some parched Indian corn, and of that I received only a handful for my
sustenance during the twenty-four hours; however, hunger I never felt, I
had too much pain. I was able to drag myself along till about noon,
when I felt that I could not proceed farther. I stopped and sat down;
the chief ordered me to get up again by signs; I pointed to my feet,
which were now swelled above the ankles, but he insisted, and raised his
tomahawk to frighten me into compliance. I was so worn out, that I
could have almost received the blow with thankfulness, but I remembered
you, my dear uncle and aunt, and others, and resolved for your sakes to
make one more effort. I did so; I ran and walked for an hour more in
perfect agony; at last nature could support the pain no longer, and I
fell insensible."
"My poor Mary!" exclaimed Emma.
"I thought of you often and often, my dear sister," replied Mary,
kissing her, "I believe it was a long while before I came to my senses,"
continued Mary, "for when I did, I found that the Indians were very busy
weaving branches into a sort of litter. As soon as they had finished
they put me upon it, and I was carried by two of them swinging on a pole
which they put on their shoulders. I need hardly say that the journey
was now more agreeable than it was before, although my feet were in a
dreadful state, and gave me much pain. That night we stopped by a
rivulet, and I kept my feet in the water for two or three hours, which
brought down the inflammation and swelling very much, and I contrived
after that to gain some sleep. They carried me one more day, when they
considered that they had done enough, and I was again ordered to walk; I
did so for two days, and was then in the same condition as before. A
litter was therefore again constructed, and I was carried till I arrived
at the lodges of the Angry Snake and his band. What passed from that
time you have heard from Alfred."
When Mary Percival had finished her narrative, they all sat down to
supper, and it hardly need be said that Mr Campbell did not fail,
before they retired to rest, again to pour forth his thanksgivings to
the Almighty for the preservation of those who were so dear. The next
morning they all rose in health and spirits. Martin came early to the
house with the Strawberry; his wound was much better, and he received
the thanks and condolence of Mr and Mrs Campbell.
When they were at breakfast Mr Campbell said, "John, in our joy at
seeing your brother and cousin again, I quite forgot to scold you for
running away as you did."
"Then don't do it now, sir," said Malachi, "for he was very useful, I
can assure you."
"No, I won't scold him now," replied Mr Campbell, "but he must not act
so another time. If he had confided to me his anxious wish to join you,
I should probably have given my permission."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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