Here, in the bosom of savage tribes, and exposed to every danger of field
and flood, supported only by his hopes, and by the presence of a stout
companion that hardships or danger could not easily subdue, the father
diligently sought his child.
At length a people were found, who held a captive that answered the
description of the trader. We shall not dwell on the feelings with which
Content approached the village that contained this little descendant of a
white race. He had not concealed his errand; and the sacred character, in
which he came, found pity and respect even among those barbarous tenants
of the wilderness. A deputation of the chiefs received him in the skirts
of their clearing. He was conducted to a wigwam, where a council-fire was
lighted, and an interpreter opened the subject, by placing the amount of
the ransom offered, and the professions of peace with which the strangers
came, in the fairest light before his auditors. It is not usual for the
American savage to loosen his hold easily, on one naturalized in his
tribe. But the meek air and noble confidence of Content touched the
latent qualities of those generous though fierce children of the woods.
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