“Must I travel afoot and alone?” I asked of the Indian.
“There’s the hoss what tossed you over the buffler there,” he answered, pointing to a clump of trees, “and I’ve brought you them other things,” he added, handing me my knife, powder-horn, and rifle, “and I’ll show you through the woods to the peararie.”
“Thank you; but I shall not need you, as I know the way well enough.”
“How soon you goin’ to start?” he asked, turning to depart.
“In less than an hour I shall bid you farewell.”
“Jim,” interposed the fair captive, “bring my horse to the same spot. I think I shall also leave for home to-night. If inquiry is made, you can tell them this, and add that I shall probably be with them in a few days again. As I know the wilderness well, I will guide our friend here through it.”
The savage looked cautiously at us both. If he was shrewd enough to suspect the truth, he was polite enough not to show it. He replied that her wish should be gratified, and he disappeared as noiselessly as he came. It was now getting far in the night. The moon rode high in the heavens, and shed a full, perfect light down upon us.
“So you are going,” said I, looking at her.
“I am going to attempt it,” she answered, firmly.
“And through no action of mine shall you ever regret this step,” I added, warmly.