d, told me to
say to the chief that if his people were injured an army of white men
would be sent by his Government against them, and not one would be
allowed to escape.

Although, I believe, the chief spoke as I begged him, the angry braves
were not to be appeased, still crying out that we must be handed over to
them.

"Not while we have got a cartridge left in our pouches," cried Sergeant
Custis, lifting his rifle as he spoke, as if he intended to make use of
it, while Manley, Pat, and I followed his example.

Just at this juncture two persons were seen approaching the camp,--the
one was Maysotta, accompanied by Keokuk, the other was a tall person
dressed in skins. At first I did not recognise him; but on looking
again, what was my joy to see Uncle Jeff! Both he and Maysotta must
have observed that something unusual was taking place in the camp, for
they hurried forward at a quick pace, and in another moment had
approached the chief.

Uncle Jeff at once put out his hand. "What does all this mean?" he
asked.

Winnemak was silent.

"I will tell you all about it, Uncle Jeff," I said; and I briefly
related what had occurred.

"You acted rightly, Ralph," he answered. "It would never do for white
men to stand by and see murder committed, which proper boldness could
prevent. Hand me a few cartridges, for I have expended my ammunition;
and although we are five to fifty, I feel very sure these fellows will
not interfere with us. However, we will try fair means first; and the
young squaw will, I am sure, be on our side."

He at once turned to Maysotta, and telling her what had occurred, begged
her to plead with her father and his people. She did not seem to think
it necessary to say anything to Winnemak, but at once addressed herself
to the braves, over whom it was evident she had great influence.

I saw the angry expression gradually disappear from their countenances;
their gestures became less menacing, and at length their fury completely
subsided. Maysotta saw the advantage she had gained, and went on to
tell them that we were their guests, and that, even had we been guilty
of a greater provocation, they were bound to protect our lives with
their own; that we had always been friendly with the red men; and, above
all, that we had preserved the life of their chief, who, had it not been
for us, would have died. She by this means completely won over the
braves, but she had a harder task with the old squaws.