“How long since you have seen this sister?”
“Six months ago, I left her—deceived by a villain, I left her. Six years it has seemed! Oh! I cannot endure this savage life. They honour me—they give me all the hospitality in their power—but I am not happy. Stranger, say you will relieve me from this terrible existence? Say you will take me with you?”
“I freely promise it, if it be your desire. But what of these? Will they—will he consent?”
“Who?”
“Wa-ka-ra.”
“Yes—yes! He has said I may go, whenever an opportunity should offer. Brave chief! he has nobly kept his word to him who is now no more.”
“To whom?”
“To him who saved my life—to him who saved me—Ah! see, the chief approaches! the war-song is ended. At another time, I shall tell you all; but not now. We must haste, or the warriors will be gone.”
“Surely you do not intend to accompany us?”
“The women follow at a distance, to take care of the wounded. I go with them.”