Chapter 4

--With much more dismay,
I view the fight, than those that make the fray.
--Merchant of Venice.

The unfortunate bee-hunter and his companions had become the captives
of a people, who might, without exaggeration, be called the
Ishmaelites of the American deserts. From time immemorial, the hands
of the Siouxes had been turned against their neighbours of the
prairies, and even at this day, when the influence and authority of a
civilised government are beginning to be felt around them, they are
considered a treacherous and dangerous race. At the period of our
tale, the case was far worse; few white men trusting themselves in the
remote and unprotected regions where so false a tribe was known to
dwell.

Notwithstanding the peaceable submission of the trapper, he was quite
aware of the character of the band into whose hands he had fallen. It
would have been difficult, however, for the nicest judge to have
determined whether fear, policy, or resignation formed the secret
motive of the old man, in permitting himself to be plundered as he
did, without a murmur. So far from opposing any remonstrance to the
rude and violent manner in which his conquerors performed the
customary office, he even anticipated their cupidity, by tendering to
the chiefs such articles as he thought might prove the most
acceptable. On the other hand Paul Hover, who had been literally a
conquered man, manifested the strongest repugnance to submit to the
violent liberties that were taken with his person and property. He
even gave several exceedingly unequivocal demonstrations of his
displeasure during the summary process, and would, more than once,
have broken out in open and desperate resistance, but for the
admonitions and entreaties of the trembling girl, who clung to his
side, in a manner so dependent, as to show the youth, that her hopes
were now placed, no less on his discretion, than on his disposition to
serve her.

The Indians had, however, no sooner deprived the captives of their
arms and ammunition, and stripped them of a few articles of dress of
little use, and perhaps of less value, than they appeared disposed to
grant them a respite. Business of greater moment pressed on their
hands, and required their attention. Another consultation of the
chiefs was convened, and it was apparent, by the earnest and vehement
manner of the few who spoke, that the warriors conceived their success
as yet to be far from complete.

"It will be well," whispered the trapper, who knew enough of the
language he heard to comprehend perfectly the subject of the
discussion, "if the travellers who lie near the willow brake are not
awoke out of their sleep by a visit from these miscreants. They are
too