The soldier remained at a respectful distance, until the Huron turned
his head and told him to approach.
"Dis my son Niniotan," said he. "He go wid us."
"I am glad of his company I am sure. Did you expect to meet him in
this place?"
"No--Fluellina, his mother, send him in big hurry to Oonomoo--been
huntin' all day--jes' found us."
"No trouble, I trust?"
"Tell in de mornin'--mus' walk fas' now--don't talk much--git to
settlement quick as can. Take gal's hand--lead her fast."
The soldier knew there must be cause for this haste of his friend, and
acting upon the hint which he had given him to ask no further
questions, he took the hand of Miss Prescott, and the party moved
forward at a rapid walk. Little did he suspect the true cause of the
Huron's silence. Knowing the solicitations that would be made by the
soldier and the girl for him to leave them at once and attend to the
safety of his wife, the noble Indian refrained from imparting the
truth. It was his intention to conduct his friends as far as possible
during the night, that they might be beyond all danger, when,
accompanied by his son, he would make all haste to his Fluellina, and
carry her to some place beyond the reach of his inhuman foes.
For fully eight hours, the little party hurried through the woods.
Miss Prescott bore the fatigue much better than she expected. Being
strong, healthy, and accustomed to long rambles and sports in the open
air, and having been so long inactive in the Shawnee village, the rapid
walk for a long time was pleasant and exhilarating to her.
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