all be able to
perform whatever I undertake," he said.

"I do not wish to do things by halves," I remarked. "You shall have my
horse; I will place the animal in yonder wood. If you have an
opportunity, you can return him; but if not, I will give him to you."

"Young Paleface," he said, struck by my kindness, "Piomingo would wish
to serve you for the remainder of his days; perhaps he will have an
opportunity of showing his gratitude; but he would ask you to show him
your generosity still further. Supply him with arms; without them, he
may fall a victim to the first foe he meets."

"I will give you my knife and sword, but you must promise me not to use
them against any of the people of this tribe except in self-defence,
should they attempt to recapture you."

Piomingo swore by the Great Spirit that he would act as I desired.

"I will leave the sword and knife close to the tree to which I will
secure my horse," I said on leaving him.

I thought it better not to question him as to his intentions in regard
to the young squaw, although I had my suspicions on the subject.

I forthwith went for my horse, which I led to the wood, as I had
promised. All the Indians were so much engaged that they took no notice
of my proceedings; and when every arrangement had been made, I returned
to Piomingo.

Grasping my hand, he exclaimed,--"You are more generous than I deserve;
for when I went to your farm it was with the intention of working you
evil. But after I saw the 'Fair Lily,' your sister, I had not the heart
to do her an injury; and instead of remaining and opening the gate to
your enemies, as I had intended, I made my escape. When I was watching
your camp, it was with no treacherous design. I wished to warn you that
the Arrapahas were still advancing, and that their purpose was to occupy
the passes through the mountains, so that they could intercept you and
any other Palefaces who might travel in that direction. They must, by
this time, have carried out that part of their plan, so that I would
advise you and your friends to pass on more to the north, by which means
you may escape them. I have also to tell you that one of your people is
in their hands. They have been carrying him about with them from place
to place; but whether they intend to kill him, as they have done the
other prisoners, I could not learn."

I thanked Piomingo for his information, which, I felt sure, gratitude
had prompted him to give. And, of course, I