nis was separated from the other captives, and allotted to
live at the Chilicothe towns.[13] She learned their language; painted
herself as they do; and in many respects conformed to their manners
and customs. She was attentive to sick persons and was highly esteemed
by the Indians, as [69] one well skilled in the art of curing
diseases. Finding them very superstitious and believers in necromancy;
she professed witchcraft, and affected to be a prophetess. In this
manner she conducted herself, 'till she became so great a favorite
with them, that they gave her full liberty and honored her as a queen.
Notwithstanding this, Mrs. Dennis was always determined to effect her
escape, when a favorable opportunity should occur; and having remained
so long with them, apparently well satisfied, they ceased to entertain
any suspicions of such a design.

In June 1763, she left the Chilicothe towns, _ostensibly_ to procure
herbs for medicinal purposes, (as she had before frequently done,) but
_really_ to attempt an escape. As she did not return that night, her
intention became suspected; and in the morning, some warriors were
sent in pursuit of her. In order to leave as little trail as possible,
she had crossed the Scioto river three times, and was just getting
over the fourth time 40 miles below the towns, when she was discovered
by her pursuers. They fired at her across the river without effect;
but in endeavoring to make a rapid flight, she had one of her feet
severely cut by a sharp stone.

The Indians then rushed across the river to overtake and catch her,
but she eluded them by crawling into the hollow limb, of a large
fallen sycamore. They searched around for her some time, frequently
stepping on the log which concealed her; and encamped near it that
night. On the next day they went on to the Ohio river, but finding no
trace of her, they returned home.

Mrs. Dennis remained at that place three days, doctoring her wound,
and then set off for home. She crossed the Ohio river, at the mouth of
Great Kenhawa, on a log of driftwood, travelling only during the
night, for fear of discovery--She subsisted on roots, herbs, green
grapes, wild cherries and river muscles--and entirely exhausted by
fatigue and hunger, sat down by the side of Greenbrier river, with no
expectation of ever proceeding farther. In this situation she was
found by Thomas Athol and three others from Clendennin's settlement,
which she had passed without knowing it.