ONG DESIRE TO SAVE HIS LIFE--I PLEAD
WITH THE CHIEF, AND GAIN MY POINT--I OFFER THE YOUNG BRAVE MY
HORSE AND ARMS--KINDNESS REQUITED--THE INDIAN'S ESCAPE--A
DARING ACT, AND A KIND DEED--WE SEEK PROTECTION FROM THE
INDIANS--RETURN OF UNCLE JEFF AND MAYSOTTA--AN ADDRESS TO THE
BRAVES--HOW IT SUCCEEDED--UNCLE JEFF'S STORY--THE LIEUTENANT
ABOUT TO LEAVE US--HIS PLANS--WE SEND OUT SCOUTS--ALARMING
INTELLIGENCE--THE CAMP STRUCK--WE MOVE TO THE NORTHWARD--WE
CHANGE OUR PLANS--A WONDERFUL REGION--WE SEPARATE FROM OUR
INDIAN FRIENDS--THROUGH A PINE FOREST--THE CATARACT OF THE
PASS--WE SEND BACK OUR HORSES--OUR JOURNEY CONTINUED--A "CANADA
STAG" KILLED--ENCAMPED FOR THE NIGHT.

The chief, who seemed inclined to treat us with every kindness,
immediately ordered a wigwam to be put up for Clarice and Rachel, and
another for Manley and me.

In the meantime, feeling interested in the fate of Piomingo, I went to
seek him out. I found him lying on the ground, under the shade of some
trees, to one of which he was secured by ropes. I asked him if he
desired to escape.

"Yes," he replied; "life is sweet. 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 sh