that they were more athletic than the savages, equally capable of endurance, and alike incapable of betraying groans, fear, or even marks of regret in their countenance.  They knew enough of savage modes to beware that the least indications of weariness, and inability to proceed, would have brought the tomahawk and scalping-knife upon their skulls—­weapons with which they were thus early supplied from Detroit.  They therefore pushed resolutely on, with cheerful countenances, watching the while with intense earnestness, to catch from the signs and gestures of the Indians, what was their purpose in regard to their fate.  By the second day, they comprehended the words of most frequent recurrence in the discussion, that took place respecting them.  Part, they perceived, were for putting them to death to prevent their escape.  The other portion advocated their being adopted into the tribe, and domesticated.  To give efficacy to the counsels of these last, the captives not only concealed every trace of chagrin, but dissembled cheerfulness, and affected to like their new mode of life; and seemed as happy, and as much amused, as the Indians themselves.

Fortunately, their previous modes of life, and in fact their actual aptitudes and propensities wonderfully qualified them, along with their reckless courage and elasticity of character, to enact this difficult part with a success, which completely deceived the Indians, and gave the entire ascendency to the advice of those who proposed to spare, and adopt them into their tribe.  Lulled by this semblance, the captors were less and less strict in their guard.  On the seventh night of their captivity, the savages, having made a great fire, and fed plentifully, all fell into a sound sleep, leaving their prisoners, who affected to be as deeply asleep as themselves, wholly unguarded.

It need hardly be said, that the appearance of content they had worn, was mere outward show; and that they slept not.  Boone slowly and cautiously raised himself to a sitting posture, and thus remained a few moments to mark, if his change of position had been observed.  One of the sleepers turned in his sleep.  Boone instantly dropped back to his recumbent posture and semblance of sleep.  So he remained fifteen minutes, when he once more raised himself, and continued sitting for some time, without noting a movement among the slumberers around him.  He then ventured to communicate his purpose to his companion.

The greatest caution was necessary to prevent disturbing the savages, as the slightest noise would awake them, and probably bring instant death upon the captives.  Stewart succeeded in placing himself upon his feet without any noise.  The companions were not far apart, but did not dare to whisper to each other the thought that occurred alike to both—­that, should they escape without rifles and ammunition, they must certainly die of hunger.  The place where their rifles stood had been carefully noted by them, and by groping their way with the utmost care, they finally reached them.  Fortunately, the equipments, containing the usual supply of powder and ball, were near the rifles.  The feelings with which Boone and Stewart stole forth from the circle of their captors may be imagined.  They made their way into the woods through the darkness, keeping close together for some time, before they exchanged words.