ver known, the one now before
him appealed to him most of all. She was the only white woman who had
entered his house since his wife's death, and he had been strongly
drawn to her from the first time of meeting. Living so much among
rough, rebellious men, he had acquired many of their ways. But in the
presence of this sweet, gentle girl these had vanished like ice before
the bright sun, and the real nobleness of his nature re-asserted
itself. He was tired of the life he had been living for years. He
longed for companions after his own heart, and a home such as he had
known in the past. And what a home the girl before him would make!
And reconciled to his only son, what a heaven on earth it would be!

CHAPTER XXVI

BEHIND THE BOLTED DOOR

When Thomas Norman fled with his wife and child from the restraining
bonds of civilisation and became the leader of a band of lawless rovers
of the wild, he little realised how far-reaching would be the effect of
his rash and hasty action. In the spirit of revenge he had sown the
wind, but he had forgotten the whirlwind that one day he would be
called upon to reap. For a time he had rejoiced in flaming the embers
of rebellion against the King, thinking thus to get more than even for
his imaginary injury. The war had filled him with delight, and he did
everything in his power to arouse the people, both whites and Indians,
against King George. For a while he was certain of success, especially
when assistance came from the rebelling states in the form of presents
for the Indians and a personal letter from General Washington,
accompanied by belts of wampum. For a time he made remarkable
progress, and so stirred the Indians that at last they started on the
warpath against the English. Ninety canoes filled with warriors headed
down river to ravage the country around Fort Howe. But they were met
by James Simonds, the trader at Portland Point, and a conference was
held along the river. Before giving an answer, the head chief, Pierre
Tomah, said that he must consult the Divine being. So throwing himself
upon his face in the sand, he lay motionless for the space of nearly an
hour. Then rising, he informed the other chiefs that he had been
advised by the Great Spirit to keep peace with King George's men.
After that a treaty was signed at Fort Howe. General Washington's
presents were delivered up, the Indians drank the health of the King,
they were feasted and presented wi