Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1833-05-16


to the wigwam and communed with his
wife, who in few minutes. also appear
ed, and by certain signs and sympathies,
known only to females, Gained the stran-
gers fears and induced her to enter their
lowly abode. Nenison was instantly pre-
pared for supper, and Mrs. McDougal,
though still alarmed at the novelty of her
situation, found the vands delicious, and
had rarely, if ever partaken of so savou-
ry'a meal. Aware that she was wea-
rled, the Indians removed from their place
near the roof, two beautiful deerskins,
and by stretching, and fixing them a
cross, divided the wigwam into two apart
ments. Mats were spread in both, and
next, the stranger was given to under
stand that the farther dormitory was ex-
pressly given to her accommodation
But here again her courage failed her,
and to the most pressing entreaties she
replied by signs as well as she could,
that she would prefer to sit and sleep by
the fire. This determination seemed to
! puzzle the Indian and his squaw sadly;
! often they looked at one another, and
! conversed softly in their own language,
man by the hand, led her to a couch and
became her bed-iellow. In the morning
she awoke greatly refreshed, and anx-
ious to depart without delay, but this the
| Indian would On no account permit
Bre akfast was prepared; the Indian ac-
companied his guest, and conducted her
to the very spot where the cattle were
grazing. These he kindly drove from
the wood, on the verge of which Mrs
McDougal described her husband run
ming about every where halloing and
seeking for her, in state of absolute dis
traction. Great was his JOY and great
his gratitude to her Indian benelactor,
who was invited to the house and treated
to the best the arder afforded, and pre-
scented on his departure with suit of
clothes. In about three days he return
ed, and endeavored by every vile, to in-
? duce Mr.. McDougal to follow him into
the forest. But this invitation the other
= positively declined, and the poor Indian
went on his way obviously glieved and
Y disappointed. But, again he returned
and though words were wanting, renew
I, ed his entreaties, but still vainly and
without effect, and then, as last, des-
y perate effort, he hit upon an expedient
+ which none save an Indian hunter would
/; have thought Of Mrs. McDougal had
l. nursing only a few months old, fact
r the Indian failed not to notice; and after
d his pantominic eloquence had been COM
y pletely thrown away, he approached the
= cradle, seized the infant, and darted out
ct Of the door with the speed Of an antelope.
l. The alarmed parents instantly followed,
id supplcatipg and ecating at the TOP
~ of their voices; but the Indians resolves
s. were fixed as fate; and away he went
I'd slow enough to encourage his pursuers
e, but still in the van by good many pa
Is ces, and far enough ahead to achieve the
h secret purpose he had formed, like the
r parent bird skimming the ground when
II she wished to vile the enemy from her
G nest. Again and again Mr.. McDou-
is gal wished to continue the chase alone,
n but maternal anxiety baflcd every re-
& monstrance, and this anxiety was, if pos
e slble, increased, when she saw the pain
f. ted savage enter the wood and steer, as
l. she thought, his course towards his own
Is cabin in the heart of the wild. The In
J. ally he cast glance behind, poised the
,e child almost Ike feather, threaded hi.
of way with admirable deXterity, and KEEP
lis the swaddling clothes so closely draws
10 around it that not even the winds of heav
1g en- were permitted to visit it too roughly
he 1t is of course, needless TO 60 into al
lis the details Of this singular journey, far
he ther than to say, that the Indian at las
ut called a halt on the margin of a yer,
IT. beautiful prairie, teeming with the rich
g. est vegetation, and extending to severa
he thousand acres. In a moment the chile
ed was restored to its parents, who wonder
ed ing what so strange proceeding coult
lily mean, stood Tor some minutes painting TO
on breath, and eyeing one another in silen
"a and speechless astonishment.
ia The Indian, on the other hand, an
it PeaEed c"sFjoyed at the success Of tn
as maneuvre, and never did human bein
ch frisk about and gesticuate with create
ng animation. We have read or heard @
nd a professor Of signs, and supposng sue
on a character were wanted, the selectio
ed could not, or at least, should not, be
ost matter of difficulty, so long as even
lot remnant remains Of the Aborigines of N
AZ America. All travellers agree in de
ot- scribing their gestures as highly dignif
cd ed, eloquent and Intelligent; and we hav
an the authority Of Mr. McDougal for say
ew ing, that the hero Of the present strictl
,e, authentic tale, proved himself to be
of perfect of the art. The restoration
ose the child, the beauty and wide extent ,