I saw through the plan at once, and considered it only a bribe, to prevent my exposing the iniquity of others.  Should I consent to take a part of the ill-gotten spoils, with what confidence could I attempt to stay the hand of the spoiler.  I wanted money very much, it is true; but after a moment’s reflection, not enough to sanction the manner in which it had been obtained; and though I confess, the offer presented to me a strong temptation, I am thankful that I was enabled to resist it.  I refused to accept the money; and after sending away the tempter and his offered gain, I felt my heart lighter, and my conscience more peaceful than is often the lot of sinful, erring man in this world of trial and conflict; and yet I could but feel that the mystery in which the death of my horses was involved, was partially at least, explained.

CHAPTER XXVI.

INCIDENTS AND PECULIARITIES OF THE INDIANS.

During our residence in Canada, we were often visited by the Indians, which gave us an opportunity to learn their character, habits and disposition; and some incidents illustrative of the peculiarities of that abused people, I will here mention.

I recollect one bitter cold night, about eleven o’clock, I happened to awake, and looking out toward the fire, I was surprised to see standing there, erect and quiet, a tall, brawny Indian, wrapped in his blanket; his long hunting knife and tomahawk dangling from his belt; and his rifle in his hand.  Had he been in his own wigwam, he could not have looked about him with more satisfaction and independence.  I instantly sprang to my feet, and demanded his errand.

“Me lost in the woods, and me come to stay all night,” was his grave reply.

“Then,” said I, “give me your weapons, and I will make no objection.”

He disarmed himself, and gave his weapons to me, with an air of haughty disdain for my fears.  I put them in a place of safety and then prepared his bed, which was nothing more than the floor, where they choose to sleep, with their head to the fire.  My offer of anything different from this he proudly resented as an insult to his powers of endurance, and would say, “beds for pale faces and women; hard board for Indians.”  He threw himself down, drew his blanket about him, and was soon sleeping soundly.  As soon as the day began to dawn, he was up, called for his arms, and after thanking me in the brief Indian style of politeness, departed for the forest.  He had found our doors all fastened, save a low back door, through which he entered, passing through a back room so full of miscellaneous articles, that it was difficult to go through it in the day time without upsetting something; but the Indian understood all this, he made no noise, nor would he have spoken at all, had I not awakened; and yet, he would have scorned to injure any one beneath the roof that gave him shelter, unless he had been intoxicated.