y believed, all knowing the
trustful, verdant nature of the Dutchman, and there was a general
clearing of the wigwam, for the purpose of ascertaining which direction
the Huron had taken; but they met with no success, as the woods were so
thoroughly trodden by numerous feet, that it was impossible to
distinguish any particular trail. One or two Shawnees, however, were
not satisfied with what Hans had said, and, after making several more
inquiries, they remarked:

"Oonomoo, the Huron, is a brave Indian, but could not enter the Shawnee
lodges unless the door was opened from within. Our white brother----"

Hans' wife sprung up like a catamount, whose young were attacked. "You
say my brave Hans let her go, eh? My brave warriors, I will show you,"
she exclaimed, springing at them in such a perfect fury that they tore
out of the wigwam and were seen no more.

"My _dear_ Hans."

"My _dear, good_ Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock! de same shape all de
way down."

And the loving wife and husband embraced with all the fervor of
youthful lovers. And locked thus together, trusting, contented and
happy, we take our final leave of them.

CHAPTER IX.

A NEW DANGER.

Tis too late
To crush the hordes who have the power and will
To rob thee of thy hunting-grounds and fountains,
And drive thee backward to the Rocky Mountains.--EDWARD SANFORD.

The moon was now well up in the sky, although it was still
comparatively early in the night. It was hardly possible that the
escape of Miss Prescott could be discovered before morning, yet the
Huron was too prudent not to guard against the most remote probability,
by taking up their march at once in a direct line for the settlement.
The eight or ten hours of unmolested travel that were before them, were
amply sufficient to place all beyond danger, at least from the Shawnees
who had just been left behind. Taking the lead, as usual, he proceeded
at a moderate walk, timing his progress to the endurance of the maiden
with him, still keeping the impatient Cato behind.

"I say, Oonomoo," called out Lieutenant Canfield, in a suppressed
voice, "suppose Miss Prescott and myself should indulge in
conversation, would you have any objection?"

"No--don't care--talk sweet--talk love--so no one hear but gal--gal
talk low, sweet, so no one but him hear," returned the Indian,
pleasantly.

Falling a rod or so in the rear, the Lieutenant took the willing hand
of his betrothed