had
only themselves to think of.

"I cannot help acknowledging that our Indian friend's advice is sound,"
observed Uncle Jeff. "If we knew that Clarice and Rachel were safe, we
should fight with far more freedom than we could do with them in the
house. And if matters came to the worst, we should, as he says, be able
to escape with far less difficulty than if we had them to look after."

"I am very unwilling to desert you," said the lieutenant; "but, under
the circumstances, if you will confide your niece to my care, with her
attendant, I will undertake to escort them to the Indian camp, where the
chief's daughter is ready to receive her. Indeed, the Indian girl
proposed this herself, and seemed to be aware of what her father had
advised you to do."

While we were talking, I observed that the stranger was listening, and
apparently doing his best to take in what we said. Though he was a
handsome young fellow, yet, as I before remarked, I did not like the
expression of his countenance; it now struck me that it had a cunning,
sinister look. Whenever he saw my eyes directed towards him, he turned
away, and appeared to be thinking only of the food he was eating.

I have elsewhere alluded to my talent as an artist. While Winnemak was
with us, I had made a tolerably fair portrait of him; indeed, it was
considered a good likeness, and was hung up against the wall. As
Piomingo was passing it, I saw him start in a way an Indian seldom does;
and he then stood gazing earnestly at it for a minute or more.

"Who is that man?" he asked, pointing to the portrait.

I told him.

"Ah, bad man!" he muttered; "take care what he do."

"We think him a good man; he is a friend of ours."

He shook his head, but said nothing more. After this, instead of lying
down, he stole near to where Uncle Jeff, the lieutenant, and I were
talking, although, unless he knew English much better than he seemed to
do, he could not have been any the wiser.

Uncle Jeff considered seriously the proposal made by Winnemak, and now
repeated by the lieutenant.

"Yes," he said at length, "I am sure it is the best plan. I will entrust
my niece and Rachel to your charge. I conclude you will take your men
with you! Indeed, although we can ill spare any hands, I wish Ralph to
accompany you, if you will allow him."

"You may trust me, Mr. Crockett, that I will defend your niece and her
attendant with my life; but I shall be very glad to have the aid of your
nep