been well treated. That the Indians were not going to their lodges in a
direct course, but by a circuitous route, which would make a difference
of at least six or seven days; and that they did this that they might
not be seen by some other tribes who were located in their direct route,
and who might give information. She said that it was she who had
written the Indian letter which Malachi had received the autumn before,
and that she had done it because she had been so kindly treated by Mr
and Mrs Campbell, when she had been found in the forest with her ankle
sprained. That Percival was at the Indian lodges, quite well when they
left, and that if the Angry Snake did not receive a large quantity of
powder and shot, and a great many rifles in exchange for him, it was his
intention to adopt the boy, as he was very partial to him. On being
asked if the boy was happy, she replied that he was not at first, but
now he was almost an Indian; that he was seldom permitted to leave the
lodges, and never unless accompanied by the Angry Snake. In answer to
their questions as to the direction and distance to the lodges, she said
that they were about seven days' journey by the straight road; but that
the party with Miss Percival would not arrive there in less than fifteen
days, if so soon, as she was every day less able to travel. Having
obtained all this information, a council was held, and Malachi spoke
first, having been requested so to do.

"My opinion is this," said Malachi, "that we can do no better than
remain here at present, and wait till the woman is sufficiently
recovered to travel, and shew us the direct road to the lodges. In two
or three days she will probably be well enough to go with us, and then
we will take the direct road, and be there before them. The knowledge
of the place and the paths will enable us to lay an ambush for them, and
to rescue the young lady without much danger to ourselves. They will
have no idea of falling in with us, for they of course imagine the woman
is dead; a tomahawk seldom fails."

After a long parley, the advice of Malachi was considered the most
judicious, and a further conversation with the Indian woman confirmed
them in the resolution. As they had no fear of the Indians discovering
that they were on their trail, Martin and Alfred went out in pursuit of
game for provisions, while the others raised up a large hut with
branches of trees, for the accommodation of the whole party.