“But he is in their city—in Albany.”
“There, least of all—they would only imprison me also.”
“What is imprisonment or death!” cried Tahmeroo.
“I would dare everything to be near him! Go with me, mother—go with me!”
“It is impossible—the chief would never consent; besides, we should rather do harm than good. I will write to Sir John Johnson, who is in Canada; he may have captives that he can exchange for your—for Butler.”
“But weeks and months will be wasted, and I must find him at once.”
“But there is no way; be calm, child—you cannot.”
“Mother, I will! The blood of great warriors beats in Tahmeroo’s heart; she will dare everything—danger, death—to free her husband!”
“Listen to me, Tahmeroo, and try to understand; don’t tremble and look so wild! The means that you propose could be of no avail. You must wait until we hear from Canada; then we shall be able to decide what is best.”
“I cannot—oh, I cannot!” cried Tahmeroo, with a sudden burst of grief. “Nobody has any pity on me—none of you ever loved, or you would not treat Tahmeroo so coldly.”