"Yes," he replied; "life is sweet. But I am prepared to die as becomes a brave, if my enemies are resolved to take my life."
"If you were free, what would you do?" I asked. "I would endeavour to rescue the young squaw who was brought in a prisoner two days ago; she is the maiden I was about to make my wife. Life without her would be of little value to me; were she to be put to death, I should be ready to die with her."
"But are you able to move?" I asked.
"The pain has left my back, and I am as strong as ever," he answered. "Give me the opportunity, and you will see how I shall act."
Feeling a strong desire to save the lives of these two young people at every risk, I immediately went back to the chief, and used every argument in my power to induce him to set Piomingo at liberty. I pointed out to him how it was far more noble to forgive an injury than to avenge it, and that if he allowed Piomingo to go free he would make him his friend for life.
"If you choose to set him at liberty, you are welcome to do so," he said at last; "but he is unable to move, and if he remains in this camp he will be killed."
"I will see to that, and assist him to get away," I answered.
I hurried back to where Piomingo lay, and at once undid the cords which bound him.
"I feel that my strength has returned, and that I shall be able to perform whatever I undertake," he said.
"I do not wish to do things by halves," I remarked. "You shall have my horse; I will place the animal in yonder wood. If you have an opportunity, you can return him; but if not, I will give him to you."