“Seen her, indeed,” said Earth, “where did you see her?”
“It seems to me,” answered Rolfe, “that she is like a girl I used to know in Petersburg. But then,” said he, pausing, “her father was rich and happy.”
“And because you left him rich and happy,” said Earth, “you think she must have floated down the Ohio in a flat boat.”
“No, it is that which perplexes me,” said Rolfe.
“Well, it ought to bother you,” said Earth, “now I feel for that gal just as much as you do, and if she can be found, I mean to find her and take care of her. I don't care who she is. I expect she is some poor girl whose daddy couldn't live in the old states, and thought he would float out here and squat in a cane brake. You know corn is mighty scarce there on light land. But nothing will satisfy you, Rolfe, but you must make her the real grit, one you used to love; and with plenty of money, make her float all about here, looking for you, I suppose. Come, let's go to sleep.”
Rolfe, who felt the force of Earth's ridicule, was silent, and a few moments found them slumbering quietly.
Morning was far advanced, when the hunters leaving their cover proceeded fearlessly to the camp. They had nearly reached it, and were not yet discovered; but as soon as observed, there was passing to and fro with quickened pace, and several Indians entered the tent of the Prophet.
“See, Rolfe,” said Earth, “there is the tent of their mighty Prophet, that back hut which rises up, covered with skins.”
“I see it,” said Rolfe, and they walked into the camp.
The Indians were either sitting or lounging about, and paying no particular attention to their entrance, maintained the most perfect silence. Earth dropped the butt of his rifle on the ground, and leaning on its band coolly surveyed the group before him; but they spoke not, and believing that they were waiting for him to speak, he addressed in the Shawanee tongue the oldest before him, and demanded to be led into the presence of the Prophet. The Indian addressed, seemed not to comprehend the question, but upon Earth's repeating it, he said “umph!” and spoke in an under tone to a companion near him, who instantly rose, disappeared for a short time, and returning, motioned the hunters to follow. They obeyed in silence, and accompanying the messenger, soon stood in the presence of the Prophet. He was sitting on a buffalo skin, which served as a floor for his tent, which was unfurnished, if furniture consists in the comforts of life. A bowl of dry peas, which, from his appearance, formed his only sustenance, for his countenance was lean and haggard, together with several little bags well stuffed and closely tied, were all that at first view met the sight. But upon closer observation, a wicker basket of tolerable size was seen peeping forth from a bundle of skins which had evidently been placed there to conceal it, and in this no doubt was contained the medicine bag with which he worked his incantations. His person was wrapped in a blanket, and muffled up as closely as though it had been the dead of winter, for his sacred person was not to be gazed at by vulgar eyes. Still one might judge that an amulet was worn on his neck, from seeing the tooth of an alligator in the claws of an eagle. Eyeing the hunters for a time, he turned to address them, while they, disturbed by a slightly rustling noise, found to their surprise, that they were surrounded by a numerous band of Indian warriors, armed with rifles, tomahawks, and war clubs.