"I did not know you at first, but I do now," he said, smiling; "and the White Lily is truly welcome to my tents." Clarice thanked him, and we rode to the camp together. He told us that he purposed visiting the chiefs of all the neighbouring tribes and forming a confederation, in order to resist effectually any future invasion of our common enemies the Arrapahas. "For such a purpose a chief must be habited as becomes a chief," he added, to account to us for the change in his costume. I scarcely listened to him, however, as I was eagerly waiting to inquire if Uncle Jeff had arrived at the camp; and I was much disappointed to find that nothing had been seen or heard of him. CHAPTER EIGHT. I SEEK OUT PIOMINGO--A STRONG DESIRE TO SAVE HIS LIFE--I PLEAD WITH THE CHIEF, AND GAIN MY POINT--I OFFER THE YOUNG BRAVE MY HORSE AND ARMS-- KINDNESS REQUITED--THE INDIAN'S ESCAPE--A DARING ACT, AND A KIND DEED-- WE SEEK PROTECTION FROM THE INDIANS--RETURN OF UNCLE JEFF AND MAYSOTTA-- AN ADDRESS TO THE BRAVES--HOW IT SUCCEEDED--UNCLE JEFF'S STORY--THE LIEUTENANT ABOUT TO LEAVE US--HIS PLANS--WE SEND OUT SCOUTS--ALARMING INTELLIGENCE--THE CAMP STRUCK--WE MOVE TO THE NORTHWARD--WE CHANGE OUR PLANS--A WONDERFUL REGION--WE SEPARATE FROM OUR INDIAN FRIENDS--THROUGH A PINE FOREST--THE CATARACT OF THE PASS--WE SEND BACK OUR HORSES--OUR JOURNEY CONTINUED--A "CANADA STAG" KILLED--ENCAMPED FOR THE NIGHT. The chief, who seemed inclined to treat us with every kindness, immediately ordered a wigwam to be put up for Clarice and Rachel, and another for Manley and me. In the meantime, feeling interested in the fate of Piomingo, I went to seek him out. I found him lying on the ground, under the shade of some trees, to one of which he was secured by ropes. I asked him if he desired to escape. "Yes," he replied; "life is sweet. But I am prepared to die as becomes a brave, if my enemies are resolved to take my life." "If you were free, what would you do?" I asked. "I would endeavour to rescue the young squaw who was brought in a prisoner two days ago; she is the maiden I was about to make my wife. Life without her would be of little value to me; were she to be put to death, I should be ready to die with her." "But are you able to move?" I asked. "The pain has left my back, and I am as strong as ever," he answered. "Give me the opportunity, and you will see how I shall act." Feeling a strong desire to save the lives of these two young people at every risk, I immediately went back to the chief, and used every argument in my power to induce him to set Piomingo at liberty. I pointed out to him how it was far more noble to forgive an injury than to avenge it, and that if he allowed Piomingo to go free he would make him his friend for life. "If you choose to set him at liberty, you are welcome to do so," he said at last; "but he is unable to move, and if he remains in this camp he will be killed." "I will see to that, and assist him to get away," I answered.