Later, when I opened my burning eyes and asked for water, I saw Tahioni in the flushed light of dawn, and knew that my Indians had returned.
Nick filled my pannikin. When I had drunk, I felt very ill and could scarcely find voice to ask him how my Oneidas had made out in the tamaracks.
He admitted that they had not come up with the fugitives; and added that I was badly hurt and should be quiet and trouble my mind about nothing for the present.
One by one my Indians came gravely to gaze upon me, and I tried to smile and to speak to each, but my mind seemed confused, what with the burning of my body and my great weariness.
When again I unclosed my eyes and asked for water, I was lying under the open-faced shed, and it was brilliant sunshine outside.
Somebody had stripped me and had heated water in the kettle, and was bathing my body.
Then I saw it was the little maid of Askalege.
"Thiohero,—little sister?"
At the sound of my voice, she came and bent over me. La one hand she held a great sponge of steaming sphagnum.