From this time forward, there was no more destitution.  The present abundance was immediately followed by the arrival of supplies for the Commissary’s Department; and, refreshed and invigorated, our poor children departed once more to their villages, to make ready their crops for the ensuing season.

In the course of the spring, we received a visit from the Rev. Mr. Kent and Mrs. Kent, of Galena.  This event is memorable, as being the first occasion on which the gospel, according to the Protestant faith, was preached at Fort Winnebago.  The large parlor of the hospital was fitted up for the service, and gladly did we each say to the other, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

For nearly three years had we lived here without the blessing of a public service of praise and thanksgiving.  We regarded this commencement as an omen of better times, and our little “sewing-society” worked with renewed industry, to raise a fund Which might be available hereafter in securing the permanent services of a missionary.

* * * * *

Not long after this, on a fine spring morning, as we were seated at breakfast, a party of Indians entered the parlor, and came to the door of the room where we were.  Two of them passed through, and went out upon a small portico—­the third remained standing in the door-way at which he had at first appeared.  He was nearly opposite me, and as I raised my eyes, spite of his change of dress, and the paint with which he was covered, I at once recognized him.

I continued to pour the coffee, and, as I did so, I remarked to my husband, “The one behind you, with whom you are speaking, is one of the escaped prisoners.”

Without turning his head, Mr. Kinzie continued to listen to all the directions they were giving him about the repairing of their guns, traps, etc., which they wished to leave with the blacksmith.  As they went on, he carelessly turned towards the parlor door, and replied to the one speaking to him.  When he again addressed me, it was to say,—­

“You are right, but it is no affair of ours.  We are none of us to look so as to give him notice that we suspect anything.  They are undoubtedly innocent, and have suffered enough already.”

Contrary to his usual custom, their Father did not ask their names, but wrote their directions, which he tied to their different implements, and then bade them go and deliver them themselves to M. Morrin.

The rest of our circle were greatly pleased at the young fellow’s audacity, and we quite longed to tell the officers that we could have caught one of their fugitives for them, if we had had a mind.

* * * * *

The time had now come when we began to think seriously of leaving our pleasant home, and taking up our residence at Detroit, while making arrangements for a permanent settlement at Chicago.

This intelligence, when communicated to our Winnebago children, brought forth great lamentations and demonstrations of regret.  From the surrounding country they came flocking in, to inquire into the truth of the tidings they had heard, and to petition earnestly that we would continue to live and die among them.