“It was, however, a severe trial, Prairie–bird,” replied her lover; “for you remember that Lita’s mule stumbled, and nearly fell with her over that fearful precipice! but Nekimi is unmatched for speed and sureness of foot, and is of so generous and affectionate a nature that I love him more than I ever thought I could have loved a quadruped. When we return to Mooshanne, he shall be repaid for all his faithful service; warm shall be his stable, soft his litter, and his beloved mistress shall sometimes give him corn with her own fair hand, in remembrance of these days of hardships!”
At the mention of his home, the cheek of Prairie–bird coloured with an emotion which that subject never failed to excite. Reginald observed it, and said to her, in a half–jesting tone, “Confess now, dearest, have you not a longing desire to see that home of which I have so often spoken to you?”
“It appears to me so like a dream, that I scarcely dare let my thoughts dwell upon it! But your sister, of whom Wingenund told me so much, I hope she will love me?”
Reginald bent his dark eyes upon her countenance with an expression that said, as plainly as words could speak it, “How could any one see thee, and fail to love thee?” Then turning the conversation to Wingenund, he replied, “Two days have now elapsed since your young brother went upon his dangerous expedition; I begin to feel most anxious for his safety.”
“With grief I saw him go; for even if he succeeds in seeing and speaking with the Black Father, I cannot tell what advantage will come from it.”
“They may perhaps devise some scheme for escape, and will at all events be comforted by the assurance that their friends are near and watchful. Three several times on the march hither had we made our plans for attacking the camp, and rescuing them, but the hateful Mahéga was always on his guard, and had posted himself in such a manner that we could not approach without incurring severe loss. War–Eagle has himself owned that the Osage has conducted this retreat with wonderful skill. What a pity that so great a villain should possess such high qualities!”
“If he were not in the camp of the Crows,” said Prairie–bird, “my beloved father and your friend would have been set free long ago; cruelty and revenge are his pleasures, and his hand is ever ready to shed blood.”
“He will doubtless do all in his power to prevent their liberation; and if his malignant eye should detect the presence of Wingenund, he would represent the brave youth as a spy, and urge the Crows to destroy him.”
“I trust much to Wingenund’s skill, but more, oh! how much more to the protection of Him, at whose word the strongest bars and bolts are broken, and the fetters of iron fall from the limbs of the captive!”
“What a strength and support must it be to you, dearest Prairie–bird, thus habitually to look up to Heaven amid all the trials and troubles of earth!”