. But I am prepared to die as becomes
a brave, if my enemies are resolved to take my life."

"If you were free, what would you do?" I asked.

"I would endeavour to rescue the young squaw who was brought in a
prisoner two days ago; she is the maiden I was about to make my wife.
Life without her would be of little value to me; were she to be put to
death, I should be ready to die with her."

"But are you able to move?" I asked.

"The pain has left my back, and I am as strong as ever," he answered.
"Give me the opportunity, and you will see how I shall act."

Feeling a strong desire to save the lives of these two young people at
every risk, I immediately went back to the chief, and used every
argument in my power to induce him to set Piomingo at liberty. I
pointed out to him how it was far more noble to forgive an injury than
to avenge it, and that if he allowed Piomingo to go free he would make
him his friend for life.

"If you choose to set him at liberty, you are welcome to do so," he said
at last; "but he is unable to move, and if he remains in this camp he
will be killed."

"I will see to that, and assist him to get away," I answered.

I hurried back to where Piomingo lay, and at once undid the cords which
bound him.

"I feel that my strength has returned, and that I shall be able to
perform whatever I undertake," he said.

"I do not wish to do things by halves," I remarked. "You shall have my
horse; I will place the animal in yonder wood. If you have an
opportunity, you can return him; but if not, I will give him to you."

"Young Paleface," he said, struck by my kindness, "Piomingo would wish
to serve you for the remainder of his days; perhaps he will have an
opportunity of showing his gratitude; but he would ask you to show him
your generosity still further. Supply him with arms; without them, he
may fall a victim to the first foe he meets."

"I will give you my knife and sword, but you must promise me not to use
them against any of the people of this tribe except in self-defence,
should they attempt to recapture you."

Piomingo swore by the Great Spirit that he would act as I desired.

"I will leave the sword and knife close to the tree to which I will
secure my horse," I said on leaving him.

I thought it better not to question him as to his intentions in regard
to the young squaw, although I had my suspicions on the subject.

I forthwith went for my horse, which I led to the wood, as I h