, where le Bourdon was holding a little + private discourse with Margery, and gave utterance to what was passing in + his mind. + </p> + <p> + “Good time, now, get more scalps, Bourdon,” said the Chippewa, in his + clipping, sententious English. + </p> + <p> + “It is a good time, too, to keep our own, Chippewa,” was the answer. “Your + scalp-lock is too long, to be put before Pottawattamie eyes without good + looking after it.” + </p> + <p> + “Nebber mind him—if go, go; if stay, stay. Always good for warrior + to bring home scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I know your customs in this respect, Pigeonswing, but ours are + different. We are satisfied if we can keep out of harm's way, when we have + our squaws and pappooses with us.” + </p> + <p> + “No pappooses here,” returned the Indian, looking around him—“dat + your squaw, eh?” + </p> + <p> + The reader can readily imagine that this abrupt question brought blushes + into the cheeks of pretty Margery, making her appear ten times more + handsome than before; while even le Bourdon did not take the interrogatory + wholly undisturbed. Still, the latter answered manfully, as became his + sex. + </p> + <p> + “I am not so fortunate as to have a squaw, and least of all to have this” + said le Bourdon. + </p> + <p> + “Why no hab her—she good squaw,” returned the literal-minded Indian—“han'some + 'nough for chief. You ask; she hab—now squaw well—always like + warrior to ask him fuss; den say, yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, that may do with your red-skin squaws,” le Bourdon hastily replied; + for he saw that Margery was not only distressed, but a little displeased—“but + not with the young women of the pale-faces. I never saw Margery before + last evening; and it takes time for a pale-face girl to know a youth.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so wid red-skin—sometime don't know, till too late! See plenty + dat, in wigwam.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is very much in the wigwams as it is in the houses. I have heard + this before.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not same?—skin make no difference—pale-face spile squaw, + too—make too much of her.” + </p> + <p> + “That can never be!” exclaimed le Bourdon, earnestly. “When a pretty, + modest, warm-hearted young woman accepts a youth for a husband, he can + never make enough of her!” + </p> + <p> + On hearing sentiments so agreeable to a woman's ears, Margery looked down, + but she looked pleased. Pigeonswing viewed the matter very differently; + and being somewhat of a partisan in matters relating to domestic economy, + he had no thought of leaving a point of so much importance in so bad a + way. Accordingly, it is not surprising that, in pursuing the subject, he + expressed opinions in several essentials diametrically the reverse of + those of the bee-hunter. + </p> + <p> + '“Easy 'nough spile squaw,” rejoined the Chippewa. “What she good for, + don't make her work? Can't go on the warpath—can't take scalp—can't + shoot deer—can't hunt—can't kill warrior—so muss work. + Dat what squaw good for.” + </p> + <p> + “That may do among red men, but we pale-faces find squaws good for + something else—we love them and take care of them—keep them + from the cold in winter, and from the heat in summer; and try to make them + as comfortable and happy as we can.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat good talk for young squaw's ears,” returned the Chippewa, a little + contemptuously as to manner; though his real respect for the bee-hunter, + of whose prowess he had so lately been a witness, kept him a little within + bounds “but it bess not take nobody in. What Injin say to squaw, he do—what + pale-face say, he no do.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that true, Bourdon?” demanded Margery, laughing at the Indian's + earnestness. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be honest, and own that there may be some truth in it—for + the Injin promises nothing, or next to nothing, and it is easy to square + accounts, in such cases. That white men undertake more than they always + perform, is quite likely to be the fact The Injin gets his advantage in + this matter, by not even thinking of treating his wife as a woman should + be treated.” + </p> + <p> + “How should treat woman?” put in Pigeonswing with warmth. “When warrior + eat venison, gib her rest, eh? Dat no good—what you call good, den? + If good hunter husband, she get 'nough—if an't good hunter, she + don't get 'nough. Just so wid Injin—sometime hungry, sometime full. + Dat way to live!” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, that may be your red man's ways, but it is not the manner in which + we wish to treat our wives. Ask pretty Margery, here, if she would be + satisfied to wait until her husband had eaten his dinner, and then come in + for the scraps. No-no-Pigeonswing; we feed our women and children first + and come in last, ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat good for pappoose—he little; want venison—squaw tough; + use to wait. Do her good.” + </p> + <p> + Margery now laughed outright, at these specimens of Indian gallantry, + which only too well embody the code of the red man's habits. Doubtless the + heart has its influence among even the most savage people, for nature has + not put into our breasts feelings and passions to be discarded by one's + own expedients, or wants. But no advocate of the American Indian has ever + yet been able to maintain that woman fills her proper place in his + estimate of claims. As for Margery, though so long subject to the whims, + passions and waywardness of a drunkard, she had reaped many of the + advantages of having been born in that woman's paradise, New England. We + are no great admirers of the legacy left by the Puritan to his + descendants, taken as an inheritance in morals, manners, and customs, and + as a whole; though there are parts, in the way of codicils, that there is + no portion of the Christian world which might not desire to emulate. In + particular, do we allude to the estimate put upon, and the treatment + received by their women. Our allusion is not to the refinements and + gracefulness of polished intercourse; for of THEM, the Blarney Rock of + Plymouth has transmitted but a meagre account in the inventory, and + perhaps the less that is said about this portion of the family property + the better; but, dropping a few degrees in the social scale, and coming + down to the level where we are accustomed to regard people merely as men + and women, we greatly question if any other portion of the world can + furnish a parallel to the manly, considerate, rational, and wisely + discriminating care, that the New England husband, as the rule, bestows on + his wife; the father on his daughter; or the brother on his sister. + Gershom was a living, and, all things considered, a remarkable instance of + these creditable traits. When sober, he was uniformly kind to Dorothy; and + for Margery he would at any time risk his life. The latter, indeed, had + more power over him than his own wife possessed, and it was her will and + her remonstrances that most frequently led him back from the verge of that + precipice over which he was so often disposed to cast himself. By some + secret link she bound him closest to the family dwelling, and served most + to recall the days of youth and comparative innocence, when they dwelt + together beneath the paternal roof, and were equally the objects of the + affection and solicitude of the same kind mother. His attachment to + Dorothy was sincere, and, for one so often brutalized by drink, steady; + but Dorothy could not carry him as far back, in recollections, as the one + only sister who had passed the morning of life with him, in the same + homely but comfortable abode. + </p> + <p> + We have no disposition to exaggerate the character of those whom it is the + fashion to term the American yeomen, though why such an appellation should + be applied to any in a state of society to which legal distinctions are + unknown, is what we could never understand. There are no more of esquires + and yeomen in this country than there are of knights and nobles, though + the quiet manner in which the transition from the old to the new state of + things has been made, has not rendered the public mind very sensible to + the changes. But, recurring to the class, which is a positive thing and + consequently ought to have a name of some sort or other, we do not belong + to those that can sound its praises without some large reservations on the + score of both principles and manners. Least of all, are we disposed to set + up these yeomen as a privileged class, like certain of the titular + statesmen of the country, and fall down and worship a calf—not a + golden one by the way—of our own setting up. We can see citizens in + these yeomen, but not princes, who are to be especially favored by laws + made to take from others to bestow on them. But making allowances for + human infirmities, the American freeholder belongs to a class that may + justly hold up its head among the tillers of the earth. He improves daily, + under the influence of beneficent laws, and if he don't get spoiled, of + which there is some danger, in the eagerness of factions to secure his + favor, and through that favor his VOTE—if he escape this danger, he + will ere long make a reasonably near approach to that being, which the + tongue of the flatterer would long since have persuaded him he had already + more than got to be. + </p> + <p> + To one accustomed to be treated kindly, as was the case with Margery, the + Chippewa's theory for the management of squaws contained much to excite + her mirth, as well as her resentment, as she now made apparent by her + remarks. + </p> + <p> + “You do not deserve to HAVE a wife, Pigeonswing,” she cried, + half-laughing, yet evidently alive to the feelings of her sex—“can + have no gratitude for a wife's tenderness and care. I wonder that a + Chippewa girl can be found to have you?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't want him,” coolly returned the Indian, making his preparations to + light his pipe—“got Winnebagoe squaw, already; good 'nough for me. + Shoot her t'other husband and take his scalp—den she come into my + wigwam.” + </p> + <p> + “The wretch!” exclaimed Margery. + </p> + <p> + But this was a word the savage did not understand, and he continued to + puff at the newly lighted tobacco, with all of a smoker's zeal. When the + fire was secured, he found time to continue the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dat good war-path—got rifle; got wife; got TWO scalp! Don't do + so well, ebbery day.” + </p> + <p> + “And that woman hoes your corn, and cooks your venison?” demanded the + bee-hunter. + </p> + <p> + “Sartain—capital good to hoe—no good to cook—make deer + meat too dry. Want to be made to mind business. Bye'm by teach him. No + l'arn all at once, like pale-face pappoose in school.” + </p> + <p> + “Pigeonswing, have you never observed the manner in which the white man + treats his squaw?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain—see him make much of her—put her in warm corner—wrap + blanket round her—give her venison 'fore he eat himself—see + all dat, often—what den? DAT don't make it right.” + </p> + <p> + “I give you up, Chippewa, and agree with Margery in thinking you ought not + to have a squaw, at all.” + </p> + <p> + “T'ink alike, den—why no get marry?” asked the Indian, without + circumlocution. + </p> + <p> + Margery's face became red as fire; then her cheeks settled into the color + of roses, and she looked down, embarrassed. The bee-hunter's admiration + was very apparent to the Indian, though the girl did not dare to raise her + eyes from the ground, and so did not take heed of it. But this gossiping + was suddenly brought to an end by a most unexpected cause of interruption; + the manner and form of which it shall be our office to relate, in the + succeeding chapter. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + So should it be—for no heart beats + Within his cold and silent breast; + To him no gentle voice repeats + The soothing words that make us blest. + —PEABODY. +</pre> + <p> + The interruption came from Dorothy, who, on ascending the little height, + had discovered a canoe coming into the mouth of the river, and who was + running, breathless with haste, to announce the circumstance to the + bee-hunter. The latter immediately repaired to the eminence, and saw for + himself the object that so justly had alarmed the woman. The canoe was + coming in from the lake, after running before the wind, which now began to + abate a little in its strength, and it evidently had been endeavoring to + proceed to the northward. The reason for its entering the river, was + probably connected with the cookery or food of the party, since the lake + was each minute getting to be safer, and more navigable for so light a + craft. To le Bourdon's great apprehension, he saw the savages on the north + shore making signal to this strange canoe, by means of smoke, and he + foresaw the probability of his enemies obtaining the means of crossing the + stream, should the strangers proceed in the desired direction. To + counteract this design, he ran down to a spot on the beach where there was + no rice-plant, and showing himself to the strangers, invited them to land + on the south side, which was much the nearest, and in other visible + respects quite as convenient as the opposite bank of the river. One of the + strangers soon made a gesture with an arm, implying assent, and the bows + of this strange canoe were immediately turned toward the spot where the + bee-hunter stood. + </p> + <p> + As the canoe drew near, the whole party, including Pigeonswing, came to + the margin of the water to receive the strangers. Of the last, there were + three; one paddling at each end of the light bark, and a third seated in + its centre, doing nothing. As the bee-hunter had his glass, with which he + examined these visitors, he was soon questioned by his companions + concerning their character and apparent purposes. + </p> + <p> + “Who are they, Bourdon?” demanded the impatient Margery—“and why do + they come here?” + </p> + <p> + “The last is a question they must answer for themselves, but the person + paddling in the bows of the canoe seems to be a white man, and a soldier—or + a half-soldier, if one may judge from his dress. The man in the middle of + the canoe is white, also. This last fellow seems to be a parson—yes, + he is a clergyman, though pretty well used up in the wilderness, as to + dress. The third man is a red-skin, beyond all doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “A clergyman!” repeated Margery, in surprise. “What should a clergyman be + doing here?” + </p> + <p> + “There are missionaries scattered about among the savages, I suppose you + know, and this is probably one of them. A body can tell one of these + parsons by his outside, as far as he can see him. The poor man has heard + of the war, most likely, and is trying to get back into the settlements, + while his scalp is safe on his head.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't hurt HIM” put in the Chippewa, pointedly. “Know MEAN well—talk + about Great Spirit—Injin don't scalp sich medicine-men—if + don't mind what he say, no good to take his scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad to hear this, Pigeonswing, for I had begun to think NO man's + scalp was safe under YOUR fingers. But what can the so'ger be doing down + this-away? A body would think there was business enough for all the + so'gers up at the garrison, at the head of the lake. By the way, + Pigeonswing, what has become of your letter to the captain at Fort + Dearborn, to let him know of the war?” + </p> + <p> + “Chaw him up, like so much 'baccy,” answered the Chippewa—“yes, chaw + him up, lest Pottawattamie get hold on him, and ask one of King George's + men to read him. No good to hab letter in sich times.” + </p> + <p> + “The general who employed you to carry that letter, will scarce thank you + for your care.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he do—t'ank all same—pay all same—letter no use + now.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you know that? The letter might be the means of preventing the + garrison from falling into the enemy's hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Got dere, already. Garrison all kill, scalp, or prisoner. Pottawattamie + talk tell me DAT!” + </p> + <p> + “Is this possible! Mackinaw and Chicago both gone, already! John Bull must + have been at work among the savages a long time, to get them into this + state of readiness!” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain—work long as can 'member. ALWAY somebody talkin' for great + Montreal Fadder among red men.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be as you say, Chippewa—but, here are our visitors—let + us see what we can make of THEM!” + </p> + <p> + By this time, the canoe was so near as to render it easy to distinguish + countenances and dress, without the aid of the glass—so near, + indeed, that a swift-moving boat, like the canoe, might be expected soon + to reach the shore. The truth of the observation of the bee-hunter was + confirmed, as the strangers approached. The individual in the bows of the + canoe was clearly a soldier, in a fatigue-dress, and the musket between + his legs was one of those pieces that government furnishes to the troops + of the line. The man in the middle of the boat could no more be mistaken + than he in its bows. Each might be said to be in uniform—the + well-worn, nay, almost threadbare black coat of the “minister,” as much + denoting him to be a man of peace, as the fatigue-jacket +and cap on the person of his hard-featured and weather-beaten companion +indicated that the last was a man of war. As for the red man, +Pigeonswing declared that he could not yet tell his tribe, though there +was that about his air, attire and carriage, that proclaimed him a +chief—and, as the Chippewa fancied, a chief of note. In another minute, +the bows of the light craft grated gently on the shingle of the beach. +</p> + <p> +“Sago, sago,” said the soldier, rising to step ashore--“sago all, +friends, and I hope we come to a welcome camp.” + </p> + <p> +“You are welcome,” returned the bee-hunter. “Welcome as strangers met in +the wilderness, but more welcome, as I see by your dress that you are a +veteran of one of Uncle Sam's regiments.” + </p> + <p> +“Quite true, Mr. Bee-hunter; for such I see is _your_ callin', by the +honey vessel and glass you carry, and by the other signs about you. We +are travelling toward Mackinaw, and hope to fere as friends, while we +stay in your good company.” + </p> + <p> +“In going to Mackinaw, do you expect to meet with an _American or an +English_ garrison ?” + </p> + <p> +“One of our own, to be sure,” returned the soldier, looking up from his +work, like one struck by the question. +</p> + <p> +“Mackinaw has fallen, and is now an English post, as well as Chicago.” + </p> + <p> +“This, then, must alter our plans, Mr. Amen !” exclaimed the soldier, +addressing the minister. “If the enemy has Mackinaw, it will not do for +us to trust ourselves on the island.” + </p> + <p> +“Amen” was not the real name of the missionary ; but it was a +_sobriquet_ bestowed by the soldiers, on account of the unction with +which this particular word was ordinarily pronounced, and quite likely, +too, because it was the word of all others most pleasant to their ears, +after a sermon, or a prayer. It had, by long use, got to be so familiar, +that the men did not scruple to use it to the good man's face. This +missionary was a Methodist ; a sect that possessed, in that day, very +few clergymen of education, most of its divines coming of a class in +life that did not predispose them to take offence at light invasions on +their dignity, and whose zeal and habitual self-denial had schooled them +into a submission to far more positive personal privations, than any +connected with the mere tongue. That there are “wolves in sheep's +clothing” among the Methodists, as well as among the other religious +sects of the country, our daily experience shows ; but the mind must be +sadly inclined to believe evil of others, which does not see in the +humble and untiring efforts of this particular sect of Christians, more +than mere fanaticism or hypocrisy can produce. +</p> + <p> +“You are right, corporal,” returned the missionary ; “since this is the +case, I see no better course for us to pursue, than to put ourselves +altogether in the hands of Onoah. He has counselled us well, hitherto, +and will do better by us than any other guide to be found, out in this +wilderness.” + </p> + <p> +Le Bourdon could scarcely trust his sense of hearing ! Onoah was the +Indian appellation of the terrible and most dreaded savage, who, in +English, went by the name of Scalping Peter, or “Scalping Pete,” among +all the white dwellers on that frontier, and at all the garrisons of the +Americans, far and near. The Indian name, indeed, was said to mean +“scalp,” in several of the dialects of the Iroquois. Perhaps it may be +well, also, to explain here, that the term “garrison” did not imply, in +the language of that region, the troops only who garrisoned a post, but +it was even oftener applied to the post itself than to those who held +it. Thus old, empty, and deserted forts, those that have actually been +abandoned, and are devoted to decay, are almost universally styled the +“garrisons,” even though a soldier had not put foot in them for a quarter +of a century. This is one of the proofs of the convertible nature of our +language, of which the country affords so many, and which has changed +the smaller-sized rivers into “creeks,” “lakes” into “ponds,” “squares” + into “parks,” public promenades on the water into into “batteries”; + to all of which innovations, bad as they may be, and useless and uncalled + for, and wanton as they are, we are much more willing to submit, than to + the new-fangled and lubberly abomination of saying “ON a steamboat,” or + “ON a ship.” + </p> + <p> + While le Bourdon was so much astounded at hearing the terrible name of + Onoah, which was familiar enough to him, neither of his white companions + betrayed any emotion. Had the Indian been termed “Scalping Peter,” it is + probable that both Dorothy and Margery would have screamed, if not + actually fled; but they knew nothing of the appellation that was given to + this mysterious chief, in the language of the red men. To this + circumstance, therefore, was it owing that the utterance of his name did + not produce a general commotion. The bee-hunter observed, nevertheless, a + great change in the demeanor of the Chippewa, the instant the missionary + had uttered the ominous word, though he did not seem to be alarmed. On the + contrary, Boden fancied that his friend Pigeonswing was pleased, rather + than terrified, at ascertaining the character of their visitor, though he + no longer put himself forward, as had been the case previously; and from + that moment the young warrior appeared to carry himself in a more subdued + and less confident manner than was his wont. This unexpected demeanor on + the part of his friend, somewhat confounded le Bourdon, though it in a + degree relieved his apprehensions of any immediate danger. All this time, + the conversation between the missionary and the corporal went on in as + quiet and composed a manner, as if each saw no ground for any other + uneasiness than that connected with the fall of Mackinaw. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” returned the soldier, “Onoah is a good guide, and a great hand + at a council-fire; but these is war-times, and we must stand to our arms, + each accordin' to his edication and temper—you, sir, with preachin' + and prayin', and I with gun and baggonet.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! corporal, the preaching and praying would be of quite as much account + with you men of war, as your arms and ammunition, if you could only be + made to think so. Look at Fort Dearborn! It was defended by human means, + having its armed band, and its guns and swords, and captains and + corporals; yet you have seen their pride lowered, their means of defence + destroyed, and a large part of your comrades massacred. All this has been + done to armed men, while the Lord has brought ME, an unarmed and humble + teacher of his word, safely out of the hands of the Philistines, and + placed me here in safety, on the shores of the Kalamazoo.” + </p> + <p> + “For that matter, Mr. Amen, the Lord has done the same by ME, with a + musket on my shoulder and a baggonet by my side,” returned the literal + corporal. “Preachin' may be good on some marches; but arms and ammunition + answers well enough on others. Hearken to the Hebrew, who knows all the + ways of the wilderness, and see if he don't give you the same opinion.” + “The Hebrew is one of the discarded of the Lord, as he is one chosen of + the Lord!” returned the missionary. “I agree with you, however, that he is + as safe an adviser, for a human adviser, as can be easily found; therefore + will I consult him. Child of the seed of Abraham,” he added, turning to + Onoah, “thou hast heard the tidings from Mackinaw; we cannot think, any + longer, of pursuing our journey in that direction; whither, then, wouldst + thou advise that we shall direct our steps? I ask this question of THEE + first, as an experienced and sagacious dweller in the wilderness: at a + more fitting time, I intend to turn to the Lord, and seek divine aid for + the direction of our footsteps.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” observed the corporal, who entertained a good deal of respect for + the zealous, but slightly fanatical missionary, though he believed an + Indian was always safe to consult in matters of this sort, “try BOTH—if + one staff should fail, it may be well to have another to lean on. A good + soldier always keeps a part of his troops for a reserve. I motto of his + coat of arms; the “gare a qui la touchc,” or “noli me tangere,” of his + device.” + </p> + <p> + The head was shaved, as is usual with a warrior, carrying only the + chivalrous scalp-lock, but the chief was not in his paint. The outline of + this celebrated savage's features was bold and eagle-like; a comparison + that his steady, calm, piercing eye well sustained. The chin was full and + expanded, the lips compressed and firm, the teeth were short, but even and + sound, his smile courteous, and, at times, winning. + </p> + <p> + In the way of attire, Onoah was simply dressed, consulting the season and + his journey. He had a single eagle's feather attached to the scalp-lock, + and wore a belt of wampum of more than usual value, beneath which he had + thrust his knife and tomahawk; a light, figured and fringed hunting-shirt + of cotton covered his body, while leggings of deerskin, with a plain + moccasin of similar material, rose to his knee. The latter, with the lower + part of a stout sinewy thigh, was bare. He also carried a horn and pouch, + and a rifle of the American rather than of the military fashion that is, + one long, true, and sighted to the deviation of a hair. + </p> + <p> + On landing, Peter (for so he was generally called by the whites, when in + courtesy they omitted the prefix of “Scalping”) courteously saluted the + party assembled around the bow of the canoe. This he did with a grave + countenance, like a true American, but in simple sincerity, so far as + human eye could penetrate his secret feelings. To each man he offered his + hand, glancing merely at the two females; though it may be questioned if + he ever before had looked upon so perfect a picture of female loveliness + as Margery at that precise instant presented, with her face flushed with + excitement, her spirited blue eye wandering with curiosity, and her + beautiful mouth slightly parted in admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Sago, sago!” said Peter, in his deep, guttural enunciation, speaking + reasonably good English. “Sago, sago all, ole and young, friend come to + see you, and eat in your wigwam—which head—chief, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “We have neither wigwam nor chief here,” answered le Bourdon, though he + almost shrunk from taking the hand of one of whom he had heard the tales + of which this savage had been the hero; “we are common people, and have no + one among us who holds the States' commission. I live by taking honey, of + which you are welcome to all you can want, and this man is a helper of the + sutlers at the garrisons. He was travelling south to join the troops at + the head of the lake, and I was going north to Mackinaw, on my way in, + toward the settlements.” + </p> + <p> + “Why is my brother in such haste?” demanded Peter, mildly. “Bees get tired + of making honey?” + </p> + <p> + “The times are troubled, and the red men have dug up the hatchet; a + pale-face cannot tell when his wigwam is safe.” + </p> + <p> + “Where my brodder wigwam?” asked Peter, looking warily around him. “See he + an't here; where is he?” + </p> + <p> + “Over in the openings, far up the Kalamazoo. We left it last week, and had + got to the hut on the other shore, when a party of Pottawattamies came in + from the lake, and drove us over here for safety.” + </p> + <p> + On hearing this, Peter turned slowly to the missionary, raising a finger + as one makes a gesture to give emphasis to his words. + </p> + <p> + “Tole you so,” said the Indian. “Know dere was Pottawattamie dere. Can + tell 'em great way off.” + </p> + <p> + “We fear them, having women in our party,” added the bee-hunter, “and + think they might fancy our scalps.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat like enough; all Injin love scalp in war-time. You Yankee, dey + Br'ish; can't travel on same path now, and not quarrel. Must not let + Pottawattamie catch you.” + </p> + <p> + “How are we to help it, now you have come in? We had all the canoes on + this side of the river, and were pretty safe, but should you cross and + place your canoe in their hands, there is nothing to prevent them from + doing what they please with us. If you will promise not to cross the river + till we can get out well on the lake, we may shift our ground, however, + and leave no trail.” + </p> + <p> + “Muss cross over—yes, muss cross over, else Pottawattamie t'ink it + strange—yes, muss cross over. Shan't touch canoe, dough.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you help it, if they be so minded? You are but a single man, and + they are twenty.” + </p> + <p> + On hearing this, Corporal Flint pricked up his ears, and stood if possible + more erect than ever, for he considered himself a part of a man at least, + and one moreover who had served in all the wars of the west, from the + great battle of St. Glair to that of Mad Anthony. He was spared the + necessity of a reply, however, for Peter made a significant gesture which + as much as told him that he would take that office on himself. + </p> + <p> + “No need be afeard,” said Peter, quietly. “Know Pottawattamie—know + all chief. Nobody touch canoe of Onoah when he say don't touch him.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet they are Injins of the British, and I see you here in company with a + soldier of Uncle Sam.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter; Onoah go just where he please. Sometime to Pottawattamie; + sometime to Iroquois. All Ojebways know Onoah. All Six Nation know him + well. All Injin know him. Even Cherokee know him now, and open ears when + he speak. Muss cross river, and shake hand with Crowsfeather.” + </p> + <p> + There was nothing boastful, or vaunting, in Peter's manner while he thus + announced his immunity or power, but he alluded to it in a quiet, natural + way, like one accustomed to being considered a personage of consequence. + Mankind, in general, make few allowances for the influence of habit; the + sensibilities of the vainglorious themselves being quite as often wounded + by the most natural and direct allusions of those who enjoy advantages + superior to their own, as by those that are intended to provoke + comparisons. In the present instance, however, no such feeling could + exist, the Indian asserting no more than his extended reputation would + fully maintain. + </p> + <p> + When Peter had thus expressed himself, the missionary thought it meet to + add a few words in explanation. This he did, however, aside, walking a + little apart with the bee-hunter, in order so to do. As for Gershom, no + one seemed to think him of sufficient importance to throw away any + interest or care on him. + </p> + <p> + “You can trust to Peter, friend bee-hunter,” the missionary observed, “for + what he promises he will perform. I know him well, and have put myself + altogether in his hands. If he says that the Pottawattamies are not to + have his canoe, the Pottawattamies will not get it. He is a man to be + depended on.” + </p> + <p> + “Is not this, then, Scalping Peter, who bears so terrible a name on all + this frontier?” demanded le Bourdon. + </p> + <p> + “The same; but do not disturb yourself with names: they hurt no one, and + will soon be forgotten. A descendant of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of + Jacob, is not placed in the wilderness by the hand of divine power for no + purpose; since he is here, rely on it, it is for good.” + </p> + <p> + “A descendant of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob! Is not Peter, then, a + red-skin and an Injin?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; though no one knows his tribe but himself. I know it, friend + bee-hunter, and shortly shall proclaim it throughout the length and + breadth of the land. Yes, it has been given to me to make this important + discovery, though I sometimes think that Peter himself is really as + ignorant as all around him of the tribe to which he properly belongs.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish to keep it a secret from me, too? I own that, in my eyes, the + tribe of a red-skin goes a good way in making up my opinions of the man. + Is he a Winnebagoe?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my friend, the Winnebagoes have no claims on him at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor a Pottawattamie, Ottawa, or Ojebway of any sort?” + </p> + <p> + “He is none of these. Peter cometh of a nobler tribe than any that beareth + such names.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he is an Injin of the Six Nations? They tell me that many such + have found their way hither since the war of the revolution.” + </p> + <p> + “All that may be true, but Peter cometh not of Pottawattamie, Ottawa, nor + Ojebway.” + </p> + <p> + “He can hardly be of the Sacs or the Foxes; he has not the appearance of + an Injin from a region so far west.” + </p> + <p> + “Neither, neither, neither,” answered Parson Amen, now so full of his + secret as fairly to let it overflow. “Peter is a son of Israel; one of the + lost children of the land of Judea, in common with many of his red + brethren-mind, I do not say ALL, but with MANY of his red brethren—though + he may not know exactly of what tribe himself. This last point has + exercised me greatly, and days and nights have I pondered over the facts. + Turn to Genesis XLIX and 14th, and there will you find all the authorities + recorded. 'Zebulon shall dwell at the haven of the sea.' That refers to + some other red brother, nearer to the coast, most clearly. 'Issachar is a + strong ass, crouching down between two burdens'; 'and bowed his shoulder + to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.' That refers, most manifestly, + to the black man of the Southern States, and cannot mean Peter. 'Dan shall + be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path.' There is the red man for + you, drawn with the pencil of truth! 'Gad, a troop shall overcome him.' + Here, corporal, come this way and tell our new friend how Mad Anthony with + his troopers finally routed the red-skins. You were there, and know all + about it. No language can be plainer: until the 'long-knives and + leather-stockings' came into the woods, the red man had his way. Against + THEM he COULD not prevail.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” returned Corporal Flint, who delighted in talking of the wars, “it + was very much as Parson Amen says. The savages, by their nimbleness and + artifices, would first ambush us, and then break away from our charges, + until the gin'ral bethought him of bringing cavalry into the wilderness. + Nobody ever thought of such a plan, until old Anthony invented it. As soon + as we got the fire of the savages, at the Mawmee, we charged with the + baggonet, and put 'em up; and no sooner was they up, than away went the + horse into them, flourishing the 'long knife' and pressing the heel of the + 'leather-stocking' into the flanks of their beasts. Mr. Amen has found a + varse in Scriptur's that does come near to the p'int, and almost foretells + our victory, and that, too, as plain as it stood in dispatches, arterward, + from headquarters.” + </p> + <p> + “'Gad, a TROOP shall overcome him,'” put in the missionary, triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + “That's it—that's it; there was just one troop on 'em, and not a man + more! Mad Anthony said a troop would answer, arter we had put the + red-skins up out of their ambushes, or any other bushes; and so it did. I + must acknowledge that I think more of the Scriptur's than ever, since + Parson Amen read to me that varse.” + </p> + <p> + “Hearken unto this, friend bee-hunter,” added the missionary, who by this + time had fairly mounted his hobby, and fancied he saw a true Israelite in + every other Indian of the west, “and tell me if words were ever more + prophetic—'Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf; in the morning he shall + devour his prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.' The art of man + could not draw a more faithful picture of these Indians.” + </p> + <p> + Boden was not much skilled in sacred lore, and scarce knew what to make of + all this. The idea that the American Indians were the descendants of the + lost tribes of Israel was entirely new to him; nor did he know anything to + boast of, touching those tribes, even in their palmiest days, and while in + possession of the promised land; still he had some confused recollection + of that which he had read when a child—what American has not?—and + was enabled to put a question or two, in return for the information now + received. “What, do you take the savages of America for Jews?” he asked, + understanding the general drift of the missionary's meaning. + </p> + <p> + “As sure as you are there, friend bee-hunter, though you are not to + suppose that I think Peter Onoah of the tribe of Benjamin. No, I turn to + the 21st verse for the tribe of Peter Naphthali—Naphthalis, the root + of his stock. 'Naphthali is a hind, let loose: he giveth goodly words.' + Now, what can be plainer than this? A hind let loose is a deer running at + large, and, by a metaphor, that deer includes the man that hunts him. Now, + Peter has been—nay, is still—a renowned hunter, and is + intended to be enumerated among the hinds let loose; 'he giveth goodly + words,' would set that point at rest, if anything were wanting to put it + beyond controversy, for Onoah is the most eloquent speaker ear ever + listened to! No one, that has ever heard him speak, can doubt that he is + the one who 'giveth goodly words.'” + </p> + <p> + To what other circumstance the well-intentioned missionary would next have + alluded, in the course of this demonstration of a theory that had got to + be a favorite with him, is more than can now be related, since the Indian + himself drew near, and put an end to the conversation. Peter had made up + his mind to cross the river at once; and came to say as much to his + companions, both of whom he intended to leave behind him. Le Bourdon could + not arrest this movement, short of an appeal to force; and force he did + not like to use, doubting equally its justice and its prudence. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There is no other land like thee, No dearer shore; Thou art the shelter + of the free; The home, the port of liberty Thou hast been, and shall + ever be Till time is o'er. Ere I forget to think upon My land, shall + mother curse the son She bore. + —Percival. +</pre> + <p> + The independent, not to say controlling, manner of Peter, would seem to + put all remonstrances and arguments at defiance, Le Bourdon soon had + occasion to see that both the missionary and the corporal submitted to his + wishes, and that there was no use in gainsaying anything he proposed. In + all matters he did as he pleased; his two companions submitting to his + will as completely as if one of them had seen in this supposed child of + Israel, Joshua, the son of Nun, and the other even Aaron, the high-priest, + himself. + </p> + <p> + Peter's preparations were soon made. Everything belonging to the + missionary and the corporal was removed from the canoe, which then + contained only the extra clothing and the special property of the Indian + himself. As soon as ready, the latter quietly and fearlessly paddled away, + his canoe going easily and swiftly down before the wind. He had no sooner + got clear of the rice, than the bee-hunter and Margery ran away to the + eminence, to watch his movements, and to note his reception among the + Pottawattamies. Leaving them there, we shall accompany the canoe, in its + progress toward the northern shore. + </p> + <p> + At first, Peter paddled quietly on, as if he had no other object before + him than the passage of the river. When quite clear of the rice, however, + he ceased, and undid his bundle of clothes, which were carefully put away + in the knapsack of a soldier. From this repository of his effects, the + chief carefully drew forth a small bundle, on opening which, no less than + seven fresh human scalps appeared. These he arranged in order on a + wand-like pole, when, satisfied with the arrangement, he resumed the + paddle. It was apparent, from the first, that the Pottawattamies on the + north shore had seen the strange canoe when it entered the river, and they + now collected in a group, at the ordinary landing beneath the chiente, to + await its approach. Peter ceased his own exertion, as soon as he had got + within a hundred yards of the beach, took the scalp-pole in his hand, + arose, and permitted the canoe to drift down before the wind, certain it + would take the desired direction, from the circumstance of his having + placed it precisely to windward of the landing. Once or twice he slowly + waved the pole in a way to draw attention to the scalps, which were + suspended from its end, each obvious and distinct from its companions. + </p> + <p> + Napoleon, when he returned from the campaign of Austerlitz; or Wellington, + when he entered the House of Commons to receive the thanks of its speaker, + on his return from Spain; or the chief of all the battles of the Rio Bravo + del Norte; or him of the valley of Mexico, whose exploits fairly rival + those of Cortes himself, could scarcely be a subject of greater interest + to a body of spectators, assembled to do him honor, than was this + well-known Indian, as he drew near to the Pottawattamies, waving his + scalps, in significant triumph! Glory, as the homage paid by man to + military renown is termed, was the common impulse with them all. It is + true, that, measured by the standards of reason and right, the wise and + just might find motives for appreciating the victories of those named + differently from the manner in which they are usually regarded through the + atmosphere of success; but in the common mind it was all glory, alike. The + name of “Onoah” passed in murmurs of admiration, from mouth to mouth; for, + as it appeared, the person of this renowned Indian was recognized by many + on the shore, some time ere he reached it himself. + </p> + <p> + Crowsfeather, and the other chiefs, advanced to meet the visitor; the + young men standing in the background, in respectful admiration. Peter now + stepped from the canoe, and greeted each of the principal men with the + courteous gravity of a savage. He shook hands with each, calling one or + two by name, a proof of the parties having met before; then the following + dialogue occurred. All spoke in the tongue of the Pottawattamies, but, as + we have had occasion to remark on previous occasions, it is to be presumed + that the reader would scarcely be able to understand what was said, were + we to record it, word for word, in the language in which it was uttered. + In consequence of this difficulty, and for other reasons to which it may + not be necessary to allude, we shall endeavor to translate that which + passed, as closely as the English idioms will permit us so to do. + </p> + <p> + “My father is very welcome!” exclaimed Crowsfeather, who, by many degrees, + exceeded all his companions in consideration and rank. “I see he has taken + many scalps as is his practice, and that the pale-faces are daily getting + to be fewer. Will the sun ever rise on that day when their wigwams will + look like the branches of the oak in winter? Can my father give us any + hope of seeing that hour?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a long path from the salt-lake out of which the sun rises, to that + other salt-lake in which it hides itself at night. The sun sleeps each + night beneath water, but it is so hot that it is soon dried when it comes + out of its bed in the morning. This is the Great Spirit's doings, and not + ours. The sun is his sun; the Indians can warm themselves by it, but they + cannot shorten its journey a single tomahawk handle's length. The same is + true of time; it belongs to the Manitou, who will lengthen or shorten it, + as he may see fit. We are his children, and it is our duty to submit. He + has not forgotten us. He made us with his own hand, and will no more turn + us out of the land than a father will turn his child from the wigwam.” + </p> + <p> + “We hope this is so; but it does not seem thus to out poor weak eyes, + Onoah. We count the pale-faces, and every summer they grow fast as the + grass on the prairies. We can see more when the leaf falls than when the + tree is in bud; and, then, more when the leaf is in bud than when it + falls. A few moons will put a town where the pine stood, and wigwams drive + the wolves from their homes. In a few years we shall have nothing but dogs + to eat, if the pale-face dogs do not eat us.” + </p> + <p> + “Squaws are impatient, but men know how to wait. This land was given to + the red man by the Great Spirit, as I have often told you, my children; if + he has let in the pale-faces for a few winters, it is to punish us for + having done wrong. Now that we are sorry for what we have done, he will + help us to drive away the strangers, and give us the woods again to hunt + in by ourselves. Have not messengers from our Great Father in Montreal + been among the Pottawattamies to strengthen their hearts?” + </p> + <p> + “They are always whispering in the ears of our tribes. I cannot remember + the time when whispers from Montreal have not been among us. Their + blankets are warm, their fire-water is strong, their powder is good, and + their rifles shoot well; but all this does not stop the children of Uncle + Sam from being more at night than they were in the morning. The red men + get tired of counting them. They have become plentier than the pigeons in + the spring. My father has taken many of their scalps, but the hair must + grow after his knife, their scalps are so many.” + </p> + <p> + “See!” rejoined Peter, lowering his pole so that all might examine his + revolting trophies, “these come from the soldiers at the head of the lake. + Blackbird was there with his young men; no one of them all got as many + scalps! This is the way to stop the white pigeon from flying over us in + such flocks as to hide and darken the sun.” + </p> + <p> + Another murmur of admiration passed through the crowd, as each young + warrior bent forward to count the number of the scalps, and to note, by + signs familiar to themselves, the ages, sex, and condition of the + different victims. Here was another instance among a hundred others of + which they had heard, of the prowess of the mysterious Onoah, as well as + of his inextinguishable hatred of the race, that was slowly, but + unerringly, supplanting the ancient stock, causing the places that once + knew the people of their tribes “to know them no more.” As soon as this + little burst of feeling had subsided, the conversation went on. + </p> + <p> + “We have had a pale-face medicine-man among us, Onoah,” continued + Crowsfeather, “and he has so far blinded us that we know not what to + think.” + </p> + <p> + The chief then recounted the leading events of the visit of the bee-hunter + to the place, stating each occurrence fairly, as he understood it, and as + fairly confessing that even the chiefs were at a loss to know what to make + of the affair. In addition to this account, he gave the mysterious Onoah + the history of the prisoner they had taken, the death of Elks-foot, their + intention to torture that very morning the Chippewa they had captured, and + his flight, together with the loss of their young man, and the subsequent + escape of their unknown enemies, who had taken away all of their own + canoes. How far the medicine-man had anything to do with the other events + of his narrative, Crowsfeather very candidly admitted he could not even + conjecture. He was still at a loss whether to set down the conjurer for a + pretender, or as a real oracle. Peter, however, was less credulous even + than the chiefs. He had his superstitious notions, like all uneducated + men, but a clear head and quick intellect placed him far above the + weaknesses of the red man in general. On receiving a description of the + person of the unknown “medicine-man,” he at once recognized the + bee-hunter. With an Indian to describe, and an Indian to interpret or + apply, escape from discovery was next to impossible. + </p> + <p> + Although Onoah, or the “Tribeless,” as he was also frequently called by + the red men, from the circumstance of no one's knowing to what particular + section of the great Indian family he belonged, perfectly understood that + the bee-hunter he had seen on the other shore was the individual who had + been playing the part of a conjurer among these Pottawattamies, he was + very careful not to reveal the fact to Crowsfeather. He had his own + policy, and was fully aware of all the virtue there is in mystery and + reserve. With an Indian, these qualities go farther even than with a white + man; and we of the Caucasian race are not entirely exempt from the folly + of being deceived by appearances. On the present occasion Peter kept his + knowledge to himself, still leaving his red brethren in doubt and + uncertainty; but he took care to be right in his own opinions by putting + as many questions as were necessary for that purpose. Once assured of this + fact, he turned to other subjects of even greater interest to himself and + his companions. + </p> + <p> + The conference which now took place between the “Tribeless” and + Crowsfeather was held apart, both being chiefs of too much importance to + be intruded on at a moment like that. The two chiefs exhibited a very + characteristic picture while engaged in this conference. They seated + themselves on a bank, and drawing their legs partially under them, sat + face to face, with their heads less than two feet asunder, occasionally + gesticulating with dignity, but each speaking in his turn with studied + decorum. Crowsfeather was highly painted, and looked fierce and warlike, + but Onoah had nothing extraordinary about him, with the exception of the + decorations and dress already described, unless it might be his remarkable + countenance. The face of this Indian ordinarily wore a thoughtful cast, an + expression which it is not unusual to meet with in a savage; though at + times it lighted up, as it might be with the heat of inward fires, like + the crater giving out its occasional flames beneath the hues of a saddened + atmosphere. One accustomed to study the human face, and to analyze its + expressions, would possibly have discovered in that countenance lines of + deep artifice, together with the traces of a profound and constitutional + enthusiasm. He was bent, at that very moment, on a scheme worthy of the + loftiest spirit living; the regeneration and union of the people of his + race, with a view to recover the possessions they had yielded to the + pale-faces; but it was a project blended with the ferocity and revenge of + a savage-noble while ferocious. + </p> + <p> + Not idly had the whites, scattered along that frontier, given the + sobriquet of “Scalping” to Peter, As his pole now showed, it had been + earned in a hundred scenes of bloody vengeance; and so great had been his + success, that the warrior, prophet, and councillor, for all these + characters were united in his single person, began to think the attainment + of his wishes possible. As a matter of course, much ignorance of the power + of the Anglo-Saxon race on this continent was blended with these opinions + and hopes; but it was scarcely an ignorance exceeding that of certain + persons of far higher pretensions in knowledge, who live in another + hemisphere, and who often set themselves up as infallible judges of all + things connected with man and his attributes. Peter, the “Tribeless,” was + not more in fault than those who fancied they saw the power of this great + republic in the gallant little band collected at Corpus Christi, under its + indomitable chief, and who, march by march, nay, foot by foot, as it might + be, have perseveringly predicted the halt, the defeat, the disasters, and + final discomfiture, which it has not yet pleased Divine Providence to + inflict on this slight effort of the young Hercules, as he merely moves in + his cradle. Alas, the enemy that most menaces the overthrow of this new + and otherwise invincible exhibition of human force, is within; seated in + the citadel itself; and must be narrowly watched, or he will act his + malignant purpose, and destroy the fairest hopes that ever yet dawned on + the fortunes of the human race! + </p> + <p> + The conference between the chiefs lasted fully an hour. Crowsfeather + possessed much of the confidence of Peter, and, as for Onoah, neither + Tecumseh, nor his brother the Prophet, commanded as much of the respect of + Crowsfeather as he did himself. Some even whispered that the “Tribeless” + was the individual who lay behind all, and that the others named merely + acted as he suggested, or advised. The reader will obtain all the insight + into the future that it is necessary now to give him, by getting a few of + the remarks made by the two colloquists, just before they joined the rest + of the party. + </p> + <p> + “My father, then, intends to lead his pale-faces on a crooked path, and + take their scalps when he has done with them,” said Crowsfeather, who had + been gravely listening to Peter's plans of future proceeding; “but who is + to get the scalp of the Chippewa?” + </p> + <p> + “One of my Pottawattamie young men; but not until I have made use of him. + I have a medicine-priest of the pale-faces and a warrior with me, but + shall not put their scalps on my pole until they have paddled me further. + The council is to be first held in the Oak Openings”—we translate + this term freely, that used by Peter meaning rather “the open woods of the + prairies”—“and I wish to show my prisoners to the chiefs, that they + may see how easy it is to cut off all the Yankees. I have now four men of + that people, and two squaws, in my power; let every red man destroy as + many, and the land will soon be clear of them all!” + </p> + <p> + This was uttered with gleamings of ferocity in the speaker's face, that + rendered his countenance terrible. Even Crowsfeather quailed a little + before that fierce aspect; but the whole passed away almost as soon as + betrayed, and was succeeded by a friendly and deceptive smile, that was + characteristic of the wily Asiatic rather than of the aboriginal American. + </p> + <p> + “They cannot be counted,” returned the Pottawattamie chief, as soon as his + restraint was a little removed by this less terrific aspect of his + companion, “if all I hear is true. Blackbird says that even the squaws of + the pale-faces are numerous enough to overcome all the red men that + remain.” + </p> + <p> + “There will be two less, when I fasten to my pole the scalps of those on + the other side of the river,” answered Peter, with another of his + transient, but startling gleams of intense revenge. “But no matter, now: + my brother knows all I wish him to do. Not a hair of the head of any of + these pale-faces must be touched by any hand but mine. When the time + comes, the knife of Onoah is sure. The Pottawattamies shall have their + canoes, and can follow us up the river. They will find us in the Openings, + and near the Prairie Round. They know the spot; for the red men love to + hunt the deer in that region. Now, go and tell this to your young men; and + tell them that corn will not grow, nor the deer wait to be killed by any + of your people, if they forget to do as I have said. Vengeance shall come, + when it is time.” + </p> + <p> + Crowsfeather communicated all this to his warriors, who received it as the + ancients received the words of their oracles. Each member of the party + endeavored to get an accurate notion of his duty, in order that he might + comply to the very letter with the injunctions received. So profound was + the impression made among all the red men of the north-west by the + previous labors of the “Tribeless” to awaken a national spirit, and so + great was their dread of the consequences of disobedience, that every + warrior present felt as if his life were the threatened penalty of neglect + or disinclination to obey. + </p> + <p> + No sooner, however, had Crowsfeather got through with his communication, + than a general request was made that the problem of the whiskey-spring + might be referred to Onoah for solution. The young men had strong hopes, + not-withstanding all that had passed, that this spring might yet turn out + to be a reality. The scent was still there, strong and fragrant, and they + could not get rid of the notion that “fire-water” grew on that spot. It is + true, their faith had been somewhat disturbed by the manner in which the + medicine-man had left them, and by his failure to draw forth the gushing + stream which he had impliedly promised, and in a small degree performed; + nevertheless little pools of whiskey had been found on the rock, and + several had tasted and satisfied themselves of the quality of the liquor. + As is usual, that taste had created a desire for more, a desire that + seldom slumbered on an Indian palate when strong drinks were connected + with its gratification. + </p> + <p> + Peter heard the request with gravity, and consented to look into the + matter with a due regard to his popularity and influence. He had his own + superstitious views, but among them there did not happen to be one which + admitted the possibility of whiskey's running in a stream from the living + rock. Still he was willing to examine the charmed spot, scent the fragrant + odor, and make up his own estimate of the artifices by which the + bee-hunter had been practising on the untutored beings into whose hand + chance had thrown him. + </p> + <p> + While the young men eagerly pointed out the precise spots where the scent + was the strongest, Peter maintained the most unmoved gravity. He did not + kneel to smell the rocks, like the other chiefs, for this an innate sense + of propriety told him would be undignified; but he made his observations + closely, and with a keen Indian-like attention to every little + circumstance that might aid him in arriving at the truth. All this time, + great was the awe and deep the admiration of the lookers-on. Onoah had + succeeded in creating a moral power for himself among the Indians of the + northwest which much exceeded that of any other red man of that region. + The whites scarcely heard of him, knew but little of his career, and less + of his true character, for both were shrouded in mystery. There is nothing + remarkable in this ignorance of the pale-faces of the time. They did not + understand their own leaders; much less the leaders of the children of the + openings, the prairies, and the forest. At this hour, what is really known + by the mass of the American people of the true characters of their public + men? No nation that has any claim to civilization and publicity knows + less, and for several very obvious reasons. The want of a capital in which + the intelligence of the nation periodically assembles and whence a + corrected public opinion on all such matters ought constantly to flow, as + truth emanates from the collisions of minds, is one of these reasons. The + extent of the country, which separates men by distances that no fact can + travel over without incurring the dangers of being perverted on the road, + is another. But the most fatal of al he influences that tend to mislead + the judgment of the American citizen, is to be found in the abuse of a + machinery that was intended to produce an exactly contrary effect. If the + tongue was given to man to communicate ideas to his fellows, so has + philosophy described it as “a gift to conceal his thoughts.” If the press + was devised to circulate truth, so has it been changed into a means of + circulating lies. One is easily, nay, more easily, sent abroad on the four + winds of the heavens than the other. Truth requires candor, impartiality, + honesty, research, and industry; but a falsehood, whether designed or not, + stands in need of neither. Of that which is the most easily produced, the + country gets the most; and it were idle to imagine that a people who + blindly and unresistingly submit to be put, as it might be, under the feet + of falsehood, as respects all their own public men, can ever get very + accurate notions of those of other nations. + </p> + <p> + Thus was it with Onoah. His name was unknown to the whites, except as a + terrible and much-dreaded avenger of the wrongs of his race. With the red + men it was very different. They had no “forked tongues” to make falsehood + take the place of truth; or if such existed they were not believed. The + Pottawattamies now present knew all about Tecumseh, [Footnote: A “tiger + stooping for his prey.”] of whom the whites had also various and ample + accounts. This Shawanee chief had long been active among them, and his + influence was extended far and near. He was a bold, restless, and + ingenious warrior; one, perhaps, who better understood the art of war, as + it was practised among red men, than any Indian then living. They knew the + name and person, also, of his brother Elkswatawa, [Footnote: “A door + opened.”] or the Prophet, whose name has also become incorporated with the + histories of the times. These two chiefs were very powerful, though scarce + dwelling regularly in any tribe; but their origin, their careers, and + their characters were known to all, as were those of their common father, + Pukeesheno, [Footnote: “I light from fly—“] and their mother, + Meethetaske.[Footnote: “A turtle laying her eggs in the sand.”] But with + Onoah it was very different. With him the past was as much of a mystery as + the future. No Indian could say even of what tribe he was born. The totem + that he bore on his person belonged to no people then existing on the + continent, and all connected with him, his history, nation, and family, + was conjecture and fancy. + </p> + <p> + It is said that the Indians have traditions which are communicated only to + a favored few, and which by them have been transmitted from generation to + generation. An enlightened and educated red man has quite recently told us + in person, that he had been made the repository of some of these + traditions, and that he had thus obtained enough of the history of his + race to be satisfied that they were not derived from the lost tribes of + Israel, though he declined communicating any more. It is so natural to + resort to secrecy in order to extend influence, that we can have no + difficulty In believing the existence of the practice; there probably + being no other reason why Free Masonry or Odd Fellowship should have + recourse to such an expedient, but to rule through the imagination in + preference to the judgment. Now Peter enjoyed all the advantages of + mystery. It was said that even his real name was unknown, that of Onoah + having been given in token of the many scalps he took, and that of + Wa-wa-nosh, which he also sometimes bore, having been bestowed on him by + adoption in consequence of an act of favor extended to him from an Ojebway + of some note, while that of Peter was clearly derived from the whites. + Some of his greatest admirers whispered that when the true name of the + “Tribeless” should get to be known, his origin, early career, and all + relating to him would at once become familiar to every red man. At + present, the Indians must rest content with what they saw and understood. + The wisdom of Wa-wa-nosh made itself felt in the councils; his eloquence + no speaker has equalled for ages; as for his vengeance on the enemies of + his race, that was to be estimated by the scalps he had taken. More than + this no Indian was to be permitted to know, until the mission of this + oracle and chief was completed. + </p> + <p> + Had one enlightened by the education of a civilized man been there, to + watch the movements and countenance of Peter as he scented the whiskey, + and looked in vain for the cause of the odor, and for a clew to the + mystery which so much perplexed the Pottawattamies, he would probably have + discovered some reason to distrust the sincerity of this remarkable + savage's doubts. If ever Peter was an actor, it was on that occasion. He + did not, in the least, fall into any of the errors of his companions; but + the scent a good deal confounded him at first. At length he came to the + natural conclusion, that this unusual odor was in some way connected with + the family he had left on the other shore; and from that moment his mind + was at ease. + </p> + <p> + It did not suit the views of Peter, however, to explain to the + Pottawattamies that which was now getting to be so obvious to himself. On + the contrary, he rather threw dust into the eyes of the chiefs, with a + view to bring them also under the influence of superstition. After making + his observations with unmoved gravity, he promised a solution of the whole + affair when they should again meet in the Openings, and proposed to + recross the river. Before quitting the shore Peter and Crowsfeather had a + clear understanding on the subject of their respective movements; and, as + soon as the former began to paddle up against the wind, the latter called + his young men together, made a short address, and led them into the woods, + as if about to proceed on a march of length. The party, notwithstanding, + did not proceed more than a mile and a half, when it came to a halt, and + lighted a fire in order to cook some venison taken on the way. + </p> + <p> + When Peter reached the south shore, he found the whole group assembled to + receive him. His tale was soon told. He had talked with the + Pottawattamies, and they were gone. The canoes, however, must be carried + to the other shore and left there, in order that their owners might + recover their property when they returned. This much had Peter promised, + and his pale-face friends must help him to keep his word. Then he pointed + to the Openings as to their place of present safety. There they would be + removed from all immediate danger, and he would accompany them and give + them the countenance and protection of his name and presence. As for going + south on the lake, that was impossible, so long as the wind lasted, and it + was useless even could it be done. The troops had all left Chicago, and + the fort was destroyed. + </p> + <p> + Parson Amen and Corporal Flint, both of whom were completely deluded by + Peter, fancying him a secret friend of the whites, in consequence of his + own protestations to that effect and the service he had already rendered + them, in appearance at least, instantly acquiesced in this wily savage's + proposal. It was the best, the wisest, nay, the only thing that now could + be done. Mackinaw was gone, as well as Chicago, and Detroit must be + reached by crossing the peninsula, instead of taking the easier but far + more circuitous route of the lakes. Gershom was easily enough persuaded + into the belief of the feasibility, as well as of the necessity, of this + deviation from his original road, and he soon agreed to accompany the + party. + </p> + <p> + With le Bourdon the case was different. He understood himself and the + wilderness. For him the wind was fair, and there was no necessity for his + touching at Mackinaw at all. It is true, he usually passed several days on + that pleasant and salubrious island, and frequently disposed of lots of + honey there; but he could dispense with the visit and the sales. There was + certainly danger now to be apprehended from the Ottawas, who would be very + apt to be out on the lake after this maritime excursion against the fort; + but it was possible even to elude their vigilance. In a word, the + bee-hunter did not believe in the prudence of returning to the Openings, + but thought it by far the wisest for the whole party to make the best of + its way by water to the settlements. All this he urged warmly on his white + companions, taking them aside for that purpose, and leaving Peter and + Pigeonswing together while he did so. + </p> + <p> + But Parson Amen would as soon have believed that his old congregation in + Connecticut was composed of Philistines, as not to believe that the red + men were the lost tribes, and that Peter, in particular, was not + especially and elaborately described in the Old Testament. He had become + so thoroughly possessed by this crotchet as to pervert everything that he + saw, read, or heard, into evidence, of some sort or other, of the truth of + his notions. In this respect there was nothing peculiar in the good + missionary's weakness, it being a failing common to partisans of a theory, + to discover proofs of its truths in a thousand things in which indifferent + persons can find even no connection with the subject at all. In this frame + of mind the missionary would as soon think of letting go his hold on the + Bible itself, as think of separating from an Indian who might turn out any + day to be a direct representative of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. Not to + speak irreverently, but to use language that must be familiar to all, the + well-meaning missionary wished to be in at the death. + </p> + <p> + Corporal Flint, too, had great faith in Peter. It was a part of the scheme + of the savage to make this straight for-ward soldier an instrument in + placing many scalps in hit power; and though he had designed from the + first to execute his bloody office on the corporal himself, he did not + intend to do so until he had made the most of him as a stool-pigeon. Here + were four more pale-faces thrown in his power, principally by means of the + confidence he had awakened in the minds of the missionary and the soldier; + and that same confidence might be made instrumental in adding still more + to the number. Peter was a sagacious, even a far-seeing savage, but he + labored under the curse of ignorance. Had his information been of a more + extended nature, he would have seen the utter fallacy of his project to + destroy the pale-faces altogether, and most probably would have abandoned + it. + </p> + <p> + It is a singular fact that, while such men as Tecumseh, his brother the + Prophet, and Peter, were looking forward to the downfall of the republic + on the side of the forest, so many, who ought to have been better informed + on such a subject, were anxiously expecting, nay confidently predicting + it, from beyond the Atlantic. Notwithstanding these sinister soothsayers, + the progress of the nation has, by a beneficent Providence, been onward + and onward, until it is scarcely presumptuous to suppose that even England + has abandoned the expectation of classing this country again among her + dependencies. The fortunes of America, under God, depend only on herself. + America may destroy America; of that there is danger; but it is pretty + certain that Europe united could make no serious impression on her. + Favored by position, and filled with a population that we have ever + maintained was one of the most military in existence, a truth that recent + events are hourly proving to be true, it much exceeds the power of all the + enemies of her institutions to make any serious impression on her. There + is an enemy who may prove too much for her; it exists in her bosom; and + God alone can keep him in subjection, and repress his desolation. + </p> + <p> + These were facts, however, of which Wa-wa-nosh, or Onoah, was as ignorant + as if he were an English or French minister of state, and had got his + notions of the country from English or French travellers, who wished for + what they predicted. He had heard of the towns and population of the + republic; but one gets a very imperfect notion of any fact of this sort by + report, unless previous experience has prepared the mind to make the + necessary comparisons, and fitted it to receive the images intended to be + conveyed. No wonder, then, that Peter fell into a mistake common to those + who had so many better opportunities of forming just opinions, and of + arriving at truths that were sufficiently obvious to all who did not + wilfully shut their eyes to their existence. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hearest thou voices on the shore + That our ears perceive no more, + Deafened by the cataract's roar? + + Bear, through sorrow, wrong, and ruth, + In thy heart the dew of youth, + On thy lips the smile of truth. + —LONGFELLOW. +</pre> + <p> + From all that has been stated, the reader will, probably, be prepared to + learn that Boden did not succeed in his effort to persuade Gershom, and + the other Christians, to accompany him on his voyage round by Lake Huron. + Corporal Flint was obdurate, and Parson Amen confiding. As for Gershom, he + did not like the thought of retracing his steps so soon, and the females + were obliged to remain with the husband and brother. + </p> + <p> + “You had better get out of the river while all the canoes are on this + side,” said Margery, as she and le Bourdon walked toward the boats in + company, the council having ended, and everything beginning to assume the + appearance of action. “Remember you will be quite alone, and have a long, + long road to travel!” + </p> + <p> + “I do remember all this, Margery, and see the necessity for all of us + getting back to the settlements as fast as we can. I don't half like this + Peter; his name is a bad one in the garrisons, and it makes me miserable + to think that you may be in his power.” + </p> + <p> + “The missionary and the corporal, as well as my brother, seem willing to + trust him—what can two females do, when their male protector has + made up his mind in such a matter?” + </p> + <p> + “One who would very gladly be your protector, pretty Margery, has not made + up his mind to the prudence of trusting Peter at all. Put yourself under + my care, and my life shall be lost, or I will carry you safe to your + friends in Detroit.” + </p> + <p> + This might be deemed tolerably explicit; yet was it not sufficiently so to + satisfy female scruples, or female rights. Margery blushed, and she looked + down, while she did not look absolutely displeased. But her answer was + given firmly, and with a promptitude that showed she was quite in earnest. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot quit Dorothy, placed as she is—and it is my duty to die + with brother,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Have you thought enough of this, Margery? may not reflection change your + mind?” + </p> + <p> + “This is a duty on which a girl is not called to reflect; she must FEEL, + in a matter of conscience.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter fairly sighed, and from a very resolute he became a very + irresolute sort of person. As was natural to one in his situation, he let + out the secret current his thoughts had taken, in the remarks which + followed. + </p> + <p> + “I do not like the manner in which Peter and Pigeonswing are now talking + together,” he said. “When an Injin is so earnest, there is generally + mischief brewing. Do you see Peter's manner?” + </p> + <p> + “He seems to be telling the young warrior something that makes both forget + themselves. I never saw two men who seem so completely to forget all the + rest of the world as them two savages! What can be the meaning, Bourdon, + of so much fierce earnestness?” + </p> + <p> + “I would give the world to know-possibly the Chippewa may tell me. We + understand each other tolerably well, and, just as you spoke, he gave me a + secret sign that I have a right to think means confidence and friendship. + That savage is either a fast friend, or a thorough villain.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it safe to trust any of them, Bourdon? No—no—your best way + will be to go down the lakes, and get back to Detroit as soon as you can. + Not only your property, but your LIFE, is at risk.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, and leave you here, Margery—here, with a brother whose failing + you know as well as I do, and who may, at any moment, fall back into his + old ways! I should not be a man to do it!” + </p> + <p> + “But brother can get no liquor, now, for it is all emptied. When himself + for a few days, Gershom is a good protector, as well as a good provider. + You must not judge brother too harshly, from what you have seen of him, + Bourdon.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish to judge him at all, Margery. We all have our failin's, and + whiskey is his. I dare say mine are quite as bad, in some other way. It's + enough for me, Margery, that Gershom is your brother, to cause me to try + to think well of him. We must not trust to there being no more liquor + among us; for, if that so'ger is altogether without his rations, he's the + first so'ger I ever met with who was!” + </p> + <p> + “But this corporal is a friend of the minister, and ministers ought not to + drink!” + </p> + <p> + “Ministers are like other men, as them that live much among 'em will soon + find out. Hows'ever, if you WILL stay, Margery, there is no more to be + said. I must cache [Footnote: A Western term, obviously derived from + cacher, to conceal. Cache is much used by the Western adventurers.] my + honey, and get the canoe ready to go up stream again. Where you go, + Margery, I go too, unless you tell me that you do not wish my company.” + </p> + <p> + This was said quietly, but in the manner of one whose mind was made up. + Margery scarce knew how to take it. That she was secretly delighted, + cannot be denied; while, at the same time, that she felt a generous and + lively concern for the fortunes of le Bourdon, is quite as certain. As + Gershom just then called to her to lend her assistance in preparing to + embark, she had no leisure for expostulation, nor do we know that she now + seriously wished to divert the bee-hunter from his purpose. + </p> + <p> + It was soon understood by every one that the river was to be crossed, in + order that Gershom might get his household effects, previously to + ascending the Kalamazoo. This set all at—work but the Chippewa, who + appeared to le Bourdon to be watchful and full of distrust. As the latter + had a job before him, that would be likely to consume a couple of hours, + the others were ready for a start long before he had his hole dug. It was + therefore arranged that the bee-hunter should complete his task, while the + others crossed the stream, and went in quest of Gershom's scanty stock of + household goods. Pigeonswing, however, was not to be found, when the + canoes were ready, and Peter proceeded without him. Nor did le Bourdon see + anything of his friend until the adventurers were fairly on the north + shore, when he rejoined le Bourdon, sitting on a log, a curious spectator + of the latter's devices to conceal his property, but not offering to aid + him in a single movement. The bee-hunter too well understood an Indian + warrior's aversion to labor of all sorts, unless it be connected with his + military achievements, to be surprised at his companion's indifference to + his own toil. As the work went on, a friendly dialogue was kept up between + the parties. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't know, Pigeonswing, but you had started for the openings, before + us,” observed le Bourdon. “That tribeless old Injin made something of a + fuss about your being out of the way; I dare say he wanted you to help + back the furniture down to the canoes.” + </p> + <p> + “Got squaw—what he want—better to do dat?” + </p> + <p> + “So you would put that pretty piece of work on such persons as Margery and + Dolly!” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, no? Bot' squaw-bot know how. Dere business to work for warrior.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you keep out of the way, then, lest old Peter should get you at a job + that is onsuitable to your manhood?” + </p> + <p> + “Keep out of way of Pottawattamie,” returned the Chippewa; “no want to + lose scalp-radder take his'n.” + </p> + <p> + “But Peter says the Pottawattamies are all gone, and that we have no + longer any reason to fear them; and this medicine-priest tells us, that + what Peter says we can depend on for truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat good medicine-man, eh? T'ink he know a great deal, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “That is more than I can tell you, Pigeonswing; for though I've been a + medicine-man myself, so lately, it is in a different line altogether from + that of Parson Amen's.” + </p> + <p> + As the bee-hunter uttered this answer, he was putting the last of his + honey-kegs into the cache, and as he rose from completing the operation, + he laughed heartily, like one who saw images in the occurrences of the + past night, that tended to divert himself, if they had not the same effect + on the other spectators. + </p> + <p> + “If you medicine-man, can tell who Peter be? Winnebagoe, Sioux, Fox, + Ojebway, Six Nations all say don't know him. Medicine-man ought to know—who + he be, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not enough of a medicine-man to answer your question, Pigeonswing. + Set me at finding a whiskey-spring, or any little job of that sort, and + I'll turn my back to no other whiskey-spring finder on the whole frontier; + but, as for Peter, he goes beyond my calculations, quite. Why is he called + Scalping Peter in the garrisons, if he be so good an Injin, Chippewa?” + </p> + <p> + “You ask question—you answer. Don't know, 'less he take a good many + scalps. Hear he do take all he can find—den hear he don't.” + </p> + <p> + “But you take all you can find, Pigeonswing; and that which is good in + you, cannot be so bad in Peter.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't take scalp from friend. When you hear Pigeonswing scalp FRIEND, + eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I never did hear it; and hope I never shall. But when did you hear that + Peter is so wicked?” + </p> + <p> + “S'pose he don't, 'cause he got no friend among pale-face. Bes' take care + of dat man?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm of your way of thinking, myself, Chippewa; though the corporal and + the priest think him all in all. When I asked Parson Amen how he came to + be the associate of one who went by a scalping name, even he told me it + was all name; that Peter hadn't touched a hair of a human head, in the way + of scalping, since his youth, and that most of his notions and ways were + quite Jewish, The parson has almost as much faith in Peter, as he has in + his religion; I'm not quite sure he has not even more.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter. Bes' always for pale-face to trust pale-face, and Injin to + trust Injin. Dat most likely to be right.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, I trust YOU Pigeonswing; and, hitherto, you have not + deceived me!” + </p> + <p> + The Chippewa cast a glance of so much meaning on the bee-hunter, that the + last was troubled by it. For many a day did le Bourdon remember that look; + and painful were the apprehensions to which it gave birth. Until that + morning, the intercourse between the two had been of the most confidential + character; but something like a fierce hatred was blended in that look. + Could it be that the feelings of the Chippewa were changed? and was it + possible that Peter was in any way connected with this alteration in looks + and sentiments? All these suspicions passed through le Bourdon's mind, as + he finished his cache; and sufficiently disagreeable did he find it to + entertain them. The circumstances, however, did not admit of any change of + plan; and, in a few minutes, the two were in the canoe, and on their way + to join their companions. + </p> + <p> + Peter had dealt fairly enough with those who accompanied him. The + Pottawattamies were nowhere to be seen, and Gershom led the corporal to + the place where his household goods had been secreted, in so much + confidence, that both the men left their arms behind them. Such was the + state of things when le Bourdon reached the north shore. The young man was + startled, when his eyes fell on the rifles; but, on looking around, there + did not really appear to be any sufficient reason why they might not be + laid aside for a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter, having disposed of all his honey, had now a nearly empty + canoe; accordingly, he received a portion of Gershom's effects; all of + which were safely transported from their place of concealment to the water + side. Their owner was slowly recovering the use of his body and mind, + though still a little dull, from his recent debauch. The females supplied + his place, however, in many respects; and two hours after the party had + landed, it was ready again to proceed on its journey into the interior. + The last article was stowed in one of the canoes, and Gershom announced + his willingness to depart. + </p> + <p> + At this moment, Peter led the bee-hunter aside, telling his friends that + he would speedily rejoin them. Our hero followed his savage leader along + the foot of the declivity, in the rear of the hut, until the former + stopped at the place where the first, and principal fire of the past + night, had been lighted. Here Peter made a sweeping gesture of his hand, + as if to invite his companion to survey the different objects around. As + this characteristic gesture was made, the Indian spoke. + </p> + <p> + “My brother is a medicine-man,” he said. “He knows where whiskey grows—let + him tell Peter where to find the spring.” + </p> + <p> + The recollection of the scene of the previous night came so fresh and + vividly over the imagination of the bee-hunter, that, instead of answering + the question of the chief, he burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Then, + fearful of giving offence, he was about to apologize for a mirth so + ill-timed, when the Indian smiled, with a gleam of intelligence on his + swarthy face, that seemed to say, “I understand it all,” and continued— + </p> + <p> + “Good—the chief with three eyes”—in allusion to the spy—glass + that le Bourdon always carried suspended from his neck—“is a very + great medicine-man; he knows when to laugh, and when to look sad. The + Pottawattamies were dry, and he wanted to find them some whiskey to drink, + but could not—our brother, in the canoe, had drunk it all. Good.” + </p> + <p> + Again the bee-hunter laughed; and though Peter did not join in his mirth, + it was quite plain that he understood its cause. With this good-natured + sort of intelligence between them, the two returned to the canoes; the + bee-hunter always supposing that the Indian had obtained his object, in + receiving his indirect admission, that the scene of the previous night had + been merely a piece of ingenious jugglery. So much of a courtier, however, + was Peter, and so entire his self-command, that on no occasion, afterward, + did he ever make any further allusion to the subject. + </p> + <p> + The ascent of the river was now commenced. It was not a difficult matter + for le Bourdon to persuade Margery, that her brother's canoe would be too + heavily loaded for such a passage, unless she consented to quit it for his + own. Pigeonswing took the girl's place, and was of material assistance in + forcing the light, but steady craft, up stream. The three others continued + in the canoe in which they had entered the river. With this arrangement, + therefore, our adventurers commenced this new journey. + </p> + <p> + Every reader will easily understand, that ascending such a stream as the + Kalamazoo was a very difficult thing from descending it. The progress was + slow, and at many points laborious. At several of the “rifts,” it became + necessary to “track” the canoes up; and places occurred at which the only + safe way of proceeding was to unload them altogether, and transport boats, + cargoes, and all, on the shoulders of the men, across what are called, in + the language of the country, “portages,” or “carrying-places.” In such + toil as this, the corporal was found to be very serviceable; but neither + of the Indians declined to lend their assistance, in work of this manly + character. By this time, moreover, Gershom had come round, and was an + able-bodied, vigorous assistant, once more. If the corporal was the master + of any alcohol, he judiciously kept it a secret; for not a drop passed any + one's lips during the whole of that toilsome journey. + </p> + <p> + Although the difficult places in the river were sufficiently numerous, + most of the reaches were places having steady, but not swift currents + toward the lake. In these reaches the paddles, and those not very + vigorously applied, enabled the travellers to advance as fast as was + desirable; and such tranquil waters were a sort of resting-places to those + who managed the canoes. It was while ascending these easy channels, that + conversation most occurred; each speaker yielding, as was natural, to the + impulses of the thoughts uppermost in his mind. The missionary talked much + of the Jews; and, as the canoes came near each other, he entered at large, + with their different occupants, into the reasons he had for believing that + the red men of America were the lost tribes of Israel. “The very use of + the word 'tribes,'” would this simple-minded, and not very profound + expounder of the word of God, say, “is one proof of the truth of what I + tell you. Now, no one thinks of dividing the white men of America into + 'tribes.' Who ever heard of the 'tribe' of New England, or of the 'tribe' + of Virginia, or of the 'tribe' of the Middle States? [Footnote: The reader + is not to infer any exaggeration in this picture. There is no end to the + ignorance and folly of sects and parties, when religious or political zeal + runs high. The writer well remembers to have heard a Universalist, of more + zeal than learning, adduce, as an argument in favor of his doctrine, the + twenty-fifth chapter and forty-sixth verse of St. Matthew, where we are + told that the wicked “shall go away into ever-lasting punishment; but the + righteous into Vis eternal”; by drawing a distinction between the + adjectives, and this so much the more, because the Old Testament speaks of + “everlasting hills,” and “everlasting valleys “; thus proving, from the + Bible, a substantial difference between “everlasting” and “eternal.” Now, + every Sophomore knows that the word used in Matthew is the same in both + cases, being “aionion,” or “existing forever.”] Even among the blacks, + there are no tribes. There is a very remarkable passage in the + sixty-eighth Psalm, that has greatly struck me, since my mind has turned + to this subject; 'God shall wound the head his enemies.' saith the + Psalmist, 'and the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his + wickedness.' Here is a very obvious allusion to a well-known, and what we + think, a barbarous practice of the red men; but, rely on it, friends, + nothing that is permitted on earth is permitted in vain. The attentive + reader of the inspired book, by gleaning here and there, can collect much + authority for this new opinion about the lost tribes; and the day will + come, I do not doubt, when men will marvel that the truth hath been so + long hidden from them. I can scarcely open a chapter, in the Old + Testament, that some passage does not strike me as going to prove this + identity, between the red men and the Hebrews; and, were they all + collected together, and published in a book, mankind would be astonished + at their lucidity and weight. As for scalping, it is a horrid thing in our + eyes, but it is honorable with the red men; and I have quoted to you the + words of the Psalmist, in order to show the manner in which divine wisdom + inflicts penalties on sin. Here is plain justification of the practice, + provided always that the sufferer be in the bondage of transgression, and + obnoxious to divine censure. Let no man, therefore, in the pride of his + learning, and, perhaps, of his prosperity, disdain to believe things that + are so manifestly taught and foretold; but let us all bow in humble + submission to the will of a Being who, to our finite understanding, is so + perfectly incomprehensible.” + </p> + <p> + We trust that no one of our readers will be disposed to deride Parson + Amen's speculations on this interesting subject, although this may happen + to be the first occasion on which he has ever heard the practice of taking + scalps justified by Scripture. Viewed in a proper spirit, they ought + merely to convey a lesson of humility, by rendering apparent the wisdom, + nay the necessity, of men's keeping them-selves within the limits of the + sphere of knowledge they were designed to fill, and convey, when rightly + considered, as much of a lesson to the Puseyite, with abstractions that + are quite as unintelligible to himself as they are to others; to the + high-wrought and dogmatical Calvinist, who in the midst of his fiery zeal, + forgets that love is the very essence of the relation between God and man; + to the Quaker, who seems to think the cut of a coat essential to + salvation; to the descendant of the Puritan, who whether he be Socinian, + Calvinist, Universalist, or any other “1st,” appears to believe that the + “rock” on which Christ declared he would found his church was the “Rock of + Plymouth”; and to the unbeliever, who, in deriding all creeds, does not + know where to turn to find one to substitute in their stead. Humility, in + matters of this sort, is the great lesson that all should teach and learn; + for it opens the way to charity, and eventually to faith, and through both + of these to hope; finally, through all of these, to heaven. + </p> + <p> + The journey up the Kalamazoo lasted many days, the ascent being often so + painful, and no one seeming in a hurry. Peter waited for the time set for + his council to approach, and was as well content to remain in his canoe, + as to “camp out” in the openings. Gershom never was in haste, while the + bee-hunter would have been satisfied to pass the summer in so pleasant a + manner, Margery being seated most of the time in his canoe. In his + ordinary excursions, le Bourdon carried the mastiff as a companion; but, + now that his place was so much better filled, Hive was suffered to roam + the woods that lined most of the river-banks, joining his master from time + to time at the portages or landings. As for the missionary and the + corporal, impatience formed no part of their present disposition. The + first had been led, by the artful Peter, to expect great results to his + theory from the assembly of chiefs which was to meet in the “openings”; + and the credulous parson was, in one sense, going as blindly on the path + of destruction, as any sinner it had ever been his duty to warn of his + fate, was proceeding in the same direction in another. The corporal, too, + was the dupe of Peter's artifices. This man had heard so many stories to + the Indian's prejudice, at the different posts where he had been + stationed, as at first to render him exceedingly averse to making the + present journey in his company. The necessity of the case, as connected + with the preservation of his own life after the massacre of Fort Dearborn, + and the influence of the missionary, had induced him to overlook his + ancient prejudices, and to forget opinions that, it now occurred to him, + had been founded in error. Once fairly within the influence of Peter's + wiles, a simple-minded soldier like the corporal, was soon completely made + the Indian's dupe. By the time the canoe reached the mouth of the + Kalamazoo, as has been related, each of these men placed the most implicit + reliance on the good faith and friendly feelings of the very being whose + entire life, both sleeping and waking thoughts, were devoted, not only to + his destruction, but to that of the whole white race on the American + continent. So bland was the manner of this terrible savage, when it + comported with his views to conceal his ruthless designs, that persons + more practised and observant than either of his two companions might have + been its dupes, not to say its victims. While the missionary was + completely mystified by his own headlong desire to establish a theory, and + to announce to the religious world where the lost tribes were to be found, + the corporal had aided in deceiving himself, also, by another process. + With him, Peter had privately conversed of war, and had insinuated that he + was secretly laboring in behalf of his great father at Washington, and + against the other great father down at Montreal. As between the two, Peter + professed to lean to the interests of the first; though, had he laid bare + his in-most soul, a fiery hatred of each would have been found to be its + predominant feeling. But Corporal Flint fondly fancied he was making a + concealed march with an ally, while he thus accompanied one of the + fiercest enemies of his race. + </p> + <p> + Peter is not to be judged too harshly. It is always respectable to defend + the fireside, and the land of one's nativity, although the cause connected + with it may be sometimes wrong. This Indian knew nothing of the principles + of colonization, and had no conception that any other than its original + owners—original so far as his traditions reached—could have a + right to his own hunting-grounds. Of the slow but certain steps by which + an overruling Providence is extending a knowledge of the true God, and of + the great atonement through the death of his blessed Son, Peter had no + conception; nor would it probably have seemed right to his contracted + mind, had he even seen and understood this general tendency of things. To + him, the pale-face appeared only as a rapacious invader, and not a + creature obeying the great law of his destiny, the end of which is + doubtless to help knowledge to abound, until it shall “cover the whole + earth as the waters cover the sea.” Hatred, inextinguishable and active + hatred, appeared to be the law of this man's being; and he devoted all the + means, aided by all the intelligence he possessed, to the furtherance of + his narrow and short-sighted means of vengeance and redress. In all this, + he acted in common with Tecumseh and his brother, though his consummate + art kept him behind a veil, while the others were known and recognized as + open and active foes. No publication speaks of this Peter, nor does any + orator enumerate his qualities, while the other two chiefs have been the + subjects of every species of descriptive talent, from that of the poet to + that of the painter. + </p> + <p> + As day passed after day, the feeling of distrust in the bosom of the + bee-hunter grew weaker and weaker, and Peter succeeded in gradually + worming himself into his confidence also. This was done, moreover, without + any apparent effort. The Indian made no professions of friendship, laid + himself out for no particular attention, nor ever seemed to care how his + companions regarded his deportment. His secret purposes he kept carefully + smothered in his own breast, it is true; but, beyond that, no other sign + of duplicity could have been discovered even by one who knew his objects + and schemes. So profound was his art, that it had the aspect of nature. + Pigeonswing alone was alive to the danger of this man's company; and he + knew it only by means of certain semi-confidential communications received + in his character of a red man. It was no part of Peter's true policy to + become an ally to either of the great belligerents of the day. On the + contrary, his ardent wish was to see them destroy each other, and it was + the sudden occurrence of the present war that had given a new impulse to + his hopes, and a new stimulus to his efforts, as a time most propitious to + his purposes. He was perfectly aware of the state of the Chippewa's + feelings, and he knew that this man was hostile to the Pottawattamies, as + well as to most of the tribes of Michigan; but this made no difference + with him. If Pigeonswing took the scalp of a white man, he cared not + whether it grew on an English or an American head; in either case it was + the destruction of his enemy. With such a policy constantly in view, it + cannot be matter of surprise that Peter continued on just as good terms + with Pigeonswing as with Crowsfeather. But one precaution was observed in + his intercourse with the first. To Crowsfeather, then on the war-path in + quest of Yankee scalps, he had freely communicated his designs on his own + white companions, while he did not dare to confide to the Chippewa this + particular secret, since that Indian's relations with the bee-hunter were + so amicable as to be visible to every observer. Peter felt the necessity + of especial caution in his communication with this savage, therefore; and + this was the reason why the Chippewa was in so much painful uncertainty as + to the other's intentions. He had learned enough to be distrustful, but + not enough to act with decision. + </p> + <p> + Once, and once only, during their slow passage up the Kalamazoo, did the + bee-hunter observe something about Peter to awaken his original + apprehensions. The fourth day after leaving the mouth of the river, and + when the whole party were resting after the toil of passing a + “carrying-place,” our hero had observed the eyes of that tribeless savage + roaming from one white face to another, with an expression in them so very + fiendish, as actually to cause his heart to beat quicker than common. The + look was such a one as le Bourdon could not remember to have ever before + beheld in a human countenance. In point of fact, he had seen Peter in one + of those moments when the pent fires of the volcano, that ceaselessly + raged within his bosom, were becoming difficult to suppress; and when + memory was busiest in recalling to his imagination scenes of oppression + and wrong, that the white man is only too apt to forget amid the ease of + his civilization, and the security of his power. But the look, and the + impression produced by it on le Bourdon, soon passed away, and were + forgotten by him to whom it might otherwise have proved to be a most + useful warning. + </p> + <p> + It was a little remarkable that Margery actually grew to be attached to + Peter, often manifesting toward the chief attentions and feelings such as + a daughter is apt to exhibit toward a father. This arose from the high and + courteous bearing of this extraordinary savage. At all times, an Indian + warrior is apt to maintain the dignified and courteous bearing that has so + often been remarked in the race, but it is very seldom that he goes out of + his way to manifest attention to the squaws. Doubtless these men have the + feelings of humanity, and love their wives and offspring like others; but + it is so essential a part of their training to suppress the exhibition of + such emotions, that it is seldom the mere looker-on has occasion to note + them. Peter, however, had neither wife nor child; or if they existed, no + one knew where either was to be found. The same mystery shrouded this part + of his history as veiled all the rest. In his hunts, various opportunities + occurred for exhibiting to the females manly attentions, by offering to + them the choicest pieces of his game, and pointing out the most approved + Indian modes of cooking the meats, so as to preserve their savory + properties. This he did sparingly at first, and as a part of a system of + profound deception; but day by day, and hour after hour, most especially + with Margery, did his manner become sensibly less distant, and more + natural. The artlessness, the gentle qualities, blended with feminine + spirit as they were, and the innocent gayety of the girl, appeared to win + on this nearly remorseless savage, in spite of his efforts to resist her + influence. Perhaps the beauty of Margery contributed its share in exciting + these novel emotions in the breast of one so stern. We do not mean that + Peter yielded to feelings akin-to love; of this, he was in a manner + incapable; but a man can submit to a gentle regard for woman that shall be + totally free from passion. This sort of regard Peter certainly began to + entertain for Margery; and like begetting like, as money produces money, + it is not surprising that the confidence of the girl herself, as well as + her sympathies, should continue to increase in the favor of this terrible + Indian. + </p> + <p> + But the changes of feeling, and the various little incidents to which we + have alluded, did not occur in a single moment of time. Day passed after + day, and still the canoes were working their way up the winding channels + of the Kalamazoo, placing at each setting sun longer and longer reaches of + its sinuous stream between the travellers and the broad sheet of Michigan. + As le Bourdon had been up and down the river often, in his various + excursions, he acted as the pilot of the navigation; though all worked, + even to the missionary and the Chippewa. On such an expedition, toil was + not deemed to be discreditable to a warrior, and Pigeonswing used the + paddle and the pole as willingly, and with as much dexterity, as any of + the party. + </p> + <p> + It was only on the eleventh day after quitting the mouth of the river, + that the canoes came to in the little bay where le Bourdon was in the + habit of securing his light bark, when in the openings. Castle Meal was in + full view, standing peacefully in its sweet solitude; and Hive, who, as he + came within the range of his old hunts, had started off, and got to the + spot the previous evening, now stood on the bank of the river to welcome + his master and his friends to the chiente. It wanted a few minutes of + sunset as the travellers landed, and the parting rays of the great + luminary of our system were glancing through the various glades of the + openings, imparting a mellow softness to the herbage and flowers. So far + as the bee-hunter could perceive, not even a bear had visited the place in + his absence. On ascending to his abode and examining the fastenings, and + on entering the hut, storehouse, etc., le Bourdon became satisfied that + all the property he had left behind was safe, and that the foot of man—he + almost thought of beast too—had not visited the spot at all during + the last fortnight. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hope in your mountains, and hope in your streams, + Bow down in their worship, and loudly pray; + Trust in your strength, and believe in your dreams, + But the wind shall carry them all away. + —BRAINARD. +</pre> + <p> + The week which succeeded the arrival of our party at Chateau au Miel, or + Castle Meal, as le Bourdon used to call his abode, was one of very active + labor. It was necessary to house the adventurers, and the little + habitation already built was quite insufficient for such a purpose. It was + given to the females, who used it as a private apartment for themselves, + while the cooking, eating, and even sleeping, so far as the males were + concerned, were all done beneath the trees of the openings. But a new + chiente was soon constructed, which, though wanting in the completeness + and strength of Castle Meal, was sufficient for the wants of these + sojourners in the wilderness. It is surprising with how little of those + comforts which civilization induces us to regard as necessaries we can get + along, when cast into the midst of the western wilds. The female whose + foot has trodden, from infancy upward, on nothing harder than a good + carpet-who has been reared amid all the appliances of abundance and art, + seems at once to change her nature, along with her habits, and often + proves a heroine, and an active assistant, when there was so much reason + to apprehend she might turn out to be merely an encumbrance. In the course + of a life that is now getting to be well stored with experience of this + sort, as well as of many other varieties, we can recall a hundred cases of + women, who were born and nurtured in affluence and abundance, who have + cheerfully quitted the scenes of youth, their silks and satins, their + china and plate, their mahogany and Brussels, to follow husbands and + fathers into the wilderness, there to compete with the savage, often for + food, and always for the final possession of the soil! + </p> + <p> + But in the case of Dorothy and Blossom, the change had never been of this + very broad character, and habit had long been preparing them for scenes + even more savage than that into which they were now cast. Both were + accustomed to work, as, blessed be God! the American woman usually works; + that is to say, within doors, and to render home neat, comfortable, and + welcome. As housewives, they were expert and willing, considering the + meagreness of their means; and le Bourdon told the half-delighted, + half-blushing Margery, ere the latter had been twenty-four hours in his + chiente, that nothing but the presence of such a one as herself was + wanting to render it an abode fit for a prince! Then, the cooking was so + much improved! Apart from cleanliness, the venison was found to be more + savory; the cakes were lighter; and the pork less greasy. On this subject + of grease, however, we could wish that a sense of right would enable us to + announce its utter extinction in the American kitchen; or, if not + absolutely its extinction, such a subjection of the unctuous properties, + as to bring them within the limits of a reasonably accurate and healthful + taste. To be frank, Dorothy carried a somewhat heavy hand, in this + respect; but pretty Margery was much her superior. How this difference in + domestic discipline occurred, is more than we can say; but of its + existence there can be no doubt There are two very respectable sections of + the civilized world to which we should imagine no rational being would + ever think of resorting in order to acquire the art of cookery, and these + are Germany and the land of the Pilgrims. One hears, and reads in those + elegant specimens of the polite literature of the day, the letters from + Washington, and from various travellers, who go up and down this river in + steamboats, or along that railway, gratis, much in honor of the good + things left behind the several writers, in the “region of the kock”; but, + woe betide the wight who is silly enough to believe in all this poetical + imagery, and who travels in that direction, in the expectation of finding + a good table! It is extraordinary that such a marked difference does + exist, on an interest of this magnitude, among such near neighbors; but, + of the fact, we should think no intelligent and experienced man can doubt. + Believing as we do, that no small portion of the elements of national + character can be, and are, formed in the kitchen, the circumstance may + appear to us of more moment than to some of our readers. The vacuum left + in cookery, between Boston and Baltimore for instance, is something like + that which exists between Le Verrier's new planet and the sun. + </p> + <p> + But Margery could even fry pork without causing it to swim in grease, and + at a venison steak, a professed cook was not her superior. She also + understood various little mysteries, in the way of converting their + berries and fruits of the wilderness into pleasant dishes; and Corporal + Flint soon affirmed that it was a thousand pities she did not live in a + garrison, which, agreeably to his view of things, was something like + placing her at the comptoir of the Cafe de Paris, or of marrying her to + some second Vatel. + </p> + <p> + With the eating and drinking, the building advanced pari passu. + Pigeonswing brought in his venison, his ducks, his pigeons, and his game + of different varieties, daily, keeping the larder quite as well supplied + as comported with the warmth of the weather; while the others worked on + the new chiente. In order to obtain materials for this building, one so + much larger than his old abode, Ben went up the Kalamazoo about half a + mile, where he felled a sufficient number of young pines, with trunks of + about a foot in diameter, cutting them into lengths of twenty and thirty + feet, respectively. These lengths, or trunks, were rolled into the river, + down which they slowly floated, until they arrived abreast of Castle Meal, + where they were met by Peter, in a canoe, who towed each stick, as it + arrived, to the place of landing. In this way, at the end of two days' + work, a sufficient quantity of materials was collected to commence + directly on the building itself. + </p> + <p> + Log-houses are of so common occurrence, as to require no particular + description of the one now put up, from us. It was rather less than thirty + feet in length, and one-third narrower than it was long. The logs were + notched, and the interstices were filled by pieces of the pine, split to a + convenient size. The roof was of bark, and of the simplest construction, + while there was neither door nor window; though one aperture was left for + the first, and two for the last. Corporal Flint, however, was resolved + that not only a door should be made, as well as shutters for the windows, + but that the house should, in time, be picketed. When le Bourdon + remonstrated with him on the folly of taking so much unnecessary pains, it + led to a discussion, in which the missionary even felt constrained to + join. + </p> + <p> + “What's the use—what's the use?” exclaimed le Bourdon a little + impatiently, when he found the corporal getting to be in earnest in his + proposal. “Here have I lived, safely, two seasons in Castle Meal, without + any pickets or palisades; and yet you want to turn this new house into a + regular garrison!” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Bourdon, that was in peaceable times; but these is war times. I've + seen the fall of Fort Dearborn, and I don't want to see the fall of + another post this war. The Pottawattamies is hostile, even Peter owns; and + the Pottawattamies has been here once, as you say yourself, and may come + ag'in.” + </p> + <p> + “The only Pottawattamie who has ever been at this spot, to my knowledge, + is dead, and his bones are bleaching up yonder in the openings. No fear of + him, then.” + </p> + <p> + “His body is gone,” answered the corporal; “and what is more the rifle is + gone with it. I heard that his rifle had been forgotten, and went to + collect the arms left on the field of battle, but found nothing. No doubt + his friends have burned, or buried, the chief, and they will be apt to + take another look in this quarter of the country, having l'arnt the road.” + </p> + <p> + Boden was struck with this intelligence, as well as with the reasoning, + and after a moment's pause, he answered in a way that showed a wavering + purpose. + </p> + <p> + “It will take a week's work, to picket or palisade the house,” he + answered, “and I wish to be busy among the bees, once more.” + </p> + <p> + “Go to your bees, Bourdon, and leave me to fortify and garrison, as + becomes my trade. Parson Amen, here, will tell you that the children of + Israel are often bloody-minded and are not to be forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + “The corporal is right,” put in the missionary; “the corporal is quite + right. The whole history of the ancient Jews gives us this character of + them; and even Saul of Tarsus was bent on persecution and slaughter, until + his hand was stayed by the direct manifestation of the power of God. I can + see glimmerings of this spirit in Peter, and this at a moment when he is + almost ready to admit that he's a descendant of Israel.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Peter ready to allow that?” asked the bee-hunter, with more interest + in the answer than he would have been willing to allow. + </p> + <p> + “As good as that-yes, quite as good as that. I can see, plainly, that + Peter has some heavy mystery on his mind; sooner, or later, we shall learn + it. When it does come out, the world may be prepared to learn the whole + history of the Ten Tribes!” + </p> + <p> + “In my judgment,” observed the corporal, “that chief could give the + history of twenty, if he was so minded.” + </p> + <p> + “There were but ten of them, brother Flint—but ten; and of those ten + he could give us a full and highly interesting account. One of these days, + we shall hear it all; in the mean time, it may be well enough to turn one + of these houses into some sort of a garrison.” + </p> + <p> + “Let it, then, be Castle Meal,” said le Bourdon; “surely, if any one is to + be defended and fortified in this way, it ought to be the women. You may + easily palisade that hut, which is so much stronger than this, and so much + smaller.” + </p> + <p> + With this compromise, the work went on. The corporal dug a trench four + feet deep, encircling the “castle,” as happy as a lord the whole time; for + this was not the first time he had been at such work, which he considered + to be altogether in character, and suitable to his profession. No youthful + engineer, fresh from the Point, that seat of military learning to which + the republic is even more indebted for its signal successes in Mexico, + than to the high military character of this population-no young aspirant + for glory, fresh from this useful school, could have greater delight in + laying out his first bastion, or counter-scarp, or glacis, than Corporal + Flint enjoyed in fortifying Castle Meal. It will be remembered that this + was the first occasion he was ever actually at the head of the engineering + department Hitherto, it had been his fortune to follow; but now it had + become his duty to lead. As no one else, of that party, had ever been + employed in such a work on any previous occasion, the corporal did not + affect to conceal the superior knowledge with which he was overflowing. + Gershom he found a ready and active assistant; for, by this time, the + whiskey was well out of him; and he toiled with the greater willingness, + as he felt that the palisades would add to the security of his wife and + sister. Neither did Parson Amen disdain to use the pick and shovel; for, + while the missionary had the fullest reliance in the fact that the red men + of that region were the descendants of the children of Israel, he regarded + them as a portion of the chosen people who were living under the ban of + the divine displeasure, and as more than usually influenced by those evil + spirits, whom St. Paul mentions as the powers of the air. In a word, while + the good missionary had all faith in the final conversion and restoration + of these children of the forests, he did not overlook the facts of their + present barbarity, and great propensity to scalp. He was not quite as + efficient as Gershom, at this novel employment, but a certain inborn zeal + rendered him both active and useful. As for the Indians, neither of them + deigned to touch a tool. Pigeonswing had little opportunity for so doing, + indeed, being usually, from the rising to the setting sun, out hunting for + the support of the party; while Peter passed most of his time in + ruminations and solitary walks. This last paid little attention to the + work about the castle, either knowing it would, at any moment, by an act + of treachery, be in his power to render all these precautions of no avail; + or, relying on the amount of savage force that he knew was about to + collect in the openings. Whenever he cast a glance on the progress of the + work, it was with an eye of great indifference; once he even carried his + duplicity so far, as to make a suggestion to the corporal, by means of + which, as he himself expressed it, in his imperfect English—“Injin + no get inside, to use knife and tomahawk.” This seeming indifference, on + the part of Peter, did not escape the observation of the bee-hunter, who + became still less distrustful of that mysterious savage, as he noted his + conduct in connection with the dispositions making for defence. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon would not allow a tree of any sort to be felled anywhere near + his abode. While the corporal and his associates were busy in digging the + trench, he had gone to a considerable distance, quite out of sight from + Castle Meal, and near his great highway, the river, where he cut and + trimmed the necessary number of burr-oaks for the palisades. Boden labored + the more cheerfully at this work, for two especial reasons. One was the + fact that the defences might be useful to himself, hereafter, as much + against bears as against Indians; and the other, because Margery daily + brought her sewing or knitting, and sat on the fallen trees, laughing and + chatting, as the axe performed its duties. On three several occasions + Peter was present, also, accompanying Blossom, with a kindness of manner, + and an attention to her pretty little tastes in culling flowers, that + would have done credit to a man of a higher school of civilization. + </p> + <p> + The reader is not to suppose, however, because the Indian pays but little + outward attention to the squaws, that he is without natural feeling, or + manliness of character. In some respects his chivalrous devotion to the + sex is, perhaps, in no degree inferior to that of the class which makes a + parade of such sentiments, and this quite as much from convention and + ostentation, as from any other motive. The red man is still a savage + beyond all question, but he is a savage with so many nobler and more manly + qualities, when uncorrupted by communion with the worst class of whites, + and not degraded by extreme poverty, as justly to render him a subject of + our admiration, in self-respect, in dignity, and in simplicity of + deportment. The Indian chief is usually a gentleman; and this, though he + may have never heard of Revelation, and has not the smallest notion of the + Atonement, and of the deep obligations it has laid on the human race. + </p> + <p> + Amid the numberless exaggerations of the day, one of particular capacity + has arisen connected with the supposed character of a gentleman. Those who + regard all things through the medium of religious feeling, are apt to + insist that he who is a Christian, is necessarily a gentleman; while he + can be no thorough gentleman, who has not most of the qualities of the + Christian character. This confusion in thought and language, can lead to + no really useful result, while it embarrasses the minds of many, and + renders the expression of our ideas less exact and comprehensive than they + would otherwise be. + </p> + <p> + We conceive that a man may be very much of a Christian, and very little of + a gentleman; or very much of a gentleman, and very little of a Christian. + There is, in short, not much in common between the two characters, though + it is possible for them to become united in the same individual. That the + finished courtesies of polished life may wear some of the aspects of that + benevolence which causes the Christian “to love his neighbor as himself,” + is certainly true, though the motives of the parties are so very different + as to destroy all real identity between them. While the moving principle + of a gentleman is self-respect, that of a Christian is humility. The first + is ready to lay down his life in order to wipe away an imaginary dishonor, + or to take the life of another; the last is taught to turn the other + cheek, when smitten. In a word, the first keeps the world, its opinions + and its estimation, ever uppermost in his thoughts; the last lives only to + reverence God, and to conform to his will, in obedience to his revealed + mandates. Certainly, there is that which is both grateful and useful in + the refined deportment of one whose mind and manners have been polished + even in the schools of the world; but it is degrading to the profoundly + beautiful submission of the truly Christian temper, to imagine that + anything like a moral parallel can justly be run between them. + </p> + <p> + Of course, Peter had none of the qualities of him who sees and feels his + own defects, and relies only on the merits of the atonement for his place + among the children of light, while he had so many of those qualities which + depend on the estimate which man is so apt to place on his own merits. In + this last sense, this Indian had a great many of the essentials of a + gentleman; a lofty courtesy presiding over all his intercourse with + others, when passion or policy did not thrust in new and sudden principles + of action. Even the missionary was so much struck with the gentleness of + this mysterious savage's deportment in connection with Margery, as at + first to impute it to a growing desire to make a wife of that flower of + the wilderness. But closer observation induced greater justice to the + Indian in this respect Nothing like the uneasiness, impatience, or + distrust of passion could be discerned in his demeanor; and when Parson + Amen perceived that the bee-hunter's marked devotion to the beautiful + Blossom rather excited a benevolent and kind interest in the feelings of + Peter, so far at least as one could judge of the heart by external + appearances, than anything that bore the fierce and uneasy impulses of + jealousy, he was satisfied that his original impression was a mistake. + </p> + <p> + As le Bourdon flourished his axe, and Margery plied her needles, making a + wholesome provision for the coming winter, the mysterious Indian would + stand, a quarter of an hour at a time, immovable as a statue, his eyes + riveted first on one, and then on the other. What passed at such moments + in that stern breast, it exceeds the penetration of man to say: but that + the emotions thus pent within barriers that none could pass or destroy, + were not always ferocious and revengeful, a carefully observant spectator + might possibly have suspected, had such a person been there to note all + the signs of what was uppermost in the chiefs thoughts. Still, gleamings + of sudden, but intense ferocity did occasionally occur; and, at such + instants, the countenance of this extraordinary being was truly terrific. + Fortunately, such bursts of uncontrollable feeling were transient, being + of rare occurrence, and of very short duration. + </p> + <p> + By the time the corporal had his trenches dug, le Bourdon was prepared + with his palisades, which were just one hundred in number, being intended + to enclose a space of forty feet square. The men all united in the + transportation of the timber, which was floated down the river on a raft + of white pine, the burr-oak being of a specific gravity that fresh water + would not sustain. A couple of days, however, sufficed for the + transportation by water, and as many more for that by land, between the + place of landing and Castle Meal. This much accomplished, the whole party + rested from their labors, the day which succeeded being the Sabbath. + </p> + <p> + Those who dwell habitually amid the haunts of men, alone thoroughly + realize the vast importance that ought to be attached to the great day of + rest. Men on the ocean, and men in the forest, are only too apt to + overlook the returns of the Sabbath; thus slowly, but inevitably + alienating themselves more and more from the dread Being who established + the festival, as much in his own honor as for the good of man. When we are + told that the Almighty is jealous of his rights, and desires to be + worshipped, we are not to estimate this wish by any known human standard, + but are ever to bear in mind that it is exactly in proportion as we do + reverence the Creator and Ruler of heaven and earth that we are nearest, + or farthest, from the condition of the blessed. It is probably for his own + good, that the adoration of man is pleasing in the eyes of God. + </p> + <p> + The missionary, though a visionary and an enthusiast, as respected the + children of Israel, was a zealous observer of his duties. On Sundays, he + never neglected to set up his tabernacle, even though it were in a howling + wilderness, and went regularly through the worship of God, according to + the form of the sect to which he belonged. His influence, on the present + occasion, was sufficient to cause a suspension of all labor, though not + without some remonstrances on the part of the corporal. The latter + contended that, in military affairs, there was no Sunday known, unless it + might be in peaceable times, and that he had never heard of intrenchments + “resting from their labors,” on the part of either the besieger or the + besieged. Work of that sort, he thought, ought to go on, day and night, by + means of reliefs; and, instead of pausing to hold church, he had actually + contemplated detailing fatigue parties to labor through, not only that + day, but the whole of the succeeding night. + </p> + <p> + As for Peter, he never offered the slightest objection to any of Parson + Amen's sermons or prayers. He listened to both with unmoved gravity, + though no apparent impression was ever made on his feelings. The Chippewa + hunted on the Sabbaths as much as on any other day; and it was in + reference to this fact that the following little conversation took place + between Margery and the missionary, as the party sat beneath the oaks, + passing a tranquil eventide at midsummer. + </p> + <p> + “How happens it, Mr. Amen,” said Margery, who had insensibly adopted the + missionary's sobriquet, “that no red man keeps the Sabbath-day, if they + are all descended from the Jews? This is one of the most respected of all + the commandments, and it does not seem natural”—Margery's use of + terms was necessarily influenced by association and education-“that any of + that people should wholly forget the day of rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are not aware, Margery, that the Jews, even in civilized + countries, do not keep the same Sabbath as the Christians,” returned the + missionary. “They have public worship on a Saturday, as we do on a Sunday. + Now, I did think I saw some signs of Peter's privately worshipping + yesterday, while we were all so busy at our garrison. You may have + observed how thoughtful and silent the chief was in the middle of the + afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + “I DID observe it,” said the bee-hunter, “but must own I did not suspect + him of holding meeting for any purposes within himself. That was one of + the times when I like the manners and behavior of this Injin the least.” + </p> + <p> + “We do not know—we do not know—perhaps his spirit struggled + with the temptations of the Evil One. To me he appeared to be worshipping, + and I set the fact down as a proof that the red men keep the Jewish + Sabbath.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not know that the Jews keep a Sabbath different from our own, else + I might have thought the same. But I never saw a Jew, to my knowledge. Did + you, Margery?” + </p> + <p> + “Not to know him for one,” answered the girl; and true enough was the + remark of each. Five-and-thirty years ago, America was singularly not only + a Christian but a Protestant nation. Jews certainly did exist in the + towns, but they were so blended with the rest of the population, and were + so few in number, as scarcely to attract attention to them as a sect. As + for the Romanists, they too had their churches and their dioceses; but + what untravelled American had then ever seen a nun? From monks, Heaven be + praised, we are yet spared; and this is said without any prejudice against + the denomination to which they usually belong. He who has lived much in a + country where that sect prevails, if a man of a particle of liberality, + soon learns that piety and reverence for God, and a deep sense of all the + Christian obligations, can just as well, nay better, exist in a state of + society where a profound submission to well-established dogmas is to be + found, than in a state of society where there is so much political freedom + as to induce the veriest pretenders to learning to imagine that each man + is a church and a hierarchy in his own person! All this is rapidly + changing. Romanists abound, and spots that half a century since, appeared + to be the most improbable place in the world to admit of the rites of the + priests of Rome, now hear the chants and prayers of the mass-books. All + this shows a tendency toward that great commingling of believers, which is + doubtless to precede the final fusion of sects, and the predicted end. + </p> + <p> + On the Monday that succeeded the Sabbath mentioned, the corporal had all + his men at work, early, pinning together his palisades, making them up + into manageable bents, and then setting them up on their legs. As the + materials were all there, and quite ready to be put together, the work + advanced rapidly; and by the time the sun drew near the western horizon + once more, Castle Meal was surrounded by its bristling defences. The whole + was erect and stay-lathed, waiting only for the earth to be shovelled back + into the trench, and to be pounded well down. As it was, the palisades + offered a great increase of security to those in the chiente, and both the + females expressed their obligations to their friends for having taken this + important step toward protecting them from the enemy. When they retired + for the night, everything was arranged, so that the different members of + the party might know where to assemble within the works. Among the effects + of Gershom, were a conch and a horn; the latter being one of those common + instruments of tin, which are so much used in and about American + farm-houses, to call the laborers from the field. The conch was given to + the men, that, in case of need, they might sound the alarm from without, + while the horn, or trumpet of tin, was suspended by the door of the + chiente, in order that the females might have recourse to it, at need. + </p> + <p> + About midnight, long after the whole party had retired to rest, and when + the stillness of the hours of deepest repose reigned over the openings, + the bee-hunter was awoke from his sleep by an unwonted call. At first, he + could scarce believe his senses, so plaintive, and yet so wild, was the + blast. But there could be no mistake: it was the horn from the chiente, + and, in a moment, he was on his feet. By this time, the corporal was + afoot, and presently all the men were in motion. On this occasion, Gershom + manifested a readiness and spirit that spoke equally well for his heart + and his courage. He was foremost in rushing to the assistance of his wife + and sister, though le Bourdon was very close on his heels. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the gate of the palisade, it was found closed, and barred + within; nor did any one appear, until Dorothy was summoned, by repeated + calls, in the well-known voice of her husband. When the two females came + out of the chiente, great was their wonder and alarm! No horn had been + blown by either of them, and there the instrument itself hung, on its peg, + as quiet and mute as if a blast had never been blown into it The + bee-hunter, on learning this extraordinary fact, looked around him + anxiously, in order to ascertain who might be absent. Every man was + present, and each person stood by his arms, no one betraying the slightest + consciousness of knowing whence the unaccountable summons had proceeded! + </p> + <p> + “This has been done by you, corporal, in order to bring us together, under + arms, by way of practice,” le Bourdon at length exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “False alarms is useful, if not overdone; especially among raw troops,” + answered Flint, coolly; “but I have given none to-night. I will own I did + intend to have you all out in a day or two by way of practice, but I have + thought it useless to attempt too much at once. When the garrison is + finished, it will be time enough to drill the men to the alarm-posts.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your opinion, Peter?” continued le Bourdon. “You understand the + wilderness, and its ways. To what is this extr'or'nary call owing? Why + have we been brought here, at this hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Somebody blow horn, most likely,” answered Peter, in his unmoved, + philosophical manner. “'Spose don't know; den can't tell. Warrior often + hear 'larm on war-path.” + </p> + <p> + “This is an onaccountable thing! If I ever heard a horn, I heard one + to-night; yet this is the only horn we have, and no one has touched it! It + was not the conch I heard; there is no mistaking the difference in sound + between a shell and a horn; and there is the conch, hanging at Gershom's + neck, just where it has been the whole night.” + </p> + <p> + “No one has touched the conch—I will answer for THAT,” returned + Gershom, laying a hand on the shell, as if to make certain all was right. + </p> + <p> + “This is most extr'or'nary! I heard the horn, if ears of mine ever heard + such an instrument!” + </p> + <p> + Each of the white men added as much, for every one of them had distinctly + heard the blast. Still neither could suggest any probable clue to the + mystery. The Indians said nothing; but it was so much in conformity with + their habits for red men to maintain silence, whenever any unusual events + awakened feelings in others, that no one thought their deportment out of + rule. As for Peter, a statue of stone could scarcely have been colder in + aspect than was this chief, who seemed to be altogether raised above every + exhibition of human feeling. Even the corporal gaped, though much excited, + for he had been suddenly aroused from a deep sleep; but Peter was as much + superior to physical, as to moral impressions, on this occasion. He made + no suggestion, manifested no concern, exhibited no curiosity; and when the + men withdrew, again, to their proper habitation, he walked back with them, + in the same silence and calm, as those with which he had advanced. + Gershom, however, entered within the palisade, and passed the remainder of + the night with his family. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter and the Chippewa accidentally came together, as the men + moved slowly toward their own hut, when the following short dialogue + occurred between them. + </p> + <p> + “Is that you, Pigeonswing?” exclaimed le Bourdon, when he found his friend + touching an elbow, as if by chance. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dis me—want better friend, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I'm well satisfied to have you near me, in an alarm, Chippewa. We've + stood by each other once, in troublesome times; and I think we can do as + much, ag'in.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; stand by friend—dat honor. Nebber turn back on friend; dat my + way.” + </p> + <p> + “Chippewa, who blew the blast on the horn?—can you tell me THAT?” + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you ask Peter? He wise chief—know eb-beryt'ing. Young + Injin ask ole Injin when don't know—why not young pale-face ask ole + man, too, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Pigeonswing, if truth was said, I believe it would be found that you + suspect Peter of having a hand in this business?” + </p> + <p> + This speech was rather too idiomatic for the comprehension of the Indian, + who answered according to his own particular view of the matter. + </p> + <p> + “Don't blow horn wid hand,” he said—“Injin blow wid mout', just like + pale-face.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter did not reply; but his companion's remark had a tendency to + revive in his breast certain unpleasant and distrustful feelings toward + the mysterious savage, which the incidents and communications of the last + two weeks had had a strong tendency to put to sleep. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + None knows his lineage, age, or name; + His looks are like the snows of Caucasus; his eyes + Beam with the wisdom of collected ages + In green, unbroken years he sees, 'tis said, + The generations pass like autumn fruits, + Garner'd, consumed, and springing fresh to life, + Again to perish— + —HILLHOUSE +</pre> + <p> + No further disturbance took place that night, and the men set about + filling up the trenches in the morning steadily, as if nothing had + happened. They talked a little of the extraordinary occurrence, but more + was THOUGHT than SAID. Le Bourdon observed, however, that Pigeonswing went + earlier than usual to the hunt, and that he made his preparations as if he + expected to be absent more than the customary time. + </p> + <p> + As there were just one hundred feet of ditch to fill with dirt, the task + was completed, and that quite thoroughly, long ere the close of the day. + The pounding down of the earth consumed more time, and was much more + laborious than the mere tumbling of the earth back into its former bed; + but even this portion of the work was sufficiently attended to. When all + was done, the corporal himself, a very critical sort of person in what he + called “garrisons,” was fain to allow that it was as “pretty a piece of + palisading” as he had ever laid eyes on. The “garrison” wanted only one + thing, now, to render it a formidable post—and that was water—no + spring or well existing within its narrow limit; however, he procured two + or three empty barrels, portions of le Bourdon's effects, placed them + within the works, and had them filled with sweet water. By emptying this + water two or three times a week, and refilling the barrels, it was thought + that a sufficient provision of that great necessary would be made and kept + up. Luckily the corporal's “garrison” did not drink, and the want was so + much the more easily supplied for the moment. + </p> + <p> + In truth, the chiente was now converted into a place of some strength, + when it is considered that artillery had never yet penetrated to those + wilds. More than half the savages of the west fought with arrows and + spears in that day, as most still do when the great prairies are reached. + A rifleman so posted as to have his body in a great measure covered by the + trunk of a burr-oak tree, would be reasonably secure against the missives + of an Indian, and, using his own fatal instrument of death, under a sense + of personal security, he would become a formidable opponent to dislodge. + Nor was the smallness of the work any objection to its security. A single + well-armed man might suffice to defend twenty-five feet of palisades, when + he would have been insufficient to make good his position with twice the + extent. Then le Bourdon had cut loops on three sides of the hut itself, in + order to fire at the bears, and sometimes at the deer, which had often + approached the building in its days of solitude and quiet, using the + window on the fourth side for the same purpose. In a word, a sense of + increased security was felt by the whole party when this work was + completed, though one arrangement was still wanting to render it perfect. + By separating the real garrison from the nominal garrison during the + night, there always existed the danger of surprise; and the corporal, now + that his fortifications were finished, soon devised a plan to obviate this + last-named difficulty. His expedient was very simple, and had somewhat of + barrack-life about it. + </p> + <p> + Corporal Flint raised a low platform along one side of the chiente, by + placing there logs of pine that were squared on one of their sides. Above, + at the height of a man's head, a roof of bark was reared on poles, and + prairie grass, aided by skins, formed very comfortable barrack-beds + beneath. As the men were expected to lie with their heads to the wall of + the hut, and their feet outward, there was ample space for twice their + number. Thither, then, were all the homely provisions for the night + transported; and when Margery closed the door of the chiente, after + returning the bee-hunter's cordial good night, it was with no further + apprehension for the winding of the mysterious horn. + </p> + <p> + The first night that succeeded the new arrangement passed without any + disturbance. Pigeonswing did not return, as usual, at sunset, and a little + uneasiness was felt on his account; but, as he made his appearance quite + early in the morning, this source of concern ceased. Nor did the Chippewa + come in empty-handed; he had killed not only a buck, but he had knocked + over a bear in his rambles, besides taking a mess of famously fine trout + from a brawling stream at no great distance. The fish were eaten for + breakfast, and immediately after that meal was ended, a party. + </p> + <p> + “I know no more than he has himself told me. By his account there is to be + a great council of red men on the prairie, a few miles from this spot; he + is waiting for the appointed day to come, in order to go and make one of + the chiefs that will be there. Is not this true, Chippewa?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dat true—what dat council smoke round fire for, eh? You know?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not, and would be right glad to have you tell me, Pigeonswing. + Perhaps the tribe mean to have a meetin' to determine in their own minds + which side they ought to take in this war.” + </p> + <p> + “Not dat nudder. Know well 'nough which side take. Got message and wampum + from Canada fadder, and most all Injin up this-a way look for Yankee + scalp. Not dat nudder.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I have no notion what is at the bottom of this council. Peter seems + to expect great things from it; that I can see by his way of talking and + looking whenever he speaks of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Peter want to see him very much. Smoke at great many sich council fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you intend to be present at this council on Prairie Round?” asked the + bee-hunter, innocently enough. Pigeonswing turned to look at his + companion, in a way that seemed to inquire how far he was really the dupe + of the mysterious Indian's wiles. Then, suddenly aware of the importance + of not betraying all he himself knew, until the proper moment had arrived, + he bent his eyes forward again, continuing onward and answering somewhat + evasively. + </p> + <p> + “Don't know,” he replied. “Hunter nebber tell. Chief want venison, and he + must hunt. Just like squaw in pale-face wigwam—work, work—sweep, + sweep—cook, cook—never know when work done. So hunter hunt—hunt—hunt.” + </p> + <p> + “And for that matter, Chippewa, just like squaw in the red man's village, + too. Hoe, hoe—dig, dig—carry, carry—so that she never + knows when she may sit down to rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” returned Pigeonswing, coolly nodding his assent as he moved + steadily forward. “Dat do right way wid squaw—juss what he good for—juss + what he MADE for—work for warrior and cook his dinner. Pale-face + make too much of squaw.” + </p> + <p> + “Not accordin' to your account of their manner of getting along, Injin. If + the work of our squaws is never done, we can hardly make too much of them. + Where does Peter keep HIS squaw?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't know,” answered the Chippewa. “Nobody know. Don't know where his + tribe even.” + </p> + <p> + “This is very extraor'nary, considering the influence the man seems to + enjoy. How is it that he has so completely got the ears of all the red + men, far and near?” + </p> + <p> + To this question Pigeonswing gave no answer. His own mind was so far under + Peter's control that he did not choose to tell more than might be prudent. + He was fully aware of the mysterious chief's principal design, that of + destroying the white race altogether, and of restoring the red men to + their ancient rights, but several reasons prevented his entering into the + plot heart and hand. In the first place, he was friendly to the “Yankees,” + from whom he, personally, had received many favors and no wrongs; then, + the tribe, or half-tribe, to which he belonged had been employed, more or + less, by the agents of the American government as runners, and in other + capacities, ever since the peace of '83; and, lastly, he himself had been + left much in different garrisons, where he had not only acquired his + English, but a habit of thinking of the Americans as his friends. It might + also be added that Pigeonswing, though far less gifted by nature than the + mysterious Peter, had formed a truer estimate of the power of the + “Yankees,” and did not believe they were to be annihilated so easily. How + it happened that this Indian had come to a conclusion so much safer than + that of Peter's, a man of twice his capacity, is more than we can explain; + though it was probably owing to the accidental circumstances of his more + intimate associations with the whites. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter was by nature a man of observation, a faculty that his + habits had both increased and stimulated. Had it not been for the manner + in which he was submitting to the influence of Margery, he would long + before have seen that in the deportment of the Chippewa which would have + awakened his distrust; not that Margery in any way endeavored to blind him + to what was passing before his face, but that he was fast getting to have + eyes only for her. By this time she filled not only his waking, but many + of his sleeping thoughts; and when she was not actually before him, + charming him with her beauty, enlivening him with her artless gayety, and + inspiring him with her innocent humor, he fancied she was there, + imagination, perhaps, heightening all those advantages which we have + enumerated. When a man is thoroughly in love, he is quite apt to be fit + for very little else but to urge his suit. Such, in a certain way, proved + to be the case with le Bourdon, who allowed things to pass unheeded + directly before his eyes that previously to his acquaintance with Margery + would not only have been observed, but which would have most probably led + to some practical results. The conduct of Pigeonswing was among the + circumstances that were thus over-looked by our hero. In point of fact, + Peter was slowly but surely working on the mind of the Chippewa, changing + all his opinions radically, and teaching him to regard every pale-face as + an enemy. The task, in this instance, was not easy; for Pigeonswing, in + addition to his general propensities in favor of the “Yankees,” the result + of mere accident, had conceived a real personal regard for le Bourdon, and + was very slow to admit any views that tended to his injury. The struggle + in the mind of the young warrior was severe; and twenty times was he on + the point of warning his friend of the danger which impended over the + whole party, when a sense of good faith toward Peter, who held his word to + the contrary, prevented his so doing. This conflict of feeling was now + constantly active in the breast of the young savage. + </p> + <p> + Pigeonswing had another source of uneasiness, to which his companions were + entirely strangers. While hunting, his keen eyes had detected the presence + of warriors in the openings. It is true he had not seen even one, but he + knew that the signs he had discovered could not deceive him. Not only were + warriors at hand, but warriors in considerable numbers. He had found one + deserted lair, from which its late occupants could not have departed many + hours when it came under his own notice. By means of that attentive + sagacity which forms no small portion of the education of an American + Indian, Pigeonswing was enabled to ascertain that this party, of itself, + numbered seventeen, all of whom were men and warriors. The first fact was + easily enough to be seen, perhaps, there being just seventeen different + impressions left in the grass; but that all these persons were armed men, + was learned by Pigeonswing through evidence that would have been + overlooked by most persons. By the length of the lairs he was satisfied + none but men of full stature had been there; and he even examined + sufficiently close to make out the proofs that all but four of these men + carried firearms. Strange as it may seem to those who do not know how keen + the senses become when whetted by the apprehensions and wants of savage + life, Pigeonswing was enabled to discover signs which showed that the + excepted were provided with bows and arrows, and spears. + </p> + <p> + When the bee-hunter and his companion came in sight of the carcase of the + bear, which they did shortly after the last remark which we have given in + the dialogue recorded, the former exclaimed with a little surprise: + </p> + <p> + “How's this, Chippewa! You have killed this beast with your bow! Did you + not hunt with the rifle yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “Bad fire rifle off now-a-day,” answered Pigeonswing, sententiously. “Make + noise—noise no good.” + </p> + <p> + “Noise!” repeated the perfectly unsuspecting bee-hunter. “Little good or + little harm can noise do in these openings, where there is neither + mountain to give back an echo, or ear to be startled. The crack of my + rifle has rung through these groves a hundred times and no harm come of + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Forget war-time now. Bess nebber fire, less can't help him. Pottawattamie + hear great way off.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! That's it, is it! You're afraid our old friends the Pottawattamies + may find us out, and come to thank us for all that happened down at the + river's mouth. Well,” continued le Bourdon, laughing, “if they wish + another whiskey-spring, I have a small jug left, safely hid against a wet + day; a very few drops will answer to make a tolerable spring. You redskins + don't know everything, Pigeonswing, though you are so keen and + quick-witted on a trail.” + </p> + <p> + “Bess not tell Pottawattamie any more 'bout springs,” answered the + Chippewa, gravely; for by this time he regarded the state of things in the + openings to be so serious as to feel little disposition to mirth. “Why you + don't go home, eh? Why don't med'cine-man go home, too? Bess for pale-face + to be wid pale-face when red man go on war-path. Color bess keep wid + color.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you want to be rid of us, Pigeonswing; but the parson has no + thought of quitting this part of the world until he has convinced all the + red-skins that they are Jews.” + </p> + <p> + “What he mean, eh?” demanded the Chippewa, with more curiosity than it was + usual for an Indian warrior to betray. “What sort of a man Jew, eh? Why + call red man Jew?” + </p> + <p> + “I know very little more about it than you do yourself, Pigeonswing; but + such as my poor knowledge is, you're welcome to it. You've heard of the + Bible, I dare say?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain—med'cine-man read him Sunday. Good book to read, some + t'ink.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it's all that, and a great companion have I found my Bible, when + I've been alone with the bees out here in the openings. It tells us of our + God, Chippewa; and teaches us how we are to please him, and how we may + offend. It's a great loss to you red-skins not to have such a book among + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Med'cine-man bring him—don't do much good, yet; some day, p'r'aps, + do better. How dat make red man Jew?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, this is a new idea to me, though Parson Amen seems fully possessed + with it. I suppose you know what a Jew is?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't know anything 'bout him. Sort o' nigger, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Pigeonswing, you're wide of the mark this time. But, that we may + understand each other, we'll begin at the beginning like, which will let + you into the whole history of the pale-face religion. As we've had a smart + walk, however, and here is the bear's meat safe and sound, just as you + left it, let us sit down a bit on this trunk of a tree, while I give you + our tradition from beginning to end, as it might be. In the first place, + Chippewa, the earth was made without creatures of any sort to live on it—not + so much as a squirrel or a woodchuck.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor country to hunt in, dat,” observed the Chippewa quietly, while le + Bourdon was wiping his forehead after removing his cap. “Ojebways stay in + it very little time.” + </p> + <p> + “This, according to our belief, was before any Ojebway lived. At length, + God made a man, out of clay, and fashioned him, as we see men fashioned + and living all around us.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered the Chippewa, nodding his head in assent. “Den Manitou put + plenty blood in him—dat make red warrior. Bible good book, if tell + dat tradition.” + </p> + <p> + “The Bible says nothing about any colors; but we suppose the man first + made to have been a pale-face. At any rate, the pale-faces have got + possession of the best parts of the earth, as it might be, and I think + they mean to keep them. First come, first served, you know. The pale-faces + are many, and are strong.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” exclaimed Pigeonswing, in a way that was very unusual for an + Indian to interrupt another when speaking; “want to ask question—how + many pale-face you t'ink is dere? Ebber count him?” + </p> + <p> + “Count him!—Why, Chippewa, you might as well count the bees, as they + buzz around a fallen tree. You saw me cut down the tree I last discovered, + and saw the movement of the little animals, and may judge what success + tongue or eye would have in counting THEM; now, just as true would it be + to suppose that any man could count the pale-faces on this earth.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't want count ALL,” answered Pigeonswing. “Want to know how many dis + side of great salt lake.” + </p> + <p> + “That's another matter, and more easily come at. I understand you now, + Chippewa; you wish to know how many of us there are in the country we call + America?” + </p> + <p> + “Juss so,” returned Pigeonswing, nodding in assent. “Dat juss it—juss + what Injin want to know.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we do have a count of our own people, from time to time, and I + suppose come about as near to the truth as men can come in such a matter. + There must be about eight millions of us altogether; that is, old and + young, big and little, male and female.” + </p> + <p> + “How many warrior you got?—don't want hear about squaw and + pappoose.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I see you're warlike this morning, and want to see how we are likely + to come out of this struggle with your great Canada father. Counting all + round, I think we might muster hard on upon a million of fighting men—good, + bad, and indifferent; that is to say, there must be a million of us of + proper age to go into the wars.” + </p> + <p> + Pigeonswing made no answer for near a minute. Both he and the bee-hunter + had come to a halt alongside of the bear's meat, and the latter was + beginning to prepare his own portion of the load for transportation, while + his companion stood thus motionless, lost in thought. Suddenly, + Pigeonswing recovered his recollection, and resumed the conversation, by + saying: + </p> + <p> + “What million mean, Bourdon? How many time so'ger at Detroit, and so'ger + on lakes?” + </p> + <p> + “A million is more than the leaves on all the trees in these openings”—le + Bourdon's notions were a little exaggerated, perhaps, but this was what he + SAID—“yes, more than the leaves on all these oaks, far and near. A + million is a countless number, and I suppose would make a row of men as + long as from this spot to the shores of the great salt lake, if not + farther.” + </p> + <p> + It is probable that the bee-hunter himself had no very clear notion of the + distance of which he spoke, or of the number of men it would actually + require to fill the space he mentioned; but his answer sufficed deeply to + impress the imagination of the Indian, who now helped le Bourdon to secure + his load to his back, in silence, receiving the same service in return. + When the meat of the bear was securely bestowed, each resumed his rifle, + and the friends commenced their march in, toward the chiente; conversing, + as they went, on the matter which still occupied their minds. When the + bee-hunter again took up the history of the creation, it was to speak of + our common mother. + </p> + <p> + “You will remember, Chippewa,” he said, “that I told you nothing on the + subject of any woman. What I have told you, as yet, consarned only the + first MAN, who was made out of clay, into whom God breathed the breath of + life.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat good—make warrior fuss. Juss right. When breat' in him, fit to + take scalp, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, as to that, it is not easy to see whom he was to scalp, seeing that + he was quite alone in the world, until it pleased his Creator to give him + a woman for a companion.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell 'bout dat,” returned Pigeonswing, with interest—“tell how he + got squaw.” + </p> + <p> + “Accordin' to the Bible, God caused this man to fall into a deep sleep, + when he took one of his ribs, and out of that he made a squaw for him. + Then he put them both to live together, in a most beautiful garden, in + which all things excellent and pleasant was to be found—some such + place as these openings, I reckon.” + </p> + <p> + “Any bee dere?” asked the Indian, quite innocently. “Plenty honey, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “That will I answer for! It could hardly be otherwise, when it was the + intention to make the first man and first woman perfectly happy. I dare + say, Chippewa, if the truth was known, it would be found that bees was a + sipping at every flower in that most delightful garden!” + </p> + <p> + “Why pale-face quit dat garden, eh? Why come here to drive poor Injin 'way + from game? Tell me dat, Bourdon, if he can? Why pale-face ever leave DAT + garden, when he so han'some, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “God turned him out of it, Chippewa—yes, he was turned OUT of it, + with shame on his face, for having disobeyed the commandments of his + Creator. Having left the garden, his children have scattered over the face + of the earth.” + </p> + <p> + “So come here to drive off Injin! Well, dat 'e way wid pale-face I Did + ever hear of red man comin' to drive off pale-face?” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard of your red warriors often coming to take our scalps, + Chippewa. More or less of this has been done every year, since our people + have landed in America. More than that they have not done, for we are too + many to be driven very far in, by a few scattering tribes of Injins.” + </p> + <p> + “T'ink, den, more pale-face dan Injin, eh?” asked the Chippewa, with an + interest so manifest that he actually stopped in his semi-trot, in order + to put the question. “More pale-face warrior dan red men?” + </p> + <p> + “More! Aye, a thousand times more, Chippewa. Where you could show one + warrior, we could show a thousand!” + </p> + <p> + Now, this was not strictly true, perhaps, but it answered the purpose of + deeply impressing the Chippewa with the uselessness of Peter's plans, and + sustained as it was by his early predilections, it served to keep him on + the right side, in the crisis which was approaching. The discourse + continued, much in the same strain, until the men got in with their bear's + meat, having been preceded some time by the others, with the venison. + </p> + <p> + It is a little singular that neither the questions, nor the manner of + Pigeonswing, awakened any distrust in the bee-hunter. So far from this, + the latter regarded all that had passed as perfectly natural, and as + likely to arise in conversation, in the way of pure speculation, as in any + other manner. Pigeonswing intended to be guarded in what he said and did, + for, as yet, he had not made up his mind which side he would really + espouse, in the event of the great project coming to a head. He had the + desire, natural to a red man, to avenge the wrongs committed against his + race; but this desire existed in a form a good deal mitigated by his + intercourse with the “Yankees,” and his regard for individuals. It had, + nevertheless, strangely occurred to the savage reasoning of this young + warrior that possibly some arrangement might be effected, by means of + which he should take scalps from the Canadians, while Peter and his other + followers were working their will on the Americans. In this confused + condition was the mind of the Chippewa, when he and his companion threw + down their loads, near the place where the provision of game was usually + kept. This was beneath the tree, near the spring and the cook-house, in + order that no inconvenience should arise from its proximity to the place + where the party dwelt and slept. For a siege, should there be occasion to + shut themselves up within the “garrison,” the men depended on the pickled + pork, and a quantity of dried meat; of the latter of which the missionary + had brought a considerable supply in his own canoe. Among these stores + were a few dozen of buffaloes' or bisons' tongues, a delicacy that would + honor the best table in the civilized world, though then so common among + the western hunters, as scarce to be deemed food as good as the common + salted pork and beef of the settlements. + </p> + <p> + The evening that followed proved to be one of singular softness and + sweetness. The sun went down in a cloudless sky, and gentle airs from the + southwest fanned the warm cheeks of Margery, as she sat, resting from the + labors of the day, with le Bourdon at her side, speaking of the pleasures + of a residence in such a spot. The youth was eloquent, for he felt all + that he said, and the maiden was pleased. The young man could expatiate on + bees in a way to arrest any one's attention; and Margery delighted to hear + him relate his adventures with these little creatures; his successes, + losses, and journeys. + </p> + <p> + “But are you not often lonely, Bourdon, living here in the openings, whole + summers at a time, without a living soul to speak to?” demanded Margery, + coloring to the eyes, the instant the question was asked, lest it should + subject her to an imputation against which her modesty revolted, that of + wishing to draw the discourse to a discussion on the means of preventing + this solitude in future. + </p> + <p> + “I have not been, hitherto,” answered le Bourdon, so frankly as at once to + quiet his companion's sensitiveness, “though I will not answer for the + future. Now that I have so many with me, we may make some of them + necessary. Mind—I say SOME, not all of my present guests. If I could + have my pick, pretty Margery, the present company would give me ALL I can + desire, and more too. I should not think of going to Detroit for that + companion, since she is to be found so much nearer.” + </p> + <p> + Margery blushed, and looked down—then she raised her eyes, smiled, + and seemed grateful as well as pleased. By this time she had become + accustomed to such remarks, and she had no difficulty in discovering her + lover's wishes, though he had never been more explicit. The reflections + natural to her situation threw a shade of gentle seriousness over her + countenance, rendering her more charming than ever, and causing the youth + to plunge deeper and deeper into the meshes that female influence had cast + around him, In all this, however, one of the parties was governed by a + manly sincerity, and the other by girlish artlessness. Diffidence, one of + the most certain attendants of a pure passion, alone kept le Bourdon from + asking Margery to become his wife; while Margery herself sometimes doubted + whether it were possible that any reputable man could wish to connect + himself and his fortunes with a family that had sunk as low as persons + could well sink, in this country, and not lose their characters + altogether. With these doubts and distrusts, so naturally affecting the + mind of each, these young people were rapidly becoming more and more + enamored; the bee-hunter betraying his passion in the close, absorbed + attentions that more properly belong to his sex, while that of Margery was + to be seen in sudden blushes, the thoughtful brow, the timid glance, and a + cast of tenderness that came over her whole manner, and, as it might be, + her whole being. + </p> + <p> + While our young folk were thus employed, now conversing cheerfully, now + appearing abstracted and lost in thought, though seated side by side, le + Bourdon happened to look behind him, and saw that Peter was regarding them + with one of those intense, but mysterious expressions of the countenance, + that had, now, more than once attracted his attention; giving reason, each + time, for a feeling in which doubt, curiosity, and apprehension were + singularly mingled, even in himself. + </p> + <p> + At the customary hour, which was always early, in that party of simple + habits, the whole family sought its rest; the females withdrew within the + chiente, while the males arranged their skins without. Ever since the + erection of the palisades, le Bourdon had been in the habit of calling + Hive within the defences, leaving him at liberty to roam about inside, at + pleasure. Previously to this new arrangement, the dog had been shut up in + his kennel, in order to prevent his getting on the track of a deer, or in + close combat with some bear, when his master was not present to profit by + his efforts. As the palisades were too high for his leap, this putting him + at liberty within them answered the double purpose of giving the mastiff + room for healthful exercise, and of possessing a most vigilant sentinel + against dangers of all sorts. On the present occasion, however, the dog + was missing, and after calling and whistling for him some time, the + bee-hunter was fain to bar the gate, and leave him on the outside. This + done, he sought his skin, and was soon asleep. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight, when the bee-hunter felt a hand laid on his own arm. It + was the corporal, making this movement, in order to awake him. In an + instant the young man was on his feet, with his rifle in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Did you not hear it, Bourdon?” demanded the corporal, in a tone so low as + scarce to exceed a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “Hear what! I've been sleeping, sound as a bee in winter.” + </p> + <p> + “The horn!—The horn has been blown twice, and, I think, we shall + soon hear it again.” + </p> + <p> + “The horn was hanging at the door of the chiente, and the conch, too. It + will be easy to see if they are in their places.” + </p> + <p> + It was only necessary to walk around the walls of the hut, to its opposite + side, in order to ascertain this fact. Le Bourdon did so, accompanied by + the corporal, and just as each laid a hand on the instruments, which were + suspended in their proper places, a heavy rush was made against the gate, + as if to try its fastenings. These pushes were repeated several times, + with a violence that menaced the bars. Of course, the two men stepped to + the spot, a distance of only a few paces, the gateway of the palisades and + the door of the chiente being contiguous to each other, and immediately + ascertained that it was the mastiff, endeavoring to force his way in. The + bee-hunter admitted the dog, which had been trained to suppress his bark, + though this animal was too brave and large to throw away his breath when + he had better rely on his force. Powerful animals, of this race, are + seldom noisy, it being the province of the cur, both among dogs and men, + to be blustering and spitting out their venom, at all hours and seasons. + Hive, however, in addition to his natural disposition, had been taught, + from the time he was a pup, not to betray his presence unnecessarily by a + bark; and it was seldom that his deep throat opened beneath the arches of + the oaks. When it did, it told like the roaring of the lion in the desert. + </p> + <p> + Hive was no sooner admitted to the “garrison,” than he manifested just as + strong a desire to get out, as a moment before he had manifested to get + in. This, le Bourdon well knew, indicated the presence of some thing, or + creature, that did not properly belong to the vicinity. After consulting + with the corporal, Pigeonswing was called; and leaving him as a sentinel + at the gate, the two others made a sortie. The corporal was as brave as a + lion, and loved all such movements, though he fully anticipated + encountering savages, while his companion expected an interview with + bears. + </p> + <p> + As this movement was made at the invitation of the dog, it was judiciously + determined to let him act as pioneer, on the advance. Previously to + quitting the defences, however, the two adventurers looked closely to + their arms. Each examined the priming, saw that his horn and pouch were + accessible, and loosened his knife in its sheath. The corporal, moreover, + fixed his “baggonet,” as he called the formidable, glittering instrument + that usually embellished the end of his musket—a MUSKET being the + weapon he chose to carry, while the bee-hunter himself was armed with a + long western RIFLE. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The raptures of a conqueror's mood + Rushed burning through his frame; + The depths of that green solitude + Its torrents could not tame, + Though stillness lay, with eve's last smile, + Round those far fountains of the Nile + —MRS HEMANS. +</pre> + <p> + When the bee-hunter and Corporal Flint thus went forth in midnight, from + the “garrison” of Castle Meal (Chateau au Miel), as the latter would have + expressed it, it was with no great apprehension of meeting any other than + a four-footed enemy, notwithstanding the blast of the horn the worthy + corporal supposed he had heard. The movements of the dog seemed to + announce such a result rather than any other, for Hive was taken along as + a sort of guide. Le Bourdon, however, did not permit his mastiff to run + off wide, but, having the animal at perfect command, it was kept close to + his own person. + </p> + <p> + The two men first moved toward the grove of the Kitchen, much to Hive's + discontent. The dog several times halted, and he whined, and growled, and + otherwise manifested his great dislike to proceed in that direction. At + length so decided did his resistance become, that his master said to his + companion: + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me best, corporal, to let the mastiff lead us. I have never + yet seen him so set on not going in one way, and on going in another. Hive + has a capital nose, and we may trust him.” + </p> + <p> + “Forward,” returned the corporal, wheeling short in the direction of the + dog; “one thing should be understood, however, Bourdon, which is this—you + must act as light troops in this sortie, and I as the main body. If we + come on the inimy, it will be your duty to skrimmage in front as long as + you can, and then fall back on your resarves. I shall depend chiefly on + the baggonet, which is the best tool to put an Injin up with; and as he + falls back, before my charge, we must keep him under as warm a fire as + possible. Having no cavalry, the dog might be made useful in movements to + the front and on our flanks.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh, pooh, corporal, you're almost as much set in the notions of your + trade as Parson Amen is set in his idees about the lost tribes. In my + opinion there'll be more tribes FOUND in these openings before the summer + is over than we shall wish to meet. Let us follow the dog, and see what + will turn up.” Hive WAS followed, and he took a direction that led to a + distant point in the openings, where not only the trees were much thicker + than common, but where a small tributary of the Kalamazoo ran through a + ravine, from the higher lands adjacent into the main artery of all the + neighboring watercourses. The bee-hunter knew the spot well, having often + drank at the rivulet, and cooled his brow in the close shades of the + ravine, when heated by exertions in the more open grounds. In short, the + spot was one of the most eligible for concealment, coolness, and pure + water, within several miles of Castle Meal. The trees formed a spacious + grove around it, and, by means of the banks, their summits and leaves + answered the purpose of a perfect screen to those who might descend into + the ravine, or, it would be better to say, to the bottom. Le Bourdon was + no sooner satisfied that his mastiff was proceeding toward the great + spring which formed the rivulet at the head of the ravine mentioned, than + he suspected Indians might be there. He had seen signs about the spot, + which wore an appearance of its having been used as a place of encampment—or + for “camping out,” as it is termed in the language of the west—and, + coupling the sound of the horn with the dog's movements, his quick + apprehension seized on the facts as affording reasonable grounds of + distrust. Consequently he resorted to great caution, as he and the + corporal entered the wood which surrounded the spring, and the small oval + bit of bottom that lay spread before it, like a little lawn. Hive was kept + close at his master's side, though he manifested a marked impatience to + advance. “Now, corporal,” said the bee-hunter in a low tone, “I think we + have lined some savages to their holes. We will go round the basin and + descend to the bottom, in a close wood which grows there. Did you see + that?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I did,” answered the corporal, who was as firm as a rock. “You + meant to ask me if I saw fire?” + </p> + <p> + “I did. The red men have lighted their council fire in this spot, and have + met to talk around it. Well, let 'em hearken to each other's thoughts, if + they will; we shall be neither the better nor the worse for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that. When the commander-in-chief calls together his + principal officers, something usually comes of it. Who knows but this very + council is called in order to take opinions on the subject of besieging or + of storming our new garrison? Prudent soldiers should always be ready for + the worst.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no fear, so long as Peter is with us. That chief is listened to by + every red-skin; and while we have him among us there will be little to + care for. But we are getting near to the bottom and must work our way + through these bushes with as little noise as possible. I will keep the dog + quiet.” + </p> + <p> + The manner in which that sagacious animal now behaved was truly wonderful. + Hive appeared to be quite as much aware of the necessity of extreme + caution as either of the men, and did not once attempt to precede his + master his own length. On one or two occasions he actually discovered the + best passages, and led his companions through them with something like the + intelligence of a human being. Neither growl nor bark escaped him; on the + contrary, even the hacking breathing of an impatient dog was suppressed, + precisely as if the animal knew how near he was getting to the most + watchful ears in the world. + </p> + <p> + After using the greatest care, the bee-hunter and the corporal got just + such a station as they desired. It was within a very few feet of the edge + of the cover, but perfectly concealed, while small openings enabled them + to see all that was passing in their front. A fallen tree, a relic of + somewhat rare occurrence in the openings of Michigan, even furnished them + with a seat, while it rendered their position less exposed. Hive placed + himself at his master's side, apparently trusting to other senses than + that of sight for his information, since he could see nothing of what was + going on in front. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the two men had taken their stations, and began to look about + them, a feeling of awe mingled with their curiosity. Truly, the scene was + one so very remarkable and imposing that it might have filled more + intellectual and better fortified minds with some such sensation. The fire + was by no means large, nor was it particularly bright; but sufficient to + cast a dim light on the objects within reach of its rays. It was in the + precise centre of a bit of bottom land of about half an acre in extent, + which was so formed and surrounded, as to have something of the appearance + of the arena of a large amphitheatre. There was one break in the + encircling rise of ground, it is true, and that was at a spot directly + opposite the station of le Bourdon and his companion, where the rill which + flowed from the spring found a passage out toward the more open ground. + Branches shaded most of the mound, but the arena itself was totally free + from all vegetation but that which covered the dense and beautiful sward + with which it was carpeted. Such is a brief description of the natural + accessories of this remarkable scene. + </p> + <p> + But it was from the human actors, and their aspects, occupations, + movements, dress, and appearance generally, that the awe which came over + both the bee-hunter and the corporal had its origin. Of these, near fifty + were present, offering a startling force by their numbers alone. Each man + was a warrior, and each warrior was in his paint. These were facts that + the familiarity of the two white men with Indian customs rendered only too + certain. What was still more striking was the fact that all present + appeared to be chiefs; a circumstance which went to show that an imposing + body of red men was most likely somewhere in the openings, and that too at + no great distance. It was while observing and reflecting on all these + things, a suspicion first crossed the mind of le Bourdon that this great + council was about to be held, at that midnight hour, and so near his own + abode, for the purpose of accommodating Peter, whose appearance in the + dark crowd, from that instant, he began to expect. + </p> + <p> + The Indians already present were not seated. They stood in groups + conversing, or stalked across the arena, resembling so many dark and + stately spectres. No sound was heard among them, a circumstance that added + largely to the wild and supernatural aspect of the scene. If any spoke, it + was in a tone so low and gentle, as to carry the sound no farther than to + the ears that were listening; two never spoke at the same time and in the + same group, while the moccasin permitted no footfall to be audible. + Nothing could have been more unearthly than the picture presented in that + little, wood-circled arena, of velvet-like grass and rural beauty. The + erect, stalking forms, half naked, if not even more; the swarthy skins; + the faces fierce in the savage conceits which were intended to strike + terror into the bosoms of enemies, and the glittering eyes that fairly + sparkled in their midst, all contributed to the character of the scene, + which le Bourdon rightly enough imagined was altogether much the most + remarkable of any he had ever been in the way of witnessing. + </p> + <p> + Our two spectators might have been seated on the fallen tree half an hour, + all of which time they had been gazing at what was passing before their + eyes; with positively not a human sound to relieve the unearthly nature of + the picture. No one spoke, coughed, laughed, or exclaimed, in all that + period. Suddenly, every chief stood still, and all the faces turned in the + same direction. It was toward the little gateway of the rill, which being + the side of the arena most remote from the bee-hunter and the corporal, + lay nearly in darkness as respected them. With the red men it must have + been different, for THEY all appeared to be in intent expectation of some + one from that quarter. Nor did they have to wait long; for, in half a + minute, two forms came out of the obscurity, advancing with a dignified + and deliberate tread to the centre of the arena. As these newcomers got + more within the influence of the flickering light, le Bourdon saw that + they were Peter and Parson Amen. The first led, with a slow, imposing + manner, while the other followed, not a little bewildered with what he + saw. It may be as well to explain here, that the Indian was coming alone + to this place of meeting, when he encountered the missionary wandering + among the oaks, looking for le Bourdon and the corporal, and, instead of + endeavoring to throw off this unexpected companion, he quietly invited him + to be of his own party. + </p> + <p> + It was evident to le Bourdon, at a glance, that Peter was expected, though + it was not quite so clear that such was the fact as regarded his + companion. Still, respect for the great chief prevented any manifestations + of surprise or discontent, and the medicine-man of the pale-faces was + received with as grave a courtesy as if he had been an invited guest. Just + as the two had entered the dark circle that formed around them, a young + chief threw some dry sticks on the fire, which blazing upward, cast a + stronger light on a row of as terrifically looking countenances as ever + gleamed on human forms. This sudden illumination, with its accompanying + accessories, had the effect to startle all the white spectators, though + Peter looked on the whole with a calm like that of the leafless tree, when + the cold is at its height, and the currents of the wintry air are + death-like still Nothing appeared to move HIM, whether expected or not; + though use had probably accustomed his eye to all the aspects in which + savage ingenuity could offer savage forms. He even smiled, as he made a + gesture of recognition, which seemed to salute the whole group. It was + just then, when the fire burned brightest, and when the chiefs pressed + most within its influence, that le Bourdon perceived that his old + acquaintances, the head-men of the Pottawattamies, were present, among the + other chiefs so strangely and portentously assembled in these grounds, + which he had so long possessed almost entirely to himself. + </p> + <p> + A few of the oldest of the chiefs now approached Peter, and a low + conversation took place between them. What was said did not reach le + Bourdon, of course; for it was not even heard in the dark circle of + savages who surrounded the fire. The effect of this secret dialogue, + however, was to cause all the chiefs to be seated, each taking his place + on the grass; the whole preserving the original circle around the fire. + Fortunately, for the wishes of le Bourdon, Peter and his companions took + their stations directly opposite to his own seat, thus enabling him to + watch every lineament of that remarkable chief's still more remarkable + countenance. Unlike each and all of the red men around him, the face of + Peter was not painted, except by the tints imparted by nature; which, in + his case, was that of copper a little tarnished, or rendered dull by the + action of the atmosphere. The bee-hunter could distinctly trace every + lineament; nor was the dark roving eye beyond the reach of his own vision. + Some attention was given to the fire, too, one of the younger chiefs + occasionally throwing on it a few dried sticks, more to keep alive the + flame, and to renew the light, than from any need of warmth. One other + purpose, however, this fire DID answer; that of enabling the young chiefs + to light the pipes that were now prepared; it seldom occurring that the + chiefs thus assembled without SMOKING around their council-fire. + </p> + <p> + As this smoking was just then more a matter of ceremony than for any other + purpose, a whiff or two suffices for each chief; the smoker passing the + pipe to his neighbor as soon as he had inhaled a few puffs. The Indians + are models of propriety, in their happiest moods, and every one in that + dark and menacing circle was permitted to have his turn with the pipe, + before any other step was taken. There were but two pipes lighted, and + mouths being numerous, some time was necessary in order to complete this + ceremony. Still, no sign of impatience was seen, the lowest chief having + as much respect paid to his feelings, as related to his attention, as the + highest. At length the pipes completed their circuit, even Parson Amen + getting, and using, his turn, when a dead pause succeeded. The silence + resembled that of a Quaker meeting, and was broken only by the rising of + one of the principal chiefs, evidently about to speak. The language of the + great Ojebway nation was used on this occasion, most of the chiefs present + belonging to some one of the tribes of that stock, though several spoke + other tongues, English and French included. Of the three whites present, + Parson Amen alone fully comprehended all that was said, he having + qualified himself in this respect, to preach to the tribes of that people; + though le Bourdon understood nearly all, and even the corporal + comprehended a good deal. The name of the chief who first spoke at this + secret meeting, which was afterward known among the Ojebways by the name + of the “Council of the Bottom Land, near to the spring of gushing water,” + was Bear's Meat, an appellation that might denote a distinguished hunter, + rather than an orator of much renown. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers of the many tribes of the Ojebways,” commenced this personage, + “the Great Spirit has permitted us to meet in council. The Manitou of our + fathers is now among these oaks, listening to our words, and looking in at + our hearts. Wise Indians will be careful what they say in such a presence, + and careful of what they think. All should be said and thought for the + best. We are a scattered nation, and the time is come when we must stop in + our tracks, or travel beyond the sound of each other's cries. If we travel + beyond the hearing of our people, soon will our children learn tongues + that Ojebway ears cannot understand. The mother talks to her child, and + the child learns her words. But no child can hear across a great lake. + Once we lived near the rising sun. Where are we now? Some of our young men + say they have seen the sun go down in the lakes of sweet water. There can + be no hunting-grounds beyond THAT spot; and if we would live, we must + stand still in our tracks. How to do this, we have met to consider. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, many wise chiefs and braves are seated at this council-fire. It + is pleasant to my eyes to look upon them. Ottawas, Chippeways, + Pottawattamies, Menominees, Hurons, and all. Our father at Quebec has dug + up the hatchet against the Yankees. The war-path is open between Detroit + and all the villages of the red men. The prophets are speaking to our + people, and we listen. One is here; he is about to speak. The council will + have but a single sense, which will be that of hearing.” + </p> + <p> + Thus concluding, Bear's Meat took his seat, in the same composed and + dignified manner as that in which he had risen, and deep silence + succeeded. So profound was the stillness, that, taken in connection with + the dark lineaments, the lustrous eyeballs that threw back the light of + the fire, the terrific paint and the armed hands of every warrior present, + the picture might be described as imposing to a degree that is seldom seen + in the assemblies of the civilized. In the midst of this general but + portentous calm, Peter arose. The breathing of the circle grew deeper, so + much so as to be audible, the only manner in which the intensity of the + common expectation betrayed itself. Peter was an experienced orator, and + knew how to turn every minutiae of his art to good account. His every + movement was deliberate, his attitude highly dignified—even his eye + seemed eloquent. + </p> + <p> + Oratory! what a power art thou, wielded, as is so often the case, as much + for evil as for good. The very reasoning that might appear to be obtuse, + or which would be over looked entirely when written and published, issuing + from the mouth, aided by the feelings of sympathy and the impulses of the + masses, seems to partake of the wisdom of divinity. Thus is it, also, with + the passions, the sense of wrong, the appeals to vengeance, and all the + other avenues of human emotion. Let them be addressed to the cold eye of + reason and judgment, in the form of written statements, and the mind + pauses to weigh the force of arguments, the justice of the appeals, the + truth of facts: but let them come upon the ear aided by thy art, with a + power concentrated by sympathy, and the torrent is often less destructive + in its course, than that of the whirlwind that thou canst awaken! + </p> + <p> + “Chiefs of the great Ojebway nation, I wish you well,” said Peter, + stretching out his arms toward the circle, as if desirous of embracing all + present. “The Manitou has been good to me. He has cleared a path to this + spring, and to this council-fire. I see around it the faces of many + friends. Why should we not all be friendly? Why should a red man ever + strike a blow against a red man? The Great Spirit made us of the same + color, and placed us on the same hunting-grounds. He meant that we should + hunt in company; not take each other's scalps. How many warriors have + fallen in our family wars? Who has counted them? Who can say? Perhaps + enough, had they not been killed, to drive the pale-faces into the sea!” + </p> + <p> + Here Peter, who as yet had spoken only in a low and barely audible voice, + suddenly paused, in order to allow the idea he had just thrown out to work + on the minds of his listeners. That it was producing its effect was + apparent by the manner in which one stern face turned toward another, and + eye seemed to search in eye some response to a query that the mind + suggested, though no utterance was given to it with the tongue. As soon, + however, as the orator thought time sufficient to impress that thought on + the memories of the listeners had elapsed, he resumed, suffering his voice + gradually to increase in volume, as he warmed with his subject. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he continued, “the Manitou has been very kind. Who is the Manitou? + Has any Indian ever seen him? Every Indian has seen him. No one can look + on the hunting-grounds, on the lakes, on the prairies, on the trees, on + the game, without seeing his hand. His face is to be seen in the sun at + noonday; his eyes in the stars at night. Has any Indian ever heard the + Manitou? When it thunders, he speaks. When the crash is loudest, then he + scolds. Some Indian has done wrong. Perhaps one red man has taken another + red man's scalp!” + </p> + <p> + Another pause succeeded, briefer, and less imposing than the first, but + one that sufficed to impress on the listeners anew, the great evil of an + Indian's raising his hand against an Indian. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there is no one so deaf as not to hear the voice of the Great Spirit + when he is angry,” resumed Peter. “Ten thousands of buffalo bulls, roaring + together, do not make as much noise as his whisper. Spread the prairies, + and the openings, and the lakes, before him, and he can be heard in all, + and on all, at the same time. + </p> + <p> + “Here is a medicine-priest of the pale-faces; he tells me that the voice + of the Manitou reaches into the largest villages of his people, beneath + the rising sun, when it is heard by the red man across the great lakes, + and near the rocks of the setting sun. It is a loud voice; woe to him who + does not remember it. It speaks to all colors, and to every people, and + tribe, and nation. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, that is a lying tradition which says, there is one Manitou for + a Sac, and another for the Ojebway—one Manitou for the red man, and + another for the pale-face. In this, we are alike. One Great Spirit made + all; governs all; rewards all; punishes all. He may keep the happy + hunting-grounds of an Indian separate from the white man's heaven, for he + knows that their customs are different, and what would please a warrior + would displease a trader; and what would please a trader would displease a + warrior. He has thought of these things, and has made several places for + the spirits of the good, let their colors be what they may. Is it the same + with the places of the spirits of the bad? I think not. To me it would + seem best to let THEM go together, that they may torment one another. A + wicked Indian and a wicked pale-face would make a bad neighborhood. I + think the Manitou will let THEM go together. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, if the Manitou keeps the good Indian and the good pale-face + apart in another world, what has brought them together in this? If he + brings the bad spirits of all colors together in another world, why should + they come together here, before their time? A place for wicked spirits + should not be found on earth. This is wrong; it must be looked into. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, I have now done; this pale-face wishes to speak, and I have + said that you would hear his words. When he has spoken his mind, I may + have more to tell you. Now, listen to the stranger. He is a + medicine-priest of the white men, and says he has a great secret to tell + our people—when he has told it, I have another for their ears too. + Mine must be spoken when there is no one near but the children of red + clay.” + </p> + <p> + Having thus opened the way for the missionary, Peter courteously took his + seat, producing a little disappointment among his own admirers, though he + awakened a lively curiosity to know what this medicine-priest might have + to say on an occasion so portentous. The Indians in the regions of the + great lakes had long been accustomed to missionaries, and it is probable + that even some of their own traditions, so far as they related to + religious topics, had been insensibly colored by, if not absolutely + derived from, men of this character; for the first whites who are known to + have penetrated into that portion of the continent were Jesuits, who + carried the cross as their standard and emblem of peace. Blessed emblem! + that any should so confound their own names and denunciatory practices + with the revealed truth, as to imagine that a standard so appropriate + should ever be out of season and place, when it is proper for man to use + aught, at all, that is addressed to his senses, in the way of symbols, + rites, and ceremonies! To the Jesuits succeeded the less ceremonious and + less imposing priesthood of America, as America peculiarly was in the + first years that followed the Revolution. There is reason to believe that + the spirit of God, in a greater or less degree, accompanied all; for all + were self-denying and zealous, though the fruits of near two centuries of + labor have, as yet, amounted to little more than the promise of the + harvest at some distant day. Enough, however, was known of the + missionaries, and their views in general, to prepare the council, in some + small degree, for the forthcoming exhibition. + </p> + <p> + Parson Amen had caught some of the habits of the Indians, in the course of + years of communication and intercourse. Like them he had learned to be + deliberate, calm, and dignified in his exterior; and, like them, he had + acquired a sententious mode of speaking. + </p> + <p> + “My children,” he said, for he deemed it best to assume the parental + character, in a scene of so great moment, “as Peter has told you, the + spirit of God is among you! Christians know that such has he promised to + be always with his people, and I see faces in this circle that I am ready + to claim as belonging to those who have prayed with me, in days that are + long past. If your souls are not touched by divine love, it does not kill + the hope I entertain of your yet taking up the cross, and calling upon the + Redeemer's name. But, not for this have I come with Peter, this night. I + am now here to lay before you an all-important fact, that Providence has + revealed to me, as the fruit of long labor in the vineyard of study and + biblical inquiry. It is a tradition—and red men love traditions—it + is a tradition that touches your own history, and which it will gladden + your hearts to hear, for it will teach you how much your nation and tribes + have been the subject of the especial care and love of the Great Spirit. + When my children say, speak, I shall be ready to speak.” + </p> + <p> + Here the missionary took his seat, wisely awaiting a demonstration on the + part of the council, ere he ventured to proceed any further. This was the + first occasion on which he had ever attempted to broach, in a direct form, + his favorite theory of the “lost tribes.” Let a man get once fairly + possessed of any peculiar notion, whether it be on religion, political + economy, morals, politics, arts, or anything else, and he sees little + beside his beloved principle, which he is at all times ready to advance, + defend, demonstrate, or expatiate on. Nothing can be simpler than the two + great dogmas of Christianity, which are so plain that all can both + comprehend them and feel their truth. They teach us to love God, the + surest way to obey him, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Any one can + understand this; all can see how just it is, and how much of moral + sublimity it contains. It is Godlike, and brings us near the very essence + of the Divinity, which is love, mercy, and truth. Yet how few are content + to accept the teachings of the Saviour in this respect, without + embarrassing them with theories that have so much of their origin in human + fancies. We do not mean by this, however, that Parson Amen was so very + wrong in bestowing a part of his attention on that wonderful people, who, + so early set apart by the Creator as the creatures of his own especial + ends, have already played so great a part in the history of nations, and + who are designed, so far as we can penetrate revelation, yet to enact + their share in the sublime drama of human events. + </p> + <p> + As for the council, its members were moved by more than ordinary curiosity + to hear what further the missionary might have to say, though all present + succeeded admirably in suppressing the exhibition of any interest that + might seem weak and womanly. After a decent delay, therefore, Bear's Meat + intimated to the parson that it would be agreeable to the chiefs present + to listen to him further. + </p> + <p> + “My children, I have a great tradition to tell you,” the missionary + resumed, as soon as on his feet again; “a very great and divine tradition; + not a tradition of man's, but one that came direct from the Manitou + himself. Peter has spoken truth; there is but one Great Spirit; he is the + Great Spirit of all colors, and tribes, and nations. He made all men of + the same clay.” Here a slight sensation was perceptible among the + audience, most of whom were very decidedly of a different opinion, on this + point of natural history. But the missionary was now so far warmed with + his subject as to disregard any slight interruption, and proceeded as if + his listeners had betrayed no feeling. “And he divided them afterward into + nations and tribes. It was then he caused the color of his creatures to + change. Some he kept white, as he had made them. Some he put behind a dark + cloud, and they became altogether black. Our wise men think that this was + done in punishment for their sins. Some he painted red, like the nations + on this continent.” Here Peter raised a finger, in sign that he would ask + a question; for, without permission granted, no Indian would interrupt the + speaker. Indeed, no one of less claims than Peter would hardly have + presumed to take the step he now did, and that because he saw a burning + curiosity gleaming in the bright eyes of so many in the dark circle. + </p> + <p> + “Say on, Peter,” answered the missionary to this sign; “I will reply.” + </p> + <p> + “Let my brother say WHY the Great Spirit turned the Indian to a red color. + Was he angry with him? or did he paint him so out of love?” + </p> + <p> + “This is more than I can tell you, friends. There are many colors among + men, in different parts of the world, and many shades among people of the + same color. There are pale-faces fair as the lily, and there are + pale-faces so dark, as scarcely to be distinguished from blacks. The sun + does much of this; but no sun, nor want of sun, will ever make a pale-face + a red-skin, or a red skin a pale-face.” + </p> + <p> + “Good—that is what we Indians say. The Manitou has made us + different; he did not mean that we should live on the same + hunting-grounds,” rejoined Peter, who rarely failed to improve every + opportunity in order to impress on the minds of his followers the + necessity of now crushing the serpent in its shell. + </p> + <p> + “No man can say that,” answered Parson Amen. “Unless my people had come to + this continent, the word of God could not have been preached by me, along + the shores of these lakes. But I will now speak of our great tradition. + The Great Spirit divided mankind into nations and tribes. When this was + done, he picked out one for his chosen people. The pale-faces call that + favorite, and for a long time much-favored people, Jews. The Manitou led + them through a wilderness, and even through a salt lake, until they + reached a promised land, where he permitted them to live for many hundred + winters. A great triumph was to come out of that people—the triumphs + of truth and of the law, over sin and death. In the course of time—” + </p> + <p> + Here a young chief rose, made a sign of caution, and crossing the circle + rapidly, disappeared by the passage through which the rill flowed. In + about a minute he returned, showing the way into the centre of the council + to one whom all present immediately recognized as a runner, by his dress + and equipments. Important news was at hand; yet not a man of all that + crowd either rose or spoke, in impatience to learn what it was! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Who will believe that, with a smile whose blessing + Would, like the patriarch's, soothe a dying hour; + With voice as low, as gentle, and caressing + As e'er won maiden's lips in moonlight bower; + + With look like patient Job's, eschewing evil; + With motions graceful as the birds in air; + Thou art, in sober truth, the veriest devil + That e'er clinched fingers in a captive's hair? + —HALLECK'S Red-Jacket. +</pre> + <p> + Although the arrival of the runner was so totally unexpected, it scarcely + disturbed the quiet of that grave assembly. His approaching step had been + heard, and he was introduced in the manner mentioned, when the young chief + resumed his seat, leaving the messenger standing near the centre of the + circle, and altogether within the influence of the light. He was an + Ottawa, and had evidently travelled far and fast. At length he spoke; no + one having put a single question to him, or betrayed the least sign of + impatient curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “I come to tell the chiefs what has happened,” said the runner. “Our Great + Father from Quebec has sent his young men against the Yankees. Red + warriors, too, were there in hundreds—” here a murmur of interest + was slightly apparent among the chiefs—“their path led them to + Detroit; it is taken.” + </p> + <p> + A low murmur, expressive of satisfaction, passed round the circle, for + Detroit was then the most important of all the posts held by the + Americans, along the whole line of the great lakes. Eye met eye in + surprise and admiration; then one of the older chiefs yielded to his + interest in the subject, and inquired: + </p> + <p> + “Have our young men taken many pale-face scalps?” + </p> + <p> + “So few that they are not worth counting. I did not see one pole that was + such as an Indian loves to look on.” + </p> + <p> + “Did our young men keep back, and let the warriors from Quebec do all the + fighting?” + </p> + <p> + “No one fought. The Yankees asked to be made prisoners, without using + their rifles. Never before have so many captives been led into the + villages with so little to make their enemies look on them with friendly + eyes.” + </p> + <p> + A gleam of fierce delight passed athwart the dark features of Peter. It is + probable that he fell into the same error, on hearing these tidings, as + that which so generally prevailed for a short time among the natives of + the old world, at the commencement of both of the two last wars of the + republic, when the disasters with which they opened induced so many to + fall into the fatal error of regarding Jonathan as merely a “shopkeeper.” + A shopkeeper, in a certain sense, he may well be accounted; but among his + wares are arms, that he has the head, the heart, and the hands to use, as + man has very rarely been known to use them before. Even at this very + instant, the brilliant success which has rendered the armed citizens of + this country the wonder of Europe, is reacting on the masses of the old + world, teaching them their power, and inciting them to stand up to the + regularly armed bands of their rulers, with a spirit and confidence that, + hitherto, has been little known in their histories. Happy, thrice happy + will it be, if the conquerors use their success in moderation, and settle + down into the ways of practical reason, instead of suffering their minds + to be led astray in quest of the political jack-o'-lanterns, that are + certain to conduct their followers into the quagmires of impracticable and + visionary theories. To abolish abuses, to set in motion the car of state + on the track of justice and economy, and to distinguish between that which + is really essential to human happiness and human rights, and that which is + merely the result of some wild and bootless proposition in political + economy, are the great self-imposed tasks that the European people seem + now to have assumed; and God grant that they may complete their labors + with the moderation and success with which they would appear to have + commenced them! + </p> + <p> + As for Peter, with the curse of ignorance weighing on his mind, it is to + be presumed that he fancied his own great task of destroying the whites + was so much the lighter, in consequence of the feeble defence of the + Yankees at Detroit. The runner was now questioned by the different chiefs + for details, which he furnished with sufficient intelligence and + distinctness. The whole of that discreditable story is too prominent in + history, and of too recent occurrence, to stand in need of repetition + here. When the runner had told his tale, the chiefs broke the order of + their circle, to converse the more easily concerning the great events + which had just occurred. Some were not backward in letting their contempt + for the “Yankees” be known. Here were three of their strong places taken, + in quick succession, and almost without a blow. Detroit, the strongest of + them all, and defended by an army, had fallen in a way to bring the blush + to the American face, seemingly leaving the whole of the northwestern + frontier of the country ravished from the red man, exposed to his + incursions and depredations. + </p> + <p> + “What does my father think of this?” asked Bear's Meat of Peter, as the + two stood apart, in a cluster of some three or four of the principal + personages present. “Does the news make his heart stronger?” + </p> + <p> + “It is always strong when this business is before it. The Manitou has long + looked darkly upon the red men, but now his face brightens. The cloud is + passing from before his countenance, and we can begin again to see his + smile. It will be with our sons as it was with our fathers. Our + hunting-grounds will be our own, and the buffalo and deer will be plenty + in our wigwams. The fire-water will flow after them that brought it into + the country, and the red man will once more be happy, as in times past!” + </p> + <p> + The ignis fatuus of human happiness employs all minds, all faculties, all + pens, and all theories, just at this particular moment. A thousand + projects have been broached, will continue to be broached, and will fail, + each in its time, showing the mistakes of men, without remedying the evils + of which they complain. This is not because a beneficent Providence has + neglected to enlighten their minds, and to show them the way to be happy, + here and hereafter; but because human conceit runs, pari passu, with human + woes, and we are too proud to look for our lessons of conduct, in that + code in which they have been set before us by unerring wisdom and + ceaseless love. If the political economists, and reformers, and + revolutionists of the age, would turn from their speculations to those + familiar precepts which all are taught and so few obey, they would find + rules for every emergency; and, most of all, would they learn the great + secret which lies so profoundly hid from them and their philosophy, in the + contented mind. Nothing short of this will ever bring the mighty reform + that the world needs. The press may be declared free, but a very brief + experience will teach those who fancy that this one conquest will secure + the victory, that they have only obtained King Stork in the lieu of King + Log; a vulgar and most hideous tyrant for one of royal birth and gentle + manners. They may set up the rule of patriots by profession, in place of + the dominion of those who have so long pretended that the art of governing + descends from male to male, according to the order of primogeniture, and + live to wonder that love of country should have so many weaknesses in + common with love of itself. They may rely on written charters for their + liberties, instead of the divine right of kings, and come perchance to + learn, that neither language, nor covenants, nor signatures, nor seals + avail much, as against the necessities of nations, and the policy of + rulers. Do we then regard reform as impossible, and society to be doomed + to struggle on in its old sloughs of oppression and abuses? Far from it. + We believe and hope, that at each effort of a sage character, something is + gained, while much more than had been expected is lost; and such we think + will continue to be the course of events, until men shall reach that + period in their history when, possibly to their wonder, they will find + that a faultless code for the government of all their affairs has been + lying neglected, daily and hourly, in their very hands, for eighteen + centuries and a half, without their perceiving the all-important truth. In + due season this code will supersede all others, when the world will, for + the first time, be happy and truly free. + </p> + <p> + There was a marked resemblance between the hopes and expectations of + Peter, in reference to the overthrow of his pale-face enemies on the + American continent, and those of the revolutionists of the old world in + reference to the overthrow of their strong-intrenched foes on that of + Europe. Each fancies success more easy of attainment than the end is + likely to show; both overlook the terrible power of their adversaries; and + both take the suggestions of a hope that is lively rather than + enlightened, as the substitute for the lessons of wisdom. + </p> + <p> + It was some little time ere the council had so far regained its calm, as + to think of inviting the missionary to resume his discourse. The last had + necessarily heard the news, and was so much troubled by it, as to feel no + great disposition to proceed; but Peter intimating that “the ears of his + friends were open,” he was of opinion it would be wisest to go on with his + traditions. + </p> + <p> + “Thus it was, my children,” Parson Amen continued, the circle being just + as quiet and attentive as if no interruption had occurred—“the Great + Spirit, selecting from among the nations of the earth, one to be his + chosen people. I cannot stop, now, to tell you all he did for this nation, + in the way of wonders and powers; but, finally, he placed them in a + beautiful country, where milk and honey abounded, and made them its + masters. From that people, in his earthly character, came the Christ whom + we missionaries preach to you, and who is the great head of our church. + Although the Jews, or Israelites, as we call that people, were thus + honored and thus favored of the Manitou, they were but men, they had the + weaknesses of men. On more than one occasion they displeased the Great + Spirit, and that so seriously as to draw down condign punishment on + themselves, and on their wives and children. In various ways were they + visited for their backsliding and sins, each time repenting and receiving + forgiveness. At length the Great Spirit, tired of their forgetfulness and + crimes, allowed an army to come into their land, and to carry away as + captives no less than ten of their twelve tribes; putting their people in + strange hunting-grounds. Now, this happened many thousands of moons since, + and no one can say with certainty what has become of those captives, whom + Christians are accustomed to call 'the lost tribes of Israel.'” + </p> + <p> + Here the missionary paused to arrange his thoughts, and a slight murmur + was heard in the circle as the chiefs communed together, in interested + comments on what had just been said. The pause, however, was short, and + the speaker again proceeded, safe from any ungracious interruption, among + auditors so trained in self-restraint. + </p> + <p> + “Children, I shall not now say anything touching the birth of Christ, the + redemption of the world, and the history of the two tribes that remained + in the land where God had placed his people; for that is a part of the + subject that comes properly within the scope of my ordinary teaching. At + present I wish only to speak of yourselves; of the red man of America, of + his probable origin and end, and of a great discovery that many of us + think we have made, on this most interesting topic in the history of the + good book. Does any one present know aught of the ten lost tribes of whom + I have spoken?” + </p> + <p> + Eye met eye, and expectation was lively among those primitive and untaught + savages. At length Crowsfeather arose to answer, the missionary standing + the whole time, motionless, as if waiting for a reply. + </p> + <p> + “My brother has told us a tradition,” said the Pottawattamie. “It is a + good tradition. It is a strange tradition. Red men love to hear such + traditions. It is wonderful that so many as ten tribes should be LOST, at + the same time, and no one know what has become of them! My brother asks us + if WE know what has become of these ten tribes. How should poor red men, + who live on their hunting-grounds, and who are busy when the grass grows + in getting together food for their squaws and pappooses, against a time + when the buffalo can find nothing to eat in this part of the world, know + anything of a people that they never saw? My brother has asked a question + that he only can answer. Let him tell us where these ten tribes are to be + found, if he knows the place. We should like to go and look at them.” + </p> + <p> + “Here!” exclaimed the missionary, the instant Crowsfeather ceased + speaking, and even before he was seated. “Here—in this council—on + these prairies—in these openings—here, on the shores of the + great lakes of sweet water, and throughout the land of America, are these + tribes to be found. The red man is a Jew; a Jew is a red man. The Manitou + has brought the scattered people of Israel to this part of the world, and + I see his power in the wonderful fact. Nothing but a miracle could have + done this!” + </p> + <p> + Great was the admiration of the Indians at this announcement! None of + their own traditions gave this account of their origin; but there is + reason to believe, on the other hand, that none of them contradict it. + Nevertheless, here was a medicine-priest of the pale-faces boldly + proclaiming the fact, and great was the wonder of all who heard, thereat! + Having spoken, the missionary again paused, that his words might produce + their effect. Bear's Meat now became his interrogator, rising + respectfully, and standing during the colloquy that succeeded. + </p> + <p> + “My brother has spoken a great tradition,” said the Menominee. “Did he + first hear it from his fathers?” + </p> + <p> + “In part, only. The history of the lost tribes has come down to us from + our fathers; it is written in the good book of the pale-faces; the book + that contains the word of the Great Spirit.” + </p> + <p> + “Does the good book of the pale-faces say that the red men are the + children of the people he has mentioned?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say that it does. While the good book tells us so much, it also + leaves very much untold. It is best that we should look for ourselves, + that we may find out some of its meanings. It is in thus looking, that + many Christians see the great truth which makes the Indians of America and + the Jews beyond the great salt lake, one and the same people.” + </p> + <p> + “If this be so, let my brother tell us how far it is from our + hunting-grounds to that distant land across the great salt lake.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot give you this distance in miles exactly; but I suppose it may be + eleven or twelve times the length of Michigan.” + </p> + <p> + “Will my brother tell us how much of this long path is water, and how much + of it is dry land?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps one-fourth is land, as the traveller may choose; the rest must be + water, if the journey be made from the rising toward the setting sun, + which is the shortest path; but, let the journey be made from the setting + toward the rising sun, and there is little water to cross; rivers and + lakes of no great width, as is seen here, but only a small breadth of salt + lake.” + </p> + <p> + “Are there, then, two roads to that far-off land, where the red men are + thought to have once lived? + </p> + <p> + “Even so. The traveller may come to this spot from that land by way of the + rising sun, or by way of the setting sun.” + </p> + <p> + The general movement among the members of the council denoted the surprise + with which this account was received. As the Indians, until they have had + much intercourse with the whites, very generally believe the earth to be + flat, it was not easy for them to comprehend how a given point could be + reached by directly opposite routes. Such an apparent contradiction would + be very likely to extort further questions. + </p> + <p> + “My brother is a medicine-man of the pale-faces; his hairs are gray,” + observed Crowsfeather. “Some of your medicine-men are good, and some + wicked. It is so with the medicine-men of the red-skins. Good and bad are + to be found in all nations. A medicine-man of your people cheated my young + men by promising to show them where fire-water grows. He did not show + them. He let them smell, but he did not let them drink. That was a wicked + medicine-man. His scalp would not be safe did my young men see it again”—here + the bee-hunter, insensibly to himself, felt for his rifle, making sure + that he had it between his legs; the corporal being a little surprised at + the sudden start he gave. “His hair does not grow on his head closer than + the trees grow to the ground. Even a tree can be cut down. But all + medicine-men are not alike. My brother is a GOOD medicine-man. All he says + may not be just as he thinks, but he BELIEVES what he says. It is + wonderful how men can look two ways; but it is more wonderful that they + should go to the same place by paths that lead before and behind. This we + do not understand; my brother will tell us how it can be.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I understand what it is that my children would know. They think + the earth is flat, but the pale-faces know that it is round. He who + travels and travels toward the setting sun would come to this very spot, + if he travelled long enough. The distance would be great, but the end of + every straight path in this world is the place of starting.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother says this. He says many curious things. I have heard a + medicine-man of his people say that the palefaces have seen their Great + Spirit, talked with him, walked with him. It is not so with us Indians. + Our Manitou speaks to us in thunder only. We are ignorant, and wish to + learn more than we now know. Has my brother ever travelled on that path + which ends where it begins? Once, on the prairies, I lost my way. There + was snow, and glad was I to find tracks. I followed the tracks. But one + traveller had passed. After walking an hour, two had passed. Another hour, + and the three had passed, Then I saw the tracks were my own, and that I + had been walking, as the squaws reason, round and round, but not going + ahead.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand my friend, but he is wrong. It is no matter which path the + lost tribes travelled to get here. The main question is, whether they came + at all. I see in the red men, in their customs, their history, their + looks, and even in their traditions, proof that they are these Jews, once + the favored people of the Great Spirit.” + </p> + <p> + “If the Manitou so well loves the Indians, why has he permitted the + pale-faces to take away their hunting-grounds? Why has he made the red man + poor, and the white man rich? Brother, I am afraid your tradition is a + lying tradition, or these things would not be so.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not given to men to understand the wisdom that cometh from above. + That which seemeth so strange to us may be right. The lost tribes had + offended God; and their scattering, and captivity, and punishment, are but + so many proofs of his displeasure. But, if lost, we have reason to believe + that one day they will be found. Yes, my children, it will be the pleasure + of the Great Spirit, one day, to restore you to the land of your fathers, + and make you again, what you once were, a great and glorious people!” + </p> + <p> + As the well-meaning but enthusiastic missionary spoke with great fervor, + the announcement of such an event, coming as it did from one whom they + respected, even while they could not understand him, did not fail to + produce a deep sensation. If their fortunes were really the care of the + Great Spirit, and justice was to be done to them by his love and wisdom, + then would the projects of Peter, and those who acted and felt with him, + be unnecessary, and might lead to evil instead of to good. That sagacious + savage did not fail to discover this truth; and he now believed it might + be well for him to say a word, in order to lessen the influence Parson + Amen might otherwise obtain among those whom it was his design to mould in + a way entirely to meet his own wishes. So intense was the desire of this + mysterious leader to execute vengeance on the pale-faces, that the + redemption of the tribes from misery and poverty, unaccompanied by this + part of his own project, would have given him pain in lieu of pleasure. + His very soul had got to be absorbed in this one notion of retribution, + and of annihilation for the oppressors of his race; and he regarded all + things through a medium of revenge, thus created by his feelings, much as + the missionary endeavored to bend every fact and circumstance, connected + with the Indians, to the support of his theory touching their Jewish + origin. + </p> + <p> + When Peter arose, therefore, fierce and malignant passions were at work in + his bosom; such as a merciful and a benignant deity never wishes to see in + the breast of man, whether civilized or savage. The self-command of the + Tribeless, however, was great, and he so far succeeded in suppressing the + volcano that was raging within, as to speak with his usual dignity and an + entire calmness of exterior. + </p> + <p> + “My brothers have heard what the medicine-man had to say,” Peter + commenced. “He has told them that which was new to them. He has told them + an Indian is not an Indian. That a red man is a pale-face, and that we are + not what we thought we were. It is good to learn. It makes the difference + between the wise and the foolish. The palefaces learn more than the + red-skins. That is the way they have learned how to get our + hunting-grounds. That is the way they have learned to build their villages + on the spots where our fathers killed the deer. That is the way they have + learned how to come and tell us that we are not Indians, but Jews. I wish + to learn. Though old, my mind craves to know more. That I may know more, I + will ask this medicine-man questions, and my brothers can open their ears, + and learn a little, too, by what he answers. Perhaps we shall believe that + we are not red-skins, but pale-faces. Perhaps we shall believe that our + true hunting-grounds are not near the great lakes of sweet water, but + under the rising sun. Perhaps we shall wish to go home, and to leave these + pleasant openings for the pale faces to put their cabins on them, as the + small-pox that they have also given to us, puts its sores on our bodies. + Brother—” turning toward the missionary—“listen. You say we + are no longer Indians, but Jews: is this true of ALL red men, or only of + the tribes whose chiefs are HERE?” + </p> + <p> + “Of ALL red men, as I most sincerely believe. You are now red, but once + all of your people were fairer than the fairest of the pale-faces. It is + climate, and hardships, and sufferings that have changed your color.” + </p> + <p> + “If suffering can do THAT,” returned Peter, with emphasis, “I wonder we + are not BLACK. When ALL our hunting-grounds are covered with the farms of + your people, I think we shall be BLACK.” + </p> + <p> + Signs of powerful disgust were now visible among the listeners, an Indian + having much of the contempt that seems to weigh so heavily on that + unfortunate class, for all of the color mentioned. At the south, as is + known, the red man has already made a slave of the descendants of the + children of Africa, but no man has ever yet made a slave of a son of the + American forests! THAT is a result which no human power has yet been able + to accomplish. Early in the settlement of the country, attempts were + indeed MADE, by sending a few individuals to the islands; but so + unsuccessful did the experiment turn out to be, that the design was soon + abandoned. Whatever may be his degradation, and poverty, and ignorance, + and savage ferocity, it would seem to be the settled purpose of the + American Indians of our own territories—unlike the aborigines who + are to be found farther south—to live and die free men. + </p> + <p> + “My children,” answered the missionary, “I pretend not to say what will + happen, except as it has been told to us in the word of God. You know that + we pale-faces have a book, in which the Great Spirit has told us his laws, + and foretold to us many of the things that are to happen. Some of these + things HAVE happened, while some remain TO happen. The loss of the ten + tribes was foretold, and HAS happened; but their being FOUND again, has + not YET happened, unless indeed I am so blessed as to be one of those who + have been permitted to meet them in these openings. Here is the book—it + goes where I go, and is my companion and friend, by day and by night; in + good and evil; in season and out of season. To this book I cling as to my + great anchor, that is to carry me through the storms in safety! Every line + in it is precious; every word true!” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps half the chiefs present had seen books before, while those who now + laid eyes on one for the first time, had heard of this art of the + pale-faces, which enabled them to set down their traditions in a way + peculiar to themselves. Even the Indians have their records, however, + though resorting to the use of natural signs, and a species of + hieroglyphics, in lieu of the more artistical process of using words and + letters, in a systemized written language. The Bible, too, was a book of + which all had heard, more or less; though not one of those present had + ever been the subject of its influence. A Christian Indian, indeed—and + a few of those were to be found even at that day—would hardly have + attended a council convened for the objects which had caused this to be + convened. Still, a strong but regulated curiosity existed, to see, and + touch, and examine the great medicine-book of the pale-faces. There was a + good deal of superstition blended with the Indian manner of regarding the + sacred volume; some present having their doubts about touching it, even + while most excited by admiration, and a desire to probe its secrets. + </p> + <p> + Peter took the little volume, which the missionary extended as if inviting + any one who might so please, to examine it also. It was the first time the + wary chief had ever suffered that mysterious book to touch him. Among his + other speculations on the subject of the manner in which the white men + were encroaching, from year to year, on the lands of the natives, it had + occurred to his mind that this extraordinary volume, which the pale-faces + all SEEMED to reverence, even to the drunkards of the garrisons, might + contain the great elements of their power. Perhaps he was not very much + out of the way in this supposition; though they who use the volume + habitually, are not themselves aware, one-half the time, why it is so. + </p> + <p> + On the present occasion, Peter saw the great importance of not betraying + apprehension, and he turned over the pages awkwardly, as one would be apt + to handle a book for the first time, but boldly and without hesitation. + Encouraged by the impunity that accompanied this hardihood, Peter shook + the leaves open, and held the volume on high, in a way that told his own + people that he cared not for its charms or power. There was more of + seeming than of truth, however, in this bravado; for never before had this + extraordinary being made so heavy a draft on his courage and self-command, + as in the performance of this simple act. He did not, could not know what + were the virtues of the book, and his imagination very readily suggested + the worst. As the great medicine-volume of the pale-faces, it was quite + likely to contain that which was hostile to the red men; and this fact, so + probable to his eyes, rendered it likely that some serious evil to himself + might follow from the contact. It did not, however; and a smile of grim + satisfaction lighted his swarthy countenance, as, turning to the + missionary, he said with point— + </p> + <p> + “Let my brother open his eyes. I have looked into his medicine-book, but + do not see that the red man is anything but a red man. The Great Spirit + made him; and what the Great Spirit makes, lasts. The pale-faces have made + their book, and it lies.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no—Peter, Peter, thou utterest wicked words. But the Lord will + pardon thee, since thou knowest not what thou sayest. Give me the sacred + volume, that I may place it next my heart, where I humbly trust so many of + its divine precepts are already entrenched.” + </p> + <p> + This was said in English, under the impulse of feeling, but being + understood by Peter, the latter quietly relinquished the Bible, preparing + to follow up the advantage he perceived he had gained, on the spot. + </p> + <p> + “My brother has his medicine-book, again,” said Peter, “and the red men + live. This hand is not withered like the dead branch of the hemlock; yet + it has held his word of the Great Spirit! It may be that a red-skin and a + pale-face book cannot do each other harm. I looked into my brother's great + charm, but did not see or hear a tradition that tells me we are Jews. + There is a bee-hunter in these openings. I have talked with him. He has + told me who these Jews are. He says they are people who do not go with the + pale-faces, but live apart from them, like men with the small-pox. It is + not right for my brother to come among the red men, and tell them that + their fathers were not good enough to live, and eat, and go on the same + paths as his fathers.” + </p> + <p> + “This is all a mistake, Peter—a great and dangerous mistake. The + bee-hunter has heard the Jews spoken of by those who do not sufficiently + read the good book. They have been, and are still, the chosen people of + the Great Spirit, and will one day be received back to his favor. Would + that I were one of them, only enlightened by the words of the New + Testament! No real Christian ever can, or does now despise a son of + Israel, whatever has been done in times past. It is an honor, and not a + disgrace, to be what I have said my friends are.” + </p> + <p> + “If this be so, why do not the pale-faces let us keep out hunting-grounds + to ourselves? We are content. We do not wish to be Jews. Our canoes are + too small to cross the great salt lake. They are hardly large enough to + cross the great lakes of sweet water. We should be tired of paddling so + far. My brother says there is a rich land under the rising sun, which the + Manitou gave to the red men. Is this so?” + </p> + <p> + “Beyond all doubt. It was given to the children of Israel, for a + possession forever; and though you have been carried away from it for a + time, there the land still is, open to receive you, and waiting the return + of its ancient masters. In good season that return must come; for we have + the word of God for it, in our Christian Bible.” + </p> + <p> + “Let my brother open his ears very wide, and hear what I have to say. We + thank him for letting us know that we are Jews. We believe that he thinks + what he says. Still, we think we are red men, and Injins, and not Jews. We + never saw the place where the sun rises. We do not wish to see it. Our + hunting-grounds are nearer to the place where he sets. If the pale-faces + believe we have a right to that distant land, which is so rich in good + things, we will give it to them, and keep these openings, and prairies, + and woods. We know the game of this country, and have found out how to + kill it. We do not know the game under the rising sun, which may kill us. + Go to your friends and say, 'The Injins will give you that land near the + rising sun, if you will let them alone on their hunting-grounds, where + they have so long been. They say that your canoes are larger than their + canoes, and that one can carry a whole tribe. They have seen some of your + big canoes on the great lakes, and have measured them. Fill all you have + got with your squaws and pappooses, put your property in them, and go back + by the long path through which you came. Then will the red man thank the + pale-face and be his friend. The white man is welcome to that far-off + land. Let him take it, and build his villages on it, and cut down its + trees. This is all the Injins ask. If the pale-faces can take away with + them the small-pox and the fire-water, it will be better still. They + brought both into this country, it is right that they should take them + away.' Will my brother tell this to his people?” + </p> + <p> + “It would do no good. They know that the land of Judea is reserved by God + for his chosen people, and they are not Jews. None but the children of + Israel can restore that land to its ancient fertility. It would be useless + for any other to attempt it. Armies have been there, and it was once + thought that a Christian kingdom was set up on the spot; but neither the + time nor the people had come. Jews alone can make Judea what it was, and + what it will be again. If my people owned that land, they could not use + it. There are also too many of us now, to go away in canoes.” + </p> + <p> + “Did not the fathers of the pale-faces come in canoes?” demanded Peter, a + little sternly. + </p> + <p> + “They did; but since that time their increase has been so great, that + canoes enough to hold them could not be found. No; the Great Spirit, for + his own wise ends, has brought my people hither; and here must they remain + to the end of time. It is not easy to make the pigeons fly south in the + spring.” + </p> + <p> + This declaration, quietly but distinctly made, as it was the habit of the + missionary to speak, had its effect. It told Peter, and those with him, as + plainly as language could tell them, that there was no reason to expect + the pale-faces would ever willingly abandon the country, and seemed the + more distinctly, in all their uninstructed minds, to place the issue on + the armed hand. It is not improbable that some manifestation of feeling + would have escaped the circle, had not an interruption to the proceedings + occurred, which put a stop to all other emotions but those peculiar to the + lives of savages. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Nearer the mount stood Moses; in his hand + The rod which blasted with strange plagues the realm + Of Misraim, and from its time-worn channels + Upturned the Arabian sea. Fair was his broad + High front, and forth from his soul-piercing eye + Did legislation look; which full he fixed + Upon the blazing panoply undazzled. + —HILLHOUSE. +</pre> + <p> + It often happens in the recesses of the wilderness, that, in the absence + of men, the animals hunt each other. The wolves, in particular, following + their instincts, are often seen in packs, pressing upon the heels of the + antelope, deer, and other creatures of that family, which depend for + safety more on their speed than on their horns. On the present occasion, a + fine buck, with a pack of fifty wolves close after it, came bounding + through the narrow gorge that contained the rill, and entered the + amphitheatre of the bottom-land. Its headlong career was first checked by + the sight of the fire; then arose a dark circle of men, each armed and + accustomed to the chase. In much less time than it has taken to record the + fact, that little piece of bottom-land was crowded with wolves, deer, and + men. The headlong impetuosity of the chase and flight had prevented the + scent from acting, and all were huddled together, for a single instant, in + a sort of inextricable confusion. Brief as was this melee, it sufficed to + allow of a young hunter's driving his arrow through the heart of the buck, + and enabled others among the Indians to kill several of the wolves; some + with arrows, others with knives, etc. No rifle was used, probably from a + wish not to give an alarm. + </p> + <p> + The wolves were quite as much astonished at this unexpected rencontre, as + the Indians. They were not a set of hungry and formidable beasts, that + famine might urge to any pass of desperation; but a pack hunting, like + gentlemen, for their own amusement. Their headlong speed was checked less + by the crowd of men, than by the sight of fire. In their impetuosity, it + is probable that they would have gone clean through five hundred men, but + no wild beast will willingly encounter fire. Three or four of the chiefs, + aware of this dread, seized brands, and throwing themselves, without care, + into the midst of the pack, the animals went howling off, scattering in + all directions. Unfortunately for its own welfare, one went directly + through the circle, plunged into the thicket beyond, and made its way + quite up to the fallen tree, on which the bee-hunter and the corporal had + taken their stations. This was altogether too much for the training, or + for the philosophy of Hive. Perceiving a recognized enemy rushing toward + him, that noble mastiff met him in a small cleared spot, open-mouthed, and + for a few moments a fierce combat was the consequence. Dogs and wolves do + not fight in silence, and loud were the growls and yells on this occasion. + In vain did le Bourdon endeavor to drag his mastiff off; the animal was on + the high-road to victory, when it is ever hard to arrest the steps of the + combatant. Almost as a matter of course, some of the chiefs rushed toward + the spot, when the presence of the two spectators first became known to + them. At the next moment the wolf lay dead at the feet of Hive; and the + parties stood gazing at each other, equally taken by surprise, and equally + at a loss to know what to do next. + </p> + <p> + It was perhaps fortunate for the bee-hunter, that neither Crowsfeather, + nor any other of the Pottawattamies, was present at this first rencontre, + or he might have fallen on the spot, a victim to their disappointed hopes + of drinking at a whiskey-spring. The chiefs present were strangers to le + Bourdon, and they stared at him, in a way to show that his person was + equally unknown to them. But it was necessary, now, to follow the Indians + back to their circle, where the whole party soon collected again, the + wolves having gone off on their several routes, to put up some other + animal, and run him to death. + </p> + <p> + During the whole of that excited and tumultuous scene, which would + probably now be termed a “stampede” in the Mexican-Americo-English of the + day, Peter had not stirred. Familiar with such occurrences, he felt the + importance of manifesting an unmoved calm, as a quality most likely to + impress the minds of his companions with a profound sense of his dignity + and self-command. While all around him was in a tumult, he stood in his + tracks, motionless as a statue. Even the fortitude of the worthy + missionary was shaken by the wild tempest that momentarily prevailed; and + the good man forgot the Jews in his alarm at wolves, forgot the mighty + past in his apprehensions for the uncomfortable and ill-boding present + time. All this, however, was soon over, and order, and quiet, and a + dignified calm once more reigned in the circle. Fagots were thrown on the + fire; and the two captives, or spectators, stood as near it, the observed + of all observers, as the heat rendered comfortable. It was just then that + Crowsfeather and his companions first recognized the magician of the + whiskey-spring. + </p> + <p> + Peter saw the discovery of the two spectators with some uneasiness. The + time had not come when he intended to strike his blow; and he had seen + signs among those Pottawattamies, when at the mouth of the river, which + had told him how little they were disposed to look with favor on one who + had so grievously trifled with their hopes. His first care, therefore, was + to interpose his authority and influence between le Bourdon and any + project of revenge, which Crowsfeather's young men might be apt to devise, + as soon as they, too, laid eyes on the offender. This was done in a + characteristic and wily manner. + </p> + <p> + “Does my brother love honey?” asked the tribeless chief of the leader of + the Pottawattamies present, who sat near him, gazing on le Bourdon much as + the cat looks upon the mouse, ere it makes it its prey. “Some Injins are + fond of that sweet food: if my brother is one of that sort, I can tell him + how to fill his wigwam with honey with little trouble.” + </p> + <p> + At this suggestion, coming from such a source, Crowsfeather could not do + less than express his thanks, and his readiness to hear what further might + be in reserve for him. Peter then alluded to le Bourdon's art, describing + him as being the most skilful bee-hunter of the West. So great was his art + in that way, that no Indian had ever yet seen his equal. It was Peter's + intention to make him exercise his craft soon, for the benefit of the + chiefs and warriors present, who might then return to their village, + carrying with them stores of honey to gladden the hearts of their squaws + and pappooses. This artifice succeeded; for the Indians are not expert in + taking this article of food, which so much abounds in the forests, both on + account of the difficulty they find in felling the trees, and on account + of the “angle-ing” part of the process, which much exceeds their skill in + mathematics. On the other hand, the last is just the sort of skill a + common white American would be likely to manifest, his readiness and + ingenuity in all such processes almost amounting to an instinct. + </p> + <p> + Having thus thrown his mantle around le Bourdon for the moment, Peter then + deemed it the better course to finish the historical investigation in + which the council had been so much interested, when the strange + interruption by the wolves occurred. With this view, therefore, he rose + himself, and recalled the minds of all present to this interesting + subject, by a short speech. This he did, especially to prevent any + premature attack on the person of le Bourdon. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers,” said this mysterious chief, “it is good for Injins to learn. + When they learn a thing, they know it; then they may learn another. It is + in this way that the pale-faces do; it makes them wise, and puts it in + their power to take away our hunting-grounds. A man that knows nothing is + only a child that has grown up too fast. He may be big—may take long + steps—may be strong enough to carry burdens—may love venison + and buffaloes' humps; but his size is only in the way; his steps he does + not know where to direct; his burdens he does not know how to choose; and + he has to beg food of the squaws, instead of carrying it himself to their + wigwams. He has not learned how to take game. We must all learn. It is + right. When we have learned how to take game, and how to strike the enemy, + and how to keep the wigwam filled, then we may learn traditions. + Traditions tell us of our fathers. We have many traditions. Some are + talked of, even to the squaws. Some are told around the fires of the + tribes. Some are known only to the aged chiefs. This is right, too. Injins + ought not to say too much, nor too little. They should say what is wise—what + is best. But my brother, the medicine-man of the pale-faces, says that our + traditions have not told us everything. Something has been kept back. If + so, it is best to learn that too. If we are Jews, and not Injins, we ought + to know it. If we are Injins, and not Jews, our brother ought to know it, + and not call us by a wrong name. Let him speak. We listen.” + </p> + <p> + Here Peter slowly resumed his seat. As the missionary understood all that + had been said, he next arose, and proceeded to make good, as far as he was + able, and in such language as his knowledge of Indian habits suggested, + his theory of the lost tribes. + </p> + <p> + “I wish my children to understand,” resumed the missionary, “that it is an + honor to be a Jew. I have not come here to lessen the red men in their own + eyes, but to do them honor. I see that Bear's Meat wishes to say + something; my ears are open, and my tongue is still.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank my brother for the opportunity to say what is on my mind,” + returned the chief mentioned. “It is true I have something to say; it is + this: I wish to ask the medicine-man if the pale-faces honor and show + respect to the Jews?” + </p> + <p> + This was rather an awkward question for the missionary, but he was much + too honest to dissemble. With a reverence for truth that proceeded from + his reverence for the Father of all that is true, he replied honestly, + though not altogether without betraying how much he regretted the + necessity of answering at all. Both remained standing while the dialogue + proceeded; or in parliamentary language, each may be said to have had the + floor at the same time. + </p> + <p> + “My brother wishes to know if the pale-faces honor the Jews,” returned the + missionary. “I wish I could answer 'yes'; but the truth forces me to say + 'no.' The pale-faces have traditions that make against the Jews, and the + judgments of God weigh heavy on the children of Israel. But all good + Christians, now, look with friendly eyes on this dispersed and persecuted + people, and wish them well. It will give the white men very great pleasure + to learn that I have found the lost tribes of Israel in the red men of + America.” + </p> + <p> + “Will my brother tell us WHY this will give his people pleasure? Is it + because they will be glad to find old enemies, poor, living on narrow + hunting-grounds, off which the villages and farms of the pale-faces begin + to push them still nearer to the setting sun; and toward whom the + small-pox has found a path to go, but none to come from?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Bear's Meat, think not so unkindly of us of the white race! In + crossing the great salt lake, and in coming to this quarter of the world, + our fathers were led by the finger of God. We do but obey the will of the + Great Spirit, in pressing forward into this wilderness, directed by his + wisdom how to spread the knowledge of his name among those who, as yet, + have never heard it; or, having heard, have not regarded it. In all this, + the wisest men are but babes; not being able to say whither they are to + go, or what is to be done.” + </p> + <p> + “This is strange,” returned the unmoved Indian. “It is not so with the red + men. Our squaws and pappooses do know the hunting-ground of one tribe from + the hunting-ground of another. When they put their feet on strange + hunting-grounds, it is because they INTENDED to go there, and to steal + game. This is sometimes right. If it is right to take the scalp of an + enemy, it is right to get his deer and his buffalo, too. But we never do + this without knowing it. If we did, we should be unfit to go at large, + unfit to sit in council. This is the first time I have heard that the + pale-faces are so weak, and they have such feeble minds, too, that they do + not know where they go.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother does not understand me. No man can see into the future—no + man can say what will happen to-morrow. The Great Spirit only can tell. It + is for him, then, to guide his children in their wanderings. When our + fathers first came out of their canoes upon the land, on this side of the + great salt lake, not one among them knew anything of this country between + the great lakes of sweet water. They did not know that red men lived here. + The Great Spirit did know, and intended then, that I should this night + stand up in this council, and speak of his power and of his name, and do + him reverence. It was the Great Spirit that put it into my mind to come + among the Indians; and it is the Great Spirit who has led me, step by + step, as warriors move toward the graves of their fathers, to make the + discovery, that the Indians are, in truth, the children of Israel, a part + of his own chosen and once much-favored people. Let me ask my friends one + or two questions. Do not your traditions say that your fathers once came + from a far-off land?” + </p> + <p> + Bear's Meat now took his seat, not choosing to answer a question of this + nature, in the presence of a chief so much respected as Peter. He + preferred to let the last take up the dialogue where he now saw fit to + abandon it. As the other very well understood the reason of this sudden + movement, he quietly assumed the office of spokesman; the whole affair + proceeding much as if there had been no change. + </p> + <p> + “Our traditions DO tell us that our fathers came from a far-off land,” + answered Peter, without rising. + </p> + <p> + “I thought so!—I thought so!” exclaimed the simple-minded and + confiding missionary. “How wonderful are the ways of God! Yes, my brother, + Judea is a far-off land, and your traditions say that your fathers came + from such a distance! This, then, is something proved. Do not your + traditions say, that once your tribes were more in favor with the Great + Spirit than they are now?” + </p> + <p> + “Our traditions do say this: once our tribes did not see the face of the + Manitou looking dark upon them, as it now does. That was before the + pale-faces came in their big canoes, across the great salt lake, to drive + the Indians from their hunting-grounds. It was when the small-pox had not + found the path to their villages. When fire-water was unknown to them, and + no Indian had ever burned his throat with it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but I speak of a time much more distant than that. Of a time when + your prophets stood face to face with God, and talked with the Creator. + Since that day a great change has come over your people. Then your color + was light, like that of the fairest and handsomest of the Circassian race; + now, it has become red. When even the color is changed, it is not + wonderful that men should no longer be the same in other particulars. Yes; + once all the races of men were of the same color and origin.” + </p> + <p> + “This is not what our traditions say. We have heard from our fathers that + the Great Spirit made men of different colors; some he made light, like + the pale-faces; some red, like the Injins; some black, like the + pale-faces' slaves. To some he gave high noses; to some low noses: to some + flat noses. To the pale-faces he gave eyes of many colors. This is the + reason why they see so many things, and in so many different ways. To the + red men he gave eyes of the same color, and they always see things of the + same color. To a red man there is no change. Our fathers have always been + red. This we know. If them Jews, of whom my brother speaks, were ever + white, they have not been our fathers. We tell this to the medicine-man, + that he may know it, too. We do not wish to lead him on a crooked path, or + to speak to him with a forked tongue. What we have said, is so. Now, the + road is open to the wigwam of the pale-faces, and we wish them safe on + their journey home. We Injins have a council to hold around this fire, and + will stay longer.” + </p> + <p> + At this plain intimation that their presence was no longer desirable, it + became necessary for them to depart. The missionary, filled with zeal, was + reluctant to go, for, in his eyes, the present communications with the + savages promised him not only the conversion of pagans, but the + restoration of the Jews! Nevertheless, he was compelled to comply; and + when le Bourdon and the corporal took their departure, he turned, and + pronounced in solemn tone the Christian benediction on the assembly. The + meaning of this last impressive office was understood by most of the + chiefs, and they rose as one man, in acknowledgment. + </p> + <p> + The three white men, on retiring from the circle, held their way toward + Castle Meal. Hive followed his master, having come out of the combat but + little injured. As they got to a point where a last look could be had of + the bottom-land of the council, each turned to see what was now in the + course of proceeding. The fire glimmered just enough to show the circlet + of dark faces, but not an Indian spoke or moved. There they all sat, + patiently waiting for the moment when the “strangers” might “withdraw” to + a sufficient distance, to permit them to proceed with their own private + affairs without fear of interruption. + </p> + <p> + “This has been to me a most trying scene,” observed the missionary, as the + three pursued their way toward the garrison. “How hard it is to convince + men against their wishes. Now, I am as certain as a man can be, that every + one of these Injins is in fact a Jew; and yet, you have seen how small has + been my success in persuading them to be of the right way of thinking, on + this subject.” + </p> + <p> + “I have always noticed that men stick even to their defects, when they're + nat'ral,” returned the bee-hunter. “Even a nigger will stand up for his + color, and why shouldn't an Injin? You began wrong, parson. Had you just + told these chiefs that they were Jews, they might have stood THAT, poor + creatures, for they hardly know how mankind looks upon a Jew; but you went + to work to skin them, in a lump, making so many poor, wishy-washy + pale-faces of all the red-skins, in a body. You and I may fancy a white + face better than one of any other color; but nature colors the eye when it + colors the body, and there's not a nigger in America who doesn't think + black the pink of beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it was proceeding too fast to say anything about the change of + color, Bourdon. But what can a Christian minister do, unless he tell the + truth? Adam could have been but of one color; and all the races on earth, + one excepted, must have changed from that one color.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, and my life on it, that all the races on 'arth believe that one + color to have been just that which has fallen to the luck of each + partic'lar shade. Hang me if I should like to be persuaded out of my + color, any more than these Injins. In America, color goes for a great + deal; and it may count for as much with an Injin as among us whites. No, + no, parson; you should have begun with persuading these savages into the + notion that they're Jews; if you could get along with THAT, the rest might + be all the easier.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak of the Jews, not as if you considered them a chosen people of + the Lord, but as a despised and hateful race. This is not right, Bourdon. + I know that Christians are thus apt to regard them; but it does not tell + well for their charity or their knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “I know very little about them, Parson Amen; not being certain of ever + having seen a Jew in my life. Still, I will own that I have a sort of + grudge against them, though I can hardly tell you why. Of one thing I feel + certain—no man breathing should ever persuade me into the notion + that I'M a Jew, lost or found; ten tribes or twenty. What say you, + corporal, to this idea?” + </p> + <p> + “Just as you say, Bourdon. Jews, Turks, and infidels, I despise: so was I + brought up, and so I shall remain.” + </p> + <p> + “Can either of you tell me WHY you look in this uncharitable light, on so + many of your fellow-creatures? It cannot be Christianity, for such are not + its teachings or feelings. Nor is either of you very remarkable for his + observance of the laws of God, as they have been revealed to Christian + people. MY heart yearns toward these Injins, who are infidels, instead of + entertaining any of the feelings that the corporal has just expressed.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish there were fewer of them, and that them few were farther from + Castle Meal,” put in le Bourdon, with point. “I have known all along that + Peter meant to have a great council; but will own, now that I have seen + something of it, I do not find it quite as much to my mind as I had + expected it would be.” + </p> + <p> + “There's a strong force on 'em,” said the corporal, “and a hard set be + they to look at. When a man's a young soldier, all this paint, and shaving + of heads, and rings in noses and ears, makes some impression; but a + campaign or two ag'in' the fellows soon brings all down to one color and + one uniform, if their naked hides can be so called. I told 'em off, + Bourdon, and reconn'itred 'em pretty well, while they was a making + speeches; and, in my judgment, we can hold good the garrison ag'in' 'em + all, if so be we do not run short of water. Provisions and water is what a + body may call fundamentals, in a siege.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope we shall have no need of force—nay, I feel persuaded there + will not be,” said Parson Amen. “Peter is our friend; and his command over + these savages is wonderful! Never before have I seen red men so completely + under the control of a chief. Your men at Fort Dearborn, corporal, were + scarcely more under the orders of their officers, than these red-skins are + under the orders of this chief!” + </p> + <p> + “I will not go to compare rig'lars with Injins, Mr. Parson,” answered the + corporal, a little stiffly. “They be not of the same natur' at all, and + ought not to be put on a footing, in any particular. These savages may + obey their orders, after a fashion of their own; but I should like to see + them manoeuvre under fire. I've fit Injins fourteen times, in my day, and + have never seen a decent line, or a good, honest, manly, stand-up charge, + made by the best among 'em, in any field, far or near. Trees and covers is + necessary to their constitutions, just as sartain as a deer chased will + take to water to throw off the scent. Put 'em up with the baggonet, and + they'll not stand a minute.” + </p> + <p> + “How should they, corporal,” interrupted le Bourdon laughing, “when + they've no baggonets of their own to make a stand with? You put one in + mind of what my father used to say. He was a soldier in revolution times, + and sarved his seven years with Washington. The English used to boast that + the Americans wouldn't 'stand up to the rack,' if the baggonet was set to + work; 'but this was before we got our own toothpicks,' said the old man. + 'As soon as they gave US baggonets, too, there was no want of standing up + to the work.' It seems to me, corporal, you overlook the fact that Injins + carry no baggonets.” + </p> + <p> + “Every army uses its own weapons. If an Injin prefers his knife and his + tomahawk to a baggonet, it is no affair of mine. I speak of a charge as I + see it; and the soldier who relies on a tomahawk instead of a baggonet, + should stand in his tracks, and give tomahawk play. No, no, Bourdon, + seeing is believing. These red-skins can do nothing with our people, when + our people is properly regimented, well officered, and thoroughly drilled. + They're skeary to new beginners—THAT I must acknowledge—but + beyond that I set them down as nothing remarkable as military men.” + </p> + <p> + “Good or bad, I wish there were fewer of them, and that they were farther + off. This man Peter is a mystery to me: sometimes he seems quite friendly; + then, ag'in, he appears just ready to take all our scalps. Do you know + much of his past history, Mr. Amen?” + </p> + <p> + “Not as much as I wish I did,” the missionary replied. “No one can tell me + aught concerning Peter, beyond the fact of his being a sort of a prophet, + and a chief of commanding influence. Even his tribe is unknown; a + circumstance that points us to the ancient history of the Jews for the + explanation. It is my own opinion that Peter is of the race of Aaron, and + that he is designed by Divine Providence to play an important part in the + great events on which we touch. All that is wanting is, to persuade HIM + into this belief, himself. Once persuade a man that he is intended to be + something, and your work is half done to your hands. But the world is so + full of ill-digested and random theories, that truth has as much as it can + do to obtain a sober and patient hearing!” + </p> + <p> + Thus is it with poor human nature. Let a man get a crotchet into his head—however + improbable it may be, however little supported by reason or fact, however + ridiculous, indeed—and he becomes indisposed to receive any evidence + but that which favors his theory; to see any truths but such as he fancies + will harmonize with HIS truths; or to allow of any disturbing causes in + the great workings of his particular philosophy. This notion of Parson + Amen's concerning the origin of the North American savage, did not + originate with that simple-minded enthusiast, by any means. In this way + are notions formed and nurtured. The missionary had read somewhat + concerning the probability that the American Indians were the lost tribes + of Israel; and possessed with the idea, everything he saw was tortured + into evidence in support of his theory. There is just as much reason for + supposing that any, and all, of the heathen savages that are scattered up + and down the earth have this origin, as to ascribe it to our immediate + tribes; but to this truth the good parson was indifferent, simply because + it did not come within the circle of his particular belief. + </p> + <p> + Thus, too, was it with the corporal. Unless courage, and other military + qualities, were manifested precisely in the way in which HE had been + trained, they were not courage and military qualities at all. Every virtue + has its especial and conventional accessories, according to this school of + morals; nothing of the sort remaining as it came from above, in the simple + abstract qualities of right and wrong. On such feelings and principles as + these, do men get to be dogmatical, narrow-minded, and conceited! + </p> + <p> + Our three white men pursued their way back to the “garrison,” conversing + as they went, much in the manner they did in the dialogue we have just + recorded. Neither Parson Amen nor the corporal seemed to apprehend + anything, not-withstanding the extraordinary scene in which one had been + an actor, and of which the other had been a witness. Their wonder and + apprehensions, no doubt, were much mitigated by the fact, that it was + understood Peter was to meet a large collection of the chiefs in the + Openings, and the minds of all were, more or less, prepared to see some + such assemblage as had that night got together. The free manner in which + the mysterious chief led the missionary to the circle, was, of itself, + some proof that HE did not desire concealment; and even le Bourdon + admitted, when they came to discuss the details, that this was a + circumstance that told materially in favor of the friendliness of his + intentions. Still, the bee-hunter had his doubts; and most sincerely did + he wish that all in Castle Meal, Blossom in particular, were safe within + the limits of civilized settlements. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the “garrison,” all was safe. Whiskey Centre watched the gate—a + sober man, now, perforce, if not by inclination; for being in the + Openings, in this respect, is like being at sea with an empty spirit-room. + He was aware that several had passed out, but was surprised to learn that + Peter was of the number. That gate Peter had not passed, of a certainty; + and how else he could quit the palisades was not easily understood. It was + possible to climb over them, it is true; but the feat would be attended + with so great an exertion, and would be so likely to lead to a noise which + would expose the effort, that all had great difficulty in believing a man + so dignified and reserved in manner as this mysterious chief would be apt + to resort to such means of quitting the place. + </p> + <p> + As for the Chippewa, Gershom reported his return a few minutes before; and + the bee-hunter entered, to look for that tried friend, as soon as he + learned the fact. He found Pigeonswing laying aside his accoutrements, + previously to lying down to take his rest. + </p> + <p> + “So, Chippewa, YOU have come back, have you?” exclaimed le Bourdon. “So + many of your red-skin brethren are about, that I didn't expect to see you + again for these two or three days.” + </p> + <p> + “No want to eat, den, eh? How you all eat, if hunter don't do he duty? + S'pose squaw don't cook vittles, you no like it, eh? Juss so wid hunter—no + KILL vittles, don't like it nudder.” + </p> + <p> + “This is true enough. Still, so many of your people are about, just now, + that I thought it probable you might wish to remain outside with them for + a day or two.” + </p> + <p> + “How know red man about, eh? You SEE him—you COUNT him eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen something like fifty, and may say I counted that many. They + were chiefs, however, and I take it for granted, a goodly number of common + warriors are not far off. Am I right, Pigeonswing?” + </p> + <p> + “S'pose don't know—den, can't tell? Only tell what he know.” + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes an Injin GUESSES, and comes as near the truth as a white man + who has seen the thing with his own Pigeonswing made no answer; though le + Bourdon fancied, from his manner, that he had really something on his + mind, and that, too, of importance, which he wished to communicate. + </p> + <p> + “I think you might tell me some news that I should like to hear, Chippewa, + if you was so minded.” + </p> + <p> + “Why you stay here, eh?” demanded the Indian, abruptly. “Got plenty honey—bess + go home, now. Always bess go home, when hunt up. Home good place, when + hunter well tired.” + </p> + <p> + “My home is here, in the Openings, Pigeonswing. When I go into the + settlements, I do little but loaf about among the farm-houses on the + Detroit River, having neither squaw nor wigwam of my own to go to. I like + this place well enough, if your red brethren will let me keep it in + peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Dis bad place for pale-face, juss now. Better go home, dan stay in + Openin'. If don't know short path to Detroit, I show you. Bess go, soon as + can; and bess go ALONE. No good to be trouble wid squaw, when in hurry.” + </p> + <p> + The countenance of le Bourdon changed at this last intimation; though the + Indian might not have observed it in the darkness. After a brief pause, + the first answered in a very determined way. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I understand you, Chippewa,” he said. “I shall do nothing of + the sort, however. If the squaws can't go, too, I shall not quit them. + Would you desert YOUR squaws because you thought them in trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “An't your squaw yet. Bess not have squaw at all, when Openin' so full of + Injin. Where you t'ink is two buck I shoot dis mornin', eh? Skin 'em, cut + 'em up, hang 'em on tree, where wolf can't get 'em. Well, go on after + anudder; kill HIM, too. Dere he is, inside of palisade, but no tudder two. + He bot' gone, when I get back to tree. Two good buck as ever see! How you + like dat, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I care very little about it, since we have food enough, and are not + likely to want. So the wolves got your venison from the trees, after all + your care; ha! Pigeonswing.” + </p> + <p> + “Wolf don't touch him—wolf CAN'T touch him. Moccasin been under + tree. See him mark. Bess do as I tell you; go home, soon as ever can. + Short path to Detroit; an't two hundred pale-face mile.” + </p> + <p> + “I see how it is, Pigeonswing; I see how it is, and thank you for this + hint, while I honor your good faith to your own people. But I cannot go to + Detroit, in the first place, for that town and fort have fallen into the + hands of the British. It might be possible for a canoe to get past in the + night, and to work its way through into Lake Erie, but I cannot quit my + friends. If you can put us ALL in the way of getting away from this spot, + I shall be ready to enter into the scheme. Why can't we all get into the + canoe, and go down stream, as soon as another night sets in? Before + morning we could be twenty miles on our road.” + </p> + <p> + “No do any good,” returned Pigeonswing, coldly. “If can't go alone, can't + go at all. Squaw no keep up when so many be on trail. No good to try + canoe. Catch you in two days—p'raps one. Well, I go to sleep—can't + keep eye open all night.” + </p> + <p> + Hereupon, Pigeonswing coolly repaired to his skins, lay down, and was soon + fast asleep. The bee-hunter was fain to do the same, the night being now + far advanced; but he lay awake a long time, thinking of the hint he had + received, and pondering on the nature of the danger which menaced the + security of the family. At length, sleep asserted its power over even him, + and the place lay in the deep stillness of night. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And stretching out, on either hand, + O'er all that wide and unshorn land, + Till weary of its gorgeousness, + The aching and the dazzled eye + Rests, gladdened, on the calm, blue sky. + —WHITTIER. +</pre> + <p> + No other disturbance occurred in the course of the night. With the dawn, + le Bourdon was again stirring; and as he left the palisades to repair to + the run, in order to make his ablutions, he saw Peter returning to Castle + Meal. The two met; but no allusion was made to the manner in which the + night had passed. The chief paid his salutations courteously; and, instead + of repairing to his skins, he joined le Bourdon, seemingly as little + inclined to seek for rest, as if just arisen from his lair. When the + bee-hunter left the spring, this mysterious Indian, for the first time, + spoke of business. + </p> + <p> + “My brother wanted to-day to show Injin how to find honey,” said Peter, as + he and Bourdon walked toward the palisades, within which the whole family + was now moving. “I nebber see honey find, myself, ole as I be.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be very willing to teach your chiefs my craft,” answered the + bee-hunter, “and this so much the more readily, because I do not expect to + pracTYSE it much longer, myself; not in this part of the country, at + least.” + </p> + <p> + “How dat happen?—expec' go away soon?” demanded Peter, whose keen, + restless eye would, at one instant, seem to read his companion's soul, and + then would glance off to some distant object, as if conscious of its own + startling and fiery expression. “Now Br'ish got Detroit, where my broder + go? Bess stay here, I t'ink.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not be in a hurry, Peter; but my season will soon be up, and I + must get ahead of the bad weather, you know, or a bark canoe will have but + a poor time of it on Lake Huron. When am I to meet the chiefs, to give + them a lesson in finding bees?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell by-'em-by. No hurry for dat. Want to sleep fuss. See so much better, + when I open eye. So you t'ink of makin' journey on long path. If can't go + to Detroit, where can go to?” + </p> + <p> + “My proper home is in Pennsylvania, on the other side of Lake Erie. It is + a long path, and I'm not certain of getting safely over it in these + troubled times. Perhaps it would be best for me, however, to shape at once + for Ohio; if in that state I might find my way round the end of Erie, and + so go the whole distance by land.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter said this, by way of throwing dust into the Indian's eyes, + for he had not the least intention of travelling in the direction named. + It is true, it was HIS most direct course, and the one that prudence would + point out to him, under all the circumstances, had he been alone. But le + Bourdon was no longer alone—in heart and feelings, at least. Margery + now mingled with all his views for the future; and he could no more think + of abandoning her in her present situation, than he could of offering his + own person to the savages for a sacrifice. It was idle to think of + attempting such a journey in company with the females, and most of all to + attempt it in defiance of the ingenuity, perseverance, and hostility of + the Indians. The trail could not be concealed; and, as for speed, a party + of the young men of the wilderness would certainly travel two miles to + Margery's one. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon, notwithstanding Pigeonswing's remonstrances, still had his eye + on the Kalamazoo. He remembered the saying, “that water leaves no trail,” + and was not without hopes of reaching the lake again, where he felt he + should be in comparative security; his own canoe, as well as that of + Gershom, being large, well fitted, and not altogether unsuited to those + waters in the summer months. As it would be of the last importance, + however, to get several hours' start of the Indians, in the event of his + having recourse to such a mode of flight, it was of the utmost importance + also to conceal his intentions, and, if possible, to induce Peter to + imagine his eyes were turned in another direction. + </p> + <p> + “Well, s'pose go dat way,” answered the chief, quietly, as if suspecting + no artifice. “Set 'bout him by-'em-by. Today muss teach Injin how to find + honey. Dat make him good friend; and maybe he help my pale-face broders + back to deir country. Been better for ebbery body, if none come here, at + all.” + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the discourse for that moment. Peter was not fond of much + talking, when he had not his great object in view, but rather kept his + mind occupied in observation. For the next hour, every one in and about + Castle Meal was engaged in the usual morning avocations, that of breaking + their fasts included; and then it was understood that all were to go forth + to meet the chiefs, that le Bourdon might give a specimen of his craft. + </p> + <p> + One, ignorant of the state of political affairs on the American continent, + and who was not aware of the vicinity of savages, would have seen nothing + that morning, as the party proceeded on its little excursion, in and + around that remote spot, but a picture of rural tranquillity and peace. A + brighter day never poured its glories on the face of the earth; and the + Openings, and the glades, and even the dark and denser forests, were all + bathed in the sunlight, as that orb is known to illuminate objects in the + softer season of the year, and in the forty-third degree of latitude. Even + the birds appeared to rejoice in the beauties of the time, and sang and + fluttered among the oaks, in numbers greater than common. Nature usually + observes a stern fitness in her adaptation of means to ends. Birds are to + be found in the forests, on the prairies, and in the still untenanted + openings of the west—and often in countless numbers; more especially + those birds which fly in flocks, and love the security of unoccupied + regions—unoccupied by man is meant—wherein to build their + nests, obey the laws of their instincts, and fulfil their destinies. Thus, + myriads of pigeons, and ducks, and geese, etc., are to be found in the + virgin woods, while the companionable and friendly robin, the little + melodious wren, the thrush, the lark, the swallow, the marten, and all + those pleasant little winged creatures, that flit about our dwellings and + grounds, and seem to be sent by Providence, expressly to chant their + morning and evening hymns to God in our ears, most frequent the peopled + districts. It has been said by Europeans that the American birds are mute, + in comparison with those of the Old World. This is true, to a certain + extent, as respects those which are properly called forest birds, which + do, in general, appear to partake of the sombre character that marks the + solemn stillness of their native haunts. It is not true, however, with the + birds which live in our fields, and grounds, and orchards, each of which + sings its song of praise, and repeats its calls and its notes, as richly + and as pleasantly to the ear, as the birds of other lands. One large + class, indeed, possesses a faculty that enables it to repeat every note it + has ever heard, even to some of the sounds of quadrupeds. Nor is this done + in the discordant tones of the parrot; but in octaves, and trills, and in + rich contra-altos, and all the other pleasing intonations known to the + most gifted of the feathered race. Thus it is, that one American + mocking-bird can outsing all the birds of Europe united. + </p> + <p> + It seemed that morning as if every bird that was accustomed to glean its + food from the neighborhood of Castle Meal was on the wing, and ready to + accompany the party that now sallied forth to catch the bee. This party + consisted of le Bourdon, himself, as its chief and leader; of Peter, the + missionary, and the corporal. Margery, too, went along; for, as yet, she + had never seen an exhibition of Boden's peculiar skill. As for Gershom and + his wife, they remained behind, to make ready the noontide meal; while the + Chippewa took his accoutrements, and again sallied out on a hunt. The + whole time of this Indian appeared to be thus taken up; though, in truth, + venison and bear's meat both abounded, and there was much less necessity + for those constant efforts than he wished to make it appear. In good + sooth, more than half his time was spent in making those observations, + which had led to the advice he had been urging on his friend, the + bee-hunter, in order to induce him to fly. Had Pigeonswing better + understood Peter, and had he possessed a clearer insight into the extent + and magnitude of his plans of retributive vengeance, it is not probable + his uneasiness, at the moment, would have been so great, or the urgency + for an immediate decision on the part of le Bourdon would have appeared as + urgently pressing as it now seemed to be. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter took his way to a spot that was at some distance from his + habitation, a small prairie of circular form, that is now generally known + in that region of the country by the name of Prairie Round. Three hours + were necessary to reach it, and this so much the more, because Margery's + shorter steps were to be considered. Margery, however, was no laggard on a + path. Young, active, light of foot, and trained in exertions of this + nature, her presence did not probably retard the arrival many minutes. + </p> + <p> + The extraordinary part of the proceedings was the circumstance, that the + bee-hunter did not tell any one whither he was going, and that Peter did + not appear to care about putting the question to him. Notwithstanding this + reserve on one side, and seeming indifference on the other, when the party + reached Prairie Round, every one of the chiefs who had been present at the + council of the previous night, was there before it. The Indians were + straggling about, but remained sufficiently near the point where the + bee-hunter and his followers reached the prairie, to assemble around the + group in a very few minutes after it made its appearance. + </p> + <p> + All this struck le Bourdon as fearfully singular, since it proved how many + secret means of communication existed between the savages. That the + inmates of the habitations were closely observed, and all their + proceedings noted, he could not but suspect, even before receiving this + proof of Peter's power; but he was not aware until now, how completely he + and all with him were at the mercy of these formidable foes. What hope + could there be for escape, when hundreds of eyes were thus watching their + movements, and every thicket had its vigilant and sagacious sentinel? Yet + must flight be attempted, in some way or other, or Margery and her sister + would be hopelessly lost—to say nothing of himself and the three + other men. + </p> + <p> + But the appearance of the remarkable little prairie that he had just + reached, and the collection of chiefs, now occupied all the present + thoughts of le Bourdon. As for the first, it is held in repute, even at + the present hour, as a place that the traveller should see, though covered + with farms, and the buildings that belong to husbandry. It is still + visited as a picture of ancient civilization, placed in the setting of a + new country. It is true that very little of this part of Michigan wears + much, if any, of that aspect of a rough beginning, including stubs, + stumps, and circled trees, that it has so often fallen to our share to + describe. There are dense forests, and those of considerable extent; and + wherever the axe is put into them, the progress of improvement is marked + by the same steps as elsewhere; but the lovely openings form so many + exceptions, as almost to compose the rule. + </p> + <p> + On Prairie Round there was even a higher stamp of seeming civilization—seeming, + since it was nature, after all, that had mainly drawn the picture. In the + first place, the spot had been burnt so recently, as to leave the entire + expanse covered with young grasses and flowers, the same as if it were a + well-kept park. This feature, at that advanced period of the summer, was + in some degree accidental, the burning of the prairies depending more or + less on contingencies of that sort. We have now less to do with the cause, + than with its consequences. These were most agreeable to the eye, as well + as comfortable to the foot, the grass nowhere being of a height to impede + movement, or, what was of still more importance to le Bourdon's present + pursuit, to overshadow the flowers. Aware of this fact, he had led his + companions all that distance, to reach this scene of remarkable rural + beauty, in order that he might make a grand display of his art, in + presence of the assembled chiefs of that region. The bee-hunter had pride + in his craft, the same as any other skilful workman who had gained a + reputation by his cunning, and he now trod the prairie with a firmer step, + and a more kindling eye, than was his wont in the commoner haunts of his + calling. Men were there whom it might be an honor to surprise, and pretty + Margery was there also, she who had so long desired to see this very + exhibition. + </p> + <p> + But to revert once more to the prairie, ere we commence the narrative of + what occurred on it. This well-known area is of no great extent, + possessing a surface about equal to that of one of the larger parks of + Europe. Its name was derived from its form, which, without being + absolutely regular, had so near an approach to a circle as to justify the + use of the appellation. The face of this charming field was neither + waving, or what is called “rolling,” nor a dead flat, as often occurs with + river bottoms. It had just enough of undulation to prevent too much + moisture, and to impart an agreeable variety to its plain. As a whole, it + was clear of the forest; quite as much so as if the axe had done its work + there a thousand years before, though wood was not wanting. On the + contrary, enough of the last was to be seen, in addition to that which + formed the frame of this charming landscape, to relieve the view from all + appearance of monotony, and to break it up into copses, thickets, trees in + small clusters, and in most of the varieties that embellish native + scenery. One who had been unexpectedly transferred to the spot, might well + have imagined that he was looking on the site of some old and + long-established settlement, from which every appliance of human industry + had been suddenly and simultaneously abstracted. Of houses, out-buildings, + fences, stacks, and husbandry, there were no signs; unless the even and + verdant sward, that was spread like a vast carpet, sprinkled with flowers, + could have been deemed a sign of the last. There were the glades, vistas, + irregular lawns, and woods, shaped with the pleasing outlines of the free + hand of nature, as if consummate art had been endeavoring to imitate our + great mistress in one of her most graceful moods. + </p> + <p> + The Indians present served largely to embellish this scene. Of late years, + horses have become so common among the western tribes, the vast natural + meadows of those regions furnishing the means necessary to keep them, that + one can now hardly form a picture of those savages, with-out representing + them mounted, and wielding the spear; but such was not the fact with the + time of which we are writing, nor was it ever the general practice to go + mounted, among the Indians in the immediate vicinity of the great lakes. + Not a hoof of any sort was now visible, with the exception of those which + belonged to a herd of deer, that were grazing on a favorite spot, less + than a league distant from the place where le Bourdon and his companions + reached the prairie. All the chiefs were on foot, and very few were + equipped with more than the knife and tomahawk, the side-arms of a chief; + the rifles having been secreted, as it might be, in deference to the + festivities and peaceful character of the occasion. As le Bourdon's party + was duly provided with rifles, the missionary and Margery excepted, this + was a sign that no violence was contemplated on that occasion at least. + “Contemplated,” however, is a word very expressive, when used in + connection with the out-breakings of human passions, as they are wont to + exhibit themselves among the ignorant and excited. It matters not whether + the scene be the capital of some ancient European monarchy, or the wilds + of America, the workings of such impulses are much the same. Now, a throne + is overturned, perhaps, before they who do it are yet fully aware of what + they ought to set up in its place; and now the deadly rifle, or the + murderous tomahawk is used, more in obedience to the incentives of demons, + than in furtherance of justly recognized rules of conduct. Le Bourdon was + aware of all this, and did not so far confide in appearances, as to + overlook the watchfulness that he deemed indispensable. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter was not long in selecting a place to set up his apparatus. + In this particular, he was mainly governed by a lovely expanse of + sweet-scented flowers, among which bees in thousands were humming, sipping + of their precious gifts at will. Le Bourdon had a care, also, not to go + far from the forests which encircled the prairies, for among its trees he + knew he had to seek the habitations of the insects. Instead of a stump, or + a fallen tree, he had prepared a light framework of lath, which the + corporal bore to the field for him, and on which he placed his different + implements, as soon as he had selected the scene of operations. + </p> + <p> + It will not be necessary for us to repeat the process, which has already + been described in our opening chapters; but we shall only touch such parts + of it as have a direct connection with the events of the legend. As le + Bourdon commenced his preparations, however, the circle of chiefs closed + around him, in mute but close attention to every-thing that passed. + Although every one of them had heard of the bee-hunters of the pale-faces, + and most of them had heard of this particular individual of their number, + not an Indian present had ever seen one of these men practise his craft. + This may seem strange, as respects those who so much roamed the woods; but + we have already remarked that it exceeded the knowledge of the red man to + make the calculations that are necessary to take the bee by the process + described. Usually, when he obtains honey, it is the result of some chance + meeting in the forest, and not the fruits of that far-sighted and + persevering industry, which enables the white man to lay in a store large + enough to supply a neighborhood, in the course of a few weeks' hunting. + </p> + <p> + Never was a juggler watched with closer attention, than was le Bourdon, + while setting up his stand, and spreading his implements. Every grave, + dark countenance was turned toward him, and each keen, glistening eye was + riveted on his movements. As the vessel with the comb was set down, the + chiefs nearest recognizing the substance murmured their admiration; for to + them it seemed as if the operator were about to make honey with honey. + Then the glass was a subject of surprise: for half of those present had + never seen such an utensil before. Though many of the chiefs present had + visited the “garrisons” of the northwest, both American and English, many + had not; and, of those who had, not one in ten got any clear idea of the + commonest appliances of civilized life. Thus it was, then, that almost + every article used by the bee-hunter, though so simple and homely, was the + subject of a secret, but well-suppressed admiration. + </p> + <p> + It was not long ere le Bourdon was ready to look for his bee. The insects + were numerous on the flowers, particularly on the white clover, which is + indigenous in America, springing up spontaneously wherever grasses are + permitted to grow. The great abundance of the bees, however, had its usual + effect, and our hero was a little difficult to please. At length, a fine + and already half-loaded little animal was covered by the glass and + captured. This was done so near the group of Indians, that each and all + noted the process. It was curious, and it was inexplicable! Could the + pale-faces compel bees to reveal the secret of their hives, and was that + encroaching race about to drive all the insects from the woods and seize + their honey, as they drove the Indians before them and seized their lands? + Such was the character of the thoughts that passed through the minds of + more than one chief, that morning, though all looked on in profound + stillness. + </p> + <p> + When the imprisoned bee was put over the comb, and le Bourdon's cap was + placed above all, these simple-minded children of the woods and the + prairies gazed, as if expecting a hive to appear beneath the covering, + whenever the latter should be removed. It was not long before the bee + “settled,” and not only the cap, but the tumbler was taken away. For the + first time since the exhibition commenced, le Bourdon spoke, addressing + himself to Peter. + </p> + <p> + “If the tribeless chief will look sharply,” he said, “he will soon see the + bee take flight. It is filling itself with honey, and the moment it is + loaded—look—look—it is about to rise—there, it is + up—see it circling around the stand, as if to take a look that it + may know it again—there it goes!” + </p> + <p> + There it did go, of a truth, and in a regular bee-line, or as straight as + an arrow. Of all that crowd, the bee-hunter and Margery alone saw the + insect in its flight. Most of those present lost sight of it, while + circling around the stand; but the instant it darted away, to the + remainder it seemed to vanish into air. Not so with le Bourdon and + Margery, however. The former saw it from habit; the latter from a quick + eye, intense attention, and the wish not to miss anything that le Bourdon + saw fit to do, for her information or amusement. The animal flew in an + air-line toward a point of wood distant fully half a mile, and on the + margin of the prairie. + </p> + <p> + Many low exclamations arose among the savages. The bee was gone, but + whither they knew not, or on what errand. Could it have been sent on a + message by the pale-face, or had it flown off to give the alarm to its + companions, in order to adopt the means of disappointing the bee-hunter? + As for the last, he went coolly to work to choose another insect; and he + soon had three at work on the comb—all in company, and all + uncovered. Had the number anything to do with the charm, or were these + three to be sent to bring back the one that had already gone away? Such + was the sort of reasoning, and such the queries put to themselves, by + several of the stern children of nature who were drawn up around the + stand. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time le Bourdon proceeded with his operations in the utmost + simplicity. He now called Peter and Bear's Meat and Crowsfeather nearer to + his person, where they might share with Margery the advantage of more + closely seeing all that passed. As soon as these three chiefs were near + enough, Ben pointed to one bee in particular, saying in the Indian + dialect: + </p> + <p> + “My brothers see that bee in the centre—he is about to go away. If + he go after the one that went before him, I shall soon know where to look + for honey.” + </p> + <p> + “How can my brother tell which bee will first fly away?” demanded Bear's + Meat. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter was able to foresee this, by knowing which insect had been + longest on the comb; but so practised had his eye become, that he knew + with tolerable accuracy, by the movements of the creatures, those that had + filled themselves with honey from those that had not. As it did not suit + his purpose, however, to let all the minutiae of his craft be known, his + answer was evasive. Just at that moment a thought occurred to him, which + it might be well to carry out in full. He had once saved his life by + necromancy, or what seemed to the simple children of the woods to be + necromancy, and why might he not turn the cunning of his regular art to + account, and render it the means of rescuing the females, as well as + himself, from the hands of their captors? This sudden impulse from that + moment controlled his conduct; and his mind was constantly casting about + for the means of effecting what was now his one great purpose-escape. + Instead of uttering in reply to Bear's Meat's question the simple truth, + therefore, he rather sought for such an answer as might make the process + in which he was engaged appear imposing and mystical. + </p> + <p> + “How do the Injins know the path of the deer?” he asked, by way of reply. + “They look at the deer, get to know him, and understand his ways. This + middle bee will soon fly.” + </p> + <p> + “Which way will he go?” asked Peter. “Can my brother tell us THAT?” + </p> + <p> + “To his hive,” returned le Bourdon, carelessly, as if he did not fully + understand the question. “All of them go to their hives, unless I tell + them to go in another direction. See, the bee is up!” + </p> + <p> + The chiefs now looked with all their eyes. They saw, indeed, that the bee + was making its circles above the stand. Presently they lost sight of the + insect, which to them seemed to vanish; though le Bourdon distinctly + traced its flight for a hundred yards. It took a direction at right angles + to that of the first bee, flying off into the prairie, and shaping its + course toward an island of wood, which might have been of three or four + acres in extent, and distant rather less than a mile. + </p> + <p> + While le Bourdon was noting this flight, another bee arose. This creature + flew toward the point of forest, already mentioned as the destination of + the insect that had first risen. No sooner was this third little animal + out of sight, than the fourth was up, humming around the stand. Ben + pointed it out to the chiefs; and this time they succeeded in tracing the + flight for, perhaps, a hundred feet from the spot where they stood. + Instead of following either of its companions, this fourth bee took a + course which led it off the prairie altogether, and toward the + habitations. + </p> + <p> + The suddenly conceived purpose of le Bourdon, to attempt to mystify the + savages, and thus get a hold upon their minds which he might turn to + advantage, was much aided by the different directions taken by these + several bees. Had they all gone the same way, the conclusion that all went + home would be so very natural and obvious, as to deprive the discovery of + a hive of any supernatural merit, at least; and to establish this was just + now the great object the bee-hunter had in view. As it was, the Indians + were no wiser, now all the bees were gone, than they had been before one + of them had flown. On the contrary, they could not understand how the + flights of so many insects, in so many different directions, should tell + the bee-hunter where honey was to be found. Le Bourdon saw that the + prairie was covered with bees, and well knew that, such being the fact, + the inmates of perhaps a hundred different hives must be present. All + this, however, was too novel and too complicated for the calculations of + savages; and not one of those who crowded near, as observers, could + account for so many of the bees going different ways. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon now intimated a wish to change his ground. He had noted two of + the bees, and the only question that remained to be decided, as IT + respected THEM, was whether they belonged to the precise points toward + which they had flown, or to points beyond them. The reader will easily + understand that this is the nature of the fact determined by taking an + angle, the point of intersection between any two of the lines of flight + being necessarily the spot where the hive is to be found. So far from + explaining this to those around him, however, Boden kept it a secret in + his own breast. Margery knew the whole process, for to HER he had often + gone over it in description, finding a pleasure in instructing one so apt, + and whose tender, liquid blue eyes seemed to reflect every movement of his + own soul and feelings. Margery he could have taught forever, or fancied + for the moment he could; which is as near the truth as men under the + influence of love often get. But, as for the Indians, so far from letting + them into any of his secrets, his strong desire was now to throw dust into + their eyes, in all possible ways, and to make their well-established + character for superstition subservient to his own projects. + </p> + <p> + Boden was far from being a scholar, even for one in his class in life. + Down to this hour, the neglect of the means of public instruction is + somewhat of a just ground of reproach against the venerable and + respectable commonwealth of which he was properly a member, though her + people have escaped a knowledge of a great deal of small philosophy and + low intriguing, which it is fair to presume that evil spirits thrust in + among the leaves of a more legitimate information, when the book of + knowledge is opened for the instruction of those who, by circumstances, + are prevented from doing more than bestowing a few hurried glances at its + contents. Still, Ben had read everything about bees on which he could lay + his hands. He had studied their habits personally, and he had pondered + over the various accounts of their communities—a sort of limited + monarchy in which the prince is deposed occasionally, or when matters go + very wrong—some written by really very observant and intelligent + persons, and others again not a little fanciful. Among other books that + had thus fallen in le Bourdon's way, was one which somewhat minutely + described the uses that were made of bees by the ancient soothsayers in + their divinations. Our hero had no notion of reviving those rites, or of + attempting to imitate the particular practices of which he had read and + heard; but the recollection of them occurred most opportunely to + strengthen and encourage the design, so suddenly entertained, of making + his present operation aid in opening the way to the one great thing of the + hour—an escape into Lake Michigan. + </p> + <p> + “A bee knows a great deal,” said le Bourdon, to his nearest companions, + while the whole party was moving some distance to take up new ground. “A + bee often knows more than a man.” + </p> + <p> + “More than pale-face?” demanded Bear's Meat, a chief who had attained his + authority more by means of physical than of intellectual qualities. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes. Pale-faces have gone to bees to ask what will happen. Let me + ask our medicine-man this question. Parson Amen, have YOU any knowledge of + the soothsayers of old using bees when they wished to know what was about + to happen?” + </p> + <p> + Now, the missionary was not a learned man, any more than the bee-hunter; + but many an unlearned man has heard of this, and he happened to be one of + the number. Of Virgil, for instance, Parson Amen knew but little; though + in the progress of a very loose, but industrious course of reading, he had + learned that the soothsayers put great faith in bees. His answer was given + in conformity with this fact, and in the most perfect good faith, for he + had not the smallest suspicion of what Boden wished to establish. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly—most certainly,” answered the well-meaning missionary—“the + fortune-tellers of old times often went to their bees when they wished to + look into the future. It has been a subject much talked of among + Christians, to account for the soothsaying, and witchcraft, and other + supernatural dealings of those who lived in the times of the prophets; and + most of them have held the opinion that evil spirits have been—nay, + still are permitted to work their will on certain men in the flesh. But + bees were in much favor with the soothsayers of old.” + </p> + <p> + This answer was given in English, and little of it was comprehended by + Peter, and the others who had more or less knowledge of that language, + beyond the part which asserted the agency of bees in witchcraft. Luckily, + this was all le Bourdon desired, and he was well satisfied at seeing that + the idea passed from one chief to another; those who did not know the + English at all, being told by those who had some knowledge of the tongue, + that “bees were thought to be 'medicine' among the pale-faces.” + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon gained a great deal of ground by this fortunate corroboration + of his own still more fortunate thought Matters were pretty nearly + desperate with him, and with all his friends, should Peter really meditate + evil; and as desperate diseases notoriously require remedies of the same + character, he was ready to attempt anything that promised even the + smallest chance of success. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes—” the bee-hunter pursued the discourse by saying—“bees + know a great deal. I have sometimes thought that bees know more than + bears, and my brother must be able to tell something of them?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; my name is Bear's Meat,” answered that chief, complacently. “Injin + always give name that mean somet'ing. Kill so many bear one winter, got + dat name.” + </p> + <p> + “A good name it is! To kill a bear is the most honorable thing a hunter + can do, as we all know. If my brother wishes to hear it, I will ask my + bees when he is to kill another.” + </p> + <p> + The savage to whom this was addressed fairly started with delight. He was + eagerly signifying his cheerful assent to the proposal, when Peter quietly + interposed, and changed the discourse to himself, in a way that he had, + and which would not easily admit of denial. It was apparent to le Bourdon + that this mysterious Indian was not content that one so direct and + impetuous in his feelings as Bear's Meat, and who was at the same time so + little qualified to manage his portion of an intellectual conversation, + should be foremost any longer. For that reason he brought himself more + into the foreground, leaving to his friend the capacity of listener and + observer, rather than that of a speaker and actor. What took place under + this new arrangement, will appear as the narrative proceeds. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —Therefore, go with me; + I'll give the fairies to attend on thee; + And they shall fetch thee jewels from the deep, + —Peas-blossom! cobweb! moth! and mustard-seed, + —Midsummer-Night's Dream +</pre> + <p> + As le Bourdon kept moving across the prairie, while the remarks were made + that have been recorded in the preceding chapter, he soon reached the new + position where he intended to again set up his stand. Here he renewed his + operations; Peter keeping nearest his person, in jealous watchfulness of + the least movement he made. Bees were caught, and scarce a minute elapsed + ere the bee-hunter had two of them on the piece of comb, uncovered and at + liberty. The circumstance that the cap was momentarily placed over the + insects, struck the savages as a piece of necromancy, in particular. The + reader will understand that this is done in order to darken the tumbler, + and induce the bee to settle down on the honey so much the sooner. To one + who understood the operation and its reason, the whole was simple enough; + but it was a very different matter with men as little accustomed to prying + into the habits of creatures as insignificant as bees. Had deer, or + bisons, or bears, or any of the quadrupeds of those regions, been the + subject of the experiment, it is highly probable that individuals could + have been found in that attentive and wondering crowd, who could have + enlightened the ablest naturalists on the subject of the animals under + examination; but when the inquiry descended to the bee, it went below the + wants and usages of savage life. + </p> + <p> + “Where you t'ink dis bee go?” demanded Peter, in English, as soon as le + Bourdon raised the tumbler. + </p> + <p> + “One will go in this direction, the other in that,” answered the + bee-hunter, pointing first toward the corner of the woods, then toward the + island in the prairie—the two points toward which two of the other + bees had flown. + </p> + <p> + The predictions might or might not prove true. If they did, the effect + must be great; if they did not, the failure would soon be forgotten in + matters of more interest. Our hero, therefore, risked but little, while he + had the chance of gaining a very great advantage. By a fortunate + coincidence, the result completely justified the prediction. A bee rose, + made its circles around the stand, and away it went toward the island-like + copse in the prairie; while its companion soon imitated its example, but + taking the other prescribed direction. This time Peter watched the insects + so closely that he was a witness of their movements, and with his own eyes + he beheld the flight, as well as the direction taken by each. + </p> + <p> + “You tell bee do dis?” demanded Peter, with a surprise that was so sudden, + as well as so great, that it overcame in some slight degree his habitual + self-command. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I did,” replied le Bourdon, carelessly. “If you wish to see + another, you may.” + </p> + <p> + Here the young man coolly took another bee, and put it on the comb. + Indifferent as he appeared, however, he used what was perhaps the highest + degree of his art in selecting this insect. It was taken from the bunch of + flowers whence one of his former captives had been taken, and there was + every chance of its belonging to the same hive as its companion. Which + direction it might take, should it prove to be a bee from either of the + two hives of which the positions were now known, it altogether exceeded + Boden's art to tell, so he dexterously avoided committing himself. It was + enough that Peter gazed attentively, and that he saw the insect dart away, + disappearing in the direction of the island. By this time more of the + savages were on the alert, and now knowing how and where to look for the + bee, they also saw its course. + </p> + <p> + “You tell him ag'in go dere?” asked Peter, whose interest by this time was + so manifest, as to defy all attempts at concealment. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I did. The bees obey ME, as your young men obey YOU. I am + their chief, and they KNOW me. I will give you further proof of this. We + will now go to that little bit of wood, when you shall all see what it + contains. I have sent three of my bees there; and here, one of them is + already back, to let me know what he has seen.” + </p> + <p> + Sure enough, a bee was buzzing around the head of le Bourdon, probably + attracted by some fragment of comb, and he cunningly converted it into a + messenger from the copse! All this was wonderful to the crowd, and it even + greatly troubled Peter. This man was much less liable to the influence of + superstition than most of his people; but he was very far from being + altogether above it. This is the fact with very few civilized men; perhaps + with no man whatever, let his philosophy and knowledge be what they may; + and least of all, is it true with the ignorant. There is too much of the + uncertain, of the conjectural in our condition as human beings, to raise + us altogether above the distrusts, doubts, wonder, and other weaknesses of + our present condition. To these simple savages, the manner in which the + bees flew, seemingly at le Bourdon's bidding, to this or that thicket, was + quite as much a matter of astonishment, as any of our most elaborate + deceptions are wonders to our own ignorant and vulgar. Ignorant! And where + is the line to be drawn that is to place men beyond the pale of ignorance? + Each of us fails in some one, if not in very many of the important + branches of the knowledge that is even reduced to rules Among us. Here is + seen the man of books, so ignorant of the application of his own beloved + theories, as to be a mere child in practice; and there, again, can be seen + the expert in practice, who is totally unacquainted with a single + principle of the many that lie at the root of his very handicraft. Let us + not, then, deride these poor children of the forest, because that which + was so entirely new to them, should also appear inexplicable and + supernatural. + </p> + <p> + As for Peter, he was more confounded than convinced. His mind was so much + superior to those of the other chiefs, as to render him far more difficult + to mislead; though even he was not exempt from the great weaknesses of + ignorance, superstition, and its concomitants—credulity, and a love + of the marvellous. His mind was troubled, as was quite apparent to Ben, + who watched HIM quite as narrowly as he was observed himself, in all he + did. Willing to deepen the impression, our artist now determined to + exhibit some of the higher fruits of his skill. The production of a + considerable quantity of honey would of itself be a sort of + peace-offering, and he now prepared to turn the certainty of there being a + hive in the little wood to account—certainty, because three bees had + taken wing for it, and a very distinct angle had been made with two of + them. + </p> + <p> + “Does my brother wish any honey?” asked le Bourdon carelessly; “or shall I + send a bee across Lake Michigan, to tell the Injins further west that + Detroit is taken?” + </p> + <p> + “Can Bourdon find honey, NOW?” demanded Peter. + </p> + <p> + “Easily. Several hives are within a mile of us. The bees like this + prairie, which is so well garnished with flowers, and I am never at a loss + for work, in this neighborhood. This is my favorite bee-ground; and I have + got all the little creatures so that they know me, and are ready to do + everything that I tell them. As I see that the chiefs love honey, and wish + to eat some, we will now go to one of my hives.” + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, le Bourdon prepared for another march. He moved with all his + appliances, Margery keeping close at his side, carrying the honey-comb and + honey. As the girl walked lightly, in advance of the Indians, some fifteen + or twenty bees, attracted by the flavor of what she carried, kept circling + around her head, and consequently around that of Boden; and Peter did not + fail to observe the circumstance. To him it appeared as if these bees were + so many accompanying agents, who attended their master in order to do his + bidding. In a word, Peter was fast getting into that frame of mind, when + all that is seen is pressed into the support of the theory we have + adopted. The bee-hunter had some mysterious connection with, and control + over the bees, and this was one among the many other signs of the + existence of his power. All this, however, Boden himself disregarded. His + mind was bent on throwing dust into the eyes of the Indians; and he was + cogitating the means of so doing, on a much larger scale than any yet + attempted. + </p> + <p> + “Why dem bee fly 'round young squaw?” demanded Peter—“and fly round + you, too?” + </p> + <p> + “They know us, and go with us to their hive; just as Injins would come out + of their villages to meet and honor visitors.” + </p> + <p> + This was a ready reply, but it scarcely satisfied the wily savage to whom + it was given. Just then Crowsfeather led Peter a little aside, and began + talking earnestly to that chief, both continuing on with the crowd. Le + Bourdon felt persuaded that the subject of this private conference was + some of his own former backslidings in the character of conjuror, and that + the Pottawattamie would not deal very tenderly with his character. + Nevertheless, it was too late to retrace his steps, and he saw the + necessity of going on. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you had not come out with us,” the bee-hunter found an occasion to + say to Margery. “I do not half like the state of things, and this + conjuration about the bees may all fall through.” + </p> + <p> + “It is better that I should be here, Bourdon,” returned the spirited girl. + “My being here may make them less unfriendly to you. When I am by, Peter + always seems more human, and less of a savage, they all tell me, than when + I am not by.” + </p> + <p> + “No one can be more willing to own your power, Margery, than I; but Injins + hold the squaws too cheap, to give you much influence over this old + fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not know—he may have had a daughter of about my age, or + size, or appearance; or with my laugh, or voice, or something else that + reminds him of her, when he sees me. One thing I am sure of—Peter is + no enemy of MINE!” + </p> + <p> + “I hope this may prove to be true! I do not see, after all, why an Injin + should not have the feelin's you name. He is a man, and must feel for his + wife and children, the same as other—” + </p> + <p> + “Bourdon, what ails the dog? Look at the manner in which Hive is + behaving!” + </p> + <p> + Sure enough, the appearance of Hive was sufficiently obvious to attract + his master's attention. By this time the crowd had got within twenty rods + of the little island-like copse of wood, the mastiff being nearly half + that distance in advance. Instead of preceding the party, however, Hive + had raised his form in a menacing manner, and moved cautiously from side + to side, like one of his kind that scents a foe. There was no mistaking + these movements; and all the principal chiefs soon had their attention + also drawn to the behavior of the dog. + </p> + <p> + “Why he do so?” asked Peter. “He 'fraid of bee, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “He waits for me to come up,” answered le Bourdon. “Let my brother and two + other chiefs come with me, and let the rest stay here. Bees do not like + crowds. Corporal, I put Margery in your keeping, and Parson Amen will be + near you. I now go to show these chiefs what a bee can tell a man.” + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, le Bourdon advanced, followed by Peter, Bear's Meat, and + Crowsfeather. Our hero had made up his mind that something more than bees + were to be found in the thicket; for, the place being a little marshy, + bushes as well as trees were growing on it, and he fully expected a + rencontre with bears, the creatures most disposed to prey on the labors of + the bee—man excepted. Being well armed, and accompanied by men + accustomed to such struggles, he had no apprehensions, and led the way + boldly, feeling the necessity of manifesting perfect confidence in all his + own acts, in order to command the respect of the observers. As soon as the + bee-hunter passed the dog, the latter growled, showed his teeth fiercely, + and followed, keeping closely at his side. The confidence and alacrity + with which le Bourdon moved into the thicket, compelled his companions to + be on the alert; though the first broke through the belt of hazels which + enclosed the more open area within, a few instants before the Indians + reached the place. Then it was that there arose such a yell, such + screechings and cries, as reached far over the prairie, and might have + appalled the stoutest heart. The picture that was soon offered to the eye + was not less terrific than the sounds which assailed the ear. Hundreds of + savages, in their war-paint, armed, and in a crowded maze, arose as it + might be by one effort, seemingly out of the earth, and began to leap and + play their antics amid the trees. The sudden spectacle of a crowd of such + beings, nearly naked, frightfully painted, and tossing their arms here and + there, while each yelled like a demon, was enough to overcome the nerves + of a very resolute man. But le Bourdon was prepared for a conflict and + even felt relieved rather than alarmed, when he saw the savages. His ready + mind at once conceived the truth. This band belonged to the chiefs, and + composed the whole, or a principal part of the force which he knew they + must have outlying somewhere on the prairies, or in the openings. He had + sufficiently understood the hints of Pigeonswing to be prepared for such a + meeting, and at no time, of late, had he approached a cover, without + remembering the possibility of its containing Indians. + </p> + <p> + Instead of betraying alarm, therefore, when this cloud of phantom-like + beings rose before his eyes, le Bourdon stood firm, merely turning toward + the chiefs behind him, to ascertain if they were taken by surprise, as + well as himself. It was apparent that they were; for, understanding that a + medicine-ceremony was to take place on the prairie, these young men had + preceded the party from the hut, and had, ununknown to all the chiefs, got + possession of this copse, as the best available cover, whence to make + their observations on what was going on. + </p> + <p> + “My brother sees his young men,” said le Bourdon, quietly, the instant a + dead calm had succeeded to the outcries with which he had been greeted. “I + thought he might wish to say something to them, and my bees told me where + to find them. Does my brother wish to know anything else?” + </p> + <p> + Great was the wonder of the three chiefs, at this exhibition of medicine + power! So far from suspecting the truth, or of detecting the lucky + coincidence by which le Bourdon had been led to the cover of their + warriors, it all appeared to them to be pure necromancy. Such an art must + be of great service; and how useful it would be to the warrior on his + path, to be accompanied by one who could thus command the vigilance of the + bees. + </p> + <p> + “You find enemy all same as friend?” demanded Peter, letting out the + thought that was uppermost, in the question. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure. It makes no difference with a bee; he can find an enemy as + easily as he can find a friend.' + </p> + <p> + “No whiskey-spring dis time?” put in Crowsfeather, a little inopportunely, + and with a distrust painted in his swarthy face that le Bourdon did not + like. + </p> + <p> + “Pottawattamie, you do not understand medicine-men. OUGHT I to have shown + your young men where whiskey was to be had for nothing? Ask yourself that + question. Did you wish to see your young men wallowing like hogs in such a + spring? What would the great medicine-priest of the pale-faces, who is out + yonder, have said to THAT?” + </p> + <p> + This was a coup de maitre on the part of the bee-hunter. Until that + moment, the affair of the whiskey-spring had weighed heavily in the + balance against him; but now, it was suddenly changed over in the scales, + and told as strongly in his favor. Even a savage can understand the + morality which teaches men to preserve their reason, and not to lower + themselves to the level of brutes, by swallowing “fire-water”; and + Crowsfeather suddenly saw a motive for regarding our hero with the eyes of + favor, instead of those of distrust and dislike. + </p> + <p> + “What the pale-face says is true,” observed Peter to his companion. “Had + he opened his spring, your warrior would have been weaker than women. He + is a wonderful medicine-man, and we must not provoke him to anger. How + COULD he know, but through his bees, that our young men were here?” + </p> + <p> + This question could not be answered; and when the chiefs, followed by the + whole band of warriors, some three or four hundred in number came out upon + the open prairie, all that had passed was communicated to those who + awaited their return, in a few brief, but clear explanations. Le Bourdon + found a moment to let Margery comprehend his position and views, while + Parson Amen and the corporal were put sufficiently on their guard not to + make any unfortunate blunder. The last was much more easily managed than + the first. So exceedingly sensitive was the conscience of the priest, that + had he clearly understood the game le Bourdon was playing, he might have + revolted at the idea of necromancy, as touching on the province of evil + spirits; but he was so well mystified as to suppose all that passed was + regularly connected with the art of taking bees. In this respect, he and + the Indians equally resembled one of those familiar pictures, in which we + daily see men, in masses, contributing to their own deception and + subjection, while they fondly but blindly imagine that they are not only + inventors, but masters. This trade of mastery, after all, is the property + of a very few minds; and no precaution of the prudent, no forethought of + the wary, nor any expedient of charters, constitutions, or restrictions, + will prevent the few from placing their feet on the neck of the many. We + may revive the fable of King Log and King Stork, as often, and in as many + forms as we will; it will ever be the fable of King Log and King Stork. We + are no admirers of political aristocracies, as a thousand paragraphs from + our pen will prove; and, as for monarchs, we have long thought they best + enact their parts, when most responsible to opinion; but we cannot deceive + ourselves on the subject of the atrocities that are daily committed by + those who are ever ready to assume the places of both, making their + fellow-creatures in masses their dupes, and using those that they affect + to serve. + </p> + <p> + Ben Boden was now a sort of “gouvernement provisoire” among the wondering + savages who surrounded him. He had got them to believe in necromancy—a + very considerable step toward the exercise of despotic power. It is true, + he hardly knew, himself, what was to be done next; but he saw quite + distinctly that he was in a dilemma, and must manage to get out of it by + some means or other. If he could only succeed in this instance, as well as + he had succeeded in his former essay in the black art, all might be well, + and Margery be carried in triumph into the settlements. Margery, pro haec + vice, was his goddess of liberty, and he asked for no higher reward, than + to be permitted to live the remainder of his days in the sunshine of her + smiles. Liberty! a word that is, just now, in all men's mouths, but in how + few hearts in its purity and truth! What a melancholy mistake, moreover, + to suppose that, could it be enjoyed in that perfection with which the + imaginations of men love to cheat their judgments, it is the great good of + life! One hour spent in humble veneration for the Being that gave it, in + common with all of earth, its vacillating and uncertain existence, is of + more account than ages passed in its service; and he who fancies that in + worshipping liberty, he answers the great end of his existence, hugs a + delusion quite as weak, and infinitely more dangerous, than that which now + came over the minds of Peter and his countrymen, in reference to the + intelligence of the bee. It is a good thing to possess the defective and + qualified freedom, which we term “liberty”; but it is a grave error to set + it up as an idol to be worshipped. + </p> + <p> + “What my brother do next?” demanded Bear's Meat, who, being a somewhat + vulgar-minded savage, was all for striking and wonder-working exhibitions + of necromancy. “P'raps he find some honey now?” + </p> + <p> + “If you wish it, chief. What says Peter?—shall I ask my bees to tell + where there is a hive?” + </p> + <p> + As Peter very readily assented, le Bourdon next set about achieving this + new feat in his art. The reader will recollect that the positions of two + hives were already known to the bee-hunter, by means of that very simple + and every-day process by which he earned his bread. One of these hives was + in the point of wood already mentioned, that lay along the margin of the + prairie; while the other was in this very copse, where the savages had + secreted themselves. Boden had now no thought of giving any further + disturbance to this last-named colony of insects; for an insight into + their existence might disturb the influence obtained by the jugglery of + the late discovery, and he at once turned his attention toward the other + hive indicated by his bees. + </p> + <p> + Nor did le Bourdon now deem it necessary to resort to his usual means of + carrying on his trade. These were not necessary to one who knew already + where the hive was to be found, while it opened the way to certain + mummeries that might be made to tell well in support of his assumed + character. Catching a bee, then, and keeping it confined within his + tumbler, Ben held the last to his ear, as if listening to what the + fluttering insect had to say. Having seemingly satisfied himself on this + point, he desired the chiefs once more to follow him, having first let the + bee go, with a good deal of ceremony. This set all in motion again; the + party being now increased by the whole band of savages who had been “put + up” from their cover. + </p> + <p> + By this time, Margery began to tremble for the consequences. She had held + several short conferences with le Bourdon, as they walked together, and + had penetrated far enough into his purposes to see that he was playing a + ticklish game. It might succeed for a time, but she feared it must fail in + the end; and there was always the risk of incurring the summary vengeance + of savages. Perhaps she did not fully appreciate the power of + superstition, and the sluggishness of the mind that once submits to its + influence; while her woman's heart made her keenly alive to all those + frightful consequences that must attend an exposure. Nevertheless, nothing + could now be done to avert the consequences. It was too late to recede, + and things must take their course, even at all the hazards of the case. + That she might not be wholly useless, when her lover was risking so much + for herself—Margery well understanding that her escape was the only + serious difficulty the bee-hunter apprehended—the girl turned all + her attention to Peter, in whose favor she felt that she had been daily + growing, and on whose pleasure so much must depend. Changing her position + a little, she now came closer to the chief than she had hitherto done. + </p> + <p> + “Squaw like medicine-man?” asked Peter, with a significance of expression + that raised a blush in Margery's cheek. + </p> + <p> + “You mean to ask me if I like to SEE medicine-men perform,” answered + Margery, with the readiness of her sex. “White women are always curious, + they say—how is it with the women of the red men?” + </p> + <p> + “Juss so—full of cur'osity. Squaw is squaw—no matter what + color.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry, Peter, you do not think better of squaws. Perhaps you never + had a squaw—no wife, or daughter?” + </p> + <p> + A gleam of powerful feeling shot athwart the dark countenance of the + Indian, resembling the glare of the electric fluid flashing on a cloud at + midnight; but it passed away as quickly as it appeared, leaving in its + stead the hard, condensed expression, which the intensity of a purpose so + long entertained and cultivated, had imprinted there, as indelibly as if + cut in stone. + </p> + <p> + “All chief have squaw—all chief have pappoose—” was the answer + that came at last. “What he good for, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “It is always good to have children, Peter; especially when the children + themselves are good.” + </p> + <p> + “Good for pale-face, maybe—no good for Injin. Pale-face glad when + pappoose born—red-skin sorry.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope this is not so. Why should an Injin be sorry to see the laugh of + his little son?” + </p> + <p> + “Laugh when he little—p'raps so; he little, and don't know what + happen. But Injin don't laugh any more when he grow up. Game gone; land + gone; corn-field gone. No more room for Injin—pale-face want all. + Pale-face young man laugh—red-skin young man cry. Dat how it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I hope not, Peter! I should be sorry to think it was so. The red man + has as good a right—nay, he has a BETTER right to this country than + we whites; and God forbid that he should not always have his full share of + the land!” + </p> + <p> + Margery probably owed her life to that honest, natural burst of feeling, + which was uttered with a warmth and sincerity that could leave no doubt + that the sentiment expressed came from the heart. Thus singularly are we + constructed! A minute before, and no exemption was made in the mind of + Peter, in behalf of this girl, in the plan he had formed for cutting off + the whites; on the contrary, he had often be-thought him of the number of + young pale-faces that might be, as it were, strangled in their cradles, by + including the bee-hunter and his intended squaw in the contemplated + sacrifice. All this was changed, as in the twinkling of an eye, by + Margery's honest and fervent expression of her sense of right, on the + great subject that occupied all of Peter's thoughts. These sudden impulses + in the direction of love for our species, the second of the high lessons + left by the Redeemer to his disciples, are so many proofs of the creation + of man in the image of his maker. They exert their power often when least + expected, and are ever stamped by the same indelible impression of their + divine origin. Without these occasional glimpses at those qualities which + are so apt to lie dormant, we might indeed despair of the destinies of our + race. We are, however, in safe and merciful hands; and all the wonderful + events that are at this moment developing themselves around us, are no + other than the steps taken by Providence in the progress it is steadily + making toward the great and glorious end! Some of the agencies will be + corrupt; others deluded; and no one of them all, perhaps, will pursue with + unerring wisdom the precise path that ought to be taken; but even the + crimes, errors, and delusions, will be made instrumental in achieving that + which was designed before the foundations of this world were laid! + </p> + <p> + “Does my daughter wish this?” returned Peter, when Margery had thus + frankly and sincerely given vent to her feelings. “Can a pale-face squaw + wish to leave an Injin any of his hunting-grounds?” + </p> + <p> + “Thousands of us wish it, Peter, and I for one. Often and often have we + talked of this around our family fire, and even Gershom, when his head has + not been affected by fire-water, has thought as we all have thought. I + know that Bourdon thinks so, too; and I have heard him say that he thought + Congress ought to pass a law to prevent white men from getting any more of + the Injin's lands.” + </p> + <p> + The face of Peter would have been a remarkable study, during the few + moments that his fierce will was in the process of being brought in + subjugation to the influence of his better feelings. At first he appeared + bewildered; then compunction had its shade; and human sympathy came last, + asserting its long dormant, but inextinguishable power. Margery saw some + of this, though it far exceeded her penetration to read all the workings + of that stern and savage mind; yet she felt encouraged by what she did see + and understand. + </p> + <p> + While an almighty and divine Providence was thus carrying out its own + gracious designs in its own way, the bee-hunter continued bent on reaching + a similar end by means of his own. Little did he imagine how much had been + done for him within the last few moments, and how greatly all he had in + view was jeoparded and put at risk by his own contrivances—contrivances + which seemed to him so clever, but which were wanting in the unerring + simplicity and truth that render those that come from above infallible. + Still, the expedients of le Bourdon may have had their agency in bringing + about events, and may have been intended to be a part of that moral + machinery, which was now at work in the breast of Peter, for good. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that the bee-hunter habitually carried a small + spy-glass, as a part of the implements of his calling. It enabled him to + watch the bees, as they went in and came out of the hives, on the highest + trees, and often saved him hours of fruitless search. This glass was now + in his hand; for an object on a dead tree, that rose a little apart from + those around it, and which stood quite near the extreme point in the + forest, toward which they were all proceeding, had caught his attention. + The distance was still too great to ascertain by the naked eye what that + object was; but a single look with the glass showed that it was a bear. + This was an old enemy of the bee-hunter, who often encountered the animal, + endeavoring to get at the honey, and he had on divers occasions been + obliged to deal with these plunderers, before he could succeed in his own + plans of pilfering. The bear now seen continued in sight but an instant; + the height to which he had clambered being so great, most probably, as to + weary him with the effort, and to compel him to fall back again. All this + was favorable to le Bourdon's wishes, who immediately called a halt. The + first thing that Bourdon did, when all the dark eyes were gleaming on him + in fierce curiosity, was to catch a bee and hold it to his ear, as it + buzzed about in the tumbler. + </p> + <p> + “You t'ink dat bee talk?” Peter asked of Margery, in a tone of confidence, + as if a newly-awakened principle now existed between them. + </p> + <p> + “Bourdon must think so, Peter,” the girl evasively answered, “or he would + hardly listen to hear what it says.” + </p> + <p> + “It's strange, bee should talk! Almos' as strange as pale-face wish to + leave Injin any land! Sartain, bee talk, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard one talk, Peter, unless it might be in its buzzing. That + may be the tongue of a bee, for anything I know to the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + By this time le Bourdon seemed to be satisfied, and let the bee go; the + savages murmuring their wonder and admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Do my brothers wish to hunt?” asked the bee-hunter in a voice so loud + that all near might hear what he had to say. + </p> + <p> + This question produced a movement at once. Skill in hunting, next to + success on the war-path, constitutes the great merit of an Indian; and it + is ever his delight to show that he possesses it. No sooner did le Bourdon + throw out his feeler, therefore, than a general exclamation proclaimed the + readiness of all the young men, in particular, to join in the chase. + </p> + <p> + “Let my brothers come closer,” said Ben, in an authoritative manner; “I + have something to put into their ears. They see that point of wood, where + the dead basswood has fallen on the prairie. Near that basswood is honey, + and near that honey are bears. This my bees have told me. Now, let my + brothers divide, and some go into the woods, and some stay on the prairie; + then they will have plenty of sweet food.” + </p> + <p> + As all this was very simple, and easily to be comprehended, not a moment + was lost in the execution. With surprising order and aptitude, the chiefs + led off their parties; one line of dark warriors penetrating the forest on + the eastern side of the basswood, and another on its western; while a + goodly number scattered themselves on the prairie itself, in its front. In + less than a quarter of an hour, signals came from the forest that the + battue was ready, and Peter gave the answering sign to proceed. + </p> + <p> + Down to this moment, doubts existed among the savages concerning the + accuracy of le Bourdon's statement. How was it possible that his bees + should tell him where he could find bears? To be sure, bears were the + great enemies of bees—this every Indian knew—but could the + bees have a faculty of thus arming one enemy against another? These + doubts, however, were soon allayed by the sudden appearance of a drove of + bears, eight or ten in number, that came waddling out of the woods, driven + before the circle of shouting hunters that had been formed within. + </p> + <p> + Now commenced a scene of wild tumult and of fierce delight. The warriors + on the prairie retired before their enemies until all of their associates + were clear of the forest, when the circle swiftly closed again, until it + had brought the bears to something like close quarters. Bear's Meat, as + became his appellation, led off the dance, letting fly an arrow at the + nearest animal. Astounded by the great number of their enemies, and not a + little appalled by their yells, the poor quadrupeds did not know which way + to turn. Occasionally, attempts were made to break through the circle, but + the flight of arrows, aimed directly at their faces, invariably drove the + creatures back. Fire-arms were not resorted to at all in this hunt, spears + and arrows being the weapons depended on. Several ludicrous incidents + occurred, but none that were tragical. One or two of the more reckless of + the hunters, ambitious of shining before the representatives of so many + tribes, ran rather greater risks than were required, but they escaped with + a few smart scratches. In one instance, however, a young Indian had a + still narrower SQUEEZE for his life. Literally a SQUEEZE it was, for, + suffering himself to get within the grasp of a bear, he came near being + pressed to death, ere his companions could dispatch the creature. As for + the prisoner, the only means he had to prevent his being bitten, was to + thrust the head of his spear into the bear's mouth, where he succeeded in + holding it, spite of the animal's efforts to squeeze him into submission. + By the time this combat was terminated, the field was strewn with the + slain; every one of the bears having been killed by hunters so much + practised in the art of destroying game. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + She was an only child—her name Ginevra, + The joy, the pride of an indulgent father; + And in her fifteenth year became a bride, + Marrying an only son, Francesco Dona, + Her playmate from her birth, and her first love. + —ROGERS. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + During the hunt there was little leisure for reflection on the +seemingly extraordinary manner in which the bee-hunter had pointed out +the spot where the bears were to be found. No one of the Indians had +seen him apply the glass to his eye, for, leading the party, he had been +able to do this unobserved; but, had they witnessed such a procedure, +it would have been as inexplicable as all the rest. It is true, +Crowsfeather and one or two of his companions had taken a look +through that medicine-glass, but it rather contributed to increase +the conjuror's renown, than served to explain any of the marvels he +performed. +</pre> + <p> + Peter was most struck with all that had just occurred. He had often heard + of the skill of those who hunted bees, and had several times met with + individuals who practised the art, but this was the first occasion on + which he had ever been a witness, in his own person, of the exercise of a + craft so wonderful! Had the process been simply that of catching a bee, + filling it with honey, letting it go, and then following it to its hive, + it would have been so simple as to require no explanation. But Peter was + too intelligent, as well as too observant, not to have seen that a great + deal more than this was necessary. On the supposition that the bee flew + TOWARD the forest, as had been the fact with two of the bees taken that + morning, in what part of that forest was the hunter to look for the + bee-tree? It was the angle that perplexed Peter, as it did all the + Indians; for that angle, to be understood, required a degree of knowledge + and calculation that entirely exceeded all he had ever acquired. Thus is + it with us ever. The powers, and faculties, and principles that are + necessary fully to comprehend all that we see and all that surrounds us, + exist and have been bestowed on man by his beneficent Creator. Still, it + is only by slow degrees that he is to become their master, acquiring + knowledge, step by step, as he has need of its services, and learns how to + use it. Such seems to be the design of Providence, which is gradually + opening to our inquiries the arcana of nature, in order that we may + convert their possession into such uses as will advance its own wise + intentions. Happy are they who feel this truth in their character of + individuals! Thrice happy the nations which can be made to understand, + that the surest progress is that which is made on the clearest principles, + and with the greatest caution! The notion of setting up anything new in + morals, is as fallacious in theory as it will be found to be dangerous in + practice. + </p> + <p> + It has been said that a sudden change had come over the fierce purposes of + Peter. For some time, the nature, artlessness, truth, feminine playfulness + and kindness, not to say personal beauty of Margery, had been gradually + softening the heart of this stern savage, as it respected the girl + herself. Nothing of a weak nature was blended with this feeling, which was + purely the growth of that divine principle that is implanted in us all. + The quiet, earnest manner in which the girl had, that day, protested her + desire to see the rights of the red man respected, completed her conquest; + and, so far as the great chief was concerned, secured her safety. It may + seem singular, however, that Peter, with all his influence, was unable to + say that even one that he was so much disposed to favor, should be spared. + By means of his own eloquence, and perseverance, and deep desire for + vengeance, however, he had aroused a spirit among his followers that was + not so easily quelled. On several occasions, he had found it difficult to + prevent the younger and more impetuous of the chiefs from proceeding at + once to secure the scalps of those who were in their power; and this he + had done, only by promising to increase the number of the victims. How was + he then to lessen that number? and that, too, when circumstances did not + seem likely to throw any more immediately into his power, as he had once + hoped. This council must soon be over, and it would not be in his power to + send the chiefs away without enumerating the scalps of the pale-faces + present among those which were to make up the sum of their race. + </p> + <p> + Taking the perplexity produced by the bee-hunter's necromancy, and adding + it to his concern for Margery, Peter found ample subject for all his + reflections. While the young men were dressing their bears, and making the + preparations for a feast, he walked apart, like a man whose thoughts had + little in common with the surrounding scene. Even the further proceedings + of le Bourdon, who had discovered his bee-tree, had felled it, and was + then distributing the honey among the Indians, could not draw him from his + meditations. The great council of all was to be held that very day—there, + on Prairie Round—and it was imperative on Peter to settle the policy + he intended to pursue, previously to the hour when the fire was to be + lighted, and the chiefs met in final consultation. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, le Bourdon, by his distribution of the honey, no less + than by the manner in which he had found it, was winning golden opinions + of those who shared in his bounty. One would think that the idea of + property is implanted in us by nature, since men in all conditions appear + to entertain strong and distinct notions of this right. Natural it may not + be, in the true signification of the term; but it is a right so interwoven + with those that are derived from nature, and more particularly with our + wants, as almost to identify it with the individual being. It is certain + that all we have of civilization is dependent on a just protection of this + right; for, without the assurance of enjoying his earnings, who would + produce beyond the supply necessary for his own immediate wants? Among the + American savages the rights of property are distinctly recognized, so far + as their habits and resources extend. The hunting-ground belongs to the + tribe, and occasionally the field; but the wigwam, and the arms, and the + skins, both for use and for market, and often the horses, and all other + movables, belong to the individual. So sacred is this right held to be, + that not one of those who stood by, and saw le Bourdon fell his tree, and + who witnessed the operation of bringing to light its stores of honey, + appeared to dream of meddling with the delicious store, until invited so + to do by its lawful owner. It was this reserve, and this respect for a + recognized principle, that enabled the bee-hunter to purchase a great deal + of popularity, by giving away liberally an article so much prized. None, + indeed, was reserved; Boden seeing the impossibility of carrying it away. + Happy would he have been, most happy, could he have felt the assurance of + being able to get Margery off, without giving a second thought to any of + his effects, whether present or absent. + </p> + <p> + As has been intimated, the bee-hunter was fast rising in the favor of the + warriors; particularly of those who had a weakness on the score of the + stomach. This is the first great avenue to the favor of man—the + belly ruling all the other members, the brains included. All this Peter + noted, and was now glad to perceive; for, in addition to the favor that + Margery had found in his eyes, that wary chief had certain very serious + misgivings on the subject of the prudence of attempting to deal harshly + with a medicine man of Boden's calibre. Touching the whiskey-spring he had + been doubtful, from the first; even Crowsfeather's account of the + wonderful glass through which that chief had looked, and seen men reduced + to children and then converted into giants, had failed to conquer his + scepticism; but he was not altogether proof against what he had that day + beheld with his own eyes. These marvels shook his previous opinion + touching the other matters; and, altogether, the effect was to elevate the + bee-hunter to a height, that it really appeared dangerous to assail. + </p> + <p> + While Peter was thus shaken with doubts—and that, too, on a point on + which he had hitherto stood as firm as a rock—there was another in + the crowd, who noted the growing favor of le Bourdon with deep disgust. + This man could hardly be termed a chief, though he possessed a malignant + power that was often wielded to the discomfiture of those who were. He + went by the significant appellation of “The Weasel,” a sobriquet that had + been bestowed on him for some supposed resemblance to the little + pilfering, prowling quadruped after which he was thus named. In person, + and in physical qualities generally, this individual was mean and + ill-favored; and squalid habits contributed to render him even less + attractive than he might otherwise have been. He was, moreover, + particularly addicted to intemperance; lying, wallowing like a hog, for + days at a time, whenever his tribe received any of the ample contribution + of fire-water, which it was then more the custom than it is to-day, to + send among the aborigines. A warrior of no renown, a hunter so indifferent + as to compel his squaw and pappooses often to beg for food in strange + lodges, of mean presence, and a drunkard, it may seem extraordinary that + the Weasel should possess any influence amid so many chiefs renowned for + courage, wisdom, deeds in arms, on the hunt, and for services around the + council-fire. It was all due to his tongue. Ungque, or the Weasel, was + eloquent in a high degree—possessing that variety of his art which + most addresses itself to the passions; and, strange as it may seem, men + are oftener and more easily led by those who do little else than promise, + than by those who actually perform. A lying and fluent tongue becomes a + power of itself, with the masses; subverting reason, looking down justice, + brow-beating truth, and otherwise placing the wrong before the right. This + quality the Weasel possessed in a high degree, and was ever willing to + use, on occasions that seemed most likely to defeat the wishes of those he + hated. Among the last was Peter, whose known ascendancy in his own + particular tribe had been a source of great envy and uneasiness to this + Indian. He had struggled hard to resist it, and had even dared to speak in + favor of the pale-faces, and in opposition to the plan of cutting them all + off, purely with a disposition to oppose this mysterious stranger. It had + been in vain, however; the current running the other way, and the fiery + eloquence of Peter proving too strong even for him. Now, to his surprise, + from a few words dropped casually, this man ascertained that their + greatest leader was disposed so far to relent, as not to destroy ALL the + pale-faces in his power. Whom, and how many he meant to spare, Ungque + could not tell; but his quick, practised discernment detected the general + disposition, and his ruthless tendency to oppose, caused him to cast about + for the means of resisting this sudden inclination to show mercy. With the + Weasel, the moving principle was ever that of the demagogue; it was to + flatter the mass that he might lead it; and he had an innate hostility to + whatever was frank, manly, and noble. + </p> + <p> + The time had now come when the Indians wished to be alone. At this council + it was their intention to come to an important decision; and even the + “young men,” unless chiefs, were to be merely distant spectators. Peter + sent for le Bourdon, accordingly, and communicated his wish that all the + whites would return to the castle, whither he promised to join them about + the setting of the sun, or early the succeeding day. + </p> + <p> + “One of you, you know—dat my wigwam,” said the grim chief, smiling + on Margery with a friendly eye, and shaking hands with the bee-hunter, who + thought his manner less constrained than on former similar occasions. “Get + good supper for ole Injin, young squaw; dat juss what squaw good for.” + </p> + <p> + Margery laughingly promised to remember his injunction, and went her way, + closely attended by her lover. The corporal followed, armed to the teeth, + and keeping at just such a distance from the young people, as might enable + them to converse without being overheard. As for the missionary, he was + detained a moment by Peter, the others moving slowly, in order to permit + him to come up, ere they had gone their first mile. Of course, the + mysterious chief had not detained Parson Amen without a motive. + </p> + <p> + “My brother has told me many curious things,” said Peter, when alone with + the missionary, and speaking now in the language of the Ojebways—“many + very curious things. I like to listen to them. Once he told me how the + pale-face young men take their squaws.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember to have told you this. We ask the Great Spirit to bless our + marriages, and the ceremony is commonly performed by a priest. This is our + practice, Peter; though not necessary, I think it good.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; good alway for pale-face to do pale-face fashion, and for Injin to + do Injin fashion. Don't want medicine-man to get red-skin squaw. Open + wigwam door, and she come in. Dat 'nough. If she don't wish to come in, + can't make her. Squaw go to warrior she likes; warrior ask squaw he likes. + But it is best for pale-face to take his wife in pale-face fashion. Does + not my brother see a young man of his people, and a young maiden, that he + had better bring together and bless?” + </p> + <p> + “You must mean Bourdon and Margery,” answered the missionary, in English, + after a moment's reflection. “The idea is a new one to me; for my mind has + been much occuoccupied of late, with other and more important matters; + though I now plainly see what you mean!” + </p> + <p> + “That flower of the Openings would soon fade, if the young bee-hunter + should leave it alone on the prairies. This is the will of the Great + Spirit. He puts it into the minds of the young squaws to see all things + well that the hunters of their fancy do. Why he has made the young with + this kindness for each other, perhaps my brother knows. He is wise, and + has books. The poor Injins have none. They can see only with the eyes they + got from Injins, like themselves. But one thing they know. What the Great + Spirit has commanded, is good. Injins can't make it any better. They can + do it harm, but they can do it no good. Let my brother bless the couple + that the Manitou has brought together.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I understand you. Peter, and will think of this. And now that I + must leave you for a little while, let me beg you to think of this matter + of the origin of your tribes, candidly, and with care. Everything depends + on your people's not mistaking the truth, in this great matter. It is as + necessary for a nation to know its duties, as for a single man. Promise me + to think of this, Peter.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother's words have come into my ears—they are good,” returned + the Indian, courteously. “We will think of them at the council, if my + brother will bless his young man and young maiden, according to the law of + his people.” + </p> + <p> + “I will promise to do this, Peter; or to urge Bourdon and Margery to do + it, if you will promise to speak to-day, in council, of the history of + your forefathers, and to take into consideration, once more, the great + question of your being Hebrews.” + </p> + <p> + “I will speak as my brother wishes—let him do as I wish. Let him + tell me that I can say to the chiefs before the sun has fallen the length + of my arm, that the young pale-face bee-hunter has taken the young + pale-face squaw into his wigwam.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand your motive, Peter; but that which you ask is wise, + and according to God's laws, and it shall be done. Fare you well, then, + for a season. When we again meet, Bourdon and Margery shall be one, if my + persuasions can prevail, and you will have pressed this matter of the lost + tribes, again, home to your people. Fare you well, Peter; fare you well.” + </p> + <p> + They separated; the Indian with a cold smile of courtesy, but with his + ruthless intentions as respected the missionary in no degree changed. + Boden and Margery alone were exempt from vengeance, according to his + present designs. An unaccountable gentleness of feeling governed him, as + connected with the girl; while superstition, and the dread of an unknown + power, had its full influence on his determination to spare her lover. + There might be some faint ray of human feeling glimmering among the fierce + fires that so steadily burned in the breast of this savage; but they were + so much eclipsed by the brighter light that gleamed around them, as to be + barely perceptible, even to himself. The result of all these passions was, + a determination in Peter to spare those whom he had advised the missionary + to unite—making that union a mysterious argument in favor of Margery—and + to sacrifice all the rest. The red American is so much accustomed to this + species of ruthless proceeding, that the anguish he might occasion the + very beings to whom he now wished to be merciful, gave the stern chief + very little concern. Leaving the Indians in the exclusive possession of + Prairie Round, we will return to the rest of the party. + </p> + <p> + The missionary hastened after his friends as fast as he could go. Boden + and Margery had much to say to each other in that walk, which had a great + deal about it to bring their thoughts within the circle of their own + existence. As has been said, the fire had run through that region late, + and the grasses were still young, offering but little impediment to their + movements. As the day was now near its heat, le Bourdon led his spirited, + but gentle companion, through the groves, where they had the benefit of a + most delicious shade, a relief that was now getting to be very grateful. + Twice had they stopped to drink at cool, clear springs, in which the water + seemed to vie with the air in transparency. As this is not the general + character of the water of that region, though marked exceptions exist, + Margery insisted that the water was eastern and not western water. + </p> + <p> + “Why do we always think the things we had in childhood better than those + we enjoy afterward?” asked Margery, after making one of these comparisons, + somewhat to the disadvantage of the part of the country in which she then + was. “I can scarce ever think of home—what I call home, and which + was so long a home to me—without shedding tears. Nothing here seems + as good of its kind as what I have left behind me. Do you have the same + longings for Pennsylvania that I feel for the sea-coast and for the rocks + about Quincy?” + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes. When I have been quite alone for two or three months, I have + fancied that an apple, or a potato, or even a glass of cider that came + from the spot where I was born, would be sweeter than all the honey bees + ever gathered in Michigan.” + </p> + <p> + “To me it has always seemed strange, Bourdon, that one of your kind + feelings should ever wish to live alone, at all; yet I have heard you say + that a love of solitude first drew you to your trade.” + </p> + <p> + “It is these strong cases which get a man under, as it might be, and + almost alter his nature. One man will pass his days in hunting deer; + another in catching fish; my taste has been for the bees, and for such + chances with other creatures as may offer. What between hunting, and + hiving, and getting the honey to market, I have very little time to long + for company. But my taste is altering, Margery; HAS altered.” + </p> + <p> + The girl blushed, but she also smiled, and, moreover, she looked pleased. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid that you are not as much altered as you think,” she answered, + laughingly, however. “It may seem so now; but when you come to LIVE in the + settlements again, you will get tired of crowds.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will come with you, Margery, into these Openings, and we can live + TOGETHER here, surely, as well, or far better than I can live here ALONE. + You and Gershom's wife have spoiled my housekeeping. I really did not + know, until you came up here, how much a woman can do in a chiente. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Bourdon, you have lived long enough in the settlements to know + THAT!” + </p> + <p> + “That is true; but I look upon the settlements as one thing, and on the + Openings as another. What will do there isn't needed here; and what will + do here won't answer there. But these last few days have so changed Castle + Meal, that I hardly know it myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the change is for the worse, and you wish it undone, Bourdon,” + observed the girl, in the longing she had to hear an assurance to the + contrary, at the very moment she felt certain that assurance would be + given. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Margery. Woman has taken possession of my cabin, and woman shall + now always command there, unless you alter your mind, and refuse to have + me. I shall speak to the missionary to marry us, as soon as I can get him + alone. His mind is running so much on the Jews, that he has hardly a + moment left for us Christians.” + </p> + <p> + The color on Margery's cheek was not lessened by this declaration; though, + to admit the truth, she looked none the less pleased. She was a + warm-hearted and generous girl, and sometimes hesitated about separating + herself and her fortunes from those of Gershom and Dorothy; but the + bee-hunter had persuaded her this would be unnecessary, though she did + accept him for a husband. The point had been settled between them on + previous occasions, and much conversation had already passed, in that very + walk, which was confined to that interesting subject. But Margery was not + now disposed to say more, and she adroitly improved the hint thrown out by + Boden, to change the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “It is the strangest notion I ever heard of,” she cried, laughing, “to + believe Injins to be Jews!” + </p> + <p> + “He tells me he is by no means the first who has fancied it. Many writers + have said as much before him, and all he claims is, to have been among + them, and to have seen these Hebrews with his own eyes. But here he comes, + and can answer for himself.” + </p> + <p> + Just as this was said, Parson Amen joined the party, Corporal Flint + closing to the front, as delicacy no longer required him to act as a + rear-guard. The good missionary came up a little heated; and, in order + that he might have time to cool himself, the rate of movement was slightly + reduced. In the mean time the conversation did not the less proceed. + </p> + <p> + “We were talking of the lost tribes,” said Margery, half smiling as she + spoke, “and of your idea, Mr. Amen, that these Injins are Jews. It seems + strange to me that they should have lost so much of their ancient ways, + and notions, and appearances, if they are really the people you think.” + </p> + <p> + “Lost! It is rather wonderful that, after the lapse of two thousand years + and more, so much should remain. Whichever way I look, signs of these + people's origin beset me. You have read your Bible, Margery—which I + am sorry to say all on this frontier have not—but you have read your + Bible, and one can make an allusion to you with some satisfaction. Now, + let me ask you if you remember such a thing as the scape-goat of the + ancient Jews. It is to be found in Leviticus, and is one of those + mysterious customs with which that extraordinary book is full.” + </p> + <p> + “Leviticus is a book I never read but once, for we do not read it in our + New England schools. But I do remember that the Jews were commanded to let + one of two goats go, from which practice it has, I believe, been called a + scape-goat.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said le Bourdon, simply, “what a thing is 'l'arnin'!' Now, this is + all news to me, though I have heard of 'scape-goats,' and TALKED of + 'scape-goats' a thousand times! There's a meanin' to everything, I find; + and I do not look upon this idea of the lost tribes as half as strange as + I did before I l'arnt this!” + </p> + <p> + Margery had not fallen in love with the bee-hunter for his biblical + knowledge, else might her greater information have received a rude shock + by this mark of simplicity; but instead of dwelling on this proof of le + Bourdon's want of “schooling,” her active mind was more disposed to push + the allusion to scape-goats to some useful conclusion. + </p> + <p> + “And what of the goat, Mr. Amen?” she asked; “and how can it belong to + anything here?” + </p> + <p> + “Why were all those goats turned into the woods and deserts, in the olden + time, Margery? Doubtless to provide food for the ten tribes, when these + should be driven forth by conquerors and hard task-masters. Time, and + climate, and a difference of food, has altered them, as they have changed + the Jews themselves, though they still retain the cleft hoof, the horns, + the habits, and the general characteristics of the goats of Arabia. Yes; + naturalists will find in the end, that the varieties of the deer of this + continent, particularly the antelope, are nothing but the scape-goats of + the ancient world, altered and perhaps improved by circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + As this was much the highest flight the good missionary had ever yet + taken, not trifling was the astonishment of his young friends thereat. + Touching the Jews, le Bourdon did not pretend to, or in fact did not + possess much knowledge; but when the question was reduced down to one of + venison, or bears' meat, or bisons' humps, with the exception of the + professed hunters and trappers, few knew more about them all than he did + himself. That the deer, or even the antelopes of America ever had been + goats, he did not believe; nor was he at all backward in letting his + dissent to such a theory be known. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry, Parson Amen, you've brought in the deer,” he cried. “Had you + stuck to the Jews, I might have believed all that you fancy, in this + business; but the deer have spoiled all. As for scape-goats, since Margery + seems to agree with you, I suppose you are right about THEM though my + notion of such creatures has been to keep clear of them, instead of + following them up, as you seem to think these Hebrews have done. But if + you are no nearer right in your doctrine about the Injins than you are + about their game, you'll have to change your religion.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not think that my religion depends on any thread so slight, Bourdon. A + man may be mistaken in interpreting prophecy, and still be a devout + Christian. There are more reasons than you may at first suppose, for + believing in this theory of the gradual change of the goat into the deer, + and especially into the antelope. We do not any of us believe that Noah + had with him, in the ark, all the animals that are now to be found, but + merely the parent-stems, in each particular case, which would be reducing + the number many fold. If all men came from Adam, Bourdon, why could not + all deer come from goats?” + </p> + <p> + “Why this matter about men has a good deal puzzled me, Parson, and I + hardly know what answer to give. Still, men are men, wherever you find + them. They may be lighter or darker, taller or shorter, with hair or wool, + and yet you can see they are MEN. Perhaps food, and climate, and manner of + living, may have made all the changes we see in them; but Lord, Parson, a + goat has a beard!” + </p> + <p> + “What has become of the thousands of scape-goats that the ancient Hebrews + must have turned loose in the wilderness? Answer me that, Bourdon?” + </p> + <p> + “You might as well ask me, sir, what has become of the thousands of + Hebrews who turned them loose. I suppose all must be dead a thousand years + ago. Scape-goats are creatures that even Injins would not like.” + </p> + <p> + “All this is a great mystery, Bourdon—a much greater mystery than + our friend Peter, whom you have so often said was a man so unaccountable. + By the way, he has given me a charge to perform an office between you and + Margery, that I had almost forgotten. From what he said to me, I rather + think it may have some connection with our safety. We have enemies among + these savages, I feel very certain; though I believe we have also warm + friends.” + </p> + <p> + “But what have you in charge that has anything to do with Bourdon and me?” + asked the wondering Margery, who was quick to observe the connection, + though utterly at a loss to comprehend it. + </p> + <p> + The missionary now called a halt, and finding convenient seats, he + gradually opened the subject with which he had been charged by Peter to + his companions. The reader is probably prepared to learn that there was no + longer any reserve between le Bourdon and Margery on the subject of their + future marriage. The young man had already pressed an immediate union, as + the wisest and safest course to be pursued. Although the savage American + is little addicted to abusing his power over female captives, and seldom + takes into his lodge an unwilling squaw, the bee-hunter had experienced a + good deal of uneasiness on the score of what might befall his betrothed. + Margery was sufficiently beautiful to attract attention, even in a town; + and more than one fierce-looking warrior had betrayed his admiration that + very day, though it was in a very Indian-like fashion. Rhapsody, and + gallant speeches, and sonnets, form no part of Indian courtship; but the + language of admiration is so very universal, through the eyes, that it is + sufficiently easy of comprehension. It was possible that some chief, whose + band was too formidable to be opposed, might take it into his head to wish + to see a pale-face squaw in his wigwam; and, while it was not usual to do + much violence to a female's inclinations on such occasions, it was not + common to offer much opposition to those of a powerful warrior. The + married tie, if it could be said to exist at all, however, was much + respected; and it was far less likely that Margery, a wife, would thus be + appropriated, than Margery, unmarried. It is true, cases of unscrupulous + exercise of power are to be found among Indians, as well as among + civilized men, but they are rare, and usually are much condemned. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter, consequently, was well disposed to second Peter's project. + As for Margery herself, she had half yielded all her objections to her + lover's unaided arguments, and was partly conquered before this + reinforcement was brought into the field against her. Peter's motive was + much canvassed, no one of them all being able to penetrate it. Boden, + however, had his private opinion on the subject, nor was it so very much + out of the way. He fancied that the mysterious chief was well disposed to + Margery, and wished to put her as far as possible beyond the chances of an + Indian wigwam; marriage being the step of all others most likely to afford + her this protection. Now this was not exactly true, but it was right + enough in the main. Peter's aim was to save the life of the girl; her + gentle attractions, and kind attentions to himself having wrought this + much in her favor; and he believed no means of doing so as certain as + forming a close connection for her with the great medicine-bee-hunter. + Judging of them by himself, he did not think the Indians would dare to + include so great a conjurer in their schemes of vengeance, and was willing + himself that le Bourdon should escape, provided Margery could go free and + unharmed with him. As for the bee-hunter's powers, he had many misgivings; + they might be dangerous to the red men, and they might not. On this + subject, he was in the painful doubts of ignorance, and had the wide area + of conjecture open before his mind. He saw; but it was “as in a glass, + darkly.” + </p> + <p> + Margery was disposed to delay the ceremony, at least until her brother and + sister might be present. But to this le Bourdon himself was not much + inclined. It had struck him that Gershom was opposed to an early marriage, + most probably because he fancied himself more secure of the bee-hunter's + ingenious and important aid in getting back to the settlements, so long as + this strong inducement existed to cling to himself, than if he should + release his own hold of Margery, by giving her at once to her lover. Right + or wrong, such was the impression taken up by le Bourdon, and he was glad + when the missionary urged his request to be permitted to pronounce the + nuptial benediction on the spot. + </p> + <p> + Little ceremony is generally used in an American marriage. In a vast many + cases no clergyman is employed at all; and where there is, most of the + sects have no ring, no giving away, nor any of those observances which + were practised in the churches of old. There existed no impediment, + therefore; and after a decent interval spent in persuasions, Margery + consented to plight her vows to the man of her heart before they left the + spot. She would fain have had Dorothy present, for woman loves to lean on + her own sex on such occasions, but submitted to the necessity of + proceeding at once, as the bee-hunter and the missionary chose to term it. + </p> + <p> + A better altar could not have been selected in all that vast region. It + was one of nature's own erecting; and le Bourdon and his pretty bride + placed themselves before it, with feelings suited to the solemnity of the + occasion. The good missionary stood within the shade of a burr oak in the + centre of those park-like Openings, every object looking fresh, and + smiling, and beautiful. The sward was gieen, and short as that of a + well-tended lawn; the flowers were, like the bride herself, soft, modest, + and sweet; while charming rural vistas stretched through the trees, much + as if art had been summoned in aid of the great mistress who had designed + the landscape. When the parties knelt in prayer—which all present + did, not excepting the worthy corporal—it was on the verdant ground, + with first the branches of the trees, and then the deep, fathomless vault + of heaven for a canopy. In this manner was the marriage benediction + pronounced on the bee-hunter and Margery Waring, in the venerable Oak + Openings. No gothic structure, with its fretted aisles and clustered + columns, could have been onehalf as appropriate for the union of such a + couple. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + No shrift the gloomy savage brooks, + As scowling on the priest he looks; + Cowesass—cowesass—tawkich wessasseen! + Let my father look on Bornazeen— + My father's heart is the heart of a squaw, + But mine is so hard that it does not thaw, + —WHITTIER. +</pre> + <p> + Leaving the newly-married couple to pursue their way homeward, it is now + our province to return to Prairie Round. One accustomed to such scenes + would easily have detected the signs of divided opinions and of agitating + doubts among the chiefs, though nothing like contention or dispute had yet + manifested itself. Peter's control was still in the ascendant, and he had + neglected none of his usual means of securing influence. Perhaps he + labored so much the harder, from the circumstance that he now found + himself so situated, as to be compelled to undo much that he had + previously done. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, Ungque appeared to have no particular cause of concern. + His manner was as much unoccupied as usual; and to his habit of referring + all his influence to sudden and powerful bursts of eloquence, if design of + any sort was entertained, he left his success. + </p> + <p> + We pass over the details of assembling the council. The spot was not + exactly on the prairie, but in a bit of lovely “Opening” on its margin, + where the eye could roam over a wide extent of that peculiar natural + meadow, while the body enjoyed the shades of the wood. The chiefs alone + were in the circle, while the “braves” and the “young men” generally + formed a group on the outside; near enough to hear what passed, and to + profit by it, if so disposed. The pipe was smoked, and all the ordinary + customs observed, when Bear's Meat arose, the first speaker on that + momentous occasion. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers,” he said, “this is the great council on Prairie Round to which + we have been called. We have met before, but not here. This is our first + meeting here. We have travelled a long path to get here. Some of our + brethren have travelled farther. They are at Detroit. They went there to + meet our great Canada father, and to take Yankee scalps. How many scalps + they have taken I do not know, or I would tell you. It is pleasant to me + to count Yankee scalps. I would rather count them, than count the scalps + of red men. There are still a great many left. The Yankees are many, and + each Yankee has a scalp. There should not be so many. When the buffaloes + came in the largest droves, our fathers used to go out to hunt them in the + strongest parties. Their sons should do the same. We are the sons of those + fathers. They say we look like them, talk like them, live like them—we + should ACT like them. Let another speak, for I have done.” + </p> + <p> + After this brief address, which bore some resemblance to a chairman's + calling a meeting of civilized men to order, there was more smoking. It + was fully expected that Peter would next arise, but he did not. Perceiving + this, and willing to allow time to that great chief to arrange his + thoughts, Crowsfeather assumed the office of filling the gap. He was far + more of a warrior than of an orator, and was listened to respectfully, but + less for what he said, than for what he had done. A good deal of Indian + boasting, quite naturally, was blended with HIS discourse. + </p> + <p> + “My brother has told you of the Yankee scalps,” he commenced. “He says + they are many. He says there ought to be fewer. He did not remember who + sat so near him. Perhaps he does not know that there are three less now + than there were a moon since. Crowsfeather took three at Chicago. Many + scalps were taken there. The Yankees must be plentier than the buffaloes + on the great prairies, if they can lose so many scalps often, and send + forth their warriors. I am a Pottawattamie. My brothers know that tribe. + It is not a tribe of Jews, but a tribe of Injins. It is a great tribe. It + never was LOST. It CANNOT be lost. No tribe better knows all the paths, + and all the best routes to every point where it wishes to go. It is + foolish to say you can lose a Pottawattamie. A duck would be as likely to + lose itself as a Pottawattamie. I do not speak for the Ottawas: I speak + for the Pottawattamies. We are not Jews. We do not wish to be Jews; and + what we do not wish to be, we will not be. Our father who has come so far + to tell us that we are not Injins, but Jews, is mistaken. I never heard of + these Jews before. I do not wish to hear of them again. When a man has + heard enough, he does not keep his ears open willingly. It is then best + for the speaker to sit down. The Pottawattamies have shut their ears to + the great medicine-priest of the pale-faces. What he says may be true of + other tribes, but it is not true of the Pottawatttamies. We are not lost; + we are not Jews. I have done.” + </p> + <p> + This speech was received with general favor. The notion that the Indians + were not Indians, but Jews, was far from being agreeable to those who had + heard what had been said on the subject; and the opinions of Crowsfeather + possessed the great advantage of reflecting the common sentiment on this + interesting subject. When this is the case, a very little eloquence or + logic goes a great way; and, on the whole, the address of the last speaker + was somewhat better received than that of the first. + </p> + <p> + It was now confidently believed that Peter would rise. But he did not. + That mysterious chief was not yet prepared to speak, or he was judiciously + exciting expectation by keeping back. There were at least ten minutes of + silent smoking, ere a chief, whose name rendered into English was Bough of + the Oak, arose, evidently with a desire to help the time along. Taking his + cue from the success of Crows-feather, he followed up the advantage + obtained by that chief, assailing the theory of the missionary from + another quarter. + </p> + <p> + “I am an Injin,” said Bough of the Oak; “my father was an Injin, and my + mother was the daughter of an Injin. All my fathers were red men, and all + their sons. Why should I wish to be anything else? I asked my brother, the + medicine-priest, and he owned that Jews are pale-faces. This he should not + have owned if he wished the Injins to be Jews. My skin is red. The Manitou + of my fathers so painted it, and their child will not try to wash out the + color. Were the color washed out of my face, I should be a pale-face! + There would not be paint enough to hide my shame. No; I was born red, and + will die a red man. It is not good to have two faces. An Injin is not a + snake, to cast his skin. The skin in which he was born he keeps. He plays + in it when a child; he goes in it to his first hunt; the bears and the + deer know him by it; he carries it with him on the warpath, and his + enemies tremble at the sight of it; his squaw knows him by that skin when + he comes back to his wigwam; and when he dies, he is put aside in the same + skin in—which he was born. There is but one skin, and it has but one + color. At first, it is little. The pappoose that wears it is little. There + is not need of a large skin. But it grows with the pappoose, and the + biggest warrior finds his skin around him. This is because the Great + Spirit fitted it to him. Whatever the Manitou does is good. + </p> + <p> + “My brothers have squaws—they have pappooses. When the pappoose is + put into their arms, do they get the paint-stones, and paint it red? They + do not. It is not necessary. The Manitou painted it red before it was + born. How this was done I do not know. I am nothing but a poor Injin, and + only know what I see. I have seen that the pappooses are red when they are + born, and that the warriors are red when they die. They are also red while + living. It is enough. Their fathers could never have been pale-faces, or + we should find some white spots on their children. There are none. + </p> + <p> + “Crowsfeather has spoken of the Jews as lost. I am not surprised to hear + it. It seems to me that all pale-faces get lost. They wander from their + own hunting-grounds into those of other people. It is not so with Injins. + The Pottawattamie does not kill the deer of the Iowa, nor the Ottawa the + deer of the Menomenees. Each tribe knows its own game. This is because + they are not lost. My pale-face father appears to wish us well. He has + come on a long and weary path to tell us about his Manitou. For this I + thank him. I thank all who wish to do me good. Them that wish to do me + harm I strike from behind. It is our Injin custom. I do not wish to hurt + the medicine-priest, because I think he wishes to do me good, and not to + do me harm. He has a strange law. It is to do good to them that do harm to + you. It is not the law of the red men. It is not good law. I do not wonder + that the tribes which follow such a law get lost. They cannot tell their + friends from their enemies. They can have no people to scalp. What is a + warrior if he cannot find someone to scalp? No; such a law would make + women of the bravest braves in the Openings, or on the prairie. It may be + a good law for Jews, who get lost; but it is a bad law for Injins, who + know the paths they travel. Let another speak.” + </p> + <p> + This brief profession of faith, on the subject that had been so recently + broached in the council, seemed to give infinite satisfaction. All present + evidently preferred being red men, who knew where they were, than to be + pale-faces who had lost their road. Ignorance of his path is a species of + disgrace to an American savage, and not a man there would have confessed + that his particular division of the great human family was in that + dilemma. The idea that the Yankees were “lost,” and had got materially + astray, was very grateful to most who heard it; and Bough of the Oak + gained a considerable reputation as an orator, in consequence of the lucky + hits made on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + Another long, ruminating pause, and much passing of the pipe of peace + succeeded. It was near half an hour after the last speaker had resumed his + seat, ere Peter stood erect. In that long interval expectation had time to + increase, and curiosity to augment itself. Nothing but a very great event + could cause this pondering, this deliberation, and this unwillingness to + begin. When, however, the time did come for the mysterious chief to speak, + the man of many scalps to open his mouth, profound was the attention that + prevailed among all present. Even after he had arisen, the orator stood + silently looking around him, as if the throes of his thoughts had to be a + little suppressed before he could trust his tongue to give them utterance. + </p> + <p> + “What is the earth?” commenced Peter, in a deep, guttural tone of voice, + which the death-like stillness rendered audible even to the outermost + boundaries of the circle of admiring and curious countenances. “It is one + plain adjoining another; river after river; lake after lake; prairie + touching prairie; and pleasant woods, that seem to have no limits, all + given to men to dwell in. It would seem that the Great Spirit parcelled + out this rich possession into hunting-grounds for all. He colored men + differently. His dearest children he painted red, which is his own color. + Them that he loved less he colored less, and they had red only in spots. + Them he loved least he dipped in a dark dye, and left them black. These + are the colors of men. If there are more, I have not seen them. Some say + there are. I shall think so, too, when I see them. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, this talk about lost tribes is a foolish talk. We are not lost. + We know where we are, and we know where the Yankees have come to seek us. + My brother has well spoken. If any are lost, it is the Yankees. The + Yankees are Jews; they are lost. The time is near when they will be found, + and when they will again turn their eyes toward the rising sun. They have + looked so long toward the setting sun, that they cannot see clearly. It is + not good to look too long at the same object. The Yankees have looked at + our hunting-grounds, until their eyes are dim. They see the + hunting-grounds, but they do not see all the warriors that are in them. In + time, they will learn to count them. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, when the Great Spirit made man, he put him to live on the + earth. Our traditions do not agree in saying of what he was made. Some say + it was of clay, and that when his spirit starts for the happy + hunting-grounds, his body becomes clay again. I do not say that this is + so, for I do not know. It is not good to say that which we do not know to + be true. I wish to speak only the truth. This we do know. If a warrior + die, and we put him in the earth, and come to look for him many years + afterward, nothing but bones are found. All else is gone. I have heard old + men say that, in time, even these bones are not to be found. It is so with + trees; it may be so with men. But it is not so with hunting-grounds. They + were made to last forever. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, you know why we have come together on this prairie. It was to + count the pale-faces, and to think of the way of making their number less. + Now is a good time for such a thing. They have dug up the hatchet against + each other, and when we hear of scalps taken among them, it is good for + the red men. I do not think our Canada father is more our friend than the + great Yankee, Uncle Sam. It is true, he gives us more powder, and + blankets, and tomahawks, and rifles than the Yankee, but it is to get us + to fight his battles. We will fight his battles. They are our battles, + too. For this reason we will fight his enemies. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, it is time to think of our children. A wise chief once told me + how many winters it is since a pale-face was first seen among red men. It + was not a great while ago. Injins are living who have seen Injins, whose + own fathers saw the first pale-faces. They were few. They were like little + children, then; but now they are grown to be men. Medicine-men are plenty + among them, and tell them how to raise children. The Injins do not + understand this. Small-pox, fire-water, bad hunting, and frosts, keep us + poor, and keep our children from growing as fast as the children of the + pale-faces. Brothers, all this has happened within the lives of three aged + chiefs. One told to another, and he told it to a third. Three chiefs have + kept that tradition. They have given it to me. I have cut notches on this + stick (holding up a piece of ash, neatly trimmed, as a record) for the + winters they told me, and every winter since I have cut one more. See; + there are not many notches. Some of our people say that the pale-faces are + already plentier than leaves on the trees. I do not believe this. These + notches tell us differently. It is true the pale-faces grow fast, and have + many children, and small-pox does not kill many of them, and their wars + are few; but look at this stick. Could a canoe-full of men become as many + as they say, in so few winters? No; it is not so. The stories we have + heard are not true. A crooked tongue first told them. We are strong enough + still to drive these strangers into the great salt lake, and get back all + our hunting-grounds. This is what I wish to have done. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, I have taken many scalps. This stick will tell the number.” + Here one of those terrible gleams of ferocity to which we have before + alluded, passed athwart the dark countenance of the speaker, causing all + present to feel a deeper sympathy in the thoughts he would express. “There + are many. Every one has come from the head of a pale-face. It is now + twenty winters since I took the scalp of a red man. I shall never take + another. We want all of our own warriors, to drive back the strangers. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, some Injins tell us of different tribes. They talk about + distant tribes as strangers. I tell you we are all children of the same + father. All our skins are red. I see no difference between an Ojebway, and + a Sac, or a Sioux. I love even a Cherokee.” Here very decided signs of + dissatisfaction were manifested by several of the listeners; parties of + the tribes of the great lakes having actually marched as far as the Gulf + of Mexico to make war on the Indians of that region, who were generally + hated by them with the most intense hatred. “He has the blood of our + fathers in him. We are brothers, and should live together as brothers. If + we want scalps, the pale-faces have plenty. It is sweet to take the scalp + of a pale-face. I know it. My hand has done it often, and will do it + again. If every Injin had taken as many scalps as I have taken, few of + these strangers would now remain. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, one thing more I have to say. I wish to hear others, and will + not tell all I know this time. One thing more I have to say, and I now say + it. I have told you that we must take the scalps of all the pale-faces who + are now near us. I thought there would have been more, but the rest do not + come. Perhaps they are frightened. There are only six. Six scalps are not + many. I am sorry they are so few. But we can go where there will be more. + One of these six is a medicine-man. I do not know what to think. It may be + good to take his scalp. It may be bad. Medicine-men have great power. You + have seen what this bee-hunter can do. He knows how to talk with bees. + Them little insects can fly into small places, and see things that Injins + cannot see. The Great Spirit made them so. When we get back all the land, + we shall get the bees with it, and may then hold a council to say what it + is best to do with them. Until we know more, I do not wish to touch the + scalp of that bee-hunter. It may do us great harm. I knew a medicine-man + of the pale-faces to lose his scalp, and small-pox took off half the band + that made him prisoner and killed him. It is not good to meddle with + medicine-men. A few days ago, and I wanted this young man's scalp, very + much. Now, I do not want it. It may do us harm to touch it. I wish to let + him go, and to take his squaw with him. The rest we can scalp.” + </p> + <p> + Peter cunningly made no allusion to Margery, until just before he resumed + his seat, though now deeply interested in her safety. As for le Bourdon, + so profound was the impression he had made that morning, that few of the + chiefs were surprised at the exemption proposed in his favor. The + superstitious dread of witchcraft is very general among the American + savages; and it certainly did seem to be hazardous to plot the death of a + man, who had even the bees that were humming on all sides of them under + his control. He might at that very moment be acquainted with all that was + passing; and several of the grim-looking and veteran warriors who sat in + the circle, and who appeared to be men able and willing to encounter aught + human, did not fail to remember the probability of a medicine-man's + knowing who were his friends, and who his enemies. + </p> + <p> + When Peter sat down, there was but one man in the circle of chiefs who was + resolved to oppose his design of placing Boden and Margery without the + pale of the condemned. Several were undecided, scarce knowing what to + think of so sudden and strange a proposition, but could not be said to + have absolutely adhered to the original scheme of cutting off all. The + exception was Ungque. This man—a chief by a sort of sufferance, + rather than as a right—was deadly hostile to Peter's influence, as + has been said, and was inclined to oppose all his plans, though compelled + by policy to be exceedingly cautious how he did it. Here, however, was an + excellent opportunity to strike a blow, and he was determined not to + neglect it. Still, so wily was this Indian, so much accustomed to put a + restraint on his passions and wishes, that he did not immediately arise, + with the impetuous ardor of frank impulses, to make his reply, but awaited + his time. + </p> + <p> + An Indian is but a man, after all, and is liable to his weaknesses, + notwithstanding the self-command he obtains by severe drilling. Bough of + the Oak was to supply a proof of this truth. He had been so unexpectedly + successful in his late attempt at eloquence, that it was not easy to keep + him off his feet, now that another good occasion to exhibit his powers + offered. He was accordingly the next to speak. + </p> + <p> + “My brothers,” said Bough of the Oak, “I am named after a tree. You all + know that tree. It is not good for bows or arrows; it is not good for + canoes; it does not make the best fire, though it will burn, and is hot + when well lighted. There are many things for which the tree after which I + am named is not good. It is not good to eat. It has no sap that Injins can + drink, like the maple. It does not make good brooms. But it has branches + like other trees, and they are tough. Tough branches are good. The boughs + of the oak will not bend, like the boughs of the willow, or the boughs of + the ash, or the boughs of the hickory. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, I am a bough of the oak. I do not like to bend. When my mind is + made up, I wish to keep it where it was first put. My mind has been made + up to take the scalps of ALL the pale-faces who are now in the Openings. I + do not want to change it. My mind can break, but it can not bend. It is + tough.” + </p> + <p> + Having uttered this brief but sententious account of his view of the + matter at issue, the chief resumed his seat, reasonably well satisfied + with this, his second attempt to be eloquent that day. His success this + time was not as unequivocal as on the former occasion, but it was + respectable. Several of the chiefs saw a reasonable, if not a very logical + analogy, between a man's name and his mind; and to them it appeared a + tolerably fair inference that a man should act up to his name. If his name + was tough, he ought to be tough, too. In this it does not strike us that + they argued very differently from civilized beings, who are only too apt + to do that which their better judgments really condemn, because they think + they are acting “in character,” as it is termed. + </p> + <p> + Ungque was both surprised and delighted with this unexpected support from + Bough of the Oak. He knew enough of human nature to understand that a + new-born ambition, that of talking against the great, mysterious chief, + Peter, was at the bottom of this unexpected opposition; but with this he + was pleased, rather than otherwise. An opposition that is founded in + reason, may always be reasoned down, if reasons exist therefor; but an + opposition that has its rise in any of the passions, is usually somewhat + stubborn. All this the mean-looking chief, or the Weasel, understood + perfectly, and appreciated highly. He thought the moment favorable, and + was disposed to “strike while the iron was hot.” Rising after a decent + interval had elapsed, this wily Indian looked about him, as if awed by the + presence in which he stood, and doubtful whether he could venture to utter + his thoughts before so many wise chiefs. Having made an impression by this + air of diffidence, he commenced his harangue. + </p> + <p> + “I am called the Weasel,” he said, modestly. “My name is not taken from + the mightiest tree of the forest, like that of my brother; it is taken + from a sort of rat—an animal that lives by its wits. I am well + named. When my tribe gave me that name, it was just. All Injins have not + names. My great brother, who told us once that we ought to take the scalp + of every white man, but WHO now tells us that we ought not to take the + scalp of every white man, has no name. He is called Peter, by the + pale-faces. It is a good name. But it is a pale-face name. I wish we knew + the real name of my brother. We do not know his nation or his tribe. Some + say he is an Ottawa, some an Iowa, some even think him a Sioux. I have + heard he was a Delaware, from toward the rising sun. Some, but they must + be Injins with forked tongues, think and say he is a Cherokee! I do not + believe this. It is a lie. It is said to do my brother harm. Wicked Injins + will say such things. But we do not mind what THEY say. It is not + necessary. + </p> + <p> + “My brothers, I wish we knew the tribe of this great chief, who tells us + to take scalps, and then tells us not to take scalps. Then we might + understand why he has told us two stories. I believe all he says, but I + should like to know WHY I believe it. It is good to know why we believe + things. I have heard what my brother has said about letting this + bee-hunter go to his own people, but I do not know why he believes this is + best. It is because I am a poor Injin, perhaps; and because I am called + the Weasel. I am an animal that creeps through small holes. That is my + nature. The bison jumps through open prairies, and a horse is wanted to + catch him. It is not so with the weasel; he creeps through small holes. + But he always looks where he goes. + </p> + <p> + “The unknown chief, who belongs to no tribe, talks of this bee-hunter's + squaw. He is afraid of so great a medicine-man, and wishes him to go, and + take all in his wigwam with him. He has no squaw. There is a young squaw + in his lodge, but she is not HIS squaw. There is no need of letting her + go, on his account. If we take her scalp, he cannot hurt us. In that, my + brother is wrong. The bees have buzzed too near his ears. Weasels can + hear, as well as other animals; and I have heard that this young squaw is + not this bee-hunter's squaw. + </p> + <p> + “If Injins are to take the scalps of all the pale-faces, why should we not + begin with these who are in our hands? When the knife is ready, and the + head is ready, nothing but the hand is wanting. Plenty of hands are ready, + too; and it does not seem good to the eyes of a poor, miserable weasel, + who has to creep through very small holes to catch his game, to let that + game go when it is taken. If my great brother, who has told us not to + scalp this bee-hunter and her he calls his squaw, will tell us the name of + his tribe, I shall be glad. I am an ignorant Injin, and like to learn all + I can; I wish to learn that. Perhaps it will help us to understand why he + gave one counsel yesterday, and another to-day. There is a reason for it. + I wish to know what it is.” + </p> + <p> + Ungque now slowly seated himself. He had spoken with great moderation, as + to manner; and with such an air of humility as one of our own demagogues + is apt to assume, when he tells the people of their virtues, and seems to + lament the whole time that he, himself, was one of the meanest of the + great human family. Peter saw, at once, that he had a cunning competitor, + and had a little difficulty in suppressing all exhibition of the fiery + indignation he actually felt, at meeting opposition in such a quarter. + Peter was artful, and practised in all the wiles of managing men, but he + submitted to use his means to attain a great end. The virtual extinction + of the white race was his object, and in order to effect it, there was + little he would have hesitated to do. Now, however, when for the first + time in many years a glimmering of human feeling was shining on the + darkness of his mind, he found himself unexpectedly opposed by one of + those whom he had formerly found so difficult to persuade into his own + dire plans! Had that one been a chief of any renown, the circumstances + would have been more tolerable; but here was a man presuming to raise his + voice against him, who, so far as he knew anything of his past career, had + not a single claim to open his mouth in such a council. With a volcano + raging within, that such a state of things would be likely to kindle in + the breast of a savage who had been for years a successful and nearly + unopposed leader, the mysterious chief rose to reply. + </p> + <p> + “My brother says he is a weasel,” observed Peter, looking round at the + circle of interested and grave countenances by which he was surrounded. + “That is a very small animal. It creeps through very small holes, but not + to do good. It is good for nothing. When it goes through a small hole, it + is not to do the Injins a service, but for its own purposes. I do not like + weasels. + </p> + <p> + “My brother is not afraid of a bee-hunter. Can HE tell us what a bee + whispers? If he can, I wish he would tell us. Let him show our young men + where there is more honey—where they can find bear's meat for + another feast—where they can find warriors hid in the woods. + </p> + <p> + “My brother says the bee-hunter has no squaw. How does he know this? Has + he lived in the lodge with them—paddled in the same canoe—eat + of the same venison? A weasel is very small. It might steal into the + bee-hunter's lodge, and see what is there, what is doing, what is eaten, + who is his squaw, and who is not—has this weasel ever done so? I + never saw him there. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, the Great Spirit has his own way of doing things. He does not + stop to listen to weasels. He knows there are such animals—there are + snakes, and toads, and skunks. The Great Spirit knows them all, but he + does not mind them. He is wise, and hearkens only to his own mind. So + should it be with a council of great chiefs. It should listen to its own + mind. That is wisdom. To listen to the mind of a weasel is folly. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, you have been told that this weasel does not know the tribe of + which I am born. Why should you know it? Injins once were foolish. While + the pale-faces were getting one hunting-ground after another from them, + they dug up the hatchet against their own friends. They took each other's + scalps. Injin hated Injin—tribe hated tribe. I am of no tribe, and + no one can hate me for my people. You see my skin. It is red. That is + enough. I scalp, and smoke, and talk, and go on weary paths for all + Injins, and not for any tribe. I am without a tribe. Some call me the + Tribeless. It is better to bear that name, than to be called a weasel. I + have done.” + </p> + <p> + Peter had so much success by this argumentum ad hominem, that most present + fancied that the weasel would creep through some hole, and disappear. Not + so, however, with Ungque. He was a demagogue, after an Indian fashion; and + this is a class of men that ever “make capital” of abuses, as we Americans + say, in our money-getting habits. Instead of being frightened off the + ground, he arose to answer as promptly as if a practised debater, though + with an air of humility so profound, that no one could take offence at his + presumption. + </p> + <p> + “The unknown chief has answered,” he said, “I am glad. I love to hear his + words. My ears are always open when he speaks, and my mind is stronger. I + now see that it is good he should not have a tribe. He may be a Cherokee, + and then our warriors would wish him ill.” This was a home-thrust, most + artfully concealed; a Cherokee being the Indian of all others the most + hated by the chiefs present;—the Carthaginians of those western + Romans. “It is better he should not have a tribe, than be a Cherokee. He + might better be a weasel. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, we have been told to kill ALL the pale-faces. I like that + advice. The land cannot have two owners. If a pale-face owns it, an Injin + cannot. If an Injin owns it, a pale-face cannot. But the chief without a + tribe tells us not to kill all. He tells us to kill all but the bee-hunter + and his squaw. He thinks this bee-hunter is a medicine bee-hunter, and may + do us Injins great harm. He wishes to let him go. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, this is not my way of thinking. It is better to kill the + bee-hunter and his squaw while we can, that there may be no more such + medicine bee-hunters to frighten us Injins. If one bee-hunter can do so + much harm, what would a tribe of bee-hunters do? I do not want to see any + more. It is a dangerous thing to know how to talk with bees. It is best + that no one should have that power. I would rather never taste honey + again, than live among pale-faces that can talk with bees. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers, it is not enough that the pale-faces know so much more than the + red men, but they must get the bees to tell them where to find honey, to + find bears, to find warriors. No; let us take the scalp of the bee-talker, + and of his squaw, that there may never be such a medicine again. I have + spoken.” + </p> + <p> + Peter did not rise again. He felt that his dignity was involved in + maintaining silence. Various chiefs now uttered their opinions, in brief, + sententious language. For the first time since he began to preach his + crusade, the current was setting against the mysterious chief. The Weasel + said no more, but the hints he had thrown out were improved on by others. + It is with savages as with civilized men; a torrent must find vent. Peter + had the sagacity to see that by attempting further to save le Bourdon and + Margery, he should only endanger his own ascendancy, without effecting his + purpose. Here he completely overlaid the art of Ungque, turning his own + defeat into an advantage. After the matter had been discussed for fully an + hour, and this mysterious chief perceived that it was useless to adhere to + his new resolution, he gave it up with as much tact as the sagacious + Wellington himself could manifest in yielding Catholic emancipation, or + parliamentary reform; or, just in season to preserve an appearance of + floating in the current, and with a grace that disarmed his opponents. + </p> + <p> + “Brothers,” said Peter, by way of closing the debate, “I have not seen + straight. Fog sometimes gets before the eyes, and we cannot see. I have + been in a fog. The breath of my brother has blown it away. I now see + clearly. I see that bee-hunters ought not to live. Let this one die—let + his squaw die, too!” + </p> + <p> + This terminated the discussion, as a matter of course. It was solemnly + decided that all the pale-faces then in the Openings should be cut off. In + acquiescing in this decision, Peter had no mental reservations. He was + quite sincere. When, after sitting two hours longer, in order to arrange + still more important points, the council arose, it was with his entire + assent to the decision. The only power he retained over the subject was + that of directing the details of the contemplated massacre. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Why is that graceful female here + With yon red hunter of the deer? + Of gentle mien and shape, she seems + For civil halls design'd; + Yet with the stately savage walks, + As she were of his kind. + —Pinkney. +</pre> + <p> + The family at Castle Meal saw nothing of any Indian until the day that + succeeded the council. Gershom and Dorothy received the tidings of their + sister's marriage with very little emotion. It was an event they expected; + and as for bride-cake and ceremonies, of one there was none at all, and of + the other no more than has been mentioned. The relatives of Margery did + not break their hearts on account of the neglect with which they had been + treated, but received the young couple as if one had given her away, and + the other “had pulled off her glove,” as young ladies now express it, in + deference to the act that generally gives the coup de grace to youthful + female friendships. On the Openings, neither time nor breath is wasted in + useless compliments; and all was held to be well done on this occasion, + because it was done legally. A question might have been raised, indeed, + whether that marriage had taken place under the American, or under the + English flag; for General Hull, in surrendering Detroit, had included the + entire territory of Michigan, as well as troops present, troops absent, + and troops on the march to join him. Had he been in possession of Peter's + ruthless secret, which we happen to know he was not, he could not have + been more anxious to throw the mantle of British authority around all of + his race on that remote frontier, than he proved himself to be. Still, it + is to be presumed that the marriage would have been regarded as legal; + conquered territories usually preserving their laws and usages for a time, + at least. A little joking passed, as a matter of course; for this is de + rigueur in all marriages, except in the cases of the most cultivated; and + certainly neither the corporal nor Gershom belonged to the elite of human + society. + </p> + <p> + About the hour of breakfast Pigeonswing came in, as if returning from one + of his ordinary hunts. He brought with him venison, as well as several + wild ducks that he had killed in the Kalamazoo, and three or four prairie + hens. The Chippewa never betrayed exultation at the success of his + exertions, but on this occasion he actually appeared sad. Dorothy received + his game, and as she took the ducks and other fowls, she spoke to him. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Pigeonswing,” said the young matron. “No pale-face could be a + better provider, and many are not one-half as good.” + </p> + <p> + “What provider mean, eh?” demanded the literal-minded savage. “Mean good; + mean bad, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it means good, of course. I could say nothing against a hunter who + takes so good care of us all.” + </p> + <p> + “What he mean, den?” + </p> + <p> + “It means a man who keeps his wife and children well supplied with food.” + </p> + <p> + “You get 'nough, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I get enough, Pigeonswing, thanks to your industry, such as it is. Injin + diet, however, is not always the best for Christian folk, though a body + may live on it. I miss many things, out here in the Openings, to which I + have been used all the early part of my life.” + </p> + <p> + “What squaw miss, eh? P'raps Injin find him sometime.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Pigeonswing, with all my heart, and am just as grateful for + your good intentions, as I should be was you to do all you wish. It is the + mind that makes the marcy, and not always the deed. But you can never find + the food of a pale-face kitchen out here in the Openings of Michigan. When + a body comes to reckon up all the good things of Ameriky, she don't know + where to begin, or where to stop. I miss tea as much as anything. And milk + comes next. Then there's buckwheat and coffee—though things may be + found in the woods to make coffee of, but tea has no substitute. Then, I + like wheaten bread, and butter, and potatoes, and many other such + articles, that I was used to all my life, until I came out here, close to + sunset. As for pies and custards, I can't bear to think of 'em now!” + </p> + <p> + Pigeonswing looked intently at the woman, as she carefully enumerated her + favorites among the dishes of her home-kitchen. When she had ended, he + raised a finger, looked still more significantly at her, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Why don't go back, get all dem good t'ings? Better for pale-face to eat + pale-face food, and leave Injin Injin food.” + </p> + <p> + “For my part, Pigeonswing, I wish such had ever been the law. Venison, and + prairie-fowls, and wild ducks, and trout, and bear's meat, and wild + pigeons, and the fish that are to be found in these western rivers, are + all good for them that was brought up on 'em, but they tire an eastern + palate dreadfully. Give me roast beef any day before buffalo's hump, and a + good barn-yard fowl before all the game-birds that ever flew.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; dat de way pale-face squaw feel. Bess go back, and get what she + like. Bess go quick as she can—go today.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm in no such hurry, Pigeonswing, and I like these Openings well enough + to stay a while longer, and see what all these Injins, that they tell me + are about 'em, mean to do. Now we are fairly among your people, and on + good terms with them, it is wisest to stay where we are. These are + war-times, and travelling is dangerous, they tell me. When Gershom and + Bourdon are ready to start, I shall be ready.” + </p> + <p> + “Bess get ready, now,” rejoined Pigeonswing; who, having given this advice + with point, as to manner, proceeded to the spring, where he knelt and + slaked his thirst. The manner of the Chippewa was such as to attract the + attention of the missionary, who, full of his theory, imagined that this + desire to get rid of the whites was, in some way or other, connected with + a reluctance in the Indians to confess themselves Jews. He had been quite + as much surprised as he was disappointed, with the backwardness of the + chiefs in accepting this tradition, and was now in a state of mind that + predisposed him to impute everything to this one cause. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, Pigeonswing,” he said to the Chippewa, whom he had followed to + the spring—“I hope, Pigeonswing, that no offence has been taken by + the chiefs on account of what I told them yesterday, concerning their + being Jews. It is what I think, and it is an honor to belong to God's + chosen people, and in no sense a disgrace. I hope no offence has been + taken on account of my telling the chief they are Jews.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't care any t'ing 'bout it,” answered the literal Indian, rising from + his kneeling position, and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. + “Don't care wedder Jew, or wedder Indian.” + </p> + <p> + “For my own part, gladly would I have it to say that I am descended from + Israel.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don't say him, if he make you grad? Good to be grad. All Injin love + to be grad.” + </p> + <p> + “Because I cannot say it with truth. No; I come of the Gentiles, and not + of the Hebrews, else would I glory in saying I am a Jew, in the sense of + extraction, though not now in the sense of faith. I trust the chiefs will + not take offence at my telling them just what I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell you he don't care,” returned Pigeonswing, a little crustily. “Don't + care if Jew—don't care if Injin. Know dat make no difference. + Hunting-ground just same—game just same—scalps just same. Make + no difference, and don't care.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad of this—but why did you advise Dorothy to quit the + Openings in the hasty manner you did, if all is right with the chiefs? It + is not good to start on a journey without preparation and prayer. Why, + then, did you give this advice to Dorothy to quit the Openings so soon?” + </p> + <p> + “Bess for squaw to go home, when Injin dig up hatchet. Openin' full of + warrior—prairie full of warrior—wood full of warrior. When dat + so, bess for squaw to go home.” + </p> + <p> + “This would be true, were the Indians our enemies. Heaven be praised, they + are our friends, and will not harm us. Peter is a great chief, and can + make his young men do what he tells them; and Peter is our friend. With + Peter to stand by us, and a merciful Providence to direct us where, when, + and how to go, we can have nothing to fear. I trust in Divine Providence.” + </p> + <p> + “Who he be?” asked Pigeonswing, innocently, for his knowledge of English + did not extend far enough to comprehend a phrase so complicated, though so + familiar to ourselves. “He know all paths, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and directs us on all paths—more especially such as are for + our good.” + </p> + <p> + “Bess get him to tell you path into Detroit. Dat good path, now, for all + pale-faces.” + </p> + <p> + On uttering this advice, which he did also somewhat pointedly, the + Chippewa left the spring, and walked toward the kennel of Hive, where the + bee-hunter was busy feeding his old companion. + </p> + <p> + “You're welcome back, Pigeonswing,” the last cordially remarked, without + pausing in his occupation, however. “I saw that you came in loaded, as + usual. Have you left any dead game in the Openings, for me to go and back + in with you?” + </p> + <p> + “You open ear, Bourdon—you know what Injin say,” returned the + Chippewa, earnestly. “When dog get 'nough come wid me. Got somet'ing to + tell. Bess hear it, when he CAN hear it.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll find me ready enough in a minute. There, Hive, my good fellow, + that ought to satisfy any reasonable dog, and I've never found you + unreasonable yet. Well, Chippewa, here I am, with my ears wide open—stop, + I've a bit of news, first, for your ears. Do you know, Pigeonswing, my + good fellow, that I am married?” + </p> + <p> + “Marry, eh? Got squaw, eh? Where you get him?” + </p> + <p> + “Here, to be sure—where else should I get her? There is but one girl + in these Openings that I would ask to be my wife, and she has been asked, + and answered, yes. Parson Amen married us, yesterday, on our way in from + Prairie Round; so that puts me on a footing with yourself. When you boast + of your squaw that you've left in your wigwam, I can boast of mine that I + have here. Margery is a girl to boast of, too!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; good squaw, dat. Like dat squaw pretty well. Nebber see better. Bess + keep squaw alway in his own wigwam.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mine is in my own wigwam. Castle Meal is my property, and she does + it honor.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat an't what Injin mean. Mean dis. Bess have wigwam at home, dere, where + pale-face lives, and bess keep squaw in DAT wigwam. Where my squaw, eh? + She home, in my wigwam—take care of pappoose, hoe corn, and keep + ground good. So bess wid white squaw—bess home, at work.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I understand what you mean, Pigeon. Well, home we mean to go, + before the winter sets in, and when matters have a little settled down + between the English and Yankees. It isn't safe travelling, just now, in + Michigan—you must own that, yourself, my good fellow.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian appeared at a loss, now, how to express himself further. On one + side was his faith to his color, and his dread of Peter and the great + chiefs; on the other, his strong regard for the bee-hunter. He pondered a + moment, and then took his own manner of communicating that which he wished + to say. The fact that his friend was married made no great difference in + his advice, for the Indian was much too shrewd an observer not to have + detected the bee-hunter's attachment. He had not supposed it possible to + separate his friend from the family of Gershom, though he did suppose + there would be less difficulty in getting him to go on a path different + from that which the missionary and corporal might take. His own great + purpose was to serve le Bourdon, and how many or how few might + incidentally profit by it he did not care. The truth compels us to own, + that even Margery's charms, and nature, and warm-hearted interest in all + around her, had failed to make any impression on his marble-like feelings; + while the bee-hunter's habits, skill in his craft, and close connection + with himself at the mouth of the river, and more especially in liberating + him from his enemies, had united him in a comrade's friendship with her + husband. It was a little singular that this Chippewa did not fall into + Peter's superstitious dread of the bee-hunter's necromancy, though he was + aware of all that had passed the previous day on the prairie. Either on + account of his greater familiarity with le Bourdon's habits, or because he + was in the secret of the trick of the whiskey-spring, or from a closer + knowledge of white men and their ways, this young Indian was freer from + apprehensions of this nature, perhaps, than any one of the same color and + origin within many miles of the spot. In a word, Pigeons-wing regarded the + bee-hunter as his friend, while he looked upon the other pale-faces as so + many persons thrown by accident in his company. Now that Margery had + actually become his friend's squaw, his interest in her was somewhat + increased; though she had never obtained that interest in his feelings + that she had awakened in the breast of Peter, by her attentions to him, + her gentleness, light-hearted gayety, and womanly care, and all without + the least design on her own part. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered the Chippewa, after a moment's reflection, “no very safe + for Yankee, or Yankee Injin. Don't t'ink my scalp very safe, if chief + know'd I'm Yankee runner. Bess alway to keep scalp safe. Dem Pottawattamie + I take care not to see. Know all about 'em, too. Know what he SAY—know + what he DO—b'lieve I know what he T'INK.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not see you, Pigeon, among the red young men, yesterday, out on + Prairie Round.” + </p> + <p> + “Know too much to go dere. Crowsfeather and Pottawattamie out dere. Bess + not go near dem when dey have eye open. Take 'em asleep. Dat bess way wid + sich Injin. Catch 'em some time! But your ear open, Bourdon?” + </p> + <p> + “Wide open, my good friend—what have you to whisper in it?” + </p> + <p> + “You look hard at Peter when he come in. If he t'ink good deal, and don't + say much, when he DO speak, mind what he say. If he smile, and very much + friend, must hab his scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “Chippewa, Peter is my friend, lives in my cabin, and eats of my bread! + The hand that touches him, touches me.” + </p> + <p> + “Which bess, eh—HIS scalp, or your'n? If he VERY much friend when he + comes in, his scalp muss come off, or your'n. Yes, juss so. Dat de way. + Know Injin better dan you know him, Bourdon. You good bee-hunter, but poor + Injin. Ebbery body hab his way—Injin got his. Peter laugh and very + much friend, when he come home, den he mean to hab YOUR scalp. If don't + smile, and don't seem very much friend, but look down, and t'ink, t'ink, + t'ink, den he no mean to hurt you, but try to get you out of hand of + chiefs. Dat all.” + </p> + <p> + As Pigeonswing concluded, he walked coolly away, leaving his friend to + ruminate on the alternative of scalp or no scalp! The bee-hunter now + understood the Chippewa perfectly. He was aware that this man had means of + his own to ascertain what was passing around him in the Openings, and he + had the utmost confidence in his integrity and good wishes. If a red man + is slow to forget an injury, he never forgets a favor. In this he was as + unlike as possible to most of the pale-faces who were supplanting his + race, for these last had, and have, as extraordinary a tenacity in losing + sight of benefits, as they have in remembering wrongs. + </p> + <p> + By some means or other, it was now clear that Pigeonswing foresaw that a + crisis was at hand. Had le Bourdon been as disconnected and solitary as he + was when he first met the Chippewa, it is not probable that either the + words or the manner of his friend would have produced much impression on + him, so little accustomed was he to dwell on the hazards of his frontier + position. But the case was now altogether changed. Margery and her claims + stood foremost in his mind; and through Margery came Dolly and her + husband. There was no mistaking Pigeonswing's intention. It was to give + warning of some immediate danger, and a danger that, in some way, was + connected with the deportment of Peter. It was easy enough to comprehend + the allusions to the mysterious chief's smiles and melancholy; and the + bee-hunter understood that he was to watch that Indian's manner, and take + the alarm or bestow his confidence accordingly. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon was not left long in doubt. Peter arrived about half-an-hour + after Pigeonswing had gone to seek his rest; and from the instant he came + in sight, our hero discerned the thoughtful eye and melancholy manner. + These signs were still more obvious when the tribeless Indian came nearer; + so obvious, indeed, as to strike more than one of those who were + interested observers of all that this extraordinary being said and did. + Among others, Margery was the first to see this change, and the first to + let it influence her own manner. This she did, notwithstanding le Bourdon + had said nothing to her on the subject, and in defiance of the bashful + feelings of a bride; which, under circumstances less marked, might have + induced her to keep more in the background. As Peter stopped at the spring + to quench his thirst, Margery was, in truth, the first to approach and to + speak to him. + </p> + <p> + “You seem weary, Peter,” said the young wife, somewhat timidly as to voice + and air, but with a decided and honest manifestation of interest in what + she was about. Nor had Margery gone empty-handed. She took with her a + savory dish, one of those that the men of the woods love—meat cooked + in its own juices, and garnished with several little additions, that her + skill in the arts of civilized life enabled her to supply. + </p> + <p> + “You seem tired, Peter, and if I did not fear to say it, I should tell you + that you also seem sad,” said Margery, as she placed her dish on a rude + table that was kept at the spot, for the convenience of those who seldom + respected hours, or regularity of any sort in their meals. “Here is food + that you like, which I have cooked with my own hands.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian looked intently at the timid and charming young creature, who + came forward thus to contribute to his comforts, and the saddened + expression of his countenance deepened. He was fatigued and hungry, and he + ate for some time without speaking, beyond uttering a brief expression of + his thanks. When his appetite was appeased, however, and she who had so + sedulously attended to his wants was about to remove the remains of the + dish, he signed with his finger for her to draw nearer, intimating that he + had something to say. Margery obeyed without hesitation, though the color + flitted in her face like the changes in an evening sky. But so much good + will and confidence had been awakened between these two, that a daughter + would not have drawn near to a father with more confidence than Margery + stood before Peter. + </p> + <p> + “Medicine-man do what I tell him, young squaw, eh?” demanded Peter, + smiling slightly, and for the first time since they had met. + </p> + <p> + “By medicine-man do you mean Mr. Amen, or Bourdon?” the bride asked in her + turn, her whole face reflecting the confusion she felt, scarcely knowing + why. + </p> + <p> + “Bot'. One medicine-man say his prayer; t'odder medicine-man take young + squaw's hand, and lead her into his wigwam. Dat what I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “I am married to Bourdon,” returned Margery, dropping her eyes to the + ground, “if that be what you wish to know. I hope you think I shall have a + good husband, Peter.” + </p> + <p> + “Hope so, too—nebber know till time come. All good for little while—Injin + good, squaw good. Juss like weadder. Sometime rain—sometime storm—sometime + sunshine. Juss so wid Injin, juss so wid pale-face. No difference. All + same. You see dat cloud?—he little now; but let wind blow, he grow + big, and you see nuttin' but cloud. Let him have plenty of sunshine, and + he go away; den all clear over head. Dat bess way to live wid husband.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is the way which Bourdon and I WILL always live together. When + we get back among our own people, Peter, and are living comfortably in a + pale-face wigwam, with pale-face food, and pale-face drinks, and all the + other good things of pale-face housekeeping about us, then I hope you will + come and see how happy we are, and pass some time with us. Every year I + wish you to come and see us, and to bring us venison, and Bourdon will + give you powder, and lead, and blankets, and all you may want, unless it + be fire-water. Fire-water he has promised never again to give to an + Injin.” + </p> + <p> + “No find any more whiskey-spring, eh?” demanded Peter, greatly interested + in the young woman's natural and warm-hearted manner of proposing her + hospitalities. “So bess—so bess. Great curse for Injin. Plenty + honey, no fire-water. All dat good. And I come, if—” + </p> + <p> + Here Peter stopped, nor could all Margery's questions induce him to + complete the sentence. His gaze at the earnest countenance of the bride + was such as to give her an indefinite sort of uneasiness, not to say a + feeling of alarm. + </p> + <p> + Still no explanation passed between them. Margery remained near Peter for + some time, administering to his wants, and otherwise demeaning herself + much as a daughter might have done. At length le Bourdon joined them. The + salutations were friendly, and the manner in which the mysterious chief + regarded the equally mysterious bee-hunter, was not altogether without a + certain degree of awe. Boden perceived this, and was not slow to + comprehend that he owed this accession of influence to the scene which had + occurred on the prairie. + </p> + <p> + “Is the great council ended, Peter?” asked the bee-hunter, when the little + interval of silence had been observed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it over. No more council, now, on Prairie Round.” + </p> + <p> + “And the chiefs—have they all gone on their proper paths? What has + become of my old acquaintance, Crowsfeather? and all the rest of them—Bear's + Meat, in particular?” + </p> + <p> + “All gone. No more council now. Agree what to do and so go away.” + </p> + <p> + “But are red men always as good as their words? do they PERFORM always + what they PROMISE?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain. Ebbery man ought do what he say. Dat Injin law—no + pale-face law, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “It may be the LAW, Peter, and a very good law it is; but we white men do + not always MIND our own laws.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat bad—Great Spirit don't like dat,” returned Peter, looking + grave, and slowly shaking his head. “Dat very bad. When Injin say he do + it, den he do it, if he can. If can't, no help for it. Send squaw away + now, Bourdon—bess not to let squaw hear what men say, or will always + want to hear.” + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon laughed, as he turned to Margery and repeated these words. The + young wife colored, but she took it in good part, and ran up toward the + palisaded lodge, like one who was glad to be rid of her companions. Peter + waited a few moments, then turning his head slowly in all directions, to + make sure of not being overheard, he began to lay open his mind. + </p> + <p> + “You been on Prairie Round, Bourdon—you see Injin dere—chief, + warrior, young men, hunter, all dere.” + </p> + <p> + “I saw them all, Peter, and a goodly sight it was—what between + paint, and medals, and bows and arrows and tomahawks, and all your + bravery!” + </p> + <p> + “You like to see him, eh? Yes; he fine t'ing to look at. Well, dat council + call togedder by ME—you know dat, too, Bourdon?” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard you say that such was your intention, and I suppose you did + it, chief. They tell me you have great power among your own people, and + that they do very much as you tell them to do.” + </p> + <p> + Peter looked graver than ever at this remark; and one of his startling + gleams of ferocity passed over his dark countenance. Then he answered with + his customary self-command. + </p> + <p> + “Sometime so,” he said; “sometime not so. Yesterday, not so. Dere is chief + dat want to put Peter under his foot! He try, but he no do it! I know + Peter well, and know dat chief, too.” + </p> + <p> + “This is news to me, Peter, and I am surprised to hear it. I did think + that even the great Tecumthe was scarcely as big a chief as you are + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, pretty big chief; dat true. But, among Injin, ebbery man can speak, + and nebber know which way council go. Sometime he go one way; sometime he + go tudder. You hear Bough of Oak speak, eh? Tell me dat?” + </p> + <p> + “You will remember that I heard none of your speakers on Prairie Round, + Peter. I do not remember any such orator as this Bough of Oak.” + </p> + <p> + “He great rascal,” said Peter, who had picked up some of the garrison + expressions among those from whom he acquired the knowledge of English he + possessed, such as it was. “Listen, Bourdon. Nebber bess stand too much in + Peter's way.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter laughed freely at this remark; for his own success the + previous day, and the impression he had evidently made on that occasion, + emboldened him to take greater liberties with the mysterious chief than + had been his wont. + </p> + <p> + “I should think that, Peter,” cried the young man, gayly—“I should + think all that. For one, I should choose to get out of it. The path you + travel is your own, and all wise men will leave you to journey along it in + your own fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; dat bess way,” answered the great chief, with admirable simplicity. + “Don't like, when he says yes, to hear anudder chief say no. Dat an't good + way to do business.” + </p> + <p> + These were expressions caught from the trading whites, and were often used + by those who got their English from them. “I tell you one t'ing, Bourdon—dat + Bough of Oak very foolish Injin if he put foot on my path.” + </p> + <p> + “This is plain enough, Peter,” rejoined le Bourdon, who was unconcernedly + repairing some of the tools of his ordinary craft. “By the way, I am + greatly in your debt, I learn, for one thing. They tell me I've got my + squaw in my wigwam a good deal sooner, by your advice, than I might have + otherwise done. Margery is now my wife, I suppose you know; and I thank + you heartily, for helping me to get married so much sooner than I expected + to be.” + </p> + <p> + Here Peter grasped Bourdon by the hand, and poured out his whole soul, + secret hopes, fears, and wishes. On this occasion he spoke in the Indian + dialect—one of those that he knew the bee-hunter understood. And we + translate what he said freely into English, preserving as much of the + original idiom as the change of language will permit. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, hunter of the bee, the great medicine of the pale-faces, and hear + what a chief that knows the red men is about to tell you. Let my words go + into your ears; let them stay in your mind. They are words that will do + you good. It is not wise to let such words come out again by the hole + through which they have just entered. + </p> + <p> + “My young friend knows our traditions. They do not tell us that the Injins + were Jews; they tell us that the Manitou created them red men. They tell + us that our fathers used these hunting-grounds ever since the earth was + placed on the back of the big tortoise which upholds it. The pale-faces + say the earth moves. If this be true, it moves as slowly as the tortoise + walks. It cannot have gone far since the Great Spirit lifted his hand off + it. If it move, the hunting-grounds move with it, and the tribes move with + their own hunting-grounds. It may be that some of the pale-faces are lost, + but no Injin is lost—the medicine-priest is mistaken. He has looked + so often in his book, that he sees nothing but what is there. He does not + see what is before his eyes, at his side, behind his back, all around him. + I have known such Injins. They see but one thing; even the deer jump + across their paths, and are not seen. + </p> + <p> + “Such are our traditions. They tell us that this land was given to the red + men, and not to pale-faces. That none but red men have any right to hunt + here. The Great Spirit has laws. He has told us these laws. They teach us + to love our friends, and to hate our enemies. You don't believe this, + Bourdon?” observing the bee-hunter to wince a little, as if he found the + doctrine bad. + </p> + <p> + “This is not what our priests tell US,” answered le Bourdon. “They tell us + that the white man's God commands us to love all alike—to do GOOD to + our enemies, to LOVE them that wish us HARM, and to treat all men as we + would wish men to treat us.” Peter was a good deal surprised at this + doctrine, and it was nearly a minute before he resumed the discourse. He + had recently heard it several times, and it was slowly working its way + into his mind. + </p> + <p> + “Such are our traditions, and such are our laws. Look at me. Fifty winters + have tried to turn my hair white. Time can do that. The hair is the only + part of an Injin that ever turns white; all the rest of him is red. That + is his color. The game knows an Injin by his color. The tribes know him. + Everything knows him by his color. He knows the things which the Great + Spirit has given him, in the same way. He gets used to them, and they are + his acquaintances. He does not like strange things. He does not like + strangers. White men are strangers, and he does not like to see them on + his hunting-ground. If they come singly, to kill a few buffaloes, or to + look for honey, or to catch beaver, the Injins would not complain. They + love to give of their abundance. The pale-faces do not come in this + fashion. They do not come as guests; they come as masters. They come and + they stay. Each year of my fifty have I heard of new tribes that have been + driven by them toward the setting sun. + </p> + <p> + “Bourdon, for many seasons I have thought of this. I have tried to find a + way to stop them. There is but one. That way must the Injins try, or give + up their hunting-grounds to the strangers. No nation likes to give up its + hunting-grounds. They come from the Manitou, and one day he may ask to + have them back again. What could the red men say, if they let the + pale-faces take them away? No; this we cannot do. We will first try the + one thing that is to be done.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I understand you, Peter,” observed le Bourdon, finding that his + companion paused. “You mean war. War, in the Injin mode of redressing all + wrongs; war against man, woman, and child!” + </p> + <p> + Peter nodded in acquiescence, fixing his glowing eyes on the bee-hunter's + face, as if to read his soul. + </p> + <p> + “Am I to understand, then, that you and your friends, the chiefs and their + followers, that I saw on Prairie Round, mean to begin with US, + half-a-dozen whites, of whom two are women, who happen to be here in your + power—that OUR scalps are to be the first taken?” + </p> + <p> + “First!—no, Bourdon. Peter's hand has taken a great many, years + since. He has got a name for his deeds, and no longer dare go to the white + men's forts. He does not look for Yankees, he looks for pale-faces. When + he meets a pale-face on the prairies, or in the woods, he tries to get his + scalp. This has he done for years, and many has he taken.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a bloody account you are giving of yourself, Peter, and I would + rather you should not have told it. Some such account I have heard before; + but living with you, and eating, and drinking, and sleeping, and + travelling in your company, I had not only hoped, but begun to think, it + was not true.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true. My wish is to cut off the pale-faces. This must be done, or + the pale-faces will cut off the Injins. There is no choice. One nation or + the other must be destroyed. I am a red man; my heart tells me that the + pale-faces should die. They are on strange hunting-grounds, not the red + men. They are wrong, we are right. But, Bourdon, I have friends among the + pale-faces, and it is not natural to scalp our friends. I do not + understand a religion that tells us to love our enemies, and to do good to + them that do harm to us—it is a strange religion. I am a poor Injin, + and do not know what to think! I shall not believe that any do this, till + I see it. I understand that we ought to love our friends. Your squaw is my + daughter. I have called her daughter—she knows it, and my tongue is + not forked, like a snake's. What it says, I mean. Once I meant to scalp + your young squaw, because she was a pale-face squaw, and might be the + mother of more. Now I do not mean to scalp her; my hand shall never harm + her. My wisdom shall tell her to escape from the hands of red men who seek + her scalp. You, too; now you are her husband, and are a great medicine-man + of the bees, my hand shall not hurt you, either. Open your ears wide, for + big truths must go into them.” + </p> + <p> + Peter then related in full his attempt to procure a safe passage for le + Bourdon and Margery into the settlements, and its total failure. He owned + that by his previous combinations he had awakened a spirit among the + Indians that his present efforts could not quell. In a word, he told the + whole story as it must have been made apparent to the reader, and he now + came with his plans to defeat the very schemes that he had himself + previously projected. One thing, however, that he did not conceal, filled + the mind of his listener with horror, and created so strong an aversion to + acting in concert with one who could even allude to it so coolly, that + there was danger of breaking off all communications between the parties, + and placing the result purely on force; a course that must have proved + totally destructive to all the whites. The difficulty arose from a naive + confession of Peter's, that he did not even wish to save any but le + Bourdon and Margery, and that he still desired the deaths of all the + others, himself! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + For thou wert born of woman! Thou didst come, + O Holiest! to this world of sin and gloom, + Not in thy dread omnipotent array; + And not by thunders strewed + Was thy tempestuous road, + Nor indignation burnt before thee on thy way. + But thee, a soft and naked child, + Thy mother undefiled, + In the rude manger laid to rest + From off her virgin breast. +</pre> + <p> + The blood of the bee-hunter curdled in his veins as he listened to Peter's + business-like and direct manner of treating this terrible subject. Putting + the most favorable view on his situation, it was frightful to look on. + Admitting that this fanatical savage were sincere in all his professions + of a wish to save him and Margery, and le Bourdon did not, nay, COULD not + doubt this, after his calm but ferocious revelations; but, admitting all + this to be true, how was he to escape with his charming bride, environed + as they were by so large a band of hostile Indians? Then the thought of + abandoning his other companions, and attempting, in cold selfishness, to + escape with Margery alone, was more than he could bear. Never before, in + his adventurous and bold life, had le Bourdon been so profoundly impressed + with a sense of his danger, or so much overcome. + </p> + <p> + Still, our hero was not unmanned. He saw all the hazards, as it were, at a + glance, and felt how terrible might be the result should they really fall + into the hands of the warriors, excited to exercise their ingenuity in + devising the means of torture; and he gazed into the frightful perspective + with a manly steadiness that did him credit, even while he sickened at the + prospect. + </p> + <p> + Peter had told his story in a way to add to its horrible character. There + was a manner of truth, of directness, of WORK, if one may use such an + expression on such a subject, that gave a graphic reality to all he said. + As if his task was done, the mysterious chief now coolly arose, and moved + away to a little grove, in which the missionary and the corporal had + thrown themselves on the grass, where they lay speculating on the probable + course that the bands in their neighborhood would next pursue. So + thoroughly possessed was the clergyman with his one idea, however, that he + was expressing regret at his failure in the attempt to convince the + savages that they were Jews, when Peter joined them. + </p> + <p> + “You tired—you lie down in daytime, like sick squaw, eh?” asked the + Indian, in a slightly satirical manner. “Bess be up, sich fine day, and go + wid me to see some more chief.” + </p> + <p> + “Most gladly, Peter,” returned the missionary, springing to his feet with + alacrity—“and I shall have one more opportunity to show your friends + the truth of what I have told them.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Injin love to hear trut'—hate to hear lie. Can tell 'em all + you want to say. He go too, eh?” pointing to the corporal, who rather hung + back, as if he saw that in the invitation which was not agreeable to him. + </p> + <p> + “I will answer for my friend,” returned the confiding missionary, + cheerfully. “Lead on, Peter, and we will follow.” + </p> + <p> + Thus pledged, the corporal no longer hesitated; but he accompanied Parson + Amen, as the latter fell into the tracks of the chief, and proceeded + rapidly in the direction of the spring in the piece of bottom-land, where + the council first described had been held. This spot was about two miles + from the palisaded house, and quite out of view, as well as out of reach + of sound. As they walked side by side, taking the footsteps of the great + chief for their guides, the corporal, however, expressed to his companion + his dislike of the whole movement. + </p> + <p> + “We ought to stand by our garrison in times like these, Mr. Amen,” said + the well-meaning soldier. “A garrison is a garrison; and Injins seldom do + much on a well-built and boldly-defended spot of that natur'. They want + artillery, without which their assaults are never very formidable.” + </p> + <p> + “Why talk you of warlike means, corporal, when we are in the midst of + friends? Is not Peter our known and well-tried associate, one with whom + you and I have travelled far; and do we not know that we have friends + among these chiefs, whom we are now going to visit? The Lord has led me + into these distant and savage regions, to carry his word, and to proclaim + his name; and a most unworthy and unprofitable servant should I prove, + were I to hesitate about approaching them I am appointed to teach. No, no; + fear nothing. I will not say that you carry Caesar and his fortunes, as I + have heard was once said of old, but I will say you follow one who is led + of God, and who marches with the certainty of being divinely commanded.” + </p> + <p> + The corporal was ashamed to oppose so confident an enthusiasm, and he + offered no further resistance. Together the two followed their leader, + who, turning neither to the right hand nor to the left, soon had them out + of sight of the castle, and well on their way toward the spring. When + about half the distance was made, the direction took the party through a + little thicket, or rather along its margin, and the missionary, a good + deal to his surprise, saw Pigeonswing within the cover, seemingly + preparing for another hunt. This young warrior had so lately returned from + one excursion of this nature, that he was not expected to go forth so soon + on another. Nor was he accustomed to go out so early in the day. This was + the hour in which he ordinarily slept; but there he was, beyond a + question, and apparently looking at the party as it passed. So cold was + his manner, however, and so indifferent did he seem, that no one would + have suspected that he knew aught of what was in contemplation. Having + satisfied himself that his friend, the bee-hunter, was not one of those + who followed Peter, the Chippewa turned coldly away, and began to examine + the flint of his rifle. The corporal noted this manner, and it gave him + additional confidence to proceed; for he could not imagine that any human + being would manifest so much indifference, when sinister designs existed. + </p> + <p> + Peter turned neither to the right hand nor to the left, until he had led + the way down upon the little arena of bottom-land already described, and + which was found well sprinkled with savages. A few stood, or sat about in + groups, earnestly conversing; but most lay extended at length on the green + sward, in the indolent repose that is so grateful to an Indian warrior in + his hours of inaction. The arrival of Peter, however, instantly put a new + face on the appearance of matters. Every man started to his feet, and + additions were made to those who were found in the arena by those who came + out of the adjacent thickets, until some two or three hundred of the red + men were assembled in a circle around the newly-arrived pale-faces. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said Peter, sternly, fastening his eye with a hostile expression + on Bough of the Oak and Ungque, in particular—“there are your + captives. Do with them as you will. As for them that have dared to + question my faith, let them own that they are liars!” + </p> + <p> + This was not a very amicable salutation, but savages are accustomed to + plain language. Bough of the Oak appeared a little uneasy, and Ungque's + countenance denoted dissatisfaction; but the last was too skilful an actor + to allow many of the secrets of his plotting mind to shine through the + windows of his face. As for the crowd at large, gleams of content passed + over the bright red faces, illuminating them with looks of savage joy. + Murmurs of approbation were heard, and Crowsfeather addressed the throng, + there, where it stood, encircling the two helpless and as yet but + half-alarmed victims of so fell a plot. + </p> + <p> + “My brothers and my young men can now see,” said this Pottawattamie, “that + the tribeless chief has an Injin heart. His heart is NOT a pale-face heart—it + is that of a red man. Some of our chiefs have thought that he had lived + too much with the strangers, and that he had forgotten the traditions of + our fathers, and was listening to the song of the medicine priest. Some + thought that he believed himself lost, and a Jew, and not an Injin. This + is not so. Peter knows the path he is on. He knows that he is a redskin, + and he looks on the Yankees as enemies. The scalps he has taken are so + numerous they cannot be counted. He is ready to take more. Here are two + that he gives to us. When we have done with these two captives, he will + bring us more. He will continue to bring them, until the pale-faces will + be as few as the deer in their own clearings. Such is the will of the + Manitou.” + </p> + <p> + The missionary understood all that was said, and he was not a little + appalled at the aspect of things. For the first time he began to apprehend + that he was in danger. So much was this devout and well-intentioned + servant of his church accustomed to place his dependence on a + superintending Providence, that apprehension of personal suffering seldom + had any influence on his exertions. He believed himself to be an object of + especial care; though he was ever ready to admit that the wisdom which + human minds cannot compass, might order events that, at first sight, would + seem to be opposed to that which ought to be permitted to come to pass. In + this particular Parson Amen was a model of submission, firmly believing + that all that happened was in furtherance of the great scheme of man's + regeneration and eventual salvation. + </p> + <p> + With the corporal it was very different. Accustomed to war with red men, + and most acquainted with them in their worst character, he ever suspected + treachery, and had followed Peter with a degree of reluctance he had not + cared to express. He now thoroughly took the alarm, however, and stood on + his guard. Although he did not comprehend more than half of that which + Peter had said, he understood quite enough to see that he and the + missionary were surrounded by enemies, if not by executioners. + </p> + <p> + “We have fallen into a sort of ambush here, Parson Amen,” cried the + corporal, rattling his arms as he looked to their condition, “and it's + high time we beat the general. If there were four on us we might form a + square; but being only two, the best thing we can do will be to stand back + to back, and for one to keep an eye on the right flank, while he nat'rally + watches all in front; and for the other to keep an eye on the left flank, + while he sees to the rear. Place your back close to mine, and take the + left flank into your part of the lookout. Closer, closer, my good sir; we + must stand solid as rooted trees, to make anything of a stand.” + </p> + <p> + The missionary, in his surprise, permitted the corporal to assume the + position described, though conscious of its uselessness in their actual + condition. As for the Indians, the corporal's manner and the rattling of + his arms induced the circle to recede several paces; though nothing like + alarm prevailed among them. The effect, nevertheless, was to leave the two + captives space for their evolutions, and a sort of breathing time. This + little change had the appearance of something like success, and it greatly + encouraged the corporal. He began to think it even possible to make a + retreat that would be as honorable as any victory. + </p> + <p> + “Steady—keep shoulder to shoulder, Parson Amen, and take care of + your flank. Our movement must be by our left flank, and everything depends + on keeping that clear. I shall have to give you my baggonet, for you're + entirely without arms, which leaves my rear altogether exposed.” + </p> + <p> + “Think nothing of your arms, Brother Flint—they would be useless in + my hands in any case; and, were we made of muskets, they could be of no + use against these odds. My means of defence come from on high; my armor is + faith; and my only weapon, prayer. I shall not hesitate to use the last on + this, as on all other occasions.” + </p> + <p> + The missionary then called on the circle of curious savages by whom he was + surrounded, and who certainly contemplated nothing less than his death, in + common with those of all his white companions, to unite with him in + addressing the Throne of Grace. Accustomed to preach and pray to these + people in their own dialect, the worthy parson made a strong appeal to + their charities, while supplicating the favors of Divine Providence in + behalf of himself and his brother captive. He asked for all the usual + benedictions and blessings on his enemies, and made a very happy + exposition of those sublime dogmas of Christianity, which teach us to + “bless them that curse us,” and to “pray for those who despitefully use + us.” Peter, for the first time in his life, was now struck with the moral + beauty of such a sentiment, which seldom fails, when duly presented, of + producing an effect on even the dullest minds. His curiosity was touched, + and instead of turning coldly, as had been his intention, and leaving the + captives in the hands of those to whom he had delivered them, he remained + in the circle, and paid the closest attention to all of the proceedings. + He had several times previously heard the missionary speak of this duty as + a command of God's, but never before had he deemed it possible to realize + such a thing in practice. + </p> + <p> + The Indians, if not absolutely awe-struck by the singular spectacle before + them, seemed well disposed to let the missionary finish his appeal; some + wondering, others doubting, and all more or less at a loss to know what to + make of an exhibition so unusual. There stood the corporal, with his back + pressed closely to that of his companion, his musket at “make ready,” and + his whole mien that of a man with every nerve screwed to the + sticking-point; while the missionary, the other side of the picture, with + outstretched arms, was lifting his voice in prayer to the throne of the + Most High. As this extraordinary scene continued, the corporal grew + excited; and ere long his voice was occasionally heard, blended with that + of the clergyman, in terms of advice and encouragement. + </p> + <p> + “Blaze away, Mr. Amen,” shouted the soldier. “Give 'em another volley—you're + doing wonders, and their front has given ground! One more such volley as + the last, and we'll make a forward movement, ourselves—attention!—prepare + to march by the left flank, as soon as there is a good opening!” + </p> + <p> + That good opening, however, was never made. The savages, though + astonished, were by no means frightened, and had not the smallest idea of + letting their captives escape. On the contrary, Bear's Meat, who acted as + commander-in-chief on this occasion, was quite self-possessed, and so far + from being impressed with the missionary's prayer, he listened to it only + in the hope of hearing some admission of weakness escape. But the + excitement of the corporal soon produced a crisis. His attempts to make a + movement “by the left flank,” caused his column of defence to be broken, + and obtaining no assistance from Parson Amen, who was still pouring out + his soul in prayer, while endeavoring to bring things back to their + original state, he suddenly found himself surrounded and disarmed. From + that instant, the corporal changed his tactics. So long as he was armed, + and comparatively free, he had bethought him only of the means of + resistance; now that these were denied him, he submitted, and summoned all + his resolution to bear the penalties of his captivity, in a manner that + might not do discredit to his regiment. This was the third time that + Corporal Flint had been a prisoner among the Indians, and he was not now + to learn the nature of their tender mercies. His forebodings were not of + the most pleasant character; but that which could not be helped, he was + disposed to bear with manly fortitude. His greatest concern, at that + fearful moment, was for the honor of his corps. + </p> + <p> + All this time, Parson Amen continued his prayer. So completely was his + spirit occupied with the duty of offering up his petition, that he was + utterly unconscious of what else had passed; nor had he heard one of the + corporal's appeals for “attention,” and to be “steady,” and to march “by + the left flank.” In a word, the whole man was intent on prayer; and when + thus employed, a six-pounder discharged in the circle would hardly have + disconcerted him. He persevered, therefore, uninterrupted by his + conquerors, until he concluded in his own way. Having thus fortified his + soul, and asked for succor where he had now so long been accustomed to + seek and to find it, the worthy missionary took his seat quietly on a log, + on which the corporal had been previously placed by his captors. + </p> + <p> + The time had arrived for the chiefs to proceed in the execution of their + purposes. Peter, profoundly struck with the prayers of the missionary in + behalf of his enemies, had taken a station a little on one side, where he + stood ruminating on what he had just heard. If ever precept bore the stamp + of a divine origin, it is this. The more we reflect on it, the clearer do + our perceptions of this truth become. The whole scheme of Christ's + redemption and future existence is founded in love, and such a system + would be imperfect while any were excluded from its benefits. To love + those who reciprocate our feelings is so very natural, that the sympathies + which engender this feeling are soonest attracted by a knowledge of their + existence, love producing love, as power increases power. But to love + those who hate us, and to strive to do good to those who are plotting evil + against ourselves, greatly exceeds the moral strength of man, unaided from + above. This was the idea that puzzled Peter, and he now actually + interrupted the proceedings, in order to satisfy his mind on a subject so + totally new to him. Previously, however, to taking this step, he asked the + permission of the principal chiefs, awakening in their bosoms by means of + his explanations some of the interest in this subject that he felt + himself. + </p> + <p> + “Brother medicine-man,” said the mysterious chief, drawing nearer to the + missionary, accompanied himself by Bear's Meat, Crowsfeather, and one or + two more, “you have been talking to the Great Spirit o! the pale-faces. We + have heard your words, and think them well. They are good words for a man + about to set out on the path that leads to the unknown lands. Thither we + must all go some time, and it matters little when. We may not all travel + the same path. I do not think the Manitou will crowd tribes of different + colors together there, as they are getting to be crowded together here. + </p> + <p> + “Brother, you are about to learn how all these things really are. If red + men, and pale-faces, and black men are to live in the same land, after + death, you will shortly know it. My brother is about to go there. He and + his friend, this warrior of his people, will travel on that long path in + company. I hope they will agree by the way, and not trouble each other. It + will be convenient to my brother to have a hunter with him; the path is so + long, he will be hungry before he gets to the end. This warrior knows how + to use a musket, and we shall put his arms with him in his grave. + </p> + <p> + “Brother, before you start on this journey, from which no traveller ever + returns, let his color be what it may, we wish to hear you speak further + about loving our enemies. This is not the Indian rule. The red men hate + their enemies, and love their friends. When they ask the Manitou to do + anything to their enemies, it is to do them harm. This is what our fathers + taught us: it is what we teach our children. Why should we love them that + hate us: why should we do good to them that do us harm? Tell us now, or we + may never hear the reason.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell you I will, Peter, and the Lord so bless my words that they may + soften your hearts, and lead you all to the truth, and to dependence on + the mediation of his blessed Son! We should do good to them that do evil + to us, because the Great Spirit has commanded us so to do. Ask your own + heart if this is not right. If they sound like words that are spoken by + any but those who have been taught by the Manitou, himself. The devils + tell us to revenge, but God commands us to forgive. It is easy to do good + to them that do good to us; but it tries the heart sorely to do good to + them that do us evil. I have spoken to you of the Son of the Great Spirit. + He came on earth, and told us with his own mouth all these great truths. + He said that next to the duty of loving the Manitou, was the duty of + loving our neighbors. No matter whether friend or enemy, it was our duty + to love them, and do them all the good we can. If there is no venison in + their wigwams, we should take the deer off our own poles, and carry it and + put on theirs. Why have I come here to tell you this? When at home, I + lived under a good roof, eat of abundance, and slept in a soft and warm + bed. You know how it is here. We do not know to-day what we shall eat + to-morrow. Our beds are hard, and our roofs are of bark. I come, because + the Son of the Manitou, he who came and lived among men, told us to do all + this. His commands to his medicine-men were, to go forth, and tell all + nations, and tribes, and colors, the truth—to tell them to 'love + them that sought to do them harm, and to do good for evil.'” + </p> + <p> + Parson Amen pausing a moment to take breath, Ungque, who detected the + wavering of Peter's mind, and who acted far more in opposition to the + mysterious and tribeless chief than from any other motive, profited by the + occasion thus afforded to speak. Without this pause, however, the breeding + of an Indian would have prevented any interruption. + </p> + <p> + “I open my mouth to speak,” said The Weasel, in his humblest manner. “What + I say is not fit for the wise chiefs to hear. It is foolish, but my mind + tells me to say it. Does the medicine-man of the pale-faces tell us that + the Son of the Great Spirit came upon earth, and lived among men?” + </p> + <p> + “I do; such is our belief; and the religion we believe and teach cometh + directly from his mouth.” + </p> + <p> + “Let the medicine-man tell the chiefs how long the Son of the Great Spirit + stayed on earth, and which way he went when he left it.” + </p> + <p> + Now, this question was put by Ungque through profound dissimulation. He + had heard of the death of Christ, and had obtained some such idea of the + great sacrifice as would be apt to occur to the mind of a savage. He + foresaw that the effect of the answer would be very likely to destroy most + of the influence that the missionary had just been building up, by means + of his doctrine and his prayers. Parson Amen was a man of singular + simplicity of character, but he had his misgivings touching the effect of + this reply. Still he did not scruple about giving it, or attempt in any + manner to mystify or to deceive. + </p> + <p> + “It is a humiliating and sad story, my brethren, and one that ought to + cause all heads to be bowed to the earth in shame,” he answered. “The Son + of the Great Spirit came among men; he did nothing but good; told those + who heard him how to live and how to die. In return for all this, wicked + and unbelieving men put him to death. After death his body was taken up + into Heaven—the region of departed spirits, and the dwelling-place + of his Father—where he now is, waiting for the time when he is to + return to the earth, to reward the good and to punish the wicked. That + time will surely come; nor do I believe the day to be very distant.” + </p> + <p> + The chiefs listened to this account with grave attention. Some of them had + heard outlines of the same history before. Accounts savoring of the + Christian history had got blended with some of their own traditions, most + probably the fruits of the teachings of the earlier missionaries, but were + so confused and altered as to be scarcely susceptible of being recognized. + To most of them, however, the history of the incarnation of the Son of God + was entirely new; and it struck THEM as a most extraordinary thing + altogether that any man should have injured such a being! It was, perhaps, + singular that no one of them all doubted the truth of the tradition + itself. This they supposed to have been transmitted with the usual care, + and they received it as a fact not to be disputed. The construction that + was put on its circumstances will best appear in the remarks that + followed. + </p> + <p> + “If the pale-faces killed the Son of the Great Spirit,” said Bough of the + Oak, pointedly, “we can see why they wish to drive the red men from their + lands. Evil spirits dwell in such men, and they do nothing but what is + bad. I am glad that our great chief has told us to put the foot on this + worm and crush it, while yet the Indian foot is large enough to do it. In + a few winters they would kill us, as they killed the Spirit that did them + nothing but good!” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid that this mighty tradition hath a mystery in it that your + Indian minds will scarcely be willing to receive,” resumed the missionary, + earnestly. “I would not, for a thousand worlds, or to save ten thousand + lives as worthless as my own, place a straw in the way of the faith of + any; yet must I tell the thing as it happened. This Son of the Great + Spirit was certainly killed by the Jews of that day, so far as he COULD be + killed. He possessed two natures, as indeed do all men: the body and soul. + In his body he was man, as we all are men; in his soul he was a part of + the Great Spirit himself. This is the great mystery of our religion. We + cannot tell how it can happen, but we believe it. We see around us a + thousand things that we cannot understand, and this is one of them.” + </p> + <p> + Here Bear's Meat availed himself of another pause to make a remark. This + he did with the keenness of one accustomed to watch words and events + closely, but with a simplicity that showed no vulgar disposition to + scepticism. + </p> + <p> + “We do not expect that all the Great Spirit does can be clear to us + Indians,” he said. “We know very little; he knows everything. Why should + we think to know all that he knows? We do not. That part of the tradition + gives us no trouble. Indians can believe without seeing. They are not + squaws, that wish to look behind every bush. But my brother has told too + much for his own good. If the pale-faces killed their Great Spirit, they + can have no Manitou, and must be in the hands of the Evil Spirit This is + the reason they want our hunting-grounds. I will not let them come any + nearer to the setting sun. It is time to begin to kill them, as they + killed their Great Spirit. The Jews did this. My brother wishes us to + think that red men are Jews! No; red men never harmed the Son of the Great + Spirit, They would receive him as a friend, and treat him as a chief. + Accursed be the hand that should be raised to harm him. This tradition is + a wise tradition. It tells us many things. It tells us that Injins are not + Jews. They never hurt the Son of the Great Spirit. It tells us that the + red men have always lived on these hunting-grounds, and did not come from + toward the rising sun. It tells us that pale-faces are not fit to live. + They are too wicked. Let them die.” + </p> + <p> + “I would ask a question,” put in Peter. “This tradition is not new. I have + heard it before. It entered but a little way into my ears. I did not think + of it. It has now entered deeper, and I wish to hear more. Why did not the + Son of the Great Spirit kill the Jews?—why did he let the Jews kill + him? Will my brother say?” + </p> + <p> + “He came on earth to die for man, whose wickedness was so deep that the + Great Spirit's justice could not be satisfied with less. WHY this is so no + one knows. It is enough that it should be so. Instead of thinking of doing + harm to his tormentors and murderers, he died for them, and died asking + for benefits on them, and on their wives and children, for all time to + come. It was he who commanded us to do good to them that do harm to us.” + </p> + <p> + Peter gave the utmost attention to this answer, and when he had received + it, he walked apart, musing profoundly. It is worthy of being observed + that not one of these savages raised any hollow objections to the + incarnation of the Son of the Great Spirit, as would have been the case + with so many civilized men. To them this appeared no more difficult and + incomprehensible than most of that which they saw around them. It is when + we begin to assume the airs of philosophy, and to fancy, because we know a + little, that the whole book of knowledge is within our grasp, that men + become sceptics. There is not a human being now in existence who does not + daily, hourly see that which is just as much beyond his powers of + comprehension as this account of the incarnation of the Deity, and the + whole doctrine of the Trinity; and yet he acquiesces in that which is + before his eyes, because it is familiar and he sees it, while he cavils at + all else, though the same unknown and inexplicable cause lies behind + everything. The deepest philosophy is soon lost in this general mystery, + and, to the eye of a meek reason, all around us is a species of miracle, + which must be referred to the power of the Deity. + </p> + <p> + While thus disposed to receive the pale-face traditions with respect, + however, the red men did not lose sight of their own policy and purposes. + The principal chiefs now stepped aside, and held a brief council. Though + invited to do so, Peter did not join them; leaving to Bough of the Oak, + Ungque, and Bear's Meat the control of the result The question was whether + the original intention of including this medicine-priest among those to be + cut off should, or should not, be adhered to. One or two of the chiefs had + their doubts, but the opinion of the council was adverse. + </p> + <p> + “If the pale-faces killed the Son of their Great Spirit, why should we + hesitate about killing them?” The Weasel asked, with malicious point, for + he saw that Peter was now sorely troubled at the probability of his own + design being fully carried out. “There is no difference. This is a + medicine-priest—in the wigwam is a medicine-bee-hunter, and that + warrior may be a medicine-warrior. We do not know. We are poor Injins that + know but little. It is not so with the pale-faces; they talk with the + conjurer's bees, and know much. We shall not have ground enough to take + even a muskrat, soon, unless we cut off the strangers. The Manitou has + given us these; let us kill them.” + </p> + <p> + As no one very strenuously opposed the scheme, the question was soon + decided, and Ungque was commissioned to communicate the result to the + captives. One exception, however, was to be made in favor of the + missionary. His object appeared to be peaceful, and it was determined that + he should be led a short distance into the surrounding thicket, and be + there put to death, without any attempt to torture, or aggravate his + sufferings. As a mark of singular respect, it was also decided not to + scalp him. + </p> + <p> + As Ungque, and those associated with him, led the missionary to the place + of execution, the former artfully invited Peter to follow. This was done + simply because the Weasel saw that it would now be unpleasant to the man + he hated—hated merely because he possessed an influence that he + coveted for himself. + </p> + <p> + “My father will see a pleasant sight,” said the wily Weasel, as he walked + at Peter's side, toward the indicated spot; “he will see a pale-face die, + and know that his foot has been put upon another worm.” + </p> + <p> + No answer was made to this ironical remark, but Peter walked in silence to + the place where the missionary was stationed, surrounded by a guard. + Ungque now advanced and spoke. + </p> + <p> + “It is time for the medicine-priest of the pale-faces to start after the + spirits of his people who have gone before him,” he said. “The path is + long, and unless he walks fast, and starts soon, he may not overtake them. + I hope he will see some of them that helped to kill the Son of his Great + Spirit, starving, and foot-sore, on the way.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you,” returned the missionary, after a few moments passed in + recovering from the shock of this communication. “My hour is come. I have + held my life in my hand ever since I first put foot in this heathen + region, and if it be the Creator's will that I am now to die, I bow to the + decree. Grant me a few minutes for prayer to my God.” + </p> + <p> + Ungque signed that the delay should be granted. The missionary uncovered + his head, knelt, and again lifted up his voice in prayer. At first the + tones were a little tremulous; but they grew firmer as he proceeded. Soon + they became as serene as usual. He first asked mercy for himself, threw + all his hopes on the great atonement, and confessed how far he was from + that holiness which alone could fit him to see God. When this duty was + performed, he prayed for his enemies. The language used was his mother + tongue, but Peter comprehended most of that which was said. He heard his + own people prayed for; he heard his own name mentioned, as the condemned + man asked the mercy of the Manitou in his behalf. Never before was the + soul of this extraordinary savage so shaken. The past seemed like a dream + to him, while the future possessed a light that was still obscured by + clouds. Here was an exemplification in practice of that divine spirit of + love and benevolence which had struck him, already, as so very wonderful. + There could be no mistake. There was the kneeling captive, and his words, + clear, distinct, and imploring, ascended through the cover of the bushes + to the throne of God. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the voice of the missionary was mute, the mysterious chief + bowed his head and moved away. He was then powerless. No authority of his + could save the captive, and the sight that so lately would have cheered + his eyes was now too painful to bear. He heard the single blow of the + tomahawk which brained the victim, and he shuddered from head to foot. It + was the first time such a weakness had ever come over him. As for the + missionary, in deference to his pursuits, his executioners dug him a + grave, and buried him unmutilated on the spot where he had fallen. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Brutal alike in deed and word, + With callous heart and hand of strife. + How like a fiend may man be made, + Plying the foul and monstrous trade + Whose harvest-field is human life. + —WHITTIER. +</pre> + <p> + A veil like that of oblivion dropped before the form of the missionary. + The pious persons who had sent him forth to preach to the heathen, never + knew his fate; a disappearance that was so common to that class of devoted + men, as to produce regret rather than surprise. Even those who took his + life felt a respect for him; and, strange as it may seem, it was to the + eloquence of the man who now would have died to save him, that his death + was alone to be attributed. Peter had awakened fires that he could not + quench, and aroused a spirit that he could not quell. In this respect, he + resembled most of those who, under the guise of reform, or revolution, in + moments of doubt, set in motion a machine that is found impossible to + control, when it is deemed expedient to check exaggeration by reason. Such + is often the case with even well-intentioned leaders, who constantly are + made to feel how much easier it is to light a conflagration, than to stay + its flames when raging. + </p> + <p> + Corporal Flint was left seated on the log, while the bloody scene of the + missionary's death was occurring. He was fully alive to all the horrors of + his own situation, and comprehended the nature of his companion's + movements. The savages usually manifested so much respect for + missionaries, that he was in no degree surprised. Parson Amen had been + taken apart for his execution, and when those who had caused his removal + returned, the corporal looked anxiously for the usual but revolting token + of his late companion's death. As has been said, however, the missionary + was suffered to lie in his wild grave, without suffering a mutilation of + his remains. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding this moderation, the Indians were getting to be incited by + this taste of blood. The principal chiefs became sterner in their aspects, + and the young men began to manifest some such impatience as that which the + still untried pup betrays, when he first scents his game. All these were + ominous symptoms, and were well understood by the captive. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it would not have been possible, in the whole range of human + feelings, to find two men under influences more widely opposed to each + other than were the missionary and the corporal, in this, their last scene + on earth. The manner of Parson Amen's death has been described. He died in + humble imitation of his Divine Master, asking for blessings on those who + were about to destroy him, with a heart softened by Christian graces, and + a meekness that had its origin in the consciousness of his own demerits. + On the other hand, the corporal thought only of vengeance. Escape he knew + to be impossible, and he would fain take his departure like a soldier, or + as he conceived a soldier should die, in the midst of fallen foes. + </p> + <p> + Corporal Flint had a salutary love of life, and would very gladly escape, + did the means offer; but, failing of these, all his thoughts turned toward + revenge. Some small impulses of ambition, or what it is usual to dignify + with that term, showed themselves even at that serious moment. He had + heard around the camp-fires, and in the garrisons, so many tales of + heroism and of fortitude manifested by soldiers who had fallen into the + hands of the Indians, that a faint desire to enroll his own name on the + list of these worthies was beginning to arise in his breast. But truth + compels us to add that the predominant feeling was the wish to revenge his + own fate, by immolating as many of his foes as possible. To this last + purpose, therefore, his thoughts were mainly directed, during that + interval which his late companion had employed in prayers for those under + whose blows he was about to fall. Such is the difference in man, with his + heart touched, or untouched, by the power of the Holy Spirit. + </p> + <p> + It was, however, much easier for the corporal to entertain designs of the + nature mentioned than to carry them out: unarmed, surrounded by watchful + enemies, and totally without support of any sort, the chances of effecting + his purpose were small indeed. Once, for a minute only, the veteran + seriously turned his thoughts to escape. It occurred to him, that he might + possibly reach the castle, could he get a little start; and should the + Indians compel him to run the gauntlet, as was often their practice, he + determined to make an effort for life in that mode. Agreeably to the code + of frontier warfare, a successful flight of this nature was scarcely less + creditable than a victory in the field. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour passed after the execution of the missionary before the + chiefs commenced their proceedings with the corporal. The delay was owing + to a consultation, in which The Weasel had proposed despatching a party to + the castle, to bring in the family, and thus make a common destruction of + the remaining pale-faces known to be in that part of the Openings. Peter + did not dare to oppose this scheme, himself; but he so managed as to get + Crowsfeather to do it, without bringing himself into the foreground. The + influence of the Pottawattamie prevailed, and it was decided to torture + this one captive, and to secure his scalp, before they proceeded to work + their will on the others. Ungque, who had gained ground rapidly by his + late success, was once more commissioned to state to the captive the + intentions of his captors. + </p> + <p> + “Brother,” commenced The Weasel, placing himself directly in front of the + corporal, “I am about to speak to you. A wise warrior opens his ears, when + he hears the voice of his enemy. He may learn something it will be good + for him to know. It will be good for you to know what I am about to say. + </p> + <p> + “Brother, you are a pale-face, and we are Injins. You wish to get our + hunting-grounds, and we wish to keep them. To keep them, it has become + necessary to take your scalp. I hope you are ready to let us have it.” + </p> + <p> + The corporal had but an indifferent knowledge of the Indian language, but + he comprehended all that was uttered on this occasion. Interest quickened + his faculties, and no part of what was said was lost. The gentle, slow, + deliberate manner in which The Weasel delivered himself, contributed to + his means of understanding. He was fortunately prepared for what her + heard, and the announcement of his approaching fate did not disturb him to + the degree of betraying weakness. This last was a triumph in which the + Indians delighted, though they ever showed the most profound respect for + such of their victims as manifested a manly fortitude. It was necessary to + reply, which the corporal did in English, knowing that several present + could interpret his words. With a view to render this the more easy, he + spoke in fragments of sentences, and with great deliberation. + </p> + <p> + “Injins,” returned the corporal, “you surrounded me, and I have been taken + prisoner—had there been a platoon on us, you mightn't have made out + quite so well. It's no great victory for three hundred warriors to + overcome a single man. I count Parson Amen as worse than nothing, for he + looked to neither rear nor flank. If I could have half an hour's work upon + you, with only half of our late company, I think we should lower your + conceit. But that is impossible, and so you may do just what you please + with me. I ask no favors.” + </p> + <p> + Although this answer was very imperfectly translated, it awakened a good + deal of admiration. A man who could look death so closely in the face, + with so much steadiness, became a sort of hero in Indian eyes; and with + the North American savage, fortitude is a virtue not inferior to courage. + Murmurs of approbation were heard, and Ungque was privately requested to + urge the captive further, in order to see how far present appearances were + likely to be maintained. + </p> + <p> + “Brother, I have said that we are Injins,” resumed The Weasel, with an air + so humble, and a voice so meek, that a stranger might have supposed he was + consoling, instead of endeavoring to intimidate, the prisoner. “It is + true. We are nothing but poor, ignorant Injins. We can only torment our + prisoners after Injin fashion. If we were pale-faces, we might do better. + We did not torment the medicine-priest. We were afraid he would laugh at + our mistakes. He knew a great deal. We know but little. We do as well as + we know how. + </p> + <p> + “Brother, when Injins do as well as they know how, a warrior should forget + their mistakes. We wish to torment you, in a way to prove that you are all + over man. We wish so to torment you that you will stand up under the pain + in such a way that it will make our young men think your mother was not a + squaw—that there is no woman in you. We do this for our own honor, + as well as for yours. It will be an honor to us to have such a captive; it + will be an honor to you to be such a captive. We shall do as well as we + know how. + </p> + <p> + “Brother, it is most time to begin. The tormenting will last a long time. + We must not let the medicine-priest get too great a start on the path to + the happy hunting-grounds of your—” + </p> + <p> + Here, a most unexpected interruption occurred, that effectually put a stop + to the eloquence of Ungque. In his desire to make an impression, the + savage approached within reach of the captive's arm, while his own mind + was intent on the words that he hoped would make the prisoner quail. The + corporal kept his eye on that of the speaker, charming him, as it were, + into a riveted gaze, in return. Watching his opportunity, he caught the + tomahawk from The Weasel's belt, and by a single blow, felled him dead at + his feet. Not content with this, the old soldier now bounded forward, + striking right and left, inflicting six or eight wounds on others, before + he could be again arrested, disarmed, and bound. While the last was doing, + Peter withdrew, unobserved. + </p> + <p> + Many were the “hughs” and other exclamations of admiration that succeeded + this display of desperate manhood! The body of The Weasel was removed, and + interred, while the wounded withdrew to attend to their hurts; leaving the + arena to the rest assembled there. As for the corporal, he was pretty well + blown, and, in addition to being now bound hand and foot, his recent + exertions, which were terrific while they lasted, effectually + incapacitated him from making any move, so long as he was thus exhausted + and confined. + </p> + <p> + A council was now held by the principal chiefs. Ungque had few friends. In + this, he shared the fate of most demagogues, who are commonly despised + even by those they lead and deceive. No one regretted him much, and some + were actually glad of his fate. But the dignity of the conquerors must be + vindicated. It would never do to allow a pale-face to obtain so great an + advantage, and not take a signal vengeance for his deeds. After a long + consultation, it was determined to subject the captive to the trial by + saplings, and thus see if he could bear the torture without complaining. + </p> + <p> + As some of our readers may not understand what this fell mode of + tormenting is, it may be necessary to explain. + </p> + <p> + There is scarcely a method of inflicting pain, that comes within, the + compass of their means, that the North American Indians have not essayed + on their enemies. When the infernal ingenuity that is exercised on these + occasions fails of its effect, the captives themselves have been heard to + suggest other means of torturing that THEY have known practised + successfully by their own people. There is often a strange strife between + the tormentors and the tormented; the one to manifest skill in inflicting + pain, and the other to manifest fortitude in enduring it. As has just been + said, quite as much renown is often acquired by the warrior, in setting + all the devices of his conquerors at defiance, while subject to their + hellish attempts, as in deeds of arms. It might be more true to say that + such WAS the practice among the Indians, than to say, at the present time, + that such IS; for it is certain that civilization in its approaches, while + it has in many particulars even degraded the red man, has had a silent + effect in changing and mitigating many of his fiercer customs—this, + perhaps, among the rest. It is probable that the more distant tribes still + resort to all these ancient usages; but it is both hoped and believed that + those nearer to the whites do not. + </p> + <p> + The “torture by saplings” is one of those modes of inflicting pain that + would naturally suggest themselves to savages. Young trees that do not + stand far apart are trimmed of their branches, and brought nearer to each + other by bending their bodies; the victim is then attached to both trunks, + sometimes by his extended arms, at others by his legs, or by whatever part + of the frame cruelty can suggest, when the saplings are released, and + permitted to resume their upright positions. Of course, the sufferer is + lifted from the earth, and hangs suspended by his limbs, with a strain on + them that soon produces the most intense anguish. The celebrated + punishment of the “knout” partakes a good deal of this same character of + suffering. Bough of the Oak now approached the corporal, to let him know + how high an honor was in reserve for him. + </p> + <p> + “Brother,” said this ambitious orator, “you are a brave warrior. You have + done well. Not only have you killed one of our chiefs, but you have + wounded several of our young men. No one but a brave could have done this. + You have forced us to bind you, lest you might kill some more. It is not + often that captives do this. Your courage has caused us to consult HOW we + might best torture you, in a way most to manifest your manhood. After + talking together, the chiefs have decided that a man of your firmness + ought to be hung between two young trees. We have found the trees, and + have cut off their branches. You can see them. If they were a little + larger their force would be greater, and they would give you more pain—would + be more worthy of you; but these are the largest saplings we could find. + Had there been any larger, we would have let you have them. We wish to do + you honor, for you are a bold warrior, and worthy to be well tormented. + </p> + <p> + “Brother, look at these saplings! They are tall and straight. When they + are bent by many hands, they will come together. Take away the hands, and + they will become straight again. Your arms must then keep them together. + We wish we had some pappooses here, that they might shoot arrows into your + flesh. That would help much to torment you. You cannot have this honor, + for we have no pappooses. We are afraid to let our young men shoot arrows + into your flesh. They are strong, and might kill you. We wish you to die + between the saplings, as is your right, being so great a brave. + </p> + <p> + “Brother, we think much better of you since you killed The Weasel, and + hurt our young men. If all your warriors at Chicago had been as bold as + you, Black-Bird would not have taken that fort. You would have saved many + scalps. This encourages us. It makes us think the Great Spirit means to + help us, and that we shall kill all the pale-faces. When we get further + into your settlements, we do not expect to meet many such braves as you. + They tell us we shall then find men who will run, and screech like women. + It will not be a pleasure to torment such men. We had rather torment a + bold warrior, like you, who makes us admire him for his manliness. We love + our squaws, but not in the warpath. They are best in the lodges; here we + want nothing but men. You are a man—a brave—we honor you. We + think, notwithstanding, we shall yet make you weak. It will not be easy, + yet we hope to do it. We shall try. We may not think quite so well of you, + if we do it; but we shall always call you a brave. A man is not a stone. + We can all feel, and when we have done all that is in our power, no one + can do more. It is so with Injins; we think it must be so with pale-faces. + We mean to try and see how it is.” + </p> + <p> + The corporal understood very little of this harangue, though he perfectly + comprehended the preparations of the saplings, and Bough of the Oak's + allusions to THEM. He was in a cold sweat at the thought, for resolute as + he was, he foresaw sufferings that human fortitude could hardly endure. In + this state of the case, and in the frame of mind he was in, he had + recourse to an expedient of which he had often heard, and which he thought + might now be practised to some advantage. It was to open upon the savages + with abuse, and to exasperate them, by taunts and sarcasm, to such a + degree as might induce some of the weaker members of the tribe to dispatch + him on the spot. As the corporal, with the perspective of the saplings + before his eyes, manifested a good deal of ingenuity on this occasion, we + shall record some of his efforts. + </p> + <p> + “D'ye call yourselves chiefs and warriors?” he began, upon a pretty high + key. “I call ye squaws! There is not a man among ye. Dogs would be the + best name. You are poor Injins. A long time ago, the pale-faces came here + in two or three little canoes. They were but a handful, and you were + plentier than prairie wolves. Your bark could be heard throughout the + land. Well, what did this handful of pale-faces? It drove your fathers + before them, until they got all the best of the hunting-grounds. Not an + Injin of you all, now, ever get down on the shores of the great salt lake, + unless to sell brooms and baskets, and then he goes sneaking like a wolf + after a sheep. You have forgotten how clams and oysters taste. Your + fathers had as many of them as they could eat; but not one of YOU ever + tasted them. The pale-faces eat them all. If an Injin asked for one, they + would throw the shell at his head, and call him a dog. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think that my chiefs would hang one of you between two such + miserable saplings as these? No! They would scorn to practice such pitiful + torture. They would bring the tops of two tall pines together, trees a + hundred and fifty feet high, and put their prisoner on the topmost boughs, + for the crows and ravens to pick his eyes out. But you are miserable + Injins! You know nothing. If you know'd any better, would you act such + poor torment ag'in' a great brave? I spit upon ye, and call you squaws. + The pale-faces have made women of ye. They have taken out your hearts, and + put pieces of dog's flesh in their places.” + </p> + <p> + Here the corporal, who delivered himself with an animation suited to his + language, was obliged to pause, literally for want of breath. Singular as + it may seem, this tirade excited great admiration among the savages. It is + true, that very few understood what was said; perhaps no one understood + ALL, but the manner was thought to be admirable. When some of the language + was interpreted, a deep but smothered resentment was felt; more especially + at the taunts touching the manner in which the whites had overcome the red + men. Truth is hard to be borne, and the individual, or people, who will + treat a thousand injurious lies with contempt, feel all their ire aroused + at one reproach that has its foundation in fact. Nevertheless, the anger + that the corporal's words did, in truth, awaken, was successfully + repressed, and he had the disappointment of seeing that his life was + spared for the torture. + </p> + <p> + “Brother,” said Bough of the Oak, again placing himself before the + captive, “you have a stout heart. It is made of stone, and not of flesh. + If our hearts be of dog's meat, yours is of stone. What you say is true. + The pale-faces DID come at first in two or three canoes, and there were + but few of them. We are ashamed, for it is true, A few pale-faces drove + toward the setting sun many Injins. But we cannot be driven any further. + We mean to stop here, and begin to take all the scalps we can. A great + chief, who belongs to no one tribe, but belongs to all tribes, who speaks + all tongues, has been sent by the Great Spirit to arouse us. He has done + it. You know him. He came from the head of the lake with you, and kept his + eye on your scalp. He has meant to take it from the first. He waited only + for an opportunity. That opportunity has come, and we now mean to do as he + has told us we ought to do. This is right. Squaws are in a hurry; warriors + know how to wait. We would kill you at once, and hang your scalp on our + pole, but it would not be right We wish to do what is right. If we ARE + poor Injins, and know but little, we know what is right. It is right to + torment so great a brave, and we mean to do it. It is only just to you to + do so. An old warrior who has seen so many enemies, and who has so big a + heart, ought not to be knocked in the head like a pappoose or a squaw. It + is his right to be tormented. We are getting ready, and shall soon begin. + If my brother can tell us a new way of tormenting, we are willing to try + it. Should we not make out as well as pale-faces, my brother will remember + who we are. We mean to do our best, and we hope to make his heart soft. If + we do this, great will be our honor. Should we not do it, we cannot help + it. We shall try.” + </p> + <p> + It was now the corporal's turn to put in a rebutter. + </p> + <p> + This he did without any failure in will or performance. By this time he + was so well warmed as to think or care very little about the saplings, and + to overlook the pain they might occasion. + </p> + <p> + “Dogs can do little but bark; 'specially Injin dogs,” he said. “Injins + themselves are little better than their own dogs. They can bark, but they + don't know how to bite. You have many great chiefs here. Some are + panthers, and some bears, and some buffaloes; but where are your weasels? + I have fit you now these twenty years, and never have I known ye to stand + up to the baggonet. It's not Injin natur' to do THAT.” + </p> + <p> + Here the corporal, without knowing it, made some such reproach to the + aboriginal warriors of America as the English used to throw into the teeth + of ourselves—that of not standing up to a weapon which neither party + possessed. It was matter of great triumph that the Americans would not + stand the charge of the bayonet at the renowned fight on Breed's, for + instance, when it is well known that not one man in five among the + colonists had any such weapon at all to “stand up” with. A different story + was told at Guildford, and Stony Point, and Eutaw, and Bennington, and + Bemis' Heights, and fifty other places that might be named, after the + troops were furnished with bayonets. THEN it was found that the Americans + could use them as well as others, and so might it have proved with the red + men, though their discipline, or mode of fighting, scarce admitted of such + systematic charges. All this, however, the corporal overlooked, much as if + he were a regular historian who was writing to make out a case. + </p> + <p> + “Harkee, brother, since you WILL call me brother; though, Heaven be + praised, not a drop of nigger or Injin blood runs in my veins,” resumed + the corporal. “Harkee, friend redskin, answer me one thing. Did you ever + hear of such a man as Mad Anthony? He was the tickler for your infernal + tribes! You pulled no saplings together for him. He put you up with 'the + long-knives and leather-stockings,' and you outrun his fleetest horses. I + was with him, and saw more naked backs than naked faces among your people, + that day. Your Great Bear got a rap on his nose that sent him to his + village yelping like a cur.” + </p> + <p> + Again was the corporal compelled to stop to take breath. The allusion to + Wayne, and his defeat of the Indians, excited so much ire, that several + hands grasped knives and tomahawks, and one arrow was actually drawn + nearly to the head; but the frown of Bear's Meat prevented any outbreak, + or actual violence. It wa's deemed prudent, however, to put an end to this + scene, lest the straightforward corporal, who laid it on heavily, and who + had so much to say about Indian defeats, might actually succeed in + touching some festering wound that would bring him to his death at once. + It was, accordingly, determined to proceed with the torture of the + saplings without further delay. + </p> + <p> + The corporal was removed accordingly, and placed between the two bended + trees, which were kept together by withes around their tops. An arm of the + captive was bound tightly at the wrist to the top of each tree, so that + his limbs were to act as the only tie between the saplings, as soon as the + withes should be cut. The Indians now worked in silence, and the matter + was getting to be much too serious for the corporal to indulge in any more + words. The cold sweat returned, and many an anxious glance was cast by the + veteran on the fell preparations. Still he maintained appearances, and + when all was ready, not a man there was aware of the agony of dread which + prevailed in the breast of the victim. It was not death that he feared as + much as suffering. A few minutes, the corporal well knew, would make the + pain intolerable, while he saw no hope of putting a speedy end to his + existence. A man might live hours in such a situation. Then it was that + the teachings of childhood were revived in the bosom of this hardened man, + and he remembered the Being that died for HIM, in common with the rest of + the human race, on the tree. The seeming similarity of his own execution + struck his imagination, and brought a tardy but faint recollection of + those lessons that had lost most of their efficacy in the wickedness and + impiety of camps. His soul struggled for relief in that direction, but the + present scene was too absorbing to admit of its lifting itself so far + above his humanity. + </p> + <p> + “Warrior of the pale-faces,” said Bough of the Oak, “we are going to cut + the withe. You will then be where a brave man will want all his courage. + If you are firm, we will do you honor; if you faint and screech, our young + men will laugh at you. This is the way with Injins. They honor braves; + they point the finger at cowards.” + </p> + <p> + Here a sign was made by Bear's Meat, and a warrior raised the tomahawk + that was to separate the fastenings, His hand was in the very act of + descending, when the crack of a rifle was heard, and a little smoke rose + out of the thicket, near the spot where the bee-hunter and the corporal, + himself, had remained so long hid, on the occasion of the council first + held in that place. The tomahawk fell, however, the withes were parted, + and up flew the saplings, with a violence that threatened to tear the arms + of the victim out of their sockets. + </p> + <p> + The Indians listened, expecting the screeches and groans;—they + gazed, hoping to witness the writhings of their captive. But they were + disappointed. There hung the body, its arms distended, still holding the + tops of the saplings bowed, but not a sign of life was seen. A small line + of blood trickled down the forehead, and above it was the nearly + imperceptible hole made by the passage of a bullet. The head itself had + fallen forward, and a little on one shoulder. The corporal had escaped the + torments reserved for him, by this friendly blow. + </p> + <p> + It was so much a matter of course for an Indian to revenge his own wounds—to + alleviate his smarts, by retaliating on those who inflicted them—that + the chiefs expressed neither surprise nor resentment at the manner of the + corporal's death. There was some disappointment, it is true; but no anger + was manifested, since it was supposed that some one of those whom the + prisoner had wounded had seen fit, in this mode, to revenge his own hurts. + In this, however, the Indians deceived themselves. The well-intentioned + and deadly shot that saved the corporal from hours of agony came from the + friendly hand of Pigeonswing, who had no sooner discharged his rifle than + he stole away through the thicket, and was never discovered. This he did, + too, at the expense of Ungque's scalp, on which he had set his heart. + </p> + <p> + As for the Indians, perceiving that their hopes of forcing a captive to + confess his weakness were frustrated, they conferred together on the + course of future proceedings. There was an inquiry for Peter, but Peter + was not to be found. Bough of the Oak suggested that the mysterious chief + must have gone to the palisaded hut, in order to get the remaining scalps, + his passion for this symbol of triumphs over pale-faces being well known. + It was, therefore, incumbent on the whole band to follow, with the double + view of sharing in the honor of the assault, and of rendering assistance. + </p> + <p> + Abandoning the body of the corporal where it hung, away went these + savages, by this time keenly alive to the scent of blood. Something like + order was observed, however, each chief leading his own particular part of + the band, in his own way, but on a designated route. Bear's Meat acted as + commander-in-chief, the subordinate leaders following his instructions + with reasonable obedience. Some went in one direction, others in another; + until the verdant bottom near the sweet spring was deserted. + </p> + <p> + In less than half an hour the whole band was collected around Castle Meal, + distant, however, beyond the range of a rifle. The different parties, as + they arrived, announced their presence by whoops, which were intended to + answer the double purpose of signals, and of striking terror to the hearts + of the besieged; the North American Indians making ample use of this great + auxiliary in war. + </p> + <p> + All this time no one was seen in or about the fortified hut The gate was + closed, as were the doors and windows, manifesting preparations for + defence; but the garrison kept close. Nor was Peter to be seen. He might + be a prisoner, or he might not have come in this direction. It was just + possible that he might be stealing up to the building, to get a nearer + view, and a closer scout. + </p> + <p> + Indian warfare is always stealthy. It is seldom, indeed, that the + aboriginal Americans venture on an open assault of any fortified place, + however small and feeble it may be. Ignorant of the use of artillery, and + totally without that all-important arm, their approaches to any cover, + whence a bullet may be sent against them, are ever wary, slow, and well + concerted. They have no idea of trenches—do not possess the means of + making them, indeed—but they have such substitutes of their own as + usually meet all their wants, more particularly in portions of the country + that are wooded. In cases like this before our present band, they had to + exercise their wits to invent new modes of effecting their purposes. + </p> + <p> + Bear's Meat collected his principal chiefs, and, after a considerable + amount of consultation, it was determined, in the present instance, to try + the virtue of fire. The only sign of life they could detect about the hut + was an occasional bark from Hive, who had been taken within the building, + most probably to protect him from the bullets and arrows of the enemy. + Even this animal did not howl like a dog in distress; but he barked, as if + aware of the vicinity of strangers. The keenest scrutiny could not detect + an outlet of any sort about the hut. Everything was tightly closed, and it + was impossible to say when, or whence, a bullet might not be sent against + the unwary. + </p> + <p> + The plan was soon formed, and was quite as rapidly executed. Bough of the + Oak, himself, supported by two or three other braves, undertook to set the + buildings on fire. This was done by approaching the kitchen, dodging from + tree to tree, making each movement with a rapidity that defeated aim, and + an irregularity that defied calculation. In this way the kitchen was + safely reached, where there was a log cover to conceal the party. Here + also was fire, the food for dinner being left, just as it had been put + over to boil, not long before. The Indians had prepared themselves with + arrows and light wood, and soon they commenced sending their flaming + missiles toward the roof of the hut. Arrow after arrow struck, and it was + not long before the roof was on fire. + </p> + <p> + A yell now arose throughout the Openings. Far and near the Indians exulted + at their success. The wood was dry, and it was of a very inflammable + nature. The wind blew, and in half an hour Castle Meal was in a bright + blaze. Hive now began to howl, a sign that he knew his peril. Still, no + human being appeared. Presently the flaming roof fell in and the savages + listened intently to hear the screeches of their victims. The howls of the + dog increased, and he was soon seen, with his hair burned from his skin, + leaping on the unroofed wall, and thence into the area within the + palisades. A bullet terminated his sufferings as he alighted. + </p> + <p> + Bear's Meat now gave the signal, and a general rush was made. No rifle + opposed them, and a hundred Indians were soon at the palisades. To the + surprise of all, the gate was found unfastened. Rushing within, the door + of the hut was forced, and a view obtained of the blazing furnace within. + The party had arrived in sufficient season to perceive fragments of le + Bourdon's rude furniture and stores yet blazing, but nowhere was a human + corpse visible. Poles were got, and the brands were removed, in the + expectation of finding bones beneath them; but without success. It was now + certain that no pale-face had perished in that hut. Then the truth flashed + on the minds of all the savages: le Bourdon and his friends had taken the + alarm in time, and had escaped! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Behold, O Lord! the heathen tread + The branches of thy fruitful vine, + That its luxurious tendrils spread + O'er all the hills of Palestine. + And now the wild boar comes to waste + Even us, the greenest boughs and last. + That, drinking of its choicest dew, + On Zion's hill in beauty grew. + —MILMAN. + + The change in Peter had been gradually making itself apparent, ever +since he joined the party of the bee-hunter. When he entered the +Kalamazoo, in the company of the two men who had now fallen the victims +of his own designs, his heart was full of the fell intention of cutting +off the whole white race. Margery had first induced him to think of +exceptions. He had early half-decided that she should be spared, to be +carried to his own lodge, as an adopted daughter. When he became aware +of the state of things between his favorite and her lover, there was a +severe struggle in his breast on the subject of sparing the last. He +saw how strongly the girl was attached to him, and something like human +sentiments forced their way among his savage plans. The mysterious +communication of le Bourdon with the bees, however, had far more +influence in determining him to spare so great a medicine-man, than +Margery's claims; and he had endeavored to avail himself of a marriage +as a means of saving the bride, instead of saving the bridegroom. +All the Indians entertained a species of awe for le Bourdon, and all +hesitated about laying hands on one who appeared so gifted. It was, +therefore, the expectation of this extraordinary being that the wife +might be permitted to escape with the husband. The effect of The +Weasel's cunning has been described. Such was the state of Peter's mind +when he met the band in the scenes last described. There he had been all +attention to the demeanor of the missionary. A hundred times had he seen +warriors die uttering maledictions on their enemies; but this was the +first occasion on which he had ever known a man to use his latest breath +in asking for blessings on those “who persecuted him.” At first, Peter +was astounded. Then the sublime principles had their effect, and his +heart was deeply touched with what he heard. How far the Holy Spirit +aided these better feelings, it might be presumptuous, on the one hand, +to say; while, on the other, it will be equally presuming to think of +denying the possibility—nay, the probability—that the great change +which so suddenly came over the heart of Peter was produced by more than +mere human agencies. We know that this blessed Spirit is often poured +out, in especial cases, with affluent benevolence, and there can be no +sufficient reason for supposing this savage might not have been thus +signally favored, as soon as the avenues of his heart opened to the +impulses of a generous humanity. The very qualities that would induce +such a being to attempt the wild and visionary scheme of vengeance and +retribution, that had now occupied his sleeping and waking thoughts for +years, might, under a better direction, render him eminently fit to be +the subject of divine grace. A latent sense of right lay behind all his +seeming barbarity, and that which to us appears as a fell ferocity, was, +in his own eyes, no less than a severe justice. +</pre> + <p> + The words, the principles, the prayers, and, more than all, the EXAMPLE of + the missionary, wrought this great change, so far as human agencies were + employed; but the power of God was necessary to carry out and complete + this renewal of the inner man. We do not mean that a miracle was used in + the sudden conversion of this Indian to better feelings, for that which is + of hourly occurrence, and which may happen to all, comes within the + ordinary workings of a Divine Providence, and cannot thus be designated + with propriety; but we do wish to be understood as saying, that no purely + human power could have cleared the moral vision, changed all the views, + and softened the heart of such a man, as was so promptly done in the case + of Peter. The way had been gradually preparing, perhaps, by the means + already described, but the great transformation came so suddenly and so + powerfully as to render him a different being, as it might almost be, in + the twinkling of an eye! Such changes often occur, and though it may suit + the self-sufficiency of the worldling to deride them, he is the wisest who + submits in the meekest spirit to powers that exceed his comprehension. + </p> + <p> + In this state of mind, then, Peter left the band as soon as the fate of + the missionary was decided. His immediate object was to save the whites + who remained, Gershom and Dorothy now having a place in his good + intentions, as well as le Bourdon and Margery. Although he moved swiftly, + and nearly by an air-line, his thoughts scarce kept company with his feet. + During that rapid walk, he was haunted with the image of a man, dying + while he pronounced benedictions on his enemies! + </p> + <p> + There was little in common between the natural objects of that placid and + rural scene and the fell passions that were so actively at work among the + savages. The whole of the landscape was bathed in the light of a clear, + warm summer's day. These are the times when the earth truly seems a + sanctuary, in spots remote from the haunts of men, and least exposed to + his abuses. The bees hum around the flowers, the birds carol on the boughs + and from amid their leafy arbors, while even the leaping and shining + waters appear to be instinct with the life that extols the glory of God. + </p> + <p> + As for the family near the palisaded hut, happiness had not, for many a + month, been so seated among them, as on this very occasion. Dorothy + sympathized truly in the feelings of the youthful and charming bride, + while Gershom had many of the kind and affectionate wishes of a brother in + her behalf. The last was in his best attire, as indeed were the females, + who were neatly though modestly clad, and Gershom had that air of decent + repose and of quiet enjoyment, which is so common of a Sabbath with the + men of his class, among the people from whom he sprung. The fears lately + excited were momentarily forgotten. Everything around them wore an air so + placid; the vault above them was so profoundly tranquil; the light of day + was so soft and yet so bright; the Openings seemed so rural and so much + like pictures of civilization, that apprehension had been entirely + forgotten in present enjoyment. Such was the moment when Peter suddenly + stood before le Bourdon and Margery, as the young couple sat beneath the + shade of the oaks, near the spring. One instant the Indian regarded this + picture of young wedded life with a gleam of pleasure on his dark face; + then he announced his presence by speaking. + </p> + <p> + “Can't sit here lookin' at young squaw,” said this literal being. “Get up, + and put thing in canoe. Time come to go on path dat lead to pale-face + country.” + </p> + <p> + “What has happened, Peter?” demanded the bee-hunter, springing to his + feet. “You come like a runner rushing in with his bad tidings. Has + anything happened to give an alarm?” + </p> + <p> + “Up, and off, tell you. No use talkin' now. Put all he can in canoe, and + paddle away fast as can.” There was no mistaking Peter's manner. The + bee-hunter saw the uselessness of questioning such a man, at a time like + that, and he called to Gershom to join him. + </p> + <p> + “Here is the chief, to warn us to move,” said the bee-hunter, endeavoring + to appear calm, in order that he might not needlessly alarm the females, + “and what he advises, we had better do. I know there is danger, by what + has fallen from Pigeonswing as well as from himself; so let us lose no + time, but stow the canoes, and do as he tells us.” + </p> + <p> + As Gershom assented, it was not two minutes ere all were at work. For + several days, each canoe had been furnished with provisions for a hasty + flight. It remained only to add such of the effects as were too valuable + and necessary to be abandoned, and which had not been previously exposed + without the palisades. For half an hour le Bourdon and Gershom worked as + for life. No questions were asked, nor was a single moment lost, in a + desire to learn more. The manner in which Peter bore himself satisfied + Boden that the emergency was pressing, and it is seldom that more was done + by so few hands in so short a period. Fortunately, the previous + preparation greatly aided the present object, and nearly everything of any + value was placed in the canoes within the brief space mentioned. It then + became necessary to decide concerning the condition in which Castle Meal + was to be left. Peter advised closing every aperture, shutting the gate, + and leaving the dog within. There is no doubt that these expedients + prevented the parties falling early into the hands of their enemies; for + the time lost by the savages in making their approaches to the hut was + very precious to the fugitives. + </p> + <p> + Just as the canoes were loaded, Pigeonswing came in. He announced that the + whole band was in motion, and might be expected to reach the grove in ten + minutes. Placing an arm around the slender waist of Margery, le Bourdon + almost carried her to his own canoe, Gershom soon had Dorothy in his + little bark, while Peter entered that to the ownership of which he may be + said to have justly succeeded by the deaths of the corporal and the + missionary. Pigeonswing remained behind, in order to act as a scout, + having first communicated to Peter the course the last ought to steer. + Before the Chippewa plunged into the cover in which it was his intention + to conceal himself, he made a sign that the band was already in sight. + </p> + <p> + The heart of le Bourdon sunk within him, when he learned how near were the + enemy. To him, escape seemed impossible; and he now regretted having + abandoned the defences of his late residence. The river was sluggish for + more than a mile at that spot, and then occurred a rift, which could not + be passed without partly unloading the canoes, and where there must + necessarily be a detention of more than an hour. Thus, it was scarcely + possible for canoes descending that stream to escape from so large a band + of pursuers. The sinuosities, themselves, would enable the last to gain + fifty points ahead of them, where ambushes, or even open resistance, must + place them altogether at the mercy of the savages. + </p> + <p> + Peter knew all this, as well as the bee-hunter, and he had no intention of + trusting his new friends in a flight down the river. Pigeonswing, with the + sententious brevity of an Indian, had made an important communication to + him, while they were moving, for the last time, toward the canoes, and he + now determined to profit by it. Taking the lead, therefore, with his own + canoe, Peter paddled UP, instead of DOWN the stream, going in a direction + opposite to that which it would naturally be supposed the fugitives had + taken. In doing this, also, he kept close under the bank which would most + conceal the canoes from those who approached it on its southern side. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that the trees for the palisades had been cut from a + swamp, a short distance above the bee-hunter's residence. They had grown + on the margin of the river, which had been found serviceable in floating + the logs to their point of destination. The tops of many of these trees, + resinuous, and suited by their nature to preserve their leaves for a + considerable time, lay partly in the stream and partly on its banks; and + Pigeonswing, foreseeing the necessity of having a place of refuge, had + made so artful a disposition of several of them, that, while they + preserved all the appearance of still lying where they had fallen, it was + possible to haul canoes up beneath them, between the branches and the + bank, in a way to form a place of perfect concealment. No Indian would + have trusted to such a hiding-place, had it not been matter of notoriety + that the trees had been felled for a particular purpose, or had their + accidental disposition along the bank been discernibly deranged. But such + was not the case, the hand of Pigeonswing having been so skilfully + employed that what he had done could not be detected. He might be said to + have assisted nature, instead of disturbing her. + </p> + <p> + The canoes were actually paddling close under the bank, in the Castle Meal + reach of the river, when the band arrived at the grove, and commenced what + might be called the investment of the place. Had not all the attention of + the savages been drawn toward the hut, it is probable that some wandering + eye might have caught a glimpse of some one of them, as inequalities in + the bank momentarily exposed each, in succession, to view. This danger, + however, passed away, and by turning a point, the fugitives were + effectually concealed from all who did not actually approach the river at + that particular point. Here it was, however, that the swamp commenced, and + the ground being wet and difficult, no one would be likely to do this. The + stream flowed through this swamp, having a dense wood on each side, though + one of no great extent. The reach, moreover, was short, making a + completely sheltered haven of the Kalamazoo, within its limits. + </p> + <p> + Once in this wooded reach, Peter tossed an arm, and assumed an air of + greater security. He felt infinitely relieved, and knew that they were + safe, for a time, unless some wanderer should have taken to the swamp—a + most improbable thing of itself. When high enough, he led the way across + the stream, and entering below, he soon had all the canoes in their place + of concealment. + </p> + <p> + “Dis good place,” observed the great chief, as soon as all were fast; + “bess take care, dough. Bess not make track too much on land; Injin got + sharp eye, and see ebbery t'ing. Now, I go and talk wid chief. Come back + by-'em-by. You stay here. Good-bye.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop, Peter—one word before we part. If you see Parson Amen, or the + corporal, it might be well to tell THEM where we are to be found. They + would be glad to know.” + </p> + <p> + Peter looked grave; even sad. He did not answer for fully a minute. When + he did, it was in a low, suppressed voice, such as one is apt to use when + there is a weight felt on his mind. + </p> + <p> + “Nebber know any t'ing ag'in,” returned the chief. “Both dem pale-face + dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Dead!” echoed all within hearing. + </p> + <p> + “Juss so; Injin kill him. Mean to kill you, too—dat why I run away. + Saw medicine-priest die. What you t'ink, Blossom?—What you t'ink, + Bourdon?—Dat man die asking Great Spirit to do good to Injin!” + </p> + <p> + “I can believe it, Peter, for he was a good man, and such are our + Christian laws, though few of us obey them. I can easily believe that + Parson Amen was an exception, however.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Peter, such are our Christian laws,” put in Margery, earnestly. + “When Christ, the Son of God, came on earth to redeem lost men, he + commanded his followers to do good to them that did evil to us, and to + pray for them that tried to harm us. We have his very words, written in + our bibles.” + </p> + <p> + “You got him?” said Peter, with interest. “See you read him, of'en. Got + dat book here?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I have—it is the last thing I should have forgotten. + Dolly has one, and I have another; we read in them every day, and we hope + that, before long, brother and Bourdon will read in them, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I'm no great scholar, Margery,” returned her husband, scratching his + full, curling head of hair, out of pure awkwardness; “to please YOU, + however, I'd undertake even a harder job. It was so with the bees, when I + began; I thought I should never succeed in lining the first bee to his + hive; but, since that time, I think I've lined a thousand!” + </p> + <p> + “It's easy, it's easy, dear Benjamin, if you will only make a beginning,” + returned the much interested young wife. “When we get to a place of + safety, if it be God's will that we ever shall, I hope to have you join me + in reading the good book, daily. See, Peter, I keep it in this little bag, + where it is safe, and always at hand.” + </p> + <p> + “You read dem word for me, Blossom: I want to hear him, out of dis book, + himself.” + </p> + <p> + Margery did as he desired. She was very familiar with the New Testament, + and, turning to the well-known and God-like passage, she read several + verses, in a steady, earnest voice. Perhaps the danger they were in, and + the recent communication of the death of their late companions, increased + her earnestness and solemnity of manner, for the effect produced on Peter + was scarcely less than that he had felt when he witnessed a practical + obedience to these sublime principles, in the death of the missionary. + Tears actually started to this stern savage's eyes, and he looked back on + his late projects and endeavors to immolate a whole race with a shudder. + Taking Margery's hand, he courteously thanked her, and prepared to quit + the place. Previously to leaving his friends, however, Peter gave a brief + account of the manner of the missionary's death, and of the state in which + he had left the corporal. Pigeonswing had told him of the fate of the + last, as well as of the eagerness with which the band had set out in quest + of more white scalps. + </p> + <p> + “Peter, we can count on you for a friend, I hope?” said the bee-hunter, as + the two were about to part, on the bank of the river. “I fear you were, + once, our enemy!” + </p> + <p> + “Bourdon,” said Peter, with dignity, and speaking in the language of his + own people, “listen. There are Good Spirits, and there are Bad Spirits. + Our traditions tell us this. Our own minds tell us this, too. For twenty + winters a Bad Spirit has been whispering in my ear. I listened to him; and + did what he told me to do. I believed what he said. His words were—'Kill + your enemies—scalp all the pale-faces—do not leave a squaw, or + a pappoose. Make all their hearts heavy. This is what an Injin should do.' + So has the Bad Spirit been whispering to me, for twenty winters. I + listened to him. What he said, I did. It was pleasant to me to take the + scalps of the pale-faces. It was pleasant to think that no more scalps + would be left among them, to take. I was Scalping Peter. + </p> + <p> + “Bourdon, the Good Spirit has, at last, made himself heard. His whisper is + so low, that at first my ears did not hear him. They hear him now. When he + spoke loudest, it was with the tongue of the medicine-priest of your + people. He was about to die. When we are about to die, our voices become + strong and clear. So do our eyes. We see what is before, and we see what + is behind. We feel joy for what is before—we feel sorrow for what is + behind. Your medicine-priest spoke well. It sounded in my ears as if the + Great Spirit, himself, was talking. They say it was his Son. I believe + them. Blossom has read to me out of the good book of your people, and I + find it is so. I feel like a child, and could sit down, in my wigwam, and + weep. + </p> + <p> + “Bourdon, you are a pale-face, and I am an Injin. You are strong, and I am + weak. This is because the Son of the Great Spirit has talked with your + people, and has not talked with mine. I now see why the pale-faces overrun + the earth and take the hunting-grounds. They know most, and have been told + to come here, and to tell what they know to the poor ignorant Injins. I + hope my people will listen. What the Son of the Great Spirit says must be + true. He does not know how to do wrong. + </p> + <p> + “Bourdon, once it seemed sweet to me to take the scalps of my enemies. + When an Injin did me harm, I took his scalp. This was my way. I could not + help it, then. The Wicked Spirit told me to do this. The Son of the + Manitou has now told me better. I have lived under a cloud. The breath of + the dying medicine-priest of your people has blown away that cloud. I see + clearer. I hear him telling the Manitou to do me good, though I wanted his + scalp. He was answered in my heart. Then my ears opened wider, and I heard + what the Good Spirit whispered. The ear in which the Bad Spirit had been + talking for twenty winters shut, and was deaf. I hear him no more. I do + not want to hear him again. The whisper of the Son of the Manitou is very + pleasant to me. It sounds like the wren singing his sweetest song. I hope + he will always whisper so. My ear shall never again be shut to his words. + </p> + <p> + “Bourdon, it is pleasant to me to look forward. It is not pleasant to me + to look back. I see how many things I have done in one way, that ought to + have been done in another way. I feel sorry, and wish it had not been so. + Then I hear the Son of the Manitou asking His Father, who liveth above the + clouds, to do good to the Jews who took his life. I do not think Injins + are Jews. In this, my brother was wrong. It was his own notion, and it is + easy for a man to think wrong. It is not so with the Son of the Manitou. + He thinketh always as His Father thinketh, which is right. + </p> + <p> + “Bourdon, I am no longer Peter—I must be another Injin. I do not + feel the same. A scalp is a terrible thing in my eyes—I wish never + to take another—never to see another—a scalp is a bad thing. I + now LOVE the Yankees. I wish to do them good, and not to do them harm. I + love most the Great Spirit, that let his own Son die for all men. The + medicine-priest said he died for Injins, as well as for pale-faces. This + we did not know, or we should have talked of him more in our traditions. + We love to talk of good acts. But we are such ignorant Injins! The Son of + the Manitou will have pity on us, and tell us oftener what we ought to do. + In time, we shall learn. Now, I feel like a child: I hope I shall one day + be a man.” + </p> + <p> + Having made this “confession of faith,” one that would have done credit to + a Christian church, Peter shook the bee-hunter kindly by the hand, and + took his departure. He did not walk into the swamp, though it was + practicable with sufficient care, but he stepped into the river, and + followed its margin, knowing that “water leaves no trail.” Nor did Peter + follow the direct route toward the now blazing hut, the smoke from which + was rising high above the trees, but he ascended the stream, until + reaching a favorable spot, he threw aside all of his light dress, made it + into a bundle, and swam across the Kalamazoo, holding his clothes above + the element with one hand. On reaching the opposite shore, he moved on to + the upper margin of the swamp, where he resumed his clothes. Then he + issued into the Openings, carrying neither rifle, bow, tomahawk, nor + knife. All his weapons he had left in his canoe, fearful that they might + tempt him to do evil, instead of good, to his enemies. Neither Bear's + Meat, nor Bough of the Oak, was yet regarded by Peter with the eye of + love. He tried not to hate them, and this he found sufficiently difficult; + conscious of this difficulty, he had laid aside his arms, accordingly. + This mighty change had been gradually in progress, ever since the chief's + close communication with Margery, but it had received its consummation in + the last acts, and last words, of the missionary! + </p> + <p> + Having got out into the Openings, it was not difficult for Peter to join + his late companions without attracting observation from whence he came. He + kept as much under cover as was convenient, and reached the kitchen, just + as the band broke into the defences, and burst open the door of the + blazing and already roofless hut. Here Peter paused, unwilling to seem + inactive in such a scene, yet averse to doing anything that a sensitively + tender conscience might tell him was wrong. He knew there was no human + being there to save, and cared little for the few effects that might be + destroyed. He did not join the crowd, therefore, until it was ascertained + that the bee-hunter and his companions had escaped. + </p> + <p> + “The pale-faces have fled,” said Bear's Meat to the great chief, when the + last did approach him. “We have looked for their bones among the ashes, + but there are none. That medicine-bee-hunter has told them that their + scalps were wanted, and they have gone off!” + </p> + <p> + “Have any of the young men been down to the river, to look for their + canoes?” quietly demanded Peter. “If the canoes are gone, too, they have + taken the route toward the Great Lake.” + </p> + <p> + This was so obvious and probable, that a search was immediately set on + foot. The report was soon made, and great was the eagerness to pursue. The + Kalamazoo was so crooked, that no one there doubted of overtaking the + fugitives, and parties were immediately organized for the chase. This was + done with the customary intelligence and shrewdness of Indians. The canoes + that belonged to Crowsfeather and his band had been brought up the river, + and they lay concealed in rushes, not a mile from the hut. A party of + warriors brought them to the landing, and they carried one division of the + party to the opposite shore, it being the plan to follow each bank of the + river, keeping close to the stream, even to its mouth, should it prove + necessary. Two other parties were sent in direct lines, one on each side + of the river, also, to lay in ambush at such distant points, ahead, as + would be almost certain to anticipate the arrival of the fugitives. The + canoes were sent down the stream, to close the net against return, while + Bear's Meat, Bough of the Oak, Crowsfeather, and several others of the + leading chiefs, remained near the still burning hut, with a strong party, + to examine the surrounding Openings for foot-prints and trails. It was + possible that the canoes had been sent adrift, in order to mislead them, + while the pale-faces had fled by land. + </p> + <p> + It has been stated that the Openings had a beautiful sward, near Castle + Meal, This was true of that particular spot, and was the reason why le + Bourdon had selected it for his principal place of residence. The + abundance of flowers drew the bees there, a reason of itself why he should + like the vicinity. Lest the reader should be misled, however, it may be + well to explain that an absence of sward is characteristic of these + Openings, rather than the reverse, it being, to a certain degree, a cause + of complaint, now that the country is settled, that the lands of the Oak + Openings are apt to be so light that the grasses do not readily form as + firm a turf as is desirable for meadows and pastures. We apprehend this is + true, however, less as a rule than as exceptions; there being variety in + the soils of these Openings, as well as in other quarters. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the savages were aware that the country around the burned + hut, for a considerable extent, differed, in this particular, from most of + that which lay farther east, or more inland. On the last a trail would be + much more easily detected than on the first, and a party, under the + direction of a particularly experienced leader, was dispatched several + miles to the eastward, to look for the usual signs of the passage of any + toward Detroit, taking that route. This last expedient troubled Peter + exceedingly, since it placed a body of enemies in the rear of the + fugitives; thereby rendering their position doubly perilous. There was no + help for the difficulty, however; and the great chief saw the party depart + without venturing on remonstrance, advice, or any other expedient to + arrest the movement. Bear's Meat now called the head chiefs, who remained, + into a circle, and asked for opinions concerning the course that ought + next to be taken. + </p> + <p> + “What does my brother, the tribeless chief, say?” he asked, looking at + Peter, in a way to denote the expectation which all felt, that he ought to + be able to give useful counsel in such a strait. “We have got but two + scalps from six heads; and one of THEM is buried with the + medicine-priest.” + </p> + <p> + “Scalps cannot be taken from them that get off,” returned Peter, + evasively. “We must first catch these pale-faces. When they are found it + will be easy to scalp them. If the canoes are gone, I think the + medicine-bee-hunter and his squaws have gone in them. We may find the + whole down the river.” + </p> + <p> + To this opinion most of the chiefs assented, though the course of + examining for a trail farther east was still approved. The band was so + strong, while the pale-faces were so few, that a distribution of their own + force was of no consequence, and it was clearly the most prudent to send + out young men in all directions. Every one, however, expected that the + fugitives would be overtaken on, or near, the river, and Bear's Meat + suggested the propriety of their moving down stream, themselves, very + shortly. + </p> + <p> + “When did my brother last see the pale-faces?” asked Crowsfeather. “This + bee-hunter knows the river well, and may have started yesterday; or even + after he came from the Great Council of the Prairie.” + </p> + <p> + This was a new idea, but one that seemed probable enough. All eyes turned + toward Peter, who saw, at once, that such a notion must greatly favor the + security of the fugitives, and felt a strong desire to encourage it. He + found evasion difficult, however, and well knew the danger of committing + himself. Instead of giving a straightforward answer, therefore, he had + recourse to circumlocution and subterfuge. + </p> + <p> + “My brother is right,” he answered. “The pale-faces HAVE had time to get + far down the stream. As my brothers know, I slept among them at the Round + Prairie. To-day, they know I was with them at the council of the spring of + gushing waters.” + </p> + <p> + All this was true, as far as it went, although the omissions were very + material. No one seemed to suspect the great chief, whose fidelity to his + own principles was believed to be of a character amounting to enthusiasm. + Little did any there know of the power of the unseen Spirit of God to + alter the heart, producing what religionists term the new birth. We do not + wish, however, to be understood that Peter had, as yet, fully experienced + this vast change. It is not often the work of a moment, though + well-authenticated modern instances do exist, in which we have every + reason to believe that men have been made to see and feel the truth almost + as miraculously as was St. Paul himself. As for this extraordinary savage, + he had entered into the strait and narrow way, though he was not far + advanced on its difficult path. + </p> + <p> + When men tell us of the great progress that the race is making toward + perfection, and point to the acts which denote its wisdom, its power to + control its own affairs, its tendencies toward good when most left to its + own self-control, our minds are filled with scepticism. The every-day + experience of a life now fast verging toward threescore, contradicts the + theory and the facts. We believe not in the possibility of man's becoming + even a strictly rational being, unaided by a power from on high; and all + that we have seen and read goes to convince us that HE is most of a + philosopher, the most accurate judge of his real state, the most truly + learned, who most vividly sees the necessity of falling back on the + precepts of revelation for all his higher principles and practice. We + conceive that this mighty truth furnishes unanswerable proof of the + unceasing agency of a Providence, and when we once admit this, we concede + that our own powers are insufficient for our own wants. + </p> + <p> + That the world, as a whole, is advancing toward a better state of things, + we as firmly believe as we do that it is by ways that have not been + foreseen by man; and that, whenever the last has been made the agent of + producing portions of this improvement, it has oftener been without + design, or calculation, than with it. Who, for instance, supposes that the + institutions of this country, of which we boast so much, could have stood + as long as they have, without the conservative principles that are to be + found in the Union; and who is there so vain as to ascribe the + overshadowing influence of this last great power to any wisdom in man? We + all know that perfectly fortuitous circumstances, or what appear to us to + be such, produced the Federal Government, and that its strongest and least + exceptionable features are precisely those which could not be withstood, + much less invented, as parts of the theory of a polity. + </p> + <p> + A great and spasmodic political movement is, at this moment, convulsing + Christendom. That good will come of it, we think is beyond a question; but + we greatly doubt whether it will come in the particular form, or by the + specified agencies, that human calculations would lead us to expect. It + must be admitted that the previous preparations, which have induced the + present effort, are rather in opposition to, than the consequences of, + calculated agencies; overturning in their progress the very safeguards + which the sagacity of men had interposed to the advance of those very + opinions that have been silently, and by means that would perhaps baffle + inquiry, preparing the way for the results that have been so suddenly and + unexpectedly obtained. If the course is onward, it is more as the will of + God, than from any calculations of man; and it is when the last are the + most active, that there is the greatest reason to apprehend the + consequences. + </p> + <p> + Of such a dispensation of the Providence of Almighty God, do we believe + Peter to have been the subject. Among the thousand ways that are employed + to touch the heart, he had been most affected by the sight of a dying + man's asking benedictions on his enemies! It was assailing his besetting + sin; attacking the very citadel of his savage character, and throwing + open, at once, an approach into the deepest recesses of his habits and + dispositions. It was like placing a master-key in the hands of him who + would go through the whole tenement, for the purpose of purifying it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Thou to whom every faun and satyr flies + For willing service; whether to surprise + The squatted hare, while in half sleeping fits, + Or upward ragged precipices flit + To save poor lambkins from the eagle's maw; + Or by mysterious enticement draw + Bewildered shepherds to their path again;— + —KEATS. +</pre> + <p> + It can easily be understood that the party with the canoes were left by + Peter in a state of great anxiety. The distance between the site of the + hut and their place of concealment was but little more than a quarter of a + mile, and the yell of the savages had often reached their ears, + notwithstanding the cover of the woods. This proximity, of itself, was + fearful; but the uncertainty that le Bourdon felt on the subject of + Peter's real intentions added greatly to his causes of concern. Of course, + he knew but little of the sudden change that had come over this mysterious + chief's feelings; nor is it very likely that he would have been able to + appreciate it, even had the fact been more fully stated. Our hero had very + little acquaintance with the dogmas of Christianity, and would have, most + probably, deemed it impossible that so great a revolution of purpose could + have been so suddenly wrought in the mind of man, had the true state of + the case been communicated to him. He would have been ready enough to + allow that, with God, nothing is impossible; but might have been disposed + to deny the influence of His Holy Spirit, as exhibited in this particular + form, for a reason no better than the circumstance that he himself had + never been the subject of such a power. All that Peter had said, + therefore, served rather to mystify him, than to explain, in its true + colors, what had actually occurred. With Margery it was different. Her + schooling had been far better than that of any other of the party, and, + while she admired the manly appearance, and loved the free, generous + character of her husband, she had more than once felt pained at the + passing thoughts of his great indifference to sacred things. This feeling + in le Bourdon, however, was passive rather than active, and gave her a + kind interest in his future welfare, rather than any present pain through + acts and words. + </p> + <p> + But, as respects their confidence in Peter, this young couple were much + farther apart than in their religious notions. The bee-hunter had never + been without distrust, though his apprehensions had been occasionally so + far quieted as to leave him nearly free of them altogether; while his wife + had felt the utmost confidence in the chief, from the very commencement of + their acquaintance. It would be useless, perhaps, to attempt to speculate + on the causes; but it is certain that there are secret sources of sympathy + that draw particular individuals toward each other and antipathies that + keep them widely separated. Men shall meet for the first time, and feel + themselves attracted toward each other, like two drops of water, or + repelled, like the corks of an electric machine. + </p> + <p> + The former had been the case with Peter and Margery. They liked each other + from the first, and kind orifices had soon come to increase this feeling. + The girl had now seen so much of the Indians, as to regard them much as + she did others, or with the discriminations, and tastes, or distastes, + with which we all regard our fellow-creatures; feeling no particular cause + of estrangement. It is true that Margery would not have been very likely + to fall in love with a young Indian, had one come in her way of a suitable + age and character; for her American notions on the subject of color might + have interposed difficulties; but, apart from the tender sentiments, she + could see good and bad qualities in one of the aborigines, as well as in a + white man. As a consequence of this sympathy between Peter and Margery, + the last had ever felt the utmost confidence in the protection and + friendship of the first. This she did, even while the struggle was going + on in his breast on the subject of including her in his fell designs, or + of making an exception in her favor. It shows the waywardness of our + feelings that Margery had never reposed confidence in Pigeonswing, who was + devotedly the friend of le Bourdon, and who remained with them for no + other reason than a general wish to be of use. Something BRUSQUE in his + manner, which was much less courteous and polished than that of Peter, had + early rendered her dissatisfied with him, and once estranged, she had + never felt disposed to be on terms of intimacy sufficient to ascertain his + good or bad qualities. + </p> + <p> + The great change of feeling in Peter was not very clearly understood by + Margery, any more than it was by her husband; though, had her attention + been drawn more strictly to it, she would have best known how to + appreciate it. But this knowledge was not wanting to put HER perfectly at + peace, so far as apprehension of his doing her harm was concerned. This + sense of security she now manifested in a conversation with le Bourdon, + that took place soon after Peter had left them. + </p> + <p> + “I wish we weren't in the hands of this red-skin, Margery,” said her + husband, a little more off his guard than was his wont. + </p> + <p> + “Of Peter! You surprise me, Benjamin. I think we could not be in better + hands, since we have got this risk to run with the savages. If it was + Pigeonswing that you feared, I could understand it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will answer for Pigeonswing with my life.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear you say so, for <i>I</i> do not half like HIM. Perhaps + I am prejudiced against him. The scalp he took down at the mouth of the + river set me against him from the first.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you not know, Margery, that your great friend goes by the name of + 'Scalping Peter'?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know it very well; but I do not believe he ever took a scalp in + his life.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he ever tell you as much as that?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't say that he did; but he has never paraded anything of the sort + before my eyes, like Pigeonswing. I do not half like that Chippewa, dear + Bourdon.” + </p> + <p> + “No fear of him, Margery; nor, when I come to think it all over, do I see + why Peter should have brought us here, if he means anything wrong. The man + is so mysterious, that I cannot line him down to his hole.” + </p> + <p> + “My word for it, Bourdon, that when you DO, it will take you to a friendly + hive. I have put almost as much faith in Peter as in you or Gershom. You + heard what he said about Parson Amen and the corporal.” + </p> + <p> + “And how coolly he took it all,” answered her husband, shaking his head. + “It has been a sudden departure for them, and one would think even an + Injin might have felt it more.” + </p> + <p> + Margery's cheek grew pale, and her limbs trembled a little. It was a + minute ere she could pursue the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “This is terrible, but I will not, cannot believe it,” she said. “I'm + sure, Bourdon, we ought to be very thankful to Peter for having brought us + here. Remember how earnestly he listened to the words of the Saviour.” + </p> + <p> + “If he has brought us here with a good intention, I thank him for it. But + I scarce know what to think. Pigeonswing has given me many a hint, which I + have understood to mean that we ought not to trust this unknown Injin too + much.” + </p> + <p> + “So has he given me some of his hints, though I would sooner trust Peter + than trust him, any time.” + </p> + <p> + “Our lives are in the care of Providence, I see. If we can really rely on + these two Injins, all may be well; for Peter has brought us to an + admirable cover, and he says that the Chippewa prepared it.” + </p> + <p> + The young husband and his wife now landed, and began to examine more + particularly into the state of the swamp, near their place of concealment. + Just at that spot, the bank of the river was higher than in most of the + low land, and was dry, with a soil that approached sand. This was the + place where the few young pines had grown. The dry ground might have + covered four or five acres, and so many trees having been felled, light + and air were admitted, in a way to render the place comparatively + cheerful. The branches of the felled trees made a sufficient cover in all + directions, though the swamp itself was more than that, almost a defence, + toward the Openings. The bee-hunter found it was possible, though it was + exceedingly difficult, to make his way through it. He ascertained the + fact, however, since it might be important to their future movements to + know it. + </p> + <p> + In a word, le Bourdon made a complete RECONNAISSANCE of his position. He + cleared a spot for the females, and made a sort of hut, that would serve + as a protection against rain, and in which they all might sleep at night. + There was little doubt that this place must be occupied for some days, if + Peter was acting in good faith, since an early movement would infallibly + lead to detection. Time must be given to the Indians to precede them, or + the great numbers of the savages would scarce leave a hope of escape. A + greater sense of security succeeded this examination, and these + arrangements. The danger was almost entirely to be apprehended on the side + of the river. A canoe passing up-stream might, indeed, discover their + place of concealment, but it was scarcely to be apprehended that one would + wade through the mud and water of the swamp to approach them in any other + direction. + </p> + <p> + Under these circumstances, le Bourdon began to feel more security in their + position. Could he now be certain of Peter, his mind would be + comparatively at ease, and he might turn his attention altogether to + making the party comfortable. Margery, who seldom quitted his side, + reasoned with him on the subject of the mysterious chief's good faith, and + by means of her own deep reliance on him, she came at last to the point of + instilling some of her own confidence into the mind of her husband. From + that time he worked at the shelter for the females, and the other little + arrangements their situation rendered necessary, with greater zest, and + with far more attention to the details. So long as we are in doubt of + accomplishing good, we hesitate about employing our energies; but once let + hope revive within us, in the shape of favorable results, and we become + new men, bracing every nerve to the task, and working with redoubled + spirit; even should it be at the pump of the sinking ship, which, we + believe, ranks the highest among the toils that are inflicted on the + unfortunate. + </p> + <p> + For three days and nights did le Bourdon and his friends remain on that + dry land of the swamp, without hearing or seeing anything of either Peter + or Pigeonswing. The time was growing long, and the party anxious; though + the sense of security was much increased by this apparent exemption from + danger. Still, uncertainty, and the wish to ascertain the precise state of + things in the Openings, were gradually getting to be painful, and it was + with great satisfaction that the bee-hunter met his young wife as she came + running toward him, on the morning of the fourth day, to announce that an + Indian was approaching, by wading in the margin of the river, keeping + always in the water so as to leave no trail. Hurrying to a point whence + their visitor might be seen, le Bourdon soon perceived it was no other + than Pigeonswing. In a few minutes this Indian arrived, and was gladly + received by all four of the fugitives, who gathered around him, eager to + hear the news. + </p> + <p> + “You are welcome, Chippewa,” cried le Bourdon, shaking his friend + cordially by the hand. “We were half afraid we might never see you again. + Do you bring us good or evil tidings?” + </p> + <p> + “Mustn't be squaw, and ask too much question, Bourdon,” returned the + red-skin, carefully examining the priming of his rifle, in order to make + sure it was not wet. “Got plenty venison, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Not much venison is left, but we have caught a good many fish, which have + helped us along. I have killed a dozen large squirrels, too, with your bow + and arrows, which I find you left in your canoe. But—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he good bow, dat—might kill hummin'-bird wid dat bow. Fish + good here, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “They are eatable, when a body can get no better. But NOW, I should think, + Pigeonswing, you might give us some of the news.” + </p> + <p> + “Mustn't be squaw, Bourdon—bad for warrior be squaw. Alway bess be + man, and be patient, like man. What you t'ink, Bourdon? Got him at last!” + </p> + <p> + “Got WHAT my good fellow? I see nothing about you, but your arms and + ammunition.” + </p> + <p> + “Got scalp of dat Weasel! Wasn't dat well done? Nebber no young warrior + take more scalp home dan Pigeonswing carry dis time! Got t'ree; all hid, + where Bear's Meat nebber know. Take 'em away, when he get ready to march.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, Chippewa—I suppose it will not be easy to reason you + out of this feelin'—but what has become of the red-skins who burned + my cabin, and who killed the missionary and the corporal?” + </p> + <p> + “All about—dough must go down river. Look here, Bourdon, some of dem + chief fool enough to t'ink bee carry you off on his wing!” + </p> + <p> + Here the Chippewa looked his contempt for the credulity and ignorance of + the others, though he did not express it after the boisterous manner in + which a white man of his class might have indulged. To him le Bourdon was + a good fellow, but no conjuror, and he understood the taking of the bee + too well to have any doubts as to the character of that process. His + friend had let him amuse himself by the hour in looking through his + spy-glass, so that the mind of this one savage was particularly well + fortified against the inroads of the weaknesses that had invaded those of + most of the members of the great council. Consequently, he was amused with + the notion taken up by some of the others, that le Bourdon had been + carried off by bees, though he manifested his amusement in a very + Indian-like fashion. + </p> + <p> + “So much the better,” answered le Bourdon; “and I hope they have followed + to line me down to my hive in the settlements.” + </p> + <p> + “Most on 'em go—yes, dat true. But some don't go. Plenty of Injins + still about dis part of Opening.” + </p> + <p> + “What are we then to do? We shall soon be in want of food. The fish do not + bite as they did, and I have killed all the squirrels I can find. You know + I dare not use a rifle.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be squaw, Bourdon. When Injin get marry he grows good deal like + squaw at fuss; but dat soon go away. I spose it's just so wid pale-face. + Mustn't be squaw, Bourdon. Dat bad for warrior. What you do for eat? Why, + see dere,” pointing to an object that was floating slowly down the river, + the current of which was very sluggish just in that reach. “Dere as fat + buck as ever did see, eh?” + </p> + <p> + Sure enough the Indian had killed a deer, of which the Openings were full, + and having brought it to the river, he had constructed a raft of logs, and + placing the carcase on it, he had set his game adrift, taking care to so + far precede it as to be in readiness to tow it into port. When this last + operation was performed, it was found that the Chippewa did not heedlessly + vaunt the quality of his prize. What was more, so accurately had he + calculated the time, and the means of subsistence in the possession of the + fugitives, that his supply came in just as it was most needed. In all this + he manifested no more than the care of an experienced and faithful hunter. + Next to the war-path, the hunting-ground is the great field for an + Indian's glory; deeds and facts so far eclipsing purely intellectual + qualifications with savages, as to throw oratory, though much esteemed by + them, and wisdom at the Council Fires, quite into the shade. In all this, + we find the same propensity among ourselves. The common mind, ever subject + to these impulses, looks rather to such exploits as address themselves to + the senses and the imagination, than to those qualities which the reason + alone can best appreciate; and in this, ignorance asserts its negative + power over all conditions of life. + </p> + <p> + Pigeonswing now condescended to enter on such explanations as the state of + the case rendered necessary. His account was sufficiently clear, and it + manifested throughout the sagacity and shrewdness of a practised hunter + and scout. We shall not attempt to give his words, which would require too + much space, but the substance of his story was briefly this: + </p> + <p> + As has been alluded to already, the principal chiefs, on a suggestion of + Bear's Meat, had followed the young men down the Kalamazoo, dividing + themselves by a part of their body's crossing the stream at the first + favorable spot. In this way the Indians proceeded, sweeping the river + before them, and examining every place that seemed capable of concealing a + canoe. Runners were kept in constant motion between the several parties, + in order to let the state of the search be known to all; and, feigning to + be one of these very men, Pigeonswing had held communication with several + whom he purposely met, and to whom he imparted such invented information + as contributed essentially to send the young men forward on a false scent. + In this way, the main body of the savages descended the river some sixty + miles, following its windings, in the first day and a half. Here + Pigeonswing left them, turning his own face up stream, in order to rejoin + his friends. Of Peter he had no knowledge; neither knowing, nor otherwise + learning, what had become of the great chief. On his way up stream, + Pigeonswing met several more Indians; runners like himself, or as he + seemed to be; or scouts kept on the lookout for the fugitives. He had no + difficulty in deceiving these men. None of them had been of Crowsfeather's + party, and he was a stranger to them all. Ignorant of his real character, + they received his information without distrust, and the orders he + pretended to convey were obeyed by them without the smallest hesitation. + In this way, then, Pigeonswing contrived to send all the scouts he met + away from the river, by telling them that there was reason to think the + pale-faces had abandoned the stream, and that it was the wish of Bear's + Meat that their trail should be looked for in the interior. This was the + false direction that he gave to all, thereby succeeding better even than + he had hoped in clearing the banks of the Kalamazoo of observers and foes. + Nevertheless, many of those whom he knew to be out, some quite in the rear + of the party, and others in its front, and at no great distance from them, + he did not meet; of course he could not get his false directions to their + ears. There were, in fact, so many of the Indians and so few of the + whites, that it was an easy matter to cover the path with young warriors, + any one party of whom would be strong enough to capture two men and as + many women. + </p> + <p> + Having told the tale of his own doings, Pigeonswing next came to his + proposition for the mode of future proceeding. He proposed that the family + should get into the canoes that very night, and commence its flight by + going down the stream directly toward its foes! This sounded strangely, + but there did not seem to be any alternative. A march across the peninsula + would be too much for the females, and there was the certainty that their + trail would be found. It may seem strange to those who are unacquainted + with the American Indian, and his habits, to imagine that, in so large an + expanse, the signs of the passage of so small a party might not escape + detection; but such was the case. To one unaccustomed to the vigilance and + intelligence of these savages, it must appear just as probable that the + vessel could be followed through the wastes of the ocean, by means of its + wake, as that the footprints should be so indelible as to furnish signs + that can be traced for days. Such, however, is the fact, and no one + understood it better than the Chippewa. He was also aware that the country + toward Ohio, whither the fugitives would naturally direct their course, + now that the English were in possession of Detroit, must soon be a sort of + battle-ground, to which most of the warriors of that region would eagerly + repair. Under all the circumstances, therefore, he advised the flight by + means of the river. Le Bourdon reasoned on all he heard, and, still + entertaining some of his latent distrust of Peter, and willing to get + beyond his reach, he soon acquiesced in the proposition, and came fully + into the plan. + </p> + <p> + It was now necessary to reload the canoes. This was done in the course of + the day, and every arrangement was made, so as to be ready for a start as + soon as the darkness set in. Everybody was glad to move, though all were + aware of the extent of the hazard they ran. The females, in particular, + felt their hearts beat, as each, in her husband's canoe, issued out of the + cover into the open river. Pigeonswing took the lead, paddling with a + slow, but steady sweep of his arm, and keeping as close as was convenient + to one bank. By adopting this precaution, he effectually concealed the + canoes from the eyes of all on that side of the river, unless they stood + directly on its margin, and had the aid of the shadows to help conceal + them from any who might happen to be on the other. In this way, then, the + party proceeded, passing the site of the hut, and the grove of Openings + around it, undetected. As the river necessarily flowed through the lowest + land, its banks were wooded much of the way, which afforded great + protection to the fugitives; and this so much the more because these woods + often grew in swamps where the scouts would not be likely to resort. + </p> + <p> + About midnight the canoes reached the first rift. An hour was lost in + unloading and in reloading the canoes, and in passing the difficulties at + that point. As soon as this was done, the party re-embarked, and resorted + once more to the use of the paddle, in order to gain a particular + sheltered reach of the river previously to the return of light. This was + effected successfully, and the party landed. + </p> + <p> + It now appeared that Pigeonswing had chosen another swamp as a place of + concealment for the fugitives to use during the day. These swamps, through + which the river wound its way in short reaches, were admirably adapted to + such purposes. Dark, sombre, and hardly penetrable on the side of the + land, they were little likely to be entered after a first examination. Nor + was it at all probable that females, in particular, would seek a refuge in + such a place. But the Chippewa had found the means to obviate the natural + obstacles of the low land. There were several spots where the water from + the river set back into the swamp, forming so many little creeks; and into + the largest of one of these he pushed his canoe, the others following + where he led. By resorting to such means, the shelter now obtained was + more complete, perhaps, than that previously left. + </p> + <p> + Pigeonswing forced his light boat up the shallow inlet, until he reached a + bit of dry land, where he brought up, announcing THAT as the abiding-place + during the day. Glad enough was every one to get on shore, in a spot that + promised security, after eight hours of unremitting paddling and of + painful excitement. Notwithstanding the rifts and carrying-places they had + met, and been obliged to overcome, le Bourdon calculated that they had + made as many as thirty miles in the course of that one night. This was a + great movement, and to all appearances it had been made without detection. + As for the Chippewa, he was quite content, and no sooner was his canoe + secured, than he lighted his pipe and sat down to his enjoyment with an + air of composure and satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “And here, you think, Pigeonswing, that we shall be safe during the day?” + demanded le Bourdon, approaching the fallen tree on which the Indian had + taken his seat. + </p> + <p> + “Sartain—no Pottawattamie come here. Too wet. Don't like wet. An't + duck, or goose—like dry land, juss like squaw. Dis good 'baccy, + Bourdon—hope you got more for friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I have enough for us all, Pigeonswing, and you shall have a full share. + Now, tell me; what will be your next move, and where do you intend to pass + the morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Juss like diss. Plenty of swamp, Bourdon, on Kekalamazoo. [Footnote: This + is the true Indian word, though the whites have seen fit to omit the first + syllable.] Run canoe in swamp; den safe 'nough. Injins won't look 'ere, + 'cause he don't know whereabout look. Don't like swamp. Great danger down + at mouth of river.” + </p> + <p> + “So it has seemed to me, Chippewa. The Injins must be there in a strong + force, and we shall find it no easy matter to get through them. How do you + propose to do it?” + </p> + <p> + “Go by in night. No udder way. When can't see, can't see. Dere plenty of + rush dere; dat good t'ing, and, p'raps, dat help us. Rush good cover for + canoe. Expec', when we get down 'ere, to get some scalp, too. Plenty of + Pottawattamie about dat lodge, sartain; and it very hard if don't get some + on him scalp. You mean stop, and dig up cache; eh, Bourdon?” + </p> + <p> + The cool, quiet manner in which Pigeonswing revealed his own plans, and + inquired into those of his friend, had, at least, the effect to revive the + confidence of le Bourdon. He could not think the danger very great so long + as one so experienced as the Chippewa felt so much confidence in his own + future proceedings; and, after talking a short time longer with this man, + the bee-hunter went to seek Margery, in order to impart to her a due + portion of his own hopes. + </p> + <p> + The sisters were preparing the breakfast. This was done without the use of + fire, it being too hazardous to permit smoke to rise above the tops of the + trees. Many is the camp that has been discovered by the smoke, which can + be seen at a great distance; and it is a certain sign of the presence of + man, when it ascends in threads, or such small columns as denote a + domestic fire beneath. This is very different from the clouds that float + above the burning prairies, and which all, at once, impute to their true + origin. The danger of using fire had been so much guarded against by our + fugitives, that the cooking of the party had been done at night; the + utmost caution having been used to prevent the fire itself from being + seen, and care taken to extinguish it long before the return of day. A + supply of cold meat was always on hand, and had it not been, the fugitives + would have known how to live on berries, or, at need, to fast; anything + was preferable, being exposed to certain capture. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the party had broken their fast, arrangements were made for + recruiting nature by sleep. As for Pigeonswing, Indian-like, he had eaten + enormously, no reasonable quantity of venison sufficing to appease his + appetite; and when he had eaten, he lay down in the bottom of his canoe + and slept. Similar dispositions were made of their persons by the rest, + and half an hour after the meal was ended, all there were in a profound + sleep. No watch was considered necessary, and none was kept. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the weary is sweet. Long hours passed, ere any one there + awoke; but no sooner did the Chippewa move than all the rest were afoot. + It was now late in the day, and it was time to think of taking the meal + that was to sustain them through the toil and fatigues of another arduous + night. This was done; the necessary preparations being made for a start + ere the sun had set. The canoes were then shoved as near the mouth of the + inlet as it was safe to go, while the light remained. Here they stopped, + and a consultation took place, as to the manner of proceeding. + </p> + <p> + No sooner did the shades of evening close around the place than the + fugitives again put forth. The night was clouded and dark, and so much of + the way now lay through forests that there was little reason to apprehend + detection. The chief causes of delay were the rifts, and the portages, as + had been the case the night before. Luckily, le Bourdon had been up and + down the stream so often as to be a very tolerable pilot in its windings. + He assumed the control, and by midnight the greatest obstacle to that + evening's progress was overcome. At the approach of day, Pigeonswing + pointed out another creek, in another swamp, where the party found a + refuge for the succeeding day. In this manner four nights were passed on + the river, and as many days in swamps, without discovery. The Chippewa had + nicely calculated his time and his distances, and not the smallest mistake + was made. Each morning a place of shelter was reached in sufficient + season; and each night the fugitives were ready for the start as the day + shut in. In this manner, most of the river was descended, until a distance + that could be easily overcome in a couple of hours of paddling alone + remained between the party and the mouth of the stream. Extreme caution + was now necessary, for signs of Indians in the neighborhood had been + detected at several points in the course of the last night's work. On one + occasion, indeed, the escape was so narrow as to be worth recording. + </p> + <p> + It was at a spot where the stream flowed through a forest denser than + common, that Pigeonswing heard voices on the river, ahead of him. One + Indian was calling to another, asking to be set across the stream in a + canoe. It was too late to retreat, and so much uncertainty existed as to + the nearness, or distance, of the danger, that the Chippewa deemed it + safest to bring all three of his canoes together, and to let them float + past the point suspected, or rather KNOWN, to be occupied by enemies. This + was done, with the utmost care. The plan succeeded, though not without + running a very great risk. The canoes did float past unseen, though there + was a minute of time when le Bourdon fancied by the sounds that savages + were talking to each other, within a hundred feet of his ears. Additional + security, however, was felt in consequence of the circumstance, since the + pursuers must imagine the river below them to be free from the pursued. + </p> + <p> + The halt that morning was made earlier than had been the practice + previously. This was done because the remaining distance was so small + that, in continuing to advance, the party would have incurred the risk of + reaching the mouth of the river by daylight. This was to be avoided on + every account, but principally because it was of great importance to + conceal from the savages the direction taken. Were the chiefs certain that + their intended victims were on Lake Michigan, it would be possible for + them to send parties across the isthmus, that should reach points on Lake + Huron, days in advance of the arrival of the bee-hunter and his friends in + the vicinity of Saginaw, or Pointe aux Barques, for instance, and where + the canoes would be almost certain to pass near the shore, laying their + ambushes to accomplish these ends. It was thought very material, + therefore, to conceal the movements, even after the lake might be reached, + though le Bourdon had not a doubt of his canoes much outsailing those of + the savages. The Indians are not very skilful in the use of sails, while + the bee-hunter knew how to manage a bark canoe in rough water, with + unusual skill. In the common acceptation, he was no sailor; but, in his + own peculiar craft, there was not a man living who could excel him in + dexterity or judgment. + </p> + <p> + The halting-place that morning was not in a swamp, for none offered at a + suitable distance from the mouth of the river. On the contrary, it was in + a piece of Opening, that was tolerably well garnished with trees, however, + and through which ran a small brook that poured its tribute into the + Kalamazoo. The Chippewa had taken notice of this brook, which was large + enough to receive the canoes, where they might be concealed in the rushes. + A favorable copse, surrounded with elders, afforded a covered space on + shore, and these advantages were improved for an encampment. + </p> + <p> + Instead of seeking his rest as usual, on reaching this cover, Pigeonswing + left the party on a scout. He walked up the brook some distance, in order + to conceal his trail, and then struck across the Opening, taking the + direction westward, or toward the river's mouth. As for le Bourdon and his + friends, they ate and slept as usual, undisturbed; but arose some hours + before the close of day. + </p> + <p> + Thus far, a great work had been accomplished. The canoes had descended the + stream with a success that was only equalled by the hardihood of the + measure, conducted by an intelligence that really seemed to amount to an + instinct Pigeonswing carried a map of the Kalamazoo in his head, and + seemed never at a loss to know where to find the particular place he + sought. It is true, he had roamed through those Openings ever since he was + a child; and an Indian seldom passes a place susceptible of being made of + use to his habits, that he does not take such heed of its peculiarities, + as to render him the master of all its facilities. + </p> + <p> + Margery was now full of hope, while the bee-hunter was filled with + apprehensions. She saw all things couleur de rose, for she was young, + happy, and innocent; but he better understood that they were just + approaching the most serious moment of their flight. He knew the vigilance + of the American savage, and could not deceive himself on the subject of + the danger they must run. The mouth of the river was just the place that, + of all others, would be the closest watched, and to pass it would require + not only all their skill and courage, but somewhat of the fostering care + of Providence. It might be done with success, though the chances were much + against. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Yes! we have need to bid our hopes repose + On some protecting influence; here confined + Life hath no healing balm for mental woes; + Earth is too narrow for the immortal mind. + Our spirits burn to mingle with the day, + As exiles panting for their native coast; + Yet lured by every wild-flower from their way, + And shrinking from the gulf that must be crossed. + Death hovers round us—in the zephyr's sigh + As in the storm he comes—and lo! Eternity! + —MRS. HEMANS. +</pre> + <p> + It was probably that inherent disposition to pry into unknown things, + which is said to mark her sex, and which was the weakness assailed by the + serpent when he deluded Eve into disobedience, that now tempted Margery to + go beyond the limits which Pigeonswing had set for her, with a view to + explore and ascertain what might be found without. In doing this, however, + she did not neglect a certain degree of caution, and avoided exposing her + person as much as possible. + </p> + <p> + Margery had got to the very verge of prudence, so far as the cover was + concerned, when her steps were suddenly arrested by a most unexpected and + disagreeable sight. An Indian was seated on a rock within twenty feet of + the place where she stood. His back was toward her, but she was certain it + could not be Pigeonswing, who had gone in a contrary direction, while the + frame of this savage was much larger and heavier than that of the + Chippewa. His rifle leaned against the rock, near his arm, and the + tomahawk and knife were in his belt; still Margery thought, so far as she + could ascertain, that he was not in his war-paint, as she knew was the + fact with those whom she had seen at Prairie Round. The attitude and whole + deportment of this stranger, too, struck her as remarkable. Although our + heroine stood watching him for several minutes, almost breathless with + terror and anxiety to learn his object, he never stirred even a limb in + all that time. There he sat, motionless as the rock on which he had placed + himself; a picture of solitude and reflection. + </p> + <p> + It was evident, moreover, that this stranger also sought a species of + concealment, as well as the fugitives. It is true he had not buried + himself in a cover of bushes; but his seat was in a hollow of the ground + where no one could have seen him, from the rear or on either side, at a + distance a very little greater than that at which Margery stood, while his + front was guarded from view by a line of bushes that fringed the margin of + the stream. Marius, pondering on the mutations of fortune, amid the ruins + of Carthage, could scarcely have presented a more striking object than the + immovable form of this stranger. At length the Indian slightly turned his + head, when his observer, to her great surprise, saw the hard, red, but + noble and expressive profile of the well-known features of Peter. + </p> + <p> + In an instant all Margery's apprehensions vanished, and her hand was soon + lightly laid on the shoulder of her friend. Notwithstanding the suddenness + of this touch, the great chief manifested no alarm. He turned his head + slowly, and when he saw the bright countenance of the charming bride, his + smile met hers in pleased recognition. There was no start, no exclamation, + no appearance of surprise; on the contrary, Peter seemed to meet his + pretty young friend much as a matter of course, and obviously with great + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “How lucky this is, Peter!” exclaimed the breathless Margery. “Bourdon's + mind will now be at rest, for he was afraid you had gone to join our + enemies, Bear's Meat and his party.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; go and stay wid 'em. So bess. Now dey t'ink Peter all on deir side. + But never forget you, young Blossom.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you, Peter; for I FEEL as if you are a true friend. How lucky + that we should meet here!” + </p> + <p> + “No luck at all. Come a purpose. Pigeonswing tell me where you be, so come + here. Juss so.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you expected to find us in this cover! and what have you to tell us + of our enemies?” + </p> + <p> + “Plenty of DEM. All about mout' of river. All about woods and Openings + here. More dan you count. T'ink of nuttin' but get your scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Peter;—why is it that you red men wish so much to take our + lives?—and why have you destroyed the missionary, a pious Christian, + who wished for nothing but your good?” + </p> + <p> + Peter bent his eyes to the earth, and for more than a minute he made no + reply. He was much moved, however, as was visible in his countenance, + which plainly denoted that strong emotions were at work within. + </p> + <p> + “Blossom, listen to my words,” he, at length, answered. “They are such as + a fader would speak to his da'ghter. You my da'ghter. Tell you so, once; + and what Injin say once, he say alway. Poor, and don't know much, but know + how to do as he say he do. Yes, you my da'ghter! Bear's Meat can't touch + YOU, widout he touch ME. Bourdon your husband; you his squaw. Husband and + squaw go togedder, on same path. Dat right. But, Blossom, listen. Dere is + Great Spirit. Injin believe dat as well as pale-face. See dat is so. Dere + is Great WICKED Spirit, too. Feel dat, too; can't help it. For twenty + winter dat Great Wicked Spirit stay close to my side. He put his hand + before one of my ear, and he put his mout' to tudder. Keep whisper, + whisper, day and night, nebber stop whisper. Tell me to kill pale-face, + wherever I find him. Bess to kill him. If didn't kill pale-face, pale-face + kill Injin. No help for it. Kill ole man, kill young man; kill squaws, + pappoose and all. Smash eggs and break up 'e nest. Dat what he whisper, + day and night, for twenty winters. Whisper so much, was force to b'lieve + him. Bad to have too much whisper of same t'ing in ear. Den I want scalp. + Couldn't have too much scalp. Took much scalp. All pale-face scalp. Heart + grow hard. Great pleasure was to kill pale-face. Dat feeling last, + Blossom, till I see you. Feel like fader to you, and don't want your + scalp. Won'er great deal why I feel so, but do feel so. Dat my natur'. + Still want all udder pale-face scalp. Want Bourdon scalp, much as any.” + </p> + <p> + A slight exclamation from his companion, which could scarcely be called a + scream, caused the Indian to cease speaking, when the two looked toward + each other, and their eyes met. Margery, however, saw none of those + passing gleams of ferocity which had so often troubled her in the first + few weeks of their acquaintance; in their stead, an expression of subdued + anxiety, and an earnestness of inquiry that seemed to say how much the + chief's heart yearned to know more on that mighty subject toward which his + thoughts had lately been turned. The mutual glance sufficed to renew the + confidence our heroine was very reluctant to relinquish, while it awakened + afresh all of Peter's parental concern in the welfare of the interesting + young woman at his side. + </p> + <p> + “But this feeling has left you, Peter, and you no longer wish Bourdon's + scalp,” said Margery, hastily. “Now he is my husband, he is your son.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat good, p'raps,” answered the Injin, “but dat not a reason, nudder, + Blossom. You right, too. Don't want Bourdon scalp any longer. Dat true. + But don't want ANY scalp, any more. Heart grow soft—an't hard, now.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could let you understand, Peter, how much I rejoice to hear + this! I have never felt afraid of you, on my own account, though I will + own that I have sometimes feared that the dreadful cruel stories which are + told of your enmity to my color are not altogether without truth. Now, you + tell me you are the white man's friend, and that you no longer wish to + injure him. These are blessed words, Peter; and humbly do I thank God, + through his blessed Son, that I have lived to hear them!” + </p> + <p> + “Dat Son make me feel so,” returned the Indian, earnestly. “Yes, juss so. + My heart was hard, till medicinepriest tell dat tradition of Son of Great + Spirit—how he die for all tribes and nations, and ask his fader to + do good to dem dat take his life—dat won'erful tradition, Blossom! + Sound like song of wren in my ear—sweeter dan mocking-bird when he + do his bess. Yes, dat won'erful. He true, too; for medicine-priest ask his + Manitou to bless Injin, juss as Injins lift tomahawk to take his life. I + see'd and heard dat, myself. All, won'erful, won'erful!” + </p> + <p> + “It was the Spirit of God that enabled poor Amen to do that, Peter; and it + is the Spirit of God that teaches you to see and feel the beauty of such + an act. Without the aid of that Spirit, we are helpless as children; with + it, strong as giants. I do not wonder, at all, that the good missionary + was able to pray for his enemies with his dying breath. God gave him + strength to do so.” + </p> + <p> + Margery spoke as she felt, earnestly, and with emphasis. Her cheeks + flushed with the strength of her feelings, and Peter gazed on her with a + species of reverence and wonder. The beauty of this charming young woman + was pleasing rather than brilliant, depending much on expression for its + power. A heightened color greatly increased it, and when, as in this + instance, the eyes reflected the tints of the cheeks, one might have + journeyed days in older regions, without finding her equal in personal + attractions. Much as he admired her, however, Peter had now that on his + mind which rendered her beauty but a secondary object with him. His soul + had been touched by the unseen, but omnipresent, power of the Holy Spirit, + and his companion's language and fervor contributed largely in keeping + alive his interest in what he felt. + </p> + <p> + “Nebber know Injin do dat,” said Peter, in a slow, deliberative sort of + way; “no, nebber know Injin do so. Always curse and hate his enemy, and + most when about to lose his scalp. Den, feelin's hottest. Den, most want + to use tomahawk on his enemy. Den, most feel dat he hate him. But not so + wid medicine-priest. Pray for Injin; ask Great Spirit to do him all 'e + good he can; juss as Injin was goin' to strike. Won'erful—most + won'erful DAT, in my eyes. Blossom, you know Peter. He your fader. He take + you, and make you his da'ghter. His heart is soft to you, Blossom. But, he + nuttin' but poor Injin, dough a great chief. What he know? Pale-face + pappoose know more dan Injin chief. Dat come from Great Spirit too. He + wanted it so, and it is so. Our chiefs say dat Great Spirit love Injin. + May be so. T'ink he love ebbery body; but he can't love Injin as much as + he love pale-face, or he wouldn't let red man know so little. Don't count + wigwams, and canoes, and powder, and lead, as proof of Great Spirit's + love. Pale-face got more of dese dan Injin. Dat I see and know, and dat I + feel. But it no matter. Injin used to be poor, and don't care. When used + to be poor, den used to it. When used to be rich, den it hard not to be + rich. All use. Injin don't care. But it bad not to know. I'm warrior—I'm + hunter—I'm great chief. You squaw—you young—you know so + much as squaw of chief. But you know most. I feel ashamed to know so + little. Want to know more. Want to know most how 'e Son of Great Spirit + die for all tribe, and pray to his fader to bless 'em dat kill him. Dat + what Peter now want most to know!” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I was better able to teach you, Peter, from the bottom of my + heart; but the little I do know you shall hear. I would not deny you for a + thousand worlds, for I believe the Holy Spirit has touched your heart, and + that you will become a new man. Christians believe that all must become + new men, who are to live in the other world, in the presence of God.” + </p> + <p> + “How can dat be? Peter soon be ole—how can ole man grow young + ag'in?” + </p> + <p> + “The meaning of this is that we must so change in feelings, as no longer + to be the same persons. The things that we loved we must hate, and the + things that we hated, or at least neglected, we must love. When we feel + this change in our hearts, then may we hope that we love and reverence the + Great Spirit, and are living under his holy care.” + </p> + <p> + Peter listened with the attention of an obedient and respectful child. If + meekness, humility, a wish to learn the truth, and a devout sentiment + toward the Creator, are so many indications of the “new birth,” then might + this savage be said to have been truly “born again.” Certainly he was no + longer the same man, in a moral point of view, and of this he was himself + entirely conscious. To him the wonder was what had produced so great and + so sudden a change! But the reply he made to Margery will, of itself, + sufficiently express his views of his own case. + </p> + <p> + “An Injin like a child,” he said, meekly; “nebber know. Even pale-face + squaw know more dan great chief, Nebber feel as do now. Heart soft as + young squaw's. Don't hate any body, no more. Wish well to all tribe, and + color, and nation. Don't hate Bri'sh, don't hate Yankee; don't hate + Cherokee, even. Wish 'em all well. Don't know dat heart is strong enough + to ask Great Spirit to do 'em all good, if dey want my scalp—p'rap + dat too much for poor Injin; but don't want nobody's scalp, myself. Dat + somet'in', I hope, for me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, indeed, Peter; and if you will get down on your knees, and humble + your thoughts, and pray to God to strengthen you in these good feelings, + he will be sure to do it, and make you, altogether, a new man.” + </p> + <p> + Peter looked wistfully at Margery, and then turned his eyes toward the + earth. After sitting in a thoughtful mood for some time, he again regarded + his companion, saying, with the simplicity of a child: + </p> + <p> + “Don't know how to do dat, Blossom. Hear medicine-priest of pale-faces + pray, sometime, but poor Injin don't know enough to speak to Great Spirit. + You speak to Great Spirit for him. He know your voice, Blossom, and listen + to what you say; but he won't hear Peter, who has so long hated his enemy. + P'raps he angry if he hear Peter speak.” + </p> + <p> + “In that you are mistaken, Peter. The ears of the Lord are ever open to + our prayers, when put up in sincerity, as I feel certain that yours will + now be. But, after I have told you the meaning of what I am about to say, + I will pray with you and for you. It is best that you should begin to do + this, as soon as you can.” + </p> + <p> + Margery then slowly repeated to Peter the words of the Lord's prayer. She + gave him its history, and explained the meaning of several of its words + that might otherwise have been unintelligible to him, notwithstanding his + tolerable proficiency in English—a proficiency that had greatly + increased in the last few weeks, in consequence of his constant + communications with those who spoke it habitually. The word “trespasses,” + in particular, was somewhat difficult for the Indian to comprehend, but + Margery persevered until she succeeded in giving her scholar tolerably + accurate ideas of the meaning of each term. Then she told the Indian to + kneel with her, and, for the first time in his life, that man of the + Openings and prairies lifted his voice in prayer to the one God. It is + true that Peter had often before mentally asked favors of his Manitou; but + the requests were altogether of a worldly character, and the being + addressed was invested with attributes very different from those which he + now understood to belong to the Lord of heaven and earth. Nor was the + spirit in asking at all the same. We do not wish to be understood as + saying that this Indian was already a full convert to Christianity, which + contains many doctrines of which he had not the most distant idea; but his + heart had undergone the first step in the great change of conversion, and + he was now as humble as he had once been proud; as meek, as he had + formerly been fierce; and he felt that certain proof of an incipient love + of the Creator, in a similar feeling toward all the works of his hands. + </p> + <p> + When Peter arose from his knees, after repeating the prayer to Margery's + slow leading, it was with the dependence of a child on the teaching of its + mother. Physically, he was the man he ever had been. He was as able to + endure fatigue, as sinewy in his frame, and as capable of fasting and of + sustaining fatigue, as in his most warlike days; but, morally, the change + was great, indeed. Instead of the obstinate confidence in himself and his + traditions, which had once so much distinguished this chief, there was + substituted an humble distrust of his own judgment, that rendered him + singularly indisposed to rely on his personal views, in any matter of + conscience, and he was truly become a child in all that pertained to his + religious belief. In good hands, and under more advantageous + circumstances, the moral improvement of Peter would have been great; but, + situated as he was, it could not be said to amount to much more than a + very excellent commencement. + </p> + <p> + All this time both Peter and Margery had been too intent on their feelings + and employment, to take much heed to the precautions necessary to their + concealment. The sun was setting ere they arose, and then it was that + Peter made the important discovery that they were observed by two of the + young men of the Pottawattamies—scouts kept out by Bear's Meat to + look for the fugitives. + </p> + <p> + The time was when Peter would not have hesitated to use his rifle on these + unwelcome intruders; but the better spirit that had come over him, now led + him to adopt a very different course. Motioning to the young men, he + ordered them to retire, while he led Margery within the cover of the + bushes. Formerly, Peter would not have scrupled to resort to deception, in + order to throw these two young men on a wrong scent, and get rid of them + in that mode; but now he had a reluctance to deceive; and, no sooner did + they fall back at his beckoning, than he followed Margery to the camp. The + latter was giving her husband a hurried account of what had just happened, + as Peter joined them. + </p> + <p> + “Our camp is known!” exclaimed the bee-hunter the instant he beheld the + Indian. + </p> + <p> + “Juss so. Pottawattamie see squaw, and go and tell his chief. Dat + sartain,” answered Peter. + </p> + <p> + “What is there to be done?—Fight for our lives, or fly?” + </p> + <p> + “Get in canoe quick as can. It take dem young men half-hour to reach place + where chief be. In dat half-hour we muss go as far as we can. No good to + stay here. Injin come in about one hour.” + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon knew his position well enough to understand this. Nevertheless, + there were several serious objections to an immediate flight. Pigeonswing + was absent, and the bee-hunter did not like the notion of leaving him + behind, for various reasons. Then it was not yet dark; and to descend the + river by daylight, appeared like advancing into the jaws of the lion + designedly. Nor was le Bourdon at his ease on the subject of Peter. His + sudden appearance, the insufficient and far from clear account of Margery, + and the extraordinary course advised, served to renew ancient distrusts, + and to render him reluctant to move. But of one thing there could be no + doubt. Their present position must be known, for Margery had seen the two + strange Indians with her own eyes, and a search might soon be expected. + Under all the circumstances, therefore, our hero reluctantly complied with + Margery's reiterated solicitations, and they all got into the canoes. + </p> + <p> + “I do not like this movement, Peter,” said le Bourdon, as he shoved his + own light craft down the brook, previously to entering the river. “I hope + it may turn out to be better than it looks, and that you can keep us out + of the hands of our enemies. Remember, it is broad daylight, and that red + men are plenty two or three miles below us.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, know dat; but muss go. Injin too plenty here, soon. Yes, muss go. + Bourdon, why you can't ask bee, now, what bess t'ing for you to do, eh? + Good time, now, ask bee to tell what he know.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter made no reply, but his pretty wife raised her hand, + involuntarily, as if to implore the Indian to forbear. Peter was a little + bewildered; for as yet, he did not understand that a belief in necromancy + was not exactly compatible with the notions of the Christian Providence. + In his ignorance, how much was he worse off than the wisest of our race? + Will any discreet man who has ever paid close attention to the power of + the somnambule, deny that there is a mystery about such a person that + exceeds all our means of explanation? That there are degrees in the extent + of this power—that there are false, as well as true somnambules—all + who have attended to the subject must allow; but, a deriding disbeliever + in our own person once, we have since seen that which no laws, known to + us, can explain, and which we are certain is not the subject of collusion, + as we must have been a party to the fraud ourselves, were any such + practised. To deny the evidence of our senses is an act of greater + weakness than to believe that there are mysteries connected with our moral + and physical being that human sagacity has not yet been able to penetrate; + and we repudiate the want of manliness that shrinks from giving its + testimony when once convinced, through an apprehension of being derided, + as weaker than those who withhold their belief. We KNOW that our own + thoughts have been explained and rendered, by a somnambule, under + circumstances that will not admit of any information by means known to us + by other principles; and whatever others may think on the subject, we are + perfectly conscious that no collusion did or could exist. Why, then, are + we to despise the poor Indian because he still fancied le Bourdon could + hold communication with his bees? We happen to be better informed, and + there may be beings who are aware of the as yet hidden laws of animal + magnetism—hidden as respects ourselves, though known to them—and + who fully comprehend various mistakes and misapprehensions connected with + our impressions on this subject, that escape our means of detection. It is + not surprising, therefore, that Peter, in his emergency, turned to those + bees, in the hope that they might prove of assistance, or that Margery + silently rebuked him for the weakness, in the manner mentioned. + </p> + <p> + Although it was still light, the sun was near setting when the canoes + glided into the river. Fortunately for the fugitives, the banks were + densely wooded, and the stream of great width—a little lake, in fact—and + there was not much danger of their being seen until they got near the + mouth; nor then, even, should they once get within the cover of the wild + rice, and of the rushes. There was no retreat, however; and after paddling + some distance, in order to get beyond the observation of any scout who + might approach the place where they had last been seen, the canoes were + brought close together, and suffered to float before a smart breeze, so as + not to reach the mouth of the stream before the night closed around them. + Everything appeared so tranquil, the solitude was so profound, and their + progress so smooth and uninterrupted, that a certain amount of confidence + revived in the breasts of all, and even the bee-hunter had hopes of + eventual escape. + </p> + <p> + A conversation now occurred, in which Peter was questioned concerning the + manner in which he had been occupied during his absence; an absence that + had given le Bourdon so much concern. Had the chief been perfectly + explicit, he would have confessed that fully one-half of his waking + thoughts had been occupied in thinking of the death of the Son of God, of + the missionary's prayer for his enemies, and of the sublime morality + connected with such a religion. It is true Peter did not—could not, + indeed—enter very profoundly into the consideration of these + subjects; nor were his notions either very clear or orthodox; but they + were sincere, and the feelings to which they gave birth were devout. Peter + did not touch on these circumstances, however, confining his explanations + to the purely material part of his proceedings. He had remained with + Bear's Meat, Crowsfeather, and the other leading chiefs, in order to be at + the fountain-head of information, and to interpose his influence should + the pale-faces unhappily fall into the hands of those who were so + industriously looking for them. Nothing had occurred to call his authority + out, but a strange uncertainty seemed to reign among the warriors, + concerning the manner in which their intended victims eluded their + endeavors to overtake them. No trail had been discovered, scout after + scout coming in to report a total want of success in their investigations + inland. This turned the attention of the Indians still more keenly on the + river's mouth, it being certain that the canoes could not have passed out + into the lake previously to the arrival of the two or three first parties + of their young men, who had been sent so early to watch that particular + outlet. + </p> + <p> + Peter informed le Bourdon that his cache had been discovered, opened, and + rifled of its stores. This was a severe loss to our hero, and one that + would have been keenly felt at any other time; but just then he had + interests so much more important to protect, that he thought and said + little about this mishap. The circumstance which gave him the most concern + was this: Peter stated that Bear's Meat had directed about a dozen of his + young men to keep watch, day and night, in canoes, near the mouth of the + river, lying in wait among the wild rice, like so many snakes in the + grass. + </p> + <p> + The party was so much interested in this conversation that, almost + insensibly to themselves, they had dropped down to the beginning of the + rushes and rice, and had got rather dangerously near to the critical point + of their passage. As it was still daylight, Peter now proposed pushing the + canoes in among the plants, and there remaining until it might be safer to + move. This was done accordingly, and in a minute or two all three of the + little barks were concealed within the cover. + </p> + <p> + The question now was whether the fugitives had been observed, but suffered + to advance, as every foot they descended the stream was taking them nearer + to their foes. Peter did not conceal his apprehension on this point, since + he deemed it improbable that any reach near the mouth of the Kalamazoo was + without its lookouts, at a moment so interesting. Such was, indeed, the + fact, as was afterward ascertained; but the young men who had seen Peter + and Margery had given the alarm, passing the word where the fugitives were + to be found, and the sentinels along this portion of the stream had + deserted their stations, in order to be in at the capture. By such + delicate and unforeseen means does Providence often protect those who are + the subjects of its especial care, baffling the calculations of art by its + own quiet control of events. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter had a feverish desire to be moving. After remaining in the + cover about half an hour, he proposed that they should get the canoes into + one of the open passages, of which there were many among the plants, and + proceed. Peter had more of the patience of an Indian, and deemed the hour + too early. But le Bourdon was not yet entirely free from distrust of his + companion, and telling Gershom to follow, he began paddling down one of + the passages mentioned. This decisive step compelled the rest to follow, + or to separate from their companions. They chose to do the first. + </p> + <p> + Had le Bourdon possessed more self-command, and remained stationary a + little longer, he would, in all probability, have escaped altogether from + a very serious danger that he was now compelled to run. Although there + were many of the open places among the plants, they did not always + communicate with each other, and it became necessary to force the canoes + through little thickets, in order to get out of one into another, keeping + the general direction of descending the river. It was while effecting the + first of these changes, that the agitation of the tops of the plants + caught the eye of a lookout on the shore. By signals, understood among + themselves, this man communicated his discovery to a canoe that was acting + as one of the guard-boats, thus giving a general alarm along the whole + line of sentinels, as well as to the chiefs down at the hut or at the + mouth of the river. The fierce delight with which this news was received, + after so long a delay, became ungovernable, and presently yells and cries + filled the air, proceeding from both sides of the stream, as well as from + the river itself. + </p> + <p> + There was not a white person in those canoes who did not conceive that + their party was lost, when this clamor was heard. With Peter it was + different. Instead of admitting of alarm, he turned all his faculties to + use. While le Bourdon himself was nearly in despair, Peter was listening + with his nice ears, to catch the points on the river whence the yells + arose. For the banks he cared nothing. The danger was from the canoes. By + the keenness of his faculties, the chief ascertained that there were four + canoes out, and that they would have to run the gauntlet between them, or + escape would be hopeless. By the sounds he also became certain that these + four canoes were in the rice, two on each side of the river, and there + they would probably remain, in expectation that the fugitives would be + most likely to come down in the cover. + </p> + <p> + The decision of Peter was made in a moment. It was now quite dark, and + those who were in canoes within the rice could not well see the middle of + the stream, even by daylight. He determined, therefore, to take the very + centre of the river, giving his directions to that effect with precision + and clearness. The females he ordered to lie down, each in her own canoe, + while their husbands alone were to remain visible. Peter hoped that, in + the darkness, le Bourdon and Gershom might pass for Indians, on the + lookout, and under his own immediate command. + </p> + <p> + One very important fact was ascertained by le Bourdon, as soon as these + arrangements were explained and completed. The wind on the lake was + blowing from the south, and of course was favorable to those who desired + to proceed in the opposite direction. This he communicated to Margery in a + low tone, endeavoring to encourage her by all the means in his power. In + return, the young wife muttered a few encouraging words to her husband. + Every measure was understood between the parties. In the event of a + discovery, the canoes were to bury themselves in the rice, taking + different directions, each man acting for himself. A place of rendezvous + was appointed outside, at a headland known to Gershom and le Bourdon, and + signals were agreed on, by which the latest arrival might know that all + was safe there. These points were settled as the canoes floated slowly + down the stream. + </p> + <p> + Peter took and kept the lead. The night was star-lit and clear, but there + was no moon. On the water, this made but little difference, objects not + being visible at any material distance. The chief governed the speed, + which was moderate, but regular. At the rate he was now going, it would + require about an hour to carry the canoes into the lake. But nearly all of + that hour must pass in the midst of enemies! + </p> + <p> + Half of the period just mentioned elapsed, positively without an alarm of + any sort. By this time, the party was abreast of the spot where Gershom + and le Bourdon had secreted the canoes in the former adventure at the + mouth of the river. On the shores, however, a very different scene now + offered. Then, the fire burned brightly in the hut, and the savages could + be seen by its light. Now, all was not only dark, but still as death. + There was no longer any cry, sound, alarm, or foot-fall, audible. The very + air seemed charged with uncertainty, and its offspring, apprehension. + </p> + <p> + As they approached nearer and nearer to what was conceived to be the most + critical point in the passage, the canoes got closer together; so close, + indeed, that le Bourdon and Gershom might communicate in very guarded + tones. The utmost care was taken to avoid making any noise, since a light + and careless blow from a paddle, on the side of a canoe, would be almost + certain, now, to betray them. Margery and Dorothy could no longer control + their feelings, and each rose in her seat, raising her body so as to bring + her head above the gunwale of the canoe, if a bark canoe can be said to + have a gunwale at all. They even whispered to each other, endeavoring to + glean encouragement by sympathy. At this instant occurred the crisis in + their attempt to escape. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + For an Indian isle she shapes her way + With constant mind both night and day: + She seems to hold her home in view + And sails as if the path she knew, + So calm and stately in her motion + Across the unfathomed, trackless ocean. + — WILSON. +</pre> + <p> + It has been said that Peter was in advance. When his canoe was nearly + abreast of the usual landing at the hut, he saw two canoes coming out from + among the rice, and distant from him not more than a hundred yards. At a + greater distance, indeed, it would not have been easy to distinguish such + an object on the water at all. Instead of attempting to avoid these two + canoes, the chief instantly called to them, drawing the attention of those + in them to himself, speaking so loud as to be easily overheard by those + who followed. + </p> + <p> + “My young men are too late,” he said. “The pale-faces have been seen in + the openings above by our warriors, and must soon be here. Let us land, + and be ready to meet them at the wigwam.” + </p> + <p> + Peter's voice was immediately recognized. The confident, quiet, natural + manner in which he spoke served to mislead those in the canoes; and when + he joined them, and entered the passage among the rice that led to the + landing, preceding the others, the last followed him as regularly as the + colt follows its dam. Le Bourdon heard the conversation, and understood + the movement, though he could not see the canoes. Peter continued talking + aloud, as he went up the passage, receiving answers to all he said from + his new companions, his voice serving to let the fugitives know precisely + where they were. All this was understood and improved by the last, who + lost no time in turning the adventure to account. + </p> + <p> + The first impulse of le Bourdon had been to turn and fly up stream. But, + ascertaining that these dangerous enemies were so fully occupied by Peter + as not to see the canoes behind, he merely inclined a little toward the + other side of the channel, and slackened his rate of movement, in order + not to come too near. The instant he was satisfied that all three of the + canoes in advance had entered the passage mentioned, and were moving + toward the landing, he let out, and glided down stream like an arrow. It + required but half a minute to cross the opening of the passage, but + Peter's conversation kept his followers looking ahead, which greatly + lessened the risk. Le Bourdon's heart was in his mouth several times, + while thus running the gauntlet, as it might be; but fortune favored them; + or, as Margery more piously understood the circumstances, a Divine + Providence led them in safety past the danger. + </p> + <p> + At the mouth of the river both le Bourdon and Gershom thought it highly + probable that they should fall in with more lookouts, and each prepared + his arms for a fight. But no canoe was there, and the fugitives were soon + in the lake. Michigan is a large body of water, and a bark canoe is but a + frail craft to put to sea in, when there is any wind or commotion. On the + present occasion, there was a good deal of both; so much as greatly to + terrify the females. Of all the craft known, however, one of these + egg-shells is really the safest, if properly managed, among breakers or + amid the combing of seas. We have ourselves ridden in them safely through + a surf that would have swamped the best man-of-war cutter that ever + floated; and done it, too, without taking on board as much water as would + serve to wash one's hands. The light vessel floats on so little of the + element, indeed, that the foam of a large sea has scarce a chance of + getting above it, or aboard it; the great point in the handling being to + prevent the canoe from falling broadside to. By keeping it end on to the + sea, in our opinion, a smart gale might be weathered in one of these + craft, provided the endurance of a man could bear up against the unceasing + watchfulness and incessant labor of sweeping with the paddle, in order to + prevent broaching to. + </p> + <p> + Le Bourdon, it has been said, was very skilful in the management of his + craft; and Gershom, now perforce a sober and useful man, was not much + behind him in this particular. The former had foreseen this very + difficulty, and made all his arrangements to counteract it. No sooner, + therefore, did he find the canoes in rough water than he brought them + together, side by side, and lashed them there. This greatly lessened the + danger of capsizing, though it increased the labor of managing the craft + when disposed to turn broadside to. It only remained to get sail on the + catamaran, for some such thing was it now, in order to keep ahead of the + sea as much as possible. Light cotton lugs were soon spread, one in each + canoe, and away they went, as sailors term it, wing and wing. + </p> + <p> + It was now much easier steering, though untiring vigilance was still + necessary. A boat may appear to fly, and yet the “send of the sea” shall + glance ahead of it with the velocity of a bird. Nothing that goes through, + or ON, the water—and the last is the phrase best suited to the + floating of a bark canoe—can ever be made to keep company with that + feathery foam, which, under the several names of “white-caps”—an + in-shore and lubber's term—“combs,” “breaking of the seas,” “the + wash,” etc., etc., glances by a vessel in a blow, or comes on board her + even when she is running before it. We have often watched these clouds of + water, as they have shot ahead of us, when ploughing our own ten or eleven + knot through the brine, and they have ever appeared to us as so many + useful admonishers of what the power of God is, as compared to the power + of man. The last shall construct his ship, fit her with all the appliances + of his utmost art, sail her with the seaman's skill, and force her through + her element with something like railroad speed; yet will the seas “send” + their feathery crests past her, like so many dolphins, or porpoises, + sporting under her fore-foot. It is this following sea which becomes so + very dangerous in heavy gales, and which compels the largest ships + frequently to heave to, in order that they may present their bows to its + almost resistless power. + </p> + <p> + But our adventurers had no such gales as those we mean, or any such seas + to withstand. The wind blew fresh from the south, and Michigan can get up + a very respectable swell at need. Like the seas in all the great lakes, it + was short, and all the worse for that. The larger the expanse of water + over which the wind passes, the longer is the sea, and the easier is it + for the ship to ride on it. Those of Lake Michigan, however, were quite + long enough for a bark canoe, and glad enough were both Margery and + Dorothy when they found their two little vessels lashed together, and + wearing an air of more stability than was common to them. Le Bourdon's + sail was first spread, and it produced an immediate relief from the + washing of the waves. The drift of a bark canoe, in a smart blow, is + considerable, it having no hold on the water to resist it; but our + adventurers fairly flew as soon as the cotton cloth was opened. The wind + being exactly south, by steering due north, or dead before it, it was + found possible to carry the sail in the other canoe, borne out on the + opposite side; and from the moment that was opened, all the difficulty was + reduced to steering so “small,” as seamen term it, as to prevent one or + the other of the lugs from jibing. Had this occurred, however, no very + serious consequences would have followed, the precaution taken of lashing + the craft together rendering capsizing next to impossible. + </p> + <p> + The Kalamazoo and its mouth were soon far behind, and le Bourdon no longer + felt the least apprehension of the savages left in it. The Indians are not + bold navigators, and he felt certain that the lake was too rough for the + savages to venture out, while his own course gradually carried him off the + land, and out of the track of anything that kept near the shore. A short + time produced a sense of security, and the wind appearing to fall, instead + of increasing in violence, it was soon arranged that one of the men should + sleep, while the other looked to the safety of the canoes. + </p> + <p> + It was about nine o'clock when the fugitives made sail, off the mouth of + the Kalamazoo; and, at the return of light, seven hours later, they were + more than forty miles from the place of starting. The wind still stood, + with symptoms of growing fresher again as the sun rose, and the land could + just be seen in the eastern board, the coast in that direction having made + a considerable curvature inland. This had brought the canoes farther from + the land than le Bourdon wished to be, but he could not materially change + his course without taking in one of his sails. As much variation was made, + however, as was prudent, and by nine o'clock, or twelve hours after + entering the lake, the canoes again drew near to the shore, which met them + ahead. By the bee hunter's calculations, they were now about seventy miles + from the mouth of the Kalamazoo, having passed the outlets of two or three + of the largest streams of those regions. + </p> + <p> + The fugitives selected a favorable spot, and landed behind a headland that + gave them a sufficient lee for the canoes. They had now reached a point + where the coast trends a little to the eastward, which brought the wind in + a slight degree off the land. This change produced no very great effect on + the seas, but it enabled the canoes to keep close to the shore, making + something of a lee for them. This they did about noon, after having + lighted a fire, caught some fish in a small stream, killed a deer and + dressed it, and cooked enough provisions to last for two or three days. + The canoes were now separated again; it being easier to manage them in + that state than when lashed together, besides enabling them to carry both + sails. The farther north they got the more of a lee was found, though it + was in no place sufficient to bring smooth water. + </p> + <p> + In this manner several more hours were passed, and six times as many more + miles were made in distance. When le Bourdon again landed, which he did + shortly before the sun set, he calculated his distance from the mouth of + the Kalamazoo to be rather more than a hundred miles. His principal object + was to ascend a bluff and to take a look at the coast, in order to examine + it for canoes. This his glass enabled him to do with some accuracy, and + when he rejoined the party, he was rejoiced to have it in his power to + report that the coast was clear. After refreshing themselves, the canoes + were again brought together, in order to divide the watches, and a new + start was made for the night. In this manner did our adventurers make + their way to the northward for two nights and days, landing often, to + fish, hunt, rest, and cook, as well as to examine the coast. At the end of + the time mentioned, the celebrated straits of the Michillimackinac, or + Mackinaw, as they are almost universally termed, came in sight. The course + had been gradually changing toward the eastward, and, luckily for the + progress of the fugitives, the wind with it, leaving them always a + favorable breeze. But it was felt to be no longer safe to use a sail, and + recourse was had to the paddles, until the straits and island were passed. + This caused some delay, and added a good deal to the labor; but it was + deemed so dangerous to display their white cotton sails, objects that + might be seen for a considerable distance, that it was thought preferable + to adopt this caution. Nor was it useless. In consequence of this + foresight, a fleet of canoes was passed in safety, which were crossing + from the post at Mackinaw to ward the main land of Michigan. The number of + the canoes in this fleet could not have been less than fifty, but getting + a timely view of them, le Bourdon hid his own craft in a cove, and + remained there until the danger was over. + </p> + <p> + The course now changed still more, while the wind got quite round to the + westward. This made a fair wind at first, and gave the canoes a good lee + as they advanced. Lake Huron, which was the water the fugitives were now + on, lies nearly parallel to Michigan, and the course was southeasterly. As + le Bourdon had often passed both ways on these waters, he had his favorite + harbors, and knew those signs which teach navigators how to make their + prognostics of the weather. On the whole, the fugitives did very well, + though they lost two days between Mackinaw and Saginaw Bay; one on account + of the strength of the wind, and one on account of rain. During the last, + they remained in a hut that le Bourdon had himself constructed in one of + his many voyages, and which he had left standing. These empty cabins, or + chientes, are of frequent occurrence in new countries, being used, like + the Refuges in the Alps, by every traveller as he has need of them. + </p> + <p> + The sight of the fleet of canoes, in the straits of Michillimackinac, + caused the fugitives the only real trouble they had felt, between the time + when they left the mouth of the Kalamazoo, and the ten days that + succeeded. By the end of that period the party had crossed Saginaw, and + was fast coming up with Point au Barques, a landmark for all who navigate + the waters of Huron, when a canoe was seen coming out from under the land, + steering as if to intercept them. This sight gave both concern and + pleasure; concern, as it might lead to a hostile encounter, and pleasure, + because the bee-hunter hoped for information that might be useful in + governing his future course. Here his glass came in play, with good + effect. By means of that instrument, it was soon ascertained that the + strange canoe contained but two men, both Indians, and as that was just + their own force no great danger was apprehended from the meeting. The + craft, therefore, continued to approach each other, le Bourdon keeping his + glass levelled on the strangers much of the time. + </p> + <p> + “As I live, yonder are Peter and Pigeonswing,” suddenly exclaimed our + hero. “They have crossed the Peninsula, and have come out from the point, + in that canoe, to meet us.” + </p> + <p> + “With important news, then, depend on it, Benjamin,” answered the wife. + “Tell this to brother, that he and Dolly may not feel more alarm than is + necessary.” + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter called out to his friends in the other canoe, and + communicated the discovery just made, the two craft keeping always within + hailing distance of each other. + </p> + <p> + “Them Injins are not here for nothing,” answered Dorothy. “You will find + they have something serious to say.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall soon know,” called out le Bourdon. “Ten minutes will bring us + alongside of them.” + </p> + <p> + The ten minutes did that much, and before the expiration of the short + space, the three canoes were fastened together, that of Peter being in the + centre. The bee-hunter saw, at a glance, that the expedition of the + Indians had been hurried; for their canoe, besides being of very + indifferent qualities, was not provided with the implements and + conveniences usual to a voyage of any length. Still, he would not ask a + question, but lighting his pipe, after a few puffs, he passed it + courteously over to Peter. The great chief smoked a while, and gave it to + Pigeonswing, in his turn, who appeared to enjoy it quite as much as any of + the party. + </p> + <p> + “My father does not believe he is a Jew?” said le Bourdon, smiling; + willing to commence a discourse, though still determined not to betray a + womanish curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “We are poor Injins, Bourdon; just as the Great Spirit made us. Dat bess. + Can't help what Manitou do. If he don't make us Jew, can't be Jew. If he + make us Injin, muss be Injin. For my part, b'lieve I'm Injin, and don't + want to be pale-face. Can love pale-face, now, juss as well as love + Injin.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I hope this is true, Peter,” exclaimed Margery, her handsome face + flushing with delight, at hearing these words. “So long as your heart + tells you this, be certain that the Spirit of God is in you.” + </p> + <p> + Peter made no answer, but he looked profoundly impressed with the novel + feeling that had taken possession of his soul. As for the bee-hunter, he + did not meddle with Margery's convictions or emotions on such subjects, + resembling, in this particular, most men, who, however indifferent to + religion in their own persons, are never sorry to find that their wives + profoundly submit to its influence. After a short pause, a species of + homage involuntarily paid to the subject, he thought he might now inquire + into the circumstances that brought the Indians on their route, without + incurring the imputation of a weak and impatient curiosity. In reply, + Peter's story was soon told. He had rejoined the chiefs without exciting + distrust, and all had waited for the young men to bring in the captives. + As soon as it was ascertained that the intended victims had escaped, and + by water, parties proceeded to different points, in order to intercept + them. Some followed in canoes, but, being less bold in their navigation + than the bee-hunter, they did not make the straits until some time after + the fugitives had passed. Peter, himself, had joined Bear's Meat and some + twenty warriors who had crossed the Peninsula, procured canoes at the head + of Saginaw Bay, and had come out at Point au Barques, the very spot our + party was now approaching, three days before its arrival. + </p> + <p> + Tired with waiting, and uncertain whether his enemies had not got the + start of him, Bear's Meat had gone into the river below, intending to keep + his watch there, leaving Peter at the Point, with three young men and one + canoe, to have a lookout. These young men the great chief had found an + excuse for sending to the head of the Bay, in quest of another canoe, + which left him, of course, quite alone on the Point. Scarce had the young + man got out of sight, ere Pigeonswing joined his confederate, for it seems + that this faithful friend had kept on the skirts of the enemy the whole + time, travelling hundreds of miles, and enduring hunger and fatigue, + besides risking his life at nearly every step, in order to be of use to + those whom he considered himself pledged to serve. + </p> + <p> + Of course, Peter and Pigeonswing understood each other. One hour after + they joined company, the canoes of the fugitives came in sight, and were + immediately recognized by their sails. They were met, as has been + mentioned, and the explanations that we have given were made before the + party landed at the Point. + </p> + <p> + It was something to know where the risk was to be apprehended; but le + Bourdon foresaw great danger. He had brought his canoes, already, quite + five hundred miles, along a hazardous coast—though a little craft, + like one of those he navigated, ran less risk, perhaps, than a larger + vessel, since a shelter might, at any time, be found within a reasonable + distance for it. From Pointe au Barques to the outlet of the lake was less + than a hundred miles more. This outlet was a river, as it is called—a + strait, in fact—which communicates with the small shallow lake of + St. Clair, by a passage of some thirty miles in length. Then the lake St. + Clair was to be crossed about an equal distance, when the canoes would + come out in what is called the Detroit River, a strait again, as its name + indicates. Some six or eight miles down this passage, and on its western + side, stands the city of Detroit, then a village of no great extent, with + a fort better situated to repel an attack of the savages, than to + withstand a siege of white men. This place was now in the possession of + the British, and, according to le Bourdon's notion, it was scarcely less + dangerous to him than the hostility of Bear's Meat and his companions. + </p> + <p> + Delay, however, was quite as dangerous as anything else. After cooking and + eating, therefore, the canoes continued their course, Peter and + Pigeonswing accompanying them, though they abandoned their own craft. + Peter went with the bee-hunter and Margery, while the Chippewa took a seat + and a paddle in the canoe of Gershom. This change was made in order to put + a double power in each canoe, since it was possible that downright speed + might become the only means of safety. + </p> + <p> + The wind still stood at the westward, and the rate of sailing was rapid. + About the close of the day the party drew near to the outlet, when Peter + directed the sails to be taken in. This was done to prevent their being + seen, a precaution that was now aided by keeping as near to the shore as + possible, where objects so small and low would be very apt to be + confounded with others on the land. + </p> + <p> + It was quite dark when the canoes entered the St. Clair river. Favored by + the current and the wind, their progress was rapid, and ere the day + returned, changing his direction from the course ordinarily taken, Peter + entered the lake by a circuitous passage; one of the many that lead from + the river to the lake, among aquatic plants that form a perfect shelter. + This detour saved the fugitives from falling into the hands of one party + of their enemies, as was afterward ascertained by the Indians. Bear's Meat + had left two canoes, each manned by five warriors, to watch the principal + passages into Lake St. Clair, not anticipating that any particular caution + would be used by the bee-hunter and his friends, at this great distance + from the place where they had escaped from their foes. But the arrival of + Peter, his sagacity, and knowledge of Indian habits, prevented the result + that was expected. The canoes got into the lake unseen, and crossed it a + little diagonally, so as to reach the Canada shore in the middle of the + afternoon of the succeeding day, using their sails only when far from + land, and not exposed to watchful eyes. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter and his friends landed that afternoon at the cabin of a + Canadian Frenchman, on the shore of the lake, and at a safe distance from + the outlet which led still farther south. Here the females were hospitably + received, and treated with that kindness which marks the character of the + Canadian French. It mattered little to these simple people, whether the + travellers were of the hostile nation or not. It is true, they did not + like the “Yankees,” as all Americans are termed by them, but they were not + particularly in love with their English masters. It was well enough to be + repossessed of both banks of the Detroit, for both banks were then peopled + principally by their own race, the descendants of Frenchmen of the time of + Louis XIV., and who still preserved much of the language, and many of the + usages, of the French of that period. They spoke then, as now, only the + language of their fathers. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter left the cottage of these simple and hospitable people, as + soon as the night was fairly set in; or, rather, as soon as a young moon + had gone down. Peter now took the command, steering the canoe of le + Bourdon, while Gershom followed so close as to keep the bow of his little + craft within reach of the Indian's arm. In less than an hour the fugitives + reached the opening of the river, which is here divided into two channels + by a large island. On that very island, and at that precise moment, was + Bear's Meat lying in wait for their appearance, provided with three + canoes, each having a crew of six men. It would have been easy for this + chief to go to Detroit, and give the alarm to the savages who were then + collected there in a large force, and to have made such a disposition of + the canoes as would have rendered escape by water impossible; but this + would have been robbing himself and his friends of all the credit of + taking the scalps, and throwing away what is termed “honor” among others + as well as among savages. He chose, therefore, to trust to his own ability + to succeed; and supposing the fugitives would not be particularly on their + guard at this point, had little doubt of intercepting them here, should + they succeed in eluding those he had left above. + </p> + <p> + The bee-hunter distrusted that island, and used extra caution in passing + it. In the first place, the two canoes were brought together, so as to + give them, in the dark, the appearance of only one; while the four men + added so much to the crew as to aid the deception. In the end it proved + that one of Bear's Meat's canoes that was paddling about in the middle of + the river had actually seen them, but mistook the party for a canoe of + their own, which ought to have been near that spot, with precisely six + persons in it, just at that time. These six warriors had landed, and gone + up among the cottages of the French to obtain some fruit, of which they + were very fond, and of which they got but little in their own villages. + Owing to this lucky coincidence, which the pretty Margery ever regarded as + another special interposition of Providence in their favor, the fugitives + passed the island without molestation, and actually got below the last + lookouts of Bear's Meat, though without their knowledge. + </p> + <p> + It was by no means a difficult thing to go down the river, now that so + many canoes were in motion on it, at all hours. The bee-hunter knew what + points were to be avoided, and took care not to approach a sentinel. The + river, or strait, is less than a mile wide, and by keeping in the centre + of the passage, the canoes, favored by both wind and current, drove by the + town, then an inconsiderable village, without detection. As soon as far + enough below, the canoes were again cast loose from each other, and sail + was made on each. The water was smooth, and some time before the return of + light the fugitives were abreast of Malden, but in the American channel. + Had it been otherwise, the danger could not have been great. So completely + were the Americans subdued by Hull's capitulation, and so numerous were + the Indian allies of the British, that the passage of a bark canoe, more + or less, would hardly have attracted attention. At that time, Michigan was + a province of but little more than a name. The territory was wide, to be + sure, but the entire population was not larger than that of a moderately + sized English market town, and Detroit was then regarded as a distant and + isolated point. It is true that Mackinac and Chicago were both more + remote, and both more isolated, but an English force, in possession of + Detroit, could be approached by the Americans on the side of the land only + by overcoming the obstacles of a broad belt of difficult wilderness. This + was done the succeeding year, it is true, but time is always necessary to + bring out Jonathan's latent military energies. When aroused, they are not + trifling, as all his enemies have been made to feel; but a good deal of + miscalculation, pretending ignorance, and useless talking must be + expended, before the really efficient are allowed to set about serving the + country in their own way. + </p> + <p> + In this respect, thanks to West Point, a well-organized staff, and + well-educated officers, matters are a little improving. Congress has not + been able to destroy the army, in the present war, though it did its best + to attain that end; and all because the nucleus was too powerful to be + totally eclipsed by the gas of the usual legislative tail of the Great + National Comet, of which neither the materials nor the orbit can any man + say he knows. One day, it declares war with a hurrah; the next, it denies + the legislation necessary to carry it on, as if it distrusted its own + acts, and already repented of its patriotism. And this is the body, + soulless, the very school of faction, as a whole of very questionable + quality in the outset, that, according to certain expounders of the + constitution, is to perform all the functions of a government; which is + not only to pass laws, but is to interpret them; which is to command the + army, aye, even to wheeling its platoons; which reads the constitution as + an abbe mumbles his aves and paters, or looking at everything but his + texts; and which is never to have its acts vetoed, unless in cases where + the Supreme Court would spare the Executive that trouble. We never yet + could see either the elements or the fruits of this great sanctity in the + National Council. In our eyes it is scarcely ever in its proper place on + the railway of the Union, has degenerated into a mere electioneering + machine, performing the little it really does convulsively, by sudden + impulses, equally without deliberation or a sense of responsibility. In a + word, we deem it the power of all others in the state that needs the + closest watching, and were we what is termed in this country + “politicians,” we should go for the executive who is the most ready to + apply the curb to these vagaries of faction and interested partisans! + Vetoes. Would to Heaven we could see the days of Good Queen Bess revived + for one session of Congress at least, and find that more laws were sent + back for the second thoughts of their framers than were approved! Then, + indeed, might the country be brought back to a knowledge of the very + material constitutional facts that the legislature is not + commander-in-chief, does not negotiate or make treaties, and has no right + to do that which it has done so often—appoint to office by act of + Congress. + </p> + <p> + As a consequence of the little apprehension entertained by the English of + being soon disturbed in their new conquests, le Bourdon and his friends + got out of the Detroit River, and into Lake Erie, without discovery or + molestation. There still remained a long journey before them. In that day + the American side of the shores of all the Great Lakes was little more + than a wilderness. There were exceptions at particular points, but these + were few and far asunder. The whole coast of Ohio—for Ohio has its + coast as well as Bohemia [Footnote: See Shakespeare—Winter's Tale.]—was + mostly in a state of nature, as was much of those of Pennsylvania and New + York, on the side of the fresh water. The port which the bee-hunter had in + view was Presque Isle, now known as Erie, a harbor in Pennsylvania, that + has since become somewhat celebrated in consequence of its being the port + out of which the American vessels sailed, about a year later than the + period of which we are writing, to fight the battle that gave them the + mastery of the lake. This was a little voyage of itself, of near two + hundred miles, following the islands and the coast, but it was safely made + in the course of the succeeding week. Once in Lake Erie and on the + American side, our adventurers felt reasonably safe against all dangers + but those of the elements. It is true that a renowned annalist, whose + information is sustained by the collected wisdom of a State Historical + Society, does tell us that the enemy possessed both shores of Lake Erie in + 1814; but this was so small a mistake, compared with some others that this + Nestor in history had made, that we shall not stop to explain it. Le + Bourdon and his party found all the south shore of Lake Erie in possession + of the Americans, so far as it was in the possession of any one, and + consequently ran no risks from this blunder of the historian and his + highly intelligent associates! + </p> + <p> + Peter and Pigeonswing left their friends before they reached Presque Isle. + The bee-hunter gave them his own canoe, and the parting was not only + friendly, but touching. In the course of their journey, and during their + many stops, Margery had frequently prayed with the great chief. His + constant and burning desire, now, was to learn to read, that he might + peruse the word of the Great Spirit, and regulate his future life by its + wisdom and tenets. Margery promised, should they ever meet again, and + under circumstances favorable to such a design, to help him attain his + wishes. + </p> + <p> + Pigeonswing parted from his friend with the same light-hearted vivacity as + he had manifested in all their intercourse. Le Bourdon gave him his own + rifle, plenty of ammunition, and various other small articles that were of + value to an Indian, accepting the Chippewa's arms in return. The exchange, + however, was greatly to the advantage of the savage. As for Peter, he + declined all presents. He carried weapons now, indeed, merely for the + purpose of hunting; but the dignity of his character and station would + have placed him above such compensations, had the fact been otherwise. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Come to the land of peace! + Come where the tempest hath no longer sway, + The shadow passes from the soul away— + The sounds of weeping cease. + + Fear hath no dwelling there! + Come to the mingling—of repose and love, + Breathed by the silent spirit of the dove, + Through the celestial air. + —MRS. HEMANS. +</pre> + <p> + It is now more than thirty-three years since the last war with the English + terminated, and about thirty-six to the summer in which the events + recorded in this legend occurred. This third of a century has been a + period of mighty changes in America. Ages have not often brought about as + many in other portions of the earth, as this short period of time has + given birth to among ourselves. We had written, thus far, on the evidence + of documents sent to us, when an occasion offered to verify the truth of + some of our pictures, at least, by means of personal observation. + </p> + <p> + Quitting our own quiet and secluded abode in the mountains, in the + pleasant month of June, and in this current year of 1848, we descended + into the valley of the Mohawk, got into the cars, and went flying by rails + toward the setting sun. Well could we remember the time when an entire day + was required to pass between that point on the Mohawk where we got on the + rails, and the little village of Utica. On the present occasion, we flew + over the space in less than three hours, and dined in a town of some + fifteen thousand souls. + </p> + <p> + We reached Buffalo, at the foot of Lake Erie, in about twenty hours after + we had entered the cars. This journey would have been the labor of more + than a week, at the time in which the scene of this tale occurred. Now, + the whole of the beautiful region, teeming with its towns and villages, + and rich with the fruits of a bountiful season, was almost brought into a + single landscape by the rapidity of our passage. + </p> + <p> + At Buffalo, we turned aside to visit the cataract. Thither, too, we went + on rails. Thirty-eight years had passed away since we had laid eyes on + this wonderful fall of water. In the intervening time we had travelled + much, and had visited many of the renowned falls of the old world, to say + nothing of the great number which are to be found in other parts of our + own land. Did this visit, then, produce disappointment? + </p> + <p> + Did time, and advancing years, and feelings that had become deadened by + experience, contribute to render the view less striking, less grand, in + any way less pleasing than we had hoped to find it? So far from this, all + our expectations were much more than realized. In one particular, touching + which we do not remember ever to have seen anything said, we were actually + astonished at the surpassing glory of Niagara. It was the character of + sweetness, if we can so express it, that glowed over the entire aspect of + the scene. We were less struck with the grandeur of this cataract, than + with its sublime softness and gentleness. To water in agitation, use had + so long accustomed us, perhaps, as in some slight degree to lessen the + feeling of awe that is apt to come over the novice in such scenes; but we + at once felt ourselves attracted by the surpassing loveliness of Niagara. + The gulf below was more imposing than we had expected to see it, but it + was Italian in hue and softness, amid its wildness and grandeur. Not a + drop of the water that fell down that precipice inspired terror; for + everything appeared to us to be filled with attraction and love. Like + Italy itself, notwithstanding so much that is grand and imposing, the + character of softness, and the witchery of the gentler properties, is the + power we should ascribe to Niagara, in preference to that of its majesty. + We think this feeling, too, is more general than is commonly supposed, for + we find those who dwell near the cataract playing around it, even to the + very verge of its greatest fall, with a species of affection, as if they + had the fullest confidence in its rolling waters. Thus it is that we see + the little steamer, the Maid of the Mist, paddling up quite near to the + green sheet of the Horse-Shoe itself, and gliding down in the current of + the vortex, as it is compelled to quit the eddies, and come more in a line + with the main course of the stream. Wires, too, are suspended across the + gulf below, and men pass it in baskets. It is said that one of these + inventions is to carry human beings over the main fall, so that the + adventurer may hang suspended in the air, directly above the vortex. In + this way do men, and even women, prove their love for the place, all of + which we impute to its pervading character of sweetness and attraction. + </p> + <p> + At Buffalo we embarked in a boat under the English flag, which is called + the Canada, This shortened our passage to Detroit, by avoiding all the + stops at lateral ports, and we had every reason to be satisfied with our + selection. Boat, commander, and the attendance were such as would have + done credit to any portion of the civilized world. There were many + passengers, a motley collection, as usual, from all parts of the country. + </p> + <p> + Our attention was early drawn to one party, by the singular beauty of its + females. They seemed to us to be a grandmother, in a well-preserved, green + old age; a daughter, but a matron of little less than forty; and two + exceedingly pretty girls of about eighteen and sixteen, whom we took to be + children of the last. The strong family likeness between these persons led + us early to make this classification, which we afterward found was + correct. + </p> + <p> + By occasional remarks, I gathered that the girls had been to an “Eastern” + boarding-school, that particular feature in civilization not yet + flourishing in the Northwestern States. It seemed to us that we could + trace in the dialect of the several members of this family, the gradations + and peculiarities that denote the origin and habits of individuals. Thus, + the grandmother was not quite as Western in her forms of speech as her + matronly daughter, while the grandchildren evidently spoke under the + influence of boarding-school correction, or like girls who had been often + lectured on the subject “First rate,” and “Yes, sir,” and “That's a fact,” + were often in the mouth of the pleasing mother, and even the grandmother + used them all, though not as often as her daughter, while the young people + looked a little concerned and surprised, whenever they came out of the + mouth of their frank-speaking mother. That these persons were not of a + very high social class was evident enough, even in their language. There + was much occasion to mention New York, we found, and they uniformly called + it “the city.” By no accident did either of them happen to use the + expression that she had been “in town,” as one of us would be apt to say. + “He's gone to the city,” or “She's in the city,” are awkward phrases, and + tant soit peu vulgar; but even our pretty young boarding-school eleves + would use them. We have a horror of the expression “city,” and are a + little fastidious, perhaps, touching its use. + </p> + <p> + But these little peculiarities were spots on the sun. The entire family, + taken as a whole, was really charming; and long before the hour for + retiring came, we had become much interested in them all. We found there + was a fifth person belonging to this party, who did not make his + appearance that night. From the discourse of these females, however, it + was easy to glean the following leading facts: This fifth person was a + male; he was indisposed, and kept his berth; and he was quite aged. + Several nice little dishes were carried from the table into his state-room + that evening, by one or the other of the young sisters, and each of the + party appeared anxious to contribute to the invalid's comfort. All this + sympathy excited our interest, and we had some curiosity to see this old + man, long ere it was time to retire. As for the females, no name was + mentioned among them but that of a Mrs. Osborne, who was once or twice + alluded to in full. It was “grandma,” and “ma,” and “Dolly,” and “sis.” We + should have liked it better had it been “mother,” and “grandmother,” and + that the “sis” had been called Betsey or Molly; but we do not wish to be + understood as exhibiting these amiable and good-looking strangers as + models of refinement. “Ma” and “sis” did well enough, all things + considered, though “mamma” would have been better if they were not + sufficiently polished to say “mother.” + </p> + <p> + We had a pleasant night of it, and all the passengers appeared next + morning with smiling faces. It often blows heavily on that lake, but light + airs off the land were all the breezes we encountered. We were among the + first to turn out, and on the upper deck forward, a place where the + passengers are fond of collecting, as it enables them to look ahead, we + found a single individual who immediately drew all of our attention to + himself. It was an aged man, with hair already as white as snow. Still + there was that in his gait, attitudes, and all his movements which + indicated physical vigor, not to say the remains, at least, of great + elasticity and sinewy activity. Aged as he was, and he must have long + since passed his fourscore years, his form was erect as that of a youth. + In stature he was of rather more than middle height, and in movements + deliberate and dignified. His dress was quite plain, being black, and + according to the customs of the day. The color of his face and hands, + however, as well as the bold outlines of his countenance, and the still + keen, restless, black eye, indicated the Indian. + </p> + <p> + Here, then, was a civilized red man, and it struck us at once, that he was + an ancient child of the forest, who had been made to feel the truths of + the gospel. One seldom hesitates about addressing an Indian, and we + commenced a discourse with our venerable fellow-passenger, with very + little circumlocution or ceremony. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, sir,” we observed—“a charming time we have of it, on + the lake.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—good time—” returned my red neighbor, speaking short and + clipped, like an Indian, but pronouncing his words as if long accustomed + to the language. + </p> + <p> + “These steamboats are great inventions for the western lakes, as are the + railroads for this vast inland region. I dare say you can remember Lake + Erie when it was an unusual thing to see a sail of any sort on it; and + now, I should think, we might count fifty.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—great change—great change, friend!—all change from + ole time.” + </p> + <p> + “The traditions of your people, no doubt, give you reason to see and feel + all this?” + </p> + <p> + The predominant expression of this red man's countenance was that of love. + On everything, on every human being toward whom he turned his still + expressive eyes, the looks he gave them would seem to indicate interest + and affection. This expression was so decided and peculiar, that we early + remarked it, and it drew us closer and closer to the old chief, the longer + we remained in his company. That expression, however, slightly changed + when we made this allusion to the traditions of his people, and a cloud + passed before his countenance. This change, nevertheless, was as transient + as it was sudden, the benevolent and gentle look returning almost as soon + as it had disappeared. He seemed anxious to atone for this involuntary + expression of regrets for the past, by making his communications to me as + free as they could be. + </p> + <p> + “My tradition say a great deal,” was the answer, “It say some good, some + bad.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask of what tribe you are?” + </p> + <p> + The red man turned his eyes on us kindly, as if to lessen anything + ungracious there might be in his refusal to answer, and with an expression + of benevolence that we scarcely remember ever to have seen equalled. + Indeed, we might say with truth, that the love which shone out of this old + man's countenance habitually, surpassed that which we can recall as + belonging to any other human face. He seemed to be at peace with himself, + and with all the other children of Adam. + </p> + <p> + “Tribe make no difference,” he answered. “All children of same Great + Spirit.” + </p> + <p> + “Red men and pale-faces?” I asked, not a little surprised with his reply. + </p> + <p> + “Red man and pale-face. Christ die for all, and his Fadder make all. No + difference, excep' in color. Color only skin deep.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you, then, look on us pale-faces as having a right here? Do you not + regard us as invaders, as enemies who have come to take away your lands?” + </p> + <p> + “Injin don't own 'arth. 'Arth belong to God, and he send whom he like to + live on it. One time he send Injin; now he send pale-face. His 'arth, and + he do what he please wid it. Nobody any right to complain. Bad to find + fault wid Great Spirit. All he do, right; nebber do anyt'ing bad. His + blessed Son die for all color, and all color muss bow down at his holy + name. Dat what dis good book say,” showing a small pocket Bible, “and what + dis good book say come from Great Spirit, himself.” + </p> + <p> + “You read the Holy Scriptures, then—you are an educated Indian?” + </p> + <p> + “No; can't read at all. Don't know how. Try hard, but too ole to begin. + Got young eyes, however, to help me,” he added, with one of the fondest + smiles I ever saw light a human face, as he turned to meet the pretty + Dolly's “Good-morning, Peter,” and to shake the hand of the elder sister. + “She read good book for old Injin, when he want her; and when she off at + school, in 'city,' den her mudder or her gran'mudder read for him. Fuss + begin wid gran'mudder; now get down to gran'da'ghter. But good book all de + same, let who will read it.” + </p> + <p> + This, then, was “Scalping Peter,” the very man I was travelling into + Michigan to see, but how wonderfully changed! The Spirit of the Most High + God had been shed freely upon his moral being, and in lieu of the + revengeful and vindictive savage, he now lived a subdued, benevolent + Christian! In every human being he beheld a brother, and no longer thought + of destroying races, in order to secure to his own people the quiet + possession of their hunting-grounds. His very soul was love; and no doubt + he felt himself strong enough to “bless those who cursed him,” and to give + up his spirit, like the good missionary whose death had first turned him + toward the worship of the one true God, praying for those who took his + life. + </p> + <p> + The ways of Divine Providence are past the investigations of human reason. + How often, in turning over the pages of history, do we find civilization, + the arts, moral improvement, nay, Christianity itself, following the + bloody train left by the conqueror's car, and good pouring in upon a + nation by avenues that at first were teeming only with the approaches of + seeming evils! In this way, there is now reason to hope that America is + about to pay the debt she owes to Africa; and in this way will the + invasion of the forests, and prairies and “openings,” of the red man be + made to atone for itself by carrying with it the blessings of the Gospel, + and a juster view of the relations which man bears to his Creator. + Possibly Mexico may derive lasting benefits from the hard lesson that she + has so recently been made to endure. + </p> + <p> + This, then, was Peter, changed into a civilized man and a Christian! I + have found, subsequently, that glimmerings of the former being existed in + his character; but they showed themselves only at long intervals, and + under very peculiar circumstances. The study of these traits became a + subject of great interest with us, for we now travelled in company the + rest of our journey. The elder lady, or “grandma,” was the Margery of our + tale; still handsome, spirited, and kind. The younger matron was her + daughter and only child, and “sis,” another Margery, and Dorothy, were her + grandchildren. There was also a son, or a grandson rather, Ben, who was on + Prairie Round, “with the general.” The “general” was our old friend, le + Bourdon, who was still as often called “General Bourdon,” as “General + Boden.” This matter of “generals” at the West is a little overdone, as all + ranks and titles are somewhat apt to be in new countries. It causes one + often to smile, at the East; and no wonder that an Eastern habit should go + down in all its glory, beneath the “setting sun.” In after-days, generals + will not be quite as “plenty as blackberries.” + </p> + <p> + No sooner did Mrs. Boden, or Margery, to use her familiar name, learn that + we were the very individual to whom the “general” had sent the notes + relative to his early adventures, which had been prepared by the “Rev. Mr. + Varse,” of Kalamazoo, than she became as friendly and communicative as we + could possibly desire. + </p> + <p> + Her own life had been prosperous, and her marriage happy. Her brother, + however, had fallen back into his old habits, and died ere the war of 1812 + was ended. Dorothy had returned to her friends in Massachusetts, and was + still living, in a comfortable condition, owing to a legacy from an uncle. + The bee-hunter had taken the field in that war, and had seen some sharp + fighting on the banks of the Niagara. No sooner was peace made, however, + than he returned to his beloved Openings, where he had remained, “growing + with the country,” as it is termed, until he was now what is deemed a rich + man in Michigan. He has a plenty of land, and that which is good; a + respectable dwelling, and is out of debt. He meets his obligations to an + Eastern man just as promptly as he meets those contracted at home, and + regards the United States, and not Michigan, as his country. All these + were good traits, and we were glad to learn that they existed in one who + already possessed so much of our esteem. At Detroit we found a fine + flourishing town, of a healthful and natural growth, and with a population + that was fast approaching twenty thousand. The shores of the beautiful + strait on which it stands, and which, by a strange blending of + significations and languages, is popularly called the “Detroit River,” + were alive with men and their appliances, and we scarce know where to turn + to find a more agreeable landscape than that which was presented to us, + after passing the island of “Bobolo” (Bois Blanc), near Maiden. + Altogether, it resembled a miniature picture of Constantinople, without + its Eastern peculiarities. + </p> + <p> + At Detroit commenced our surprise at the rapid progress of Western + civilization. It will be remembered that at the period of our tale, the + environs of Detroit excepted, the whole peninsula of Michigan lay in a + state of nature. Nor did the process of settlement commence actively until + about twenty years since; but, owing to the character of the country, it + already possesses many of the better features of a long-inhabited region. + There are stumps, of course, for new fields are constantly coming into + cultivation; but on the whole, the appearance is that of a middle-aged, + rather than that of a new region. + </p> + <p> + We left Detroit on a railroad, rattling away toward the setting sun, at a + good speed even for that mode of conveyance. It seemed to us that our + route was well garnished with large villages, of which we must have passed + through a dozen, in the course of a few hours' “railing,” These are places + varying in size from one to three thousand inhabitants. The vegetation + certainly surpassed that of even West New York, the trees alone excepted. + The whole country was a wheat-field, and we now began to understand how + America could feed the world. Our road lay among the “Openings” much of + the way, and we found them undergoing the changes which are incident to + the passage of civilized men. As the periodical fires had now ceased for + many years, underbrush was growing in lieu of the natural grass, and in so + much those groves are less attractive than formerly; but one easily + comprehends the reason, and can picture to himself the aspect that these + pleasant woods must have worn in times of old. + </p> + <p> + We left the railroad at Kalamazoo—an unusually pretty village, on + the banks of the stream of that name. Those who laid out this place, some + fifteen years since, had the taste to preserve most of its trees; and the + houses and grounds that stand a little apart from the busiest streets—and + they are numerous for a place of rather more than two thousand souls—are + particularly pleasant to the eye, on account of the shade, and the rural + pictures they present. Here Mrs. Boden told us we were within a mile or + two of the very spot where once had stood Castle Meal (Chateau au Miel), + though the “general” had finally established himself at Schoolcraft, on + Prairie Ronde. + </p> + <p> + The first prairie we had ever seen was on the road between Detroit and + Kalamazoo; distant from the latter place only some eight or nine miles. + The axe had laid the country open in its neighborhood; but the spot was + easily to be recognized by the air of cultivation and age that pervaded + it. There was not a stump on it, and the fields were as smooth as any on + the plains of Lombardy, and far more fertile, rich as the last are known + to be. In a word, the beautiful perfection of that little natural meadow + became apparent at once, though seated amid a landscape that was by no + means wanting in interest of its own. + </p> + <p> + We passed the night at the village of Kalamazoo; but the party of females, + with old Peter, proceeded on to Prairie Round, as that particular part of + the country is called in the dialect of Michigan, it being a corruption of + the old French name of la prairie ronde. The Round Meadow does not sound + as well as Prairie Round, and the last being quite as clear a term as the + other, though a mixture of the two languages, we prefer to use it. Indeed, + the word “prairie” may now be said to be adopted into the English; meaning + merely a natural instead of an artificial meadow, though one of peculiar + and local characteristics. We wrote a note to General Boden, as I found + our old acquaintance Ben Boden was universally termed, letting him know I + should visit Schoolcraft next day; not wishing to intrude at the moment + when that charming family was just reunited after so long a separation. + </p> + <p> + The next day, accordingly, we got into a “buggy” and went our way. The + road was slightly sandy a good part of the twelve miles we had to travel, + though it became less so as we drew near to the celebrated prairie. And + celebrated, and that by an abler pen than ours, does this remarkable place + deserve to be! We found all our expectations concerning it fully realized, + and drove through the scene of abundance it presented with an admiration + that was not entirely free from awe. + </p> + <p> + To get an idea of Prairie Round, the reader must imagine an oval plain of + some five-and-twenty or thirty thousand acres in extent, of the most + surpassing fertility, without an eminence of any sort—almost without + an inequality. There are a few small cavities, howevers in which there are + springs that form large pools of water that the cattle will drink. This + plain, so far as we saw it, is now entirely fenced and cultivated. The + fields are large, many containing eighty acres, and some one hundred and + sixty; most of them being in wheat. We saw several of this size in that + grain. Farm-houses dotted the surface, with barns, and the other + accessories of rural life. In the centre of the prairie is an “island” of + forest, containing some five or six hundred acres of the noblest native + trees we remember ever to have seen. In the centre of this wood is a + little lake, circular in shape, and exceeding a quarter of a mile in + diameter. The walk in this wood-which is not an Opening, but an + old-fashioned virgin forest—we found delightful of a warm summer's + day. One thing that we saw in it was characteristic of the country. Some + of the nearest farmers had drawn their manure into it, where it lay in + large piles, in order to get it out of the way of doing any mischief. Its + effect on the land, it was thought, would be to bring too much straw! + </p> + <p> + On one side of this island of wood lies the little village or large hamlet + of Schoolcraft. Here we were most cordially welcomed by General Boden, and + all of his fine descendants. The head of this family is approaching + seventy, but is still hale and hearty. His head is as white as snow, and + his face as red as a cherry. A finer old man one seldom sees. Temperance, + activity, the open air, and a good conscience, have left him a noble ruin; + if ruin he can yet be called. He owes the last blessing, as he told us + himself, to the fact that he kept clear of the whirlwind of speculation + that passed over this region some ten or fifteen years since. His means + are ample; and the harvest being about to commence, he invited me to the + field. + </p> + <p> + The peculiar ingenuity of the American has supplied the want of laborers, + in a country where agriculture is carried on by wholesale, especially in + the cereals, by an instrument of the most singular and elaborate + construction. This machine is drawn by sixteen or eighteen horses, + attached to it laterally, so as to work clear of the standing grain, and + who move the whole fabric on a moderate but steady walk. A path is first + cut with the cradle on one side of the field, when the machine is dragged + into the open place. Here it enters the standing grain, cutting off its + heads with the utmost accuracy as it moves. Forks beneath prepare the way, + and a rapid vibratory motion of a great number of two-edged knives effect + the object. The stalks of the grain can be cut as low or as high as one + pleases, but it is usually thought best to take only the heads. Afterward + the standing straw is burned, or fed off, upright. + </p> + <p> + The impelling power which causes the great fabric to advance also sets in + motion the machinery within it As soon as the heads of the grain are + severed from the stalks, they pass into a receptacle, where, by a very + quick and simple process, the kernels are separated from the husks. Thence + all goes into a fanning machine, where the chaff is blown away. The clean + grain falls into a small bin, whence it is raised by a screw elevator to a + height that enables it to pass out at an opening to which a bag is + attached. Wagons follow the slow march of the machine, and the proper + number of men are in attendance. Bag after bag is renewed, until a wagon + is loaded, when it at once proceeds to the mill, where the grain is soon + converted into flour. Generally the husbandman sells to the miller, but + occasionally he pays for making the flour, and sends the latter off, by + railroad, to Detroit, whence it finds its way to Europe, possibly, to help + feed the millions of the old world. Such, at least, was the course of + trade the past season. As respects this ingenious machine, it remains only + to say that it harvests, cleans, and bags from twenty to thirty acres of + heavy wheat, in the course of a single summer's day! Altogether it is a + gigantic invention, well adapted to meet the necessities of a gigantic + country. + </p> + <p> + Old Peter went afield with us that day. There he stood, like a striking + monument of a past that was still so recent and wonderful. On that very + prairie, which was now teeming with the appliances of civilization, he had + hunted and held his savage councils. On that prairie had he meditated, or + consented to the deaths of the young couple, whose descendants were now + dwelling there, amid abundance, and happy. Nothing but the prayers of the + dying missionary, in behalf of his destroyers, had prevented the dire + consummation. + </p> + <p> + We were still in the field, when General Boden's attention was drawn + toward the person of another guest. This, too, was an Indian, old like + himself, but not clad like Peter, in the vestments of the whites. The + attire of this sinewy old man was a mixture of that of the two races. He + wore a hunting-shirt, moccasins, and a belt; but he also wore trousers, + and otherwise had brought himself within the habits of conventional + decency. It was Pigeonswing, the Chippewa, come to pay his annual visit to + his friend, the bee-hunter, The meeting was cordial, and we afterward + ascertained that when the old man departed, he went away loaded with gifts + that would render him comfortable for a twelvemonth. + </p> + <p> + But Peter, after all, was the great centre of interest with us. We could + admire the General's bee-hives, which were numerous and ingenious; could + admire his still handsome Margery, and all their blooming descendants; and + were glad when we discovered that our old friend—made so by means of + a knowledge of his character, if not by actual acquaintance—was much + improved in mind, was a sincere Christian, and had been a Senator of his + own State; respected and esteemed by all who knew him. Such a career, + however, has nothing peculiar in America; it is one of every-day + occurrence, and shows the power of man when left free to make his own + exertions; while that of the Scalping Peter indicated the power of God. + There he was, living in the midst of the hated race, loving and beloved; + wishing naught but blessings on all colors alike; looking back upon his + traditions and superstitions with a sort of melancholy interest, as we all + portray in our memories the scenes, legends, and feelings of an erring + childhood. + </p> + <p> + We were walking in the garden, after dinner, and looking at the hives. + There were the general, Margery, Peter, and ourselves. The first was loud + in praise of his buzzing friends, for whom it was plain he still + entertained a lively regard. The old Indian, at first, was sad. Then he + smiled, and, turning to us, he spoke earnestly and with some of his + ancient fire and eloquence. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me you make a book,” he said. “In dat book tell trut'. You see me—poor + old Injin. My fadder was chief—I was great chief, but we was + children. Knowed nuttin'. Like little child, dough great chief. Believe + tradition. T'ink dis 'arth flat—t'ink Injin could scalp all + pale-face—t'ink tomahawk, and war-path, and rifle, bess t'ings in + whole world. In dat day, my heart was stone. Afraid of Great Spirit, but + didn't love him. In dat time I t'ink General could talk wid bee. Yes; was + very foolish den. Now, all dem cloud blow away, and I see my Fadder dat is + in heaven. His face shine on me, day and night, and I never get tired of + looking at it. I see him smile, I see him lookin' at poor ole Injin, as if + he want him to come nearer; sometime I see him frown and dat scare me. Den + I pray, and his frown go away. + </p> + <p> + “Stranger, love God. B'lieve his blessed Son, who pray for dem dat kill + him. Injin don't do that. Injin not strong enough to do so good t'ing. It + want de Holy Spirit to strengthen de heart, afore man can do so great + t'ing. When he got de force of de Holy Spirit, de heart of stone is + changed to de heart of woman, and we all be ready to bless our enemy and + die. I have spoken. Let dem dat read your book understand.” + </p> + <h3> + THE END. + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Oak Openings, by James Fenimore Cooper + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OAK OPENINGS *** + +***** This file should be named 4215-h.htm or 4215-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/1/4215/ + + +Text file produced by Charles Franks and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project +Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at + www.gutenberg.org/license. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” + or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project +Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right +of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 +North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email +contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the +Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + + +</pre> + + </body> +</html> |