the camp, we caught sight, on the
summit of a slight elevation, of a single horseman, who sat his steed
without moving, apparently unable to make out who we were, as, lifting
his hand to his brow, he peered at us from under it. We had got within
speaking distance before I recognised our host Winnemak. His whole
appearance and bearing were totally changed. With a magnificent crown
of feathers on his head, a jacket of rich fur handsomely trimmed,
glittering bracelets and earrings, a spear in his hand and a shield at
his back, as he firmly sat his strongly-built mustang, he looked every
inch a warrior chief.

"I did not know you at first, but I do now," he said, smiling; "and the
White Lily is truly welcome to my tents."

Clarice thanked him, and we rode to the camp together. He told us that
he purposed visiting the chiefs of all the neighbouring tribes and
forming a confederation, in order to resist effectually any future
invasion of our common enemies the Arrapahas. "For such a purpose a
chief must be habited as becomes a chief," he added, to account to us
for the change in his costume.

I scarcely listened to him, however, as I was eagerly waiting to inquire
if Uncle Jeff had arrived at the camp; and I was much disappointed to
find that nothing had been seen or heard of him.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

I SEEK OUT PIOMINGO--A STRONG DESIRE TO SAVE HIS LIFE--I PLEAD WITH THE
CHIEF, AND GAIN MY POINT--I OFFER THE YOUNG BRAVE MY HORSE AND ARMS--
KINDNESS REQUITED--THE INDIAN'S ESCAPE--A DARING ACT, AND A KIND DEED--
WE SEEK PROTECTION FROM THE INDIANS--RETURN OF UNCLE JEFF AND MAYSOTTA--
AN ADDRESS TO THE BRAVES--HOW IT SUCCEEDED--UNCLE JEFF'S STORY--THE
LIEUTENANT ABOUT TO LEAVE US--HIS PLANS--WE SEND OUT SCOUTS--ALARMING
INTELLIGENCE--THE CAMP STRUCK--WE MOVE TO THE NORTHWARD--WE CHANGE OUR
PLANS--A WONDERFUL REGION--WE SEPARATE FROM OUR INDIAN FRIENDS--THROUGH
A PINE FOREST--THE CATARACT OF THE PASS--WE SEND BACK OUR HORSES--OUR
JOURNEY CONTINUED--A "CANADA STAG" KILLED--ENCAMPED FOR THE NIGHT.

The chief, who seemed inclined to treat us with every kindness,
immediately ordered a wigwam to be put up for Clarice and Rachel, and
another for Manley and me.

In the meantime, feeling interested in the fate of Piomingo, I went to
seek him out. I found him lying on the ground, under the shade of some
trees, to one of which he was secured by ropes. I asked him if he
desired to escape.

"Yes," he replied; "life is sweet