resolved to urge the chief
to act upon it.

On questioning Piomingo, I was convinced, from the description he gave
of the white man who had been made prisoner, that it must be either
Gideon or Bartle. I had great hopes, at all events, that Uncle Jeff had
escaped from his pursuers; but what had since become of him I could not
conjecture, nor could Piomingo give me any information.

It was now sufficiently dark to allow of the captive making his escape
without being observed. I again cast off the ropes, therefore, and stole
quietly away from the spot. The moment I had gone, he must have crept
away--crouching down, Indian fashion, until he had got to a safe
distance from the camp, when, having first secured the weapons I had
left for him, he must have mounted my horse and galloped off.

The next day had been fixed for the death of the prisoners, so I boldly
told the chief that, taking advantage of his permission, I had set
Piomingo at liberty, and urged him to be equally generous towards the
young squaw.

"My people will complain if they are disappointed," he answered, turning
aside.

I was sorry that I could not see Maysotta, as she might have effectually
pleaded for one of her own sex.

Stakes had now been driven into the ground, and every preparation made
for the horrible sacrifice. But, looking at the captives, I should not
have supposed that they were to be the victims. Even the young squaw
retained her composure.

I spoke to Manley on the subject. "We must not allow these savages to
carry out their cruel intention," I said. "If you and your men will
assist, we might set them free."

"I would gladly do as you propose," he answered, "but it would be at the
sacrifice, probably, of our own lives and that of your sister. These
Redskins now treat us with every respect; but were we to interfere with
their customs, they would naturally turn upon us."

I felt that he was right in that respect; but still I could not bear the
thought of allowing the horrible deed to be perpetrated, without again
interceding for the victims.

The hour now approached for the death of the prisoners, and finding that
Piomingo had escaped, the Redskins were the more eager to put to death
those who remained in their power. They were therefore led out and bound
to the stakes, and the savages commenced their horrible war-dance round
them.

Manley and I again pleaded with the chief.

"It is useless," answered Winnemak; "I have said it, a