Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/374

350 HISTORY OF was painted after the customs of the chiefs, and this gave a frightful aspect to his countenance. In his belt was a scalp- ing-knife, and Iby his side hung a tomahawk. For the first time Mrs. L.^s heart sank within her, and she thought : "Is this the person who will accompany me during the remainder of my journey V Summoning all her courage/she invited^him " to be seated." He declined the invitation politely, and handed her a package. She recognized the handwriting. It was her husband's, and this inspired her with new confidence. " Mrs. Leavenworth, I am sent by your husband to conduct you to him. When will you be ready to commence the journey " To-morrow at sunrise," she replied. "I will call for you at that time," he replied; and bowing with the native hautuer of an Indian chief, he left the room. With pleasure and interest, she perused her husband's letters, assuring her of her safety while on her journey through the wilderness. The Indians were friendly, and would protect her from all harm. The distance yet to travel was 700 miles, and a great part of the distance was through a dense forest where the foot of the white man had never trod. At her usual hour for retiring she laid her daughter by her side, and sweet were her dreams. She dreamed of happy hours whose existence seemed the present ; while the reality was yet in the future. Morning dawned. The sun rose in splendor and shed its rays over the earth, giving light and beauty to all around : joy and gladness beamed on the face of nature, cheering her sad and lonely heart. Precisely at the appointed hour the chief called for Mrs. Leavenworth. She made her appearance, and the chief taking the little daughter in his arms^ — led the way to the door. Here were fourteen Indians dressed in full costume