Chapter XI.

by James Fenimore Cooper

　　So should it be--for no heart beats Within his cold and silent breast; To him no gentle voice repeats The soothing words that make us blest. --PEABODY.The interruption came from Dorothy, who, on ascending the littleheight, had discovered a canoe coming into the mouth of the river,and who was running, breathless with haste, to announce thecircumstance to the bee-hunter. The latter immediately repaired tothe eminence, and saw for himself the object that so justly hadalarmed the woman. The canoe was coming in from the lake, afterrunning before the wind, which now began to abate a little in itsstrength, and it evidently had been endeavoring to proceed to thenorthward. The reason for its entering the river, was probablyconnected with the cookery or food of the party, since the lake waseach minute getting to be safer, and more navigable for so light acraft. To le Bourdon's great apprehension, he saw the savages on thenorth shore making signal to this strange canoe, by means of smoke,and he foresaw the probability of his enemies obtaining the means ofcrossing the stream, should the strangers proceed in the desireddirection. To counteract this design, he ran down to a spot on thebeach where there was no rice-plant, and showing himself to thestrangers, invited them to land on the south side, which was muchthe nearest, and in other visible respects quite as convenient asthe opposite bank of the river. One of the strangers soon made agesture with an arm, implying assent, and the bows of this strangecanoe were immediately turned toward the spot where the bee-hunterstood.

　　As the canoe drew near, the whole party, including Pigeonswing, cameto the margin of the water to receive the strangers. Of the last,there were three; one paddling at each end of the light bark, and athird seated in its centre, doing nothing. As the bee-hunter had hisglass, with which he examined these visitors, he was soon questionedby his companions concerning their character and apparent purposes.

　　"Who are they, Bourdon?" demanded the impatient Margery--"and why dothey come here?"

　　"The last is a question they must answer for themselves, but theperson paddling in the bows of the canoe seems to be a white man,and a soldier--or a half-soldier, if one may judge from his dress.The man in the middle of the canoe is white, also. This last fellowseems to be a parson--yes, he is a clergyman, though pretty wellused up in the wilderness, as to dress. The third man is a red-skin,beyond all doubt."

　　"A clergyman!" repeated Margery, in surprise. "What should aclergyman be doing here?"

　　"There are missionaries scattered about among the savages, I supposeyou know, and this is probably one of them. A body can tell one ofthese parsons by his outside, as far as he can see him. The poor manhas heard of the war, most likely, and is trying to get back intothe settlements, while his scalp is safe on his head."

　　"Don't hurt him" put in the Chippewa, pointedly. "Know mean well--talk about Great Spirit--Injin don't scalp sich medicine-men--ifdon't mind what he say, no good to take his scalp."

　　"I'm glad to hear this, Pigeonswing, for I had begun to think noman's scalp was safe under your fingers. But what can the so'ger bedoing down this-away? A body would think there was business enoughfor all the so'gers up at the garrison, at the head of the lake. Bythe way, Pigeonswing, what has become of your letter to the captainat Fort Dearborn, to let him know of the war?"

　　"Chaw him up, like so much 'baccy," answered the Chippewa--"yes,chaw him up, lest Pottawattamie get hold on him, and ask one of KingGeorge's men to read him. No good to hab letter in sich times."

　　"The general who employed you to carry that letter, will scarcethank you for your care."

　　"Yes, he do--t'ank all same--pay all same--letter no use now."

　　"How can you know that? The letter might be the means of preventingthe garrison from falling into the enemy's hands."

　　"Got dere, already. Garrison all kill, scalp, or prisoner.Pottawattamie talk tell me dat"

　　"Is this possible! Mackinaw and Chicago both gone, already! JohnBull must have been at work among the savages a long time, to getthem into this state of readiness!"

　　"Sartain--work long as can 'member. alway somebody talkin' for greatMontreal Fadder among red men."

　　"It must be as you say, Chippewa--but, here are our visitors--let ussee what we can make of them"

　　By this time, the canoe was so near as to render it easy todistinguish countenances and dress, without the aid of the glass--sonear, indeed, that a swift-moving boat, like the canoe, might beexpected soon to reach the shore. The truth of the observation ofthe bee-hunter was confirmed, as the strangers approached. Theindividual in the bows of the canoe was clearly a soldier, in afatigue-dress, and the musket between his legs was one of thosepieces that government furnishes to the troops of the line. The manin the middle of the boat could no more be mistaken than he in itsbows. Each might be said to be in uniform--the well-worn, nay,almost threadbare black coat of the "minister," as much denoting himto be a man of peace, as the fatigue-jacket into "batteries"; to allof which innovations, bad as they may be, and useless and uncalledfor, and wanton as they are, we are much more willing to submit,than to the new-fangled and lubberly abomination of saying "on asteamboat," or "on a ship."

　　While le Bourdon was so much astounded at hearing the terrible nameof Onoah, which was familiar enough to him, neither of his whitecompanions betrayed any emotion. Had the Indian been termed"Scalping Peter," it is probable that both Dorothy and Margery wouldhave screamed, if not actually fled; but they knew nothing of theappellation that was given to this mysterious chief, in the languageof the red men. To this circumstance, therefore, was it owing thatthe utterance of his name did not produce a general commotion. Thebee-hunter observed, nevertheless, a great change in the demeanor ofthe Chippewa, the instant the missionary had uttered the ominousword, though he did not seem to be alarmed. On the contrary, Bodenfancied that his friend Pigeonswing was pleased, rather thanterrified, at ascertaining the character of their visitor, though heno longer put himself forward, as had been the case previously; andfrom that moment the young warrior appeared to carry himself in amore subdued and less confident manner than was his wont. Thisunexpected demeanor on the part of his friend, somewhat confoundedle Bourdon, though it in a degree relieved his apprehensions of anyimmediate danger. All this time, the conversation between themissionary and the corporal went on in as quiet and composed amanner, as if each saw no ground for any other uneasiness than thatconnected with the fall of Mackinaw.

　　"Yes, sir," returned the soldier, "Onoah is a good guide, and agreat hand at a council-fire; but these is war-times, and we muststand to our arms, each accordin' to his edication and temper--you,sir, with preachin' and prayin', and I with gun and baggonet."

　　"Ah! corporal, the preaching and praying would be of quite as muchaccount with you men of war, as your arms and ammunition, if youcould only be made to think so. Look at Fort Dearborn! It wasdefended by human means, having its armed band, and its guns andswords, and captains and corporals; yet you have seen their pridelowered, their means of defence destroyed, and a large part of yourcomrades massacred. All this has been done to armed men, while theLord has brought me, an unarmed and humble teacher of his word,safely out of the hands of the Philistines, and placed me here insafety, on the shores of the Kalamazoo."

　　"For that matter, Mr. Amen, the Lord has done the same by me, with amusket on my shoulder and a baggonet by my side," returned theliteral corporal. "Preachin' may be good on some marches; but armsand ammunition answers well enough on others. Hearken to the Hebrew,who knows all the ways of the wilderness, and see if he don't giveyou the same opinion." "The Hebrew is one of the discarded of theLord, as he is one chosen of the Lord!" returned the missionary. "Iagree with you, however, that he is as safe an adviser, for a humanadviser, as can be easily found; therefore will I consult him. Childof the seed of Abraham," he added, turning to Onoah, "thou hastheard the tidings from Mackinaw; we cannot think, any longer, ofpursuing our journey in that direction; whither, then, wouldst thouadvise that we shall direct our steps? I ask this question of theefirst, as an experienced and sagacious dweller in the wilderness: ata more fitting time, I intend to turn to the Lord, and seek divineaid for the direction of our footsteps."

　　"Aye," observed the corporal, who entertained a good deal of respectfor the zealous, but slightly fanatical missionary, though hebelieved an Indian was always safe to consult in matters of thissort, "try both--if one staff should fail, it may be well to haveanother to lean on. A good soldier always keeps a part of his troopsfor a reserve. I motto of his coat of arms; the "gare a qui latouchc," or "noli me tangere," of his device."

　　The head was shaved, as is usual with a warrior, carrying only thechivalrous scalp-lock, but the chief was not in his paint. Theoutline of this celebrated savage's features was bold and eagle-like; a comparison that his steady, calm, piercing eye wellsustained. The chin was full and expanded, the lips compressed andfirm, the teeth were short, but even and sound, his smile courteous,and, at times, winning.

　　In the way of attire, Onoah was simply dressed, consulting theseason and his journey. He had a single eagle's feather attached tothe scalp-lock, and wore a belt of wampum of more than usual value,beneath which he had thrust his knife and tomahawk; a light, figuredand fringed hunting-shirt of cotton covered his body, while leggingsof deerskin, with a plain moccasin of similar material, rose to hisknee. The latter, with the lower part of a stout sinewy thigh, wasbare. He also carried a horn and pouch, and a rifle of the Americanrather than of the military fashion that is, one long, true, andsighted to the deviation of a hair.

　　On landing, Peter (for so he was generally called by the whites,when in courtesy they omitted the prefix of "Scalping") courteouslysaluted the party assembled around the bow of the canoe. This he didwith a grave countenance, like a true American, but in simplesincerity, so far as human eye could penetrate his secret feelings.To each man he offered his hand, glancing merely at the two females;though it may be questioned if he ever before had looked upon soperfect a picture of female loveliness as Margery at that preciseinstant presented, with her face flushed with excitement, herspirited blue eye wandering with curiosity, and her beautiful mouthslightly parted in admiration.

　　"Sago, sago!" said Peter, in his deep, guttural enunciation,speaking reasonably good English. "Sago, sago all, ole and young,friend come to see you, and eat in your wigwam--which head--chief,eh?"

　　"We have neither wigwam nor chief here," answered le Bourdon, thoughhe almost shrunk from taking the hand of one of whom he had heardthe tales of which this savage had been the hero; "we are commonpeople, and have no one among us who holds the States' commission. Ilive by taking honey, of which you are welcome to all you can want,and this man is a helper of the sutlers at the garrisons. He wastravelling south to join the troops at the head of the lake, and Iwas going north to Mackinaw, on my way in, toward the settlements."

　　"Why is my brother in such haste?" demanded Peter, mildly. "Bees gettired of making honey?"

　　"The times are troubled, and the red men have dug up the hatchet; apale-face cannot tell when his wigwam is safe."

　　"Where my brodder wigwam?" asked Peter, looking warily around him."See he an't here; where is he?"

　　"Over in the openings, far up the Kalamazoo. We left it last week,and had got to the hut on the other shore, when a party ofPottawattamies came in from the lake, and drove us over here forsafety."

　　On hearing this, Peter turned slowly to the missionary, raising afinger as one makes a gesture to give emphasis to his words.

　　"Tole you so," said the Indian. "Know dere was Pottawattamie dere.Can tell 'em great way off."

　　"We fear them, having women in our party," added the bee-hunter,"and think they might fancy our scalps."

　　"Dat like enough; all Injin love scalp in war-time. You Yankee, deyBr'ish; can't travel on same path now, and not quarrel. Must not letPottawattamie catch you."

　　"How are we to help it, now you have come in? We had all the canoeson this side of the river, and were pretty safe, but should youcross and place your canoe in their hands, there is nothing toprevent them from doing what they please with us. If you willpromise not to cross the river till we can get out well on the lake,we may shift our ground, however, and leave no trail."

　　"Muss cross over--yes, muss cross over, else Pottawattamie t'ink itstrange--yes, muss cross over. Shan't touch canoe, dough."

　　"How can you help it, if they be so minded? You are but a singleman, and they are twenty."

　　On hearing this, Corporal Flint pricked up his ears, and stood ifpossible more erect than ever, for he considered himself a part of aman at least, and one moreover who had served in all the wars of thewest, from the great battle of St. Glair to that of Mad Anthony. Hewas spared the necessity of a reply, however, for Peter made asignificant gesture which as much as told him that he would takethat office on himself.

　　"No need be afeard," said Peter, quietly. "Know Pottawattamie--knowall chief. Nobody touch canoe of Onoah when he say don't touch him."

　　"Yet they are Injins of the British, and I see you here in companywith a soldier of Uncle Sam."

　　"No matter; Onoah go just where he please. Sometime toPottawattamie; sometime to Iroquois. All Ojebways know Onoah. AllSix Nation know him well. All Injin know him. Even Cherokee know himnow, and open ears when he speak. Muss cross river, and shake handwith Crowsfeather."

　　There was nothing boastful, or vaunting, in Peter's manner while hethus announced his immunity or power, but he alluded to it in aquiet, natural way, like one accustomed to being considered apersonage of consequence. Mankind, in general, make few allowancesfor the influence of habit; the sensibilities of the vaingloriousthemselves being quite as often wounded by the most natural anddirect allusions of those who enjoy advantages superior to theirown, as by those that are intended to provoke comparisons. In thepresent instance, however, no such feeling could exist, the Indianasserting no more than his extended reputation would fully maintain.

　　When Peter had thus expressed himself, the missionary thought itmeet to add a few words in explanation. This he did, however, aside,walking a little apart with the bee-hunter, in order so to do. Asfor Gershom, no one seemed to think him of sufficient importance tothrow away any interest or care on him.

　　"You can trust to Peter, friend bee-hunter," the missionaryobserved, "for what he promises he will perform. I know him well,and have put myself altogether in his hands. If he says that thePottawattamies are not to have his canoe, the Pottawattamies willnot get it. He is a man to be depended on."

　　"Is not this, then, Scalping Peter, who bears so terrible a name onall this frontier?" demanded le Bourdon.

　　"The same; but do not disturb yourself with names: they hurt no one,and will soon be forgotten. A descendant of Abraham, and of Isaac,and of Jacob, is not placed in the wilderness by the hand of divinepower for no purpose; since he is here, rely on it, it is for good."

　　"A descendant of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob! Is not Peter, then,a red-skin and an Injin?"

　　"Certainly; though no one knows his tribe but himself. I know it,friend bee-hunter, and shortly shall proclaim it throughout thelength and breadth of the land. Yes, it has been given to me to makethis important discovery, though I sometimes think that Peterhimself is really as ignorant as all around him of the tribe towhich he properly belongs."

　　"Do you wish to keep it a secret from me, too? I own that, in myeyes, the tribe of a red-skin goes a good way in making up myopinions of the man. Is he a Winnebagoe?"

　　"No, my friend, the Winnebagoes have no claims on him at all."

　　"Nor a Pottawattamie, Ottawa, or Ojebway of any sort?"

　　"He is none of these. Peter cometh of a nobler tribe than any thatbeareth such names."

　　"Perhaps he is an Injin of the Six Nations? They tell me that manysuch have found their way hither since the war of the revolution."

　　"All that may be true, but Peter cometh not of Pottawattamie,Ottawa, nor Ojebway."

　　"He can hardly be of the Sacs or the Foxes; he has not theappearance of an Injin from a region so far west"

　　"Neither, neither, neither," answered Parson Amen, now so full ofhis secret as fairly to let it overflow. "Peter is a son of Israel;one of the lost children of the land of Judea, in common with manyof his red brethren-mind, I do not say all, but with many of his redbrethren--though he may not know exactly of what tribe himself. Thislast point has exercised me greatly, and days and nights have Ipondered over the facts. Turn to Genesis XLIX and 14th, and therewill you find all the authorities recorded. 'Zebulon shall dwell atthe haven of the sea.' That refers to some other red brother, nearerto the coast, most clearly. 'Issachar is a strong ass, crouchingdown between two burdens'; 'and bowed his shoulder to bear, andbecame a servant unto tribute.' That refers, most manifestly, to theblack man of the Southern States, and cannot mean Peter. 'Dan shallbe a serpent by the way, an adder in the path.' There is the red manfor you, drawn with the pencil of truth! 'Gad, a troop shallovercome him.' Here, corporal, come this way and tell our new friendhow Mad Anthony with his troopers finally routed the red-skins. Youwere there, and know all about it. No language can be plainer: untilthe 'long-knives and leather-stockings' came into the woods, the redman had his way. Against them he could not prevail."

　　"Yes," returned Corporal Flint, who delighted in talking of thewars, "it was very much as Parson Amen says. The savages, by theirnimbleness and artifices, would first ambush us, and then break awayfrom our charges, until the gin'ral bethought him of bringingcavalry into the wilderness. Nobody ever thought of such a plan,until old Anthony invented it. As soon as we got the fire of thesavages, at the Mawmee, we charged with the baggonet, and put 'emup; and no sooner was they up, than away went the horse into them,flourishing the 'long knife' and pressing the heel of the 'leather-stocking' into the flanks of their beasts. Mr. Amen has found avarse in Scriptur's that does come near to the p'int, and almostforetells our victory, and that, too, as plain as it stood indispatches, arterward, from headquarters."

　　"'Gad, a troop shall overcome him,'" put in the missionary,triumphantly.

　　"That's it--that's it; there was just one troop on 'em, and not aman more! Mad Anthony said a troop would answer, arter we had putthe red-skins up out of their ambushes, or any other bushes; and soit did. I must acknowledge that I think more of the Scriptur's thanever, since Parson Amen read to me that varse."

　　"Hearken unto this, friend bee-hunter," added the missionary, who bythis time had fairly mounted his hobby, and fancied he saw a trueIsraelite in every other Indian of the west, "and tell me if wordswere ever more prophetic--'Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf; in themorning he shall devour his prey, and at night he shall divide thespoil.' The art of man could not draw a more faithful picture ofthese Indians."

　　Boden was not much skilled in sacred lore, and scarce knew what tomake of all this. The idea that the American Indians were thedescendants of the lost tribes of Israel was entirely new to him;nor did he know anything to boast of, touching those tribes, even intheir palmiest days, and while in possession of the promised land;still he had some confused recollection of that which he had readwhen a child--what American has not?--and was enabled to put aquestion or two, in return for the information now received. "What,do you take the savages of America for Jews?" he asked,understanding the general drift of the missionary's meaning.

　　"As sure as you are there, friend bee-hunter, though you are not tosuppose that I think Peter Onoah of the tribe of Benjamin. No, Iturn to the 21st verse for the tribe of Peter Naphthali--Naphthalis,the root of his stock. 'Naphthali is a hind, let loose: he givethgoodly words.' Now, what can be plainer than this? A hind let looseis a deer running at large, and, by a metaphor, that deer includesthe man that hunts him. Now, Peter has been--nay, is still--arenowned hunter, and is intended to be enumerated among the hindslet loose; 'he giveth goodly words,' would set that point at rest,if anything were wanting to put it beyond controversy, for Onoah isthe most eloquent speaker ear ever listened to! No one, that hasever heard him speak, can doubt that he is the one who 'givethgoodly words.'"

　　To what other circumstance the well-intentioned missionary wouldnext have alluded, in the course of this demonstration of a theorythat had got to be a favorite with him, is more than can now berelated, since the Indian himself drew near, and put an end to theconversation. Peter had made up his mind to cross the river at once;and came to say as much to his companions, both of whom he intendedto leave behind him. Le Bourdon could not arrest this movement,short of an appeal to force; and force he did not like to use,doubting equally its justice and its prudence.