“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.”
“Young Paleface,” he said, struck by my kindness, “Piomingo would wish to serve you for the remainder of his days; perhaps he will have an opportunity of showing his gratitude; but he would ask you to show him your generosity still further. Supply him with arms; without them, he may fall a victim to the first foe he meets.”
“I will give you my knife and sword, but you must promise me not to use them against any of the people of this tribe except in self-defence, should they attempt to recapture you.”