Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/376

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352 HISTORY OP steal over them, and they seek refresliment in repose. Mrs. L. and child lie down to rest^ for the first time, among savages and in a wilderness, in their palanquin. The Indians, except two, who are stationed as guards — spread their blankets on the ground, lie down, and are soon '•^ locked in the arms of Mor- pheus.'^ Not so with Mrs. L. ; the screeching of the owl, and the howling of the wild beasts, disturb her slumbers. This, was noticed by the guards, and they told her " to sleep as fearless as though in her own home, nothing should harm her." At last the god of sleep woos her to his own home, and her thoughts are wandering over the regions of dreamland. Morning dawns, and sleep forsakes the eyelids of the sleepers. The morning meal is prepared and finished, and again they proceed on their way. Myriads of flowers strow their pathway, and throw their odors on the passing breeze. Birds of beauti- ful plumage sing their sweetest notes, cheering the hearts of Mrs. L. and daughter. The chief and his escort are very kind, showing them every attention necessary for their comfort and happiness. Some- times they cull the choicest flowers, and weave them into bouquets and garlands, or pick the finest fruits, or bring the sparkling water as it gushes from the mountain side. The Indians often quarrelled among themselves, fearful that one would confer a greater favor on their charge than the other. No insult of any kind was ofi'ered the lady and daugh- ter, and the Indians set an example worthy the imitation of the white man. Thus passed the several days of their pilgrimage. On the 34th day after their departure from St. Louis, the chief stepped to the window of the palanquin, and said : Do you see those white tents yonder ? That one — pointing — is Colonel L.'s." "What must have been Mrs. L.- s feelings, as she drew near her husband's tent ? Pen cannot describe ; language is inade- quate to the task. In a few moments she was locked in her