Others had
examined in different directions, and everywhere the stillness of
night was added to the silence and solitude of the woods.
It was consequently believed that the girl had come alone, as on
her former visit, and on some similar errand. The Iroquois were
ignorant that the ark had left the castle, and there were movements
projected, if not in the course of actual execution, by this time,
which also greatly added to the sense of security. A watch was
set, therefore, and all but the sentinels disposed themselves to
sleep. Sufficient care was had to the safe keeping of the captive,
without inflicting on him any unnecessary suffering; and, as for
Hetty, she was permitted to find a place among the Indian girls in
the best manner she could. She did not find the friendly offices
of Hist, though her character not only bestowed impunity from
pain and captivity, but it procured for her a consideration and
an attention that placed her, on the score of comfort, quite on a
level with the wild but gentle beings around her. She was supplied
with a skin, and made her own bed on a pile of boughs a little
apart from the huts. Here she was soon in a profound sleep, like
all around her.
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