my ammunition;
and although we are five to fifty, I feel very sure these fellows will
not interfere with us. However, we will try fair means first; and the
young squaw will, I am sure, be on our side."

He at once turned to Maysotta, and telling her what had occurred, begged
her to plead with her father and his people. She did not seem to think
it necessary to say anything to Winnemak, but at once addressed herself
to the braves, over whom it was evident she had great influence.

I saw the angry expression gradually disappear from their countenances;
their gestures became less menacing, and at length their fury completely
subsided. Maysotta saw the advantage she had gained, and went on to tell
them that we were their guests, and that, even had we been guilty of a
greater provocation, they were bound to protect our lives with their
own; that we had always been friendly with the red men; and, above all,
that we had preserved the life of their chief, who, had it not been for
us, would have died. She by this means completely won over the braves,
but she had a harder task with the old squaws. Finally, however, she
succeeded with them, and what appeared at one time to threaten a serious
termination was at length settled to the satisfaction of all parties.

We promised, as soon as we could obtain them, presents of tobacco,
blankets, and beads for the squaws, and some arms and ammunition for the
braves, on condition that they would always use them in our service.

We were, of course, very eager to hear how Uncle Jeff had escaped. I
noticed, besides, that he looked fatigued and careworn, and had
evidently suffered much.

[Illustration: THE MEETING WITH MAYSOTTA.]

"I had a narrow escape from my pursuers, on leaving the farm," he said,
"for more than one bullet whistled close to my ears, while two entered
the sides of my brave Jack--who bore me, notwithstanding, for many a
mile, until I had left my enemies far behind. Then my gallant steed sank
down and died. As I was making my way northward on foot, I caught sight
of several parties of Arrapahas. This made me feel very anxious on
account of Clarice and her escort, who, I feared, might have fallen into
their hands. I myself had some difficulty in avoiding them, and at
length I found it necessary to take to the mountains, where, at the same
time, I should have a better chance of killing game. Unfortunately, for
the first time in my life I became very ill, and had to remain,