Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1852-11-11

as bravely as one of themselves
While these not very comfortable re-
fections were being made, the Indians
who appeared to be about twenty in num-
Der, had pinioned their two captives, and
now, by words and signs, intimated to
their prisoners that they were to retrace
their steps. Accordingly, in few mo-
ments, Rochester and War-Eagle were
threading the mazes of the forest, in the
centre of their captors, some going before
in single file, and others following in the
same manner.
Four days severe travelling brought the
band to the vicinity of what Rochester
supposed to be their native village, for a
halt was ordered, and on consultation,
the savages proceeded to paint himself
and his companion partially black. This
he knew was sign that they were to die,
and he began to prepare himself, men
tally, for the approaching torture. This
ceremony being concluded the march was
resumed, and in few minutes, our hero's
expectation that the village was near, was
realized for suddenly, asif troop ofdem-
ons had etloose, the air was filled with
shouts, and instantaneously the woods, all
around, appeared alive with women, boys
apd children, who having been apprised
by runners of the return of the war-par-
ty. had come out to escort the prisoners
In.
We will not tire our readers with a
narrative of the scene that ensued. The
prisoners endured the bufetings and other
indignities with which they were greeted,
the one with savage stoicism, the other
with Christian heroism. Instead of being
led Immediately to the stake however,
the sentence was deferred until the NOR
row. 1t seems that another war-party
was expected during the night, and the
cruel sacrifice was delayed in order that
the new comers might participate in it.
Meantime, after the women and chill
dren had tired of gazing at, and insult
ing Rochester and WarEagle, the two
captives, bound hand and foot, we're
left in wigwam, in the centre of the
village, to find solace, if they could,
in slumber As an additional caution,
however, several braves watched about
the door.
Till nearly midnight Rochester lay in
silence. The retrieve for the night would
have been unwelcome, but that it affor-
ded him time to prepare for death :; for
he was too sensible of his condition to in
dulge hopes of escape. He had spent
several hours in meditation and prayer,
when turning to his companion, he said
in a whisper,
Are you awake, War-Eagle?' 2
Ugh answered the chief, in cultural
tones. what would my brother have p
Il would ask your forgiveness, Della
ware, for having brought you into this
straight. Had taken your advice, per-
haps we should not have been captured.
But yet could not but do so again, con-
tinued Rochester, as if reasoning with
himself. Murder a woman Neverp
To this burst, the chief replied by cool
ly saying,
The White Fawn is in the village, for
I saw her, so there can be no doubt of
But my brother knows best
Rochester answered only by groan.
Not having himself seen the Indian girl,
he had persuaded himself she was absent,
and that accident not treachery, had led
to his arrest, and that of his companion.
But this evidence was conclusive. For
since the White Fawn was really present
in the camp, yet had made no interces-
sion for them, it was plain that she had
been false to her promise.
Are you quite sure, Delaware ? said
at last, clinging, with a strange
tenacity, to his desire of exculpating the
Indian girl. 'Havn't you confounded some
other persons with her =
'The War Eagle has keen eye, and
the White Fawns step is not to be mis-
taken,' replied the chief. Tomorrow my
brother will see her; perhaps she will
even light his pile
Again our hero groaned, and then
burst forth. Now may God forgive me,
and curse--'
But here hand was suddenly laid on
his mouth, SO that he could not proceed,
and Immediately a low, sweet voice, whis-
pered 'hist = lie still will cut your
bands and even as it spoke, the withes
parted, and Rochester felt both arms and
legs free.
He would have sprung at once to his feet
but the same gentle hand held him down
while the voice continued, do not move
till | have freed your companion, and
then creep silently after me-all depends
on caution
Our hero, all this time, had vainly
striven to recognize the speaker, but the
cabin was SO dark that only a shadowy
form was visible, crouched on the ground.
He felt certain, however, from the voice,
and from the soft, warm little hand, that