“‘The pledge of Anawon, is it about thee, child?’ asked Rachel; and Mary drew from her pocket the bracelet of the chief; and they went on.
“Their way lay directly through the woods. Mary’s poor, little, bare feet, were dreadfully scratched with the briers; and she was so tired with running, and hurrying, and crying, that sometimes Rachel was obliged to take her up and carry her. At length it grew very dark; and, at first, Mary could hardly tell where to step; but when she got used to it she did not mind it at all—for she was not thinking of herself, but of her father, and mother, and brother.
“After they had gone several miles they saw a light at a great distance: and, when they came near, they saw it was a large fire—and when they got still nearer, they saw a great many Indians, with painted faces and tomahawks in their hands, dancing about it, singing, and shouting, and uttering terrible cries.
“One of the Indians, who was stationed to keep watch, saw little Mary and her guide; and as soon as he knew Rachel he shouted ‘Namoina!’ And all immediately rested their tomahawks on the ground, and, ceasing to sing and dance, they awaited her approach with all the respect due to the daughter of so mighty a chief as Anawon.
“Mary Wallace saw but one thing. As the ring opened she beheld her brother standing in the midst, beside a large pile of light fuel, which was all ready to be kindled; his hands were bound behind him and his head was bent down. Mary gave one spring, and, fearing not the terrible looking men around her, she bounded to the side of William; and clinging round his neck, she sobbed as if her little heart was breaking. William was pale as death when he saw Mary. A few hot tears fell on his cheek; but he spoke not; he bowed his head upon her neck awhile—and then his heart was melted—and he sobbed aloud. This relieved him, and he whispered, ‘Sister, wipe my tears away and leave me—thou must not see me die.’
‘Thou wilt not die! Thou shalt not!’ said Mary, wringing her hands; and, losing all fear, but that of her brother’s death, she ran wildly from one to another crying out, ‘Will my brother die? must William die?’
“Anawon, who sat apart on a rock higher than those around, saw and heard the tumult; but he knew not its cause; and, in a deep and somewhat angry tone of voice, he gave orders for the noise to be hushed, and the awful ceremonies of death to be resumed. In an instant the place was still—and then a low murmur ran among the crowd, ‘The Child of Sunrise!’—‘The Bird of Peace!’—‘The Red Man’s Friend!’ and such was the strong love Mary had excited among the Indians, that, for a moment, not a hand was lifted, even at the command of their chief—then slowly they prepared to obey.
“As Mary’s almost distracted features were turned to the glaring light of the death-fire, Anawon saw her; and the long, deep, agonizing groan he did not try to suppress, told that she was recognized. The next moment she was at his feet. The bracelet was clasped about his arm. ‘Father, will he die!’ was all that she could speak; and poor little Mary fainted away.
“Anawon took the child in his own arms, and administered something which revived her; and when he saw her beautiful blue eyes again, he wiped the heavy drops of sweat from his brow, and gave orders for the release of the prisoner. Mary was then almost wild with joy—and she laughed and wept—and sang and danced—and ran from one to another—and they feared she would go into fits; but in a few minutes she was completely exhausted; and Rachel took her in her arms and held her.
“William wanted to go home immediately, because he knew his parents would be very much distressed about their children. One of the Indians said he would carry little Mary in his arms, and, accompanied by Rachel, they set out.