"Of coorse ye wos, Dame Varley, and I've comed

here a purpis to tell ye. They want me to go to the

Redskins to make peace between them and us; and

they've brought a lot o' goods to make them presents

withal--beads, an' knives, an' lookin'-glasses, an' vermilion

paint, an' sich like, jist as much as'll be a light

load for one horse--for, ye see, nothin' can be done wi'

the Redskins without gifts."

"'Tis a blessed mission," said the widow; "I wish it

may succeed. D'ye think ye'll go?"