Nattie had, also, of late, mentioned Augustus Reid in her prayers. She asked that he might return and free her from her wearisome captivity. She had become discouraged in praying for her father's coming; but this brave-looking youth had inspired her with a fresh faith, so she had formed the habit of naming him in her nightly prayers.
As the winter drew near, the Indians began to speak of leaving their home in the forest, to journey into the land of the whites, after their usual custom. But what was to be done with Nattie? She was not able to take the journey, nor could she be left behind, alone. There were many consultations; and at last they concluded to take her to the wigwam of a neighboring Indian, who was obliged to tarry at home, owing to his age and infirmities. His hut was on the borders of the forest, a few miles distant. Poor Nattie wished to go the journey, for she thought that the Indians might take their former route, and that
