initial commit of ebook 7493HEADmain

1 files changed, 3838 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/old/dchef10.txt b/old/dchef10.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..33c6871
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/dchef10.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,3838 @@
+Project Gutenberg's The Daughter of the Chieftain, by Edward S. Ellis
+#4 in our series by Edward S. Ellis
+
+Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the
+copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing
+this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook.
+
+This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project
+Gutenberg file.  Please do not remove it.  Do not change or edit the
+header without written permission.
+
+Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the
+eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file.  Included is
+important information about your specific rights and restrictions in
+how the file may be used.  You can also find out about how to make a
+donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved.
+
+
+**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts**
+
+**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971**
+
+*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!*****
+
+
+Title: The Daughter of the Chieftain
+       The Story of an Indian Girl
+
+Author: Edward S. Ellis
+
+Release Date: February, 2005 [EBook #7493]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on May 10, 2003]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DAUGHTER OF THE CHIEFTAIN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Martin Robb
+
+
+
+
+The Daughter of the Chieftain
+The Story of an Indian Girl
+by Edward S. Ellis.
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE: OMAS, ALICE, AND LINNA
+
+I don't suppose there is any use in trying to find out when the game
+of "Jack Stones" was first played. No one can tell. It certainly
+is a good many hundred years old.
+
+All boys and girls know how to play it. There is the little rubber
+ball, which you toss in the air, catch up one of the odd iron prongs,
+without touching another, and while the ball is aloft; then you do
+the same with another, and again with another, until none is left.
+After that you seize a couple at a time, until all have been used;
+then three, and four, and so on, with other variations, to the end
+of the game.
+
+Doubtless your fathers and mothers, if they watch you during the
+progress of the play, will think it easy and simple. If they do,
+persuade them to try it. You will soon laugh at their failure.
+
+Now, when we older folks were young like you, we did not have the
+regular, scraggly bits of iron and dainty rubber ball. We played
+with pieces of stones. I suspect more deftness was needed in handling
+them than in using the new fashioned pieces. Certainly, in trials
+than I can remember, I never played the game through without a
+break; but then I was never half so handy as you are at such things:
+that, no doubt, accounts for it.
+
+Well, a good many years ago, before any of your fathers or mothers
+were born, a little girl named Alice Ripley sat near her home
+playing "Jack Stones." It was the first of July, 1778, and although
+her house was made of logs, had no carpets or stove, but a big
+fireplace, where all the food was made ready for eating, yet no
+sweeter or happier girl can be found today, if you spend weeks in
+searching for her. Nor can you come upon a more lovely spot in which
+to build a home, for it was the famed Wyoming Valley, in Western
+Pennsylvania.
+
+Now, since some of my young friends may not be acquainted with this
+place, you will allow me to tell you that the Wyoming Valley lies
+between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghany Mountains, and that the
+beautiful Susquehanna River runs through it.
+
+The valley runs northeast and southwest, and is twenty-one miles
+long, with an average breadth of three miles. The bottom lands--
+that is, those in the lowest portion--are sometimes overflowed
+when there is an unusual quantity of water in the river. In some
+places the plains are level, and in others, rolling. The soil is
+very fertile.
+
+Two mountain ranges hem in the valley. The one on the east has an
+average height of a thousand feet, and the other two hundred feet
+less. The eastern range is steep, mostly barren, and abounds with
+caverns, clefts, ravines, and forests. The western is not nearly
+so wild, and is mostly cultivated.
+
+The meaning of the Indian word for Wyoming is "Large Plains," which,
+like most of the Indian names, fits very well indeed.
+
+The first white man who visited Wyoming was a good Moravian missionary,
+Count Zinzendorf--in 1742. He toiled among the Delaware Indians
+who lived there, and those of his faith who followed him were the
+means of the conversion of a great many red men.
+
+The fierce warriors became humble Christians, who set the best
+example to wild brethren, and often to the wicked white men.
+
+More than twenty years before the Revolution settlers began making
+their way into the Wyoming Valley. You would think their only
+trouble would be with the Indians, who always look with anger upon
+intruders of that kind, but really their chief difficulty was with
+white people.
+
+Most of these pioneers came from Connecticut. The successors of
+William Penn, who had bought Pennsylvania from his king, and then
+again from the Indians, did not fancy having settlers from other
+colonies take possession of one of the garden spots of his grant.
+
+I cannot tell you about the quarrels between the settlers from
+Connecticut and those that were already living in Pennsylvania.
+Forty of the invaders, as they may be called, put up a fort, which
+was named on that account Forty Fort. This was in the winter of
+1769, and two hundred more pioneers followed them in the spring.
+The fort stood on the western bank of the river.
+
+The Pennsylvanians, however, had prepared for them, and the trouble
+began. During the few years following, the New Englanders were three
+times driven out of the valley, and the men, women, and children
+were obliged to tramp for two hundred miles through the unbroken
+wilderness to their old homes. But they rallied and came back
+again, and at last were strong enough to hold their ground. About
+this time the mutterings of the American Revolution began to be
+heard, and the Pennsylvanians and New Englanders forgot their enmity
+and became brothers in their struggle for independence.
+
+Among the pioneers from Connecticut who put up their old fashioned
+log houses in Wyoming were George Ripley and his wife Ruth. They
+were young, frugal, industrious, and worthy people. They had but
+one child--a boy named Benjamin; but after awhile Alice was added
+to the family, and at the date of which I am telling you she was
+six years and her brother thirteen years old.
+
+Mr. Ripley was absent with the continental army under General
+Washington, fighting the battles of his country. Benjamin, on
+this spring day, was visiting some of his friends further down the
+valley; so that when Alice came forth to play "Jack Stones" alone,
+no one was in sight, though her next neighbor lived hardly two
+hundred yards away.
+
+I wish you could have seen her as she looked on that summer afternoon.
+She had been helping, so far as she was able, her mother in the
+house, until the parent told her to go outdoors and amuse herself.
+She was chubby, plump, healthy, with round pink cheeks, yellow hair
+tied in a coil at the back of her head, and her big eyes were as
+blue, and clear, and bright as they could be.
+
+She wore a brown homespun dress--that is to say, the materials
+had been woven by the deft fingers of her mother, with the aid of
+the old spinning wheel, which in those days formed a part of every
+household. The dark stockings were knitted by the same busy fingers,
+with the help of the flashing needles; and the shoes, put together
+by Peleg Quintin, the humpbacked shoemaker, were heavy and coarse,
+and did not fit any too well.
+
+The few simple articles of underwear were all homemade, clean,
+and comfortable, and the same could be said of the clothing of the
+brother and of the mother herself.
+
+Alice came running out of the open front door, bounding off the big
+flat stone which served as a step with a single leap, and, running
+to a spot of green grass a few yards away, where there was not a
+bit of dirt or a speck of dust, she sat down and began the game of
+which I told you at the opening of this story.
+
+Alice was left handed. So when she took position, she leaned over
+to the right, supporting her body with that arm, while with the
+other hand she tossed the little jagged pieces of stone aloft,
+snatching up the others, and letting the one that was going up and
+down in the air drop into her chubby palm.
+
+She had been playing perhaps ten minutes, when she found someone
+was watching her.
+
+She did not see him at first, but heard a low, deep "Huh!" partly
+at one side and partly behind her.
+
+Instead of glancing around, she finished the turn of the game on
+which she was engaged just then. That done, she clasped all the
+Jack Stones in her hand, assumed the upright posture, and looked
+behind her.
+
+"I thought it was you, Omas," she said with a merry laugh; "do you
+want to play Jack Stones with me?"
+
+If you could have seen the person whom she thus addressed, you
+would have thought it a strange way of speaking.
+
+He was an Indian warrior, belonging to the tribe of Delawares.
+Those who knew about him said he was one of the fiercest red men
+that ever went on the warpath. A few years before, there had been
+a massacre of the settlers, and Omas was foremost among the Indians
+who swung the tomahawk and fired his rifle at the white people.
+
+He was tall, sinewy, active, and powerful. Three stained eagle
+feathers were fastened on his crown in the long black hair, and his
+hunting shirt, leggings, and moccasins were bright with different
+colored beads and fringes. In the red sash which passed around
+his waist were thrust a hunting knife and tomahawk, while one hand
+clasped a cumbersome rifle, which, like all firearms of those times,
+was used with ramrod and flintlock.
+
+Omas would have had a rather pleasing face had he let it alone;
+but his people love bright colors, and he was never seen without
+a lot of paint daubed over it. This was made up of black, white,
+and yellow circles, lines, and streaks that made him look frightful.
+
+But Alice was not scared at all. She and Omas were old friends.
+Nearly a year before, he stopped at their cabin one stormy night and
+asked for something to eat. Mrs. Ripley gave him plenty of coarse
+brown, well baked bread and cold meat, and allowed him to sleep on
+the floor until morning.
+
+Benjamin was rather shy of the fierce looking Delaware, but Alice
+took to him at first. She brought him a basin of water, and asked
+him to please wash his face.
+
+The startled mother gently reproved her; but Omas did that which
+an Indian rarely does--smiled. He spoke English unusually well,
+and knew why the child had proposed to him to use the water.
+
+He told her that he had a little girl that he called Linna, about
+the same age as Alice. Upon hearing this, what did Alice do, but
+climb upon the warrior's knee and ask him to tell her all about
+Linna. Well, the result was, that an affection was formed between
+this wild warrior and the gentle little girl.
+
+Omas promised to bring his child to see Alice, who, with her mother's
+permission, said she would return the visit. There can be no doubt
+that the Delaware often went a long way out of his course, for no
+other reason than to spend an hour or less with Alice Ripley. The
+brother and mother always made him feel welcome, and to the good
+parent the influence of her child upon the savage red man had
+a peculiar interest which nothing else in the world could possess
+for her. So you understand why it was that Alice did not start and
+show any fear when she looked around and saw the warrior standing
+less than ten feet off, and attentively watching her.
+
+"You can't play Jack Stones as well as I," she said, looking saucily
+up at him.
+
+"I beat you," was his reply, as he strode forward and sat down
+cross legged on the grass.
+
+"I'd like to see you do it! You think you're very smart, don't
+you?"
+
+A shadowy smile played around the stern mouth, and the Delaware,
+who had studied the simple game long enough to understand it, began
+the sport under the observant eyes of his little mistress.
+
+While both were intent on the amusement, Mrs. Ripley came to the
+door and stood wonderingly looking at them.
+
+"It does seem as if Indians are human beings like the rest of us,"
+was her thought; "but who could resist her gentle ways?"
+
+Up went the single stone in the air, and Omas grabbed the batch
+that were lying on the ground, and then caught the first as it came
+down.
+
+"That won't do!" called Alice, seizing the brawny hand, which--
+sad to say--had been stained with blood as innocent as hers; "you
+didn't do that fair!"
+
+"What de matter?" he asked, looking reproachfully into the round
+face almost against his own.
+
+"I'll show you how. Now, I lay those three on the ground like
+that. Then I toss up this, pick up one without touching any of the
+others, keep it in my hand and pick up the next--see?"
+
+She illustrated her instruction by her work, while her pupil listened
+and stared.
+
+"I know--I know," he said quickly. "I show you." Then the wag of
+a Delaware tossed the first stone fully twenty feet aloft, caught
+up the others, and took that on the fly.
+
+"I never saw anybody as dumb as you," was the comment. "What is
+the use of your trying? You couldn't learn to play Jack Stones in
+ever so long."
+
+She was about to try him again, when, childlike, she darted off upon
+a widely different subject, for it had just come into her little
+head.
+
+"Omas, when you were here the other day, you promised that the next
+time you came to see me you would bring Linna."
+
+"Dat so--Omas promise."
+
+"Then why haven't you done as you said?"
+
+"Omas never speak with double tongue; he bring Linna with him."
+
+"You did?--where is she?" asked Alice, springing to her feet,
+clasping her hands, and looking expectantly around.
+
+The Delaware emitted a shrill, tremulous whistle, and immediately
+from the wood several rods behind them came running the oddest
+looking little girl anyone could have met in a long time.
+
+Her face was as round as that of Alice, her long, black hair hung
+loosely over her shoulders, her small eyes were as black as jet,
+her nose a pug, her teeth as white and regular as were ever seen,
+while her dress was a rude imitation of her father's except the
+skirt came below her knees. Her feet were as small as a doll's,
+and encased in the beaded little moccasins, were as pretty as they
+could be.
+
+"That is Linna," said the proud father as she came obediently
+forward.
+
+CHAPTER TWO: DANGER IN THE AIR
+
+Little Linna, daughter of Omas, the Delaware warrior, was of the
+same age as Alice Ripley. The weather was warm although she wore
+tiny moccasins to protect her feet, she scorned the superfluous
+stockings and undergarments that formed a part of the other's
+apparel.
+
+Her hair was as black, abundant, and almost as long as her father's;
+but her face was clean, and, perhaps in honor of the occasion, she,
+too, sported a gaudy eagle feather in her hair.
+
+She bounded out of the green wood like a fawn, but as she drew near
+her parent and Alice, her footsteps became slower, and she halted
+a few paces away, hung her head, with her forefinger between her
+pretty white teeth--for all the world like any white girl of her
+years.
+
+But Alice did not allow her to remain embarrassed. She had been
+begging for this visit, and now, when she saw her friend, she ran
+forward, took her little plump hand and said--"Linna, I am real
+glad you have come!"
+
+Omas had risen to his feet, and watched the girls with an affection
+and interest which found no expression on his painted face. His
+child looked timidly up to him and walked slowly forward, her hand
+clasped in that of Alice. She did not speak, but when her escort
+sat down on the grass, she did the same.
+
+"Linna, do you know how to play Jack Stones?" asked Alice, picking
+up the pebbles.
+
+Linna shook her head quickly several times, but her lips remained
+mute.
+
+"Your father thought he knew how, but he don't; he doesn't play fair,
+either. Let me show you, so you can beat him when you go home."
+
+Alice set to work, while the bright black eyes watched every
+movement.
+
+"Now do you want to try it?" she asked, after going through the
+game several times.
+
+Linna nodded her head with the same birdlike quickness, and reached
+out her chubby hand.
+
+Her father and Alice watched her closely. She made several failures
+at first, all of which were patiently explained by her tutor; by and
+by she went through the performance from beginning to end without
+a break.
+
+Alice clapped her hands with delight, and Omas--certain that no
+grownup person saw him--smiled with pleasure.
+
+"Doesn't she know how to talk?" asked Alice, looking up at the
+warrior. Omas spoke somewhat sharply to his child in the Delaware
+tongue. She startled, and looking at Alice, asked--
+
+"Do--yoo think me play well?"
+
+Alice was delighted to find she could make herself understood so
+easily. It was wonderful how she had learned to speak English so
+early in life.
+
+"I guess you can," was the ready reply of Alice; "your father can't
+begin to play as well. When you go home you can show your mamma
+how to play Jack Stones. Have you any brothers and sisters?"
+
+"No; me have no brother--no sister."
+
+"That's too bad! I've got a big brother Ben. He isn't home now,
+but he will be here to supper. He's a nice boy, and you will like
+him. Let's go in the house now to see mamma, and you can teach me
+how to talk Indian."
+
+Both girls bounded to their feet, and hand in hand, walked to the
+door, with Omas gravely stalking after them.
+
+Mrs. Ripley had learned of the visitor, and stood on the threshold
+to welcome her. She took her by the hand and led her inside. Omas
+paused, as if in doubt whether he should follow; but her invitation
+to him was so cordial, that he stepped within and seated himself
+on a chair.
+
+That afternoon and night could never be forgotten by Alice Ripley.
+In a very little while she and her visitor were on the best of terms;
+laughing, romping, and chasing each other in and out of doors, just
+as if they were twin sisters that had never been separated from
+each other.
+
+When Mrs. Ripley asked Omas for how long a time he could leave his
+child with them, he said he must take her back that evening. His
+wigwam was a good many miles away in the woods, and he would have
+to travel all night to reach the village of his tribe.
+
+Mrs. Ripley, however, pleaded so hard, that he consented to let
+his child stay until he came back the next day or soon thereafter
+for her.
+
+When he rose to go, the long summer day was drawing to a close.
+He spoke to Linna in their native tongue. She was sitting on the
+floor just then, playing with a wonderful rag baby, but was up in
+a flash, and followed him outside.
+
+"Wait a moment and she will come back," said Mrs. Ripley to her own
+child. She knew what the movement meant: Omas did not wish anyone
+to see him and Linna.
+
+On the outside he moved to the left, and glanced around to make
+sure that no person was looking that way. Then he lifted the little
+one from the ground; she threw her arms around his neck, and he
+pressed her to his breast and kissed her several times with great
+warmth. Then he set her down, and she ran laughing into the house,
+while he strode off to the woods.
+
+But at the moment of entering them he stopped abruptly, wheeled
+about, and walked slowly back toward the cabin.
+
+Upon the return of Linna, Mrs. Ripley stepped to the front door to
+look for her son. He was not in sight, but Omas had stopped again
+hardly a rod distant. He stood a moment, looking fixedly at her,
+and then beckoned with his free hand for her to approach.
+
+Without hesitation she stepped off the broad flat stone and went
+to him.
+
+"What is it, Omas?" she asked in an undertone, pausing in front of
+him, and gazing up into the grim, painted countenance.
+
+The Delaware returned the look for a few seconds, as if studying
+how to say what was in his mind. Then in a voice lower even than
+hers, he said--"You--little girl--big boy--go way soon--
+must not stay here."
+
+"Why do you say that, Omas?"
+
+"Iroquois like leaves on trees--white men, call Tories--soon
+come down here--kill all white people--kill you--kill little
+girl, big boy--if you stay here."
+
+The pioneer's wife had heard the same rumors for days past. She knew
+there was cause for fear, for nearly all the able bodied men in
+Wyoming were absent with the patriot army, fighting for independence.
+The inhabitants in the valley had begged Congress to send some soldiers
+to protect them, and the relatives of the women and children had
+asked again and again that they might go home to save their loved
+ones from the Tories and Indians; but the prayer was refused. The
+soldiers in the army were too few to be spared, and no one away
+from Wyoming believed the danger as great as it was.
+
+But the people themselves knew the peril, and did their best
+to prepare for it. But who should know more about the Indians and
+Tories than Omas, the great Delaware warrior?
+
+When, therefore, he said these words to Mrs. Ripley, that woman's
+heart beat faster. She heard the laughter and prattle of the children
+in the house, and she thought of that bright boy, playing with his
+young friends not far away.
+
+"Where can we go?" she asked, in the same guarded voice.
+
+"With Omas," was the prompt reply; "hide in wigwam of Omas. Nobody
+hurt palefaced friend of Omas."
+
+It was a trying situation. The brave woman, who had passed through
+many dangers with her husband, knew what a visit from the Tories
+and Indians meant; but she shrank from leaving Wyoming, and all
+her friends and neighbors.
+
+"When will they come?" she asked; "will it be in a few weeks or in
+a few days?"
+
+"Getting ready now; Brandt with Iroquois--Butler with Tory--
+soon be here."
+
+"But do you mean that we shall all go with you tonight?"
+
+The Delaware was silent for a few seconds. His active brain was
+busy, reviewing the situation.
+
+"No," he finally said; "stay here till Omas come back; then go with
+him--all go--den no one be hurt."
+
+"Very well; we will wait till you come to us again. We will take
+good care of Linna."
+
+And without another word the Delaware turned once more, strode to
+the forest, which was then in fullest leaf, and vanished among the
+trees.
+
+Mrs. Ripley walked slowly back to the door. On the threshold she
+halted, and looked around again for her absent boy. It was growing
+dark, and she began to feel a vague alarm for him.
+
+A whistle fell on her ear. It was the sweetest music she had ever
+heard, for it came from the lips of her boy.
+
+He was in sight, coming along the well worn path that led in front
+of the other dwellings and to her own door. When he saw her, he
+waved his hand in salutation, but could not afford to break in on
+the vigorous melody which kept his lips puckered.
+
+She saw he was carrying something on his shoulder. A second glance
+showed that it was one of the heavy rifles used by the pioneers a
+hundred years ago. The sight--taken with what Omas had just said
+--filled her heart with forebodings.
+
+She waited until the lad came up. He kissed her affectionately,
+and then in the offhand manner of a big boy, let the butt of the
+gun drop on the ground, leaned the top away from him, and glancing
+from it to his mother, asked--"What do you think of it?"
+
+"It seems to be a good gun. Whose is it?"
+
+"Mine," was the proud response. "Colonel Butler ordered that it be
+given to me, and I'm to use it, too, mother."
+
+"For what purpose?"
+
+"The other Colonel Butler--you know he is a cousin to ours--has
+got a whole lot of Tories" (who, you know, were Americans fighting
+against their countrymen) "and Indians, and they're coming down to
+wipe out Wyoming; but I guess they will find it a harder job than
+they think."
+
+And to show his contempt for the danger, the muscular lad lifted
+his weighty weapon to a level, and pretended to sight it at a tree.
+
+"I wish that was a Tory or one of those Six Nation Indians--
+wouldn't I drop him!"
+
+The mother could not share the buoyancy of her son. She stepped
+outside, so as to be beyond the hearing of the little ones.
+
+"Omas has been here; that is his little girl that you hear laughing
+with Alice. He has told me the same as you--the Tories and Indians
+are coming, and he wants us to flee with him."
+
+"What does he mean by that?" asked the half indignant boy.
+
+"He says they will put us all to death, and if we do not go with
+him, we will be killed too."
+
+The handsome face of Benjamin Ripley took on an expression of
+scorn, and as he straightened up, he seemed to become several inches
+taller.
+
+"He forgets that I am with you! Omas is very kind; but he and his
+Tory friends had better look out for themselves. Why, with the men
+at the fort, Colonel Butler will have several hundred."
+
+"But they are mostly old men and boys."
+
+"Well," said the high spirited lad, with a twinkle of his fine hazel
+eyes, "add up a lot of old men and boys, and the average is the
+same number of middle aged men, isn't it? Don't you worry, mother
+--things are all right. If Omas comes back, give him our thanks,
+and tell him we are not going to sneak off when we are needed at
+home."
+
+It was hard to resist the contagion of Ben's hopefulness. The
+mother not only loved but respected him as much as she could have
+done had he been several years older. He had been her mainstay for
+the two years past, during which the father was absent with the
+patriot army; and she came to lean upon him more and more, though
+her heart sank when Ben began to talk of following his father into
+the ranks, to help in the struggle for independence.
+
+She found herself looking upon the situation as Ben did. If so
+great danger threatened Wyoming, it would be cowardly for them to
+leave their friends to their fate. It was clear all could not find
+safety by going, and she would feel she was doing wrong if she gave
+no heed to the others.
+
+Ben was tall and strong for his years, and the fact that he had
+taken the gun from Colonel Butler to be used in taking care of the
+settlement bound the youth in honor to do so.
+
+"It shall be as you say," said the mother; "I cannot be as hopeful
+as you, but it is our duty to stay. We will not talk about it before
+the children."
+
+"I want to see how a little Indian girl looks," muttered Ben with
+a laugh, following his mother into the house.
+
+Alice caught sight of him, and was in his arms the next instant,
+while Linna rose to her feet, and stood with her forefinger between
+her teeth, shyly studying the newcomer.
+
+"Helloa, Linna! how are you?" he called, setting down his young
+sister and catching up the little Indian. Not only that, but he
+gave her a resounding smack on her dusky cheek.
+
+"I always like pretty little girls, and I'm going to be your beau:
+what do you say? Is it a bargain?"
+
+It is not to be supposed that the Delaware miss caught the whole
+meaning of this momentous question. She was a little overwhelmed
+by the rush of the big boy's manner, and nodded her head about a
+dozen times.
+
+"There, Alice; do you understand that?" he asked, making the room
+ring with his merry laughter; "I'm to be Linna's beau. How do you
+like it?"
+
+"I'm glad for you, but I--guess--I oughter be sorry for Linna."
+
+CHAPTER THREE: JULY THIRD, 1778
+
+While Ben Ripley was frolicking with little Alice and her Indian
+friend Linna, the mother prepared the evening meal.
+
+The candles were lighted, and they took their places at the table.
+
+All this was new and strange to Linna. In her own home, she
+was accustomed to sit on the ground, and use only her fingers for
+knife and fork when taking food; but she was observant and quick,
+and knowing how it had been with her, her friends soon did away
+with her embarrassment. The mother cut her meat into small pieces,
+spread butter--which the visitor looked at askance--on the
+brown bread, and she had but to do as the rest, and all went well.
+
+A few minutes after supper both girls became drowsy, and Mrs.
+Ripley, candle in hand, conducted them upstairs to the small room
+set apart for their use.
+
+This was another novel experience for the visitor. She insisted at
+first upon lying on the hard floor, for never in her life had she
+touched a bed; but after awhile, she became willing to share the
+couch with her playmate.
+
+Alice knelt down by the side of the little trundle bed and said her
+prayers, as she always did; but Linna could not understand what it
+meant. She wonderingly watched her until she was through, and then
+with some misgiving, clambered among the clothes, and the mother
+tucked her up, though the night was so warm they needed little
+covering.
+
+Mrs. Ripley felt that she ought to tell the dusky child about her
+heavenly Father, and to teach her to pray. She therefore sat down
+on the edge of the bed, and in simple words began the wonderful
+story of the Saviour, who gave His life to save her as well as all
+others.
+
+Alice dropped asleep right away, but Linna lay motionless, with her
+round black eyes fixed on the face of the lady, drinking in every
+word she said. By and by, however, the eyelids began to droop, and
+the good woman ceased. Who shall tell what precious seed was thus
+sown in that cabin in Wyoming, more than a hundred years ago?
+
+While Mrs. Ripley was talking upstairs, she heard voices below; so
+that she knew Ben had a visitor. As she descended, she recognized
+a neighbor who lived on the other side of the river.
+
+"I called," said he, "to tell you that you must lose no time in
+moving into Forty Fort with your little girl."
+
+"You do not mean right away?"
+
+"Not tonight, but the first thing in the morning."
+
+"Is the danger so close as that?"
+
+"Our scouts report the Tory Colonel Butler with a large force of
+whites and Indians marching down the valley."
+
+"But do you not expect to repel them?"
+
+"We are sure of that," was the confident reply; "but it won't do
+for any of the women and children to be exposed. The Indians will
+scatter, and cut off all they can. Others of our friends are out
+warning the people, and we must have them all in a safe place."
+
+"Will you wait for your enemies to attack the fort?"
+
+"I believe our Colonel Butler favors that; but others, and among
+them myself and Ben, favor marching out and meeting them."
+
+"That's it," added the lad, shaking his head. "I believe in showing
+them we are not scared. Colonel Butler got leave of absence to
+come to Wyoming; he has some regulars with him, and with all our
+men and boys we'll teach the other Colonel Butler a lesson he won't
+forget as long as he lives."
+
+"Well, if you think it best, we will move into the fort with the
+other people until the danger is past."
+
+"Yes, mother; I will fight better knowing that you and Alice are
+safe. There's Linna! What about her?"
+
+"Who's Linna?" asked the visitor.
+
+"She is the little child of Omas, the Delaware warrior. He brought
+her here this afternoon to make Alice a visit, and promised to call
+tomorrow for her. Will it be safe to wait until he comes?"
+
+The neighbor shook his head.
+
+"You mustn't take any chances. Why don't you turn her loose to take
+care of herself? She can do it."
+
+"I couldn't," the mother hastened to say; "Omas left her in our
+care, and I must not neglect her. She will go with us."
+
+"I don't think it will be safe for her father to come after her,
+when the flurry is over."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"He will be with the Iroquois, even though his tribe doesn't like
+them any too well; for the Iroquois are the conquerors of the
+Delawares, and drove them off their hunting grounds."
+
+"Well," said Mrs. Ripley, with a sigh; "even if he never comes for
+her, she will always have a home with us."
+
+The dwelling of the Ripleys was on the eastern shore of the Susquehanna.
+On the other side stood Fort Wintermoot and Forty Fort, the former
+being at the upper end of the valley. That would be the first one
+reached by the invaders, and the expectation was that it would give
+up whenever ordered to do so, for nearly all in it were friends of
+the Tories.
+
+It was evident that when Omas left his child with her friends, and
+spoke of returning the next day, or soon thereafter, he did not
+know how near the invasion was. Mrs. Ripley expected that when he
+did learn it, he would hasten back for her.
+
+The night, however, passed without his appearance, and the hot July
+sun came up over the forests on the eastern bank of the river, and
+still he remained away. It looked as if he had decided to let her
+take her chances while he joined the invaders in their work of
+destruction and woe.
+
+Mrs. Ripley would have been willing to wait longer, but she was
+urged not to lose another hour. The frightened settlers were not
+allowed to take anything but their actual necessaries with them,
+for the cramped quarters in Forty Fort, where a number of cabins
+were erected, would be crowded to the utmost to make room for the
+hundreds who might clamor for admission. The quarters, indeed,
+were so scant that many camped outside, holding themselves ready
+to rush within should it become necessary.
+
+Little Linna was filled with wonder when she saw her friends
+preparing to move and knew she was going with them. But she helped
+in her way as much as she could and asked no questions. There was
+no need, in fact, for Alice asked enough for both.
+
+And just here I must relate to you a little history.
+
+On the last days of June, 1778, Colonel John Butler, with about
+four hundred soldiers--partly made up of Tories--and six or
+seven hundred Indians, entered the head of Wyoming Valley. As I
+have said, he was a cousin of Colonel Zebulon Butler, who commanded
+the patriots and did all he could to check the invaders. Reaching
+Fort Wintermoot, the British officer sent in a demand for its
+surrender. The submission was made, and the invaders then came down
+the valley and ordered the Connecticut people to surrender Forty
+Fort and the settlements. Colonel Zebulon Butler had under him,
+to quote the historical account, "two hundred and thirty enrolled
+men, and seventy old people, boys, civil magistrates, and other
+volunteers." They formed six companies, which were mustered at
+Forty Fort, where the families of the settlers on the east side of
+the river had taken refuge.
+
+Colonel Zebulon Butler, upon receiving the summons, called a
+council of war. This was on the 3rd of July. The officers believed
+that a little delay would be best, in the hope of the arrival of
+reinforcements; but nearly all the men were so clamorous to march
+out and give the invaders battle, that it was decided to do so.
+
+"You are going into great danger," remarked the leader, as he
+mounted his horse and placed himself at the head of the patriots,
+"but I will go as far as any of you."
+
+At three o'clock in the afternoon the column, numbering about
+three hundred, marched from the fort with drums beating and colors
+flying. They moved up the valley, with the river on the right and
+a marsh on the left, until they arrived at Fort Wintermoot, which
+had been set on fire by the enemy to give the impression they were
+withdrawing from the neighborhood.
+
+As you may well believe, the movements of the patriots were watched
+with deep interest by those left behind. The women and children
+clustered along the river bank and strained their eyes in the
+direction of Fort Wintermoot, the black smoke from which rolled
+down the valley and helped to shut out their view.
+
+There was hardly one among the spectators that had not a loved
+relative with the defenders. It might be a tottering grandfather,
+a sturdy son, who, though a boy, was inspired with the deepest
+fervor, and eager to risk his life for the sake of his mother or
+sister, whose hearts almost stopped beating in the painful suspense
+which must continue until the battle was decided.
+
+Alice was too young fully to understand the peril in which Ben was
+placed. She had kissed him goodbye when he ran to take his place
+with the others, and, with a light jest on his lips about her and
+Linna, he had snatched a kiss from the little Delaware's swarthy
+cheek.
+
+The mother added a few cheering words to the children, and it was
+a striking sight when they and a number of others, about their
+age or under, began playing with all the merriment of children who
+never dream that the world contains such afflictions as sorrow,
+woe, and death.
+
+It was easy to follow the course of the patriots for a time after
+they were beyond sight, by the sound of their drums and the shrill
+whistling of several fifes.
+
+In those days it was much more common than now for people to drink
+intoxicating liquors. Just before the patriots started up the
+valley, I am sorry to say, a few of the men drank more than they
+should. It has been claimed by some that but for this things would
+have gone differently on that day, which will live for ever as one
+of the saddest in American history.
+
+By and by the anxious people near the fort noticed that the sound
+of drums and fifes had ceased, and the reports of firearms were
+heard.
+
+They knew from this that the opposing forces were making ready for
+the conflict, and the suspense became painful indeed.
+
+Then amid the rattle of musketry sounded the whoops of the Iroquois. The
+battle was on. Fighting began about four o'clock in the afternoon.
+Colonel Zebulon Butler ordered his men to fire, and at each
+discharge to advance a step. The fire was regular and steady, and
+the Americans continued to gain ground, having the advantage where
+it was open. Despite the exertions of the invaders, their line
+gave way, and but for the help of the Indians they would have been
+routed.
+
+The flanking party of red men kept up a galling fire on the right,
+and the patriots dropped fast. The Indians on the Tory left were
+divided into six bands who kept up a continuous yelling which did
+much to inspirit each other, while the deadly aim told sadly upon
+the Americans.
+
+The most powerful body of Indians was in a swamp on the left of the
+patriots, and by and by they outflanked them. The Americans tried
+to manoeuvre so as to face the new danger, but some of them mistook
+the order for one to retreat. Everything was thrown into confusion.
+
+Colonel Zebulon Butler, seeing how things were going, galloped up
+and down between the opposing lines, calling out--"Don't leave
+me, my children. Stand by me and the victory is ours!"
+
+But it was too late. The patriots could not be rallied. They were
+far outnumbered, and once thrown into a panic, with the captain of
+every company slain, the day was lost.
+
+You cannot picture the distress of the women, children, and feeble
+old men waiting at Forty Fort the issue of the battle.
+
+The sorrowful groups on the bank of the river listened to the sounds
+of conflict, and read the meaning as they came to their ears.
+
+The steady, regular firing raised their hopes at first. They knew
+their sons and friends were fighting well, despite the shouts of
+the Indians borne down the valley on the sultry afternoon.
+
+By and by the firing grew more scattering, and instead of being so
+far up the river as at first, it was coming closer.
+
+This could mean but one thing; the patriots were retreating before
+the Tories and Indians.
+
+One old man, nearly four score years of age, who pleaded to go into
+the battle, but was too feeble, could not restrain his feelings.
+He walked back and forth, inspired with new strength and full of
+hope, until the scattered firing and its approach left no doubt of
+its meaning.
+
+He paused in his nervous, hobbling pace, and said to the white faced
+women standing breathlessly near--"Our boys are retreating: they
+have been beaten--all hope is gone!"
+
+The next moment two horsemen galloped into sight. "Colonel Butler
+and Colonel Denison!" said the old man, recognizing them; "they
+bring sad news."
+
+It was true. They rode their horses on a dead run, and reining up
+at the fort, where the people crowded around them, they leaped to
+the ground, and Colonel Butler said--"Our boys have been driven
+from the field, and the Tories and Indians are at their heels!"
+
+CHAPTER FOUR: THE EASTERN SHORE
+
+Young Ben Ripley made a good record on that eventful 3rd of July.
+He loaded and fired as steadily as a veteran. The smoke of the
+guns, the wild whooping of the Iroquois Indians, the sight of his
+friends and neighbors continually dropping to the ground, some of
+them at his elbow, the deafening discharge of the rifles--all these
+and the dreadful swirl and rush of events dazed him at times; but
+he kept at it with a steadiness which caused more than one expression
+of praise from the officers nearest him.
+
+All at once he found himself mixed up in the confusion caused
+by the attempt to wheel a part of the line to face the flanking
+assailants, and the mistake of many that it was an order to retreat.
+
+He did not know what it meant, for it seemed to him that a dozen
+officers were shouting conflicting orders at the same moment.
+A number of men threw down their guns and made a wild rush to get
+away, several falling over each other in the frantic scramble;
+others bumped together, and above the din of the conflict sounded
+the voices of Colonel Butler, as he rode back and forth through
+the smoke, begging his troops not to leave him, and victory would
+be theirs.
+
+Seeing the hopeless tangle, the Indians swarmed out of the swamp,
+and by their savage attack and renewed shouts made the hubbub and
+confusion tenfold worse.
+
+Somebody ran so violently against Ben that he was thrown to the
+ground. He was on his feet in an instant and turned to see who did
+it. It was a soldier fleeing for life from an Iroquois warrior.
+
+Ben raised his gun, took quick aim and pulled the trigger, but no
+report followed. He had forgotten his weapon was unloaded.
+
+Other forms obtruded between him and the couple, and he could not
+see the result of the pursuit and attack. Despite all he could do,
+he was forced back by the panic stricken rush around and against
+him.
+
+Suddenly a wild cry reached him. An Iroquois with painted face
+rushed upon him with uplifted tomahawk, but he was yet several paces
+away, when another warrior seized his arm and wrenched him to one
+side.
+
+"Run--go fast--don't stay!" commanded the Indian that had
+saved the youth, furiously motioning to him.
+
+"If my gun were loaded," replied Ben, though his voice was unheard
+in the din, "I wouldn't go till I did something more. Helloa! is
+that you, Omas?"
+
+It was the Delaware that had turned the assault aside.
+
+A couple of bounds placed him beside he lad, and he caught his arm
+with a grip of iron.
+
+It was of no use trying to hold back. Omas half running, half
+leaping, drove his way like a wedge through the surging swarm.
+His left hand closed around the upper arm of Ben, while his right
+grasped his tomahawk, he having thrown aside his rifle.
+
+The boy was repeatedly jerked almost off his feet. He could run
+fast, but was not equal to this warrior, who forged along with
+resistless might. Twice did an Iroquois make for the young prisoner,
+as he supposed the lad to be, but a warning motion of the tomahawk
+upheld by Omas repelled him.
+
+The Delaware was prudent, and instead of keeping in the midst
+of the surging mass, worked to one side, so that they were soon
+comparatively free from the tumultuous throng.
+
+There was no attempt at conversation between the Delaware and Ben.
+The boy knew what was meant by this rough kindness. The day was
+lost, and his thoughts went out to the loved ones waiting down the
+valley to learn the result of the battle. He wanted to get to them
+as quickly as he could.
+
+The rush carried them beyond the main body of fugitives, though not
+out of danger, for the Iroquois were pursuing hard; but soon Omas
+loosened his grip and dropped the arm of the lad. They were far
+enough removed from the swirl to exchange words.
+
+"Where moder--where Alice?", asked the Delaware, as if he had no
+concern for his own child.
+
+"At Forty Fort."
+
+"Linna with them?"
+
+"Yes; they are together with the other folks."
+
+"Go dere--tell cross riber--make haste to Del'mware."
+
+This command meant that the little party should hurry to the
+eastern side of the Susquehanna, and start for the settlements on
+the Upper Delaware. The nearest town was Stroudsburg, sixty miles
+distant, and the way led through a dismal forest.
+
+The words of Omas showed, too, that he knew what was coming. Though
+the British Colonel Butler might accept the surrender and strive
+to give fair treatment to the prisoners, he would find it hard to
+restrain the Tories and Indians.
+
+All that could be done was for the fugitives to flee, without
+an hour's delay. They were already flocking to the river in the
+effort to reach the other side. A good many hid among the grass
+and undergrowth on Monacacy Island, where the Tories and Indians
+followed, and hunted them out without mercy.
+
+Those who were wise enough to set out in time had a chance
+of arriving at the settlements on the Upper Delaware, though much
+suffering was sure to follow, since there was no time to prepare
+food to take with them.
+
+The remark of Omas prompted Ben's words--"How can I get mother,
+and Alice and Linna, to the other side? They cannot swim the river."
+
+"Linna swim," was the somewhat proud answer; "she take care of
+Alice you take care of moder."
+
+"I might at any other time, but with the people crowding around us,
+and the Indians at our heels and shooting down all they can, what
+chance have we? Why can't you come with me and help them?"
+
+No doubt the Delaware had asked himself the question, for he
+answered it not by words, but by breaking into a loping trot for
+Forty Fort, with Ben running at his side. He halted before reaching
+the refuge, and turned aside among the bushes overhanging the edge
+of the river, his actions showing he was searching for something.
+
+He speedily found a canoe, probably his own. It had been so
+skillfully hidden among the dense undergrowth that one might have
+passed within a couple of paces without seeing it.
+
+He picked it up as if it were a toy boat and set it down in the
+water.
+
+"Go bring moder--bring Alice--bring Linna."
+
+Ben was off like a shot, for he knew there was not a minute to
+throw away. It was the season when the days were longest, and two
+or three hours must pass before it would be fully night.
+
+It would not do for Omas to go with Ben. His appearance at the
+fort would add to the panic, and be almost certain to bring about
+a conflict with some of the whites. It was his province to guard
+the precious canoe from being taken by other fugitives.
+
+Ben Ripley now thought only of his loved ones. He knew the anguish
+his mother would suffer until she learned he was safe, and he forced
+his way to the spot where he had parted from her.
+
+It was a sad experience. Old men, women and children, with white
+faces, were rushing to and fro, wringing their hands and wailing,
+searching for those whom they never again would see in this life;
+crowding into the little fort, as if they knew a minute's delay
+would be fatal; some making for the river, into which they plunged
+in a wild effort to reach the eastern shore, while among the frantic
+masses appeared here and there a fugitive from the scene of battle,
+perhaps wounded and telling his dreadful story of the defeat, with
+all the woeful consequences that were certain to follow.
+
+With much difficulty and some rough work the lad reached the spot
+where he had bidden his mother and the children goodbye, but none
+of the three was in sight. They had been swept aside by the rush
+of the terrified people.
+
+A cry sounded above the tumult, and before he could learn where it
+came from, the arms of his mother were about his neck.
+
+"Thank Heaven! my boy is safe! You do not know what I have suffered.
+I could learn nothing about you. Are you hurt?"
+
+"Not a scratch--which is more than many other poor fellows can
+say. Where are the children?"
+
+A tiny hand was slipped into his own, and looking down, there stood
+Linna, with her forefinger between her teeth, looking shyly up at
+him. There could be no doubt she felt fully acquainted.
+
+Alice came forward on the other side. Neither understood the cause
+of the turmoil about them. They were not scared, but were awed into
+silence.
+
+"I saw Omas," explained Ben to his mother; "he saved me from the
+fate of many others."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"A little way off, under the bank, waiting with his canoe, to take
+us across the river.
+
+"He says we must hurry through the woods for the settlements on
+the Upper Delaware. Every hour that we stay increases our danger."
+
+"Let me take Alice; lead the way."
+
+Clasping tight the hand of Linna, with his mother at his heels, Ben
+pushed for the point where he had left the Delaware a few minutes
+before.
+
+Strange that though the distance was not far, and the confusion
+seemed to be increasing every minute, the little party had not gone
+half way when they were checked by one of the men that had been
+in the battle. He was slightly wounded, and under the influence of
+liquor.
+
+"Who's that you've got with you?" he demanded, looking down at
+Linna, who saw no danger in the act.
+
+"A friend of Alice and me."
+
+"She looks like an Injin," added the soldier, scowling threateningly
+at her; "if she is, I want her."
+
+"I told you she is a friend of ours--get out of my way!"
+
+The soldier's condition enabled Ben to tumble him over on his back
+by means of a vigorous shove. Before he could steady himself and
+get upon his feet again, the others were beyond reach.
+
+I am sure he would not have acted that way, had he been in the
+possession of his senses.
+
+When Ben parted from Omas, he was without a rifle, but on joining
+him again, the warrior had a fine weapon in his hand. It was not
+the one with which he appeared at the house. The lad might have
+guessed how he got it, but he did not ask any questions, nor seem
+to notice it.
+
+As the party came up, Omas merely glanced at Mrs. Ripley and her
+child, but did not speak. As for his own little girl, he gave her
+no notice. Young as she was, she understood him, and did not claim
+any attention from him. If they had been alone, she would have been
+in his arms with their cheeks together.
+
+"Go 'cross," said he, pointing toward the other shore.
+
+"Ben has told me what you said: we are ready," replied Mrs. Ripley.
+
+He held the canoe steady and motioned her to take her place in it.
+She did so, and Alice nestled at her feet, being careful not to
+stir, for such frail craft are easily upset.
+
+The canoe was small, and the weight of the mother and child sank
+it quite low, though it would hold another adult.
+
+"Get in," added Omas to the lad.
+
+Ben obeyed. He knew all about such boats, and could have paddled
+it across had there been a paddle to use, but there was none.
+
+When the Delaware laid his rifle inside with Ben's, it was evident
+he intended to swim, towing or shoving the boat.
+
+"Come, Linna, there's just room for you," added the youth, reaching
+out his hand for the dusky little girl.
+
+Instead of obeying, she looked up at her father and said something
+to which he made answer brusquely, as it sounded to the others.
+
+Retreating several paces from shore, she ran nimbly to the edge
+of the bank, and with a leap splashed away beyond the bow of the
+canoe, and began swimming like a fish for the eastern shore.
+
+It was a real treat for her, even though she did not remove any
+of her clothing. The weather was sultry, and the bath refreshingly
+cool. Not comprehending the sad scenes around her, she dived, and
+splashed, and frolicked, easily keeping in advance of the boat.
+
+Truth to tell, the canoe had all it could hold, and Omas, who swam
+at the stern, handled it with care to prevent it overturning. The
+water rose almost to the gunwales, and a little jolt or carelessness
+would have capsized it.
+
+The Delaware swam high out of water. He knew the boat would attract
+the attention of some of his own people on the bank, who, if they
+thought the occupants were escaping, would either pursue or fire
+on them.
+
+The sight of the Indian, however, at the stern would make it appear
+that they were already prisoners, and the other warriors would give
+their attention elsewhere.
+
+Omas kept clear of Monacacy Island, and by and by his feet touched
+ground. Before that, the dripping Linna had run out on land, and
+so the whole party safely reached the eastern shore.
+
+CHAPTER FIVE: IN THE WOODS
+
+You have not forgotten what I told you about the mountain range,
+which shuts in Wyoming Valley on the east. It is a thousand feet
+in height, abounding with ravines, clefts, rocks, boulders and the
+most rugged kind of places.
+
+The fugitives who fled from the Susquehanna to escape the Indians
+had to make their way over these mountains, and then find their
+way through sixty miles of trackless woods to the Delaware River.
+A great many succeeded in doing so, but the deaths and sufferings
+in the vast stretch of forest gave it the dreadful name of "The
+Shades of Death," by which it is often referred to even to this
+day.
+
+Omas swam at the rear of the small canoe, as I told you, with Mrs.
+Ripley and her two children seated inside and balancing themselves
+with great care to prevent the heavily loaded craft from sinking
+or overturning.
+
+More than one Seneca or Oneida Indian, or perhaps a Tory, that had
+chased some terrified fugitives to the edge of the river, halted
+and made ready to fire upon the canoe, whose occupants were seen
+to be three white persons.
+
+When they looked again, however, they observed the head and shoulders
+of an Indian warrior, who was plainly propelling the craft in front
+of him. That was enough to satisfy them.
+
+On the way over, Linna, the little Indian girl, amused herself by
+diving under the canoe, sometimes appearing on one side and then
+on the other, sometimes in front and then at the rear. She even
+ventured to impose upon her father by splashing water in his painted
+face. She did little of that, and he paid no attention to it.
+
+The sun had not yet set when the grim warrior and his child emerged
+on the eastern shore, their garments dripping, but caring nothing
+for that. The boat was drawn far enough up the bank to prevent its
+being swept away by the current, and then all stood side by side,
+and as if by a common impulse, looked back at the shore they had
+left.
+
+The smoke from the burning Fort Wintermoot still rested on the
+calm surface of the river, and filtered among the green vegetation
+near the scene of the battle. Other buildings had been fired, and
+mingled their vapor with it.
+
+Here and there, every minute or two, sounded the sharp crack of a
+rifle. This too often meant that some fugitive had been run down by
+his cruel pursuer, who listened to no pleadings for mercy. A good
+many had taken refuge on Monacacy Island, from which the reports
+of guns continually came.
+
+I have not the space here to tell you of the wonderful escapes at
+Wyoming, the particulars of which I have given in another work.
+
+One boy, who was with several men near Fort Jenkins before the
+battle, saw all the men shot down or captured; but he hid himself
+among some willows and was not noticed.
+
+If you ever visit the scene of the battle, you will notice a broad,
+flat stone, called Queen Esther's Rock, a half dozen miles below
+Wilkesbarre. Queen Esther was an old, cruel, half breed woman who
+came with the Indians. She is sometimes known as Katharine Montour.
+A son of hers was killed in the conflict, and she was so angered
+that she had sixteen captives placed around the rock, and meant to
+slay them all, while the warriors prevented them from escaping.
+
+Nevertheless two of the young men jumped up and started on a run
+for the river. The guards dashed after them. One caught his toe,
+and rolled headlong down the bank into some bushes. Instead of
+springing up again, as he first started to do, he lay still, and
+though the Indians almost stepped upon him, he was not discovered,
+and got off without harm.
+
+The other reached the river, took a running leap and dived, and
+swam under water as far as he could. When he came up to breathe,
+the waiting red men fired at him again and again. He was wounded,
+but not badly, and, reaching the other side, caught a stray horse,
+made a bridle from a hickory withe, and soon joined his friend.
+
+Another fugitive, after running until he was so tired out he could
+hardly stand, and hearing the Indians near, backed into a hollow log
+and awaited his fate. He had been in the hollow but a few minutes
+when a spider spun its web across the entrance. A few minutes later,
+two warriors sat down on the log. They noticed how good a hiding
+place it would be for the white man, and one of them leaned over
+to peep in. As he did so, he saw the spider web. He was sure that
+it would not be there if the man was inside, and did not search
+further. When the warriors left, the man crawled out and got safely
+away.
+
+You know that the home of the Ripleys was on the eastern shore,
+which they left that same morning. They had crossed over in a large
+flatboat with a number of other families, so that now they were
+near their own home again. Omas had guided the canoe, too, so they
+landed not far from the little structure.
+
+"Omas," said the mother, "I understand you wish us to go to the
+Delaware."
+
+"Yes," he replied, "Iroquois won't hurt you there--must go."
+
+"We haven't a particle of food with us; Ben has his gun and may
+have a chance to shoot some game on the way--more than likely, he
+will have no chance at all; it will take us several days to reach
+Stroudsburg, which, I believe, is the nearest point. Don't you think
+it best that we should stop at the house and get what food we can?"
+
+"Yes, we do dat; come 'long; not great time."
+
+There could be no safer guide than the Delaware, when his race were
+such complete masters of the situation; though there was risk that
+a patriot hiding somewhere in the neighborhood might take a shot
+at him, under the belief that he meant harm to the captives.
+
+The humble log structure was found just as it was left that morning.
+If any of the marauding bands of Indians paid it a visit, they did
+not linger after seeing it was tenantless.
+
+There was a whole loaf of bread and part of another left beside
+some cooked chicken, and a number of live ones were scratching the
+ground outside, as if they had no concern in what was going on.
+
+"The weather is warm now," remarked the prudent housewife, "but a
+cold storm may set in before we reach shelter."
+
+With which she folded a blanket from her bed and laid it over her
+arm.
+
+"It will come handy to sleep on," added Ben, who did the same with
+a second, despite the weight of his rifle, which (as they were made
+in those days) was a good load of itself for a strong boy.
+
+Omas showed some impatience, though his companions did not understand
+the cause. His actions, indeed, were curious. They supposed he meant
+to conduct them all or a greater part of the way to Stroudsburg,
+though at times he appeared to be hesitating over it, or over some
+other scheme he had in mind.
+
+Ben Ripley had rambled among the rugged scenery, on the eastern
+shore of the river, having gone with his father many times when
+he was on hunting excursions; but he was not as familiar with the
+ins and outs of the mountains as the Delaware, whose village was
+a good many miles away.
+
+None of the party had eaten anything of account since the early
+morning meal, before they crossed the Susquehanna. The dangers,
+excitement, and suspense of the hours drove away the thought of
+food. Young as was Linna, she had already learned not to ask for it
+when either of her parents chose not to offer it to her. Doubtless
+she was hungry, but if so, no one else knew it. Alice had been
+given bread when at Forty Fort, and she now suggested that some
+more would not come amiss.
+
+"We all need it," said Ben; "why not take our last meal in our old
+home? You have no objection Omas?"
+
+"Eat here," was his reply.
+
+The guns were leaned against the walls, the blankets put aside
+and all gathered round the board. The Delaware had done the same
+before when visiting the family, and acquired the civilized form of
+eating, while Linna picked it up during the brief time spent with
+her friends.
+
+The meal lasted but a few minutes, when they once more gathered up
+their luggage, as it may be called, left the house, and with Omas
+in the lead, struck into the mountains on the long tramp to the
+Delaware.
+
+The sun went down while they were picking their way through the
+rough section. The Ripleys expected to do much hard travelling,
+but their guide's knowledge of every turn enabled him to pick out
+paths which none ever suspected. Sometimes the climbing was abrupt,
+but all, even to Alice, were accustomed to that kind of work, and
+they kept up a steady gait, which must have placed many miles to
+the rear if continued long.
+
+Omas continued at the head. Directly behind him walked his child,
+the path most of the time being so narrow that they were obliged
+to travel in Indian file. Then came Alice and her mother, while
+Ben considered himself the rearguard. When the space allowed, Alice
+took the hand of her parent, but Linna never presumed to speak to
+or interfere with her grim, silent parent.
+
+Darkness closed around them before they had gone a couple of miles.
+During all this time the tramp continued in silence, probably not
+a dozen words being spoken. Each of the three elder was using eyes
+and ears to the utmost.
+
+The sharp crack of a rifle broke the silence, not more than a
+hundred yards to the right of them. Everyone started except Omas,
+who acted as if he did not hear the report. He made no change in
+his pace, and so far as the others could see in the gloom, did not
+turn his head. They concluded, therefore, that no cause for alarm
+existed.
+
+Fairly through the mountain spur and among the deep woods, the
+journey was pushed until the night was well along. Suddenly, Omas
+made a short turn to the right and stopping in a hollow, where there
+were several large boulders, he said--"We stay here all night."
+
+The words were a surprise, for it was expected he would travel for
+a long time. He, Mrs. Ripley and Linna could have done so without
+inconvenience, but Alice was tired out. Her relatives were pretty
+well burdened already, though either would have carried her had
+it been necessary; but the party had gained so good a start that
+there seemed little risk in making a long stop.
+
+Omas reached down one hand and laid it on the bare head of Alice,
+saying in a voice of strange gentleness--"Little girl tired--
+she can rest."
+
+And then all knew he had ceased walking because of her. Had she not
+been a member of the party, he would have kept the rest on their
+feet until the sun appeared above the forest.
+
+"Yes, I'm tired, Omas," said the little one wearily, holding the
+hand of the Delaware in both her own; "I'm glad you stopped."
+
+The gloom was so deep, for there was no moon until very late
+(and if there had been, its rays could not have pierced the dense
+foliage), that they could hardly see each other's figures. Omas
+hastily gathered some leaves and dead twigs, which were heaped
+together against one of the boulders. Then he produced his flint
+and steel--for he had learned the trick long before of the whites
+--and by and by a shower of sparks was flying from the swift,
+sharp blows of the metal against the hard stone. A minute later one
+of the sparks "caught," and under his nursing a fire was speedily
+under way.
+
+While he was thus engaged, Mrs. Ripley spread the blankets on the
+ground and Alice stretched her tired little body upon one of them.
+
+"Mamma, I guess God will excuse me for not saying my prayers," she
+murmured, as she closed her eyes and sank into slumber.
+
+Linna was tired, too, but she kept her feet and looked at her father
+for his permission, before presuming to lie down.
+
+"Come, Linna, here is your place beside Alice," said the mother
+kindly.
+
+Again she turned to her father, who was standing by the fire,
+looking off in the gloom, as if he suspected something wrong.
+
+He gave the permission in their native tongue and she cuddled down
+beside her friend without further waiting.
+
+"Mother," said Ben, "you had better lie down with them."
+
+"Not yet," she replied, with a significant look at he Delaware,
+whose back was toward them.
+
+"What about him?" asked the surprised lad in a low voice.
+
+"He is meditating something evil: he wants to leave us.
+
+"What evil is there in that, if he thinks we have gone far enough
+to be safe?"
+
+"You have forgotten that he fought with the Iroquois today; he
+wants to go back to Wyoming and join them in their work."
+
+"If that is so, how can we hinder him?"
+
+"I don't know that we can; but I shall try it."
+
+Ben busied himself gathering more wood, so that the fire cast a
+glow several yards from where it burned against the boulder.
+
+When he had collected enough to last a long while, he came back
+and sat down by his mother. All this time the Delaware remained
+motionless, with his face away from them. He was debating some
+troublous question in his mind. They watched him closely.
+
+He turned about abruptly, and said--"Omas must go--he say
+'goodnight' to his friends."
+
+CHAPTER SIX: PUSHING EASTWARD
+
+No person in all the world is so quick to detect deception as
+a mother. It is simply wonderful the way she will sometimes read
+one's thoughts. I am sure you boys who have lagged on the road when
+sent on an errand, had a scrimmage with some other boy, or done
+any one of the numerous acts in which a mother persists in asking
+annoying questions, will agree with me.
+
+While Omas, the Delaware warrior, stood with his face turned away
+from the camp fire and looking off in the gloom, as if he was
+trying to discover something in the darkness, Mrs. Ripley was sure
+she knew what the trouble was: he was trying to decide whether he
+should stay longer with the little party or leave them to make the
+rest of their way through the woods without him.
+
+He might well say they were now so far from Wyoming that they were
+in little danger. They had but to keep on tramping for several days
+and nights, and they would reach the little town of Stroudsburg,
+which, you may know, is near Delaware Water Gap. There they need
+have no fear of the red men.
+
+Mrs. Ripley knew all this as well as Omas himself, but she did not
+wish him to go back and join the hostile Iroquois, as he wanted
+to do. She felt it would be far better if he would stay with them,
+for then he would do no further harm to the white people.
+
+When, therefore, he turned about and bade them goodbye, all doubt
+was gone. Ben did not reply, but his mother rose from the other
+blanket on which she had been sitting, walked quietly to where the
+Delaware was standing, and laid her hand kindly on his arm.
+
+"Omas, I do not wish you to leave us," she said.
+
+He looked at her, for both stood where the firelight fell upon
+their faces, and replied--"No danger--walk towards the rising
+sun--need not walk fast--Iroquois won't hurt--soon be safe."
+
+The lady was too wise to let her real objection appear.
+
+"A while ago we heard the noise of a gun; our people are fleeing
+through the woods, and the red men are following them. Alice is
+tired, and we have stopped to rest. When we start again tomorrow,
+some of the red men will be ahead of us. What shall we do without
+our friend Omas?"
+
+"He have gun." he replied, indicating Ben.
+
+"So have the red men, and there are more of them."
+
+Now, if Mrs. Ripley was skilful in reading the thoughts of the
+Delaware, it may be that he, too, suspected the real cause for her
+objections. Be that as it may, it was plain he was not satisfied.
+He held the Ripley family in too high regard to offend them openly;
+but Omas was set in his ways.
+
+He made no reply to the last remark, but stepped a little nearer
+the fire and sat down, moody and silent.
+
+"You have said enough, mother," remarked Ben in a low voice; "it
+will anger him to say more. I will sit with my head against the
+rock; do you lie down on the blanket and let your head rest in my
+lap. I think it will be safe for us all."
+
+With some hesitation the mother complied, the Delaware apparently
+paying no heed to them. He kept his seat on the ground, looking
+gloomily into the fire and in deep thought. A struggle was going
+on in his mind, and no one could say whether the good or evil would
+win.
+
+Ben Ripley was anxious that his mother should sleep. She had
+undergone the severest of trials since early morning, and none had
+wrought harder than she. The morrow would make further demands on
+her strength. As for himself, he was young, sturdy, and could stand
+more and rally sooner than she.
+
+When, therefore, she said something in a low tone, he placed his
+hand softly over her mouth and whispered--"S--h! go to sleep,
+baby."
+
+He smoothed the silky hair away from the forehead so gently and so
+soothingly that she could not resist the effect. She meant to keep
+awake until Omas made his final decision; but no person can resist
+the approach of slumber, except by active movement.
+
+Before long, and while Ben's hand was still gliding like down over
+the forehead, the faint, regular breathing showed she was asleep.
+
+The son smiled.
+
+"Good! The best mother that ever lived! Heavenly Father, watch over
+her and spare her for many years. Watch over us all."
+
+He looked across at Omas, on the other side of the camp fire, and
+saw the Delaware gazing fixedly at him.
+
+He arose as silently as a shadow and stepped nearer, peering down
+on the pale, handsome face with its closed eyes.
+
+"She sleep?" asked the Indian.
+
+"Yes," replied Ben, softly, with a nod of his head.
+
+He looked at her a moment and then across to the other blanket,
+where the round, chubby cheeks of the little girls reflected the
+firelight. He waited a moment, and then the gentler side of his
+nature triumphed. He bent over the forms, kissed each in turn,
+straightened up, and pointing to the eastward, said to Ben--"Go
+dat way--you safe--goodbye."
+
+"Goodbye," replied the lad, knowing it was useless to protest.
+
+Like the gliding of the shadow of a cloud, the Delaware passed beyond
+the circle of light thrown out by the fire into the deep gloom of
+the wood. The moccasins pressed the dry leaves without giving back
+any sound, and he vanished.
+
+"That makes a change of situation," was the conclusion of Ben
+Ripley; "he's gone, and I become the general of this army; there's
+no telling what danger may be abroad tonight, so I will keep my
+eyes open till sunrise, to make sure that no harm comes to these
+folks."
+
+And ten minutes after this decision the lad was as sound asleep as
+his mother and the two little ones.
+
+But there was One who did not slumber while all were unconscious.
+He ever watches over His children, and,--though there were many
+perils abroad that night, none of them came near our friends.
+
+The camp fire which had been burning so brightly grew dimmer and
+lower until the figures could hardly be seen. They gradually became
+more indistinct, and finally the gloom was as deep as anywhere in
+the dense woods. Only a few smouldering embers were left, and they
+gave out no glow.
+
+Ben was still sleeping, when something tickled his nose. He rubbed
+it vigorously with his forefinger and opened his eyes, confused
+and bewildered.
+
+An odd, chuckling laugh at his elbow drew his gaze hither. There
+stood Linna, with the sprig of oak which she had been passing back
+and forth under the base of his nose, making it feel for all the
+world like a fly titillating his nostrils.
+
+Ben made an attempt to catch the mischievous girl, but she deftly
+eluded him, and laughed so heartily that the others awoke and looked
+wonderingly to learn what it all meant.
+
+"I'll pay you for that!" exclaimed the lad, as his mother raised
+her head from his lap. Bounding to his feet, he darted after Linna,
+but she was so nimble, and dodged back and forth and from right to
+left so fast, that it took much effort to run her down.
+
+Like all little girls, she was very "ticklish," and when he dallied
+with his fingers about her plump neck, she dropped to the ground
+and kicked and rolled over to get away from him. He let her up,
+and said with pretended gravity that he never allowed any trifling
+with him without punishing the person therefore.
+
+Linna did not seem to notice the absence of her father, and asked
+no questions. Ben told his mother how he went off after she fell
+asleep, and the good woman saddened, for she was sure she understood
+it all.
+
+The first thing done, after a few minutes' talk, was to kneel in
+prayer, Mrs. Ripley leading in a petition to Heaven that all might
+be preserved from harm and reach the distant settlement safely. She
+did not forget the absent Omas, or the hundreds of hapless people
+whom they had left behind, who were still in great danger.
+
+It was Mrs. Ripley's custom always to offer prayer in the little
+household at the beginning of each day. Linna, who had gained a
+dim idea of what the touching act meant, bent on her knees beside
+Alice; and who shall say the petition which went up from her heart
+was not heard and remembered by Him who notices the fall of every
+sparrow.
+
+And now came the serious business of the day. Many long miles of
+trackless forest lay before them and the delay caused all to feel
+the need of hurry.
+
+Mrs. Ripley gave to each a moderate portion of the food brought
+with them, carefully preserving what was left, for they were sure
+to need that and much more before reaching the end of their journey.
+The day promised to be sultry like the preceding one, and each sadly
+missed the water with which to quench their thirst and splash upon
+their faces and hands.
+
+"We shall come across some before long," said Ben hopefully when
+he and his mother had divided the luggage between them and set out
+toward the rising sun; "we are a great deal better off than the
+poor folks of Wyoming."
+
+The mother pinched the clothing of Linna, and found it dried of
+the moisture gained by her swim in the Susquehanna.
+
+It is a curious practice among not only the Indians, but with
+many white people, not to change wet stockings or garments for dry
+ones. I knew a fisherman's boy whose father once punished him for
+removing his saturated stockings and shoes for others.
+
+"Always let 'em dry on you, and you won't catch cold," was his
+doctrine. "Keep moving if you can, but don't change 'em."
+
+I don't believe in the practice; but be that as it may, the little
+Delaware girl showed no ill effects from sleeping in the clothing
+that had been wet. As for her father, he would have been insulted
+at the mention of such a thing to him.
+
+Ben's belief about finding water proved true. They had gone hardly
+a half mile from camp when they came upon a sparkling brook, cold
+and clear, and abundant enough to serve all. Having no vessels
+with them, they lay down and quaffed their fill. Then they bathed
+their faces and hands in the delicious fluid, and were much refreshed.
+
+The expectation was that they would travel a good many miles before
+night again overtook them. The way, while rough and broken in many
+places, was not hard, and all, even to the smaller children, were
+used to being on their feet. There was little fear indeed that Linna
+would not do her part as well as the older ones. Young as she was
+in years, she had been trained to hardship from the time she could
+walk. Not only that, but, like all her race, she had learned to
+bear suffering in silence and without sign of pain.
+
+She would have to become very tired before her companions would
+know it.
+
+By and by the ground was found to be rising, and in the course of
+an hour they gained an elevation which, having few trees, gave them
+an extended view of the surrounding country.
+
+Looking back in the direction of Wyoming, the sky was seen to be
+soiled by the heavy smoke not only from the burned Fort Wintermoot,
+but from other buildings that had been fired by the Tories and Indians.
+The sight was a sorrowful one, and caused the mother and son some
+uneasiness. They seemed nearer to the scene of the conflict than
+they had supposed, and--since the people had been continually
+swimming the river, and taking flight in the woods for the same
+point that was the destination of the Ripleys--it was quite
+certain that some of the pursuers were not far off.
+
+"We must make as little noise as we can," said Ben, when the party
+were about to start forward again: "for there can be no telling
+how close we are to Indians that are looking for us.'
+
+"I think it better for you to walk a little way in front," suggested
+the mother, "so as to warn us in time."
+
+"The plan is a good one. I will keep in sight of you, and the minute
+I see anything amiss, will make a sign, so you can stop at once."
+
+This course was adopted. Ben carried one of the blankets flung
+over his left arm as if it were an extra garment, and steadied the
+heavy rifle on his shoulder with the other. As you remember, he
+was tall for his years, strong, and with rugged health.
+
+Had the weather been cooler he could have Kept up this method of
+traveling for hours without fatigue; but the heat made it trying.
+True, at that season of the year the foliage was dense on the trees
+and shut out the sun's rays, except in the open spaces and natural
+clearings which they now and then crossed; but the vegetation also
+stopped whatever breeze was stirring, and obliged the members of
+the party to halt many times to rest and cool themselves.
+
+Mrs. Ripley had but few extra things to carry, and showed less
+fatigue than anyone, excepting the Delaware child. The latter and
+Alice walked most of the time side by side, and generally with
+clasped hands. There was no use of their trying to keep their
+tongues still, but they were wise enough to speak in whispers and
+such soft undertones that no one else could tell what they said,
+and therefore nothing was to be feared on that account from any
+enemies in the neighborhood.
+
+"Why not he make sign?" was the startling question of Linna, pointing
+at Ben, before the party had gone far after their brief rest.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the puzzled Mrs. Ripley; "he isn't to
+make any sign to us till he sees or hears something wrong."
+
+"People off dere!" replied Linna, pointing ahead and to the right
+of their course. "Me hear dem speak."
+
+It was true. The keen ears of the child had discovered a peril that
+no one else suspected. She alone had caught the sound of voices
+that escaped all other ears.
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN: JABEZ ZITNER
+
+At this moment Ben Ripley was about a hundred feet in advance of
+the party and ascending a ridge in the woods, which were so open
+that he was in plain sight of the others.
+
+Mrs. Ripley, on hearing the alarming words of the little Delaware
+girl, came to a stop. It seemed strange that Linna should have
+caught the sounds noticed by no one else, and that, too, while she
+was whispering to her companion, Alice; but even at that tender age
+the inherited sharpness of hearing had been trained to a wonderfully
+fine degree.
+
+Mrs. Ripley was too prudent to argue with her. It was not wise to
+take any chances. Above all, it was important that Ben should know
+the truth, for he was still walking away from them with no knowledge
+of their discovery.
+
+"S--h!" The sibilant noise made by the mother's lips crossed the
+space and the listening lad halted and looked round. She did not
+speak, but beckoned him to come back. He obeyed at once.
+
+"Linna says she heard voices a minute ago, over yonder," whispered
+Mrs. Ripley, as her son joined them.
+
+"So me did," added Linna, in answer to the inquiring look of the
+lad.
+
+"You have sharp ears, little one; but are you sure?"
+
+"Me am," was the confident reply.
+
+"Where were they?"
+
+She again pointed out the direction.
+
+"That must be looked into: wait till I come back, and--"
+
+"S--h!" interrupted the mother.
+
+All caught an indistinct murmur, which proved Linna was right.
+
+"Me tell you--eh?" she said in a proud undertone, her black eyes
+sparkling with triumph.
+
+"You are right: wait till I learn whether they are friends or
+enemies. I will not be gone long."
+
+Leaving the anxious group clustered together, Ben faced in the
+direction of the sounds, which had stopped, and were so faint when
+heard that he could not tell whether they belonged to friends or
+foes.
+
+As nearly as he could find out, the parties were just beyond the
+crest of the ridge, and, but for the warning of Linna, he would
+have run into the danger before knowing it.
+
+With the utmost care he went up the slope. He leaned forward and
+stepped more slowly, avoiding, so far as he could, making any noise
+on the leaves or against the bushes and limbs which he had to push
+aside to allow him to advance.
+
+At the instant of reaching the highest point he heard the voices
+again, so close that he knew they were made by white people,
+who were in a clump of dense undergrowth. A faint wreath of smoke
+filtering through the branches overhead showed they had started a
+small fire, beside which they were probably sitting or reclining
+on the ground.
+
+Now that he was certain they belonged to his own race, he had less
+fear. Still, they might prove unpleasant neighbors when they came
+to know one of the party was a daughter of Omas. Turning toward his
+friends, who were watching him, Ben made a sign for them to stay
+where they were while he went forward.
+
+He moved with the same care as before, but an unexpected accident
+spoiled everything. His foot caught in a wire-like vine, and
+he almost fell on his hands and knees. Aware that he had betrayed
+himself, he threw aside further caution, hurried down the slope,
+and called out in a guarded undertone--
+
+"Helloa there, friends!"
+
+"Who are you?" was the demand that instantly followed, and from the
+undergrowth, beside a small fire, two men suddenly rose upright,
+each with rifle in hand.
+
+Ben recognized them. One was Jabez Zitner and the other Horace Burwink
+--both middle aged, sturdy, and strong. They were neighbors, and
+had taken part in the engagement the day before, but, escaping
+without harm, were now on their way to the settlements of the Upper
+Delaware.
+
+A meeting of this kind would have been pleasing in the highest
+degree, for it added great strength to the party; but a misgiving
+came to the lad when he recognized Zitner. He was the man who, when
+partially intoxicated the previous afternoon, had tried to take
+Linna from him and was vigorously shoved aside by her friend.
+
+"Helloa, Ben! where did you come from?" asked Zitner, who was now
+entirely himself.
+
+"Glad to see you," added Burwink, and the two extended their hands.
+"You gave us a great scare, for the woods are full of redskins."
+
+"You startled me, too," replied Ben. "I am travelling with my mother
+and sister to Stroudsburg. I suppose you are aiming for the same
+place?"
+
+"Yes--if we ever get there. What become of that little sarpent
+you had with you yesterday?"
+
+It was Zitner who asked the question. Ben's face flushed, for he
+did not like to hear Linna spoken of in that way.
+
+"She is with us," he quietly replied.
+
+"What are you going to do with her?"
+
+"She is in our care, and goes wherever we go."
+
+"You seem mighty fond of the people who played the mischief with
+us yesterday."
+
+"Jabez Zitner, I fought just as hard as you, and did all I could
+to drive back the Iroquois and Tories, but I don't fight little
+children six years old."
+
+"Who's talking about fighting 'em?" demanded Zitner angrily. "Their
+people didn't spare our women and children."
+
+"They are savages, but you and I claim to be civilized."
+
+"That's all well enough, but my motto is--fight fire with fire."
+Burwink was listening to this sharp interchange of words, the
+meaning of which he caught. Wishing to make a friend of him, for
+Ben foresaw trouble, he asked--"Am I not right, Mr. Burwink?"
+
+"I should say--on general principles you are; but, after yesterday,
+I don't feel much love for any of the varmints. Who is this Injin
+gal that you are talking about?"
+
+Ben was too wise to give the name of Linna's father, knowing he
+would be instantly recognized as one of the fiercest warriors that
+had taken part in the invasion and battle. He therefore replied--
+
+"She is a girl named Linna; she is of the same age as our Alice, and
+was visiting her when we crossed the river to Forty Fort yesterday
+morning. We could do nothing but take her with us, and I will defend
+her with my life."
+
+"You are talking big," remarked Zitner, with a scornful look at
+the sturdy lad. "Who is the gal's father?"
+
+"That makes no difference; but I will say he belongs to the Delaware
+tribe, most of whom are friends to our people."
+
+"There were plenty of them with the Senecas and Oneidas yesterday,
+and they fought like wild cats, too. But why don't you bring your
+folks forward?" added Zitner, looking inquiringly around.
+
+"I will do so. Wait a few minutes."
+
+He strode back and over the top of the ridge, until he caught sight
+of the frightened group.
+
+"Come on!" he called, beckoning to them. "Mr. Zitner and Burwink
+are here, and want to see you."
+
+With an expression of thankfulness, Mrs. Ripley, clasping a hand
+of each of the children, walked up the slope, and passed over to
+where the couple awaited their approach by the camp fire. She shook
+hands with each, and expressed her pleasure at meeting them. They
+did the same toward her, and then all, with the exception of the
+children, seated themselves on the fallen tree beside which the
+small fire was burning.
+
+Mrs. Ripley had observed the little incident the preceding
+afternoon, when Zitner tried to stop Linna. She was ill at ease,
+for she noticed how sharply he looked at the child. She hoped,
+however, that now he was fully himself, he would be ashamed of his
+action, or at least make no reference to it.
+
+No fear of her doing so. She showed her tact by leading the
+conversation in another direction.
+
+"When did you leave Wyoming?"
+
+"Burwink and I didn't get a chance to swim over until nearly
+midnight, and then we had a rough time of it. There were plenty of
+others that tried to do the same and never got to this side."
+
+"When did you leave?" asked Burwink of the lady.
+
+"We crossed before it was dark."
+
+"How did you manage it? Swim?"
+
+"No; we came over in a canoe. A Delaware Indian, the father of
+Linna, swam behind the boat and pushed it across. But for him, we
+never could have gotten away."
+
+Mrs. Ripley, like her son, meant to keep the name of their friend
+from these men. There was no danger of either her or Ben telling
+it; but neither thought of another means they had of learning it.
+
+At this point, Alice went to her mother and leaned against her
+knees, with her gaze on the faces of the men. She had been standing
+beside Linna, whose eyes were never once removed from the displeasing
+countenance of Zitner.
+
+She must have noticed the incident referred to, for the expression
+on her round face was of dislike and distrust. She stood further
+off from the men than anyone else--silent, watchful, and suspicious.
+
+Zitner now looked at her.
+
+"Come here," he said coaxingly, extending his hand.
+
+"No; me won't. Me don't like you," she replied, with an angry flirt
+and backward step.
+
+"Jingo!" exclaimed the surprised Zitner; "I didn't think she could
+talk our lingo. Say, Miss Spitfire, what is your father's name?"
+
+Before either Mrs. Ripley or her son could interpose, Linna
+answered defiantly--"He Omas--great warrior--kill good many
+white people--kill you!"
+
+The reply caused consternation on the part of Mrs. Ripley and
+Ben, but the boy shut his lips tight. He could not but admire the
+bravery of the child, and he was determined to stand by her to the
+end.
+
+The mother was in despair, but she relied mainly on persuasion and
+prayer.
+
+With no idea of what all this meant, Alice looked in the face of
+each person in turn while speaking.
+
+"She's a chip off the old block," said Burwink, with a laugh. "She
+doesn't seem to have much fear of you, Jabez."
+
+"I am hopeful she will feel different when she grows older,"
+soothingly remarked Mrs. Ripley.
+
+"I'd like to know what you build your hope on," replied Zitner,
+still curiously watching the child.
+
+"I expect to have her a good deal under my care, and I shall do
+all I can to instruct her aright. This morning she knelt with us in
+prayer. You must remember she is very young, and has heard little,
+if anything, of Christianity."
+
+Zitner shook his head.
+
+"It's born in 'em, and you can't get it out."
+
+"But, Mr. Zitner, you will not deny that we have a good many
+Christian Indians. There are plenty of them at Gnadenhutten, and
+the Moravian missionaries have been the means of turning hundreds
+from darkness to light. If they can do that with full grown warriors
+and women, may we not hope for the best from those of tender years?"
+
+"I don't know about that," was the dogged reply. "I never believed
+in this conversion business."
+
+"What can you mean by such a remark?" asked the shocked lady.
+
+"I mean, religion is good enough for white people, but don't work
+with Injins. They will pretend they're good, but are only waiting
+for a chance to do mischief."
+
+"The converted Delawares have never taken part in the wars against
+us. You know that as well as I."
+
+"How about Omas?"
+
+"He makes no pretence of Christianity."
+
+"And therefore has no claim on our indulgence."
+
+"No one has said he has," observed Ben, coming to his mother's
+help; "he will never ask quarter from you or any white man."
+
+"Where is he now? He brought you over the river, but seems to have
+deserted you."
+
+"He left because he didn't think we had further need of his aid;
+we can get along without him."
+
+"Now, see here," added Zitner, straightening up on the log and
+slapping his knee; "I'll tell you what I've made up my mind to do.
+I am willing to give in to Mrs. Ripley that far, that I won't harm
+that youngster--that is, I will leave it to her father whether
+I shall or shan't."
+
+Neither mother nor son could understand the meaning of this strange
+remark. They waited for the man to explain.
+
+"I'm going to take her with us as a hostage. We're not clear of the
+varmints yet. I believe Omas himself ain't far off, and the rest
+will be on our heels all the way to Stroudsburg. If they get us
+in a tight place, I'll let 'em know we've got the gal of Omas with
+us, and if they harm a hair of our heads it'll be all up with her.
+We'll take her clean to Stroudsburg, and then turn her loose, for
+we won't have any further need of her; but she must go with us."
+
+"Jabez Zitner," said Ben Ripley--"the moment you lay your hand
+on that child I will shoot you!"
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT: LINNA'S WOODCRAFT
+
+No one could have looked into the face of Ben Ripley without seeing
+he meant just what he said.
+
+Jabez Zitner supposed, when he made known that he intended to take
+the little Delaware girl with him as a hostage, that though it might
+be displeasing to the Ripleys, they would not dare object; but he
+was mistaken.
+
+The lad was sitting furthest away on the fallen tree, with his
+rifle resting across his knees, when he warned the man that if he
+laid a hand on Linna he would shoot him.
+
+Ben spoke low, but mingling with his words were two faint clicking
+sounds. They were made by the hammer of his rifle, as with his
+thumb he drew it back ready for use. His face was slightly pale,
+but his eyes glittered, and he rose to his feet and looked at the
+startled man.
+
+Mrs. Ripley gave a gasp of fright and clasped her hands, while the
+children mutely stared.
+
+Even Zitner was silent. He knew Ben's pluck, but did not believe it
+would take him thus far, for it looked as if there were two adults
+against a single boy.
+
+Burwink however, was more of a man than his companion. He looked
+smilingly at Ben and said--"Jabez, I reckon this has gone far
+enough."
+
+"What do you mean?'" angrily asked the other.
+
+"You must leave the little gal alone."
+
+"Oh, thank you! thank you!" exclaimed Mrs. Ripley. "I might have
+known you would see that right is done."
+
+Zitner had a few sharp words with his friend, but the latter was
+immovable. He would not listen to his proposition, and that ended
+the matter.
+
+"Well," finally said Zitner, rising to his feet, "I intended to
+see you folks safe to the Delaware; but I won't have anything to
+do with you now. Come, Horace."
+
+He strode off without another word or looking to the right or left.
+Burwink waited a minute, and then, with a quizzical look at Mrs.
+Ripley and her son asked--
+
+"Do you think you can stand it?"
+
+"We shall have to," replied Ben.
+
+"Well, goodbye, and good luck to you;" and he followed his friend
+among the trees.
+
+"That was a luckier ending than I expected," remarked Ben, letting
+down the hammer of his rifle.
+
+"If Mr. Burwink had sided with him, there would have been no help
+for it," said his mother.
+
+"Such people are always cowards. I wasn't afraid of him."
+
+Now that they had departed, Linna came over to her champion--
+though she could not have fully understood all that had passed--
+and placed her hand confidingly on his shoulder.
+
+"Linna, I have two sisters," he said tenderly; "yonder is one, and
+her name is Alice: can you tell me the name of the other?"
+
+"Yes--she name be Linna."
+
+"You are right. Now, if you will kiss me, I won't tickle you any
+more for making my nose itch this morning."
+
+The lips were put up to his, and with deep affection on the part
+of both, the salute was exchanged.
+
+"If any more white people show themselves, and they ask you your
+father's name, let mother and me answer for you."
+
+"Me do what you say," was the obedient response.
+
+It need not be said that our friends were greatly relieved by the
+departure of Zitner. While as I have already said, they ought to
+have been glad of the company of him and Burwink, they would have
+been ill at ease so long as the surly fellow was with them. He
+surely held no good will toward the little girl, and would have
+found some chance to show it.
+
+"But are we really rid of him?" asked Ben of his mother. The two
+sat close to each other on the tree, and the children were playing
+a few steps away.
+
+"I am quite sure we are."
+
+"He may steal back tonight, if we camp near."
+
+"Why should he? He does not want to harm Linna, but to use her as
+a means of safety against her own people."
+
+"That was what he said, but I don't believe him. It seems to me we
+ought to change our course, to be certain of not meeting him again."
+
+"As you think best."
+
+"We have had a good rest. Come, girls, we must be off." Taking the
+lead as before, Ben strode down the incline, bearing more to the
+left than he had been doing.
+
+All smiled at Linna, for she noticed the change on the instant.
+
+"You go wrong," she said; "dat not right way."
+
+"Which is the right way, Miss Smartness?"
+
+She pointed it out.
+
+"You are right, but that is the course of that bad man, who doesn't
+like you. We will go around, so as not to see him again."
+
+She was satisfied, and gave her attention to Alice, who thought it
+odd that she and Ben should have so many disputes.
+
+Over the varying surface, turning aside now and then to pass some
+obstacle in the shape of rocks or ravines--now up hill and down,
+among the dense trees, where the briars and bushes scratched their
+hands and faces, across small rippling streams and natural clearings
+--they pushed on until the sun was far beyond meridian and the
+halt and rest were grateful.
+
+"I don't think we need give any more thought to Zitner," said Ben;
+"and I am sure we are all glad. He could not find us now, if he
+tried."
+
+"If they kept to their course, we must be several miles apart."
+
+"I have been working my way back, so that, after all, I do not
+think we have lost much ground. I hope Miss Linna is satisfied."
+
+"She would make complaint if she was not."
+
+They had stopped near another of the small running streams, for it
+was harder to do without water than food.
+
+"I'm hungry, mother."
+
+"So we all are," she added, producing half a loaf, which was the
+last of their food.
+
+"To leave any portion of this will only aggravate all your appetites,
+so we will finish it."
+
+The bread was divided among the four, and when eating ceased not
+a crumb was left.
+
+"It isn't a good time of the year for hunting, mother, but if I can
+get sight of any game, I'll bring it down, whether it is a deer,
+bear, wild turkey, quail, or anything that will serve for a meal."
+
+"It isn't a time to be particular--in watching for danger look
+also for game."
+
+"That's what I have been doing for the last few hours."
+
+With the passage of time and the increase of the distance between
+them and Wyoming the hopes of the little party naturally rose. They
+were now a good many miles from their old home, and as yet had not
+seen a single red man. That numbers were abroad there could be no
+doubt, although it is a fact that a great many people did not start
+eastward until several days after the battle.
+
+But it was a long, long way to the Delaware, with the travelling
+such as they had to face. I have spoken of the forest as being
+trackless and a wrong impression may have been given. An old trail
+led from the Susquehanna to the Delaware, and was followed by many
+of the fugitives; but great risk was run by those who did so, for
+most of the pursuers used the same path. As a consequence, some
+were overtaken and slain.
+
+Those who avoided the beaten route of necessity suffered greater
+hardships; but none was equal to that of meeting their enemies.
+Omas took care to steer wide of this trail when leading the party
+into the wild section to the east of the river, and he showed them
+that he wished them to do the same. Ben was too wise to forget his
+wishes.
+
+The location of the sun in the sky, the appearance of the bark and
+moss, and the tops of certain trees, enabled the young woodman to
+keep a pretty true course. He remarked, with a laugh, that if there
+was any likelihood of going wrong, Linna would correct him.
+
+The afternoon was well past before they came upon any more water,
+and, with the warm weather and their long tramp, all suffered from
+thirst. They were not traversing a desert country, however, and
+soon found what they wanted in abundance.
+
+"But," said Ben, "I am worried about food, mother. It is nearly
+night, and we haven't a mouthful. I suppose if there was plenty, I
+wouldn't feel half as bad, but it seems to me I was never so hungry
+in all my life."
+
+"That is natural; but, if necessary, we can go all night without
+food."
+
+"If necessary, of course we can, but I dread it. Alice and Linna
+will suffer, though I'm not so sure about Linna. I would give almost
+anything for a wild turkey."
+
+The dusky child looked up from where she was sitting on the ground,
+playing with Alice.
+
+"Want turkey--eh?" she asked.
+
+"Yes; have you any to sell?"
+
+"Me get you one."
+
+Mother and son stared in amazement. They could not believe she
+was in earnest. She saw it and, with a grin, added--"Omas showed
+Linna how get turkey."
+
+"What can she be driving at?" asked the puzzled Ben. "She surely
+would not say what she does without reason. Linna, teach Ben how
+to get a wild turkey; we want one for supper, for if we don't have
+it, we shall all have to go without food."
+
+"Me hungry," she ventured; "so be Alice--so be you."
+
+"You are right. Come, sister, show me how to catch a turkey."
+
+She gravely rose from the ground. Her face appeared serious, but
+those who looked at her closely detected a sparkle of the black
+eyes, for all the world as if she meditated some prank upon her
+confiding friends. Ben was suspicious. She added--
+
+"Go wid me--me show you." Then he was sure she was up to something.
+
+He rose from where he was sitting, and, rifle in hand, walked a
+little way in the wood. She looked round once or twice, and continued
+advancing a few minutes after they were out of sight of Alice and
+her mother.
+
+She held the hand of the youth, who acted as if he was a bad boy
+being led to punishment. He started to ask a question, but she
+checked him by raising her forefinger and a "S--h!" and he did not
+presume again.
+
+Finally she stopped among a number of trees where several trunks
+were two or three feet in diameter. Stepping behind one, she motioned
+him to do the same with another a few yards off. Surveying him a
+moment, as if to make sure he was doing right, she suddenly emitted
+a sound from between her lips, which caused Ben Ripley to utter
+the exclamation under his breath--"Well, by gracious! If that
+doesn't beat everything!"
+
+"Why don't shoot?" she abruptly asked.
+
+The call made by Linna was the exact imitation of a wild turkey
+when lost in the woods. Perhaps you may know that the body of every
+one of those birds contains a bone which a hunter can so use as to
+make the same signal; but it is hard to produce the sound without
+such help, though it has been done.
+
+Linna had succeeded to perfection.
+
+"Who would have thought it possible for one so young as she to
+learn the trick?" Ben asked himself. "I have tried it many a time
+without the bone, but never could do it."
+
+He looked at her admiringly, and was certain she was the smartest
+girl he had ever seen.
+
+"If there are any turkeys within hearing, that is bound to fetch
+them, but I have seen no signs of them."
+
+Linna continued the signalling at intervals for fifteen minutes
+or more, peeping meanwhile from behind the tree and around her in
+every direction. Ben did the same, and saw nothing.
+
+"Why don't shoot?" she abruptly asked.
+
+He noted the direction of her gaze, and there, not fifty feet away,
+was a big hen turkey, walking slowly over the leaves, with head
+aloft and glancing here and there for the lost one.
+
+The target was a good one, and taking careful aim, Ben toppled it
+fluttering to the ground at the first fire.
+
+"Dat all want?" queried Linna.
+
+"Yes; that will do for tonight, Linna."
+
+"Den go back--play wid Alice."
+
+And off she ran to rejoin her companion, while the delighted lad
+picked up his prize and brought it to camp.
+
+Turning that and his knife over to his mother, he made a fire ready
+to pass the night, full of thankfulness that all had gone so well.
+Ben agreed to stand watch until near midnight, and then allow his
+mother to help him at the necessary duty.
+
+While the simple preparations were going on, Linna knelt on the
+bare ground with her ear pressed to the earth. Almost instantly
+she raised her head and whispered:
+
+"Somebody comin' dis way--guess be Injins!"
+
+CHAPTER NINE: IN A CIRCLE
+
+This was alarming news. Ben Ripley imitated the action of Linna.
+Kneeling down, he pressed his ear to the earth.
+
+Yes; he heard faint footfalls. Persons were moving about not far
+away.
+
+"She is right," he said in a low tone; "likely they are Indians,
+though we cannot be certain."
+
+"It won't do to wait till they come to us," remarked his mother.
+
+"Shall I put out the fire?" asked Ben, disconcerted by the suddenness
+of the danger.
+
+"No; we can't spare the time. Let us leave. Come, children."
+
+She took the hand of each girl and walked quickly off, while Ben
+caught up the blankets and followed. They had no particular point
+in view, but wished to reach a safe place without delay.
+
+The gloom of the gathering night helped them, and when they paused
+they were confident they had not been seen by anyone.
+
+Without any thought on their part, they made their way to a mass of
+rocks and boulders, more extensive than any seen through the day.
+It was a hundred yards from their starting point.
+
+They sat down for a whispered consultation.
+
+"They must have heard the report of my rifle," said Ben.
+
+"That was a considerable while ago, and they may have been a good
+way off at the time."
+
+"Then, being so much nearer, it was the report which brought them.
+What would become of us but for Linna?" added Ben placing his arm
+affectionately around her. "It was she that got us our supper, and
+now she warns us of danger."
+
+"They may be Zitner and Burwink."
+
+"Not likely, but if they come to our fire we shall soon find out.
+Look!"
+
+To their astonishment, the little fire which they had left only a
+few minutes before burned up brightly, showing that a lot of fuel
+had been thrown on it.
+
+Too many trees and too much undergrowth obtruded for them to detect
+anything more than the great increase in brightness.
+
+"The darkness will prevent their following our footprints," whispered
+the mother.
+
+"I will go a little nearer and find out what it means: it may be,
+after all, that they are friends."
+
+"Be careful, my son."
+
+"I will."
+
+It was not a hard task Ben Ripley gave himself. He had not far to
+go, and he proceeded with so much caution that no risk was involved.
+Only half the distance was passed when he gained a full view of
+the camp fire and its surroundings.
+
+The sight was disquieting. Three Indian warriors were there. One
+had been gathering dry sticks which he flung on the blaze; another
+was helping himself to what was left of the cooked turkey; while
+the third, bent low, moved slowly around the lit up portion of the
+ground with his eyes fixed on it.
+
+It was plain he was scrutinizing the footprints made by the party
+that had left just in time to escape them. It was a fortunate
+discovery made by Linna!
+
+With the aid of the bright glare, it could not take him long to
+identify the little party as fugitives fleeing eastward, though
+it may be questioned whether they learned that it consisted of one
+large boy, an adult woman, and two small children.
+
+They were in the battle yesterday. They have left others to look
+after those in Wyoming, while they are hunting the poor creatures
+that have taken to the woods.
+
+The Iroquois who had been studying the ground straightened himself
+up and said something to the others. One of them then flung more
+fuel on the flames, and he who was ravenously eating suspended his
+operations, but quickly resumed again, as if he liked his occupation
+better than anything else to which he could turn his attention.
+
+Then the first stooped down and caught up a burning brand. Several
+quick circles over his head fanned it into a vigorous blaze. Holding
+it aloft, with his shoulders bent forward, he moved slowly towards
+Ben Ripley.
+
+He was tracing the footprints by the aid of the torch!
+
+"Gracious! he will be among us in a minute," was the terrifying
+thought of the lad, who turned and ran back to his friends, in such
+haste that he was in danger of betraying his movements.
+
+"Leave--quick!" he said; "they are after us!"
+
+"No, they are not," replied his mother, who nevertheless stood
+ready to do as he said.
+
+Ben looked back. The warrior with a torch, after walking a rod or
+so from the fire, had stopped, and was now in plain sight, with
+the flaming brand held above his head, while he peered out in the
+gloom in the direction of the fugitives, as if expecting to discern
+them.
+
+Could he have known how near they were, he and his companions
+would have rushed down upon them; but they must have thought they
+had fled much further. It was impossible to trail them by torchlight
+as fast as they could travel, and the Indians did not waste time
+in the effort. The one with the torch went back to his companions.
+
+The incident warned our friends of a new form of danger, which
+until then had not been counted among the probabilities.
+
+The Indians, as you know, can trace a person through the woods
+with wonderful skill, seeing signs where the untrained eye observes
+nothing. If these three chose to wait where they were until daylight,
+there was nothing to prevent their taking up the trail and tracing
+the fugitives wherever they went.
+
+"It won't do to stay here," said Ben, "for they will be right upon
+us at daylight."
+
+"Providing they wait where they are."
+
+"Why should they not do so? They are looking for us."
+
+Mrs. Ripley dared not answer the question as her heart prompted.
+At the same time, she could think of no means of throwing them off
+their track.
+
+"It might have been better had we stayed with Zitner and Burwink
+--no, it would not have been," she corrected herself, "for they
+were unfriendly to Linna. But we must go."
+
+The only hope that presented itself was that they might travel
+so far during the darkness that the Indians would not keep up the
+pursuit when the trail was revealed to them.
+
+The moon did not rise until very late, and there being no path,
+while all were in total ignorance of the neighborhood, it will
+be understood that they had set to work to do a very hard, if not
+impossible thing.
+
+Ben as usual took the lead, and, before he had gone twenty steps,
+was caught under the chin by a protruding limb that almost lifted
+him off his feet. Then he went headlong into a hollow and bruised
+himself against some stones. Still, he did not give up, and by and
+by the ground became more level and his mishaps less frequent.
+
+Alice and Linna, like little heroines, never murmured. All persevered
+until it was agreed that they were at least two miles from the camp
+fire.
+
+In making this hard journey, every one of the party met with several
+narrow escapes, and it was agreed that it was best to go no further
+until daylight.
+
+"As soon as we can see, we'll be off again, and ought to be able
+to travel as fast as they will do. Where they must watch all the
+time for our footprints, they cannot go off a walk."
+
+"We may as well wait."
+
+Throughout their haste, the blankets had been preserved. Indeed,
+the one over Ben's arm had served to break his fall more than once.
+These were placed on the ground, and the children lay down beside
+each other, quickly sinking to sleep; but the others, though pretty
+well worn, were too anxious to rest yet awhile.
+
+"I have no idea where we are," said the son; "but one place is as
+good as another at such a time, and the weather is so warm that
+blankets are not needed. Now, mother, I wish you would lie down
+beside the children and rest. You need it badly, I know."
+
+"And so do you, my son."
+
+"Not for some time yet."
+
+"But, if you intend to watch until daylight, you will be worn out
+by morning. Besides, you cannot stay awake unless you move about.
+I will agree to lie down if you will promise to call me when you
+think it is midnight, and let me take a turn."
+
+"I will agree to call you when I feel the need of you, and I will
+pace the ground like a sentinel on duty."
+
+The mother was forced to accept this proposition and, after some
+more cautious conversation, she did as her boy wished, and he was
+left alone.
+
+Ben did not forget his slip of the night before. It was necessary
+that one of the company should maintain watch while the others
+slept, and only these two could do it. He meant to guard the others
+through the short summer night, trusting to a chance of getting
+what slumber he needed on the morrow when the others were awake.
+
+"I would like to catch myself waking her," he mused, after he had
+groped around until he found a space a couple of rods in length
+over which he could pace back and forth.
+
+Then, with his rifle resting on his shoulder, he began his patient
+beat, surrounded by impenetrable gloom, and with the lives of three
+loved ones in his keeping.
+
+By and by a lighting of the sky showed the moon had risen. This,
+however, was of little or no help, since the abundance of leaves
+prevented its rays piercing between and lighting up the ground
+beneath.
+
+It would be hard to imagine a more gloomy occupation than that of
+Ben Ripley while engaged with this duty. The solemn murmur of the
+vast woods around him, the world of darkness in which he slowly
+paced to and fro, the memory of the sad scenes he had seen in the
+lovely Wyoming Valley, the certainty that a good many miles must yet
+be traversed before they could sit down in safety, the consciousness
+that several of the cruel red men were near them, and the belief
+that they would start in pursuit as soon as it was light--all this
+oppressed him with crushing weight, and made him feel at times as
+if there was no escape for him and his loved ones.
+
+"There is only one way of hiding our trail," he mused. "If we could
+come upon some river or large stream of water, where there was a
+boat, or we could make a raft, we should be safe. A big rainstorm
+would do as well, for it would wash out all signs of our footprints."
+
+He paused in his walk and peeped up at a speck of sky shown through
+a rift among the limbs.
+
+"There is hardly a cloud; it looks as if it wouldn't rain for a
+week, and I don't know of any river between here and the Delaware."
+
+His senses were never more alert. He avoided the fatal mistake of
+sitting down for a few minutes, or so much as leaning against a tree
+to rest. He stopped, however, now and then and listened intently.
+
+"I wonder whether I am mistaken, or whether I did hear something
+moving over the leaves out there?"
+
+The fact that the almost inaudible rustling was noticed only when
+he himself was in motion inclined him to suspect it was a delusion,
+accounted for by his tense nerves. But after a time he became
+certain of a fact hardly less startling in its nature.
+
+When walking back and forth with his face away from the spot where
+his friends lay something gleamed a short distance off among the
+trees. Its location showed it was on the ground, and, as nearly as
+he could judge, less than a hundred feet off.
+
+His first supposition was that it was a fungus growth known in the
+country as "foxfire," which gives out a phosphorescent glow in the
+darkness; but after watching and studying it for a long time, he
+was convinced it was something else.
+
+"I'm going to find out," he decided; "it won't take me long, and
+I ought to know all about it, for it may concern us."
+
+Stealing forward, he was not a little astonished to find it a real
+fire, sunken to a glowing ember, left by someone.
+
+"It must be as Zitner said--the woods are full of Indians, and
+some of them have camped there."
+
+Not wishing to stumble over any of their bodies, he manoeuvred
+until assured that whoever kindled the fire had left, when he kicked
+aside the ashes.
+
+The act caused a twist of flame to spring up and throw out a tiny
+glare, which illumined several feet of surrounding space.
+
+And then the astonished youth made the discovery that this was the
+very spot where they had cooked their turkey hours before, and from
+which they had fled in hot haste before the approach of the three
+Iroquois.
+
+He and his friends had travelled in a circle, and come back to
+their starting point.
+
+CHAPTER TEN: NEAR THE END
+
+Anyone who is used to the woods knows how apt he is to wander in
+a circle unless he keeps his wits about him. There have been many
+causes named for this curious fact, and the one that strikes me as
+the most reasonable is that we are all either right or left handed.
+It is rare that you meet a person who is ambidextrous,--that is,
+who uses both hands equally well. When, therefore, he sets out to
+travel through the woods without any guide, he unconsciously exerts
+his right or left limb, as the case may be, more than the other,
+and this makes his course circular.
+
+There are three "signboards" by which a hunter can keep trace of
+the points of the compass when in the woods, without noticing the
+sun, which of itself is often a great help. Three fourths of the
+moss on trees grows on the north side; the heaviest boughs on spruce
+trees are always on the south side, and the topmost twig of every
+uninjured hemlock tree tips to the east.
+
+Now, while these signs never err, you can see that it is almost
+impossible to turn them to account at night.
+
+Ben Ripley had led his friends in an irregular circle, and brought
+them back to within a brief distance of the starting point. This
+was the camp fire from which they fled in such panic before the
+approach of the three red men.
+
+The discovery filled him with dismay, and he darted out in the
+darkness for the rocks where the others were sleeping. His first
+intention was to rouse them and plunge into the woods again, but
+a few minutes served to make him cooler and more collected in mind.
+
+The night was well spent, and a flight of that kind could not do
+much for them. It might be all in vain. It would be trying to the
+last degree. He decided not to disturb the sleepers.
+
+By and by he persuaded himself that matters were not as bad as they
+first appeared. Inasmuch as the fugitives had not returned over
+their own trail, the Indians, in case they took it in the morning,
+must make the same circuit, and thus be forced to go just as far
+as if the flight had been in a direct line.
+
+It was a mystery, however, what had become of the three warriors.
+They could not be near the camp, or they would have appeared when
+the lad returned to it. They had left, but who could say whither
+they had gone?
+
+While Ben was debating the painful question, a growing light in
+the direction of the Delaware told him the night was ended and the
+new day dawning.
+
+The fourth day of July, the second anniversary of the Declaration
+of Independence, had passed. He thought of it, standing alone in
+the dismal forest with danger on every hand, and oppressed by the
+great fear that those whom he loved more than his own life must
+perish in that gloomy wilderness.
+
+He did not dare, however, to give way to his sad thoughts. At the
+first streakings of light among the trees, he roused his mother
+and told her the alarming truth.
+
+"I do not understand it," she replied, alluding to the absence of
+the Iroquois; "it must be they are in the neighborhood."
+
+The children were still sleeping quietly on the blanket. No food
+or water was at command, and they could not take the time to look
+for any. Indeed, the two elder ones felt no hunger or thirst.
+
+The mother rose to her feet and looked around, her interest centring
+on the rock and boulders, which stretched away to the rear further
+than they could penetrate with the eye.
+
+"I know they are skilful in following footprints," she remarked;
+"but if we walk carefully over those rocks, I think they will not
+be able to track us. We will try it."
+
+The children were roused and quickly learned what was to be done,
+the mother adding that the prayer which she was accustomed to offer
+up every morning would be given when they reached a spot where it
+was safe to do so.
+
+For fully a hundred yards the four were able to make their way
+without resting their feet on the ground. Then the boulders ended
+as abruptly as they began.
+
+All now kneeled on the granite floor and asked Heaven to deliver
+them safely out of the dangers by which they were surrounded.
+
+If the Indians chose to make search, after tracing the little party
+to the stony place, they must eventually come upon the new trail,
+where it began again on the ground; but unless they struck it by
+accident, they must use a good deal of time in hunting for it.
+
+"Come on," called Ben in a low voice, but with a renewal of hope;
+"we shall get somewhere one of these days."
+
+To their surprise, not far from the rocks they came upon a faintly
+marked path among the trees.
+
+"What is the meaning of that?" Ben asked, looking inquiringly at
+his mother and Linna.
+
+"Men don't do dat--wild beasts," replied the dusky child.
+
+"She is right," added the mother; "the animals follow it to water;
+let us do the same."
+
+The haunting fear of the red men made the words between the fugitives
+few, and all their movements guarded. They kept glancing to right
+and left, in front and to the rear, Linna being probably the most
+active. It was as if she inherited from her parents their surprising
+woodcraft, and was now calling it into play for the benefit of her
+friends.
+
+Suddenly something flickered in the path ahead, and Ben stopped
+short, those behind him doing the same.
+
+Just in advance--less than fifty yards indeed--a beautiful fawn
+had come to a halt. Its graceful head, with its soft brown eyes,
+was lifted high, and it looked wonderingly at the people, as if
+not knowing the meaning, and too innocent to feel fear. Ben drew up
+his rifle, for it was a tempting chance for a delicious breakfast.
+But almost instantly he lowered the weapon again.
+
+The fawn was so trusting, so unsuspicious, that a feeling of pity
+came to the young hunter. The animal suggested his own little
+sister, for it was wandering through the unfriendly woods, with
+none to protect it from cruel enemies.
+
+"Go," whispered Ben; "I haven't the heart to harm you; I will starve
+first."
+
+"Remember the result of the shot yesterday," said his mother
+warningly. "We are in too much peril to increase it."
+
+The lad advanced along the path, and every one of the company
+smiled at the fawn, when it stood motionless, staring until they
+were almost to it. Then the timid creature turned nimbly and trotted
+over the trail, its head so high that, as it turned it from side
+to side, it saw every thing done by the strange beings following.
+
+Had the situation been less serious, Ben would have had some sport
+with the lovely creature, but he dared not give it much attention.
+It continued trotting a short way, and then sprang gracefully aside
+among the trees, leaving no scent on the leaves by which the most
+highly trained hound could trace it.
+
+A little way beyond they came upon the largest stream seen since
+leaving the mountains east of the Susquehanna. It was a dozen feet
+in width, quite deep, rapid, and clear.
+
+"Here is enough drink for us all," said Ben, and they proceeded to
+help themselves in the primitive fashion described elsewhere.
+
+"That must contain fish," observed the mother; "but we are without
+the means of catching them."
+
+"Unless Linna will jump in and haul them out for us. But if we are
+to continue our journey, we must find some way of getting to the
+other side; it is too deep and wide to ford or jump."
+
+"It must be narrower in other places."
+
+"Oh! look mamma!"
+
+It was Alice who first saw a terrifying sight. An immense black
+bear, the largest any of the party had ever seen, swung from among
+the trees and came to the water's edge on the other side.
+
+He was so enormous that all started and recoiled a step, even Linna
+uttering an exclamation in her own tongue. Ben grasped his rifle,
+and held it ready to use the instant it became necessary.
+
+But Bruin was in a gracious mood that morning. He looked at the
+party with stupid curiosity, then reared on his hind legs, and
+swung his beam-.like paws in an odd way.
+
+"He is inviting us to come over and be hugged to death," laughed
+Ben.
+
+"He will come over and eat us all up," said Alice, clinging to the
+dress of her mother.
+
+"No," replied the parent, soothingly patting her head; "Ben won't
+let him do that. Do not be frightened."
+
+"Climb tree," suggested Linna; "not big tree, 'cause bear climb
+dat too--climb little tree, den he can't climb it."
+
+"You are right, but we will wait and see what he does. I don't
+want to fire my gun unless I have to, and if he will let us alone
+we won't hurt him. There! he is going to drink."
+
+The huge creature bent his head down to the water and helped himself.
+When he had had enough, he raised his snout and again looked at
+the party, who were closely watching him.
+
+This was the critical moment. If he meant to attack them, he would
+plunge into the water and either swim or wade across. Ben raised
+the hammer of his rifle and awaited his action.
+
+Had Bruin been hungry, he would not have dallied so long; but he
+did not seem to see anything specially tempting in the group, and
+lumbered off among the trees.
+
+"A lucky move for you." remarked Ben.
+
+"And just as lucky for us," added the mother; "for though you
+might have slain him, as I have no doubt you would, the report of
+the gun must have brought more dangerous enemies to us."
+
+"I would give a good deal to know what has become of them. It begins
+to look as if they did not consider us worth bothering with."
+
+"I wish I could believe that, but I cannot. I think it more likely
+that they know where we are, and are trifling with us, as a cat
+does with a mouse."
+
+"That makes me anxious to push on. We must find some place where
+we can cross the stream. Let's go further up the bank."
+
+He took the course named, leading away from the great bear with
+which they had so narrowly escaped an encounter.
+
+To their surprise, they had not far to go before the spot they were
+seeking was found. The stream narrowed between some rocks, so much
+that even Alice could spring across without wetting her feet.
+
+"I am afraid Linna can't leap it," remarked Ben with a smile.
+
+"Me show you."
+
+And, without recoiling a step, the nimble little one made a graceful
+bound, which landed her several feet beyond the other margin.
+
+"Well done!" said Ben; "I couldn't do much better myself. Now,
+Alice, you are not going to let her beat you?"
+
+Alice was timid at first, but with a good start she cleared the
+space. She landed, however, so near the water that had not the
+watchful Linna caught one of the hands thrown up to save herself,
+she would have fallen back in the stream.
+
+Mother and son imitated them, and all stood on the other side of
+the obstruction without having suffered any inconvenience.
+
+While they were congratulating themselves, a startling reminder of
+their danger came in the near report of a rifle. It was from the
+direction in which they had seen the bear, and in the stillness of
+the woods all heard a snarling growl, which proved that the beast
+had received his death wound.
+
+"The Indians are there!" whispered the frightened Ben; "what shall
+we do, mother?"
+
+"What can we do?" she asked, helpless and at her wits' end for the
+moment; "there seems to be no escaping them."
+
+"Me go talk with them," was the amazing remark of the little Delaware
+girl.
+
+"You talk with them!" repeated Mrs. Ripley; "what can you do?"
+
+"Don't know--me try."
+
+And without waiting for permission, Linna started on a light run
+toward the point whence came the report of the rifle that gave
+Bruin his death wound. Mother and son looked in each other's face
+in mute wonderment for a full minute after the departure of the
+girl.
+
+"She's a remarkable child," finally said the mother; "she has done
+us more than one good turn, and, it may be, Heaven intends to make
+use of her again, though I cannot see how."
+
+"The Iroquois will recognise her as one of their own race. Perhaps
+one or more of them belong to her tribe: they will know her as the
+child of Omas, and may listen to her pleadings."
+
+"Alas! they will give little heed to them; my heart misgives me,
+son: I feel that the end is at hand."
+
+Meanwhile, let us follow Linna, the Delaware, upon her strange
+mission.
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN: ALL IN VAIN
+
+I am at some disadvantage in giving an account of the remarkable
+interview between the little Delaware girl, Linna, and the three
+hostile warriors who had trailed the Ripleys to the stream in
+the wilderness across which they had just leaped in the effort to
+continue their flight from Wyoming to the Upper Delaware.
+
+There were no witnesses to the interview except the parties named,
+but when Linna in after years had become a woman, with her very
+strong memory she gave a description of what passed, and it has
+come down through the descendants of the pioneers to the present
+day.
+
+You will permit me to found my narrative upon her testimony, and
+to be quite liberal in the interpretation of what took place.
+
+The fears of the fugitives were well founded. The three red men
+were near them for a long while before they showed themselves. It
+was very much as Mrs. Ripley had said. They were so sure of the
+prize that they trifled with them.
+
+Linna reached the spot where the warriors were standing directly
+after one of the number had sent a bullet through the bear. Young
+as she was, she understood the peril of her friends, and set out
+to do all she could for them.
+
+She knew that Omas, her father, was a great warrior. He belonged
+to the Delaware tribe, which years before had been soundly beaten
+by the Iroquois and reduced almost to slavery; but among the conquered
+people were many without superiors in bravery, skill, and prowess.
+Omas was one of the most noted examples.
+
+The first thrill of hope came to the young child when she recognised
+the one that had killed the bear. He was Red Wolf, a member of
+her own tribe, who often had been in her father's wigwam, and was
+therefore well known to his child. The others were of the Seneca
+tribe, one of those composing the Iroquois, or Six Nations, the
+most powerful confederation of Indians that ever existed on the
+American continent.
+
+The three looked at the little girl in amazement, as she came running
+between the trees. She dropped to a rapid walk, and did not stop
+until she was among them.
+
+"Where do you come from?" asked Red Wolf, in the Delaware tongue.
+
+"My father, the great Omas, brought me to see my friend Alice. He
+left me with her people, and you must not harm them."
+
+"Why did Omas leave you with them?"
+
+"They are my friends."
+
+It should be said the Senecas, who calmly listened to the conversation,
+understood all that was said.
+
+"Where are you going?"
+
+"A long way through the wood."
+
+"Why does Omas leave you with the palefaces? You should be in your
+own wigwam many miles away."
+
+"He knows I am safe with them. He led us through the woods until
+he could leave us; then he went back to the great river between
+the mountains to help the other warriors fight."
+
+None of the three could doubt that the child was speaking the truth.
+They held the prowess of Omas in high respect; but they were not
+the ones to surrender such a prize as was already theirs.
+
+"We will take them back to Wyoming with us," said Red Wolf; "then
+Omas may do as he thinks best with them."
+
+With a shrewdness far beyond her years, Linna said--"He wants
+them to go to the other big river, off yonder"--pointing eastward.
+"Why do you wish to take them back to Wyoming?"
+
+"If he wants them to go to the other big river, he can send them
+after he sees them again."
+
+"You will make Omas angry; he will strike you down with his tomahawk,"
+said Linna.
+
+Although these words were the words of a child, they produced their
+effect. Red Wolf knew how deeply the grim warrior loved his only
+daughter, and he knew, too, how terrible was the wrath of the warrior.
+Omas had chosen to spare this family from the cruelty visited upon
+so many others. If Red Wolf dared to run the risk of rousing the
+vengeance of Omas, he must take the consequences. He shrank from
+doing so.
+
+The Delaware beckoned to one of the Senecas, and they stepped aside
+and talked a few minutes, in tones too low for the listening Linna
+to hear what was said. Subsequent events, however, made clear the
+meaning of their conversation.
+
+Red Wolf proposed to spare the fugitives. He wished to go away
+with his companions and leave them to pursue their flight without
+molestation, so far as they were concerned.
+
+But the Senecas held Omas in less dread than did Red Wolf. They were
+unwilling to let the whites escape. The third warrior, who joined
+them, was as strenuous as the first. While one might have shrunk
+from stirring the anger of the famous Delaware, the two together
+did not hesitate to run counter to his wishes. They refused to be
+dissuaded by Red Wolf.
+
+They remained apart from the girl for ten minutes, earnestly
+conversing, while she could not overhear a word.
+
+Finally one of the three--a Seneca--turned about and walked
+away, as if impatient with the dispute. He took a course leading
+from the stream, and deeper into the woods.
+
+Linna noticed the curious act, but, great as was her acumen for one
+of her years, she did not suspect its meaning. It would have been
+passing strange had she done so, for the movement was meant to
+deceive her and bring the disputation to an end.
+
+The couple remaining walked to where Linna awaited them. The Seneca
+turned aside and sauntered to the carcass of the bear as if that
+had more interest just then for him.
+
+"What will Omas do if my brother warriors take your friends back
+to the other river, but Red Wolf does not help?"
+
+"He will strike them down with his tomahawk; my father, Omas, is
+a great warrior."
+
+The black eyes flashed as the girl proudly uttered these words,
+and she looked defiantly in the painted face towering above her.
+
+"But what will he do with Red Wolf?"
+
+"He will strike down Red Wolf, because he is a coward, and did not
+keep all harm from his white friends."
+
+This intimation that the Delaware could not shelter himself behind
+the plea of neutrality, but must be either an active friend or
+foe, was a little more than he could accept. While he held Omas in
+wholesome dread, he dared not array himself against the two Senecas,
+who were determined not to spare the hapless fugitives.
+
+Red Wolf was a fair specimen of his tribe, who, as I have stated,
+were beaten by the Iroquois. These conquerors, indeed, carried
+matters with so high a hand that they once forbade the Delawares
+to use firearms, but made them keep to the old fashioned bow and
+arrow.
+
+Red Wolf, therefore, having squared accounts, so to speak, with
+his present companions, was anxious to win the good will of Linna,
+and thereby that of her fierce parent, who was a hurricane in his
+wrath, and likely to brain Red Wolf before he could explain matters.
+
+"Omas is the greatest warrior of the Delawares," he said to Linna;
+"Red Wolf and he are brothers. But the Senecas will not listen to
+the words of Red Wolf: they love not Omas as does Red Wolf."
+
+The Delaware child now found herself in a quandary. She had made
+her plea, but, so far as she could see, it was in vain, since the
+friendship of Red Wolf alone was not enough. One of the Senecas
+was studying the body of the dead bear and paying no heed to her
+words; the other had gone off, she knew not where.
+
+What remained for her to do?
+
+While the little one asked herself the question, and was trying, to
+think what course she should follow, the absent Seneca was working
+out the mischievous plot he had formed, and which was fully known
+to his companions.
+
+An uprooted tree lay extended on the ground, near where Mrs. Ripley
+and her children saw Linna run off to plead with the Indians. Since
+they could do nothing but wait, helpless and almost despairing,
+for the return of the child, they sat down on the prostrate trunk.
+
+Ben was near the base, close to the mass of upturned roots, which
+spread out like an enormous fan, with its dirt and prong-like
+roots projecting in all directions. He was tired, depressed, and
+worn out. It will be remembered he had not slept a wink during the
+preceding night, or eaten a mouthful of food since then. Strong,
+sturdy, and lusty as he was, he could not help feeling the effects
+of all this.
+
+He leaned his rifle against a huge, gnarled root, within arm's
+length of where he half reclined, with his feet extended along the
+trunk. He had but to reach out his hand, without moving his body,
+to grasp the weapon whatever moment it might be needed.
+
+Exhausted as he was, his condition was too nervous to permit
+slumber. His mother had said she thought the end was at hand, and
+he believed the same.
+
+She was but a few feet away, sitting more erect on the tree, with
+Alice leaning against her.
+
+The eyes of all were turned toward the point where Linna had vanished,
+and whence she was expected every minute to come into view again.
+
+She was not far off. Once or twice the mother and son caught the
+sounds of their voices, though the exuberant vegetation shut them
+from sight.
+
+"It was idle for her to go," said Ben; "and I cannot see any chance
+of her helping us."
+
+"They will not harm her, nor will they be denied the pleasure of
+doing what they choose with us."
+
+"Some persons might believe the delay was favorable, but I cannot
+think that way."
+
+Neither felt like conversation. It was an effort to say anything;
+but mother and son, in their unselfishness, pitied each other,
+and strove vainly to lift the gloomy thoughts that were oppressing
+both.
+
+Had Ben Ripley seen the departure of the Seneca, he might have
+suspected its meaning; but, unaware of it, he never dreamed of the
+new form which the ever present danger thus assumed.
+
+The Seneca, after leaving Red Wolf and the other warrior, walked
+directly over the path leading away from the stream until well
+beyond the sight of those thus left behind. He looked back, and,
+seeing nothing of them, turned aside and moved off, until he arrived
+at a point beyond the group of three resting on the fallen tree.
+
+Thus, as will be seen, the Ripleys were between the two and Linna
+on the one hand, and the single Seneca on the other. He knew the
+precise location of the fugitives as well as if they had been in
+his field of vision from the first.
+
+He now began approaching them from the rear. Their faces turned
+away from him, and everything favored his stealthy advance.
+
+The huge spread of dirt and roots made by the overturning of the
+big tree served as a screen, though even without this help he would
+probably have succeeded in his effort to steal upon them unawares.
+
+He stepped so carefully upon the dried leaves that no sound was
+made, and the most highly trained ear, therefore, would not have
+detected him.
+
+If Ben had once risen from his reclining posture and looked around,
+if Mrs. Ripley had stood up and done the same, or if little Alice
+had indulged in her natural sportiveness, assuredly one of them
+would have observed that crouching warrior, gradually drawing closer,
+like the moving of a hand over the face of a clock; but none saw
+him. Nearer and nearer he came, step by step, until at last he stood
+just on the other side of the mass of roots, and not ten feet from
+the boy.
+
+With the same noiselessness, the crouching form bent over sideways
+and peered around the screen. Then the dusky arm glided forward
+until the iron fingers clasped the barrel of the rifle leaning
+against the root, and the weapon was withdrawn.
+
+He now had two guns, and Ben Ripley none.
+
+Then the Seneca advanced, a weapon in either hand, and, presenting
+himself in front of the amazed group, exclaimed--"Huh! how do,
+bruder?--how do sister?"
+
+Ben Ripley sprang up as if shot, and his startled mother, with a
+gasp of affright, turned her head.
+
+For one moment the boy meditated leaping upon the warrior, in the
+desperate attempt to wrench his gun from his grasp; but the mother,
+reading his intention, interposed.
+
+"Do nothing, my son: we are in the hands of Heaven."
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE: CONCLUSION
+
+The point, at last, had been reached where it was useless to
+struggle any longer. The little party of fugitives, after safely
+crossing the Susquehanna on the day of the battle, and penetrating
+more than a score of miles on their way eastward to the Delaware,
+were overtaken, and made captive by three Indians.
+
+Warning Ben against any resistance, the mother bowed her head in
+submission, and awaited her fate. Only once, when she clasped her
+arm around the awed and silent Alice, laying the other affectionately
+upon the shoulder of her brave son, did she speak--"Murmur not
+at the will of Heaven."
+
+The Seneca was surprised at the action, or, rather, want of action,
+on the part of the captives. Receiving no response to his salutation,
+he stood a moment in silence, and then emitted a tremulous whoop.
+It was a signal for Red Wolf and the other Seneca. They understood
+it, and hurried to the spot, with Linna close behind them.
+
+It would have been expected that she would indulge in some outburst
+when she saw how ill everything had gone; but, with one grieved
+look, she went up to the sorrowing, weeping mother and buried her
+head between her knees.
+
+And then she did what no one of that party had ever before seen her
+do--she sobbed with a breaking heart. The mother soothed her as
+best she could, uttering words which she heard not.
+
+Ben Ripley when the blow came, stood erect, and folded his arms.
+His face was pale, but his lips were mute. Not even by look did he
+ask for mercy from their captors.
+
+In the midst of the impressive tableau, Linna suddenly raised her
+head from the lap of the mother, her action and attitude showing
+she had caught some sound which she recognized.
+
+But everyone else in the party also noted it. It was a shrill,
+penetrating whistle, ringing among the forest arches--a call which
+she had heard many a time, and she could never mistake its meaning.
+
+Her eyes sparkled through her tears, which wet her cheeks; but she
+forgot everything but that signal.
+
+"Dat Omas!--dat Omas--dat fader!" she exclaimed, springing to
+her feet, trembling and aglow with excitement.
+
+There was one among the three who, had his painted complexion
+permitted, would have turned ashy pale. Red Wolf was afraid that
+when the fearful Delaware warrior thundered down on them, he would
+not give his brother time to explain matters before sinking his
+tomahawk into his brain. Manifestly, therefore, but one course was
+open for him, and he took it without a second's delay.
+
+He fled for his life.
+
+The Senecas, however, stood their ground. The signal of Omas
+sounded again, and Linna answered it. Her father was near at hand,
+and quickly came to view.
+
+But, lo! he had a companion. It was To-wika, his faithful wife.
+
+The reunion of the Delaware family was an extraordinary one. Had
+no others been present, Linna would have bounded into the arms of
+her mother, been pressed impulsively to her breast, and then received
+the same fervent welcome from her father.
+
+But never could anything like that take place before witnesses.
+
+When the child saw her parents she walked gravely up to them, having
+first done her utmost to remove the traces of tears, and took her
+place by their side. The mother said something in her native tongue,
+but it could not have been of much account, for the child gave no
+reply.
+
+Omas did not speak. One quick glance was bestowed upon his child,
+and then he addressed himself to the work before him.
+
+Omas was as cunning as a serpent. He would not have hesitated to
+assail these two Senecas, for, truth to tell, he could never feel
+much love for the conquerors of his people. He did not fear them; but
+he saw the way to win his point without such tempestuous violence.
+
+His words, therefore, were calculated to soothe rather than
+irritate. He asked them to explain how it was they were in charge
+of his friends, and listened attentively while one of them answered
+his inquiry.
+
+Then, as is natural with his race, he recounted in somewhat
+extravagant language his own deeds of the last few days. There is
+reason to believe he gave himself credit for a number of exploits
+against the palefaces of which he was innocent.
+
+Then he said the only ones he loved among the palefaces were the
+three there present--he had entrusted his only child to them,
+and they had saved her from the anger of their people. He had slept
+under their roof, and eaten of their bread. They were his best
+friends; and they his brave Seneca brothers, when they knew of this,
+would be glad. He had set out to conduct them to the settlements,
+and his brothers would wish all a safe arrival there.
+
+This speech, delivered with far more address than I am able to give
+it, worked as a charm. Not the slightest reference was made to the
+cowardly Red Wolf, though Omas knew all about him.
+
+The Senecas were won by the words of the wily Delaware. They
+indulged in the fiction of saying that they had no thought of how
+matters stood between him and these palefaces, and their hearts
+were glad to hear the words fall from his lips. They would not harm
+his friends, and hoped they would reach in safety the settlement
+for which they were looking.
+
+Not only that, but they offered to go with them all the way.
+
+This was too kind, and the offer was gratefully declined. Then the
+Senecas withdrew, first returning Ben's rifle to him. Whether they
+ever succeeded in overtaking Red Wolf cannot be known, and it is
+of no moment.
+
+The peril had burst over the heads of the little party like a
+thundercloud; and now it had cleared, and all was sunshine again.
+
+It was some minutes before the Ripleys could fully understand the
+great good fortune that had come to them. Then their hearts overflowed
+with thankfulness.
+
+With her arms clasping her children Mrs. Ripley looked devoutly
+upward, and murmured:
+
+"I thank Thee, Heavenly Father, for Thy great mercy to me and
+mine. Bless Omas and To-wika and Linna, and hold them for ever in
+Thy precious keeping."
+
+The events which had taken place were strange; but Mrs. Ripley
+maintained, to the end of her life, that those which followed were
+tenfold more remarkable.
+
+You will remember that when Omas, after conducting the little company
+some distance from Wyoming, showed a wish to leave them, the good
+woman had no doubt what his purpose was: he wanted to take part in
+further cruelties against the hapless settlers.
+
+Omas had fought hard in the battle of July 3rd, 1778, and his
+friendship for the Ripleys drew him away before the dreadful doings
+were half completed. He yearned to go back and give rein to his
+ferocity. Mrs. Ripley tried to restrain him, but in vain.
+
+Such were her views; but she was in error. She did not read the
+heart of the terrible warrior aright.
+
+For weeks Omas had been sorely troubled in mind. He had visited the
+Christian brethren of his own tribe at the Moravian settlement of
+Gnadenhutten. He had listened to the talk of the missionaries, and
+heard of One who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; who, when
+He was smitten and spat upon, bore it meekly; and who finally died
+on the cross, that the red men as well as the white children might
+be saved.
+
+All this was a great mystery to the Delaware. He could not grasp
+the simple but sublime truths which lie at the foundation of
+Christianity. But he longed to do so. At midnight he lay trying to
+sleep in the silent woods, looking up at the stars and meditating
+on the wonderful Being who had done all this. In the simplicity of
+his nature, he talked to that awful and dimly comprehended Father
+of all races and peoples, and asked Him to tell Omas what he should
+say, and do, and think.
+
+Unknown to him, To-wika his wife had listened to the teachings of
+the missionaries, and she had traversed further along the path of
+light than he.
+
+When, therefore, he told her of his longings, his questionings,
+his distress, his wretchedness, and his groping in the dark, she
+was able to say a great deal that helped to clear away the fogs
+and mists from his clouded brain.
+
+But Omas was in the very depth of darkness, and almost despair,
+when the fearful episode of Wyoming came. It was in desperation he
+went into that conflict, as a man will sometimes do to escape, as
+it were, from himself.
+
+He fought like a demon, but he could not hush the still small voice
+within his breast. He felt that he must have relief, or he would
+do that which a wild Indian never does--make away with himself.
+
+It was on his tongue more than once, while threading his way
+through the wilderness with his friends, to appeal to Mrs. Ripley;
+but with a natural shrinking he held back, fearing that with his
+broken words he could not make her understand his misery.
+
+The only recourse was to go to To-wika, his wife. He had asked her
+to talk further with the missionaries, and then to repeat their
+words to him.
+
+So it was that when he stole from the camp fire like a thief in the
+night, it was not to return and take part in the scenes of violence
+in which he had already been so prominent an actor, but to do the
+very opposite.
+
+It was a long tramp through the forest to his own wigwam, and his
+people were aflame with excitement because of Wyoming; but the
+warrior hardly paused night and day until he flung himself at the
+feet of To-wika and begged that he might die.
+
+From this remarkable woman Linna had inherited more mental strength
+than from her iron hearted father. To-wika talked soothingly to
+him, and for the first time in his blind groping he caught a glimmer
+of light. The blessed Word which had brought comfort and happiness
+to her is for all people and conditions, no matter how rude, how
+ignorant, and how fallen.
+
+But To-wika felt the need of human help. She had never met Mrs.
+Ripley, but her husband had told of his welcome beneath that roof,
+and of what she said to him about the Saviour and God, who was so
+different from the Great Spirit of the red men. She knew this woman
+was a Christian, and she asked her husband to lead her to her.
+
+He set out with her to overtake the little party who, with never
+a thought of what was going on, were struggling through the gloomy
+wilderness, beset by perils on every hand.
+
+Since they were following no beaten path, except for a little way,
+the most perfect woodcraft was necessary to find them. Omas knew
+the direction they had taken, and calculated the time needed to
+reach the Delaware. It was easy, too, to locate the camp where he
+had parted from them, after which his wonderful skill enabled him
+to keep the trail, along which he and his wife strode with double
+the speed of the fugitives.
+
+When he discovered that three warriors were doing the same, all the
+old fire and wrath flamed up in his nature. The couple increased
+the ardor of their pursuit. And yet, but for the favoring aid of
+Heaven, they hardly could have come up at the crisis which brought
+them all together.
+
+Under the blest instruction of Mrs. Ripley, the doubts of Omas finally
+vanished, never to return.  The once mighty warrior, foremost in
+battle and ferocity and courage, became the meek, humble follower
+of the Saviour--triumphant in life, and doubly triumphant in
+death.
+
+On the third day after the meeting in the woods, the party arrived
+at the little town of Stroudsburg, on the Upper Delaware, none
+having suffered the least harm.  The skill of Omas kept them supplied
+with food, and his familiarity with the route did much to lessen
+the hardships which otherwise they would have suffered.
+
+Omas stayed several weeks at this place with his friends, and then
+he and his wife and little one joined the Christian settlement of
+Gnadenhutten, where the couple finished their days.
+
+After a time, when it became safe for the Ripleys to return to
+Wyoming Valley, they took up their residence there once more, and
+remained until the husband and father came back at the close of
+the Revolution; and the happy family were reunited, thankful that
+God had been so merciful to them and brought independence to their
+beloved country.
+
+Omas and To-wika and Linna were welcome visitors as long as the
+lived.  In truth, Linna survived them all.  She married a chieftain
+among her own people, and when she at last was gathered to her final
+rest, she had almost reached the great age of a hundred years.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Daughter of the Chieftain, by Edward S. Ellis
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DAUGHTER OF THE CHIEFTAIN ***
+
+This file should be named dchef10.txt or dchef10.zip
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, dchef11.txt
+VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, dchef10a.txt
+
+Produced by Martin Robb
+
+Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we usually do not
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+We are now trying to release all our eBooks one year in advance
+of the official release dates, leaving time for better editing.
+Please be encouraged to tell us about any error or corrections,
+even years after the official publication date.
+
+Please note neither this listing nor its contents are final til
+midnight of the last day of the month of any such announcement.
+The official release date of all Project Gutenberg eBooks is at
+Midnight, Central Time, of the last day of the stated month.  A
+preliminary version may often be posted for suggestion, comment
+and editing by those who wish to do so.
+
+Most people start at our Web sites at:
+http://gutenberg.net or
+http://promo.net/pg
+
+These Web sites include award-winning information about Project
+Gutenberg, including how to donate, how to help produce our new
+eBooks, and how to subscribe to our email newsletter (free!).
+
+
+Those of you who want to download any eBook before announcement
+can get to them as follows, and just download by date.  This is
+also a good way to get them instantly upon announcement, as the
+indexes our cataloguers produce obviously take a while after an
+announcement goes out in the Project Gutenberg Newsletter.
+
+http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext03 or
+ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/docs/books/gutenberg/etext03
+
+Or /etext02, 01, 00, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90
+
+Just search by the first five letters of the filename you want,
+as it appears in our Newsletters.
+
+
+Information about Project Gutenberg (one page)
+
+We produce about two million dollars for each hour we work.  The
+time it takes us, a rather conservative estimate, is fifty hours
+to get any eBook selected, entered, proofread, edited, copyright
+searched and analyzed, the copyright letters written, etc.   Our
+projected audience is one hundred million readers.  If the value
+per text is nominally estimated at one dollar then we produce $2
+million dollars per hour in 2002 as we release over 100 new text
+files per month:  1240 more eBooks in 2001 for a total of 4000+
+We are already on our way to trying for 2000 more eBooks in 2002
+If they reach just 1-2% of the world's population then the total
+will reach over half a trillion eBooks given away by year's end.
+
+The Goal of Project Gutenberg is to Give Away 1 Trillion eBooks!
+This is ten thousand titles each to one hundred million readers,
+which is only about 4% of the present number of computer users.
+
+Here is the briefest record of our progress (* means estimated):
+
+eBooks Year Month
+
+    1  1971 July
+   10  1991 January
+  100  1994 January
+ 1000  1997 August
+ 1500  1998 October
+ 2000  1999 December
+ 2500  2000 December
+ 3000  2001 November
+ 4000  2001 October/November
+ 6000  2002 December*
+ 9000  2003 November*
+10000  2004 January*
+
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation has been created
+to secure a future for Project Gutenberg into the next millennium.
+
+We need your donations more than ever!
+
+As of February, 2002, contributions are being solicited from people
+and organizations in: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut,
+Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois,
+Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts,
+Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New
+Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio,
+Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South
+Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West
+Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
+
+We have filed in all 50 states now, but these are the only ones
+that have responded.
+
+As the requirements for other states are met, additions to this list
+will be made and fund raising will begin in the additional states.
+Please feel free to ask to check the status of your state.
+
+In answer to various questions we have received on this:
+
+We are constantly working on finishing the paperwork to legally
+request donations in all 50 states.  If your state is not listed and
+you would like to know if we have added it since the list you have,
+just ask.
+
+While we cannot solicit donations from people in states where we are
+not yet registered, we know of no prohibition against accepting
+donations from donors in these states who approach us with an offer to
+donate.
+
+International donations are accepted, but we don't know ANYTHING about
+how to make them tax-deductible, or even if they CAN be made
+deductible, and don't have the staff to handle it even if there are
+ways.
+
+Donations by check or money order may be sent to:
+
+Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+PMB 113
+1739 University Ave.
+Oxford, MS 38655-4109
+
+Contact us if you want to arrange for a wire transfer or payment
+method other than by check or money order.
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation has been approved by
+the US Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization with EIN
+[Employee Identification Number] 64-622154.  Donations are
+tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law.  As fund-raising
+requirements for other states are met, additions to this list will be
+made and fund-raising will begin in the additional states.
+
+We need your donations more than ever!
+
+You can get up to date donation information online at:
+
+http://www.gutenberg.net/donation.html
+
+
+***
+
+If you can't reach Project Gutenberg,
+you can always email directly to:
+
+Michael S. Hart <hart@pobox.com>
+
+Prof. Hart will answer or forward your message.
+
+We would prefer to send you information by email.
+
+
+**The Legal Small Print**
+
+
+(Three Pages)
+
+***START**THE SMALL PRINT!**FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS**START***
+Why is this "Small Print!" statement here? You know: lawyers.
+They tell us you might sue us if there is something wrong with
+your copy of this eBook, even if you got it for free from
+someone other than us, and even if what's wrong is not our
+fault. So, among other things, this "Small Print!" statement
+disclaims most of our liability to you. It also tells you how
+you may distribute copies of this eBook if you want to.
+
+*BEFORE!* YOU USE OR READ THIS EBOOK
+By using or reading any part of this PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm
+eBook, you indicate that you understand, agree to and accept
+this "Small Print!" statement. If you do not, you can receive
+a refund of the money (if any) you paid for this eBook by
+sending a request within 30 days of receiving it to the person
+you got it from. If you received this eBook on a physical
+medium (such as a disk), you must return it with your request.
+
+ABOUT PROJECT GUTENBERG-TM EBOOKS
+This PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBook, like most PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBooks,
+is a "public domain" work distributed by Professor Michael S. Hart
+through the Project Gutenberg Association (the "Project").
+Among other things, this means that no one owns a United States copyright
+on or for this work, so the Project (and you!) can copy and
+distribute it in the United States without permission and
+without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth
+below, apply if you wish to copy and distribute this eBook
+under the "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark.
+
+Please do not use the "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark to market
+any commercial products without permission.
+
+To create these eBooks, the Project expends considerable
+efforts to identify, transcribe and proofread public domain
+works. Despite these efforts, the Project's eBooks and any
+medium they may be on may contain "Defects". Among other
+things, Defects may take the form of incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
+intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged
+disk or other eBook medium, a computer virus, or computer
+codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+LIMITED WARRANTY; DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES
+But for the "Right of Replacement or Refund" described below,
+[1] Michael Hart and the Foundation (and any other party you may
+receive this eBook from as a PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBook) disclaims
+all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including
+legal fees, and [2] YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE OR
+UNDER STRICT LIABILITY, OR FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT,
+INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE
+OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE
+POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
+
+If you discover a Defect in this eBook within 90 days of
+receiving it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any)
+you paid for it by sending an explanatory note within that
+time to the person you received it from. If you received it
+on a physical medium, you must return it with your note, and
+such person may choose to alternatively give you a replacement
+copy. If you received it electronically, such person may
+choose to alternatively give you a second opportunity to
+receive it electronically.
+
+THIS EBOOK IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED TO YOU "AS-IS". NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE MADE TO YOU AS
+TO THE EBOOK OR ANY MEDIUM IT MAY BE ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
+PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
+
+Some states do not allow disclaimers of implied warranties or
+the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the
+above disclaimers and exclusions may not apply to you, and you
+may have other legal rights.
+
+INDEMNITY
+You will indemnify and hold Michael Hart, the Foundation,
+and its trustees and agents, and any volunteers associated
+with the production and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm
+texts harmless, from all liability, cost and expense, including
+legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the
+following that you do or cause:  [1] distribution of this eBook,
+[2] alteration, modification, or addition to the eBook,
+or [3] any Defect.
+
+DISTRIBUTION UNDER "PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm"
+You may distribute copies of this eBook electronically, or by
+disk, book or any other medium if you either delete this
+"Small Print!" and all other references to Project Gutenberg,
+or:
+
+[1]  Only give exact copies of it.  Among other things, this
+     requires that you do not remove, alter or modify the
+     eBook or this "small print!" statement.  You may however,
+     if you wish, distribute this eBook in machine readable
+     binary, compressed, mark-up, or proprietary form,
+     including any form resulting from conversion by word
+     processing or hypertext software, but only so long as
+     *EITHER*:
+
+     [*]  The eBook, when displayed, is clearly readable, and
+          does *not* contain characters other than those
+          intended by the author of the work, although tilde
+          (~), asterisk (*) and underline (_) characters may
+          be used to convey punctuation intended by the
+          author, and additional characters may be used to
+          indicate hypertext links; OR
+
+     [*]  The eBook may be readily converted by the reader at
+          no expense into plain ASCII, EBCDIC or equivalent
+          form by the program that displays the eBook (as is
+          the case, for instance, with most word processors);
+          OR
+
+     [*]  You provide, or agree to also provide on request at
+          no additional cost, fee or expense, a copy of the
+          eBook in its original plain ASCII form (or in EBCDIC
+          or other equivalent proprietary form).
+
+[2]  Honor the eBook refund and replacement provisions of this
+     "Small Print!" statement.
+
+[3]  Pay a trademark license fee to the Foundation of 20% of the
+     gross profits you derive calculated using the method you
+     already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  If you
+     don't derive profits, no royalty is due.  Royalties are
+     payable to "Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation"
+     the 60 days following each date you prepare (or were
+     legally required to prepare) your annual (or equivalent
+     periodic) tax return.  Please contact us beforehand to
+     let us know your plans and to work out the details.
+
+WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO?
+Project Gutenberg is dedicated to increasing the number of
+public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed
+in machine readable form.
+
+The Project gratefully accepts contributions of money, time,
+public domain materials, or royalty free copyright licenses.
+Money should be paid to the:
+"Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+If you are interested in contributing scanning equipment or
+software or other items, please contact Michael Hart at:
+hart@pobox.com
+
+[Portions of this eBook's header and trailer may be reprinted only
+when distributed free of all fees.  Copyright (C) 2001, 2002 by
+Michael S. Hart.  Project Gutenberg is a TradeMark and may not be
+used in any sales of Project Gutenberg eBooks or other materials be
+they hardware or software or any other related product without
+express permission.]
+
+*END THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS*Ver.02/11/02*END*
+