We'll bury them at the
settlement, and build them a monument a thousand feet high--yes,
sir--every inch of it."
A few minutes later, the party, bearing among them the bodies of
Oonomoo and Fluellina, set out for the settlement, which was reached
just as the sun was disappearing in the west. The lifeless forms were
placed in the block-house for the night. The next morning a large and
deep grave was dug in a cool grove just back of the village, into which
the two bodies, suitably inclosed, were lowered. The last rites were
performed by the good missionary, and as the sods fell upon the
coffins, there was not a dry eye in the numerous assembly.
The avowal of Captain Prescott that the faithful Huron should have a
monument erected to his memory, was something more than the impulse of
the moment. Knowing the affection with which he was regarded by the
settlers all along the frontier, he took pains to spread the
particulars of his death, and to invite contributions for the purpose
mentioned. The response was far more liberal than he had, dared to
hope, and showed the vast services of Oonomoo during his life--services
of which none but the recipients knew anything.
At this time, there was a band of border rangers in existence, known as
the _Riflemen of the Miami_. Oonomoo had often acted as their guide,
and these were the first that were heard from. Lewis Dernor, their
leader, visited the settlement on purpose to learn the facts regarding
his death, and to bring the gifts of himself and companions.
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