Randall Parrish - When Wilderness Was King

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"Why you pour out rum, if you love Pottawattomie?"

"Because I am only the White Chief at Dearborn," returned Heald, facing
the questioner, "and, like Peesotum who asks, have higher chiefs
elsewhere whom I must obey. What they tell me I have to do."

"White Chief lies!" was the short, stern answer. "Winnemeg brought no
such word."

So furious were the many dark, glowering faces, that I braced myself,
thinking the next moment would be one of struggle for life or death;
but Gomo held them motionless with a wave of his hand. He rose slowly
to his feet, and faced us with grave dignity.

"It is true, as Peesotum says," he said impressively. "The White Chief
has used a double tongue to the Red man; yet we will deal fairly with
him, for he has come to us in peace. White Chief, there is to be war
between us; 't is the will of our young men, and the red wampum has
passed among our lodges and the lodges of our brothers the Wyandots.
Yet when you unlock the gates we will go forth with you and your
people, around the sweep of the water. Such is the will of the Great
Spirit, and the decision of the Pottawattomie in council of chiefs."

Heald looked about upon the scowling circle with disbelief so clearly
expressed in his eyes, that Gomo, reading it, turned to his warriors
and called upon them one by one to say if he spoke the truth. I heard
him speak thus to Little Sauk, Black Bird, Topenebe, Mankia, Pipe Bird,
Peesotum, and Ignance; and each answered with the low grunt of assent.
He fixed his eyes upon the younger Indian who had already attracted my
attention by the manliness of his face as well as the yellow stripes
that disfigured him.

"And you, Black Partridge?"

"I have already spoken to the White Chief in his own wigwam, and given
back the medal of the Americans," was the grave response. "I have no
more to say."

I confess these words chilled me, as I recalled their meaning; and
Heald half rose to his feet as though he would protest, but not a
stolid face among the warriors changed in expression. Gomo drew his
robes more closely about his gaunt figure in simple but impressive
dignity.

"Doth Shaw-nee-aw-kee go east also with the white men?" he asked.

"I have not of late conferred with the Silver-man. He has been at his
own lodge, and doubtless you may know his purpose better than I."

"We wish him to stay. He good man; Pottawattomie's friend."

The Indian stood motionless, his eyes watching keenly the expression of
each face. He added slowly:

"The White Chief hears the promise of the Pottawattomies. It is
enough. He can go forth in peace upon the morrow, with all his
warriors, squaws, and pappooses, and the people of my nation will walk
with them as guards. It is our pledge; we will counsel no longer."

At a simple commanding gesture of his long arms, the circle melted away
through the narrow opening as silently as it had gathered, the dark
figure of each warrior silhouetted for an instant against the red glare
of the fire, before it suddenly disappeared in the darkness beyond. At
last Little Sauk alone stood between us and the blaze.

"Come," he commanded gruffly, "White Chief go back to his people."

Enclosed by that same phantom guard of savages, we passed out through
the limits of the camp; but now the rabble paid not the slightest heed
to our presence. Our mission known, and no longer a mystery, they
treated us with the stolid indifference of Indian contempt. I walked
with eyes alert upon either side of our path for another glimpse of
that girlish figure that I had seen before so dimly; but we traversed
nearly the full length of the tepee rows before I saw any one that at
all resembled her. Even then, I was far from certain, until the sudden
leaping up of a dying fire reflected on her crown of auburn hair, and
set my heart to throbbing.

"Little Sauk!" I cried, in my excitement clutching his naked arm, "who
is that white girl yonder, and how comes she here?"

The startled Indian sprang aside, flinging me from him with a violence
that showed his giant strength.

"No white girl," he protested, vehemently. "Pottawattomie."

"No Pottawattomie has hair like the sunset," I retorted. "Come, I
would speak with the girl."

For an instant I saw the bead-like eyes of the savage glittering in the
darkness and wandering where I pointed. He faced me doggedly.

"Long Knife leave Indian maid alone," he said grimly. "Long Knife go
Fort; no talk."

I was in a mood to resist the fellow's dictation, and reckless enough
of consequences at that moment to take the chance; but Heald interfered.

"You can serve her far better, lad, in that way," he muttered hastily.
"We shall not always be two to twelve."

With teeth gritted to keep back the fierce anger that shook me, I
strolled sullenly on, not even venturing to glance back lest I should
give way. It was thus we reached the Fort gate, and entered, leaving
our dusky escort to slink back into the night. An anxious crowd met
us. It was Wells who questioned first.

"So those devils have let you go unharmed? What answer made the
savages?"

"They pledge us safe convoy around the head Of the lake."

"They do? Who spoke the words of the pledge?"

"Old Gomo himself, and it was ratified by each of the chiefs in turn."

"They are lying dogs,--all but one of them. What answered Black
Partridge?"

Heald made no response; and Wells wheeled impetuously to me.

"Come, lad, the truth,--what reply did Black Partridge make to this
Indian mummery?"

"He said, 'I have already spoken to the White Chief in his own wigwam,
and given back the medal of the Americans, and have nothing more to
say.'"

For a moment the old Indian soldier stared at me, his stern face fairly
black with the cloud in his eyes. He brought his clinched hand down
hard against the log wall.

"By God! it is treachery!" he exclaimed fiercely, and turned and walked
away.

CHAPTER XXII

THE LAST NIGHT AT DEARBORN

It was evident that preparations were even then well under way for
retreat the following morning. Trunks and boxes, together with various
military stores and arms, strewed the sides of the parade-ground;
farther back, a number of wagons, partially filled, stood waiting the
remainder of their loads. Men and women were hastening back and forth,
and children were darting through the shadows, their little arms piled
high with bundles, and making play, as children ever will, of what was
to prove an awful tragedy. A large fire, burning brightly before the
deserted guard-house, cast its ruddy glow over the animated scene,
checkering the rude walls with every passing shadow.

I noticed, as I slowly pushed my way along, that the soldiers worked
seriously, with few jests on their lips, as if they realized the peril
that menaced them; while many among the women, especially those of the
humbler sort, were rejoicing over the early release from garrison
monotony, and careless of what the morrow might bring of danger and
suffering.

A few steps from the gate, I paused for a moment that I might watch
their flitting figures, the incessant bustle being a positive relief
after the dull and ghostly silence without. My mind,--though I strove
to cast the thought aside,--was still occupied with the mystery of Elsa
Matherson; but the more I dwelt upon it, the less I was able to
penetrate the secret of her strange presence in the Indian camp, or
devise any scheme for reaching her. The ache in my heart made me dread
to meet again with Mademoiselle Toinette, lest I should utter words of
reproach which she did not deserve; for, sad as such a confession was,
I had to acknowledge that she had a perfect right to protect the man
she loved, even at my cost.

Nor did I greatly desire to run upon De Croix. I knew his temper
fairly well, and doubtless by this time he had learned the story of my
interference, and would be in fit mood for a quarrel. Still, as seems
often to be the case at such a time, before I had taken a dozen steps
away from the gate, I met him face to face. It was a jaunty picture he
made in the glare of the fire, the fine gentleman sauntering lazily
about, with hat of bleached straw pushed rakishly upon his powdered
hair, and a light cane dangling at his wrist, as fashionably attired as
if he were loitering upon the boulevards of an August evening, his
negro man a yard behind, bearing a silken fan which flashed golden in
the radiance. At sight of him, I stopped instantly, ready enough to
resent attack if that had been his purpose, though anxious to avoid
violence for the sake of Mademoiselle. But he merely laughed as he
surveyed me critically, swinging his bamboo stick as if it were a
whip-lash.

"_Parbleu_, Master Wayland!" he said, seeming in rare good-humor, "I
this moment learned of your safe return. 'T would have been an
excellent joke had the savage found excuse to retain you out yonder, to
form a part of one of their delightful entertainments! Fit revenge,
indeed, for the foul deceit you played upon me!"

"Think you so, Monsieur?" for his easy words relieved me greatly. "It
would have been one less arm for our defence."

"With safe convoy guaranteed by the Indian chiefs, that loss would make
small odds," he replied carelessly. "But, truly, that was a most
scurvy trick you played to gain the wager which was offered me. But
for the happy ending, I should be sorely tempted to break this cane
across your shoulders in payment therefor."

"Indeed!" I said; "the act might not be as easily accomplished as you
imagine. But what mean you by happy ending? Had the savages roasted
me over a slow fire, I should hardly be here for the pleasure of your
chastisement."

He laughed lightly, his eyes wandering carelessly over the throng of
figures in front of us.

"Saint Guise! I thought not about your predicament, but rather of the
happiness which came to me in the society of Mademoiselle. In faith,
she was most gracious with her favor. 'T is thus you did me a great
kindness, friend, and have won my gratitude."

The words were as stinging as he meant them to be, for I marked his
quick glance into my face. So I held my resentment well in check, and
smiled back at him, apparently unconcerned.

"Then we are again even, Monsieur," I returned quietly, "and can start
anew upon our score. But why should I remain here to discuss matters
of such small import, with all this work unfinished which fronts strong
men to-night? I will break my long fast, and turn to beside these
others."

He seemed to have further words to say; but I minded him not, and
pushed past, leaving him to saunter where he willed, accompanied by his
black satellite. If I could not win Mademoiselle, as I now felt
assured from his boastful speech I could not, I might at least work for
her greater safety and comfort; and there was much I could do to help
in burying my own disappointment.

For all that, it was a night to live long in the memory,--that last
night we spent at Dearborn. It remains a rare jumble in my mind,--its
varied incidents crowding so fast upon each other as to leave small
room for thought regarding any one of them. Without, the dim black
plain stretched away in unbroken solemnity and silence; nor did the
sentinels posted along the walls catch glimpse of so much as a skulking
Indian form amid the grass and sand. A half-moon was in the sky, with
patches of cloud now and then shadowing it, and in the intervals
casting its faint silver over the lonely expanse and tipping the crest
of the waves as they crept in upon the beach. The great Indian village
to the westward was fairly ablaze with fires; while the unending
procession of black dots that flitted past them, together with the echo
of constant uproar, showed that the savages were likewise astir in
eager preparation for the morrow. We could hear the pounding of wooden
drums, mingled with shrill yells that split the night-air like so many
war-missiles. Only those above, upon the platform, could mind these
things; for the bustle within the enclosure below continued unabated
until long after midnight.

The report of our mission spread rapidly, and the pledge of protection
given by the chiefs greatly heartened the men, so that they worked now
with many a peal of laughter and careless jest. The women and
children, ever quick to feel the influence of the soldiers, responded
at once to this new feeling of confidence, which was encouraged by the
officers, however they may have secretly doubted the good-faith of the
savages. So the children tumbled about in the red glare of the flames,
the soldiers swung their traps into the waiting wagons with
good-natured badinage, their brawny breasts bare and glistening with
sweat in the hot night; while, as the hour grew late and discipline
sensibly relaxed, the women danced in the open and sang songs of home.

It was hard enough to realize what it all meant,--what hardship and
suffering and death lay just before these rejoicing people; what depths
of cruel treachery and murder lurked for them so few hours away. We
did not suspect it then; not even those among us who had long learned
the deceit of Indian nature could unroll the shadowing veil of that
morrow and reveal the forthcoming tragedy of those silent plains. I
remember that, doubtful as I felt about the future, I could look on
with interest at the busy scene, and that more than once a smile lay
upon my lips. What an odd variety of figures that congested place
disclosed! what strange life-histories were having their culmination
there! I saw Ensign Ronan, young, slender, smooth of face, appearing
scarce more than a boy, his short fatigue-jacket buttoned to the throat
in spite of the heat, hurrying here and there in his enthusiasm, ever
upon his lips some happy phrase to take the sting from his word of
command. Lieutenant Helm, calm but observant of every detail, moved in
and out among the busy throng, every now and then stealing aside to
speak a word of encouragement to his young wife, who stood watching by
the mess-room door. There was quite a bevy gathered there, officers'
wives for the most part, gazing in mingled interest and apprehension
upon the scene. I marked among them Josette, who had come in that
evening with the Kinzies; and as I drew yet nearer the group, a sudden
blazing up of the fire yielded me a glimpse of Mademoiselle, and I
turned hastily away, unwilling still to greet or be greeted by her.

Gaunt frontiersmen stalked about, having little to save and nothing to
do, with the inevitable long rifle held in the hollow of the arm;
Captain Wells's Miamis skulked uneasily in dark corners, or hung over
the embers to cook some ration yet unused, their dark skins and long
coarse hair a reminder to us of the hostiles who watched without.
Captain Heald, in company with Captain Wells and John Kinzie, the
latter conspicuous by his white beard, stood long in deep converse near
the barracks, leaning against the black logs. I felt the two latter
were urging some change of plan; but in the end Wells left in vexation,
almost in anger, striding across the parade-ground to the northern
block-house.

In the shadow of the south stockade, some one was softly playing upon a
violin, the sweet notes stealing up through the wild hubbub in strains
of silvery sound. Close upon one side of the fire, forgetful of the
heat in their deep interest, two young soldiers were engrossed in a
game of cards, while a group of comrades commented freely on the
fortunes of the play. Scarcely a yard distant, a grizzled old
sergeant,--a veteran of the great war, no doubt,--bent above a book
held open upon his knee, the shape of which bespoke a Bible; while on
the other side a bevy of children were romping with their dogs or
playing with sharp knives in the hard ground. A woman over by the gate
lifted a sweet contralto voice in an old-time love-song, and had hardly
lilted the opening line before others joined her, making the night
resound to the tender melody. I saw the soldiers pause in their work
to beat time, and marked the dark forms of the sentries above on the
palisades as they leaned over to listen, every heart set throbbing with
the memory of days gone by.

"Man is indeed a strange animal," said a voice beside me, and I turned
to greet Ensign Ronan. "He can sing, laugh, and jest, in death's very
teeth."

"'T is better, surely, than to cry," I commented. "But these do not so
much as dream of death; the pledge of the Pottawattomies has brought
renewed hope."

"Yes, I know; though I confess I have little faith in it. And there
will be plenty of danger about us before we see Fort Wayne, even if
they pass us in safety around the lake. There will be leagues of
travel through hostile territory. That," he added, "is, to my mind,
the only sensible way of preparation, for the morrow."

He pointed to the old sergeant seated beside the fire with his Bible;
and I glanced into his boyish face with no little surprise.

"Some remark Surgeon Van Voorhis made caused me to deem you indifferent
in such matters."

"No doubt," he said, dryly. "If one does not subscribe to the creeds,
he is written down a heretic. I have laughed at folly, and so have won
the reputation of being an unbeliever. Yet, Wayland, if we ride forth
to a savage death to-morrow, no one will meet it with more faith in
Christ than I. The years indeed have not left me spotless, but I have
never wavered from the great truths my mother taught me. I know not
the future, lad, but I believe there is ever mercy for the penitent."

In an instant my own thought spanned the leagues of forest to my
distant home; and I choked back a sob within my throat.

"It is our mothers' love that makes us all better men," I said gravely.
"And whatever may befall us upon the morrow, that God of whom they
taught us will be true."

"The words are spoken in the right spirit," he returned, soberly, "and
have the soldier ring I like best to hear. If it chance that we both
come forth from this venture in life, I should be most glad to know you
better."

I was deeply touched by his open, manly spirit, and especially
impressed with his frank adherence to the Christian faith,--something
too uncommon in that day along the border.

"'T is rather my wish to begin friendship before that time of trial," I
said eagerly, and with extended hand. "We shall fight the better for
it when the hour for fighting comes; and if it be God's will to guide
us safely through the wilderness, a friendship thus cemented in peril
will have the strength of comradeship."

The young man's strong and thoughtful face lighted up; but his eyes
were resting upon the form of the sentry above us, and he did not speak.

"Ronan," I questioned, somewhat doubtfully, "I have long wished to ask
you the cause of the friction that apparently exists between Captain
Heald and the officers of this garrison; but have felt it none of my
business. I cannot but realize you are not in his good graces,
although he appears to me to be a brave and capable man."

"He is both," was the instant and manly reply; "for all that, he has
constantly turned for counsel in military matters to others than his
own officers,--why, I know not, unless he considered us unworthy of his
confidence. Instead of confiding his orders to us, and asking judgment
upon his plans, he has been swayed from the beginning by Indian advice;
and it is only natural for us to resent such unjust and discourteous
treatment. Moreover, each move thus far made has proved to be a
mistake, and we must suffer from them in silence and without remedy."

"He does indeed seem strangely headstrong," I admitted reluctantly,
recalling to mind the words uttered in the room beyond my bed; "but
surely his conference with the chiefs has resulted well, and is proof
of his good judgment."

The young officer turned quickly and faced me, his eyes full of
emotion. "That remains to be decided," he exclaimed. "Such old
frontiersmen as Captain Wells and John Kinzie say that pledge only
hides black treachery. They urged him most earnestly, for an hour
to-night, to reconsider his decision, and give up the immediate
evacuation of the post. But he fully believes he can put faith in
those lying, murderous hounds out yonder. So certain is Kinzie of
trouble, that he has sworn to march forth with us, sending his family
away by boat, in hope that his influence may hold back the savages from
open attack; while Wells declares that he will ride forth with
blackened face, as becomes a Miami who goes to certain death in battle.
These men are no fools, no strangers to savage warfare and Indian
deceit,--yet in spite of their warning, Captain Heald persists in
driving us forth into the very fangs of the wolves. Brave! ay, he is
indeed brave to the point of rashness; but this bids fair to be a fatal
bravery to all of us who must obey his orders."

The intense bitterness of these words shocked me and held me dumb,--the
more so, as I could not be insensible to their truth. As I lifted my
eyes, I beheld, crossing the parade through the mass of equipment
scattered here and there, De Croix and Mademoiselle. With a
half-muttered excuse, I drew hastily back into the protecting shadow of
the stockade; and as they slowly passed, I heard him jesting lightly,
and saw her laughing, with a side-glance up at his face.

With these words of warning from Ronan's lips yet ringing in my ears,
such reckless thoughtlessness of the danger encircling us astounded me;
and I drew farther back, less willing than ever to make one of them.
Deep in my heart, I knew this was no time for careless laughter or
happy jest.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE DEATH-SHADOW OF THE MIAMIS

It was after midnight when I finally ceased my labors, feeling I had
performed my fair share of the hard work of preparation. By this time
everything was comparatively quiet within the stockade enclosure; the
wagons were piled with all that could be loaded before morning, and
many of the wearied soldiers had flung themselves upon the ground to
snatch what rest they might before the early call to march. The women
and children had disappeared, to seek such comfort as was possible amid
the ruins of their former quarters; and only the sentries remained
alert, pacing their solemn rounds on the narrow walk overlooking the
palisades and the silent plain without.

Physically wearied as I was, my mind remained intensely active, and I
felt no desire for sleep. I do not recall that I gave much thought to
the perils of our situation. One grows careless and indifferent to
danger,--and in truth I looked forward to no serious trouble with the
Indians upon the morrow's march through the sand-dunes; not that I
greatly trusted to those reluctant pledges wrung from the chiefs, but
because I felt that if properly handled in that open country our force
was of sufficient fighting strength to repel any ordinary attack from
ill-armed savages, my long border experience rendering me a bit
disdainful of Indian courage and resourcefulness. So it was that my
restless mind dwelt rather upon other matters more directly personal.
I could not put away the thought of the half-seen girl flitting about
amid the dusk of the Pottawattomie camp, especially as Captain Heald
had declared her to be Elsa Matherson. I was surprised to discover
that she I sought, instead of being a mere child, was a woman grown;
for in this we were all deceived by the words of her father. What did
she there, passing with such apparent freedom from restraint among
those fierce warriors? and how was I ever to reach her with any hope of
rescue, even if she desired it? There was evidently a mystery here
which I could never solve through idle musing; and yet I could but ask
myself where lay my graver duty,--beside this single woman, who
seemingly needed no defender, or with the many helpless ones who must
march forth on the morrow on that long and dangerous passage through
the wilderness? Indeed, what hope could I cherish of aiding the young
girl, if I now deserted these others, and endeavored alone to penetrate
that Indian camp in search of her?

Then came another thought. It was of Mademoiselle.

It was this that effectually halted me. To whomsoever else she might
have given her heart, she was still the one for whom I was most glad
either to live or die; and in spite of De Croix, I would ride at her
side on the morrow, within striking distance of any prowling hostile.
Let the Matherson girl wait; my arm belonged first of all to the
defence of Mademoiselle.

Busied with these thoughts, and endeavoring to adjust this decision
with my conscience, I passed out upon the platform, that I might look
forth once more upon the moonlit waters of the lake. There were a few
dim figures to be seen, leaning over the logs; but I supposed them to
be members of the night-guard, and, feeling no desire for
companionship, I halted in a lonely spot at the northeastern corner of
the stockade. How desolate, how solemnly impressive, was the scene!
To the north all was black in the dense night, the shadows of the
scattering trees obscuring the faint glow of the moon and yielding
little of detail to the searching eye. Even the single ray of light
which the evening previous had blazed forth as a friendly beacon from
the Kinzie home, was now absent. I could vaguely distinguish the dim
outlines of the deserted house in the distance, and noticed a large
boat moored close to the bank beneath the Fort stockade,--doubtless the
one in which the fugitives expected to venture out upon the lake on the
morrow.

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