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diff --git a/44574-h/44574-h.htm b/44574-h/44574-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..304e482 --- /dev/null +++ b/44574-h/44574-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7631 @@ +<!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"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Missouri Outlaws, by Gustave Aimard</title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .51em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .49em; +} + +.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} +.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} +.p6 {margin-top: 6em;} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; +} + +hr.tb {width: 45%;} +hr.chap {width: 65%} +hr.full {width: 95%;} + +hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +hr.r65 {width: 65%; margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em;} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} + + .tdl {text-align: left;} + .tdr {text-align: right;} + .tdc {text-align: center;} + + + +a:link {color: #800000; text-decoration: none; } + +v:link {color: #800000; text-decoration: none; } + + + +.center {text-align: center;} + +.right {text-align: right;} + +/* Footnotes */ +.footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + +.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + +.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + +.fnanchor { + vertical-align: super; + font-size: .8em; + text-decoration: + none; +} + + hr.pg { width: 100%; + margin-top: 3em; + margin-bottom: 0em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + height: 4px; + border-width: 4px 0 0 0; /* remove all borders except the top one */ + border-style: solid; + border-color: #000000; + clear: both; } + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44574 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Missouri Outlaws, by Gustave Aimard, +Translated by Percy B. St. John</h1> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> + <tr> + <td valign="top"> + Note: + </td> + <td> + Images of the original pages are available through + HathiTrust Digital Library. See + <a href="http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3750786;view=1up;seq=495"> + http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3750786;view=1up;seq=495</a> + </td> + </tr> +</table> +<p> </p> +<hr class="pg" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h1>THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS</h1> + +<h3>By</h3> + +<h2>GUSTAVE AIMARD</h2> + + +<h4>AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," "INDIAN SCOUT," ETC., ETC.</h4> + + +<h4>TRANSLATED BY PERCY B. ST. JOHN</h4> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h5>LONDON</h5> + +<h5>JOHN and ROBERT MAXWELL</h5> + +<h5>MILTON HOUSE, SHOE LANE, FLEET STREET</h5> + +<h5>AND</h5> + +<h5>35, ST. BRIDE STREET, LUDGATE CIRCUS.</h5> + +<h5>1877</h5> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<h4>NOTICE.</h4> + +<p><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span> was the adopted son of one of the most powerful Indian +tribes, with whom he lived for more than fifteen years in the heart of +the prairies, sharing their dangers and their combats, and accompanying +them everywhere, rifle in one hand and tomahawk in the other. In turn +squatter, hunter, trapper, warrior, and miner, <span style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span> has +traversed America from the highest peaks of the Cordilleras to the +ocean shores, living from hand to mouth, happy for the day, careless +of the morrow. Hence it is that <span style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span> only describes his +own life. The Indians of whom he speaks he has known—the manners he +depicts are his own.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> + +<h4><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE">PREFACE</a></h4> + + +<p>Very few of the soul-stirring narratives written by <span style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span> +are equal in freshness and vigour to "The Missouri Outlaws," hitherto +unpublished in this country. The characters of the Squatter, the real, +restless, unconquerable American, who is always going ahead, and of +his wife and daughter, are admirably depicted, while his eccentric +brother is a perfect gem of description. The great interest, however, +of the narrative is centred in Tom Mitchell, the mysterious outlaw, +whose fortunes excite the readers' imagination to the utmost. There +can be no doubt he is one of the most original characters depicted by +the versatile pen of the great French novelist. In addition to being +a story of adventure, "The Missouri Outlaws" is also a love tale, and +abounds in tender pathos, the interest of which is well sustained in +"The Prairie Flower" and in its sequel, "The Indian Scout."</p> + +<p style="text-align: right; font-size: 0.8em;">PERCY B. ST. JOHN.</p> + +<p>London: <i>February, 1877.</i></p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h5>CONTENTS</h5> + +<div class="center" style="font-size: 0.8em;"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">A QUEER CUSTOMER</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">WHO THE STRANGER WAS</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">EXPLANATIONS</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO<br /> GEORGE CLINTON'S</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">TOM MITCHELL</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">SAMUEL AND JOSHUA</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">NEW CHARACTERS</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">THE PRISONER</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY<br /> IS A GOOD SPECULATION</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">A STRANGE CHASE</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">A DESPERATE STRUGGLE</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h3>THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS</h3> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>On the 4th of August, 1801, a little after eight o'clock at night, just +as the last rays of the setting sun disappeared behind the heights +of Dorchester, gilding as they did so the summits of certain islands +scattered at the entrance to Boston Bay, some idlers of both sexes, +collected on Beacon Hill, at the foot of the lighthouse, saw a large +vessel making for the harbour.</p> + +<p>At first it seemed as if the ship would be compelled to desist from her +design, as the wind was slightly contrary; but, by a series of skilful +manoeuvres, it at last passed by the danger which threatened, the sails +were one by one taken in and furled, and finally the anchor was cast +beside one of the many vessels in port.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later nothing was to be seen on deck save one man walking +up and down doing duty as watch for the time being.</p> + +<p>The vessel had, under cover of a dense fog, escaped from Brest, slipped +past the English cruisers, and finally, after many dangers, reached its +destination.</p> + +<p>Descending into the cabin, we find two men seated at a table upon which +were glasses, bottles, pipes, and tobacco, conversing and smoking.</p> + +<p>These were Captain Pierre Durand, a young man, with regular but rather +effeminate features, and yet a look of frank honesty, to which his +sparkling eyes, his broad forehead, his long waving hair, gave an +appearance of singular energy. Though every inch a sailor, there was a +refinement about him not generally found in his class.</p> + +<p>His companion was a handsome and haughty young man, of about +two-and-twenty, of moderate height, but with very broad shoulders; he +was evidently of powerful make, with nerves of steel. His complexion +was olive; his hair long wavy black; his eyes were large and bold; the +expression of his countenance sombre and thoughtful, while at this +early age many a wrinkle caused by thought or suffering was to be +observed.</p> + +<p>There had evidently been a warm discussion, for the captain was walking +up and down, a frown upon his brow. Suddenly, however, he reseated +himself and held out his hand across the table.</p> + +<p>"I was wrong. Do not be vexed," he said.</p> + +<p>"I am not angry, my good Pierre," he answered.</p> + +<p>"Then why sulk with your friend?"</p> + +<p>"I do not sulk, heaven knows; I am simply sad. You have reopened a +wound I thought forever closed," the other added with a sigh.</p> + +<p>"Well, then, in heaven's name, if it be so," cried the captain, "let us +talk about something else—and above all, let us drink. This old rum is +a sovereign remedy for the blues. Your health, my friend."</p> + +<p>Both drank after touching glasses, and then silence again ensued.</p> + +<p>"Now, my dear Oliver," resumed the captain, "at last we are safe in +Boston. We leave tomorrow. What do you intend to do?"</p> + +<p>"You remember our conversation at Brest?"</p> + +<p>"I have not forgotten it, but I never seriously entertained the idea. +We had dined rather copiously."</p> + +<p>"We were very sober. There were two bottles on the table, one empty +and the other nearly full. I then told you that though I had only just +returned to France after an absence of ten years, I was compelled to +leave at a moment's notice, and to leave without raising any suspicion. +I wanted to depart without anyone being able to obtain the slightest +clue; you remember," he added.</p> + +<p>"I do, and I told you that I would run the blockade that very night, if +the weather turned out as bad as I expected. Did I keep my promise?"</p> + +<p>"With all the loyalty of your honest heart. I also told you I intended +remaining in America."</p> + +<p>"It is to that madcap resolution I object," said the captain +emphatically. "Why not stay with me? You are an excellent sailor—you +shall be my chief officer."</p> + +<p>"No, my friend. I can accept nothing which can ever tempt me to return +to France," he answered.</p> + +<p>"How you suffer!" sighed his friend.</p> + +<p>"Horribly. Come, my friend, as we shall part for ever tomorrow, I will +tell you my history."</p> + +<p>"Not if it makes you suffer."</p> + +<p>"I will be brief. Sad as my story is, it is not very long."</p> + +<p>"Go on," replied Captain Durand, filling up two more glasses of rum, +and lighting a fresh cigar for himself.</p> + +<p>"I will not sermonise, but begin at the beginning. I was born in Paris, +but might be English, German, or even Russian, for all I know. I am +simply aware that my birthplace was Paris, in the house of a doctor, +where my mother took refuge. It was in the Rue St. Honoré I first +saw the light but, as soon as I could be removed, was sent to the +Foundling. There I remained four years, until a loving young couple, +who had lost their only child, adopted me. They were poor, and lived on +the third floor of a wretched old house, in the Rue Plumet, where, I +must own, I had enough, but of very coarse, food."</p> + +<p>"One day, however, fortune knocked at the door. My adopted mother was, +and still is, one of the handsomest women in Paris. By accident an old +friend, a distant relation, a man of high position, found her out. He +at once procured a lucrative appointment for my supposed parent, and +we moved to a splendid residence in the Faubourg du Roule. The friend, +who lived close by, at once began to visit us every evening, and, by a +curious coincidence, the husband always found business which required +his absence. He never returned until a quarter of an hour after the +other had left."</p> + +<p>"Accommodating husband," sneered Durand.</p> + +<p>"Just so. But, unfortunately for me, I became older, curious, was +always turning up when not wanted, and saying things which were not +required. It was decided that I was an incorrigible scamp, and must be +sent away."</p> + +<p>"My adopted mother had relations at Dunkirk, and I was packed off to +them to be sent to sea as cabin boy. Then only did I discover that +these people were not my parents. My supposed mother coldly kissed me, +told me to be a good boy and gave me ten sous; my father, who escorted +me to the ramshackle vehicle which traded between Paris and Calais, +told me to remember this, that society never having done anything for +me, I was to do nothing for society; the only virtues to which men ever +owed success were, he said, selfishness and ingratitude. He further +added, 'Good-bye, we shall never meet again.'"</p> + +<p>"He turned his back and left me. This was my first young sorrow, and I +felt it very much."</p> + +<p>"I feel for you," said the captain; "your story is very much like my +own."</p> + +<p>"These people, knowing me then to be very delicate, hoped that the +hardy profession they had selected for me would kill me. They were +mistaken."</p> + +<p>"As I see," answered Durand.</p> + +<p>"I was first boy on board a herring boat, where I had to endure the +brutality and insolence of a low drunkard, who never spoke except with +an oath from his mouth, accompanying it with a blow from his cane. My +apprenticeship was one long terror. Sometimes a whaler, sometimes a cod +fisher, sometimes a slaver. I have been five or six times round the +world; abandoned on the wildest coast of America, I was a long time +prisoner; shipwrecked on an island in the Pacific, I wonder I did not +die of misery and despair."</p> + +<p>"Poor Oliver!"</p> + +<p>"But bad as was my life, I everywhere in savage lands found some +friend; but in France, from which I was ignominiously expelled eleven +years ago, I found on my return two implacable foes—Calumny and +Hatred. I was a very sharp boy, and trusted wholly to strangers. +I could not help hearing many things I should not have heard. I +discovered the secret of my birth, who were my father and mother, +their exact names, and their position in society. One day, in a moment +of frenzy—and you know I am extremely violent—I was foolish enough +to let out the fact that I knew all. From that day a vow was made to +accomplish my ruin; the most calumnious reports pursued me; I was +accused behind my back and in the dark of the most horrible crimes. It +is to me still a wonder how I have escaped all the ambushes laid for +me. My foes hesitated at nothing. They tried to assassinate me. Is it +not horrible? Well, having failed in the ordinary way, they bribed the +captain of a ship I had joined to maroon me on the coast of New Mexico, +where dwell the most ferocious Indian tribes."</p> + +<p>"And the captain did this?"</p> + +<p>"Pardieu!" cried Oliver; "He was a poor man, and the father of a +family. I was cast on shore stupefied by laudanum. When I recovered the +ship was already out of sight. I expected to be killed by the savages +or to die of hunger. How neither happened is too long a story to tell +now. But the end of all is, I have determined on an eternal exile. +Never again will I place myself in the power of my foes, who live rich, +happy, and respected in France."</p> + +<p>"You will establish yourself in Boston?"</p> + +<p>"No! I have done with civilised life; I shall now try that of the +desert. It is my intention to bury myself in the wilds until I find +an Indian tribe that will welcome me. I will ask them to receive me +as a warrior. I thoroughly understand the manners and customs of the +aborigines, and shall easily make friends."</p> + +<p>"I believe," observed the captain, "that you are right in this +particular. You are young, brave, and intelligent; therefore you will +succeed even in this mad project. But mark my word, you may live five, +perhaps ten years with the Indians; but at last you will weary of this +existence—what will you do then?"</p> + +<p>"Who knows? Experience will have ripened my reason, perhaps killed my +grief, even deadened the hatred which burns within my heart. I may even +learn to forgive those who have made me suffer. That in itself is a +sort of vengeance."</p> + +<p>"But you will never come to that," said his friend.</p> + +<p>The young man rose without making any reply, and went on deck.</p> + +<p>Next day, as soon as the usual formalities had been gone through, the +captain landed in his boat with his young friend. Both were silent +before the sailors. Very soon they were threading their way along the +crowded quays. Boston was by no means the really magnificent town which +now excite universal admiration, but it was already a very busy and +important commercial emporium.</p> + +<p>The Americans, with their restless activity, had hastened to clear away +all signs of the War of Independence; the town had grown quite young +again, and assumed that gay and lively physiognomy which belongs to +great commercial centres, where almost everybody can find the means of +living.</p> + +<p>As soon as they were alone the captain spoke.</p> + +<p>"When, my friend, do you propose to start?" he said.</p> + +<p>"Tonight, two hours before the setting of the sun. I burn with a fierce +desire to breathe the air of the great savannahs, to feel free from the +trammels of civilisation," he answered.</p> + +<p>"Well, my friend, I must leave you now, but promise to wait breakfast +for me, and to do nothing until you have seen me again," insisted the +captain.</p> + +<p>"I was about to ask you to join me. Where shall we breakfast?"</p> + +<p>The captain indicated a hotel at no great distance, after which he +hurried away to wait on the consignees.</p> + +<p>"What on earth can Pierre mean," muttered Oliver to himself, "by my +doing nothing until we meet again? Probably he will try once more to +change my resolution. He ought to know that once I make up my mind I +never falter. He is a good fellow, the only man who has ever been my +sincere and devoted friend—the only being in the world I am sorry to +part from."</p> + +<p>Musing thus Oliver strolled about, looking listlessly at the streets, +the shops, and particularly selecting those which, by-and-by, he would +have to visit for the purpose of his outfit, which he would have to +purchase after breakfast.</p> + +<p>An hour later the two men met in front of the hotel. Both were exact to +a minute. They ordered breakfast in a private room. As soon as they had +finished the captain opened the ball.</p> + +<p>"Now let us chat," he said.</p> + +<p>"With the greatest of pleasure," replied Oliver. "Nothing is more +agreeable after a meal than to enjoy a cigar, a cup of coffee, and a +friend's company."</p> + +<p>"And yet you have determined to deprive yourself of these luxuries +forever," replied Durand.</p> + +<p>"Man is ever insatiable. The unknown always did and always will attract +him. He will ever quit the substance for the shadow. The fable is +right. But let us talk of something else. Serious conversation after +eating is folly," observed Oliver.</p> + +<p>"You are quite right—some more rum in your coffee? It is an excellent +thing. What do you think I have been doing since I saw you?"</p> + +<p>"It is impossible for me to guess," cried Oliver.</p> + +<p>The captain rose, went to the window, and gave a short whistle. After +this, he returned to his seat, Oliver staring at him while he sipped +his coffee.</p> + +<p>Five minutes elapsed, and then in came several men, carrying various +packets, which they placed on a side table, and went out without +speaking.</p> + +<p>"What does it mean?" cried Oliver, in comic astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Then something can rouse you?" cried Durand, smiling.</p> + +<p>"No, only I wondered."</p> + +<p>"Never mind. You still intend going off tonight?" asked the captain.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," said Oliver rising; "that reminds me—"</p> + +<p>"One moment. We are old friends, and there should be no secrets between +us," urged Durand.</p> + +<p>"There shall be none," answered Oliver.</p> + +<p>"Have you much money?" asked Durand.</p> + +<p>"Do you want to lend me any?" cried Oliver.</p> + +<p>"No matter if I did. But still I want an answer," urged Durand.</p> + +<p>"I have eleven thousand francs in gold sewn in my belt, and in a bag +fastened round my neck diamonds worth a hundred and twenty thousand +more. Besides this I have about eighty guineas in English money for +immediate expenses. Are you satisfied?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly," said the captain laughing, "and now listen to me."</p> + +<p>"Then it appears you are not quite satisfied?" cried Oliver, in his +turn surprised.</p> + +<p>"Don't be in a hurry. I wish to interest you if I can."</p> + +<p>"I will wait your pleasure," observed Oliver, smiling at the other's +hesitation.</p> + +<p>"It is useless," said Durand, "for me to feign a gaiety I do not feel. +I feel more like weeping than laughing. The mere idea of this long, +perhaps eternal, separation makes my heart bleed. I think that the hand +now in mine I shall never shake again."</p> + +<p>"Don't be downhearted. Perhaps we may meet sooner than either of us +expect," retorted Oliver.</p> + +<p>"I hope you may be a true prophet. Still I cannot help shuddering at +the thought of your starting off amidst people whose language you do +not even know."</p> + +<p>"There you are mistaken," responded Oliver; "as well as French, I speak +English, Spanish, and Dutch, with about five Indian dialects, which I +picked up at different times."</p> + +<p>"It is a wonder," mused the other, "that, placed as you have been, you +should have had the time."</p> + +<p>"Before I became a cabin boy I could read and write a little. After a +time I spent every moment of leisure in study."</p> + +<p>"I remember," sighed Durand, "I never met you without you were reading. +What will you do for books now?"</p> + +<p>"What book is more interesting than that in which God has written on +the plains, on the mountains, on the minutest blade of grass?" replied +Oliver with enthusiasm. "Believe me, my friend, the sacred book of +Nature has pages too interesting to ever weary us; from them you always +find consolation, hope, encouragement. But," he added with a smile, "I +have two books with me which, in my opinion, epitomise all great human +thoughts, make man better, and even restore his courage, when bowed +down by the heavy weight of misfortune. I have these books by heart, +and yet I read them over again."</p> + +<p>And he laid on the table two books bound in black morocco.</p> + +<p>"What!" cried the amazed captain, "'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and +'Montaigne'!"</p> + +<p>"Yes. 'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and 'Montaigne,' the most +complete and sincere books ever written, for they tell the story of +doubt and belief. They tell the rival story of all the philosophers +who have existed since the creation of the world. With these two books +and the magnificent spectacle of Nature around me have I not a whole +library?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot make you out. You overwhelm me," said the captain; "but +I have not the courage to contradict you. You are too much for me. +Go forth, seek the unknown, for alone that will comprehend you. You +are one of those whom adversity purifies and renders great; you will +often feel inclined to fall by the way in the gigantic combat you are +about to undertake against the world. But fail is not a word in your +dictionary. Even death, when it comes, will not conquer you."</p> + +<p>"All the more that death is but a transformation, a purification of +brutal matter by Divine agency. But," he remarked with a smile, "I +think we are talking about very serious matters very foreign to our +subject. Let us return to business, for the hour of our departure is +rapidly approaching."</p> + +<p>At this moment the tramp of horses was heard, and the captain again ran +to the window.</p> + +<p>"Hilloa!" cried the young man; "Another of your mysterious walks! Do +explain yourself."</p> + +<p>"All right," he replied, reseating himself, "there is no reason for +circumlocution between friends. The truth must be told. I had hoped to +lend you money, and I know that had you have required it, you would +have borrowed it."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, without hesitation, my friend."</p> + +<p>"Of course, as I find you are very much better off than myself, I +withdraw the proposition; but I had already provided your outfit."</p> + +<p>"What can you mean? Provided my outfit!"</p> + +<p>"Yes! I mean to say that there is not a single thing required for your +journey that is not ready. Look!"</p> + +<p>And both rising, the captain opened the parcels which had been left on +a side table.</p> + +<p>"Look here," said the captain; "this is a real Kentucky rifle, the +only gun fit for a hunter; I have tried it. This is a ball pouch, with +mould and everything necessary to make others when needed; this is +your powder horn, which is full, while here are two small canisters +to replenish with; this is a 'necessary,' as we sailors call it, +containing spoon, fork, cup, knife, and other trifles; this is a +leather belt; this is a game bag, with gaiters, riding boots, a cloak, +and four rugs."</p> + +<p>"My dear friend," said Oliver, deeply moved, "you have been ruining +yourself."</p> + +<p>"Get out of that and wait a little longer. As you seriously wish to +adopt savage life, at all events you must be rigged out accordingly," +he added, laughing. "This is a hunting knife, which you put in your +belt; these pistols are to be placed in the holsters; that sword is +perhaps one of the best cavalry swords I have ever seen. What, more! +Oh, yes. This portmanteau, which is neither too large nor too small, +in which you will find shirts and other necessaries. Then some pipes, +tobacco, flint and steel, and a dozen boxes of preserves, in case you +may someday be short of provisions. I think, on my honour, that is all. +No, I had forgotten: paper, pens, ink, and pencils. And now my watch as +a last remembrance."</p> + +<p>"This I must refuse. Your watch is too useful to yourself."</p> + +<p>"My friend, every time you look at it you will think of me," said the +captain.</p> + +<p>And the two Frenchmen embraced.</p> + +<p>"I accept," replied Oliver, with deep emotion.</p> + +<p>"Now I know," continued the captain, "you are really my friend; and now +let me see you dressed up as a true traveller, while I put the other +things back into their parcels."</p> + +<p>"But before I don my new prairie costume, I have something else to +buy," cried Oliver.</p> + +<p>"What!" cried the captain, "I thought surely I had forgotten nothing."</p> + +<p>"Do you think, my dear friend, that I am going to carry all this on my +back. I don't want to look like a comic Robinson Crusoe, and, besides, +it is more than I could do. I must have a horse."</p> + +<p>The captain burst out laughing.</p> + +<p>"Look out of window, my dear friend," he said, "and then you shall +decide whether or not I forgot anything."</p> + +<p>Oliver approached the window, and saw two magnificent horses admirably +caparisoned.</p> + +<p>"What do you think of those animals?" asked the captain.</p> + +<p>"They are both splendid; above all, the black one—a true horse of the +prairies—a mustang."</p> + +<p>"You seem to know all about it."</p> + +<p>"I have seen them often enough," replied the young man; "the owner of +this one should be proud."</p> + +<p>"It is yours," said Durand.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I bought it for you," was the simple reply.</p> + +<p>"Pierre! Pierre! I repeat, you are ruined."</p> + +<p>"Hush; I may as well add that under the saddles I have placed double +pockets, which contain many things I have forgotten."</p> + +<p>"But there are two horses," he cried.</p> + +<p>"One for you and one for myself. At all events, I must see you fairly +on your way."</p> + +<p>Oliver made no reply, but turned away to dress in order to hide his +emotion. When he was in full costume his friend burst out laughing, and +told him he looked like a Calabrian bandit.</p> + +<p>"And now which way do we go?" asked the captain.</p> + +<p>"Straight forward," replied Oliver.</p> + +<p>"Yes," cried the captain, "just so, as you are going round the world."</p> + +<p>In two hours, after a hearty and warm shake of the hand, they parted. +They were too deeply moved to speak.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h4> + +<h3>SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>On the same day on which the <i>Patriot</i> anchored in the Bay of +Massachusetts an interesting event took place between seven and eight +in the morning in a pretty village named Northampton, at no great +distance from Boston.</p> + +<p>Everybody was excited. A crowd of men, women, and children pressed +around a number of waggons, each drawn by six horses. They stood in +front of a brick house, the only inn of the village. Four magnificent +saddle horses, with very handsome harness, were held by a young +intelligent-looking Negro, who at the same time smoked a short pipe.</p> + +<p>The crowd was very excited, but very decorous and quiet—as a New +England crowd always is—waiting simply for an explanation.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the sharp trot of a horse was heard at the entrance of the +street. This served to create a new sensation in the crowd.</p> + +<p>"Samuel Dickson!" cried the people; "At last he has come. Now he will +make them listen to reason."</p> + +<p>The new arrival was a man of middle age, with a pleasant countenance, +delicate and intelligent features, clothed in the dress of a rich +farmer, and in those parts was looked up to as a most important +individual.</p> + +<p>He made his way carefully through the crowd, bowing on either hand, and +rather puzzled at the ovation he was receiving.</p> + +<p>"Ah! Ah! That is you, massa," said a Negro, with a chuckle, as he +approached the inn door.</p> + +<p>"Sandy, is that you? Then I suppose the others are inside," he +remarked, as he dismounted and handed him the bridle.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Massa Samuel, dem all dere."</p> + +<p>"I am glad of it," he replied, "for I have come a long way to see them. +Look after my horse, he is rather fresh."</p> + +<p>Then, bowing once more to the crowd, Samuel Dickson entered the inn, +closing the door behind him.</p> + +<p>In a large and comfortable room six persons, two women and four men, +were seated at one of those copious breakfasts which are never seen +to such perfection as in America. Upon benches round the room sat +about twenty persons in a humbler station in life, amongst others two +coloured young women, who were eating from bowls and plates placed on +their knees.</p> + +<p>Those at the table were the members of the family—father, mother, +daughter, and three sons. Those around were the servants.</p> + +<p>Joshua Dickson, the head of the family, was in reality a man of +fifty-five, not, however, looking more than forty. He was a man of +rude manners, but frank, honest expression. He was six feet high, as +powerful as Hercules, a true type of those hardy pioneers who opened +up the forests of the New World, drove back the Indians, and founded +stations in the desert, which in time became rich and flourishing towns.</p> + +<p>His sons were named Harry, Sam, and Jack, aged respectively thirty, +twenty-eight, and twenty-six. They were all three as tall as their +father, and about as Herculean—true Americans, with no thought of the +past, only looking to the future.</p> + +<p>Susan Dickson, the mother of this trio of giants, was a woman of about +fifty—small, elegant, but extremely active, with delicate features +and a pre-possessing physiognomy. She looked much younger than she +really was—thanks to her really admirable complexion and the singular +brightness of her eyes. She must have been rarely beautiful in her +youth.</p> + +<p>Diana, the child of her old age, as she loved to call her, was +scarcely sixteen, was the idol of the family, the guardian angel of +the fireside; her father and brothers actually worshipped her. It +was something wonderful to see their rude natures bending like reeds +before the slightest wish of this delicate child, and obeying her most +fantastic orders without a murmur.</p> + +<p>Diana was a charming brunette, with blue and dreamy eyes, slight and +flexible form; she was pale; a look of profound melancholy was to be +remarked on her countenance, giving to her physiognomy that angelic +expression rarely found except in the Madonnas of Titien. This sadness, +which all the family saw with sorrow, had only been in existence a few +days. When questioned on the subject, even by her mother, she had no +answer to give.</p> + +<p>"It is nothing at all," she said, "only a slight feeling of sickness, +which will soon pass away."</p> + +<p>Hearing this, all had ceased to question her, though all felt uneasy, +and slightly annoyed at her reticence. Still, as she was the spoiled +child of the family, no one had the heart to blame her or pester her +with questions. They had seduced her to govern them unquestioned that +it appeared hard now to want to curb her will.</p> + +<p>The entrance of the stranger into the hall where the emigrants were +breakfasting like persons who knew the value of time, caused no small +stir; they ceased eating, and, glancing at one another, whispered +amongst themselves. The stranger, leaning on his riding whip, looked at +them with an odd kind of smile.</p> + +<p>The chief of the family, though himself somewhat surprised, was the +first to recover himself. He rose, held out his hand, and spoke in what +he intended should be a jovial tone. The attempt was a failure.</p> + +<p>"My good brother," he said, "this is indeed a surprise. I really did +not expect to see you; but sit down beside my wife and have some +breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Thank you; I am not hungry."</p> + +<p>"Then excuse me if I finish my meal," continued the emigrant.</p> + +<p>"Brother," presently said Samuel, "for a man of your age you are acting +in an extraordinary manner."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so," replied the other.</p> + +<p>"Let me ask you where are you going?"</p> + +<p>"Northward, to the great lakes."</p> + +<p>"What is the meaning of this?"</p> + +<p>"My friend, I am told there is good land to be had but for the taking."</p> + +<p>"May I ask who put this silly idea in your head?"</p> + +<p>"No one. It is a splendid country, with splendid forests, water in +abundance, a delicious climate, though rather cold, and land for +nothing."</p> + +<p>"Have you seen this beautiful country?"</p> + +<p>"No; but I know all about it."</p> + +<p>"Do you?" sneered the other; "Well, beware of the creeks."</p> + +<p>"Never you fear. Wherever there is water there are bridges."</p> + +<p>"Of course; and now may I ask, what have you done with your magnificent +southern property?" the other asked.</p> + +<p>"I have sold it, slaves and all, keeping only such as were willing to +follow me. I brought away all that could travel—my wife, my sons, my +daughter, my furniture, my horses, all I wanted."</p> + +<p>"May I without offence ask you this question: Were you not very well +where you were? Did you not find the land excellent?"</p> + +<p>"I was well off, and the land was excellent."</p> + +<p>"Were you unable to sell your produce?"</p> + +<p>"I had an admirable market," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"Then," cried Samuel, angrily, "what in the devil's name do you mean by +giving it up and going to a land where you will find nothing but wild +beasts, brutal savages, and a hard and rigorous climate?"</p> + +<p>The bold adventurer, driven into his last intrenchment, made no reply, +only scratching his head in search of a reply. His wife here interfered.</p> + +<p>"What is the use," she said, smiling, "asking for reasons which do +not exist? Joshua is going for the love of change—nothing more. All +our lives, as you well know, we have been roaming hither and thither. +As soon as we are once comfortably settled anywhere, then we begin to +think it time to be off."</p> + +<p>"Yes! Yes! I know my brother's vagabond habits. But when he is in one +of his mad fits, why do you not interfere?" he cried, impetuously.</p> + +<p>"Brother, you don't know what it is to be married to a wanderer," she +said.</p> + +<p>"Good!" cried Joshua, laughing.</p> + +<p>"But if you don't find this beautiful country?" asked Samuel.</p> + +<p>"I will embark on one of the rivers."</p> + +<p>"And where will you land?"</p> + +<p>"I have not the slightest idea. But there, do not be uneasy, I shall +find a place."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Samuel, gazing at him with perfect amazement in his looks, +"you are determined?"</p> + +<p>"I am determined."</p> + +<p>"Then, as we shall never meet again, come and spend a few days at my +house," urged Samuel.</p> + +<p>"I am very sorry to decline, but I cannot go back. If I were to waste a +day, it would be a serious loss of time and money. I must reach my new +settlement in time for the sowing."</p> + +<p>Samuel Dickson, putting his hands behind his back, walked across the +room with great strides, backwards and forwards, watching his niece +curiously under his eyes.</p> + +<p>He several times struck the ground with his riding whip, muttering to +himself all the time. Diana sat with her hands crossed on her knees, +the teardrops falling from her eyes.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the farmer appeared to have made up his mind. Turning round, +he laid his heavy hand on his brother's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Joshua!" he said, "It is clear to me that you are mad, and that I +alone in the family possess any common sense; never, God forgive you, +did more crooked notion enter the head of an honest man. You won't come +to my house? Very good. I will then ask you one thing, which, if you +refuse, I shall never forgive you."</p> + +<p>"You know how much I love you."</p> + +<p>"I know you say so; but this is the favour I ask: don't start until you +see me again."</p> + +<p>"Hem! But—"</p> + +<p>"I must get home on important business at once. My house is but twenty +miles distant; I shall soon be back."</p> + +<p>"But when?" cautiously asked the emigrant.</p> + +<p>"Tomorrow, or the next day at the latest."</p> + +<p>"That is a long delay," continued Joshua.</p> + +<p>"I do not deny it. But as your paradise, your El Dorado, your beautiful +country will not probably run away, you are bound to reach it sooner +or later. Besides," urged Samuel, "it is important, very important, we +should meet again."</p> + +<p>"As you will, my brother," sighed Joshua; "I give you my word to wait +until the day after tomorrow at seven o'clock in the morning—no later."</p> + +<p>"That will suit me admirably," cried the farmer; "so good-bye for the +present."</p> + +<p>And with a bow to all, and a smile to Diana, he hurried out of the room.</p> + +<p>The crowd still patiently surrounded the inn and received him with a +loud shout. He, however, took no notice, but rode off.</p> + +<p>"We could not very well refuse, Susan," said the farmer to his wife.</p> + +<p>"He is your brother," she replied.</p> + +<p>"Our only relative," murmured Diana.</p> + +<p>"True. Diana is right. Children, unharness the animals: we will stop +here tonight."</p> + +<p>And, to the great surprise of the gaping crowd, who hung about after +the fashion of idlers, the horses of the emigrants were unyoked and +taken to a shed, the waggons placed under cover, without the curious +knowing the reason why.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the second day Joshua Dickson, shortly after sunrise, +was overlooking the horses being fed by his sons and servants, when a +great noise was heard in the street, as of many waggons, and then there +was a sharp knocking at the door of the inn.</p> + +<p>Joshua hastily left the stables and took his way to the great room of +the hotel.</p> + +<p>He came face to face with Samuel Dickson, who had just been admitted by +the sleepy innkeeper.</p> + +<p>"Hilloa!" cried Joshua, "Is that you, my brother?"</p> + +<p>"Who else do you suppose it is?" cried Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Well, but I did not expect you so early."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Samuel, drily, "I was afraid you might give me the slip, +so I came early."</p> + +<p>"An excellent idea, brother," said Mrs. Dickson, who now entered.</p> + +<p>"And knowing how anxious my brother is to reach the promised land, I +would not keep him waiting."</p> + +<p>"Quite right," coolly replied Joshua; "and now about this important +business?"</p> + +<p>"Look out of window," drily answered Samuel.</p> + +<p>Joshua obeyed, and saw five heavily-laden waggons, drawn each by +horses, with about twelve hired men.</p> + +<p>"Well," coolly observed Joshua, "what may be the meaning of all this?"</p> + +<p>"It means," answered the farmer, "that as you have found yourself such +a fool, it becomes my duty, as your elder brother, to come and look +after you. I have sold up everything, and invested part, as you see."</p> + +<p>"Oh, my brother!" cried Joshua, with tears in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Am I not your only relative? Wherever you go, I shall go—only there +will now be two fools, but I am the bigger of the two. I talk like a +wise man and act like a foolish child."</p> + +<p>Uncle Samuel was adored by all the family, everyone was delighted, +while Diana was radiant.</p> + +<p>"Oh, my good uncle," she said, warmly embracing him, "it is for me you +do this."</p> + +<p>"Do you think," he whispered, "I ever meant to desert my niece?"</p> + +<p>Two hours later the double caravan started on its way.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h4> + +<h3>A QUEER CUSTOMER.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>It was the beginning of the month of October, and some sharp frosts +had rid the land of mosquitoes and gnats, which during the hot season +abound in myriads near watercourses and beneath the leafy arches of the +virgin forest, being one of its worst scourges.</p> + +<p>A few minutes after the rising of the sun a traveller, mounted on a +magnificent horse, wearing the costume of a prairie hunter, and whose +general appearance indicated a white man, emerged at a walking pace +from a high thicket, and entered upon a vast prairie, at that day +almost unknown to the trappers themselves, those hardy explorers of +the desert—and which was not far from the Rocky Mountains, in the +centre of the Indian country, and nearly two thousand miles from any +settlement.</p> + +<p>This traveller was Oliver. He had, we see, already travelled a long +distance.</p> + +<p>Two months only had elapsed, during which, going always straight before +him, he had traversed all the provinces of the young American republic, +never stopping except to rest himself and horse; then he had passed the +frontier and entered the desert.</p> + +<p>Then he was happy. For the first time in his life he was free and +unfettered, having cut himself off forever, as he thought, from the +heavy trammels of civilisation.</p> + +<p>Oliver had at once begun his apprenticeship as a hunter, and a rude +apprenticeship it is, causing many of the boldest and bravest to +retreat. But Oliver was no ordinary man; he was young, of rare vigour +and address, and, above all, possessed that iron will which nothing +stops, and which is the secret of great deeds; that leonine courage +which laughs at danger, and that indomitable pride which made him, +he thought, the equal of any living being. He therefore considered +nothing impossible, that is to say, he felt he could not only do what +anyone else had ever done, but even more, if he were called upon by +extraordinary circumstances to try.</p> + +<p>During two months he had met with numerous adventures. He had fought +many a battle, and braved dangers before which the bravest might have +retreated—perils of all kinds, from man, beast, and Nature herself.</p> + +<p>A victor in every case, his audacity had increased, his energy had +redoubled. His apprentice days were over, and he now felt himself a +true runner of the woods, that is to say, a man whom no appalling +sight, whom no dreadful catastrophe, would terrify—in fact, one who +was only to be moved by the majestic aspect of nature.</p> + +<p>He had paused as he left the thicket to examine the scene.</p> + +<p>Before him was a valley through which flowed two rivers, which after +some time joined and fell into the Missouri, whose vast lake surface +appeared like a white vapoury line on the distant horizon. Upon a +promontory projecting into the first river was a superb bosquet of +palms and magnolias; the latter, shaped like a perfect cone, stood in +lustrous verdure against the dazzling whiteness of the flowers, which, +despite the season, were still blooming. These flowers were so large +that Oliver could see them a mile off.</p> + +<p>The great majority of these magnolias were over a hundred feet high; +many were very much more.</p> + +<p>To the right was a wood of poplars, overrun with vines of enormous +size, which wholly concealed the trunks. They then ran to the top of +the tree, then redescending along the branches, passed from one tree +to another, mixing up with piquot, a kind of creeper which hung in +garlands and festoons from every bough.</p> + +<p>The young man could not take his eyes off the magnificent spectacle. +Suddenly he started, as he made out a thin column of smoke rising from +the centre of the magnolia thicket.</p> + +<p>Now the presence of smoke denotes fire, and fire indicates human +beings. In nine cases out of ten, in the desert, such human beings are +enemies.</p> + +<p>It is a harsh word, but it is certain that the most cruel enemy of man +in the desert, his most terrible adversary, is his fellow man.</p> + +<p>The sight of this smoke roused no excited feelings in the bosom of our +adventurer; he simply saw that his weapons were in order, and rode +straight for the magnolia valley. As it happened, a narrow path led +exactly in that direction.</p> + +<p>No matter whether he was to meet friends or foes, he was not sorry to +see a human face; for a week, not a white man, Métis, or Indian had +fallen across his path, and, despite himself, this complete silence and +absolute solitude began to tell upon him, though he would not own it +even to himself.</p> + +<p>He had passed over about one-third of the distance which separated him +from the thicket, and was only a pistol shot away, when he suddenly +stopped, under the influence of strange emotion.</p> + +<p>A rich and harmonious voice rose from amidst the trees, singing with +the most perfect accent a song with French words. These words came +clear and distinct to his ears; the surprise of the young man may be +conceived when he recognised the "Marseillaise." This magnificent +work, sung in the desert by an invisible being, amidst that grand +scenery, and repeated as it were by the echoes of the savannah, assumed +to him gigantic proportions.</p> + +<p>Despite himself, Oliver felt the tears come to his eyes; he pressed +his hand upon his chest, as if to repress the wild beatings of his +heart; in a second all his past came rushing tumultuously before him. +Once more he saw in his mind's eye that France from which he believed +himself forever separated, and felt how vain must ever be the effort to +repudiate one's country.</p> + +<p>Led on by the irresistible charm, he entered the thicket just as the +singer gave forth in his rich and stentorian voice the last couplets.</p> + +<p>He pushed aside some branches that checked his progress, and found +himself face to face with a young man, who, seated on the grass by the +riverside, near a glowing fire, was dipping biscuit in the water with +one hand, while with the other, in which he held a knife, he dipped +into a tin containing sardines.</p> + +<p>Lifting up his head as the other approached, the unknown nodded his +head.</p> + +<p>"Welcome to my fireside, my friend," he said in French, with a gay +smile; "if you are hungry, eat; if you are cold, warm yourself."</p> + +<p>"I accept your offer," replied Oliver, good-humouredly, as he leaped +from his horse, and removing the bridle, hoppled him near the unknown.</p> + +<p>He then seated himself by the fire, and opening his saddlebags, shared +his provisions with his new friend, who frankly accepted this very +welcome addition to his own very modest repast.</p> + +<p>The unknown was a tall young fellow about six feet high, well and +solidly built; his colour, which was very dark, arose from his being of +a mixed race, called from the colour of their skin Bois brulé, under +which general appellation we have half-castes of all kinds.</p> + +<p>The features of this young man, rather younger if anything than our +hero, were intelligent and sympathetic with a very open look; his open +forehead, shaded by curly light chestnut hair, his prominent nose, his +large mouth, furnished with magnificent teeth, his fair rich beard, +completed a physiognomy by no means vulgar.</p> + +<p>His costume was that of all the trappers and hunters of high northern +latitudes: mitasses of doeskin, waistcoat of the same, over which was +thrown a blouse of blue linen, ornamented with white and red threads; +a cap of beaver fur, and Indian moccasins and leggings reaching to +the knee; from his belt of rattlesnake skin hung a long knife, called +langue de boeuf, a hatchet, a bison powder horn, a ball bag, and a pipe +of red-stone clay with a cherrywood tube; such was the complete costume +of the person upon whom Oliver had so singularly fallen. Close to his +hand on the grass was a Kentucky rifle and game bag, which doubtless he +used to carry his provisions in.</p> + +<p>"Faith," cried the adventurer, when his appetite was satisfied, "I have +to thank fortune for meeting you in this way, my friend."</p> + +<p>"Such meetings are rare in the desert. And now allow me to ask you a +question."</p> + +<p>"Ten if you like—nay, fifty."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, how was it that the moment you saw me you addressed me in +French?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"For a very simple reason. In the first place, all the runners of the +woods, trappers, and prairie hunters, are French, or at all events, +ninety-five out of every hundred," he answered.</p> + +<p>"Then of course you are French?"</p> + +<p>"And Norman as well. My grandfather was born at Domfront. You know the +proverb, Domfront, city of evil. You enter it at twelve, and are hung +before one."</p> + +<p>"I am also French," said Oliver.</p> + +<p>"So I perceive. But to continue. My grandfather was, as I have said, +from Domfront, but my father was born in Canada, as I was, so that I am +a Frenchman born in America. Still we have the old country on the other +side of the water, and all who come from it are received with open arms +by us poor exiles. There are brave and noble hearts in Canada; if they +only knew it in France they would not be so ungrateful and disdainful +towards us, who never did anything to justify their cruel desertion."</p> + +<p>"True," said Oliver, "France was very much in the wrong after you had +shed so much blood for her."</p> + +<p>"Which we would do again tomorrow," replied the Canadian. "Is not +France our mother, and do we not always forgive our mother? The +English were awfully taken in when the country was handed over to +them; three-fourths of the population emigrated, those who remained in +the towns persisted in speaking French, which no Englishman can speak +without dislocating his jaws, and all would insist upon being governed +by their old French laws.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> You see, therefore, that the insulars are +merely nominally our masters, but that in reality we are still free, +and French."</p> + +<p>"Our country must have been deeply rooted in your hearts to cause you +to speak thus," said Oliver.</p> + +<p>"We are a brave people," cried the stranger.</p> + +<p>"I am sure of it," responded Oliver.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," replied the stranger, "you cause me great pleasure."</p> + +<p>"Now that we know one another as countrymen, suppose we make more +intimate acquaintance?"</p> + +<p>"I ask nothing better. If you like, I will tell you my history as +briefly as possible."</p> + +<p>"I am attention," said Oliver.</p> + +<p>"My father was a baby when Canada was definitively abandoned in 1758 +by the French, an act which was perpetrated without consulting the +population of New France. Had the mother country have done so, it would +have been met by a flat refusal. But I will avoid politics, and speak +only of my family."</p> + +<p>"Good. I hate politics."</p> + +<p>"So do I. Well, one day my grandfather Berger, after being absent a +week, came to his home in Québec in company with an Indian in his full +war paint. The first thing he saw, standing by the side of the cradle +in which lay my father, was my grandmother, her arms raised in the +air, with a heavy iron-dog, with which she was menacing an English +soldier; my grandmother was a brave and courageous woman."</p> + +<p>"So it seems."</p> + +<p>"A true daughter of Caudebec, handsome, attractive, and good, adored +by her husband, and respected by all who knew her. It appears that +the English soldier had seen her through the open door. He at once +entered with a conquering air, and began to make love to the pretty +young person he had noticed performing her maternal office. It was +an unfortunate idea for him. My grandfather lifted him up and threw +him through the window on to the stones outside. He was dead. My +grandfather then turned round and spoke of something else."</p> + +<p>"A tough old gentleman!"</p> + +<p>"Pretty solid. He even had Indian blood—"</p> + +<p>"You spoke of Domfront."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but his father, having come to America with Comtesse de Villiers, +married in Canada. He shortly after returned to France with his wife. +There she died, unable to bear the climate!"</p> + +<p>"Very natural," said Oliver.</p> + +<p>"Before dying she made her husband promise to send his son to Canada."</p> + +<p>"But," continued Oliver, "the finale of your history."</p> + +<p>"As soon as that matter was settled, my grandfather embraced his +wife, offered the Indian a seat, and began smoking his pipe. He then +explained that he meant to leave Canada."</p> + +<p>"'This,' he said, 'is Kouha-hande, my mother's brother, the first +sachem of his nation. He has offered me a shelter with his warriors, +and has come with some of his warriors to escort us. Will you remain +a Frenchwoman and follow me, or will you stay here and become an +Englishwoman?'"</p> + +<p>"'I am your wife, and shall follow you wherever you go, with my little +one on my back,' she answered."</p> + +<p>"'My sister will be loved and respected in our tribe as she deserves to +be,' remarked the Indian, who had hitherto smoked his pipe in silence."</p> + +<p>"'I know it, my cousin,' she said."</p> + +<p>"No further words passed. My grandmother began at once to pack up. Two +hours later the house was empty; my grandparents had left without even +shutting the door behind them. Before sunset they were making their way +up the Lawrence, in the canoes of Kouha-hande."</p> + +<p>"The river was crowded with fugitives. After a journey of four days +my grandfather reached the tribe of the Hurons-Bisons, of which our +relative Kouha-hande was the first sachem. Many other Canadians sought +refuge in the same place, and were hospitably received by the Indians. +I need say nothing more save that we have lived there ever since."</p> + +<p>"And your grandfather?"</p> + +<p>"Still lives, as does my father, though I have recently lost my mother +and grandmother. I have a sister much younger than myself. She remains +in the village to nurse my grandfather. My father is at this moment +with the Hudson Bay Company."</p> + +<p>At this moment there was a peculiar rustling in the bushes at no great +distance.</p> + +<p>"Be quiet," whispered the Canadian in the ear of his new friend, and +before the other could in any way interfere with him, he seized his gun +and disappeared in the high grass, crawling on his hands and knees.</p> + +<p>Then a shot was heard.</p> + + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> This is history as told by a Frenchman. As a matter of +fact, the French Canadians remained where they were, until they became +the most loyal subjects the British Crown possesses.—Editor.</p></div> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4> + +<h3>AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Hearing this unexpected shot, Oliver was in the act of rushing to +assist his friend, whom he supposed attacked by some wild beast, when +the hearty and joyous voice of the Canadian was heard.</p> + +<p>"Don't disturb yourself, my friend," he cried, "I have only been +providing our dinner."</p> + +<p>And next minute he reappeared, carrying on his back a doe, which he +hung to one of the lower branches of the magnolia, and then began to +open.</p> + +<p>"Handsome beast, is it not?" he said. "I believe the rascal was +listening. He paid dear for his curiosity."</p> + +<p>"A fine beast and cleverly killed," replied Oliver, helping to skin the +animal.</p> + +<p>"It is a pity to spoil a good skin. I am a pretty good shot, but you +should see my father shoot a tiger in the eye."</p> + +<p>"That," cried Oliver, "seems extraordinary."</p> + +<p>"I have seen him do it twenty times, and still more difficult things," +said the other. "But such deadly certainty is pure habit. We live by +our guns—but to finish my story."</p> + +<p>"Go on, my friend."</p> + +<p>"My father was a child when we left Canada. He is now about +forty-eight. My grandfather taught him to be a hunter, and to bind +him to the tribe he married him when very young to a charming young +Indian, a relative of Kouha-hande, and my mother in consequence. We are +mere children. I am only twenty, and my sister but fifteen, lovely as +the breath of dawn, and whose real name is Angela, my father's wish. +But the Indians call her Evening Dew. That is all. I am a hunter. I +hate the English and the North Americans, who are worse than John Bull +himself, and I love the French, whose countryman I am."</p> + +<p>"You are quite right. Few native-born Frenchmen are such strong +patriots as you. But now for your name."</p> + +<p>"Have I not told you? My name is Pierre Berger, but the Indians, in +their mania for such names, call me Bright-eye, I hardly know why."</p> + +<p>"Of course because of your admirable power of shooting."</p> + +<p>"Well, perhaps you are right. I am a pretty good hand," said the young +man, modestly. "And now, my friend, I have to add that I reached here +yester evening at sundown, and that I am waiting for a friend, who will +be here shortly. It is now your turn to tell me your history, unless, +indeed, you have any motives for remaining silent, in which case a +man's secrets are his own."</p> + +<p>"I have no secrets, especially from you, my dear Bright-eye, and the +proof is that if you will listen, I will tell you who I am and why I +came into this country."</p> + +<p>"I shall be delighted to hear your story," cried the Canadian, with +evident delight.</p> + +<p>From the very first moment when he saw the hunter and came to speak +to him, Oliver felt himself attracted towards him by one of those +movements of attraction or irresistible sympathy which spring from +intuition of the heart.</p> + +<p>He had therefore, during his conversation, determined if possible to +make him a friend.</p> + +<p>He thereupon told him his story in its most minute details, the +Canadian listening with the most profound and sustained attention, +without interrupting him by a single remark. He appeared sincerely +interested in the numerous incidents of a life wretched from its +commencement, and yet which the young man told frankly and simply, +without bitterness, but with an impartiality which indicated the +grandeur and nobility of his nature.</p> + +<p>"Sad story, indeed," he cried, when the other had concluded; "how you +must have suffered from the unjust hatred of these people! Alone in the +world, without any to interest himself in you; surrounded by hostile or +indifferent people; compelled to suffer from dark and insidious foes; +capable of great things—young, strong, and intelligent, yet reduced to +fly into the desert, and separate yourself from your fellows. Pardon if +my cruel curiosity has reopened the wound which long since should have +been cauterised."</p> + +<p>He paused, keenly watching the other's face.</p> + +<p>"Will you be my friend?" he suddenly cried. "I already feel for you an +affection I can scarcely explain."</p> + +<p>"Thanks," cried Oliver, warmly, "I accept your offer with delight."</p> + +<p>"Then it is agreed: from henceforth we are brothers."</p> + +<p>"I swear it," resumed Oliver.</p> + +<p>"We shall henceforth be two to fight the battle of the world."</p> + +<p>"I thank heaven we have met."</p> + +<p>"Never to part again. You have no family. I will find you one, brother, +and this family will love you," he added.</p> + +<p>"Heartily accept my thanks, Bright-eye," exclaimed Oliver; "life +already seems changed, and I feel as if happiness were yet possible in +this world."</p> + +<p>"There can be no doubt about it. Believe me, it depends on yourself. +Look upon the past only as a dream, and think only of the future."</p> + +<p>"I will do so," returned Oliver, with a sigh.</p> + +<p>"And now to business. Young as I am, you will soon find that I enjoy a +certain amount of reputation among the Indians and trappers. Very few +would dare to attack me. I was educated in an Indian village, and, as I +believe I have already told you, I am here to keep an appointment with +a young Indian, my friend and relative. This Indian I now expect every +moment, and I shall introduce you to him. Instead of one friend, you +will have two devoted brothers. Now then," he added, laughing, "are you +not fortunate?"</p> + +<p>"I am convinced of it," said Oliver.</p> + +<p>"When we have finished our business in these parts—and you may help us +in this business—we will return to my tribe, of which you shall become +a member."</p> + +<p>"I am wholly in your hands, Bright-eye," he said; "I make no +resistance. I only thank you."</p> + +<p>"No thanks. I am useful to you today; you may be as useful, or more so, +tomorrow."</p> + +<p>"Very well. But what is the affair that detains you here, to which you +just alluded?" asked Oliver.</p> + +<p>"I must say that I do not know, though frankly I have my own +suspicions. My friend has not thought proper to explain as yet, but +simply gave me a rendezvous here, saying that I might prove useful. +That was enough for me, and, as you see, I am here. It would be an +act of indiscretion on my part to tell you anything I had not been +directly told. Besides, I may be mistaken, and speak to you of a wholly +different matter from the true one."</p> + +<p>"You are quite right."</p> + +<p>"To pass the time I will prepare supper."</p> + +<p>"And while doing so tell what manner of man your friend is."</p> + +<p>"He is a young man like ourselves, grandson of Kouha-hande. He is +himself a chief, and a noted brave. Though young, his reputation is +immense. He is tall, athletic, and even elegant of face. His features +are handsome, even to effeminacy. His glance, gentle in repose as that +of a dove, is, when his anger is aroused, so terrible that few can face +it. His physical force is stupendous, his cunning sublime. But you will +soon judge for yourself. His enemies call him Kristikam-Seksenan, or +Black Thunder; his friends call him Numank-Charake, the brave man, in +consequence of his mighty deeds."</p> + +<p>"You have simply been describing a hero," said Oliver.</p> + +<p>"You shall judge for yourself," smiled the other.</p> + +<p>"I am extremely anxious to do so."</p> + +<p>"You will soon have the opportunity. It is now five o'clock. In a few +minutes he will be here."</p> + +<p>"What, after making an appointment so long ago, you expect him to keep +it to the minute!"</p> + +<p>"Yes; it is the politeness of the desert, from which nothing absolves +but death."</p> + +<p>"A summary excuse, truly," said Oliver.</p> + +<p>"Listen," cried Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>Oliver listened, and distinctly heard in the distance the trampling +of a horse, which suddenly ceased, to be followed by the cry of the +goshawk.</p> + +<p>Bright-eye responded with a similar cry, and with such perfection that +the Frenchman mechanically raised his head in search of the bird.</p> + +<p>Then the sound of a horse galloping recommenced, the bushes parted +violently, and a horseman bounded into the clearing, checking his steed +so artistically that next moment he stood like a centaur rooted to the +ground.</p> + +<p>The rider was very much as Bright-eye had described him. There was +about him, moreover, an air of grandeur, a majesty which inspired +respect without repelling sympathy. One glance sufficed to fix him as a +man of superior nature.</p> + +<p>It was the first time Oliver, since his journey on the prairies, had +seen an Indian so near, and under such favourable circumstances. He at +once formed a friendly opinion of him.</p> + +<p>The chief bowed, and then pointed to the sun gilding the summits of the +trees.</p> + +<p>"It is five o'clock. Here is Numank-Charake."</p> + +<p>"I say welcome, chief. I know your extreme punctuality. Supper is +ready."</p> + +<p>"Good," said the chief, alighting from his horse with one bound.</p> + +<p>Bright-eye then placed his hands on his friend's shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Let my brother listen. The hunter is my friend."</p> + +<p>"Numank-Charake has read it in the eyes of Bright-eye," replied the +Indian, turning to Oliver; "I put my hand on my heart, what will my +brother give me in return?"</p> + +<p>"My hand and my heart; that is," he added, with a smile, "all that is +not Bright-eye's."</p> + +<p>"I accept my share; henceforth we are three in one, one in three. +Numank-Charake was once the Bounding Panther. Let that name be the name +of my brother."</p> + +<p>They shook hands. All was done. According to the customs of the country +they were brothers, and held everything in common.</p> + +<p>Almost on the threshold of his desert life, Oliver found himself +associated with two men noted as the most honest and doughty champions +of the prairie.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h4> + +<h3>A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>For some time the three men, of such different birth, race, and +manners, remained silent. It was a solemn moment. Their meeting +appeared to them providential.</p> + +<p>Above all was the young Frenchman absorbed in his reflections. Alone an +hour or two ago, he was now one of a formidable trio.</p> + +<p>All the time the Canadian went on with his cooking, while the chief +gave fodder to the horses.</p> + +<p>"Supper is ready," suddenly cried Bright-eye, laughing, "let us eat."</p> + +<p>And all three seated themselves around a magnificent roast leg of +venison <i>à la boucanière.</i></p> + +<p>We must hasten to remark that nearly all Indian tribes on the borders +of Canada understand and speak French, at all events, they did at the +time of which we speak. This was the more fortunate as Oliver did not +know one word of Huron.</p> + +<p>The guests did honour to the feast, that is to say, they left nothing +but the bones.</p> + +<p>The meal, which was washed down by several draughts of French brandy, +was merry, enlivened by jokes and witticisms. The Indians are always +thus among themselves. It is only when in the presence of the whites, +whom they hate, that they are grave, silent, and sullen, never +unbending except under the influence of drink, when their conduct is +that of beings under the influence of delirium tremens.</p> + +<p>Brandy, or rather spirit in every shape and form, is doing the work of +extermination for the American.</p> + +<p>As soon as the repast was finished, they began to smoke, speaking of +indifferent things. It was the design neither of Bright-eye nor Oliver +to hurry the young chief. Indian etiquette is excessively severe on +this point. It is a proof of intense ill breeding to question a chief, +or even a simple warrior, when he appears anxious for silence.</p> + +<p>And yet the sun had disappeared from the horizon; night had spread over +the desert, blotting out the landscape, and mixing up forms in the most +fantastic and strange manner. The sky, of a deep blue, was dotted with +stars. The moon, in its second quarter, began to show itself above the +trees, floating in ether, and spreading on every side its silvery rays, +that lit the prairie here and there with fantastic gleams. The night +wind shivered through the branches of the trees producing plaintive and +melodious sounds, like those of the Æolian harp.</p> + +<p>The sombre dwellers in the desert, roused by the setting of the sun, +moved slowly about in the darkness, breaking the silence occasionally +by their wild brays, their sharp barks, and their deep roars. Under +every blade of grass murmured the never silent world of grasshoppers.</p> + +<p>The night was cold. It was the period of the great autumn hunts. +Several white frosts had already cooled the earth, soon the temperature +would be below zero. The rivers and streams would be frozen, and snow +would cover the desert as with a shroud.</p> + +<p>The adventurers, after throwing on an armful of dry wood to revive the +flame, had wrapped themselves in their ponchos, and, sheltered by the +trees, continued smoking silently.</p> + +<p>"This is the hour of the second watch," suddenly observed Numank, +drawing from his belt the medicine calumet, which is only used by +chiefs in council; "the blue jay has sung twice, all rests around us. +Will my pale friends sleep or listen to the voice of a friend?"</p> + +<p>"Sleep is for women and children," replied Bright-eye; "men remain +awake when a friend desires to speak of serious things. Speak."</p> + +<p>"We listen," added Oliver, bowing.</p> + +<p>"I will speak, since my friends desire it; but as what I have to say is +grave, it will not be a talk but a medicine council."</p> + +<p>"Let it be so," said Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>Numank rose, bowed to the four cardinal points, speaking some +indistinct words; then he seated himself on his hams again, stuffed +his calumet with moriche, a kind of sacred tobacco only used in great +ceremonies. Then having burnt some in the fire as an oblation, he took +a medicine stick, and with it lifted a burning coal to the bowl of the +calumet.</p> + +<p>The chief then gave several puffs, and then, still holding the bowl in +his hand, presented the stem to Bright-eye. The hunter gave several +puffs, as did Oliver in his turn; it then came back to the chief, this +going on until the last morsel of tobacco was consumed.</p> + +<p>Then Numank-Charake rose, bent again to the four cardinal points of the +heavens, shook the ashes into the fire, and spoke.</p> + +<p>"Wacondah, master of life," he said, "you who know all, inspire my +words."</p> + +<p>This formality over he replaced his calumet and sat down.</p> + +<p>Some minutes elapsed, during which he remained wrapped in deep thought. +Then he raised his head, before bowed on his chest, bowed to his +audience, and began.</p> + +<p>"Eight moons ago," he said, "I had just returned from an expedition +against the Piekanns. After presenting the scalps taken by myself and +young men to the sachems, and receiving their thanks, I was going to +my wigwam to visit my father, detained at home by old wounds, when I +suddenly saw a young girl leaning against the ark of the first man. +The young girl was about fifteen, tall, elegant, and beautiful. I +had long loved her without ever revealing the secret of my heart. On +this occasion she seemed to wait for me, and saw me approach with a +melancholy glance."</p> + +<p>Bright-eye's eyes glistened, despite his self-control.</p> + +<p>"When I was near her the young girl spread out her arms towards me, +and then made a step forward. I paused, and waited. 'Numank is a great +warrior,' she said, modestly lowering her eyes; 'his hut is lined with +the scalps of his foes, he has rich skins of every kind of beast, his +ball never misses; happy will be the woman whom he loves.'"</p> + +<p>"On hearing these words, I was deeply moved, and seizing the hand of +the young girl, 'Onoura—beautiful child,' I said in her ear, 'I have +a little bird in my heart which is always singing and repeating your +name. Does this bird sing in your heart?' She smiled, looked at me from +under her eyelashes, and murmured, 'Night and day he whispers tender +words in my ear, and repeats the name of the warrior who loves me. Does +not Numank-Charake find his hut very solitary during the long winter +nights, when the wind howls in the forest and the snow covers the +earth?' 'My heart has long flown out to you,' I cried, warmly, 'from +the first hour that I saw you amidst your companions. Do you love me?' +'For life,' she said, blushing deeply. 'Good,' said I, 'then I will +attempt a new expedition to win the marriage presents, and ask you +of your father. You will wait for me, Onoura?' 'I will wait for you, +Numank. Am I not your slave for life?' and she gently pressed my hand. +I then took a wampum off my neck, and placed it on hers. She kissed +it, her eyes full of tears, and taking a gold ring from the thumb of +her left hand, she placed it on one of my fingers. I allowed her to do +so with a smile. 'You love me,' she said; 'nothing shall ever separate +us,' and before I could say another word she fled as does the gazelle +before the hunter. I followed her with my eyes as long as I could, and +then when she had disappeared round a corner I thoughtfully took my way +to my father's hut."</p> + +<p>The chief paused. After a few minutes the Canadian, finding that the +other was not disposed to continue, touched him gently on the arm.</p> + +<p>"Why did Numank-Charake show such want of confidence in his brother?" +asked the Canadian, reproachfully.</p> + +<p>"What does my brother Bright-eye mean?" asked the chief, with slight +embarrassment.</p> + +<p>"My brother knows what I mean," said the Canadian, with great +animation. "Born almost the same day, brought up together, having made +our first trails together on the prairies, as also our first expedition +against the Sioux and Piekanns, our hearts melted into one, I thought +we had no secrets. I know who is the woman whom my brother loves, but +why let me guess all about it, instead of telling me? Have I done +anything to offend?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Bright-eye, don't think that," cried the young man, eagerly; "but +love delights in mystery."</p> + +<p>"And yet it likes to confide its sorrows and its joys to the heart of +a friend. On that very same night when she had this interview with the +chief, Evening Dew—Nouma Hawa—on her return to her hut, told her +brother all. Her heart overflowed with joy, and she could not repress +her feelings."</p> + +<p>"Then Evening Dew owned her love to Bright-eye?"</p> + +<p>"Am I not her brother, and your best friend?"</p> + +<p>"True. Let my brother forgive me; I was wrong not to place confidence +in him. Perhaps I was fearful he might disapprove of it."</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, it carries out my dearest wishes, and binds us more +and more to one another."</p> + +<p>"My brother is better than I am, his heart is better; he will pardon +the weakness of a friend."</p> + +<p>"On one condition," said the hunter, laughing; "that Numank-Charake has +no more secrets."</p> + +<p>"I promise you," continued the chief, in a low, sad tone; "what I have +now to say is very terrible. But the friends of Numank-Charake must +know all. Two moons had elapsed since I and Evening Dew had spoken. I +had not been able to carry out my projects. One day I again met her +near the ark of the first man. 'The chief has forgotten his promise,' +she said. 'No,' I replied; 'tomorrow I will keep it.' I left her with +only a few more words. Next day I began to carry out my promise. I +prepared everything, even the usual ceremonies were carried out—those +you know so well."</p> + +<p>"One moment," interrupted Oliver. "Bright-eye, brought up in your +villages, knows all about them, but I, as a mere stranger, know not +what you mean. As I mean to live with you, I should like to know a +little."</p> + +<p>"My brother is right," said the chief; "I will tell him the whole +expedition. Before starting, the turf was taken off a considerable +square of earth, the mould being made soft and pliable with the hands. +It was then surrounded by stakes. When all was ready I went in and sat +at the end opposed to the direction in which the enemy lived. After +singing and praying, I put on the edge of the open space two little +white stones."</p> + +<p>"After waiting half an hour in prayer, asking the Wacondah to guide +me right, the village crier, or hachesto, approached. I gave him my +orders. He turned and invited all the great warriors to smoke; then in +their turn the inferior warriors were invited. After all had smoked, +everyone examined the result of the ko-sau-ban-zich-egass. The white +stones had fallen in the direction of a well-known path."</p> + +<p>"And what was the result?" asked Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"The Wacondah favoured his children. The path led towards the land of +our hereditary foes, the Sioux of the West."</p> + +<p>"Good," said the hunter.</p> + +<p>"Our party consisted of a hundred and fifty warriors, the picked men of +the nation, armed with guns. Every man carried the offerings to be cast +away on the field of battle, and hidden, if possible, in the entrails +of our foes."</p> + +<p>"A pious custom," said Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>Oliver looked at the Canadian, wondering whether he spoke seriously or +not. But there was no doubt of his good faith.</p> + +<p>"Two days later we started. A small band of twenty presently joined us, +commanded by Tubash-Shah, the Cheat. My brother knows this restless and +ambitious chief. I offered to yield the command to him. My warriors +would not consent. Misunderstandings soon arose. Crossing some vast +prairies, we began to feel great thirst, and Tubash at once violated +the laws of war. I knew that water was not far off. The greater number +of the elder warriors, who had to walk, were exhausted by heat and +fatigue. Tubash sent out mounted scouts, and private signals were +agreed on. Soon a small river was discovered. Those who got first to it +fired guns, but before the detachments and the laggers had got up to +the river, the sufferings of most of us were excessive. Some vomited +blood, others were delirious. The expedition was a failure. Next day +desertions began among the warriors of Tubash, he setting the first +example. Soon I had only five-and-twenty men left. They offered to +follow me to the end of the world. But what could I do? With despair in +my soul I turned homeward. Halfway our scouts gave the alarm. An hour +later we were engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict with the Sioux. Their +party, six times as numerous as ours, was luckily composed chiefly of +young warriors on their first warpath. Our defence was so desperate, +that the Sioux yielded and fled. We were masters of the field, but out +of four-and-twenty only ten were alive, and these were badly wounded."</p> + +<p>"It would be too terrible to tell the story of our sufferings on the +way home. We found that all was known about the expedition. But all +the sachems acclaimed us, the more that I brought back the scalps of +eighteen Sioux who had fallen on the field of battle. But if my honour +was safe, my happiness was lost. Evening Dew was gone."</p> + +<p>"My sister abducted?" cried Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"No," said the other, sadly, "not abducted. She went away of her own +accord."</p> + +<p>"Of her own accord?" repeated the hunter.</p> + +<p>"During the absence of Bright-eye and myself, a paleface came to the +village. This man, it appears, for your father and grandfather refused +any explanation, is a relative of my brother. After remaining a week he +went away, accompanied by your father. Evening Dew followed, weeping +bitterly. Still she offered no resistance to the orders of her father. +Three days after your father returned to his tribe. He was alone. What +had become of the lovely young girl none could tell me. I made the most +minute inquiries without any result. Not knowing what else to do, I +then sent a warrior to my brother to appoint a meeting. Here I am, my +friend—what am I to do?"</p> + +<p>"I tell you, chief, that your extraordinary story is inexplicable to +me. I cannot advise."</p> + +<p>"Allow me to speak," said Oliver, "I am wholly disinterested in the +matter. I can therefore speak with that calmness which suits neither of +you at this moment."</p> + +<p>"Speak!" cried the two young men.</p> + +<p>"My advice is, to start at daybreak for the village. The father of +Bright-eye may have reasons for refusing explanations to the chief. +Family matters are sacred. But the brother of Evening Dew has a right +to demand a full explanation. I am certain it will be given to him by +his father, who can have no reason for being mysterious with him. Let +us then away to the village. Successful or not, we shall know what to +do. In every case, my dear friend and brother, count on me."</p> + +<p>"What says the chief?" asked Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"The chief thanks Bounding Panther," replied the young man, warmly; +"his heart is loyal, and his soul generous. His advice is good and +should be followed. With two such friends, the redskin warrior is +certain of success."</p> + +<p>The conversation then continued for some time on a subject always +interesting to a lover and a brother. Then, after throwing a pile +of dry wood on the fire, the three men rolled themselves in their +blankets, and lay down on the ground.</p> + +<p>The two wood rangers lay face downwards, according to Indian custom. +As for Oliver, he lay on his side with his feet to the fire. At the +first hoot of an owl—the first bird which announces the rising of +the sun—the chief wakened his companions, and ten minutes later they +started on their journey.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h4> + +<h3>SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The traveller who for the first time reaches the Rocky Mountains is +amazed at the pile of hills above hills, called by the early discoverer +the Sierra of the River of the Wind, that immense reservoir whence +flows so many great streams, some flowing into the Atlantic, others +into the Pacific.</p> + +<p>We now transport our readers to a fork formed by a rather extensive +stream, flowing from the Mountains of the Wind, just before it joins +the Missouri, in the centre of a vast and delicious valley.</p> + +<p>This charming spot, enchanting in its aspect, was covered by scattered +thickets, young trees, fat pasturages, and watered by many rills, which +fell in all directions in silver cascades from the mountains, and +finally lost themselves in the Missouri.</p> + +<p>This unknown Eden, buried in the mountains, had been discovered by a +hardy explorer, and already the hand of man was at work destroying its +savage grandeur. In a word, the squatters were at work.</p> + +<p>Squatters are generally men of restless habits, greedy of exertions, no +matter what they may be, impatient of control, and sworn enemies of the +peaceful and regular life of the great centres of population. Gifted +with the courage of a lion, of a will—or, rather, obstinacy—which +nothing can conquer, these men of indomitable energy, in whose hearts +ferment the most violent passions, are the true pioneers of the desert +and the vanguard of civilisation in the New World.</p> + +<p>Accustomed to place themselves above the law, as soon as the tide of +civilisation always rising reaches them, they abandon without regret +all they possess—houses and land—and snatching up their hatchets, +bury themselves gaily still further in the desert, until they find +another suitable site, on which they squat.</p> + +<p>There is no one to contest their claim. At all events, to do so would +be a rather imprudent enterprise, for they at once appeal to their +rifle, and make that the legal arbitrator.</p> + +<p>Joshua Dickson was a true specimen of a squatter; his whole life had +been one long pilgrimage across the States of the Union. Weary of +rambling within the purlieus of civilisation, where he always felt +uneasy, one day, as we have already recorded, he came to a final +resolution, and, abandoning all that he possessed, he started with his +family and servants in search of a land where none before had ever set +their foot.</p> + +<p>We cannot relate all the incidents of his journey without guide or +map. They would fill a volume. We come to the point. One night they +had fixed their camp near a very narrow and wooded gorge. It appearing +to be rather a difficult spot to travel in the dark, and there being +no hurry, they had halted by a small stream, in the midst of a green +prairie, which offered admirable pasturage for their beasts and horses.</p> + +<p>Before daybreak, while his companions still slept, Samuel Dickson rose, +took his rifle, and advanced in the direction of the defile, with the +double object of examining the locality and of shooting, if possible, +two or three head of game for the morning repast, provisions being rare +in camp, so much so that the night before they had gone to bed almost +without supper.</p> + +<p>Harry Dickson, who acted as sentry, alone saw him go out, but as his +uncle did not speak, he did not venture to make any observation.</p> + +<p>Samuel Dickson went away with his rifle on his shoulder, whistling +"Yankee Doodle," and shortly after disappeared in the tall grass +without his nephew being able to make out in what direction he had gone.</p> + +<p>Seen by the light of morn the defile was not so choked up by trees and +bushes as it had seemed in the dusk of the evening; the entrance only +was marked by a curtain of young trees, which would easily succumb to +a few blows of a hatchet.</p> + +<p>The American pushed forward, cutting a passage with his bowie knife, +resolved to reach the extremity of the defile, in order to examine it +thoroughly and report to his brother.</p> + +<p>Suddenly a moose deer bounded across his path.</p> + +<p>"There is a demon who does not suffer from rheumatism. How he runs! But +remember, my friend, that's your breakfast."</p> + +<p>With which words he took to his heels, and, catching sight of the deer, +followed him up through the dense undergrowth, without being able to +get a shot at him. This went on for about twenty minutes, during which, +his rifle at full cock, he never looked to the right or left. Suddenly +the moose deer stood still, as if he sniffed another enemy in the +direction in which he was going.</p> + +<p>The American lost no time, but took steady aim for a second or two and +fired.</p> + +<p>The stricken deer bounded into the air, and then once more took to its +heels.</p> + +<p>But the hunter was determined not to lose him. Unhappily, however, in +his eagerness, he did not look before him, and just as he thought the +deer began to droop, while he increased his speed his foot slipped and +he went head over heels, falling a height of about fifteen feet, to +alight upon a kind of pavement of hard flint stones.</p> + +<p>The fall was so heavy that the American not only was bruised all over, +but fainted.</p> + +<p>A feeling of coolness suddenly came over him, and caused him to open +his eyes.</p> + +<p>He looked wildly around him, and saw a young man of about +seven-and-twenty, in the costume of a trapper, his handsome face bent +over him with a look of deep solicitude, while he bathed his face with +a handkerchief soaked with water.</p> + +<p>"Are you better, Mr. Samuel?" said the other.</p> + +<p>"Hem!" cried the American; "Am I mad?"</p> + +<p>"Not in the least, Master Samuel, at least, that I am aware of," was +the reply.</p> + +<p>"But what has happened?" cried the other, with an awful grimace.</p> + +<p>"A very simple thing: you shot a deer, and in your eagerness to catch +him you did not notice that you were on the summit of an eminence, and +so rolled over, to the detriment of your bones."</p> + +<p>"A very simple thing!" groaned the other; "You speak very complacently, +Master George. Is anything broken?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing. I examined you carefully—nothing but bruises, of that I am +sure."</p> + +<p>"Cursed deer! If I only had secured it. But the brute escaped me after +all."</p> + +<p>"No, my friend. You are too good a shot to miss your aim. There lies +your game, quite dead."</p> + +<p>"Thank goodness! That is lucky. But oh! Oh! I feel as if I had received +a severe beating. Help me up."</p> + +<p>"But had you not better rest a while?"</p> + +<p>"Go to the deuce. I am not a whining sniggler, like my niece," he +began; "by the way," he added, "that puts me in mind! Young man—"</p> + +<p>"Allow me to help you up—take my arm. I am strong; so lean as heavily +as you like. There, you are all right. Your rifle will serve you as a +staff."</p> + +<p>Thanks to the assistance of the young man, the American contrived to +stand on his legs, making horrible grimaces and groaning all the time.</p> + +<p>"I wish my brother had been anywhere, with his mad notion of +emigration," he said, grumbling; "but that is not the immediate +question. Will you answer me?"</p> + +<p>"I am quite ready. You cannot carry the deer—shall I hang it up in +safety until you send for it?"</p> + +<p>"Will you answer me?" cried Samuel, ferociously.</p> + +<p>"You have not yet asked me any question," said the young man, gently.</p> + +<p>The American looked at him with considerable anger in his glance; then +his muscles relaxing, he burst out laughing.</p> + +<p>"Forgive me, George," he said, offering his hand. "I am an old fool. +I am trying to get up a quarrel with you, instead of thanking you for +your kindness. In truth, I believe you have saved my life."</p> + +<p>"You exaggerate, Mr. Samuel," replied the other.</p> + +<p>"Between you and me, I don't think so. What would have become of me, +fainting in the desert?"</p> + +<p>"Chance brought me here."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes! Chance has very broad shoulders," answered the American: "I +suppose it brought you out here."</p> + +<p>The young man held down his head and blushed.</p> + +<p>"Well, well, I won't tease you, George," cried Samuel; "you are a noble +and generous fellow, and I loved your father."</p> + +<p>"As you do his son," responded the other.</p> + +<p>"I suppose it is so. But this being understood, let us talk like two +old friends."</p> + +<p>"I am at your command."</p> + +<p>"Always the same eternal chorus. Now I do not want to dive into your +secrets, but without going beyond the limits of politeness, allow me to +ask you one simple question," said Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Ask; and if it be in my power, I will answer truthfully," replied the +other.</p> + +<p>"Hem! You are confoundedly close. First let us sit down. I am all aches +and pains."</p> + +<p>The young man gently led him to a soft mound of turf, helped him to be +seated, and followed his example.</p> + +<p>"Now I am good for an hour. Let us chat."</p> + +<p>"I am your most obedient servant to command."</p> + +<p>"How is it, Mr. George Clinton," began the old man, with a sly look, +"that three months ago I left you at Boston at the head of a large +house of business, and that I now find you dressed like a runner of the +woods, hundreds of miles from the nearest settlement, just ready to +save my life."</p> + +<p>"If my journey served me no other purpose, I am thankful—still I own +there is another motive."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear you say so. May I ask its nature?"</p> + +<p>"Well, Master Samuel," began Clinton, "I am young, vigorous, and +passionately fond of field sports; I am a good shot, and very much +inclined for a free and independent life. Many times while at Boston +chance brought me in contact with persons who have accomplished +wonderful journeys into the almost unknown interior of our vast +continent, and who brought back astounding accounts of what they saw; +my curiosity was aroused, and I felt within myself a strong desire to +attempt one of these expeditions in search of the unknown."</p> + +<p>"Or the ideal," smiled the American.</p> + +<p>"If you like it. As long as my father was alive I kept my ideas to +myself, but as soon as my actions were quite free my old ideas were +revived. An opportunity presented itself which I eagerly embraced. +Confiding my house of business to a trustworthy partner, I started."</p> + +<p>"You had a definite object, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"No; I went wherever chance or my feelings urged me," the other +answered.</p> + +<p>"My young friend," said Dickson, laughing, "chance plays too great a +part in all this. You will excuse me if I don't believe a word of your +story."</p> + +<p>"You are not generous, sir."</p> + +<p>"I am not generous?"</p> + +<p>"You will not believe that a young man could give way to his +adventurous instincts; and yet you, a wise man, very much older than +I am, you, whose position was settled, I find you here, without being +able to give the slightest explanation of your conduct."</p> + +<p>"Well answered, George. You hit me hard, but you know I am an old +fool. I am so, as sure as fate. Yes, my friend, I am mad enough for a +straitjacket. But at the same time, I can see that you will not make me +your confidant."</p> + +<p>"I assure you—" began Clinton.</p> + +<p>"What is the use of holding out any longer? You must rely on me in the +end; but when you do come to me with the truth, it will be my turn."</p> + +<p>"You are not angry with me?"</p> + +<p>"No, my boy: keep your secrets; but remember I am your friend. Keep +your own counsel then, if you will—it concerns only yourself. But +remember, whenever you want me, I am ready," he answered.</p> + +<p>"I know not how to thank you."</p> + +<p>"What nonsense! You owe me nothing. It is I who am your debtor. But +it is getting late, and I must return to the camp, where they must be +getting anxious. Thanks to my rest I feel not only able to walk, but to +carry the confounded deer."</p> + +<p>"Wait, however, while I clean and skin him. It will then be easier."</p> + +<p>"You are quite right. Be quick, as we are short of food."</p> + +<p>"But the country is enormously rich in game, and what a beautiful spot!"</p> + +<p>"It certainly is," replied Samuel, after which his young friend soon +prepared the game so as to be easily carried.</p> + +<p>"And now take my arm while I lead you through the defile, which is the +only way out of the valley."</p> + +<p>And so they started, Samuel walking much better than he expected, +though suffering much.</p> + +<p>"One favour," said the young man, after a time.</p> + +<p>"What is it, my friend?" asked Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Say not one word of our meeting."</p> + +<p>"Since you wish it, I will be strictly silent on the subject. Like +other people I know, I will invent some sort of story—it is not +difficult."</p> + +<p>The young man smiled, and shook him heartily by the hand. Then Samuel +Dickson walked away in the direction of the camp, while George busied +himself in the valley.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4> + +<h3>JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>After Samuel had walked some distance he found that he had +miscalculated his strength. He was very weak about the ankle, and the +way being rude and his load heavy, he could scarcely get along at all. +Still he would not abandon the deer, knowing as he did how short of +provisions they were in the camp.</p> + +<p>Wiping the cold perspiration off his brow, the brave American resumed +his journey.</p> + +<p>The sufferings he endured it would be impossible to describe; at length +he became scarcely able to drag one foot before the other; every now +and then he had to stop, as the blood rushed to his head and myriad +sparkles flashed before his eyes. He seemed to have the vertigo, his +mouth was parched, his chest panting, his temples throbbing, and his +eyes almost starting from his head.</p> + +<p>When he had staggered to within five hundred feet of the camp he was +utterly exhausted, and fell insensible on the grass, where he remained +inert and motionless for a quarter of an hour. Luckily, as he roused +himself, he found a small rivulet flowing at his feet. In this he +bathed his hands and face, and felt better.</p> + +<p>But he could walk no farther; that he knew was impossible. He, however, +suspected they were looking for him, and if they heard him would +come to his assistance. His voice was powerless to reach them. There +remained his rifle. Still seated on the ground, he loaded and fired +three times in succession.</p> + +<p>He had not long to wait before he saw his brother and nephews running +towards him.</p> + +<p>He was too weak to enter upon any explanations, but one nephew taking +up the deer and the other their uncle, they at once made for the camp, +where Mrs. Dickson and Diana anxiously awaited them.</p> + +<p>When they saw the hunter they believed him dead.</p> + +<p>Joshua had a great deal of difficulty in persuading them that he had +only fainted, and was in no danger.</p> + +<p>The Americans, especially the hunters and trappers, have great +experience in wounds and bruises.</p> + +<p>The sick man was at once carried to a covered waggon, placed upon a +mattress, and stripped.</p> + +<p>"Heavens!" cried Joshua, as he examined the numerous black bruises, +"Poor Samuel has indeed had a bad fall. I wonder he was not killed +outright."</p> + +<p>"Fortunate nothing is broken," said the eldest son.</p> + +<p>"So it is," replied the father; "and now let us do the best we can for +him while your mother cooks the deer meat for breakfast. It was for us +poor Sam risked his life. Get the camphorated brandy and some wool, and +don't forget to tell your mother to cook the game. She is rather apt to +burn venison, which does not improve its flavour. While you are about +it bring the rum bottle—a little poured down his throat will do him +good. Above all, be quick."</p> + +<p>Having given these orders, Joshua bathed his brother's forehead with +cold water, passed burnt feathers under his nose, and did everything +which could be done under the circumstances. Still the sick man never +moved.</p> + +<p>"Let us try the rum," he said, as his son returned.</p> + +<p>And as he spoke, he forced open the other's teeth with the blade of his +knife, and putting the neck of the bottle to his mouth, let the liquor +slip through.</p> + +<p>Samuel smacked his lips and opened his eyes.</p> + +<p>"That is something like. And now to work."</p> + +<p>The two men then, dipping the wool in camphorated brandy, began to rub +the bruises.</p> + +<p>Such a remedy, so roughly employed, was very soon quite efficacious. +The sick man sat up, howling furiously, and trying to escape from their +clutches.</p> + +<p>But the two men, believing in the remedy, continued, and, despite all +their victim could say, despite his prayers, howls, and curses, he +finally had to submit to the treatment for half an hour.</p> + +<p>"There you are," cried Joshua; "now try and sleep."</p> + +<p>"Go to old Nick!" roared Samuel; "I'm skinned alive."</p> + +<p>"You are as fussy as a woman. We scarcely touched you. Tonight we shall +do it again perfectly, and tomorrow you will be quite well," said +Joshua.</p> + +<p>Samuel shuddered, but said nothing; shortly after he, however, +slept soundly. At night the two men came again, and, despite his +lamentations, protestations, and prayers, continued to rub him as +before, with all the vigour of which their hands and arms were capable.</p> + +<p>Then Joshua told his brother to go to sleep, promising if in the +morning he was not quite well to give him one more dose.</p> + +<p>But Samuel was up first, and when they came to find him, he was +dressed, singing "Yankee Doodle."</p> + +<p>His brother was delighted, and while wishing him joy, highly eulogised +his remedy, the very mention of which caused Samuel to shudder.</p> + +<p>He was then questioned as to his adventure, which he related, leaving +out all mention, however, of George Clinton. They were at breakfast, +and everyone listened with avidity. The ladies especially, who were +weary of their journey, heard the description of the beautiful valley +with extreme delight.</p> + +<p>"To conclude, I beg to remark," Samuel wound up by saying, "that I +never saw a spot better suited for a settlement."</p> + +<p>"We shall see," drily remarked Joshua.</p> + +<p>Samuel knew his brother well, and was well aware how he should be +treated.</p> + +<p>"As for myself," he added, with indifference, "I don't care where or +when we stop. As we have gone so far in the desert, what matters fifty +leagues more or less? Let us then go ahead. Push on by all means, even +as far as the Bay of Hudson."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to go as far as that," cried Joshua; "if the valley's +anything like what you say, perhaps we may stop."</p> + +<p>"Well, perhaps it may not suit you. Everybody, you know, to their +taste," continued Samuel.</p> + +<p>"I shall judge for myself," replied Joshua.</p> + +<p>"If we are to stop here all day," Samuel urged, quite satisfied, "I and +Harry will fetch the deerskin."</p> + +<p>"Why not go with me?" said his brother.</p> + +<p>"I shall be delighted with your company."</p> + +<p>"Then, by Jove, we'll all go. It will be a walk. Harry, Sam, Jack, tell +Sandy to be ready for a start. Let the camp be raised. Tonight we will +camp in the valley and examine it at our ease."</p> + +<p>"You raise the camp for so small a journey?" said Mrs. Dickson.</p> + +<p>"Does it displease you, mistress?"</p> + +<p>"No. But it is a useless fatigue for horses and men."</p> + +<p>"I shall do as I think proper," said the squatter, drily, as he went to +hurry his men.</p> + +<p>Samuel Dickson and the ladies smiled. They knew now they would stop in +the valley.</p> + +<p>An hour later the whole caravan took its way in the direction of the +defile, preceded by a dozen of the hired men and others with hatchets, +to act as pioneers.</p> + +<p>Though he declared his health was quite restored, Samuel Dickson, +instead of riding on horseback, clambered into a waggon with his +sister-in-law and niece, with whom he gaily discoursed.</p> + +<p>Every now and then the old farmer looked sideways at the countenance of +his pale and thoughtful niece, smiled to himself, and rubbed his hands +with intense satisfaction.</p> + +<p>Neither mother nor daughter could make out his pantomime, but after a +few trials they knew it was useless to question him, and so let him +chuckle to himself.</p> + +<p>Joshua Dickson, without allowing it to be seen, had been very much +struck by what his brother had said. Instead, therefore, of riding +beside the caravan as usual, he had gone on in front.</p> + +<p>Presently, as if no longer able to resist the impulse of curiosity +which was devouring him, he signed to his three sons to follow, and +next minute the four men were off at a hard gallop and were soon lost +in the defile.</p> + +<p>"The fish is in the net," said Samuel Dickson, with a hearty laugh.</p> + +<p>"Is the valley so beautiful as you say?" asked Mrs. Dickson.</p> + +<p>"Much more so. It is simply a terrestrial paradise. If you were to +hunt for months you would never find a more agreeable or advantageous +position. Everything is to be found in abundance, wood, water, pasture, +and above all, game."</p> + +<p>"If Joshua would only settle."</p> + +<p>"A good deal depends on you."</p> + +<p>"I have not the influence you suppose over my husband. You know his +vagabond humour."</p> + +<p>"He will remain here if you wish him to."</p> + +<p>"I hope you are right," replied the wife, with a sigh.</p> + +<p>"Chut! Here he comes. Attention, this is the decisive moment," +whispered Samuel, as Joshua came up.</p> + +<p>"Holloa!" he cried, "I have come from the valley."</p> + +<p>"Did you find the deerskin I left behind?"</p> + +<p>"Deerskin be—" was the excited answer; "I had no time to think of it. +But what a delicious valley! I never saw anything so beautiful in all +my life."</p> + +<p>"It is certainly pretty fair, but not worthy of such frantic eulogy," +said Samuel.</p> + +<p>"What a man you are!" cried Joshua; "You must always disagree with me. +The moment I like a thing you must depreciate it."</p> + +<p>"Do you then mean to make some stay in the valley?" asked Mrs. Dickson, +innocently enough.</p> + +<p>"Some stay, mistress!" cried the husband; "What are you dreaming about? +I mean to take the whole valley. It belongs to no one now. It shall +therefore be ours—that is, mine and my brother's."</p> + +<p>"I want very little," said Samuel.</p> + +<p>"You shall have your right share, no more and no less. Do you think I +would cheat you?"</p> + +<p>"Far from me be such a thought."</p> + +<p>"But, my dear," said the wife, "pray think."</p> + +<p>"I have thought," he replied, abruptly; "and my resolution is +irrevocable. So thoroughly have I made up my mind that I have come back +alone, leaving the children at work."</p> + +<p>"At work!" cried Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Yes; they are cutting down trees and clearing the ground. This will be +so much gained, as the season is far advanced, and we have not a moment +to lose if we would have our settlement quite ready for the winter."</p> + +<p>All this while the caravan was advancing, and by degrees had got +halfway through the defile.</p> + +<p>"This narrow way might easily be stopped," said Joshua.</p> + +<p>"Very useful idea, as many redskins are about."</p> + +<p>"But we are very numerous."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but if we are attacked we have no neighbours to help us, and must +count only on ourselves alone."</p> + +<p>"We shall be sufficient," drily responded Joshua.</p> + +<p>"I hope so, and yet I doubt if the Indians leave us in peaceable +possession if game is as abundant as I believe."</p> + +<p>"Bah! Who cares? If the Indians come we will give them such a reception +as shall astonish them."</p> + +<p>"Who lives longest will see the most. It is best to be prudent," +responded Samuel.</p> + +<p>The squatter, half angry at his brother's manner, gave up the +conversation, and, spurring his horse, disappeared.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Samuel, with a smile, as the other rode off, "you may be +satisfied. Joshua is sufficiently annoyed at my opposition to become +seriously obstinate. Nothing will make him change his mind now."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you went a little too far."</p> + +<p>"Not a bit, I only stimulated him."</p> + +<p>"But what you said about the Indians made me seriously uneasy. Are +there any about?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose so, as we are in the very centre of their territory. They +may not attack us if let alone."</p> + +<p>"But this valley may belong to them."</p> + +<p>"Then we shall have to negotiate with the tribe to which the place +belongs. We shall buy it of the redskins—a thing done every day."</p> + +<p>"You ought to know Joshua better by this time. He will take the land, +and refuse all compromises."</p> + +<p>"I know him; but should the contingency come, we must make him listen +to reason. But look, we are entering on the confines of this garden of +Eden, which henceforth will be all our own," cried Samuel.</p> + +<p>"What a magnificent country!" cried the squatter's wife.</p> + +<p>Miss Diana, despite her sadness and habit of concentrated thought, +could not restrain an exclamation of surprise at the sight of the grand +spectacle before her.</p> + +<p>"Don't be too enthusiastic," said Samuel. "Here is Joshua."</p> + +<p>A hundred paces off Joshua had halted, his sons beside him on +horseback, gun in hand. The squatter held the American flag in his +right hand. As soon as all the waggons were in the valley he signed to +everybody to advance.</p> + +<p>All the serving men and women surrounded the squatter. His wife, +daughter, and Samuel remained in the waggon.</p> + +<p>The squatter, making his horse prance, waved the American flag over his +head, then he planted the staff in the earth, and cried in a loud firm +voice:</p> + +<p>"I take possession of this wild territory by the right of the first +occupant I proclaim myself its sole lord and master, and if anyone, +white or black, dares to claim it, I will defend myself to the last +gasp."</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! Long live America!" cried all.</p> + +<p>"My friends," continued the trapper, "we are now at home. This valley +which we shall soon cultivate and bring to prosperity and civilisation, +is the Valley of the Deer."</p> + +<p>"Long live the Valley of the Deer!" cried all.</p> + +<p>The squatter then headed the caravan, and led it to the spot he had +selected for a settlement. It was twelve o'clock. At a little after two +the ancient trees were falling beneath the axes of the Americans.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The activity of the North Americans is prodigious; they have a peculiar +way of handling the axe which is marvellous. Their mode of procedure is +almost incomprehensible, and goes beyond anything the imagination can +conceive.</p> + +<p>Fifty American woodmen will in a month clear the whole of a vast forest +tract.</p> + +<p>They always begin with the idea, a very logical one, though a proud +one, that the modest plantation they commence may in time become an +important town, and they act accordingly. The land is divided into +lots, paths traced by the axe stand for streets, large open spaces +represent squares, while notched trees indicate where the houses, +shops, workshops, and other buildings are to be.</p> + +<p>As soon as this is all settled they go to work with feverish haste, and +trees of vast dimensions fall with a rapidity which is simply amazing.</p> + +<p>Then they build the stables and sheds, then the blacksmith's forge, the +carpenter's shop, and the water sawmill, of which the workmen at once +take possession.</p> + +<p>The earth, still encumbered by the roots of trees, is dug up and sown +at once. Everything goes on at the same time with the utmost regularity +and industry.</p> + +<p>In a few days the landscape is completely changed, and there, where had +existed a virgin forest, with all its deep and impenetrable mysteries, +suddenly arises, as if by means of the enchanted wand, the embryo of +a town, which ten years later will be a rich flourishing emporium of +commerce, and of which the population, coming from all parts of the +world, will perhaps be fifty or sixty thousand.</p> + +<p>But the squatter, the founder of the new city, will have disappeared, +without leaving a trace behind. Nobody knows anything about him, +not even his name. His work done, he will have taken his melancholy +departure, frightened to see the desert so populated, and that +civilisation from which he had fled so near; he probably has fled out +West in search of a new virgin land, which he will transform like the +first, without deriving any more advantage from it, finally to end his +days, shot in some miserable Indian ambuscade, or killed by the claws +of a grizzly, or perhaps dies of misery and hunger in some unknown +corner of the prairie.</p> + +<p>Joshua Dickson did not act differently from his fellows; after dividing +the valley into two, and handing over half to his brother, he fixed his +residence near the fork of the two rivers. Samuel Dickson fixed his +residence at the other end of the valley, near the river called the +Deer River.</p> + +<p>Everybody then set to work, and with such rapidity that before three +weeks were over the principal buildings were finished. The houses, +built with trees from the trunks of which the bark had not been +removed, piled one upon the other, and fastened together by iron clamps +and long wooden nails, looked comfortable with their glass windows +furnished inside with strong shutters, and their mud and brick chimneys +from which the smoke already escaped in a bluish cloud.</p> + +<p>All the servants and hired men had erected themselves, not exactly +houses, but bark huts. They were, however, only temporary residences, +soon to be replaced by more solid and eligible residences.</p> + +<p>The ordinary means of defence so necessary in an Indian country had not +been neglected; a solid double stockade of young trees surrounded the +camp; the centre of this rampart was occupied by a ditch ten feet wide +and fifteen deep.</p> + +<p>There were several drawbridges, which were raised every night, by means +of which only could the settlement be reached; near every one of these +was a redoubt of stone, surmounted by stakes, behind which, in case +of attack, the garrison could place themselves. All the houses were +moreover loopholed.</p> + +<p>Every night some twenty formidable dogs of the race formerly used by +the Spaniards to hunt down the Indians, and until lately kept to track +Negro slaves by the Americans, that is to say, bloodhounds, were let +loose.</p> + +<p>One morning, shortly after sunrise, Miss Diana, accompanied by her own +enormous and favourite dog, quitted the Point, her father's habitation, +for the residence of Samuel Dickson.</p> + +<p>Very busy each about their own affairs, the brothers were often two +days without seeing each other, the more so that their respective +residences were quite three miles apart.</p> + +<p>Joshua Dickson, whose activity was immense, struck with amazement at +sight of the magnificent waterpower at his door, and which he little +suspected was the Missouri, had asked himself one day where these +waters flowed to. He came at last to the conclusion that on its way to +the sea it must run through some state of the Union.</p> + +<p>Then, imbued with that commercial spirit which is innate in the +Americans, he at once saw the value of the river as available for the +carriage of his produce, as well as to obtain supplies for the colony. +He therefore resolved to make a journey down the river, and reach the +first settlement, and this as soon as the heavier labours were over.</p> + +<p>Now with the squatter to resolve was to act, and even before anything +else was finished he had set to work to construct a canoe sufficiently +large to carry four persons, with victuals for a long journey, and +strong enough to bear a voyage of some hundreds of miles.</p> + +<p>The boat had been finished the night before, and Joshua Dickson, eager +to begin his journey, had sent his daughter over to Dickson Point, to +confer with his brother as to what was to be done in his absence. But +neither Samuel nor Diana knew anything of Joshua's projects.</p> + +<p>Joshua was one of those men who, without being deceitful, was very +reticent, and never told his thoughts.</p> + +<p>Diana, like a true heroine, traversed the faintly traced paths which +led to her uncle's house, a hunting knife in her belt, and light gun +in her hand. For further safety she was accompanied by Dardar, a large +black and white dog, something between a wolf and a Newfoundland, +terribly ferocious, and of mighty strength, as tall as a good-sized +donkey, and who would have tackled a bear in defence of his mistress, +whom he obeyed with the docility of a child.</p> + +<p>With such a guardian Diana had nothing to fear from man or beast; +moreover, the country was too little known to the squatters to allow a +young girl to go out quite unprotected in the country, however short +the distance.</p> + +<p>Contrary to her usual mood, the young girl was quite joyous; her +freedom, which allowed her to give free vent to her thoughts, had +driven away the tinge of sadness which generally clouded her beautiful +face.</p> + +<p>She went along careless and dreaming through the fields, playing with +Dardar, who, proud of the charge he was set to guard, ran wildly before +her, dashing into the bushes and thickets with an intelligent glance +that was almost human.</p> + +<p>The young girl soon reached the river, where a kind of ferryboat had +been provided by means of which to cross the river, here neither broad +nor deep. In a few minutes Diana was across and within sight of her +uncle's residence.</p> + +<p>Inside the log hut, which was extensive, were seated two men, with a +bottle of whisky before them. These were Samuel Dickson himself and +George.</p> + +<p>Two horses, still saddled and smoking, were fastened in the court. They +must have been on a long journey.</p> + +<p>"You are a pretty fellow to make me gallop about in this way in search +of you. I am not very handsome, but I am not ugly enough to frighten +you."</p> + +<p>"I simply did not see you."</p> + +<p>"No nonsense. Do you think to keep me in ignorance of your motive in +coming this way?"</p> + +<p>The young man blushed deeply.</p> + +<p>"Do you know my brother Joshua?" asked Samuel.</p> + +<p>"I met him once or twice in Boston, but I do not think he ever noticed +me," said George Clinton.</p> + +<p>"Shall I introduce you to him?" said Samuel. "He has his faults, but he +is a very worthy man."</p> + +<p>"I don't think it would be wise just now."</p> + +<p>"I don't think," continued the American, "that you have waited to be +introduced to my niece."</p> + +<p>"Sir," cried the young man, dropping his glass.</p> + +<p>"Ah, ah!" cried the American, laughing, "That is the way you break my +crockery. These lovers, these lovers. Do you think to cheat an old +opossum like me? You love my pretty niece, which is very natural; you +are a good fellow, and together will make an excellent couple."</p> + +<p>"I regret to say it cannot be so," sighed George.</p> + +<p>"Why so?" cried Samuel.</p> + +<p>"I see you are so good, I can no longer refuse to enlighten you."</p> + +<p>"That is right. Confess, for I am your true friend."</p> + +<p>"What I have to say," began George, "is not much. I met Miss Diana at +Boston at Mrs. Marshall's, where your niece stayed for some months last +year. I was on very good terms with your relative."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes; my cousin," said Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Need I say that from the first moment I saw her I loved your niece? My +visits to Mrs. Marshall, once only occasional, became so frequent that +the lady began to have suspicion of my intentions. She at once called +me on one side, and while giving me every credit for loyalty and worth, +she told me not to prosecute my attentions, as Diana's father would +never consent to our marriage. Despite all my entreaties, however, +she would give me no reason, until at last, yielding to my earnest +entreaties, she explained that many years before there had been such a +quarrel between my father and Joshua Dickson that any alliance between +our families must ever prove impossible."</p> + +<p>Samuel listened with extreme anxiety.</p> + +<p>"You see yourself that I am right," said the young man.</p> + +<p>"You are mistaken," cried the other; "the matter is rather serious, I +allow. I really had forgotten that old affair. But don't ask me any +questions; all I say is, have courage. Circumstances will probably +alter, and believe me that in Samuel Dickson you will have a sincere +friend."</p> + +<p>"I should be only too glad to help."</p> + +<p>"When I am on your side nothing is difficult. Now to breakfast. But how +did you know of my brother's coming out here?" suddenly cried Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Miss Diana told me herself."</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh! Then I wonder no longer. To breakfast."</p> + +<p>"I hope, Master Samuel, you will excuse me," began the other, taking up +his hunter's cap.</p> + +<p>"Sit down; if my niece were here you would not go."</p> + +<p>"Can I come in?" suddenly said a soft voice at the door, a voice that +made George start.</p> + +<p>This sudden coincidence utterly overcame the old man's gravity, and, +throwing himself back in his chair, he screamed with laughter, while +Diana stood transfixed in the doorway, and George Clinton simply turned +his cap round in his hand without being able to articulate a word.</p> + +<p>It was Dardar who ended the scene.</p> + +<p>The dog had remained outside for a moment or two, and then, seeing the +door open, had rushed right into the middle of the room; seeing George +Clinton he rushed at him, wagging his tail first, and then, leaping up, +his paws on either shoulder, he licked his face with a joyous whine.</p> + +<p>"By heavens!" cried the squatter, "The fellow is lucky. Everyone likes +him, even that precious Dardar, and yet he despairs. Come in, Sly +Boots, and kiss your uncle."</p> + +<p>She did not require twice asking.</p> + +<p>"You are welcome, mademoiselle," he said, with mock politeness. "I +suppose I need not introduce you to yonder tall young fellow?"</p> + +<p>"I have known the gentleman some time," replied the young girl, holding +out her hand, which George took and kissed.</p> + +<p>"That's right," cried Samuel, rubbing his hands; "all goes well. And +now once more I say, to breakfast. I am dying with hunger. We can talk +while we eat, and you, Diana, can explain your early visit. I suppose +you have not come three miles in the dew to kiss your old uncle?"</p> + +<p>"Why not?" she said, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"And you expected to meet nobody," he answered. But seeing that Diana +blushed, he continued, "But no more delay," and seated himself.</p> + +<p>The beginning of the meal was rather constrained, from the peculiar +position of the young people. But the ice was soon broken; the squatter +was merry and humorous; he avoided any pointed allusions, and the +conversation, at first very meagre, soon became very pleasant.</p> + +<p>When Samuel heard the object of Diana's visit, he promised to go over +in the evening, and then questioned George as to his travels.</p> + +<p>George at once proceeded to tell his story with so much wit and humour +as to amuse uncle and niece.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Samuel, when breakfast was over, "listen to me. You are two +charming young people, whom I love, and whose happiness I desire. But +you must let me act in my own way. I know my brother well, and can do +as I like with him. Look upon me as an ally, but commit no imprudence. +Instead now of going with my niece, you must stop here. If you were +seen together, we cannot say what might happen. At all times my house +is open to you. Come as often as you like, but remember, courage and +prudence, Diana, kiss me again, and then farewell."</p> + +<p>"My darling uncle," she cried, embracing him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, very dear, because I do what you like."</p> + +<p>"Au revoir, George," she continued.</p> + +<p>"But when shall I see you again? Time appears so long."</p> + +<p>"Already he grumbles," cried Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, but I love her so much."</p> + +<p>"And do I not love you?" she said, naively.</p> + +<p>"I am mad," he answered, tenderly, kissing her hand a second time as he +spoke.</p> + +<p>Then Diana went out, guarded by Dardar.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Samuel, as soon as they were alone, "you must enter into +fuller explanations, and explain where you have pitched your tent. I +hope you are in no difficulty."</p> + +<p>"Be easy on that point. I have a hut in a charming situation about +twelve miles off. Will you come and see it?" added George Clinton.</p> + +<p>"At once, if you like," cried Samuel.</p> + +<p>"At once let it be, I am not alone; I have two faithful servants and a +Canadian hunter, whom I engaged in Boston. I have books, arms, horses, +dogs—everything that a man can wish for."</p> + +<p>"Delighted to hear it. Let us start."</p> + +<p>Five minutes later they were galloping through the forest.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4> + +<h3>THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE.</h3> + + +<p>That part of the valley towards which they were going had undergone +no change. The squatters had had no time to visit it, and it retained +all its original beauty and primitive majesty. George Clinton +appeared fully to know his way, entering at full gallop on the most +out-of-the-way and rugged paths, followed by Samuel Dickson, who was in +a charming humour, and appeared delighted to explore this part of his +domains, for all on that side of the valley was his present from his +brother.</p> + +<p>"You ride as if you had known the country ten years at least," he said.</p> + +<p>"I came here about a month before you, but I have been everywhere with +Charbonneau."</p> + +<p>"Who may Charbonneau be?"</p> + +<p>"My hunter, a great big Canadian, as long as a fishing rod, as thin as +a nail, and as honest as a Newfoundland dog. I got him out of a very +great scrape, and he has been devoted to me ever since."</p> + +<p>"Lucky for you."</p> + +<p>"More than you think. This fellow was brought up in an Indian tribe; +his life has been spent more or less in the desert. He has friends +everywhere with trappers, with white and half-caste hunters; speaks all +the most difficult redskin dialects, and despite his youth—he is not +more than three-and-twenty—enjoys a great reputation on the prairie. +He is called Keen-hand, because of his prodigious dexterity."</p> + +<p>"An excellent servant," said Samuel.</p> + +<p>"And a capital companion—always gay and contented; whichever way +things go, he is always so philosophical I cannot but admire him. He is +a perfect study. As an instance, he declared some time ago no squatter +would ever see this place and go further."</p> + +<p>"He was not far wrong. He is a sharp youth."</p> + +<p>"You are right; but you shall judge for yourself."</p> + +<p>"Then he has told you all about this country?" asked Samuel.</p> + +<p>"In what way?" said George.</p> + +<p>"I suppose he described the situation of the valley—its distance from +all habitations?"</p> + +<p>"Don't you know?" cried George.</p> + +<p>"I know nothing. We have been travelling in the dark, and should all be +glad of information."</p> + +<p>"In the first place, two rivers cross the valley; that near you flows +from the mountains of the Wind; the other, into which it discharges its +waters, is the Missouri."</p> + +<p>"Heavens! The Missouri! Then it runs through part of the United States. +We are at home."</p> + +<p>"Very nearly, though you are surrounded by red men, who, though very +warlike, are generally friendly to the whites. Still, if you know the +redskins you will not depend on them."</p> + +<p>"Too true; and what nations are they?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Sioux and Dakotas, Piekanns, Crows, Hurons of the great lakes, with +some Assiniboins and Mandans. A few others of no account are scattered +about," he answered.</p> + +<p>"A pretty lot; and no help near."</p> + +<p>"Help is nearer than you think. About fifty miles distant is a fort +belonging to one of the great fur companies. It has a garrison of fifty +whites—Americans and Canadians, soldiers and hunters."</p> + +<p>"Fifty miles is nothing," said Samuel.</p> + +<p>"In a civilised country, yes; but in the desert it is as bad as fifty +leagues," responded Clinton.</p> + +<p>"I did not think of that," granted the squatter; "well, then, on the +other side, what neighbours have we?"</p> + +<p>"Some squatters, like yourselves, who have been two years on the +Missouri. You are halfway between the two."</p> + +<p>"Have these squatters much cultivated land?"</p> + +<p>"They have been going ahead lately. It is already almost a village; +soon it will be a town. But anyway, on one side or the other you are +separated from men of your own colour by several Indian nations, whose +villages it would be dangerous to visit, except in large numbers. In +fact your only open route is the Missouri."</p> + +<p>"That is something; but, if easy to go down, it is hard to ascend."</p> + +<p>"Besides, both sides swarm with redskins."</p> + +<p>"Hum! My dear George, that spoils all. What could put it into the mad +head of my brother to bring us here? He is a lunatic; for the matter of +that, so am I."</p> + +<p>George could not help laughing.</p> + +<p>"Laugh away, you young rascal," said the squatter; "but if we have to +leave our bones here?"</p> + +<p>"I hope it will not be so," replied George.</p> + +<p>"Jehoshaphat! So do I. Your information is not pleasant; still I thank +you. It is best to know the worst."</p> + +<p>While speaking they kept on at as rapid a pace as the state of the +ground allowed. They had left the forest, and had come out upon a green +prairie, when suddenly they heard a gun fired.</p> + +<p>"What is that?" cried the squatter.</p> + +<p>"Charbonneau. I know the sound. Wait a minute."</p> + +<p>And Clinton fired his rifle in the air.</p> + +<p>Next instant there was a rush from out of a thicket, and two +magnificent dogs of the same breed as Dardar came rushing out of a +thicket, and, leaping at the young man to beg a caress, continued at +the same time to growl at the squatter.</p> + +<p>"Down, dogs, down!" cried the young man. "Down, I say, Nadeje, miss, +and you the same, Drack; don't be mischievous. This gentleman, my +fine fellows, is a friend; go and welcome him, to show what brave and +intelligent beasts you are."</p> + +<p>As if they had understood what their master said, the two dogs ceased +to growl, and, going straight to Samuel Dickson, leaped up at him in +the most friendly way. The squatter, a great dog fancier, was very +much struck by their beauty, and at once caressed them with many a +word of praise, which pleased both, but especially Miss Nadeje; she +was a magnificent animal, with an almost pure white skin, spotted only +here and there with black, and at once took the squatter under her +guardianship.</p> + +<p>Almost at the same moment a man appeared in the full costume of a +hunter, a man with rather angular but very intelligent features; in his +hand was the still-smoking gun. He bowed, and called off the dogs.</p> + +<p>"Pardieu!" he cried, "That was a lucky shot of mine."</p> + +<p>"Were you hunting?" asked the other, shaking hands.</p> + +<p>"At this hour it were folly, and I am not yet mad. Sport is only good +morning and evening, is it not?"</p> + +<p>"That is my opinion," replied the squatter.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Samuel Dickson, one of my best friends," said George, "and I hope +soon one of yours."</p> + +<p>"I hope so; I like his looks," laughed Charbonneau.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said the squatter.</p> + +<p>"It is quite unnecessary, only I don't say the same to everybody. But I +have known you some time."</p> + +<p>"If not hunting, what were you doing?" asked George.</p> + +<p>"Something has happened at the wigwam. Three travellers, two white +hunters and an Indian chief, have reached your house, and demanded +hospitality," he replied.</p> + +<p>"Of course you did not refuse?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I did not. Besides, two of the hunters are my friends, and +the other is likely to become so."</p> + +<p>"You know you are welcome to act; still, why look for me?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I did not exactly look for you, but I wanted to give you +warning; of course, I knew where you had gone."</p> + +<p>The young man blushed, while the old man laughed.</p> + +<p>"Now, then," cried Clinton, "let us go home."</p> + +<p>"Wait one moment. About fifty yards in my rear the dogs opened cry. I +ran and found—"</p> + +<p>"A bear?" exclaimed the squatter.</p> + +<p>"No, I would not have minded that. It was not a bear, but a man. He +was lying insensible on the ground, his skull split open from a heavy +fall, and a shot wound in his left arm. His horse was grazing close by. +He appeared to be a traveller traitorously shot by an Indian. I thought +I heard an explosion; at all events, the wretch fled before the dogs, +just as he was about to rob the unfortunate."</p> + +<p>"You assisted him?"</p> + +<p>"How could I help it? I could not let him die like a skunk on the road; +and yet it would have been wiser."</p> + +<p>"Charbonneau!" cried the young man, "Is that really you?"</p> + +<p>"You know me well, Master George. Well, despite myself, I don't like +the look of this man, though he is handsome enough. He has a terrible +expression, and you know it takes something to move me. Still, I feel +an invincible repugnance for this man, whom I never saw before. The +dogs were like myself; I had the greatest difficulty to prevent them +tearing him to pieces. Nadeje was like a mad creature; she wanted to +strangle him. Do you know, Master George, dogs never make a mistake?"</p> + +<p>"A very good thing," said George Clinton; "but the man is wounded, +likely to die. We are bound to succour him."</p> + +<p>"I know it, and have done so. I have seen to him as I would to myself +or one of my dogs. Still, Master George, mark my words, it is a bitter +foe you shelter under your roof."</p> + +<p>"It may be so, but we must do our duty."</p> + +<p>"As you please. Still I shall watch him."</p> + +<p>"Where is he?"</p> + +<p>"Just under yonder cluster of oaks, which you see from here. It was +after dressing his wound I fired a shot on chance."</p> + +<p>"Did he say nothing?" asked George.</p> + +<p>"He is still quite insensible."</p> + +<p>"Let us join him, and if the dogs are so ill-disposed towards the +stranger, watch them carefully."</p> + +<p>"All right, Master George. Be quiet, dogs," said the hunter, turning +back, followed by the two great dogs, the others making up the rear.</p> + +<p>The cluster of oaks was soon reached; the wounded man still lay without +life; the dogs howled, but, at a sign from Keen-hand, they stood back +silent.</p> + +<p>George and Samuel alighted, and examined the man.</p> + +<p>He was a tall, well made, even elegant man of about thirty or +thirty-five; he was deadly pale; his features were well chiselled +and delicate; his long, jet black hair fell in waving curls on his +shoulders; a black crisp beard hid the lower part of his face; his +mouth, large and slightly open, showed magnificent teeth of dazzling +whiteness; his strong and aquiline nose gave a terribly hard expression +to his face, while his eyes, far too close together, and which were +shut, were shaded by long lashes, and crowned by heavy eyebrows that +almost touched.</p> + +<p>The very sight of the man inspired instinctive repulsion, something +like a chill, that sensation of terror and disgust which one feels at +the sight of a reptile; still the man was handsome and elegant; he was +well dressed, and his weapons were superior; his horse was extremely +valuable.</p> + +<p>He was, to all appearance, a prince among adventurers.</p> + +<p>"Hum!" muttered Samuel Dickson, who was the first to speak; "I don't +like his look at all."</p> + +<p>"No more do I," said George; "still, we cannot let him die."</p> + +<p>"Certainly not, since Providence has sent him here. Are we far from +your hut?" replied Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Not far off, are we, Charbonneau? But, then, how can we carry him?" +continued George; "I don't see anything except a litter."</p> + +<p>"Too long. Leave all to me. I will mount his horse; you can hand him up +to me; I will then carry him in my arms to the wigwam—what say you?"</p> + +<p>"Admirable!" cried George, as Charbonneau mounted and stood still, +awaiting his burden.</p> + +<p>George and Samuel then placed him before the guide. Charbonneau pressed +his head against his chest, and started.</p> + +<p>Going slowly, they were an hour on the journey.</p> + +<p>The wigwam, as the hunter called it, was a charming habitation built of +wood, upon the summit of an eminence, round which ran a silver stream, +lined with well-constructed palisades.</p> + +<p>"Your house is delicious," said Samuel Dickson, examining the +residence. "You should be very comfortable."</p> + +<p>"My good friend, I want for nothing except happiness."</p> + +<p>"Are you going to have the blues again?" said Samuel.</p> + +<p>"You know I hardly dare hope," replied George.</p> + +<p>"You are very foolish. When you are rich, young, and loved, Master +George, you ought to hope for the best."</p> + +<p>"You are very cruel to joke with me."</p> + +<p>"I do not joke, I only try to inspire you with courage. But, look, here +are your guests coming to meet you, while your servants seem to me to +be rather muddled and mixed," observed Samuel.</p> + +<p>"It is the first time they have ever seen strangers."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Samuel, laughing, "they will have a change today."</p> + +<p>Three persons were advancing in the direction of the advancing troop. +They were Bright-eye, Numank-Charake, the Huron chief, and Oliver.</p> + +<p>They bowed ceremoniously to Clinton, who renewed the invitation given +by Charbonneau; and then alighting, the wounded man was carried by +Bright-eye and Oliver to the best bedroom, placed on the master's +own couch, and at once attended to by one of the domestics, who knew +something of medicine.</p> + +<p>"What a disagreeable face!" murmured Oliver.</p> + +<p>"He does not look pleasant," said Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"'Tis the face of a traitor," said the Indian chief, sententiously; "he +should have been allowed to die."</p> + +<p>"Hum!" cried Keen-hand; "There are others of my opinion."</p> + +<p>"Let my brother watch carefully," remarked the Indian.</p> + +<p>"Be not uneasy," smiled Charbonneau.</p> + +<p>"In my opinion," said Bright-eye, "this man is one of the outlaws of +the desert. I have seen him somewhere before. I must not only think +over the matter, but put the master of the house on his guard."</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the four men rejoined Clinton and Samuel Dickson in the +drawing room, where copious refreshments awaited them.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h4> + +<h3>WHO THE STRANGER WAS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>As soon as the farmer had taken some slight refreshment and assured +himself as to the comfortable position in which he was placed, he took +his leave. The day was far advanced, and he had to meet his brother on +a matter of business.</p> + +<p>On leaving George, the squatter bent low on his horse, and after one +last glance at the hut:</p> + +<p>"Beware, my friend," he said, "of the wounded man. I think him an +unmitigated rascal. Get rid of him."</p> + +<p>"I will take your advice. I do not like him myself, and as soon as he +can travel he shall surely go."</p> + +<p>And, after mutual promises to meet again, the two friends parted, and +Samuel rode off in hot haste. George watched him until he was quite out +of sight.</p> + +<p>He then sighed. The departure of Samuel had broken the last link +between the charming events of the morning and the more matter-of-fact +events of the evening. He now gloomily turned on his heel, and found +himself face to face with the three travellers accompanied by Keen-hand.</p> + +<p>"You are not going?" he cried.</p> + +<p>"No," answered Bright-eye; "on the contrary, if you will allow us, we +intend remaining some little time."</p> + +<p>"You will give me great satisfaction," continued Clinton, "use my house +entirely as your own."</p> + +<p>The hunters bowed courteously.</p> + +<p>"We have come to meet you," said Oliver, "because, having something to +say, we prefer the open air."</p> + +<p>"Yes," continued Bright-eye, "though the wounded man whom you have +so generously entertained is as yet incapable of listening, your +servants—"</p> + +<p>"Are discreet and devoted," observed Clinton.</p> + +<p>"We know that, and have taken no precautions against them."</p> + +<p>"You would have been very unwise to do so. Morris and Stephen knew me +from my birth. They love me as if I were a child of their own. I have +no secrets from them and should be sorry to wound their feelings."</p> + +<p>"I was prepared for that objection," said Keen-hand, "and was therefore +careful to warn them."</p> + +<p>"You have done well, Charbonneau, as I would not for the world offend +those worthy fellows. And now, gentlemen, follow me, and I will take +you where you can speak openly without fear of being overheard."</p> + +<p>Saying which George moved away from the house and led them to a +hillock, wholly without trees, overlooking the river, and whence he +could see a long way.</p> + +<p>"This is my observatory," he said, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Admirably well chosen," replied Oliver.</p> + +<p>On the invitation of Clinton everyone seated himself on the grass, +and lit his pipe; then Bright-eye, who appeared general spokesman, +addressed their host.</p> + +<p>"We have learned from Keen-hand that you have not long left the cities +of the United States to visit for a time the prairies of the Far West."</p> + +<p>"I have no reason for making any secret of the matter."</p> + +<p>"Everyone is master of his own actions," continued Bright-eye, "and we +have no right to inquire in any way into your affairs. We only desire +to indicate you as new to prairie customs."</p> + +<p>"I am not very learned in the matter, and am therefore wholly guided by +my hunter, who, despite his youth, is an old runner of the woods. But +as I see no motive for this conversation, I should be glad if it were +abridged."</p> + +<p>"One question first—Are you prepared as a dweller in the desert to +submit to its habits and customs?" asked Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"As long as they are just and reasonable," said the other, "I pledge my +word to be guided by them."</p> + +<p>"We find that your friend here described you well."</p> + +<p>"Still you must be aware that you are keeping me waiting."</p> + +<p>"Two words will explain," said Bright-eye; "we demand the body of the +wounded man yonder."</p> + +<p>"What to do?" cried Clinton.</p> + +<p>"To apply Lynch law to him," coldly replied the hunter.</p> + +<p>The young man shuddered, a livid pallor spread over his countenance; he +looked at the hunters, who nodded their heads, with a glance of horror.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, gentlemen?" he cried; "Do you intend to torture this +man, whose life hangs on a thread?"</p> + +<p>"It is our right and our duty, not to torture him, but to try him, and +execute the sentence, whatever it may be, at once."</p> + +<p>"This is terrible!" cried the young man.</p> + +<p>"You do not know him. If, for reasons best known to ourselves, we +feigned not to know him, now that your friend has left we will tell you +who the wretch is."</p> + +<p>"No matter who he is," cried Clinton, fiercely, "all I know is that he +is wounded and under the protection of my roof."</p> + +<p>"Your sentiments of humanity do you honour," said Bright-eye, +ironically; "they are well suited to civilised society, where the law +defends you. In the desert they have no meaning. Every moment menaced +with death, you must cut down your murderous foes without mercy."</p> + +<p>"Better be victim than executioner," said George.</p> + +<p>"If you like to present your breast to the enemies, that is your +lookout; we beg to differ from you."</p> + +<p>"But, gentlemen—" said Clinton, haughtily.</p> + +<p>"You made a promise. Do you or do you not intend to be bound by it?" +asked Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"This is your return for my hospitality."</p> + +<p>"You are unjust, sir; we are but the instruments of public opinion, +about to accomplish a painful duty, guided by our conscience and our +sense of right. Do you give this man up to us, yes or no?" he continued.</p> + +<p>"Take him, if you insist; but as on your private authority you judge +this man, I will defend him."</p> + +<p>"We are delighted to hear it."</p> + +<p>"When do you intend trying this man who is dangerously wounded and +nearly insensible?"</p> + +<p>"He is not so ill as he pretends to be," replied Bright-eye; "and we +intend trying him at once."</p> + +<p>"Come, then, for the matter is getting wearisome," said George.</p> + +<p>All returned to the house. Oliver and Numank had not spoken, but their +firm step, their knitted brows, their flashing eyes, sufficiently +indicated that they fully agreed with Bright-eye in his intentions.</p> + +<p>When they entered the room where the wounded man lay he was quite +conscious; his face, of an earthy pallor, had two red spots on the +cheeks; the pearly sweat fell heavily from his brow; his eyes were half +closed, but he could clearly see through his lashes. His attitude was +that of a tiger at bay, unaware from what side danger was likely to +come.</p> + +<p>Bright-eye looked at him with such pertinacity that after a time he was +compelled to open his eyes.</p> + +<p>The Canadian smiled, whispered to Keen-hand, who nodded his head, and +soon left the hut.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," said Bright-eye in a loud tone, "we will at once proceed +to instal the head of the court of Judge Lynch."</p> + +<p>"You are the chief," said the others.</p> + +<p>"I accept. You will be the accusers. I shall at once take my seat, as +we are here to judge this man."</p> + +<p>"You forget I am here to defend him," remarked Clinton.</p> + +<p>"You are quite right," replied Bright-eye; "pray therefore attend +carefully to the accusations I am about to make against him; you can +then undertake his defence, if, indeed, when you know all, you care to +do so."</p> + +<p>The wounded man had appeared motionless and insensible to all around +him, but on hearing the generous words of the young man, spoken in a +gentle voice, he seemed to shiver all over, and, raising himself a +little, looked keenly at George Clinton, with a glance of gratitude.</p> + +<p>Bright-eye meanwhile reflected a moment, folded his arms, and throwing +back his head spoke:</p> + +<p>"Prisoner," he said, "you are before a terrible tribunal. Judge +Lynch has been appointed to condemn you if guilty, to absolve you if +innocent. Prepare yourself to hear and answer the charges made against +you."</p> + +<p>"I do not acknowledge the jurisdiction of Judge Lynch," said the man; +"you are a tribunal of assassins."</p> + +<p>"As you please," replied the Canadian; "but your silence will be +treated as a confession of guilt."</p> + +<p>The accused shuddered.</p> + +<p>"Why, instead of leaving me to die in the prairie, was I brought here?" +he asked; "Is hospitality a mere trick?"</p> + +<p>"The man is right," cried George; "I cannot suffer such things to pass +under my roof. I protest, in the name of humanity, against all that is +being done. You dishonour me by acting in this manner here."</p> + +<p>"The jurisdiction of Judge Lynch is universal in the desert," was the +cold reply; "none can check it. This man is an outlaw of the prairies, +a man of blood and crime. Louis Querehard, Paul Sambrun, Tom Mitchell, +and half a dozen aliases—you see we know you well—eleven days ago you +basely attacked an old man in charge of a young girl; you killed the +old man from behind at the Elk's Leap. Where is the young girl?"</p> + +<p>"Base calumny," cried the wounded man, sitting up suddenly; "I know not +what you mean. I killed no old man."</p> + +<p>"I repeat that you killed the old man and stole away the girl. I have +the proofs," he answered.</p> + +<p>The wounded man sat biting his lips with rage.</p> + +<p>"This morning," continued Bright-eye, "you quarrelled with one of your +accomplices, while crossing this valley, and fell from the treachery of +your fellow bandit."</p> + +<p>"Falsehood!" cried the wounded man.</p> + +<p>"We shall soon see," said the Canadian, coldly, and putting his fingers +to his lips he uttered a shrill whistle.</p> + +<p>A noise was heard and several men entered. These were Keen-hand, two +servants of Clinton, and a prisoner—a man of wretched, mean, and +ignoble appearance.</p> + +<p>"This is your accomplice," said Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"I don't know him," replied the wounded man.</p> + +<p>"You don't know me?" cried the other; "Really now, have you already +forgotten poor Camotte?"</p> + +<p>"You declare this man unknown to you?" said the judge. "Well, be it so. +Now, fellow," to the man Camotte, "will you confess?"</p> + +<p>"Caray, yes," said the prisoner, "anything you like."</p> + +<p>"Speak then," responded Bright-eye: "we wait."</p> + +<p>"Miserable wretch," asked the wounded man, "are you a traitor?"</p> + +<p>"My good sir, I object to be hung," he answered.</p> + +<p>"It is useless to question that rascal," said the wounded man. "I will +tell you all you want to know; but before we go any further it must be +on one condition."</p> + +<p>"We decline to accept conditions," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Then beware. I alone know where the young girl is concealed. Refuse my +conditions and my secret dies with me."</p> + +<p>"It is true," said Camotte, in answer to a look from Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"What are your conditions?" resumed the judge.</p> + +<p>"My life, liberty, and three hours' start," said the outlaw; "also the +company of my friend Camotte yonder," he added, with a sneer, as that +individual shivered; "further, I require my horse, arms, and my valise. +On these conditions you shall have the young girl: I swear it."</p> + +<p>"Anything else?" continued the judge.</p> + +<p>"One moment," observed George; "I ask for him eight days to recover +from his wound, during which time he shall remain here under my +guardianship and yours."</p> + +<p>"We consent," said Bright-eye, gloomily; "now speak."</p> + +<p>"The girl is concealed twelve miles away, in the Cavern of the Elk. I +was going there with food when I was shot. Make haste."</p> + +<p>Scarcely had he finished ere Oliver and the chief disappeared.</p> + +<p>"Beware of my vengeance," cried Bright-eye, "if you have spoken +falsely."</p> + +<p>"I have spoken the truth," said the wounded man, and fainted.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4> + +<h3>EXPLANATIONS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>We must go back a little in order to explain how the three hunters were +driven to seek hospitality in the hut of George Clinton, and what were +the motives of the deadly hatred they had vowed against the wounded, +almost dying, man.</p> + +<p>At the time of which we write nearly the whole American continent, +north and south, was owned by Spain, which ruled her provinces with a +yoke of iron, closed to all other nations with as much jealousy as ever +was shown by China.</p> + +<p>The United States alone stood free, independent.</p> + +<p>The newly enfranchised people were, however, well aware that as long as +the rest of the land was not free their work was unfinished.</p> + +<p>Besides, it became necessary to give employment to the restless spirits +let loose by the close of the war.</p> + +<p>The Government at once set to work. The territory of the new republic +was already immense, but thinly peopled, almost unknown, and occupied +in many instances by wandering Indian tribes. These must first be got +rid of.</p> + +<p>The activity of the Americans is known. They rushed off into the +desert, they erected forts to awe the redskins; hardy pioneers +traversed the prairies and established settlements in the very heart of +the Indian country.</p> + +<p>Every encouragement was given to emigrants from Europe, who were +received most hospitably.</p> + +<p>The Government was favoured by circumstances; it was a rising power +while Spain was falling to pieces.</p> + +<p>The American Government at once offered to buy Louisiana of France, +and meanwhile sent out small companies of free corps to attack the +frontier of the Spanish colonies. But alongside those recognised by +the authorities were other bands, men isolated from all civilisation, +having no control to fear, recruited from the scum which froths up +during troublous times; these bands made war on their own account, +pillaged friend and foe, burned haciendas, and allied themselves with +the redskins, taking their dress in order the more readily to carry out +their nefarious designs.</p> + +<p>Among these bands was one more formidable than all the others of sad +and monstrous celebrity.</p> + +<p>This troop of two hundred desperadoes, called themselves outlaws, and, +it was believed, though no one exactly knew their headquarters, were +established on the Missouri, whence they carried their depredations far +and near.</p> + +<p>Powerfully organised, submitting to strict discipline, this band had +spies in every direction, who kept them well informed, not only as to +the number and strength of caravans about to cross the desert, with +their destination, but as to the expeditions sent out by Government +against themselves. By these means they were always on their guard and +never taken by surprise.</p> + +<p>The chief of this terrible band was said to have only been six years +in America, and yet he knew all the secrets of the desert; he was as +clever as the most cunning and astute runner of the woods, quite equal +to any redskin in deceit. He was supposed to be a Frenchman, though he +spoke English, Spanish, and many Indian languages equally well. He was +called Querehard, Sambrun, Magnaud, Tom Mitchell, and various other +names.</p> + +<p>But none knew his real one, though some did whisper that he was the +chief of a certain fearful band who had played so terrible a part +during the Reign of Terror.</p> + +<p>Many asserted that he was not so bad as he was painted—that, in +fact, though chief of this fearful crew, he always tried to prevent +bloodshed, that he never allowed women and children to be ill-treated.</p> + +<p>He was said to be very generous, and had as many friends as enemies.</p> + +<p>Whatever the truth, Tom Mitchell was a kind of hero; the American and +Spanish Governments had placed a price upon his head; but no one ever +ventured to try for the reward of ten thousand dollars.</p> + +<p>After the medicine council we have recorded, Numank-Charake and his two +friends continued their journey.</p> + +<p>On the seventh day, an hour before the setting of the sun, they reached +a village built in the fork of two rivers.</p> + +<p>The village was surrounded by lofty palisades, with a ditch full of +water, and drawbridges.</p> + +<p>The travellers came up just as these were being removed.</p> + +<p>They were warmly received by an eager crowd.</p> + +<p>Since his landing in America this was the first time Oliver had entered +a real village of redskins.</p> + +<p>He was surprised to find it so superior to what he expected. Instead of +ordinary bison tents, or huts made with hurdles, mud, and thatch, it +consisted of admirably constructed Canadian cabins.</p> + +<p>These cabins stood in rows, with small gardens in front, while here and +there were some real Indian wigwams.</p> + +<p>Those Canadians who had retreated with their families to the tribe +of Bison Hurons had introduced these habits. Hence the rather hybrid +character of the village, which was half Canadian and half Indian.</p> + +<p>Reaching the centre of the village Numank left his companions, while +Bright-eye pointed out a most comfortable looking cabin and declared it +to be his home.</p> + +<p>At the entrance stood two men leaning on their rifles. One, nearly a +centenarian, but still robust and very tall, had a large white beard; +his eyes still shone brightly, his complexion was the colour of brick, +while his ropy muscles could be seen through his parchment skin. His +expression was gentle and full of courage. This was the grandfather of +the hunter, an old soldier of Montcalm.</p> + +<p>The second was Bright-eye's father, whom he resembled in every +particular except age and height.</p> + +<p>"They indeed appear a noble couple," whispered Oliver.</p> + +<p>"Come with me," was the laconic reply.</p> + +<p>In a few minutes they were at the door of the cabin. Bright-eye +dismounted and took off his fur cap.</p> + +<p>"I am back after a long absence. Give me your blessing."</p> + +<p>"Take it with all our hearts," cried the two old men.</p> + +<p>They then shook hands cordially, Oliver looking on with a deep sigh of +envy and regret.</p> + +<p>"He at all events has a family," he said.</p> + +<p>"Come nearer, my friend," cried Bright-eye; and when Oliver stood +beside him, he added, "this is Oliver, my friend. Eight days ago we met +in the savannah, and we have never parted since. He loves me and I love +him; he is a brave man and a most excellent hunter; our friend, the +redskin, calls him Bounding Panther."</p> + +<p>"He is welcome," said the old man; "all Frenchmen are our brothers; +as long as he chooses to remain there is a hut to shelter him and a +quarter of venison for his food."</p> + +<p>"Well spoken, father," said his son, shaking hands with the young +Frenchman; "we are French here. Welcome."</p> + +<p>"Messieurs," replied Oliver, with a bow and a smile, "it is not with +words we answer such words, but by acts."</p> + +<p>"We welcome you as a second son; come in."</p> + +<p>The horses were now taken away by a young Indian, and the whole party +entered the house.</p> + +<p>The hut, which was built with logs, was whitewashed both in and out, +and had four windows.</p> + +<p>Oliver entered a rather large hall, lit by two of the windows, with a +plank flooring, and a roof supported by heavy beams; at one end was a +large chimney, near the kitchen a table, some seats and chairs, two +oaken dressers covered by utensils in brown earthenware, and a large +old-fashioned clock composed the furniture.</p> + +<p>Two doors led, one into the kitchen, the other into the guests' room, +which was pointed out to Oliver.</p> + +<p>There were three other rooms, one occupied by the two old men, one by +Bright-eye, and one by his sister when at home.</p> + +<p>All were furnished alike; a bed, a little table, several boxes, two or +three chairs; some hideously coloured prints from Epinal were fixed +on the walls, also pipes of all sorts and sizes, a French long gun, a +powder horn, lead pouch, game bag, hatchet, a knife with its deerskin +belt, that was all.</p> + +<p>It was one floor, except a large loft above.</p> + +<p>Behind the house there was stabling for six horses, a yard with fowls, +a rather large garden, well enclosed and full of choice vegetables. It +was the old man who took care of the garden as child's play.</p> + +<p>When, having made some slight change in his toilette, Oliver returned +to the hall dinner was on the table.</p> + +<p>"Have you had good hunting lately?" asked Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"Not very good. Game gets scarce. Still I made three hundred and +seventy dollars in a fortnight," he replied.</p> + +<p>"Pretty fair; and what was your game?"</p> + +<p>"The blue fox, near Hudson's Bay," continued the other; "I have been +home three weeks. But you say nothing of your sister."</p> + +<p>"I am not in the habit of questioning you, father."</p> + +<p>"The boy is right," said the old man; "it is your place to speak."</p> + +<p>"I suppose," cried the hunter, "Angela is in the village."</p> + +<p>"No, my son, she is absent," continued the old man, "and I am sorry for +it, as she was the joy of the house."</p> + +<p>"Where is she then, father?" asked Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"About five days' march, with our cousin Lagrenay, the squatter of the +Wind River. His wife has been ill, he is alone; having no one to take +care of her, he came here and asked for Angela to stay a few days."</p> + +<p>"My dear father, our cousin Lagrenay's settlement is a long way off, in +the heart of the Indian country."</p> + +<p>"You are right," said his father; "I fear I have acted with too great +haste. I will fetch her home tomorrow."</p> + +<p>"I will go with you, father."</p> + +<p>"It is unnecessary. Your health, sir," addressing Oliver; "is it long +since you left France?"</p> + +<p>"Many thanks. I have been in America two months."</p> + +<p>"Though so far off news is welcome. How is the king?"</p> + +<p>"There is no longer any king," said Oliver, gravely; "France is now a +republic like America."</p> + +<p>While the stupefaction which this news caused was still at its height +Numank-Charake entered.</p> + +<p>"Welcome; be seated and eat," said the old man.</p> + +<p>"I came neither to eat nor to drink," replied the young Indian, sadly. +"I came to tell you that your child, Evening Dew, has been carried off +by Tom Mitchell, the outlaw, and that we must at once save her."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4> + +<h3>HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO GEORGE CLINTON'S.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>This terrible revelation fell like a thunderclap upon the four +personages who sat at table. There was for some minutes a silence +caused by perfect stupor.</p> + +<p>"You are indeed a sinister messenger, chief," said the old man, +bitterly; "whence do you get this news?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you are mistaken," gasped the father.</p> + +<p>"Listen," said the chief, sadly, "and you shall hear what has passed in +a few words."</p> + +<p>"First sit down and break bread," cried the old man; "we are friends +and relatives, and this awful catastrophe affects you as well as us."</p> + +<p>"You say truly," responded the young chief, seating himself.</p> + +<p>"Eat and drink," said the old man; "then we will talk."</p> + +<p>The meal continued, to the great astonishment of Oliver. He could +not understand the calm and sang-froid of these four men in presence +of such an awful event. He was half inclined to accuse them even of +coldness of heart.</p> + +<p>He knew nothing of that Indian etiquette, more severe than that of any +other country, which requires this apparent coldness. He soon, however, +discovered how much he was mistaken, and how deeply all these brave and +loyal hearts were wounded by the fatal incident.</p> + +<p>The repast was sad and gloomy. Nobody spoke. They ate as if it were a +duty which must be done.</p> + +<p>After the hasty repast was over there was silence.</p> + +<p>"You have come, sir," said the old man, addressing Oliver, "at an +unfortunate moment; pardon us if we seem rude and inhospitable. But +evil has fallen on us."</p> + +<p>"You told me, sir," replied the young man, "that I was to become a +member of your family. Let me, then, share your sorrows as well as your +joys. I feel more on the subject than you think, being Bright-eye's +brother."</p> + +<p>"Thank you; you are one of us," said the old man.</p> + +<p>"You are my second son," cried the father.</p> + +<p>"I thank you, and hope to prove myself deserving."</p> + +<p>Everybody now rose from table, filled his pipe and lighted it, and +then, the repast having in the meantime been cleared away, seated +themselves by the fire.</p> + +<p>"Chief," said the old man, "the time has come. We are ready to listen +to you with the deepest attention."</p> + +<p>Rising and bowing to all, the chief, who affected stoical gravity, but +who had great difficulty in controlling his voice, spoke—</p> + +<p>"Lagrenay's wife was never ill. Evening Dew was carried off by Tom +Mitchell from the squatters."</p> + +<p>"Are you quite positive?" asked the grandfather.</p> + +<p>"I am positive. The news was brought to me just now by a courier in +whom I have every confidence. He saw all that happened without himself +being seen."</p> + +<p>A deep silence prevailed. None interrupted the old man.</p> + +<p>"Allow me," he said, "to speak frankly to you, chief. You are my +relative; I remember your birth, and love you."</p> + +<p>"My father is good, and knows I love him," replied the chief.</p> + +<p>"I know it; but pardon me if I speak very plainly. There is a +hesitation in your words which alarms me excessively. I am sure you +have not told us all you think."</p> + +<p>The chief bowed his head.</p> + +<p>"I knew I was right," cried the old man; "you know far more than you +choose to say."</p> + +<p>"No skin covers my heart, my blood runs red and clear in my veins; the +Wacondah sees and judges me. Let my father explain himself frankly. +I ought only to speak after him. His head is white with the snows of +wisdom. He is wise."</p> + +<p>"Good, Numank-Charake, you are a great brave, despite your youth. Soon +you will be renowned in council. I know the motives which shut your +mouth. You love her."</p> + +<p>The young man started.</p> + +<p>"Do not deny it," said the old man. "I know it, as does my son, and we +rejoice both of us. She will be happy with one who is both strong and +brave. Not knowing our sentiments towards you, you have nobly hesitated +to accuse a near relative. You have acted well. But time presses, and +not a moment is to be lost. We know our cousin as well, or perhaps +better, than you do. We know also that falsehood never soiled your +lips. To keep further silence would be to commit a bad action—to make +yourself almost the accomplice of the ravishers. Speak out, then, like +a man."</p> + +<p>"I obey," replied the young man, respectfully.</p> + +<p>"And hide nothing, I pray," added François Berger.</p> + +<p>"I will tell you everything," he said, "as you know my heart is given +to Evening Dew. I love her; her love is my joy, her voice my happiness. +On my return to the village, after my unfortunate expedition, Evening +Dew was no longer in her father's wigwam. I asked news of everybody; I +even ventured to ask you. Your answer filled me with discouragement. +I returned to my hut heartbroken with despair. My grandfather had +pity on me. Kouha-hande loves me, and spoke like a wise man. 'Go,' he +said, 'find Bright-eye at the spot agreed on; he is the brother of +Evening Dew; he will grieve with you, and perhaps give you good advice. +During his absence I will watch. If necessary, I will go to the hut of +the white man on the Wind River. Adieu, my son, and may the Wacondah +accompany you,' I obeyed my father. I put on my travelling moccasins, +took my gun, provisions, all that a hunter requires, and started. But +my soul was sorrowful; a sad presentiment froze me to the marrow of my +bones; Wacondah sent it."</p> + +<p>"Courage, child," said the old man, kindly. "Wacondah is powerful and +just; He tries those whom He loves."</p> + +<p>"Two hours ago I returned to the village of my nation. I was very +sad and uneasy. Without a word I left my comrades and friends, and +rushed to my wigwam. My father's father awaited me. He was gloomy and +thoughtful, and rose as I entered. I guessed at once what I had to +expect. This is what I learned. Kouha-hande is a sachem whose words are +not to be doubted. For two days, hid in the thickets, he watched the +hut of the squatter of the River of the Wind. The second day, before +the rising of the moon, there was a sharp whistle near the habitation, +and a man appeared. He was very pale, wore the costume of the hunter +of the prairies, and carried a rifle. At the distance the sachem could +not make out his features. Almost immediately, however, a second person +appeared on the scene, coming from the inside of the hut, and this was +the squatter himself."</p> + +<p>"Are you sure of what you say?" asked the old man.</p> + +<p>"Kouha-hande knew him," replied the chief.</p> + +<p>"Go on," gloomily remarked old Berger.</p> + +<p>"The two men approached each other, spoke for a long time in a low +tone, and then separated, after exchanging one phrase, which the +sachem heard distinctly. This phrase, which seemed to summarise their +conversation, was—"</p> + +<p>"'You swear upon your honour that she will be quite safe and respected +in every way,' said the squatter."</p> + +<p>"'As if she were my own sister or daughter, I swear unto you,' replied +the hunter."</p> + +<p>"The two men then parted. That was all. Two hours passed away. Just +about the time when the blue jay begins its first song, the sachem, who +had remained still in his hiding place, his eye and ear on the strain, +heard a noise approaching rapidly, like that of a number of people +who, fearing no surprise, thought it useless to take any precautions. +They soon came in sight. They were no less than thirty palefaces, armed +with rifles. They surrounded the hut and attacked it on all sides."</p> + +<p>"The squatter and his servants defended themselves like people taken by +surprise—that is, feebly."</p> + +<p>"The assailants soon entered the hut. My grandfather now heard a great +tumult inside. But he was alone, could do no good, and therefore +remained in his hiding place. At the end of an hour the men came out, +escorting a fainting female, who was wrapped in a frazada. Satisfied +with the result of their expedition, they went off without even closing +the doors behind them. Kouha-hande waited some little time, and then, +convinced that the assailants had departed, went into the wigwam."</p> + +<p>"All was in disorder. The furniture was overthrown and broken; the +squatter, his wife, and servants, tied and gagged, lay on the floor. +The sachem hastened to stir up the fire, then he lighted some torches, +after which he set all the people at liberty. Even then for some time +they were unable to move or speak."</p> + +<p>"The squatter's wife wept, wrung her hands, and bitterly reproached her +husband with his cowardice, which had been the cause of the abduction +of her niece."</p> + +<p>"And what did he say?" asked Berger.</p> + +<p>"Nothing," said the chief; "he was overwhelmed, appeared struck by +stupor, remaining utterly motionless. Presently he seemed to recover +his spirits. Kouha-hande then offered to start in pursuit of the +ravishers, but the squatter refused, alleging that the trail was +no doubt by this time so cleverly concealed as to render pursuit +impossible. He left the punishment of the villains in the hands of +God. The sachem, seeing plainly that he was not wanted, went away. But +Kouha-hande was determined to reach to the bottom of the dark scheme; +instead of returning to his village, he followed the abductors."</p> + +<p>"These, having apparently no fear of pursuit, had left ample traces +of their passage in the forest, and took not the slightest precaution +to conceal their route in a straight line through the forest. It led +direct to the Missouri. The sachem at once saw through the whole thing. +These hunters, the sachem declared, could only be the redoubtable +outlaws commanded by the extraordinary chief before whom all trembled, +white and red, in the prairie."</p> + +<p>"Tom Mitchell," groaned the old man.</p> + +<p>"Himself," said the chief. "The sachem, after exploring the two banks +of the river for many miles, came back to the village of his nation, +and told me what he had seen. This is my story. Have I well said?"</p> + +<p>"You have," cried François Berger; "but let me speak. I am the only +one person in fault. I should never have separated from my daughter. +It is my duty to go in search of her. I will find her or perish in the +attempt."</p> + +<p>He attempted to rise, but Oliver checked him.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, sir," he said, gently, "if I interfere in so delicate and +grave a matter. The friendship I bear your son, the cordial way in +which you have received me, compel me to feel as if I were personally +concerned in the matter. May I therefore be allowed to speak a few +words?"</p> + +<p>"Speak," said the old hunter.</p> + +<p>"Sir," replied the young man, modestly, "I have listened to every word +as recorded by the chief, and I believe every word as recorded by him. +It appears to me, therefore, in examining the facts, that the attack +of the hunters, arranged with the squatter himself, his repugnance and +refusal to pursue them, point either to treachery or a strange mystery, +which it would be wise to clear up."</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately," said the old man, "we share your opinion. The +treachery is too flagrant to be doubted."</p> + +<p>"You believe in treachery," urged Oliver.</p> + +<p>"Base and cowardly treachery," cried Berger, striking the table.</p> + +<p>"Be assured, then," continued Oliver, "and you will be a better judge +of the correctness of my opinion than I am, your enemies, whoever they +may be, have spies around you, spies employed to watch your movements, +and to report them at once. You Will not have been ten minutes on the +trail of the ravishers ere they would be on your track."</p> + +<p>"Quite true," said the old man; "what is to be done?"</p> + +<p>"A very simple thing, and one which I am very much surprised you have +not thought of before. We have only reached the village two hours ago; +I, as a stranger, am unknown to anybody, nobody troubles himself in any +way about me. Whither I go matters to no one. With your permission, +at nightfall I will start in company with Bright-eye. If our early +departure is noticed, we can easily give some reason. It is you who +are watched, and no one else. None, knowing the indomitable energy of +your character, will believe that you have allowed anyone else to go in +search of your daughter. We shall be three men, two of whom know the +desert well. The trail of one man is easy to follow, but not of three +wary hunters ever on their guard, at all events, without the spies be +discovered and killed. This is my opinion, and, frankly, I think it +good."</p> + +<p>"You have spoken well," repeated the grandfather; "what you say is +just. We are proud to have you for a friend, and we thank you. It is +not necessary to reflect long without owning you are right. It would be +folly to contest the matter, my son, and I, therefore, gladly confide +to you the task of finding our child. Go, as you propose, this evening +at the setting of the moon, my grandson, the chief, and yourself."</p> + +<p>"And you will succeed," said the father.</p> + +<p>"I hope so, sir," responded the Frenchman; "rely upon it, I shall do +all I can for my new sister."</p> + +<p>"My son was fortunate to meet you. God bless you all."</p> + +<p>The two young people simply thanked Oliver by looks. It was eleven +o'clock at night when they started, without being noticed. We already +know how they met the outlaw.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>TOM MITCHELL.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The sun had long since gone down, the night was dark and cloudy, not +a star shone in the sky. George Clinton, seated on a bench before +his door, awaited the return of Keen-hand and his two dogs, who had +accompanied the three travellers a short distance; the two serving men +had gone to bed.</p> + +<p>George Clinton, half an hour before, had satisfied himself that his +wounded guest slept soundly.</p> + +<p>His eyes fixed on vacancy, the young man was dreaming, giving way to +soft and melancholy reverie; his soul, borne on the wings of fancy, was +far away; it was wandering in the realms of space after the beloved, +after the idolised young girl, for whom he had sacrificed and abandoned +everything, and the mention of whose name made him quiver with delight.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he was awakened from his Elysian dream by an almost superhuman +cry of anguish.</p> + +<p>The young man started as if he had received an electric shock; he +turned pale, clutched the barrel of his rifle, and then listened, +trying in vain to pierce the intense darkness which wrapped all nature +as in a winding sheet.</p> + +<p>Some minutes passed, during which there was not a breath in the air, +not the slightest sound. George Clinton breathed more freely, wiping +the sweat from his brow.</p> + +<p>"Heaven be praised," he said, "I was mistaken."</p> + +<p>Scarcely had he uttered these words, which he hardly believed, when the +same frightful cry was repeated.</p> + +<p>"It is a terrible warning," he cried; "some fearful crime is being +accomplished. I cannot hesitate."</p> + +<p>And, without another thought, he darted off in the direction whence +came the lugubrious sound.</p> + +<p>Almost ere George had quite disappeared in the darkness a shrill +whistle, modulated in a certain way, was twice repeated; then a heavy +black mass appeared crawling on the earth; this dark mass stopped at +short intervals, and then again advanced. This strange phenomenon was +soon followed by a second, a third, another, in all ten.</p> + +<p>In a few minutes all were round the hut. Then a second whistle was +heard, a signal of course, as they all rose and revealed ten armed +men. They were ferocious-looking beings, with sinister features—true +bandits of the prairies.</p> + +<p>"We are the masters," said one; "the serving men sleep, the master is +away, let us waste no time."</p> + +<p>"Do you know where he is?" asked a second.</p> + +<p>"I pretty well guess. The place is familiar to me. But let us be +careful. I don't want to be caught."</p> + +<p>"Be satisfied; Versenca and Jonathan never left their post, and Paddy +is on the watch. All is safe."</p> + +<p>"I am not more timid than another, but I like to be sure."</p> + +<p>"We are losing time, and should act."</p> + +<p>"Quite so, Sleepy; but I want to know why the captain, who must have +heard our signal, is still quiet?"</p> + +<p>"But you know the captain is wounded."</p> + +<p>"True, but he is no puling girl to be affected for long by a wound. Let +us go in and find him."</p> + +<p>"'Tis useless, I am here," said a grave voice.</p> + +<p>And a man leaning on his rifle and walking with some difficulty +appeared before them in the doorway.</p> + +<p>"The captain!" they all cried.</p> + +<p>"Silence, boys," with an imperious gesture; "I am happy to see that you +have not forgotten me."</p> + +<p>"Forgotten you!" cried Versenca, boldly; "Do we not follow wherever you +go? Are we not devoted to you body and soul?"</p> + +<p>"Quite right," said the captain, with a bitter smile; "let us say no +more about it. I am here, and all is well."</p> + +<p>"And now, captain, we await your orders."</p> + +<p>"Right! And how many are here?"</p> + +<p>"Ten here ready to obey—three on the watch."</p> + +<p>"Have you horses?—but of course, I need not ask. Bring them up and let +us be off."</p> + +<p>"With empty pockets?" cried Sleepy.</p> + +<p>"What do you want?" asked the captain.</p> + +<p>"Want!" exclaimed Sleepy, shrugging his shoulders; "Why, is not this +wigwam very rich, and the owner absent? There can be no two opinions as +to what should be done."</p> + +<p>"Comrades," said Tom Mitchell, "the owner of this home found me wounded +in the prairie and took me in."</p> + +<p>"We know that—what then?"</p> + +<p>"What then! Not only did George Clinton shelter me beneath his roof, +but saved my life from the lynchers."</p> + +<p>"Thank goodness," said Versenca, "that induced him to leave the hut by +the exercise of cunning."</p> + +<p>"Without violence, I hope," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Quite so; sent him on a false trail, that is all."</p> + +<p>"Then you are agreed with me—no pillage."</p> + +<p>"No pillage!" cried all; "Let us go."</p> + +<p>None had entered the house, and now, on the order of the chief, they +turned to go. George Clinton was before them.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," he cried, standing resolutely before them, "what is the +meaning of this visit in my absence?"</p> + +<p>"Confound the fools who did not warn us."</p> + +<p>"I was never far. I have heard nearly all."</p> + +<p>"Much good may it do you; and now let us pass."</p> + +<p>"On the contrary; I decline to let you pass," said Clinton.</p> + +<p>"Good!" said Sleepy, rubbing his hands together; "After all there will +be some broken bones here."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," continued Oliver, clutching his rifle.</p> + +<p>"Ah! Ah! So the fun is going to begin," said the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"Silence," cried the captain, sternly; "silence, and fall back." As +soon as they had obeyed he advanced to Clinton.</p> + +<p>"As you have heard our conversation," he said, "why do you try and +oppose our free departure?"</p> + +<p>"Because, as you know, I am answerable for your person. I promised you +should not leave my house until you were quite cured of your wounds."</p> + +<p>"Your solicitude for my health is charming," said the captain, +ironically, "and I really know not how to thank you."</p> + +<p>"I take little interest in you. My honour is concerned."</p> + +<p>"You are not polite, while I try to be courteous. I will therefore +simply remark that strength is on my side. Still I should be sorry to +proceed to extremities."</p> + +<p>"Menaces are useless. Will you return to the house?"</p> + +<p>"The demand is ridiculous," cried the captain.</p> + +<p>"How so?" said a voice, and at the same time two magnificent dogs +bounded to where Clinton stood.</p> + +<p>There was a moment of profound stupefaction on the part of the outlaws, +who saw this succour arrive.</p> + +<p>Tom Mitchell, however, stooped towards Sleepy and whispered a few words +in his ear. The man nodded, turned away and disappeared.</p> + +<p>"Beware!" said the captain; "I have hesitated to attack one man. But if +blood is shed it is your fault."</p> + +<p>"We shall see," said Keen-hand, appearing beside his master, "you are +ten and we are five. What do you think?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing," replied the chief, laughing; "but you seem to forget that we +have the advantage of the situation. If we like we can take possession +of the hut, whence I fancy my good friend will find it difficult to +dislodge us."</p> + +<p>"Without counting that we are master of the person of the owner of the +wigwam," cried Versenca, triumphantly.</p> + +<p>It was true. Assisted by the sentinels whom the outlaw had brought up +behind, he had been seized.</p> + +<p>He was at once taken inside and then secured with his servants, whom +the noise had at last aroused.</p> + +<p>But even this had not been done without a struggle. The two splendid +dogs on seeing their master attacked had flown at the throats of the +bandits, had knocked two down and throttled them in a minute; then, +obedient to a whistle from Charbonneau, they had darted into a thicket, +whence came a discharge of firearms. The three young men had returned.</p> + +<p>The outlaws retreated into the hut, prepared to defend themselves to +the last gasp. Battle was imminent.</p> + +<p>"Stop," cried the voice of Oliver, "stop, for heaven's sake," and +rushing forward he added, "Captain Tom Mitchell, I demand safety for +myself and friends, and a truce until this unfortunate affair can be +settled amicably. Speak."</p> + +<p>"I consent at once," said the captain, frankly; "what has happened was +not of my doing. Down with your arms. Let all retain their positions. +As for you, sir, you may advance, you are entirely under the protection +of my honour."</p> + +<p>"I am here," replied Oliver, advancing.</p> + +<p>The two men went into the house and seated themselves at a table near +an open window.</p> + +<p>"I am prepared to listen," said the captain; "I suppose you think I +deceived you, or the young girl was gone."</p> + +<p>"It was our opinion, sir."</p> + +<p>"Don't be in the least uneasy," said the captain, "I only secured the +girl as a hostage for my own safety."</p> + +<p>"A hostage!" replied Oliver.</p> + +<p>"Yes. I have an important question to treat of with her tribe. But let +us speak of our own affairs."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand you."</p> + +<p>"I will explain, and you will find that all that has taken place today +has been caused by yourself."</p> + +<p>"Really," cried Oliver, "I understand you less and less."</p> + +<p>"I have no doubt you are astonished," said the captain; "but we can +come to an explanation in a few words, M. Oliver."</p> + +<p>"You know my name."</p> + +<p>"And a great many other things besides, as you will soon know," +continued the other, coldly; "but let me explain. For reasons which it +is unnecessary to mention, I had deep interest in making acquaintance +with two new arrivals in this country, you, sir, and Mr. George +Clinton. My plan of introduction was rough. My wound, which I inflicted +on myself, and which is only a scratch, deceived you all. I am now +personally acquainted with you both, and I am delighted. Still, things +looked ugly for me—but what is the use of a battle in which half of +us would be massacred? I want nothing of the kind. I have important +business to transact and must go. In this instance I count wholly on +you."</p> + +<p>"On me, sir! By what title?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot explain. I have promised to restore Evening Dew, and I will +keep my promise. Just now she serves as a hostage. She is treated with +the utmost deference and respect. Now let me pass at once. Delay is +useless."</p> + +<p>"But, sir—can I—" stammered Oliver.</p> + +<p>"Save an outlaw, a man with a price on his head!" said the other, +bitterly; "But I am not what I seem. One day—"</p> + +<p>But Oliver was thinking, and, after some minutes of reflection, said, +"It shall be as you wish."</p> + +<p>"Thank you; and now away to your friends and take George Clinton with +you," said the captain.</p> + +<p>Oliver went out with the young American and soon returned.</p> + +<p>"You are free to return with your companions," he said, on re-entering +the hut; "I give you my word."</p> + +<p>"Farewell until we meet again. We part friends."</p> + +<p>"I have no hatred against you, but I sincerely hope we shall never meet +again."</p> + +<p>"It shall be as Providence wills," was the reply.</p> + +<p>Five minutes later the outlaws were galloping away, and soon +disappeared in the darkness.</p> + +<p>"Who is this man?" murmured Oliver, sadly; "Is he one of those enemies +who pursue me everywhere?"</p> + +<p>At that moment his friends came up and his thoughts went into a +different channel. Still he did not easily forget his interview with +that extraordinary man, who seemed to know him, and by whom he was +really fascinated.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4> + +<h3>SAMUEL AND JOSHUA.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>After leaving George Clinton, Samuel Dickson went at once to the +residence of his brother Joshua.</p> + +<p>The sun was still high in the heavens when he reached the settlement; +his brother was in sight, galloping towards him.</p> + +<p>"Come along," he cried, shaking hands; "I was so impatient to see you, +I really could not wait any longer."</p> + +<p>"I hope there is nothing wrong, brother," said Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Nothing at all. Everything is going for the best."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear it. I was rather uneasy."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to hear that. But why are you so late?"</p> + +<p>"I had to go on a small journey. There was no hurry."</p> + +<p>"You are wrong, Sam. But here you are, and all is well. But had you +come sooner it would have been better."</p> + +<p>"Well, here I am, so out with the news."</p> + +<p>"I have to speak of important things, and I have to ask your advice, +who are wisdom itself."</p> + +<p>"Awfully wise," cried Samuel, laughing, "when in the end I only carry +out all your insane ideas."</p> + +<p>"True! But still you were generally right. The fact is, if you speak +words of wisdom, and then act a little the other way, it is simply out +of love for me. I know it, my brother. I am not ungrateful, and love +you dearly."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt your affection. But you alarm me."</p> + +<p>"Why?" said Joshua, laughing.</p> + +<p>"Whenever you talk like this, I smell a rat, in the shape of some awful +scheme, some diabolical plot."</p> + +<p>"I see you are not to be easily deceived," said Joshua; "but come in, +let us eat, and then talk. The matter of which I wish to speak is of +general interest."</p> + +<p>"As you will; but still I am monstrously afraid."</p> + +<p>"I know you are a great coward," cried Joshua.</p> + +<p>At this moment they reached the house, alighted, and, giving the horses +to the servants, entered the parlour, escorted by Dardar, who had come +to meet them.</p> + +<p>The two ladies received Samuel cordially.</p> + +<p>"Here he is at last, Susan," said her husband.</p> + +<p>"He has been anxious about you all day," cried Susan.</p> + +<p>"Then he has some mad scheme. But we shall see presently. Good evening, +Diana, my dear. You look well."</p> + +<p>"A truce to compliments," cried Joshua; "to supper."</p> + +<p>They now entered the dining room, where the whole household was +collected, men, women, and children. Of course, enormous quantities of +meat, bread, and vegetables adorned the board. The repast was truly +Homeric.</p> + +<p>After dinner the servants retired, and the ladies would have done the +same, but Joshua detained them.</p> + +<p>The ladies seated themselves with a rather uneasy glance. He poured out +a stiff glass for himself and brother and drank his off.</p> + +<p>"Thank heaven!" he began, "We are now solidly established in our new +dwelling, and it is time to speak of business."</p> + +<p>"Hilloa! Talk business now? It is late. Why can we not put off our +business arrangements until tomorrow?"</p> + +<p>"You forget, my brother, I sent for you on purpose—"</p> + +<p>"I remember—well, go on, I am at your orders."</p> + +<p>"Harry, have you obeyed my orders?" asked Joshua.</p> + +<p>"Yes, father," replied the young man.</p> + +<p>"All right," continued the squatter, refilling his glass. "Your health, +all of you. In an hour, I'm off."</p> + +<p>"Off!" cried the ladies, in great alarm.</p> + +<p>"Hem!" said Samuel; "If you are not satisfied here, I am."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to drag you into my affairs," replied Joshua, coolly. +"But I shall not be long away. It is only a journey."</p> + +<p>"I thought," exclaimed Samuel, "he was as mad as ever; will you explain +the object of this journey or exploration?"</p> + +<p>"One which you will highly approve, my brother," he went on. "I desire +to open up commercial relations."</p> + +<p>"Very good idea. But what is your precise motive?"</p> + +<p>"I have said enough. I think my object serious."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you have no more to say, stop at home."</p> + +<p>"Will you tell me why?" asked Joshua.</p> + +<p>"Because your voyage is utterly useless. All the information you can +desire to obtain I can give you in ten minutes."</p> + +<p>"You!" cried Joshua, wildly.</p> + +<p>"Certainly!" said Samuel, modestly; "I can, and will do so, if you will +be good enough to listen to me."</p> + +<p>"I shall only be too happy. Still I don't understand!"</p> + +<p>"That is unnecessary. You must know that I have obtained my information +from hunters and redskins."</p> + +<p>"Hunters! Redskins!" cried Joshua.</p> + +<p>"Don't you know they swarm about here? I never go out without meeting +some of them. So I say stop at home."</p> + +<p>"Explain yourself, brother," said Joshua, sulkily.</p> + +<p>"Well, you think yourself very far from all white folk. You are very +much mistaken. Learn, then, that though we are in the centre of the +most warlike tribes of Indians, you have new forts not very far off, +including a fur station."</p> + +<p>"Can it be possible?" exclaimed Joshua.</p> + +<p>"And my friend and brother, are you aware what magnificent river runs +at your own door? The Missouri!"</p> + +<p>Joshua bowed his head on his chest and was silent, while Samuel rubbed +his hands and smiled slyly.</p> + +<p>"What do you think of the information?" he said at last.</p> + +<p>"If you are certain of what you say, it is excellent."</p> + +<p>"Then you give up the idea of your journey?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not. Admitting that all you tell me be true, it is of the +highest importance for me to visit the fur station and all other +settlements above and below us on the river, in order to become +friendly, and prevent rivalry."</p> + +<p>"What rivalry?" half screamed Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Any that might arise. Of course they will soon know all about me and +might interrupt my commercial speculations."</p> + +<p>"A fool will have his own way," cried his brother.</p> + +<p>"Abuse is not argument, my brother," said Joshua.</p> + +<p>"I apologise; but you are determined to go. I see you are; then heaven +protect all in your absence."</p> + +<p>"Will you take no advice?" ventured Susan.</p> + +<p>"I have made up my mind," he replied; "I never alter."</p> + +<p>"But, father," cried Diana, "what are we to do during your absence? You +leave us wholly undefended."</p> + +<p>"Silence, daughter," said the squatter, smiling; "don't be so tragical. +I do not leave you undefended, as you say. Your uncle will watch over +you. Your brother Henry commands in my absence. You have a fort. What +more is wanted?"</p> + +<p>"How do you mean to travel?" asked Susan.</p> + +<p>"In the boat I launched today, with Sam, Jack, and two servants. I do +not take away many defenders."</p> + +<p>"But you are not here to lead."</p> + +<p>"That is enough," he cried; "I have decided. Besides, it would be +absurd not to visit my new neighbourhood."</p> + +<p>No more was said. The squatter was escorted by all to the riverside. He +bade them all adieu, kissed his wife and daughter, shook hands with his +brother, gave his son Henry some last directions, entered the boat, +and was off in a very few minutes, whistling "Yankee Doodle," perhaps +in reality to hide his strong emotion from his two sons.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4> + +<h3>NEW CHARACTERS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>We now visit a beautiful gold-sanded strand on the right banks of the +Missouri, about fifty miles from the new settlement in Moose Deer +Valley, and about equidistant from the strong fort already established +by the fur company.</p> + +<p>This strand, which was only reached by a narrow defile between two +perpendicular mountains, was exactly opposite an island of which it +was impossible to make out the dimensions, which, however, were very +considerable.</p> + +<p>Lights shone like will-o'-the-wisps in a fog; the island, which was +thickly wooded, communicated with the mainland by means of a dangerous +ford, full of holes and whirlpools. It was too dangerous to be +adventured in by any but those who knew it. The island, moreover, was +guarded by two eminences overlooking the ford, and which commanded the +approach against any enemy if well defended. On the other side the +island was inaccessible.</p> + +<p>This island was the refuge, the fortress of the terrible outlaws of the +Missouri, with whom we have made acquaintance.</p> + +<p>Originally it had been selected by the Government as an outpost, but +the partisans had first taken it and made it impregnable.</p> + +<p>As the outlaws rarely interfered with citizens of the United States, +generally very poor in those regions, the Government, well aware of +its impotence to dislodge the pirates, pretended to look upon them as +irregular troops doing service.</p> + +<p>But the outlaws knew that if the authorities only had the chance they +would be exterminated.</p> + +<p>But that part of America was little peopled, and few except trappers +and wanderers knew anything of its capacities. The outlaws, therefore, +to a certain extent, were pretty certain of impunity for all their +actions for the time.</p> + +<p>A hundred horsemen were camped on the strand of which we have spoken; +their horses were picketed near their fodder, around the campfires +numerous groups were talking or sleeping, while on every hand walked +sentinels.</p> + +<p>In a hut composed of whittled boughs and mud, a man sat on a buffalo's +head, consulting papers from a large pocketbook. Another man stood +respectfully by him, awaiting his orders. The first man was Captain Tom +Mitchell, the other was Camotte.</p> + +<p>A sentinel kept guard in front of the cabin.</p> + +<p>It was about four o'clock in the morning. The stars were beginning to +pale in the sky, the sky was covered by fleecy white clouds. Day was at +hand; a fog rose from the river, and covered the camp as with a funeral +pall. It was cold.</p> + +<p>"I say," cried Tom, "I am frozen. Are you asleep, Camotte?"</p> + +<p>"No, my lord."</p> + +<p>"Then shove some wood on the fire, it's nearly out."</p> + +<p>Camotte threw on some dry wood, which flared up.</p> + +<p>"Something like," said Mitchell; "and now let us talk, Camotte. By the +way, I may as well ask you, are you very tired?"</p> + +<p>"I am never too tired to serve you, Excellency," said the other.</p> + +<p>"I knew you would say that," cried Mitchell; "true, I saved your life +twice, but we have been quits long ago."</p> + +<p>"And yet I want to ask a favour."</p> + +<p>"Anything, except leave me," replied Tom Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"Never; it is something else. It is simply this; don't, your lordship, +give me such another mission. Whatever you may think, my master," cried +Camotte, warmly, "it is not pleasant to play the part of a traitor and +scoundrel."</p> + +<p>"I think you did it very cleverly," laughed Tom; "there, you are an old +fool. Whom else could I trust? Having settled that very important fact, +any news on the island?"</p> + +<p>"Evening Dew frets. You should send her home—all the more that it +makes some people talk," he added.</p> + +<p>"Who has dared?" said Tom Mitchell, frowning.</p> + +<p>"Stewart. But don't worry; I settled him by blowing his brains out, and +no one else has since made an observation."</p> + +<p>"All right. What about the river?"</p> + +<p>"Five men went down in a canoe yesterday. It was the squatter of the +valley, his two sons, and black servants."</p> + +<p>"Where on earth could he be going to?" mused Tom.</p> + +<p>"Well, we can find out by stopping him on his return."</p> + +<p>"I'll see about it. Anything else?"</p> + +<p>"Hum! You have had Major Ardenwood's letter asking an interview today? +Oh, yes! There are some Frenchmen at the fort, at all events, one of +them. Still I am aware that three strangers will accompany the major."</p> + +<p>"Whom did you send out to inquire?"</p> + +<p>"Tête de Plume. I could not send Versenca; in the first place, because +he was drunk; secondly, because I don't like him."</p> + +<p>Then, after a pause, Tom whispered to Camotte, who listened with deep +and almost religious attention.</p> + +<p>"And now," said Tom, "that you understand me, away."</p> + +<p>Camotte went out. The worthy Mexican was the devoted friend, the alter +ego, and moreover the lieutenant of Tom Mitchell, who wholly confided +in him. Despite of events we have described before, Camotte was worthy +of his trust.</p> + +<p>The chief of the outlaws quietly made some alterations in his toilette, +which was a little out of order from his long journey. He had just come +off a distant expedition. The booty had been at once transferred to the +island.</p> + +<p>Having done this he drew the curtain that served as a door.</p> + +<p>The camp no longer looked the same. The fire was out. The two eminences +were guarded by sharpshooters. A detachment of twenty men guarded the +entrance to the defile. The rest of the troop were ready to mount at a +sign.</p> + +<p>Tom Mitchell looked about him with an air of satisfaction. Camotte had +executed all his orders faithfully.</p> + +<p>At this moment the sun rose. It was like a theatrical scene. Light fell +suddenly upon everything.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried the captain as a bugle sounded in the distance from the +defile, "I was just in time."</p> + +<p>He stood erect in front of his hut, leaning on his cavalry sword, and +waited with sublime tranquillity.</p> + +<p>After some few words had passed, four strangers, one in the uniform of +a major of the American army, came out from the defile, led by Camotte, +who walked respectfully in front of them, and made their way in the +direction of the captain.</p> + +<p>"Good day, Captain Mitchell," said the major.</p> + +<p>"You did me the honour to write," observed Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"Well, I have some important business to talk about; but first allow +me to present to you these two gentlemen. They are French, and +consequently I cannot pronounce their names. Oh, I assure you they are +worthy gentlemen."</p> + +<p>And the fat major laughed heartily.</p> + +<p>The captain bowed to the two Frenchmen without speaking. One was a man +of about fifty, still young, and with apparently polished manners and +rather haughty mien; the other, much younger, was bronzed by the sun, +strong, and rather rough.</p> + +<p>"This gentleman," continued the major, "is our own countryman, Mr. +Stoneweld, of Boston city."</p> + +<p>"I think you know me," observed the apoplectic speaker.</p> + +<p>"Who does not know Master Stoneweld, of the house of Stoneweld, Errard, +and Co., the richest shipowner in all Boston?"</p> + +<p>The stout man smiled with an air of satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"It seems you know one another," cried the major. "I am glad of it, +because everything will go smoothly."</p> + +<p>"How so?" cried Tom Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"My dear captain, these gentlemen want you; they came to me for that +purpose. Certainly their business must indeed be of an important +character," he added, "to induce them to make such an awful journey, +lasting over a month."</p> + +<p>"It must be serious business," said the captain.</p> + +<p>"The two French gentlemen bring letters from the Home Secretary."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!"</p> + +<p>"And Master Stoneweld one from General Jackson," added the major, "So +now I expect you will do the best you can."</p> + +<p>"Have no fear."</p> + +<p>"Of course not, though I know you are rather hot at times. As for +myself, I am choked with fog and hoarseness," he added.</p> + +<p>"I am at the orders of these gentlemen," replied the captain. "I shall +be happy to do all in my power for them."</p> + +<p>"Spoken like a man," said the major in a fidgety way. "But this seems +hardly the place for a serious conversation."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry for it," replied Tom Mitchell coldly. "I was not told until +the last minute, and you must take me in the rough."</p> + +<p>"Why not go over to the island?" suggested the major. "I dare say we +should be more at our ease—eh, captain?"</p> + +<p>"I am sorry, major, but it would take too much time. Besides, I have +already provided refreshments here, if you will accept."</p> + +<p>"With the greatest of pleasure," cried the major, coughing behind his +hand; "and yet these gentlemen have important matters to discuss, very +important matters," he added, complacently.</p> + +<p>"What matter, major? Breakfast first, business afterwards."</p> + +<p>"As you will," said the major, following him into the hut.</p> + +<p>By the orders of Camotte, during this conversation a very copious +breakfast had been prepared. It was almost wholly composed of venison; +but flanking the solids were a number of long-necked bottles that at +once showed their Bordeaux and Burgundian origin, to say nothing of +some brands of Champagne so dear to Americans.</p> + +<p>The major was so delighted that he said "Hum!" no less than three +times, and then spoke to the outlaw chief.</p> + +<p>"Let them say what they like," he cried, "you are a man."</p> + +<p>"I am proud to hear it," cried Tom. "Let us be seated."</p> + +<p>The Frenchmen had hitherto said nothing. The elder now spoke. As the +captain invited them to commence breakfast, he said:</p> + +<p>"Above all, sir, allow me to observe that before commencing business +you offer us bread and salt."</p> + +<p>"You are my guests, gentlemen," said the captain, gravely; "you are +under the safeguard of my honour, that is enough."</p> + +<p>"The major has indicated that we each wish to see you alone."</p> + +<p>"Which means?" asked the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"That I desire, as these conversations may probably be of very long +duration, to see you quite alone," he added.</p> + +<p>"Sit down and eat," replied the outlaw. "After the repast you and +your companions will follow me to the island. Once more, are you not +satisfied?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," cried the major; "if not, I go bail for you."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, major; and now eat, drink, and be merry."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4> + +<h3>TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The ice once broken, through the instrumentality of the Burgundy, +Bordeaux, and Champagne, all went on swimmingly.</p> + +<p>Major Ardenwood, who, perhaps, alone of all those present had nothing +to conceal, and who was naturally a bon vivant, did all in his power to +make himself the convivial leader of this improvised party, composed +of so many various elements. He was warmly supported by the captain, +who showed all the best qualities of a true amphitrion, and treated his +guests with a generosity and courtesy which quite charmed them.</p> + +<p>Of course not a word was said of the object for which they had met. In +fact, the subject was carefully avoided.</p> + +<p>The major was the first to rise.</p> + +<p>"The best of friends," he said, "must part. I am wanted at the fort, +and with your permission will retire."</p> + +<p>"I thought," observed the captain of the outlaws, "your intention was +to wait for these gentlemen here."</p> + +<p>"No; on reflection," replied the major, laughing, "I should only be in +their way. I will wait at the fort."</p> + +<p>"I will escort them myself," said Tom Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"That will be the better plan," continued the major. "Thanks for your +hospitality. The wines were excellent."</p> + +<p>"I will send you a few baskets, major."</p> + +<p>"Many thanks," cried the American, shaking hands, and then departing +under the guidance of Camotte.</p> + +<p>"We can now go to the island," said the captain.</p> + +<p>"On foot, on horseback, or do we swim?" said the young Frenchman.</p> + +<p>"You will see. Follow me, gentlemen," replied Tom.</p> + +<p>They did so, and found a boat ready for their reception. On the +invitation of the captain they all seated themselves.</p> + +<p>"Now, gentlemen," said Tom Mitchell, with a smile, "you must pardon +me, but I must blindfold you. Fear nothing," he added, as he saw them +start. "It is the custom. No stranger has ever entered the island in +any other way. Besides, you are not obliged; only if you refuse you +must return."</p> + +<p>"Do as you like," cried the elder Frenchman.</p> + +<p>Some men who held pocket handkerchiefs now approached, and deftly bound +their eyes. The boat then started. In a few minutes they felt the boat +strike against another shore, and received a slight shock as it did so.</p> + +<p>"Don't touch your bands," cried the captain; "wait a while."</p> + +<p>They were then lifted up with every precaution by several men, who soon +put them down, removing the bandages.</p> + +<p>Looking round, they found themselves in a vast chamber, furnished with +every regard to comfort and elegance.</p> + +<p>The captain was alone, the men having left.</p> + +<p>"Welcome, gentlemen," he said. "I hope the frank and cordial +hospitality I shall offer you will make you excuse this precaution."</p> + +<p>The strangers merely bowed.</p> + +<p>"I need not remind you, gentlemen," continued Tom Mitchell, "that +you are at home; but, in order not to detain you any longer than is +absolutely necessary, let us to business. Will you follow me, sir, +first?"</p> + +<p>This was said to the younger Frenchman. As he spoke he opened a door +and the two passed out together.</p> + +<p>The two other strangers remained alone. The Frenchman, with a frown, +began to walk up and down whistling; the American sat down.</p> + +<p>As soon as Tom Mitchell had the other alone, he cried—</p> + +<p>"Sir, tell me at once if I am mistaken."</p> + +<p>"I see you have a good memory," replied the other, "and yet it is a +very long time ago since we met."</p> + +<p>"Then I am not mistaken?" cried Tom Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Maillard, my name is Pierre Durand."</p> + +<p>"Who saved the life of myself and father," said Tom, shaking him by the +hand, "even though you knew—"</p> + +<p>"I knew that your father an hour before had sat as president of the +grim tribunal of the Abbaye," replied the young Frenchman. "I knew the +intense hatred which was felt towards you; still, I drew you more dead +than alive from the river."</p> + +<p>"You did more—you hid us and helped us to escape."</p> + +<p>"It was tit for tat; your father once saved my life."</p> + +<p>"But you paid your debt with usury. When I parted from you at New +York—I was sixteen then—I said, 'Whatever happens, my life, my +fortune, my honour is at your disposal.' I am ready to fulfil my +promise, so speak."</p> + +<p>"I knew you would do all in your power," said Pierre Durand; "therefore +I have come. How is your father?"</p> + +<p>"He has become an Indian, and wholly broken with everything in the +shape of civilisation," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Is he happy?" asked Durand.</p> + +<p>"Yes. He was a man of conviction. His faults—his crimes if you +like—during the Reign of Terror were caused by his extreme sincerity. +In that time of awful and terrible commotion," continued Tom, "he acted +wholly conscientiously."</p> + +<p>"I believe it, and therefore do not presume to be his judge. I am but +a weak and ordinary man," cried Durand; "when the time comes God will +judge these Titans of the revolution according to their merits and +convictions."</p> + +<p>"Doubtless. I shall let him know of your coming; but why?"</p> + +<p>"A question of life and death in connection with my best friend, a man +I love as a brother," cried Durand.</p> + +<p>"Say no more. An express shall start at once."</p> + +<p>"Have you received any letters signed '<i>An old friend</i>'?"</p> + +<p>"Many! I presume, then, that you are that friend; but why not avow +yourself?"</p> + +<p>"I could not."</p> + +<p>"If all you tell me in those letters be true, it is an odious and +infamous action," cried Tom Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"I know it is, and I have counted on you and your father to see that +justice be done," continued Durand.</p> + +<p>"Count on me," said Tom. "I have seen your friend, and though he does +not like me, he won my heart at once."</p> + +<p>"He will change his mind."</p> + +<p>"But what can my father do in the matter?"</p> + +<p>"Everything. You must now understand, my friend, that if I have +abandoned my ship in New York to the care of my mate, if I, who hate +dry land, have started on a journey through the desert, it must be for +powerful reasons."</p> + +<p>"Doubtless. May I ask what they are?"</p> + +<p>"Because, my friend, here in there is his most implacable, most +ruthless foe," cried Durand.</p> + +<p>"Here!" exclaimed Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes—here, in this island, in that room," replied Pierre Durand, +pointing to the one they had left.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure of his identity?" asked Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"I have watched him for five years, followed in his track, known every +movement he has made," said Durand.</p> + +<p>"And he does not know you?" cried Tom.</p> + +<p>"He knows me very well. He came over in my ship; we are the best of +friends; he tried to buy me over."</p> + +<p>"This is incredible," observed the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"Yet true. I am his confidante, his devoted servant; I enter into all +his views, and he counts on me as a slave."</p> + +<p>Both young men burst out laughing.</p> + +<p>"Then you have come from New York together?"</p> + +<p>"Not at all. We met at the fort two days ago, and as I am no longer +disguised," said Pierre Durand, "despite all his cunning, he knew me +not."</p> + +<p>"Well, the matter is settled," said Tom Mitchell, in a whisper; "we +have our man here; he shall never leave."</p> + +<p>"My friend," said Pierre Durand, gravely, "that is not the game we have +to play. He is as slippery as an eel."</p> + +<p>"I don't think, if I made up my mind," said the outlaw chief, with a +sinister smile, "he would ever escape me."</p> + +<p>"Well, there is a time for everything. In the first place, learn his +projects, so that we may unmask him. This will be all the more easy," +said the sea captain, "in that we know who he is, while he is ignorant +of our designs."</p> + +<p>"There is one thing worth mentioning," said the outlaw; "I, too, know +him well. He will be rather surprised presently."</p> + +<p>"Be careful. One word might put him on his guard."</p> + +<p>"Is not my whole life passed," continued the outlaw, sadly, "in +outdoing others in cunning and diplomacy?"</p> + +<p>"True. I leave, then, everything to you."</p> + +<p>"And now learn, my friend, that you are free as air, and absolute +master of my domains," he added, laughing. Then he picked three +flowers, and placing them in his buttonhole, said, "This will give +you free passage everywhere you like. Now for your two travelling +companions. But follow me."</p> + +<p>He opened a door opposite that by which they had entered, and, crossing +several apartments, at last came to a room which overlooked a charming +and elegant garden.</p> + +<p>"Here you are at home," he said; "come, go, do just as you like. At the +end of the garden you will find a door opening on the woods. We shall +dine at six. Be back by that time, and you will find the table laid +here. We can then explain all."</p> + +<p>With these words the outlaw left his friend.</p> + +<p>As soon as he had returned to his private room, Tom Mitchell, or +Maillard, son of the terrible judge of the Reign of Terror, sat down +before a table, wrote a few lines, sealed the letter carefully, and +then struck a gong.</p> + +<p>At once Camotte appeared and took the letter.</p> + +<p>"Send this letter to my father by express," he said; "let him kill his +horse, but let me have the answer."</p> + +<p>"He shall be gone in five minutes."</p> + +<p>"And now," continued Tom Mitchell, with a sarcastic smile, "send that +fat American in here."</p> + +<p>Camotte bowed and retired. Next moment the great American shipowner +came in puffing and blowing.</p> + +<p>"Sit down, sir," said Tom Mitchell.</p> + +<p>The fat man obeyed with a grunt.</p> + +<p>"I think it rather hard that a man like me—"</p> + +<p>"Pardon me," said the captain, coldly; "allow me to remark, before you +go any further, that I have no need of you, and did not send for you. +You it is who, in the company of several other gentlemen, have come +to me. All of you have, I dare say, serious reasons for taking this +extraordinary step. I have in no way solicited the honour. All I can do +is to listen to each in his turn. I have seen one and settled with him; +if you have anything to say to me, speak."</p> + +<p>This speech, pronounced in a clear, bold tone, not unmixed with +sarcasm, at once, as if by enchantment, calmed the irritation of the +fat man. At all events, it compelled him to dissimulate it. After, +therefore, mopping his head and face several times with a pocket +handkerchief, and coughing once or twice behind his hand, he spoke—</p> + +<p>"I was angry, sir," he said, "and own it freely."</p> + +<p>"Be pleased, sir, to come at once to business," continued Tom Mitchell; +"another person waits."</p> + +<p>"You are, I believe, well acquainted with me?"</p> + +<p>"I have known you a long time," remarked Tom.</p> + +<p>"Sir, I have a nephew; he is the son of my wife's brother," began the +other, "a very near relative."</p> + +<p>"Well, sir?"</p> + +<p>"This nephew, though a charming youth," cried Stoneweld, "is mad, +utterly, hopelessly mad, sir."</p> + +<p>"Really, sir," said the captain, "and have you come all this way to +tell me this piece of news?"</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, sir. When I say that he is mad, I believe I exaggerate. +I should rather say that his intense folly has taken the form of +monomania. This charming young man, as I have the honour to tell you, +is in love, sir."</p> + +<p>"A very natural matter at his age."</p> + +<p>"But, sir," cried the shipowner, "he is in love with a young person in +no way suited to his station."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he does not think so."</p> + +<p>"Of course, sir, it is not his opinion. But it is mine. I am a serious +man; I feel a great interest in him. Now that his father is dead I +am his legal guardian—though he repudiates me. Now, sir, would you +believe it," cried the fat man, "I had arranged with his aunt, my wife, +the most delicious marriage for him with a young girl—I may as well be +frank, a niece of my own?"</p> + +<p>"And he wouldn't have her," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"No, sir, he actually would not have her. Do you understand such folly +on his part?" cried the other.</p> + +<p>"Well, it is strange. But what have I to do with it?"</p> + +<p>"I will explain if you will allow me."</p> + +<p>"I really should feel much obliged," urged Tom.</p> + +<p>"After refusing contemptuously this eligible alliance, which united +every condition of age and fortune and position, what did the fool do? +Excuse me if in my anger I speak thus of a nephew I love. One fine +morning, without saying a word to anybody, he left his business to a +partner, and started off, sir—what for?"</p> + +<p>"Well, how can I say?" asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"In pursuit of this wretched girl without family or fortune, whose +parents had emigrated to the Indian frontier."</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh!" said the captain, who began to feel interested, and who +listened with a gloomy frown.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said the fat man, too wrapped up in his narrative to notice +the other's looks, "so that my nephew must be somewhere here about this +neighbourhood, looking after his beauty, neglecting his affairs and +fortune Tor a girl he will certainly never marry."</p> + +<p>"How do you know, sir?"</p> + +<p>"At all events I will do everything in my power to prevent it," cried +the irate citizen of Boston.</p> + +<p>"How will you set about it?"</p> + +<p>"Sir, I have been told that you were the only man in these parts +capable of arresting a fugitive."</p> + +<p>"You do me too much honour."</p> + +<p>"I have a number of unclosed accounts, needless to explain, with his +father. Arrest the young man, sir!" cried the Bostonian; "Arrest him +and place him safely in my hands, and the sum of one thousand guineas +is yours."</p> + +<p>As he spoke, the worthy shipowner pulled out an enormous pocketbook +from his coat and opened it.</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, sir," said the captain, "do not let us be in quite such a +hurry. You have not quite finished."</p> + +<p>"How so?" cried the American.</p> + +<p>"You have forgotten," said the captain with simple frankness, "to tell +me the name of your foolish nephew."</p> + +<p>"George Clinton, sir, a very fine lad, though I say it."</p> + +<p>"I know him," retorted the captain, coldly.</p> + +<p>"You know him!" exclaimed the shipowner, "Then the affair is settled. +You will have him arrested."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," said Tom Mitchell; "I will reflect on the affair, which is +not so easy as you may suppose."</p> + +<p>"To you, the chief of the outlaws?"</p> + +<p>"George Clinton is not alone. He has many and powerful friends on the +frontier."</p> + +<p>"But I have plenty of money."</p> + +<p>"I tell you, I will reflect. You will now return to the fort under +escort. In two days you shall have my answer."</p> + +<p>"But allow me to pay you a deposit," cried the other.</p> + +<p>"Keep your money for the present," said Tom, and striking a gong, +Camotte appeared as if by magic.</p> + +<p>"But—" blustered the rich merchant.</p> + +<p>"Not another word, sir. Wait patiently for my reply. I am your most +obedient servant."</p> + +<p>And led away by Camotte, the rich shipowner of Boston went out +spluttering and perspiring as before.</p> + +<p>"Now," said the captain to himself, with a sarcastic smile, "let us see +what the other fellow is made of."</p> + +<p>He went to the door, and, entering the cavern, bowed to the Frenchman, +who was still walking up and down.</p> + +<p>"Will you be good enough to come this way, Monsieur Hebrard," he said, +with an engaging smile.</p> + +<p>The Frenchman looked at him with astonishment, but on a repetition of +the invitation went in.</p> + +<p>The captain chuckled to himself at this evidence of the other's utter +surprise and bewilderment.</p> + +<p>It was as if he had scored one.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The two men looked at one another for some minutes in silence, just as +two clever duelists might have done before venturing on the attack. But +though each tried to read the other, their faces were like marble.</p> + +<p>At a mute invitation from the outlaw, the stranger took a seat, and at +once commenced the conversation.</p> + +<p>"Sir," he said, "it is a matter of surprise, that you, a perfect +stranger, should address me by a name—"</p> + +<p>"Which is or has once been yours, monsieur," answered the outlaw chief, +with freezing politeness.</p> + +<p>"That is quite possible. I do not deny it. When one travels in foreign +parts on important business, incognito—"</p> + +<p>"Is adopted, I am aware, which only deceives fools and dupes," said the +outlaw, speaking slowly.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, sir?" cried the other.</p> + +<p>"I recollect a certain Count de Mas d'Azyr, an excellent gentleman of +Languedoc, who had this mania."</p> + +<p>The stranger shivered all over, and a lightning flash darted from +beneath his dark and heavy eyebrows.</p> + +<p>"Well," continued the outlaw, with imperturbable sang-froid, "his noble +manners so thoroughly denounced him, despite the plebeian names he +chose to assume, that he was compelled at the end of a few minutes to +give up this absurd acting."</p> + +<p>"Really, sir," cried the stranger, "I do not see the meaning or +relevance of your allusions."</p> + +<p>"I permit myself no allusions," said the outlaw, with the utmost +suavity. "Very far from it. What matters it to me, I ask, whether you +call yourself Hebrard, Count de Mas d'Azyr, Philippe de Salnam, Jean +Lerou, or take any other alias?"</p> + +<p>"Sir!" cried the other.</p> + +<p>"Allow me, I pray, to conclude. In you I only recognise a person who +is very warmly recommended to me, who has need of my services, and at +whose disposition I therefore place myself at once—ready to serve him +if possible," he continued; "at all events we can talk, and I should be +glad to know in what way I can be of use."</p> + +<p>"Sir," said the stranger, smiling, "you are agreeable and witty. I find +that people make mistakes in their idea of you."</p> + +<p>"I am obliged by your high consideration," continued the outlaw; "still +this does not explain to me—"</p> + +<p>"Who I am," cried the other, with feigned candour; "well, sir, +considering you have mentioned so many names—"</p> + +<p>"You allow, then, that I was right."</p> + +<p>"Certainly; you were quite right," answered the other, quickly; "I +therefore sincerely beg your pardon."</p> + +<p>"It is not at all necessary."</p> + +<p>"There is, however, one thing that I must confess puzzles me very +much," continued the envoy.</p> + +<p>"May I, without offence, ask what that is?"</p> + +<p>"No offence. I should certainly be only too glad to have an explanation +with you on the subject."</p> + +<p>"If it depends upon me," the other said.</p> + +<p>"It depends absolutely on you. I always thought I had a good memory. I +believe myself to be a very good physiognomist, but really I have no +recollection of you."</p> + +<p>The outlaw burst into a roar of laughter.</p> + +<p>"Which only proves," he added, when he recovered himself, "that I am +much more clever at incognito than you."</p> + +<p>"Which means—"</p> + +<p>"That not only have we met, monsieur, but that we have carried on a +long connection," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Many years ago?"</p> + +<p>"Not at all, sir. I speak of very recent times, though I will allow +that our acquaintance commenced long ago."</p> + +<p>"You astonish me," said the Frenchman.</p> + +<p>"The matter is very easily explained. We have found ourselves connected +at different times, under four different names: I have told you yours, +I will now tell mine. Do you remember Louis Querehard? Do you recollect +François Magnaud, Paul Sambrun, and Pedro Lopez?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly," cried the other.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, those four individuals you now see present under the name +of Tom Mitchell, your very humble servant; though," he added, with +exquisite politeness, yet with a tint of irony, "I have several others +available on occasion."</p> + +<p>"Well, sir," cried the stranger, "you have indeed taken me in. I was a +fool not to recognise you."</p> + +<p>"Sir!" cried the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"Let us call things by their names. It is by far the best plan. I am +indeed not to be forgiven for being taken in like any novice. I deserve +to be dismissed from the service of the Government which employs me, +and which believes me to be worthy of credit, as possessing a certain +amount of wit and diplomatic ability. Well, it is useless to discuss +the matter any longer. Give me your hand, sir," he cried; "you are my +master. We bear no malice."</p> + +<p>"I only wanted to prove—" said the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"That I was a fool—and I must say you have done so to my entire +satisfaction," he added, in a tone of complete good humour. "But +however unpleasant the shock is to my self-love, I am delighted at what +has happened."</p> + +<p>"How so?" asked the outlaw, in the same tone.</p> + +<p>"Because the ice is broken between us, and we can come to an +understanding; the more readily," he added, "that the matters I have +to speak of are the same as before."</p> + +<p>"If that be so," said the outlaw, "we can easily come to terms."</p> + +<p>"Is it not so? Now here is the affair in two words. The revolution +is over in France. Beneath the hand of the mighty man of genius +whose talent and patriotism have raised him to power, Government has +recovered its strength, society begins to breathe, the nation is once +more rising to its proper position amidst the people; New France has +entire faith in the man whose every step has hitherto been marked by +victory, which has definitively declared on his side."</p> + +<p>"I presume," said the outlaw, quietly, "that you are speaking of the +General Bonaparte."</p> + +<p>"Of no other. This great, this extraordinary man has, with his mighty +hand, put down the Jacobins and the mob, driving them back to their +original nothingness. He has chained forever the awful hydra of +revolution. You have, then, heard of him?"</p> + +<p>"Most certainly," said the son of Maillard, coldly.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear it. This great man, who is as mighty a politician +as he is a successful general, has followed, while slightly modifying +it, the line traced by the national convention of execrable memory with +regard to the Spanish colonies."</p> + +<p>"Sir," said the son of the regicide, "you are hard upon fallen men, +upon vanquished enemies, who, if they were guilty of faults—of crimes +if you will—did very great and glorious things, giving the first +signal for social regeneration over the world."</p> + +<p>"It is useless, sir," said the envoy, "to discuss that matter. My +convictions are very strong."</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, if that be so," replied the outlaw, "let us return to the +General Bonaparte, and pray explain to me his new plans with regard to +the Spanish possessions in America."</p> + +<p>"They are no new plans," observed the envoy; "only the old ones +modified to a certain extent."</p> + +<p>"Modified in what way?"</p> + +<p>"There are two capital points. In the first place he wishes a cordial +and frank alliance with the President of the United States, who +cordially approves the policy of the French Government, which will, in +the end, be to the advantage of America. Then he has given extensive +powers to numerous sure and accredited agents, who, though, are not +openly known because of the temporary Franco-Spanish alliance. Large +sums of money have been provided by means of which to overthrow that +species of Chinese wall with which Spain has surrounded its frontiers, +which none ever cross and return."</p> + +<p>"Sir," said the outlaw, with a smile, "I have crossed them many a time +and oft, and yet here I am."</p> + +<p>"It is precisely because of that fact that I am here."</p> + +<p>"Ah! Ah!" said the outlaw, with a laugh; "After all, despite your +denials, you had seen through my incognito."</p> + +<p>"Well, it is useless to deny it. I have long known you to be a man of +heart and action. I also know that by means of your vast connections +no one can more readily help us to revolutionise the colonies. Besides, +you are a Frenchman."</p> + +<p>"I am of no country," replied the other.</p> + +<p>"What, then, do you call yourself?"</p> + +<p>"An outlaw," answered the chief, "and king of this island," drily; "an +outlaw, and nothing more."</p> + +<p>"Well, be it so, sir. Still you are exactly the man I want. I +have need, for the execution of my plans, for the carrying out of +my projects, of a man who is bound by no locality, by no social +consideration. In fact, an outlaw."</p> + +<p>The other bowed ironically.</p> + +<p>"Now are you disposed to be the man?"</p> + +<p>"First," said Tom Mitchell, "let me know what you want of me. I will +then give a decisive answer."</p> + +<p>"Well, then," replied the envoy, "let us put diplomacy on one side, and +speak frankly and openly."</p> + +<p>The outlaw leaned back and assumed something like the attitude of a +tiger about to spring.</p> + +<p>"Sir," he said, with a most singular smile, "I was about to make the +very same proposition."</p> + +<p>"Very good," replied Monsieur Hebrard; "that shows that we are +beginning to understand one another."</p> + +<p>The captain bowed, without speaking.</p> + +<p>"The Spanish colonies," continued M. Hebrard, "are already beginning +to feel the germs of revolutionary fermentation. Some devoted and +enterprising men, yourself among others, have gone into the cities and +towns of Mexico."</p> + +<p>"All this I know; a truce to flattery."</p> + +<p>"They have seen the zealous patriots, who are, however, but ill +prepared as yet for the revolution we ardently desire."</p> + +<p>"Ill prepared indeed," cried Tom Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"But overtopping all others is a man who has immense influence with the +Indian races. You know him."</p> + +<p>"Ah, ah!" exclaimed Tom; "You mean Dolores, the priest."</p> + +<p>"I mean no other. He is the only man upon whom we can count. We must +enter into serious relations with him."</p> + +<p>"For what purpose?" asked the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"In order that when the hour comes he may be ready to raise the +standard of revolt," cried the other, "and ready to draw the population +after him against Spanish despotism."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir. But it is a long way to Dolores, where lives the curé +Hidalgo. The road is one of the most dangerous I know. I doubt if any +agent, however clever, can reach him. Will you allow me to give you +sincere advice?"</p> + +<p>"Speak; I am deeply interested."</p> + +<p>"My own opinion is that it would be much better to despatch a light +vessel, schooner or brig, into the Gulf of Mexico. This vessel +could cruise along the coast, and, when opportunity offered, land a +confidential agent."</p> + +<p>"You are quite right, sir," said the envoy, "I must say this means has +been tried with success."</p> + +<p>"Well, what then?"</p> + +<p>"The secret was betrayed by a traitor; in consequence, the Spanish +authorities are always on their guard."</p> + +<p>"Hence you conclude—"</p> + +<p>"That on reflection, and having experience as a guide, the difficult +road you describe is the best."</p> + +<p>"Hum!" said the outlaw, and relapsed into silence.</p> + +<p>The real meaning, the interesting point, of this conversation, so long, +had not been touched upon. The captain knew it well, and kept himself +in reserve. M. Hebrard was for some time afraid to enter upon a frank +and true explanation.</p> + +<p>There was a deep silence; at last the captain determined to fire the +train, if he were blown up.</p> + +<p>"Then you think I must go by land," he said.</p> + +<p>"There is no choice," responded Hebrard.</p> + +<p>"The conditions?" remarked Tom.</p> + +<p>"One hundred thousand francs, not in notes, but in golden ounces, +stamped with the effigy of the King of Spain."</p> + +<p>"That is tolerable, for a beginning."</p> + +<p>"Then there will be as much more for the negotiations, or, as I see you +hesitate, at first one hundred and fifty thousand."</p> + +<p>"Why at first?" asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"Because your mission will be divided into two distinct parts," replied +the envoy, quietly.</p> + +<p>"Let us thoroughly understand the first," continued the outlaw; "we +will talk of the second presently."</p> + +<p>"Another hundred thousand on your return with despatches," continued +the diplomatist, warmly.</p> + +<p>"Hum!" said Tom; "That makes—"</p> + +<p>"Three hundred and fifty thousand francs (£14,000) for only the first +part of your mission," said Hebrard.</p> + +<p>"It is very liberal. Now for the second mission," said Tom Mitchell, +watching the diplomatist with his wary eye.</p> + +<p>He knew that the real thing was coming now; he was satisfied of this +from the other's uneasy manner.</p> + +<p>"Hum!" said M. Hebrard, as if speaking to himself; "Three hundred and +fifty thousand francs is a pretty sum."</p> + +<p>"Well, for the first part of the mission which you have explained to +me I don't say no. It is," he added, "a tough job, that I know. Still, +nothing risk, nothing have. Now for the second part."</p> + +<p>The diplomatist assumed an air of genial frankness that made the outlaw +shudder. He was at once on his guard.</p> + +<p>"The Spaniards, as I have said," observed M. Hebrard, jauntily, "are +forever on the watch. No one, no matter what his position, is safe on +the frontiers. To go in or out is simply impossible."</p> + +<p>"Diable!" cried Tom; "What you say is not calculated to give me much +confidence or hope."</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, monsieur," said Hebrard, "we are playing a frank and open +game, I do not desire in any way to conceal the dangers that may await +you. I am only speaking in a general kind of way, certain that whatever +obstacles occur you will be right."</p> + +<p>All this was verbiage; M. Hebrard was evidently only trying some method +of putting his real thoughts into words.</p> + +<p>The outlaw, who expected what was coming, smiled.</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately," said the diplomatist, who did not know what to say, +"the real danger is not on the other side."</p> + +<p>The outlaw started up.</p> + +<p>"You may well be surprised; the danger is here."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" cried the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"I will explain myself, if you will allow me. Of course," said M. +Hebrard, "the Spaniards are no more fools than we are."</p> + +<p>"I was always of that opinion."</p> + +<p>"They have started a countermine!"</p> + +<p>"A countermine!" cried Tom. "What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"You will soon see. Knowing something of our designs, they have covered +the American frontiers with spies."</p> + +<p>"It is certainly very clever," said the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"Very clever," said the diplomatist, in a husky voice; "but then, +clever as they are, we know all about it, every detail."</p> + +<p>"You do not mean to say so?" cried Tom Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"Yes. And more than that, we know the chief of the whole gang of +spies," added Hebrard. "And much more than that, we know all his +secrets, cunning as he is."</p> + +<p>"That is something," said Tom; "but now what you want is to catch him."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Hebrard, "that is the very thing; you yourself must see the +necessity of catching him before you start."</p> + +<p>"I should think so; it is as plain as running water; but," added Tom +Mitchell, "it is not very easy to snap up such a rascal in the desert, +which simply is as full of such rogues and vagabonds as an anthill is +full of ants."</p> + + +<p>"Don't be uneasy on that point," cried Hebrard; "I shall easily put you +on his track."</p> + +<p>"All right. Then all we have to do is to catch him?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly so," said the other, with a sigh.</p> + +<p>"And you will pay for this capture?"</p> + +<p>"Very heavily, my excellent friend."</p> + +<p>"Oh! Oh! Then you are very anxious to secure him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," continued the other, gloomily; "dead or alive; it matters not. I +should say, for information's sake, dead rather than alive."</p> + +<p>"I like plain speaking. He is very much in your way?"</p> + +<p>"Very much more than I can explain."</p> + +<p>"And how much will you pay for this mission?"</p> + +<p>"Alive, twenty-five thousand; dead, fifty thousand francs."</p> + +<p>"It appears to me you prefer him dead. But never mind, give me the +information. His name and address."</p> + +<p>"He is a Frenchman, who has taken the name of Oliver. In appearance +he is a hunter, a trapper, anything that comes uppermost. For greater +safety he has connected himself with an Indian tribe, and is to be +found about the Missouri."</p> + +<p>"It is a very long way from the Mexican frontiers," observed the +outlaw, in a coldly sarcastic voice.</p> + +<p>"True. But the fellow is cunning; his safety requires him to be +extremely cautious. Do you accept?"</p> + +<p>"I accept on one condition," replied the other. "It is fully understood +that he is to be dead, mind."</p> + +<p>"No matter, so that we have him."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, we are agreed on four hundred thousand francs (£16,000)? I +shall want half down."</p> + +<p>"I have the money in gold in my valises. I will pay it to you this +evening," replied the envoy.</p> + +<p>"And now that this is settled, you are in no hurry?"</p> + +<p>"None whatever."</p> + +<p>"Well, I know pretty well where to find the man you are in search of. I +must say that, without suspecting the odious part he has been playing, +I have on the several occasions we have met him felt the greatest +repulsion."</p> + +<p>"This is extraordinary."</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, on the desert everybody knows everybody. But as I +wish to make no mistake, to commit no error in so grave and important +a matter, I should like you to be present at his arrest. Besides, it +would be more regular."</p> + +<p>"Hum!" cried the other, with a look of considerable annoyance; "The +idea of further voyage in the desert—"</p> + +<p>"Is not pleasant, I know," interrupted Tom; "but that is not necessary. +You shall remain quietly here."</p> + +<p>"Then I consent. When do you expect to catch him?"</p> + +<p>"In less than a week, unless I am very unfortunate."</p> + +<p>"Then I can wholly depend on you?" cried Hebrard.</p> + +<p>"I swear to you on my honour that it will not be my fault if at the end +of the time you are not face to face."</p> + +<p>"I thank you in advance," said the envoy.</p> + +<p>"There is nothing to be grateful for," replied the outlaw, with an odd +expression and smile.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE PRISONER.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>That same day, about nine o'clock in the evening, the outlaw was seated +face to face with Captain Pierre Durand at a table covered with dishes, +plates, and empty bottles, which testified to the appetite of the two +men, and to the rude attack they had made upon everything in order to +satisfy it.</p> + +<p>The two men were now smoking excellent cigars, while sipping, like true +amateurs, some mocha, served in real Japanese cups. Close at hand, in +addition, were bottles containing every conceivable kind of liquors and +spirits.</p> + +<p>They had reached that precise period in the repast so prized by +gourmets, when, the mind elevated and the brain excited by succulent +food and generous libations, one feels a kind of happy state of being +that is simply charming.</p> + +<p>For one whole quarter of an hour neither of the two men had spoken or +cared to speak.</p> + +<p>It was the outlaw who first broke the charm.</p> + +<p>"You are aware, my dear captain," he said, "that in half an hour I must +leave you and be off."</p> + +<p>"Excuse me," cried Pierre Durand, starting, "if I believe a single word +of such a mad assertion."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am truly sorry to say, it is the exact fact. Doubtless you know +as well as I do, business before all."</p> + +<p>"I have not the remotest idea of interfering with your affairs," cried +the sea captain, glumly.</p> + +<p>"Then what do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"That you are not going to leave me in the lurch."</p> + +<p>"Still, when I tell you I must go," said the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"All I mean is this, that if you go I go," cried Pierre.</p> + +<p>"What! A night journey like this?" asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"Night journey, day journey, it is all the same to me. I am an old +sailor," growled Pierre Durand; "and every kind of locomotion is +equally indifferent to me. Besides, I have known you a very long time, +haven't I? And I know what sort of trade you carry on," he added.</p> + +<p>The outlaw kept his countenance.</p> + +<p>"Of course, I shall not be surprised or scandalised at anything I see. +All I know is that here I should be bored to death, having nothing +to do. It would be a nice little change to join you in one of your +filibustering expeditions."</p> + +<p>All this was said in a joking kind of way that excluded all idea of +giving offence.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Tom Mitchell, smiling, "any way, you would find yourself +utterly disappointed."</p> + +<p>"How is that?"</p> + +<p>"I am not going to plunder, but to restore. Of course I don't pretend +it is my usual custom," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Very well," cried Pierre; "I think that will be much more funny. I +should like to join in the good work."</p> + +<p>"But, my friend—" urged the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"There is no but about it. I am a Breton, that is to say, as obstinate +as several mules," continued Pierre Durand; "and I mean to come, +unless, indeed, you tell me that my demand is in reality offensive and +intrusive."</p> + +<p>"By no means," cried Tom; "come then. Who can resist anyone so +obstinate as you are, my friend?"</p> + +<p>"You are a delightful fellow. I am ready."</p> + +<p>"Not quite; there are conditions; at least, one."</p> + +<p>"Pray let me know what it is."</p> + +<p>"You must profit by the few minutes that remain to us to disguise +yourself, so as to be unrecognisable."</p> + +<p>"To what purpose, in a country where nobody knows me?" cried Pierre +Durand; "Will you tell me a reason?"</p> + +<p>"That is my secret. Will you consent? That is right. Now go there, and +you will find all things necessary."</p> + +<p>Pierre Durand was about to leave the room, but the outlaw indicated +where everything was ready.</p> + +<p>"There is another favour I must ask of you."</p> + +<p>"Go ahead, nothing surprises me," said the captain, who, with +magnificent sang-froid had commenced his work.</p> + +<p>"In case chance should bring us face to face with people we know," +he said, earnestly, "you will still keep up your incognito, even if +you happen to see among these the face of the friend whom you have +travelled so far to see."</p> + +<p>The captain, who was blacking his beard with soot and fat, having +already darkened his eyebrows, gave a start.</p> + +<p>"Will he be there?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I do not say so. It is more than probable that he will not be there. +Still, I wish to exercise every precaution."</p> + +<p>"Hum, still it appears very hard."</p> + +<p>"Still, do you consent? Yes or no."</p> + +<p>"I repeat what you just said. I suppose I must," said Pierre; "and as I +see you are in earnest, I promise, on my honour."</p> + +<p>"Enough; then make haste."</p> + +<p>After rendering his features and countenance utterly unrecognisable, +the captain threw off his outer clothes, and assumed the costume of a +planter of the frontier.</p> + +<p>"What languages do you speak?" asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"Nearly all civilised ones as easily as I do French," replied Durand; +"but, above all, English and Spanish."</p> + +<p>"Very good," continued Tom; "then during our excursion I shall always +call you Don José Remero."</p> + +<p>"Don José Remero be it."</p> + +<p>"You must recollect that you are a captain in the Spanish navy, fled +from home after a fatal duel."</p> + +<p>"All right," grinned Pierre.</p> + +<p>"Do not forget to take weapons. I can strongly recommend this tison. It +is a perfect and choice rapier," said Tom; "have this long and pointed +knife in your right boot. You may want it when you least expect. Do you +ride?"</p> + +<p>"Like a centaur," laughed the Frenchman.</p> + +<p>"I am very glad to hear it; and now secure this carbine and this pair +of pistols," continued Tom.</p> + +<p>"Why, I shall look like an arsenal."</p> + +<p>"My friend, it is the custom of the country," said Tom; "no one thinks +of travelling in any other way."</p> + +<p>"One does at Rome as Rome does. I'm your man," cried Pierre, laughing; +"what do you think of me?"</p> + +<p>"Unrecognisable. I should not know you anywhere. You are clever; even +your accent is changed."</p> + +<p>"That is always the first thing to be thought of," said Pierre Durand; +"and now what is the nature of the restitution?"</p> + +<p>"We are going," replied the outlaw, with a smile, "to restore a young +girl to her friends and relatives."</p> + +<p>"A young girl?" cried Durand.</p> + +<p>"Yes—a most charming and interesting maiden, whom I captured the other +day. I can no longer resist her tender sorrow."</p> + +<p>"Bah!" said the young sailor, with a grin.</p> + +<p>"I swear to you, upon my honour," cried the outlaw, warmly, "that she +has been treated with the most profound respect and even tenderness."</p> + +<p>"Spoken like an honest man," said the captain, warmly. "But may I ask +with what object you took her away?"</p> + +<p>"I had a motive, which I fear me exists no longer. I even fear," he +said, gloomily, "I have entered upon a bad speculation. But it is +useless to discuss the matter anymore. Soon there shall be no mysteries +for you. Be seated again."</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked the captain, puzzled at all these mysteries.</p> + +<p>"She comes, and it is rather important I should say a few words to her +before we start on our journey."</p> + +<p>"I am your humble servant to command."</p> + +<p>Tom Mitchell struck a gong, and Camotte appeared.</p> + +<p>"Have my orders been executed?" asked the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"Yes, captain. The stranger is watched carefully, and yet without +creating suspicion," replied the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Where is he now?"</p> + +<p>"In his own room."</p> + +<p>"If tomorrow he asks after me," said Tom Mitchell, "you will give him +the answer already agreed on."</p> + +<p>"Yes, captain."</p> + +<p>"What about the detachments?"</p> + +<p>"Those have started within the hour, I shall start with the last as +soon as the moon rises," replied Camotte.</p> + +<p>"Remember," said Tom, thoughtfully, "that tomorrow morning at sunrise, +if not before, you must be back."</p> + +<p>"Be easy as to that, captain," said the other, significantly; "I shall +not leave the island without a chief just now."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" observed the captain, suspiciously, "Is there anything fresh +in the air?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing in appearance, much in reality."</p> + +<p>"You can speak out here," said Tom Mitchell; "if you have anything to +say, say it without hesitation."</p> + +<p>"About an hour ago, when I was going my round," said the matter-of-fact +and faithful Camotte, "I met that fellow Versenca at the water's edge; +he was wet through, and had evidently been swimming. When he saw me +he was utterly confounded, and then when I questioned him as to his +conduct he gave me a lot of silly reasons a child of five would have +seen through."</p> + +<p>The captain reflected with a dark frown.</p> + +<p>"Redouble your vigilance, my good Camotte," he said at last. "On the +first suspicion arrest him until I come back."</p> + +<p>"For greater safety, captain," replied Camotte, "I shall take him with +me tonight, I can watch him."</p> + +<p>"Mind he does not give you the slip. A traitor would be dangerous just +now. He is as cunning as an opossum."</p> + +<p>"I know it, but two can play at the same game."</p> + +<p>"Good. I leave it to you. Have Black Athol and Goliath saddled for us, +and Miss Lara for the prisoner, if safe."</p> + +<p>"She is quite a lady's horse—an ambler. She will quite suit her +rider," replied Camotte.</p> + +<p>"Mind you," continued Tom, "let the three be harnessed for +war—victuals, holsters, ammunition, and pistols."</p> + +<p>"As a matter of course. When Black Athol and Goliath go out, I know you +are bent on mischief. What absence?"</p> + +<p>"Three days at most," replied the captain; "and during that time never +leave the island."</p> + +<p>"And you go alone?" asked Camotte, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"With the gentleman, as I have already said."</p> + +<p>"I think you should take Tête de Plume," said Camotte.</p> + +<p>"Will you tell me why?" asked the captain, smiling.</p> + +<p>"No one ever knows on an expedition what may happen," drily replied the +lieutenant, "and two are better than one."</p> + +<p>"But I have told you, we are two already."</p> + +<p>"Very good," he continued, "but you would be three."</p> + +<p>"I tell you what it is, Camotte," said the captain, laughing, "you do +just as you like with me. Let him come."</p> + +<p>"I thank you heartily," cried the delighted lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Above all, whatever happens, keep my absence a secret," said Tom +Mitchell; "that is above all essential."</p> + +<p>"Your orders shall be obeyed in all things."</p> + +<p>"And now bring in the prisoner," continued Tom. "By the way, have you +said anything to her?"</p> + +<p>"Captain, you know I am no babbler," observed Camotte.</p> + +<p>"Very true," said Tom, and then turning to Pierre, he added, laughing, +"that fellow does not put too much confidence in me."</p> + +<p>"His manner is strange. Perhaps he distrusts me."</p> + +<p>"No; Camotte is a bulldog for fidelity and discretion; but, like +bulldogs, he is both suspicious and jealous," replied Tom.</p> + +<p>"I bear him no malice for his jealousy," said Pierre; "besides, I +myself always like those kind of men."</p> + +<p>"Yes, they are indeed very precious," continued Tom; "unfortunately, +you have to give way to them a little."</p> + +<p>"Well, when it is from pure devotion, nothing can be said."</p> + +<p>At this moment the door opened, and a young girl entered the room, +effectually checking the conversation.</p> + +<p>This young girl was Angela, or Evening Dew, whichever it may please the +reader to call her.</p> + +<p>She gave a graceful curtsy, and then remained with downcast eyes before +the outlaw chief.</p> + +<p>The two men rose from their seats and bowed respectfully.</p> + +<p>"My sister is welcome," said the outlaw, smiling, and speaking in the +Indian tongue; "be seated."</p> + +<p>"Evening Dew is a slave, and presumes not to sit down in the presence +of her master," responded the young girl, in a voice as melodious as +the song of a bird, but the tone of which was firm and distinct. "I +have said."</p> + +<p>Evening Dew was a delicious child of seventeen at most, in whom the two +races, white and red, of both which she was the issue, seemed to have +vied which should produce the most wondrous chef d'oeuvre.</p> + +<p>Her elegant and slight form, slightly bent forward with that serpentine +undulation which belongs to American women, her long hair, black as +the raven's wing, fell almost to her feet, and when loosened, might +have served her as a cloak. Her complexion had the golden tint of the +daughters of the sun; her great blue and dreamy eyes were fringed by +long velvet lashes; her mouth, revealing her vermilion lips, and a row +of dazzling white teeth, gave to her physiognomy that rare expression +scarcely ever found except in some virgin of Titian.</p> + +<p>The sailor was dazzled at the really marvellous beauty of the young +girl. He had no idea that the whole continent of America could have +produced such a fairy.</p> + +<p>The captain smiled at her reply.</p> + +<p>"Evening Dew has no master here. She is with friends who will protect +her," he said, heartily.</p> + +<p>"Friends!" she cried, clasping her hands together, while the pearly +tears went down her cheeks; "Is it possible?"</p> + +<p>"I swear to you, young girl," he continued, "that what I say is true. +I have sent for you to apologise for what has happened, to demand +forgiveness for your cruel abduction."</p> + +<p>"Oh, sir," she cried, in excellent French, "oh, sir, can I really +believe my ears! Is it true?"</p> + +<p>"You would insult me by disbelieving," he replied, in the same +language; "tomorrow you will be with your friends."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir, from my soul," she sobbed forth.</p> + +<p>And before the captain could prevent her—before he suspected her +intention, the was on her knees kissing his hand.</p> + +<p>Tom Mitchell respectfully raised her from the ground and led her to the +chair she had once refused.</p> + +<p>"Then you are very unhappy here?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," she cried, "I have indeed been very unhappy; how, in fact, +could I be otherwise?"</p> + +<p>"And yet," said the captain, with a frown, "I have given the most +strict orders with regard to your treatment."</p> + +<p>"I beg most earnestly to acknowledge, sir, that I have been treated in +the most honourable fashion, that I have been surrounded by the most +delicate attentions. But oh, sir, I was a prisoner, alas! Far away +from those I love, and whom my absence plunges, like myself, in utter +despair."</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, miss," said the chief, "my wrong towards you will soon be +repaired, I promise you."</p> + +<p>"Then you are good indeed!"</p> + +<p>"Tomorrow," he added, with considerable emotion, "you shall be restored +to the bosom of your family."</p> + +<p>"Do that, sir," she cried, "and I will love you. Ever after you shall +be as a brother to me."</p> + +<p>"I will endeavour to merit the title, Miss Angela," he said, softly; +"henceforth you will no longer curse me."</p> + +<p>"Curse you who give me back to those I love! No, I will bless you from +the bottom of my heart," she cried, earnestly, "and, believe me, God +will amply reward you."</p> + +<p>"I have a strong conviction that way myself," he said, smiling; "even +heaven could scarcely be deaf to your prayer."</p> + +<p>The girl coloured deeply at these words, which were uttered with such +earnest conviction as caused her to bow her head.</p> + +<p>The captain simply smiled softly.</p> + +<p>"Are you tolerably strong, miss?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Why do you ask me this question?" she said.</p> + +<p>"Because," he answered, "we have a very long journey to go before we +find your friends."</p> + +<p>"What matters about fatigue, sir? I am already strong. The very idea +has restored my vigour."</p> + +<p>"We shall have to undertake a long night journey," he continued, +"through the prairies, by very rough ways."</p> + +<p>She clapped her pretty hands together joyously; a charming smile +lightened up her physiognomy, and then she cried out in a delighted and +proud accent—</p> + +<p>"I have Indian blood in my veins, sir," she cried; "I am the daughter +of a brave Canadian hunter. Fear nothing for me. I am not a woman of +the towns, who, I am told, can neither walk nor run."</p> + +<p>"They are very much like it," growled Pierre.</p> + +<p>"Try me, put me to any proof, and you will see of what I am capable to +get back to my friends."</p> + +<p>"Come, I see, at all events, that you are as brave and noble a woman as +you are beautiful. Come, it is time."</p> + +<p>"Do we go directly?" she cried.</p> + +<p>"Yes," was his smiling answer.</p> + +<p>"One moment," she said; "give me time to thank God for having touched +your heart. Let me pray."</p> + +<p>"Do as you wish," he replied, respectfully.</p> + +<p>The young girl folded her arms across her breast, raised her looks +heavenward with an inspired air for some minutes. One could see by her +thoughtful brow, from the compression of her coraline lips, that she +was praying. Her face was radiant, her eyes were full of tears. She +seemed transfigurated.</p> + +<p>The two men, despite their rude aspect and rough natures, stood +respectfully beside her, utterly cowed, overcome, crushed under the +weight of her purity and innocence. They stood before her hat in hand.</p> + +<p>When her short and ardent prayer was over, the girl turned to them with +an ineffable smile.</p> + +<p>"Now, gentlemen," she said, bowing to the two men who she saw were +henceforth her slaves, "I am quite ready."</p> + +<p>The outlaw and his companion bowed and followed behind as she led the +way outside.</p> + +<p>Camotte was there, as was also the valorous Tête de Plume, holding the +horses.</p> + +<p>Tom Mitchell led Miss Angela to the mare Lara, which he had ordered to +be saddled, and held the stirrup respectfully.</p> + +<p>"Mount," he said, just as if he had been speaking to a princess in her +own right.</p> + +<p>Then, as soon as the outlaw had given some last whispered directions to +Camotte, they started, Tom Mitchell riding at the head of the little +band.</p> + +<p>By the time the ford was passed over in safety the moon had risen in +the sky above the trees.</p> + +<p>The four travellers were now safe on terra firma.</p> + +<p>"Now, Miss Angela," said Tom Mitchell, gallantly, "place yourself +between this gentleman and myself. Good. And now, Tête de Plume, my +boy, take the rearguard, and, whatever you do, look out."</p> + +<p>The four cavaliers dashed off at a hand gallop, and soon disappeared in +the windings of the defile.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4> + +<h3>IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY IS A GOOD SPECULATION.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>We now direct our steps to one of the most savage and abrupt sites in +all the desert, before the rising of the sun.</p> + +<p>Five men are crossing a narrow gorge in the mountains, the tops of +which are rocky and bare or covered with snow. Just now they are +rendered almost invisible by the dense fog which the sun's rays cannot +dissipate.</p> + +<p>These five travellers came from the interior of the mornes, as the +hilly plains are called, and were bound for the plains, which they +began to make out a short distance before them, traversed, or rather +cut in two, by the extensive stream of the Missouri, the sandy waters +of which were half concealed by high grass, willow, and the cottonwood +trees that lined its shores.</p> + +<p>The five wayfarers of whom we have spoken walked painfully over the +flints that paved the gorge, the dried-up bed of a torrent, which +itself had suddenly disappeared during one of the cataclysms so common +in that region.</p> + +<p>Having reached the extremity of the gorge, they stopped, looked around, +and gave a sigh of satisfaction.</p> + +<p>Their task had been a rude one. For far more than three hours they had +been stumbling in the midst of a whirlpool, nothing else, of flint +stones, which, at every step they took, slid under their feet like +mountain shingle.</p> + +<p>Four of these men were whites, wearing the costume of hunters of the +prairies; the fifth was an Indian.</p> + +<p>They were George Clinton, Oliver, Bright-eye, Keen-hand, and +Numank-Charake, the chief.</p> + +<p>Now, then, let us ask how it came about that these five men should be +there at that early hour in a place so far from their home—a hundred +miles, in fact, from the regions they were in the habit of frequenting, +and why were George Clinton and Keen-hand members of this singular and +perhaps fortuitous group.</p> + +<p>Of course we shall as soon as possible satisfy the legitimate curiosity +of our friend the reader.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" said Keen-hand, "It is my opinion, friends and companions, that +the wisest thing to be done is to stop here."</p> + +<p>"Why stop here?" cried Bright-eye, in far from a pleasant tone of +voice; "Explain yourself."</p> + +<p>"For a hundred reasons, every one of which is better than the other," +resumed Keen-hand.</p> + +<p>"I should like to know the first," said the Canadian.</p> + +<p>"Well, it is a very excellent one, I think. You and I and the chief are +used to these diabolical roads, which is far from being the case with +our companions, which you ought to have observed without telling a very +long time ago."</p> + +<p>Both Oliver and Clinton tried to protest.</p> + +<p>"No! No!" cried Bright-eye, in his frankest manner. "I am a brute. So +say no more about it, as I proclaim it myself. Let us camp at once."</p> + +<p>"Here is an excellent place," cried Keen-hand.</p> + +<p>The hunters had halted under a grove of gigantic gumtrees. A fire was +lighted, and each one, resting himself, prepared for the morning meal.</p> + +<p>"Well, to tell the truth," said Oliver, gaily, "I will now confess that +I needed repose; I was simply done up."</p> + +<p>"I could scarcely put one foot before the other," observed George +Clinton, who was stretched out on the grass.</p> + +<p>"There!" cried Keen-hand; "Was I not right?"</p> + +<p>"Well, considering that I have owned I was a brute," growled +Bright-eye, "are you not satisfied?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly!" said the guide.</p> + +<p>Numank-Charake had in the meantime undertaken the office of cook, an +office he filled effectively.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later all were eagerly devouring slices cut from a +quarter of venison which had been broiled upon the hot embers.</p> + +<p>Then the gourds were opened and passed joyously from hand to hand.</p> + +<p>These brave young men had walked all night through impracticable paths +which only hunters could overcome. They were literally famished.</p> + +<p>But now they entered into the spirit of the thing rarely. Soon +everything had disappeared. All was eaten.</p> + +<p>When the last mouthful had been washed down, and the very last drop of +brandy absorbed, each man in his turn gave a deep sigh of satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Now, then," remarked Bright-eye, looking obliquely at his companions, +"I think we may talk."</p> + +<p>"Well, I am of opinion," said Keen-hand, gaily, "that after a hearty +meal, two things are agreeable—a pipe and talk."</p> + +<p>This declaration, the justice and opportuneness of which everybody at +once recognised, was like a signal; instantly, pipes in red clay, with +cherry tree tubes, were drawn from their belts, stuffed, lighted, and +soon a cloud of blue smoke surrounded the head of every guest like a +glory.</p> + +<p>"Now, then, Bright-eye," said Oliver, gaily, between two puffs, "fire +away as soon as you like."</p> + +<p>"Messieurs, my friends," replied Bright-eye, "my heart is very sad. +Despite all I can do, I feel a kind of presentiment that this man, in +whom we have so trusted, is deceiving us."</p> + +<p>Numank-Charake lifted up his head.</p> + +<p>"I know the paleface chief," he said, in his guttural tones, shaking +his head in a way to give more emphasis to his words; "he is a man +whose tongue is not forked. His word is as gold—and my brother, +Bright-eye, is wrong."</p> + +<p>"In the name of heaven, is it you who speak in that way, chief?" +asked the astonished hunter; "You, of all men in the world, so deeply +interested."</p> + +<p>"Numank-Charake is a chief in his nation," quickly interrupted the +redskin, his words, which swelled his bosom, coming directly from his +heart; "the man who despises his enemies is not a brave warrior, but +exposes himself to the reproach of only vanquishing cowards."</p> + +<p>"Well spoken, chief," said Keen-hand.</p> + +<p>"The Grey Bear, the paleface chief, is ferocious, cruel, and a thief, +but he is brave and truthful."</p> + +<p>Oliver and Clinton stared.</p> + +<p>"What he has said he will do, he will do. What he has offered he will +give. Did we go openly to him? No! We hunted him like a wild beast +Wounded, dying, we wished to kill him. He escaped; thanks not to +cunning, but to audacity. He is a great chief."</p> + +<p>The whites exchanged glances.</p> + +<p>"Nothing would have been more easy for him than to laugh at our menaces +and to conceal himself from us. Instead of that, he has sent us a +collar—letter—in which he invites us to an interview, for the purpose +of ending the troubles which divide us."</p> + +<p>"This may be a trick," said Oliver.</p> + +<p>"No! It is neither the act of a false nor of a double-faced man. No! It +is the act of a brave and loyal warrior. That is my opinion. Whatever +may happen during the next few hours, I am convinced that if we have +confidence in him I shall be found right. I have said."</p> + +<p>The chief relighted his pipe, which had gone out during his speech, +and from that moment he appeared to take no further part in the +conversation. Still he listened to what the others said.</p> + +<p>"As far as I am concerned," observed Oliver, "I think the chief has +spoken well. I agree with him on every point. As far as I can judge, +this pirate or this outlaw, whichever you choose to call him, is +not a man like other men. There is something in him which is not at +all ordinary. In one word, he may, it is true, be a brigand, but, +certainly, his is a very lofty nature. Until further events, I, for +one, shall believe in his word."</p> + +<p>"All this is very possible," observed Bright-eye, shaking his head +doubtingly, "but no one can deny that he is the captain of a monstrous +set of brigands."</p> + +<p>"What does that prove?" said Oliver.</p> + +<p>"Nothing that I know of. Still I am decidedly of opinion that his word +is not to be trusted."</p> + +<p>"Then allow me to observe," said George Clinton, drily, "why are we +here?"</p> + +<p>"Why, because one always lives in hope, despite our better reason. +Still we ought to be prudent."</p> + +<p>"Though I am not quite of the opinion of Bright-eye," said Charbonneau, +"I think we should be wise not to rush headlong into a possible trap +which the bandits may be preparing for us. He is right as to the wisdom +of prudence."</p> + +<p>"I, too, am an advocate for prudence," said George Clinton; "nothing +can be more wise than to take all proper precautions. That I fully +agree with. But do not act in such a way as to cause our loyalty to be +suspected, or our confidence in the man's word."</p> + +<p>"That can be easily arranged, my friends," said Charbonneau, with a +cunning smile "let me alone, and, believe me, all will go well."</p> + +<p>"My worthy friend, act just as you think proper. You, perhaps, more +than anyone, have experience of the desert, and nobody objects to your +taking every precaution."</p> + +<p>"The best precaution," said the Indian chief, again speaking, "when you +deal with a loyal enemy is to have every faith in his word; to have no +suspicion of any kind in your mind."</p> + +<p>"Very good, chief. It is very likely after all that you are right. I +will not discuss the matter with you, though I repeat I am very much +surprised to hear you speak thus. I only ask of you one thing—that is, +to remain neutral in this affair until the actual moment of action has +come."</p> + +<p>"Numank-Charake loves Bright-eye; he is his brother. He will do +whatever the hunter wishes; still regretting that he is constrained to +act against his wishes," he answered.</p> + +<p>"I take all the blame on myself," said Bright-eye; "and shall be the +first to own my error, if indeed I am found to be in error. A man can +say no more, even if he were speaking to his father."</p> + +<p>The Indian said no more, but bowed his head in token of acquiescence. +But he smiled with such a keen and subtle irony that the hunter was so +deeply moved as to blush.</p> + +<p>"I fear nothing for myself," he cried.</p> + +<p>"Eh, what!" exclaimed Charbonneau, stretching out his arm towards the +river, "What is going on?"</p> + +<p>Every eye was fixed upon the spot indicated by the hunter's sudden +exclamation.</p> + +<p>"It is a canoe," said George Clinton.</p> + +<p>"Manned by two men," observed Charbonneau.</p> + +<p>"And those two men," said the chief, after one glance from his eagle +eye, "are two palefaces. He knows them well. One is the old hunter +called Sharpear, the other the son of my nation—Leave-no-trail."</p> + +<p>"My father and my grandfather!" cried Bright-eye, in utter surprise. +"Surely, chief, you must be mistaken. Why should they come here?"</p> + +<p>"Very likely," observed Oliver, gently, "the same motive leads them +here that has led us."</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the canoe, impelled by vigorous arms, approached with extreme +rapidity, and soon was at no very great distance from the camp of the +hunters. Then it turned rapidly towards the shore, and its bow was soon +stuck in the sand.</p> + +<p>Two men landed.</p> + +<p>Numank-Charake had been right. These two men were indeed the father and +grandfather of the young hunter. They were coming to the encampment.</p> + +<p>The five adventurers all leaped up, and eagerly rushed to meet the two +old men.</p> + +<p>After the first compliments had passed and welcomes had been exchanged +with effusion between the newcomers and their friends, the Canadians +seated themselves by the fire, and, upon the invitation given, ate some +mouthfuls of fresh-cooked venison and drank some brandy.</p> + +<p>"We have been to see our relative, Lagrenay, the squatter of the Wind +River," said the old man. "It appears he had received a very pressing +message from Tom Mitchell, the outlaw."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Bright-eye, "we were there when it was delivered. We know +all about it. But, as far as I am concerned, I am afraid—"</p> + +<p>"Of what are you afraid, my son?" asked François Berger, in a rather +imperious tone of voice.</p> + +<p>"That all this pretended facility and frankness on the part of the +pirate chief hides a snare."</p> + +<p>The two old hunters exchanged a smile.</p> + +<p>"Child, you are very much mistaken," said the grandfather. "Tom +Mitchell means exactly what he says. He has no intention, no motive for +laying any unworthy trap."</p> + +<p>"I am certain of it," added the son.</p> + +<p>Bright-eye had nothing to say to so positive an assertion. He silently +bowed his head.</p> + +<p>"We have done all in our power to come here quickly, knowing we should +meet you," went on François Berger; "we are only too happy to be in +time."</p> + +<p>"In time to do what?" asked Oliver.</p> + +<p>"We will explain," said the elder of the two men; "when Tom Mitchell +comes we shall receive him."</p> + +<p>"But that is our business?" cried Bright-eye.</p> + +<p>"I know the message was addressed to you," said his father; "I am well +aware of it that it is our business, and, in fact, it is more proper +it should be so. At all events we have decided that it is to be so, so +that you will keep out of sight until the affair is finished."</p> + +<p>"But," said Bright-eye, with considerable hesitation, "supposing there +was treachery?"</p> + +<p>"My son," sententiously observed the old man, "prudence is wise, but +suspicion in certain cases is an insult. Think of that. Believe me when +I say that your father and I know better what we are about than you do."</p> + +<p>"We shall certainly obey you," said Oliver, in the name of all. "We +shall remain at a distance during the interview, and only interfere +when called upon."</p> + +<p>"I thank you cordially," said the old man; "everything will go rightly, +I promise you."</p> + +<p>And he waved his hand as if to dismiss them.</p> + +<p>The five young men rose, bowed respectfully to the two old men, and +watched them as they walked slowly down to the banks of the river.</p> + +<p>About two gunshots distance from the camp, or thereabouts, was a rather +thick wood, composed of oaks and gumtrees. The hunters entered the +wood, and soon afterwards disappeared under the forest.</p> + +<p>Remaining alone, the old hunters lifted their Indian calumets and began +to smoke, without exchanging one single word.</p> + +<p>This went on for about three-quarters of an hour—incessant smoking. +Suddenly, François Berger let fall his pipe, fell flat on his face, put +his ear to the ground, and listened.</p> + +<p>"They come," he said, rising.</p> + +<p>"I have heard them coming for some time," quietly replied the old +grandfather. "How many?"</p> + +<p>"Not more than four."</p> + +<p>"Just as I expected. He has acted in perfect good faith," said the old +man.</p> + +<p>"Then you are quite determined?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. The Indians are not in want of it, and I should not like to see +the Yankees or English profit by it."</p> + +<p>"You are the master. You are the one to whom it belongs to a certain +extent," said the son.</p> + +<p>"Yes; it is today my property. Besides, it should be kept up for the +support of a great cause. Tom Mitchell is a very different man from +what he appears," added the old man, gravely.</p> + +<p>"That, of course, I know."</p> + +<p>"Besides, I have another very strong motive for acting as I do, and +that is the establishment, on the very spot I allude to, of the Yankee +squatter."</p> + +<p>"Yes. And, between you and me, father, these Yankees have very sharp +noses. They will find it out before long."</p> + +<p>"Exactly so, my son. For my part, I prefer that Frenchmen should derive +the advantage."</p> + +<p>At this moment a distant gunshot was heard.</p> + +<p>"Here they come," said François Berger.</p> + +<p>He then rose, placed his hand over his mouth like a funnel, and twice +imitated, with marvellous dexterity and perfection, the cry of the +water hawk.</p> + +<p>A similar cry came in response, and almost immediately afterwards four +cavaliers, well mounted, appeared galloping through the high grass and +trees, and coming directly towards them.</p> + +<p>The Canadians held their rifles in their hands, while the newcomers +showed no apparent arms. They had left their pistols in the holsters, +their sabres were in their scabbards, their rifles by their sides.</p> + +<p>On coming within a short distance of the two old men the strangers +exchanged a few words in a low tone of voice, two of them slackened +their pace, while the others rushed forward with the rapidity of the +gazelle.</p> + +<p>In another instant Angela, for it was herself, was in the arms of the +friends, answering by cries of joy and tears of happiness the sweet +caresses of her relatives and friends.</p> + +<p>Tom Mitchell and his companions stood apart discreetly, and then, +when they saw that the first transports were over or becoming calmer, +approached.</p> + +<p>"Welcome," said the old man, "welcome, gentlemen," holding out his two +hands.</p> + +<p>"Have I kept my promise?" asked Tom Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"Nobly; I solemnly declare it, and I thank you," cried Berger, with +deep emotion.</p> + +<p>"You have worthily made up for the act you had done. Let us forget the +past," said the old man; "what can we do for you?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing," he said, quietly.</p> + +<p>"You exact no ransom whatever?"</p> + +<p>"Why should I exaggerate, old hunter? I was drawn into committing a +bad action by a man whose name I will not mention. Though a pirate, I +am not so bad as I am painted. I have therefore sought to condone the +evil."</p> + +<p>"Admirably spoken," said François Berger, again embracing his daughter. +"Go, darling, to your brother yonder."</p> + +<p>"Allow me first to thank Captain Mitchell," she said, "for his extreme +kindness during my captivity."</p> + +<p>"You bear me no malice?"</p> + +<p>"None whatever," she said, "but eternal gratitude. You deserve it and +you have it."</p> + +<p>Then with a gesture of adieu and a sweet smile on her adorable lips she +ran off in the direction of the forest.</p> + +<p>The men waited until she was out of sight.</p> + +<p>"I will now take my leave," said the outlaw.</p> + +<p>"One moment," replied the old man; "the recompense which you refuse I +must force upon you."</p> + +<p>He pulled forth a large folded parchment.</p> + +<p>"This is the ransom of my daughter," he said: "it is a regular deed of +gift of the Valley of the Deer."</p> + +<p>"What!" cried the outlaw, with singular emotion.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and here on the map is a red mark, indicating the spot where what +you know of is concealed."</p> + +<p>"Accept without scruple, captain," said François Berger; "it is ours +and ours alone to give."</p> + +<p>"Since you wish it, gentlemen. I should show but ill grace to refuse, +the more that I value your gift highly."</p> + +<p>"I only ask one thing in return," said the old man.</p> + +<p>"I shall be ready to promise anything."</p> + +<p>"You will use what I have given you only with an honourable—" he said, +with some hesitation.</p> + +<p>"It shall be so, I promise you."</p> + +<p>"And so we part friends; captain, your hand."</p> + +<p>"Friends, yes," said the pirate; "and I hope the day may come when you +may try my friendship."</p> + +<p>"Who knows? The day may come sooner than we expect."</p> + +<p>"I shall be ready to shed the very last drop of my blood to defend or +avenge you or yours."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4> + +<h3>A STRANGE CHASE.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>We know that Joshua Dickson had taken his departure from the valley, +leaving it in charge to Harry.</p> + +<p>Harry was a fine young man, strong and intelligent, in whom his father +had every confidence.</p> + +<p>He was the complete juvenile type of the American squatter and pioneer, +up to Indian devilries, riding like a centaur, and able to put a ball +in the eye of a panther at a hundred yards. His great passion was life +in the open air, and the pleasures of the chase in the forest or field.</p> + +<p>One fine morning Harry, soon after the rising of the sun, galloped off +into the forest. He was bent on a journey to see a fine cutting that +was going to create meadows, and make room for sawmills on the banks of +the great Missouri.</p> + +<p>He had nearly reached the spot, when he was startled by a whistle of a +peculiar kind, at no great distance.</p> + +<p>At the same moment a horseman came in sight—a man of fifty, tall, thin +and gaunt, with parchment skin.</p> + +<p>The horse was as bony as his master.</p> + +<p>The man was dressed after the fashion of the ordinary American farmer, +and apparently carried no arms.</p> + +<p>"Eh, eh," cried he, "you are out early. Were you looking for me?"</p> + +<p>"No, M. Lagrenay; I was not even thinking of you."</p> + +<p>"That is not polite. Why did you stop when I whistled?"</p> + +<p>"Because I thought it the whistle of a serpent," he retorted. "But no +nonsense, I was looking for you."</p> + +<p>"I was certain of it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I wanted to see you. I made your acquaintance I know not how. You +talk to me of things which do not please me, because they suggest evil +thoughts. I have come to say that henceforth we are strangers. Never +speak to me again."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you will give me a reason for this odd decision."</p> + +<p>"Think what you please. I have said my say."</p> + +<p>"Then I assume that you reject my offers."</p> + +<p>"Think and assume what you like," cried the young man, angrily; "only +keep out of my path."</p> + +<p>"Then you have no passion for gold?" sighed the other.</p> + +<p>"You take me for a ninny, old squatter. Gold does not grow in the +fields like mushrooms. Besides, you would have found it long ago if +real."</p> + +<p>"I tell you the map indicating the exact spot," cried the old man, "was +stolen from me by the outlaws."</p> + +<p>"You want to persuade me that you have known of this vast treasure for +years, and yet require a stranger to help you."</p> + +<p>"I knew nothing of your having camped on the spot, and only offer you a +share in consequence."</p> + +<p>"Go to the devil with your offers."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you have my secret, and can use it yourself."</p> + +<p>"Old man," cried the young giant, with rage in his eye, "beware how you +try my patience too much."</p> + +<p>"Well, well, let us end this conversation. You will not listen to me. +Well and good. Only, before we part, remember this, when it is too +late, my friend," he added, with a sinister laugh, "you will repent. +That is all I say."</p> + +<p>And turning round, he rode off.</p> + +<p>"He is a pretty rascal," said the young man, as he rode off; "I believe +he has some villainy in hand."</p> + +<p>At this moment a strong hollow grunting was heard, followed by another +at no great distance.</p> + +<p>"There are jaguars about," said the American, in a low tone, stroking +his horse's ears to keep him quiet.</p> + +<p>At that moment there was a fearful, a horrible cry, that rent the air, +a desperate shriek for assistance.</p> + +<p>"The old squatter, and he is without arms," he cried; "the tigers have +doubtless attacked him."</p> + +<p>And he set spurs to his horse, which, neighing and smarting with pain, +dashed in the desired direction.</p> + +<p>In the centre of a clearing crossed by a narrow stream the squatter +knelt behind his horse, haggard with terror.</p> + +<p>Close to him, on the branch of a gigantic gumtree, was a mighty jaguar, +licking his tongue before leaping.</p> + +<p>"Save me," shrieked the agonised squatter.</p> + +<p>"I will try," said Harry, dismounting, letting his horse loose, and +then going close up to the trembling wretch.</p> + +<p>The tiger had not moved. He was watching his victim with a feline +glance.</p> + +<p>"A noble beast," said the young man, with a smile; "I hope not to spoil +his beautiful skin."</p> + +<p>Suddenly a further grunting was heard in the thicket. The jaguar, +without turning his head, responded in the same tone.</p> + +<p>"By heavens! There are two of them. It seems almost a pity to part so +loving a couple," he said.</p> + +<p>At the same moment the tiger leaped. As he did so he turned a +somersault. He was dead, shot in the eye.</p> + +<p>"One," said the young man, drawing out his bowie knife.</p> + +<p>At the same moment the second jaguar burst out, and with one bound +seized on the flanks of the horse.</p> + +<p>Harry flew at her, knife in hand. The two rolled for a moment on the +ground. Then the man stood erect.</p> + +<p>"That job's over," said the young man; "what a couple of noble beasts! +Get up. Heavens! He's fainted."</p> + +<p>Then he took him in his arms, and carried him to the stream, where he +bathed his face until he recovered.</p> + +<p>But he was then so ill, and his horse so lean, that it seemed +impossible he should ever reach home.</p> + +<p>In this strait Harry acted with his usual generosity. He took the man +up behind him, and carried him home.</p> + +<p>He then turned to go without a word.</p> + +<p>"Young man," cried the squatter, "wait one moment. You have been my +friend. Now take my advice, keep good watch. I dare say no more, but be +ever on your guard."</p> + +<p>Harry moved pensively away, but soon forgot the hint.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4> + +<h3>CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The marriage of Evening Dew with Numank-Charake was to be celebrated +with unusual splendour. Invitations had been sent in all directions, +and, two days before the ceremony was to take place, numerous +deputations from all the tribes were collected around, and were +received with the splendid hospitality essential in such a case.</p> + +<p>At least five hundred strange warriors had come.</p> + +<p>Some hours later a new troop appeared on the verge of the plain; it was +very numerous, three hundred men at least, in the picturesque costume +of Mexican rancheros, all armed to the teeth, and admirably mounted.</p> + +<p>Four cavaliers rode in front; these were Tom Mitchell, Pierre Durand +Camotte, and Tête de Plume. It was the full force of the outlaws. On +nearing the village two other men were seen; these were Clinton and +Charbonneau.</p> + +<p>Nothing was omitted to give <i>éclat</i> to such a reception. The most +renowned of the sachems, with the three Canadians, Bright-eye, and +Oliver, advanced to meet them, and give them a most cordial and sincere +welcome.</p> + +<p>Captain Pierre Durand, who had given up his disguise, kept a little in +the background.</p> + +<p>Having exchanged compliments, Tom ordered his men to camp outside, and +entered the village with the others.</p> + +<p>As soon as all were collected in the hut of the Canadians, Tom Mitchell +closed the door carefully.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," he said, in a low and solemn tone, "I owe you no +explanation for coming, but for coming in such force."</p> + +<p>"You owe no explanation. You are welcome."</p> + +<p>"Listen. Not a moment is to be lost. Spies are on all hands. You are +surrounded by treachery and traitors. You are all to be made the +victims of an execrable plot concocted by two wretches, Lagrenay and +Tubash-Shah."</p> + +<p>All were stupefied. While the other spoke, Pierre Durand slipped into +Bright-eye's own room to rest.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Tubash-Shah hates Numank; but that is not all. He loves your +gentle daughter, Evening Dew."</p> + +<p>"Horrible!" cried the old man.</p> + +<p>"The capture of Miss Angela was a thing arranged between Lagrenay and +Tubash-Shah, who thought to get her from me."</p> + +<p>"Thanks to you, the plot is exploded."</p> + +<p>"He still hopes to kill his rival, steal his wife, become possessor of +the treasure you know of," cried Tom Mitchell, "and become chief of the +tribe. With these schemes in their heads, Lagrenay and Tubash-Shah are +allies."</p> + +<p>"It is a horrible plot. How did you discover it?"</p> + +<p>"No matter; my spies have served me well. I knew the plan of the +conspirators, and hence have come in such force. I shall be able to +thwart them. Do you now attend to the immediate safety of the chiefs of +this nation and people."</p> + +<p>"I will take measures at once."</p> + +<p>"Above all, be cautious. You have to deal with desperate and cunning +rascals," urged Tom Mitchell.</p> + +<p>The three Canadians, grandfather, father, and son, went out, leaving +behind only George Clinton and his friend.</p> + +<p>"Now, Mr. Clinton," said the outlaw, "though we met under unpleasant +circumstances, we are friends."</p> + +<p>"I see no reason why we should not be," he replied.</p> + +<p>"I am happy to hear it," continued Tom Mitchell; "but before we go any +farther, allow me to say a word to this young Frenchman. In that room +you will find a friend."</p> + +<p>"A friend!" cried Oliver; "Impossible! You know I have only recently +reached this country."</p> + +<p>"Take my advice," said the outlaw, with a smile.</p> + +<p>Oliver shrugged his shoulders, as if yielding to a foolish whim, and +went in to find himself face to face with Durand.</p> + +<p>"Now," said the outlaw, "I have not told all; I have left out certain +matters which personally concern yourself. One moment, and you shall +judge for yourself. Excuse me if I have to touch upon a very tender +topic—that of love."</p> + +<p>"Captain!" cried George.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me. You love a charming girl, whom you have followed into the +desert with as much devotion as men show in the search of gold. To this +I have only to add that the girl is as beautiful and as good as an +angel."</p> + +<p>George bowed his head to hide his confusion.</p> + +<p>"Her father is against you, I know. But the important fact is that a +terrible calamity threatens her and you."</p> + +<p>"Pray explain yourself," George cried.</p> + +<p>"Do you think the redskins are blind? You forget them in your +calculation of future happiness."</p> + +<p>"Explain yourself," continued the young man.</p> + +<p>"I cannot at present. You are young in the desert, but you have clever +and devoted friends. Above all, you have Bright-eye, honest, devoted, +intelligent. Tell him all I have said, and to work. You have not a +moment to lose to save her."</p> + +<p>At this moment the three Canadians came in at one door, Oliver and +Captain Durand at the other. Before anyone else could speak, Oliver +rushed forward.</p> + +<p>"Captain," he said to the outlaw, "I can never thank you enough. I know +all. Command me in every way."</p> + +<p>"I shall remind you of your promise."</p> + +<p>"And my wretched persecutor—you will bring him to me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and place in your hands papers to confound him," cried the +outlaw; "papers which prove your rank."</p> + +<p>The conversation now became general. The two Canadians had been at +work, and warned all the sachems.</p> + +<p>But everything had been done without exciting suspicion. All went on +just as usual in the village.</p> + +<p>The preparations for the marriage continued.</p> + +<p>The Canadians entertained their friends at a great banquet that night, +at which Numank was present, grave and proud, seated beside Angela, who +was charming, though blushing with downcast eyes, and never speaking a +word.</p> + +<p>The formal ceremony of betrothal had taken place in the morning, so +that this was rather a friendly meeting than anything else.</p> + +<p>There was, however, a magnificent exchange of presents.</p> + +<p>Next day, just before the final ceremony, Tom Mitchell went off with a +hundred of his most resolute men.</p> + +<p>Camotte remained in command of the others.</p> + +<p>According to invariable Indian custom, the man who takes a wife takes +her seemingly by force; he snatches her up, puts her behind him, darts +off, and two days later comes back, slays a mare that has never foaled, +and all is over.</p> + +<p>Numank, of course, would do the same.</p> + +<p>At night the hut was surrounded by a party of Indians, and Angela +carried off, after a feeble resistance.</p> + +<p>Then some shots were fired, and away sped Numank with his wife +surrounded by a powerful Indian escort.</p> + +<p>This escort was almost wholly composed of strangers with Tubash.</p> + +<p>The abductors had scarcely departed when Bright-eye came out of the hut +and whistled. He was at once surrounded by warriors.</p> + +<p>"On," he said, in a menacing voice; "there is no time to lose."</p> + +<p>And they darted away like a whirlwind, riding for some hours in the +direction taken by the bridal party.</p> + +<p>Suddenly they were startled by flashes of light, followed by the report +of guns. A terrible combat was going on.</p> + +<p>With a tremendous war cry the troop led by Bright-eye dashed in the +direction of the fight. It was time.</p> + +<p>Numank-Charake, holding his wife on one arm, was fighting, surrounded +by the few warriors faithful to him.</p> + +<p>Ten only of these could stand, and must have succumbed in five minutes +but for the unlooked-for succour.</p> + +<p>The carnage was fearful. All fought desperately in silence. At last +every one of the treacherous escort was dead.</p> + +<p>Tubash Shah escaped in the confusion.</p> + +<p>Numank-Charake was more like a corpse than a live man, and had to be +carried on a litter.</p> + +<p>They reached the village next day, from which all the rival tribes had +departed, leaving behind a bundle of arrows dipped in blood. It was a +formal declaration of war.</p> + +<p>We turn elsewhere for a time.</p> + +<p>It was night at the hut of the squatter Lagrenay. Everybody slept +except himself. Seated by the dying fire in a cane chair, his head in +his two hands, his elbows on the table, the squatter appeared at least +to be reading.</p> + +<p>His huge and savage dog lay at his feet, listening for the faintest +sound from without.</p> + +<p>Every now and then the old man looked at a clock, and then appeared to +read again until a sharp whistle was heard.</p> + +<p>The dog and man leaped up, but suddenly Lagrenay bade the animal be +quiet, and went himself to open the door. He started back as two men +entered, strangers.</p> + +<p>"I am Joshua Dickson," said the first, "and this is my brother Samuel. +You sent for my son; we have come in his place."</p> + +<p>The old man professed to be glad to see his neighbours, and bade them +be seated. After some time wasted in circumlocution, he began to speak +of real business.</p> + +<p>"You have established yourselves in the Valley of the Moose Deer," he +said, "a magnificent settlement."</p> + +<p>"Well, what then?"</p> + +<p>"That valley belongs to one of the most powerful tribes on the whole of +the Missouri," continued Lagrenay.</p> + +<p>"No matter. Virgin soil belongs to the first comer."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps. But that is not the question. This tribe have other lands of +which they take no account," went on the squatter, "and will probably +never claim, but they have special reasons for keeping the Valley of +the Deer sacred."</p> + +<p>"Explain yourself," cried both.</p> + +<p>"In that valley is buried the treasure of the nation."</p> + +<p>"What treasure? Old shooter of muskrats!" cried Joshua; "There is no +treasure like mother earth."</p> + +<p>"I mean a real treasure—gold, ingots, diamonds," said the old man, "to +the extent of many millions."</p> + +<p>"So much the better," replied Joshua; "it is mine."</p> + +<p>"Take care! The struggle will be terrible. Your adversaries are many +and brave; they have allied themselves with the outlaws of the desert, +and, moreover, have taken as their chief a fellow countryman, who +dearly covets your possessions."</p> + +<p>"May I ask the name of my countryman?" inquired Samuel, in a bantering +tone of voice.</p> + +<p>"His name is George Clinton," said Lagrenay.</p> + +<p>"George Clinton!" exclaimed Joshua, amazed.</p> + +<p>"You lie, miserable wretch!" said Samuel Dickson, rising; "George +Clinton is an honourable man, not a—"</p> + +<p>"I have spoken the truth. Do as you please."</p> + +<p>Then the door was burst open, and two men entered pushing forward a +third with blows of musket butts.</p> + +<p>"Miserable wretch!" said one, seizing him by the throat, "I am George +Clinton, and you lie in your teeth."</p> + +<p>Rock attempted to fly at the assailants, but Charbonneau brained him +with the butt end of his gun.</p> + +<p>Lagrenay rose rifle in hand, but the two Americans disarmed him, and +forced him to reseat himself.</p> + +<p>The prisoner brought in was Tubash-Shah. Behind the three men appeared +the dogs Nadeje and Drack.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen, we arrive in time. Thank heaven, we have brought with us +this wretch, who now will tell the truth."</p> + +<p>And he looked at the Indian with a glance that made him shudder to the +marrow of his bones.</p> + +<p>The two Americans were exceedingly surprised, while Lagrenay thought in +vain of some new subterfuge.</p> + +<p>Roused by the noise made on the entrance of the three men, the wife +of Lagrenay had risen in haste, and, without waiting to dress, had +rushed into the room. She entered without being seen, and tremblingly +ensconced herself behind her husband.</p> + +<p>Inside there was silence, but without the sound of many men.</p> + +<p>None spoke for some time; everyone's breathing seemed oppressed. +Lagrenay, his teeth chattering, at last spoke.</p> + +<p>"Will you explain this outrage?" he began.</p> + +<p>"Silence!" cried George Clinton, in a terrible voice; "Speak only when +called upon for your defence. All I hope is that when you have heard of +what you are accused you may be able to give a satisfactory reply to +the charge."</p> + +<p>"Accused—defend myself!" cried the old man.</p> + +<p>"Yes, before Judge Lynch, who will decide between us," said Clinton, +coldly. "Listen, here come your judges."</p> + +<p>As he spoke several men entered. Lagrenay felt himself lost. He was in +the hands of implacable foes.</p> + +<p>Tubash-Shah, erect against the wall, appeared utterly indifferent. But +his every thought was intent on escape.</p> + +<p>The sudden appearance of George Clinton had very much surprised Joshua +Dickson. All his rage was revived, and he was prepared to treat him +with severity and hatred. The idea of treason still rankled in his mind.</p> + +<p>Two men had now seized upon the squatter, and, despite the cries of his +wife, were trying to carry him out.</p> + +<p>At that moment Louis and François Berger entered.</p> + +<p>"My cousins!" cried Lagrenay, "They would murder me!"</p> + +<p>"Save my old man!" said the wife, pitifully.</p> + +<p>"My friends and brothers," said Louis Berger, raising his hand, "this +man is my relative. Give him to me. Justice shall be done."</p> + +<p>The squatter was released, and hid himself behind his two Canadian +cousins, trembling, nearly dead.</p> + +<p>"Sirs," said Louis to the Americans, "you are the new squatters +established in the Moose Deer Valley?"</p> + +<p>"We are," replied Joshua, rather doggedly.</p> + +<p>"Then I have business with you. In the first place, by what right have +you squatted in that place?"</p> + +<p>"Really, except that you have force on your side, I should not answer +so singular a question. Because I found it."</p> + +<p>"I beg to inform you that it is private property. You are by no means +the first occupier."</p> + +<p>"And who may he be?" asked Joshua, furiously.</p> + +<p>"Myself. It was given me by the chiefs of the Huron tribe. A deed, +perfectly legal, exists."</p> + +<p>"Can a man find no free land on earth?" he cried, "On the face of the +earth? You claim it, then?"</p> + +<p>At this moment, when all were busy, Tubash saw his opportunity, and +ran. Two or three pursued, but the rest remained.</p> + +<p>"Then," said Joshua, presently, "there is some truth in the story of +the gold treasure in the valley?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I have recently ceded all my rights to Tom Mitchell, chief of +the outlaws."</p> + +<p>"Then all I have to do is to go?" urged Joshua.</p> + +<p>"I think the matter might be arranged," observed Louis. "Here is a +young man who loves your child. George Clinton, is it not so?"</p> + +<p>"It is useless my persuading Joshua Dickson."</p> + +<p>"By heavens!" cried Samuel, "But you shall. Here is a noble, young, +rich, brave—"</p> + +<p>"But," cried Joshua, "what has that to do with it?"</p> + +<p>"Sole owner of the Valley of the Deer," continued Louis Berger, drily; +"he bought it this morning."</p> + +<p>"But—" still hesitated Joshua.</p> + +<p>"To arms!" cried Tom Mitchell, rushing in, "To arms! Pardieu! You have +fallen into the trap."</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" cried the brothers.</p> + +<p>"While you are wasting your time here, your plantation is attacked by +Indians," he responded, "who are burning and destroying all. Soon there +will be only ruins and ashes."</p> + +<p>This terrible revelation fell like a thunderbolt upon all present in +that room.</p> + +<p>Tom Mitchell—his dress torn, his face covered by powder and blood, +holding a smoking gun—summoned them.</p> + +<p>George Clinton, without waiting a minute, darted away, followed by +Charbonneau and his dogs.</p> + +<p>Above all, he would save her he loved from the fearful peril she was in +of falling into the hands of redskins.</p> + +<p>"What is to be done?" cried Joshua.</p> + +<p>"Never despair," said the outlaw. "Your sons and servants are fighting +like lions. We must join them."</p> + +<p>"Come along," cried Samuel.</p> + +<p>"Oh! Oh!" said Joshua, brandishing his rifle, "The rascally redskins +shall pay for this."</p> + +<p>"Come, in the name of God!" cried the outlaw; "I have with me a party +ready for any amount of redskins."</p> + +<p>At these words everybody mounted, and dashed through the darkness like +a legion of phantoms.</p> + +<p>Four persons only remained in the silent and deserted hut—the two old +Canadians, Lagrenay, and his wife.</p> + +<p>The old squatter had, during these exciting scenes, recovered his +equanimity. He believed himself saved.</p> + +<p>As soon as they were alone, he and his wife began to place refreshments +on the table for their guests.</p> + +<p>The two Canadians remained standing, leaning on their rifles, and not +noticing even the preparations.</p> + +<p>"My dear relations," said Lagrenay, in an insinuating voice, "will you +honour me by accepting refreshments?"</p> + +<p>"What does the man say?" asked François Berger.</p> + +<p>"You have a long journey to go," continued Lagrenay, "you must be +extremely tired and want rest."</p> + +<p>"What matter?" said the old man.</p> + +<p>"Will you not empty a cup of whisky?" began the woman.</p> + +<p>"Silence!" cried the hunter, striking the butt of his rifle on the +ground, "And listen."</p> + +<p>The old man shuddered.</p> + +<p>"Lagrenay," he went on, in a hollow voice, "I dragged you from the +hands of Judge Lynch, because I did not wish to see my cousin hanged; +you have dishonoured not only the name you bear, but the family to +which you belong; that family, poor as it has always been, has known +how to preserve its honour intact. That honour you have soiled, from +the base love of gold. Prepare to die."</p> + +<p>"To die!" he murmured.</p> + +<p>"My cousins, my dear cousins, you will not have the heart to kill my +poor old man," said his wife, clasping her hands and weeping; "thirty +years we have lived together. What shall I do when he is gone? Who will +support my miserable existence? Have mercy, in the name of the Lord. If +you kill him, I shall die."</p> + +<p>"You shall not die," said François Berger; "my cousin will take care of +you for life."</p> + +<p>"I," she said, with a gesture of horror, "accept the protection of the +murderers of my husband, eat the bread of assassins! I should choke +myself at the first mouthful. Have mercy, then, and shoot us together."</p> + +<p>Louis Berger turned away his head. Even the inflexible old judge of the +reign of terror was moved.</p> + +<p>Then he made a sign to his son, and both cocked their rifles.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" said Lagrenay, in a firm and solemn voice; "I know your +inflexible will too well to ask my life of you. You have decided on +my death. Good. But I will not die at your hands. You say the honour +of the family requires that justice should be done. Well, it shall be +done. Still I could not die like a dog. Give me ten minutes to pray. +You will not refuse this?"</p> + +<p>"Heaven forbid!" said the old man, "And may heaven have mercy on you +for all your sins."</p> + +<p>"Thanks, cousins and friends," cried the squatter, "and now, wife, on +your knees. Let us beg forgiveness of our sins."</p> + +<p>The two old men went out, tears in their eyes, and almost inclined to +be merciful. Stern will prevailed.</p> + +<p>Five minutes later, a double shot was heard. They rushed in. Both lay +dead upon the floor.</p> + +<p>Justice was done.</p> + +<p>The two hunters kneeled down beside the bodies, and said a silent +prayer over them.</p> + +<p>Then, in the room itself, they dug a grave, and, after some little +time, interred the husband and wife.</p> + +<p>Then, dragging away by main force the wounded dog, they collected a lot +of brushwood and other fuel.</p> + +<p>This they piled against the house and then fired. In a few minutes the +whole was in flames.</p> + +<p>The dog got away, and plunged into the burning pile.</p> + +<p>When all was over and nought remained but cinders and ashes, the two +men wiped away a tear and retired.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A DESPERATE STRUGGLE.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Tom Mitchell had told the truth. The plantation of Joshua Dickson had +been attacked by a numerous party.</p> + +<p>This is how it had come about.</p> + +<p>Tubash-Shah and the squatter, Lagrenay, excited by a common hatred, had +come to an understanding.</p> + +<p>The old wretch, whose whole thoughts were bent on the vast treasure +concealed in the valley, had promised the Indian, not only his share +of the gold, but the possession of a beautiful white girl, at least as +beautiful as Evening Dew.</p> + +<p>He further suggested that as Numank-Charake would be sure to join +Clinton, he could kill him too.</p> + +<p>He would then have the two most beautiful wives on the prairie.</p> + +<p>The Indian was easily seduced by this radiant project, which the old +squatter fluttered before his eyes.</p> + +<p>An alliance defensive and offensive was struck up.</p> + +<p>It was Tubash-Shah who suggested the treacherous visit of the redskins +on the occasion of the great marriage.</p> + +<p>In order to facilitate the attack on the settlement, old Lagrenay sent +a secret message to the squatters, who fell into the trap prepared for +them. Tubash-Shah was outside, waiting to take them, when he himself +was made prisoner.</p> + +<p>This nearly spoiled all. But, after only half an hour's detention, +Tubash escaped.</p> + +<p>He joined his expectant companions, and the plantation was at once +attacked on all sides by Indians.</p> + +<p>But the Americans were on the watch, and received the redskins in a way +that rather surprised them.</p> + +<p>Tom Mitchell, warned by his spies, had given them sufficient hints, +while himself preparing.</p> + +<p>One hundred and fifty outlaws, under the orders of Tête de Plume, had +been secretly sent into the fort by George Clinton.</p> + +<p>He had then, with Charbonneau, gone and concealed himself near +Lagrenay's hut.</p> + +<p>Camotte had been sent to the village of the Huron Bisons to +Numank-Charake, and Bright-eye, to ask for the assistance of all the +warriors of the tribe who could be spared.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, Tom Mitchell, at the head of his most daring +companions, had placed himself in a position to be at hand at anytime. +But if the defence had been well arranged, the attack was most fierce +and desperate; the redskins fought like demons; brave, well armed, and +counting on the vast superiority of their numbers, the Indians rushed +to the charge against the intrenchments with a ferocity quite unusual.</p> + +<p>These intrenchments had been hastily thrown up, and could not long +resist such an attack.</p> + +<p>Tubash-Shah, at the head of a picked band of warriors, did wonders. He +was a host in himself.</p> + +<p>The struggle became at one time so desperate that Tom Mitchell +himself began to despair; then it was that he dashed off to the hut +of Lagrenay, and called to arms all who were collected together in +deliberation.</p> + +<p>Then he started again at the head of the reinforcement, like a storm +cloud on the wing.</p> + +<p>Again the combat seemed desperate.</p> + +<p>The war cry of the American Indians and the hurrahs of the whites were +mixed with the fusillade.</p> + +<p>Then a rush of horse was heard, an awful war whoop, and three hundred +warriors, led by Numank-Charake, Bright-eye, and Camotte, appeared on +the scene.</p> + +<p>Tom Mitchell gave a cry of joy.</p> + +<p>He divided his terrible cavaliers into three detachments, one commanded +by Numank and Bright-eye, gave half his outlaws to Oliver, and took the +rest under his own immediate orders.</p> + +<p>Then at a given signal, the three troops rushed, with horrible yells +and cries, upon the astonished assailants.</p> + +<p>Though taken aback, the brave redskins fronted both ways, and made a +most terrible defence.</p> + +<p>Samuel Dickson and his brother meantime contrived to enter the +settlement, amid joyous acclamations.</p> + +<p>It was time; the palisades and intrenchments were giving way, and the +Indians were rushing in.</p> + +<p>The combat became now gigantic in its proportions. The redskins, led by +Tubash-Shah, fought with desperate valour.</p> + +<p>He kept the <i>élite</i> of his men together, and worked his way towards the +interior of the settlement.</p> + +<p>Presently he drew forth his human thighbone whistle and darted for the +house. He had seen Diana.</p> + +<p>The young girl, seeing the demon covered by blood and powder, +brandishing his hatchet, and forcing, with a hideous cry, his horse +towards the women, gave a desperate shriek of agonised terror.</p> + +<p>"Ah, ah!" cried Tubash-Shah, in triumph; "The paleface girl. At last +she is mine."</p> + +<p>He urged forward his horse, which reared with abject terror, and threw +his master heavily.</p> + +<p>Dardar, the faithful dog, always in attendance on Diana, had seized the +warhorse by the nostrils.</p> + +<p>He then let him go, and caught the Indian himself by the throat.</p> + +<p>"Good dog," shouted George Clinton, as he ran up with Charbonneau, +Drack, and Nadeje.</p> + +<p>The battle was over. The few Indians who were left threw down their +arms in despair.</p> + +<p>"My daughter, oh, my daughter!" cried Joshua, who came rushing from the +inside of the house.</p> + +<p>"She is here, sir," said Clinton.</p> + +<p>"And her abductor?" he continued.</p> + +<p>"Is dead," he answered, pointing to the corpse, which the dog was +worrying as he would have done a rat.</p> + +<p>"My son, I thank you," said Joshua; "what do I not owe to you? Take +her."</p> + +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>Two days after M. Hebrard returned to the fort a wiser man. Oliver +proved his rank, name, and right to fortune, to the satisfaction of +everybody.</p> + +<p>"Tell my relatives," he said, "that as long as they leave me alone, I +shall be quiet. Go, and let us never meet again."</p> + +<p>A week later, after the marriage of George and Diana, Tom Mitchell, +Bright-eye, Oliver, and Captain Durand, started on the dangerous +expedition undertaken by the outlaw, and of which, probably, we shall +give some account at a future time.</p> + +<p>[For further adventures of Bright-eye, see the "Prairie Flower," and +the "Indian Scout," same publishers.]</p> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44574 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |