Anecdotes of the American Indians, illustrating their eccentricities of character
History
Anecdotes of the American Indians, illustrating their eccentricities of character
Indians of North America -- Anecdotes
Her conductor invited her to enter, by signs: but this she sternly
refused to do, dreading the consequence, and preferring death in the
open air to the tender mercies of cannibals within. Perceiving her
reluctance, and scanning her feelings, the hospitable Indian darted
into the wigwam, and communed with his wife, who, in a few minutes,
also appeared: and, by certain signs and sympathies, known only to
females, calmed the stranger’s fears, and induced her to enter their
lowly abode. Venison was instantly prepared for supper, and Mrs.
M’Dougal—though still alarmed at the novelty of her situation, found
the viands delicious, and had rarely, if ever, partaken of so savoury a
meal. Aware that she was wearied, the Indians removed from their place
near the roof, two beautiful deer skins, and, by stretching and fixing
them across, divided the wigwam into two apartments. Mats were also
spread in both, and next, the stranger was given to understand, that
the further dormitory was expressly designed for her accommodation. But
here again her courage failed her, and to the most pressing intreaties,
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 each other, and
conversed softly in their own language: and, at last, the Red took
the White woman by the hand, led her to her couch, and became her
bedfellow. In the morning she awoke greatly refreshed, and anxious
to depart, without further delay—but the Indian would on no account
permit it. Breakfast was prepared—another savoury and well-cooked
meal—and then the Indian accompanied 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. M‘Dougal descried her husband,
running about every where, hallooing and seeking for her, in a state
of absolute distraction. Great was his joy, and great his gratitude to
her Indian benefactor, who was invited to the house, and treated to the
best the larder afforded, and presented, on his departure, with a suit
of clothes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account