“At this moment a friendly whoop was heard from a party of new comers on the opposite bank of the river. Black Partridge sprang to meet their leader, as the canoes in which they had hastily embarked touched the bank near the house.
“‘Who are you?’ demanded he.
“‘A man—who are you?’
“‘ A man like yourself, but tell me who you are’—meaning, tell me your disposition, and which side you are for.
“‘I am the Sau-ga-nash!’
“‘Then make all speed to the house—your friend is in danger, and you alone can save him.’
“Billy Caldwell,[AJ] for it was he, entered the parlor with a calm step, and without a trace of agitation in his manner. He deliberately took off his accoutrements and placed them with his rifle behind the door; then saluted the hostile savages.
[AJ] Billy Caldwell was a half-breed, and a chief of the nation. In his reply, “I am a Sau-ga-nash,” or Englishman, he designed to convey, “I am a white man.” Had he said, “I am a Pottowattamie,” it would have been interpreted to mean, “I belong to my nation, and am prepared to go all lengths with them.”
“‘How now, my friends! A good day to you. I was told there were enemies here, but I am glad to find only friends. Why have you blackened your faces? Is it that you are mourning for the friends you have lost in battle?’ (purposely misunderstanding this token of evil designs). ‘Or is it that you are fasting? If so, ask our friend here, and he will give you to eat. He is the Indian’s friend, and never yet refused them what they had need of.’
“Thus taken by surprise, the savages were ashamed to acknowledge their bloody purpose. They, therefore, said modestly that they came to beg of their friends some white cotton in which to wrap their dead, before interring them. This was given to them with some other presents, and they took their departure peaceably from the premises.