It was not quite ten miles to the Shawnee town, and, as it was now in
the neighborhood of midnight, their destination would be easily reached
in time.
All went well for some four or five miles, when an exclamation from the
canoe in advance attracted the attention of Oonomoo and the soldier.
"What is it?" inquired the latter.
"Ugh! nudder canoe comin'--Shawnees."
Such proved to be the case. A large war-canoe, containing over a score
of painted warriors, was coming up the river, nearly in the center of
the stream, while the Miamis were nearer the right bank. When nearly
opposite each other, the war-canoe paused while that which contained
the four Miamis went over to it, somewhat after the manner that two
friendly ships come to anchor in the midst of the ocean, and exchange
congratulations and news.
During the interview, Heigon prudently kept at a safe distance, but
from the gesticulations and words of the Shawnees it was evident they
were making inquiries in regard to the inmates of his boat. The
replies proved satisfactory, for a moment later, the canoes separated,
and each party proceeded on his way. Little did the Shawnees dream
that the very foe for whom they were searching--he whose scalp was
worth that of a hundred warriors, whose death they would have nearly
given their own life to secure--little did they dream, we say, that
this very man was within a few rods of them--so close that he
recognized the features of every one of their number!
Several miles further, and Oonomoo spoke to Heigon.
Pages:
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109