It was also necessary to place Miss Prescott on her guard against
eating them, as it would seriously inconvenience him if she should fall
into a deadly stupor at the very time when she would most need her
senses. All this was not definitively provided for until a long time
after his return to his wigwam.
The more fully to carry out his plans, Hans feigned sickness shortly
after his return, so that Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock, who really had
a sort of affection for him, allowed him to remain inside, while she
busied herself with the corn-planting. This was the very opportunity
for which Hans longed, and he lost no time in improving it.
"I've see'd Oonomoo," said he, by way of introduction.
"Have you, indeed?" and the countenance of Miss Prescott became radiant
with hope.
"Yaw; see'd somebody else, too."
The deep crimson that suffused the beautiful captive's face, even to
the very temples, showed the stolid Dutchman that it was not necessary
for him to mention the other person's name.
"Yaw; see'd him, too."
"And what did he say?"
"Didn't say much, only grin and laughed. De dunderin' nigger liked to
kill me."
Miss Prescott was dumbfounded to hear her lover spoken of in this
manner.
"Why, what do you mean, my friend? Why do you speak of him in that
manner?"
"He jumped down out of a tree on top of mine head, and nearly mashed it
down lower dan my shoulders. Den he rolled round, kicked up his heels
and laughed at me.
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