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151 CHAPTER FOUR47 Paul and some others have gone to the Lower Agency, to learn if possible, what plan the Indians have in view, and to see if there is any possibility of getting word to the white people. We had quite a gathering for prayer the other evening; most of those at Mr. R.’s house came; a chapter was read, a hymn sung and a word of exhortation given to the faithful few. It reminded us of early times, when it was not safe to go to the house of God without weapons of defense.48 The Northerners are expected daily, and much danger is apprehended from them. A few have been lurking about for several days, and during the night stole five horses.49 There is no rest for the weary. While at worship Mr. R. was called out to see to his horses, as some one was trying to untie them from the wagon. The thief soon left for safe quarters, being afraid of a gun in the dark. Dogs are quite a help these times; almost every Indian keeps from three to six, and some even a greater number for hunting, and in case of famine, use their flesh for food. The wild shouts of the Indians, and the constant barking of the dogs, were we in a forest, would be intolerable. As for sleep we get a little, and very little it is. Katherine came in the evening; the first we had seen of her since the trouble.50 She threw her arms about us and wept like a child, partly in sympathy for us, and for the loss the church had sustained and the sufferings of the white people. Katherine thought we were not safe in our costume; and immediately devised means of getting a Dakota one, which, with a little help, was soon ready for wear, but so many of the company realized we would not be at home in it, persuaded us to lay it aside for the present. Reports are constantly coming that the Indians are committing great depredations. They are confident of taking New Ulm and Fort Ridgely. May the All Wise keep them from it, is our earnest petition. God may have visited New Ulm in offended wrath, for we have reason to believe they burned the Saviour in effigy only last Sabbath, (Aug. 17th;) and their laws A Thrilling nArrATive of indiAn CApTiviTy 152 are strictly against selling lots to any person who will aid in supporting the gospel.51 We have busied ourselves to-day in making preparations for an escape, should one offer, and we may have to secrete ourselves in the woods a long time; then we shall value our sack of biscuit. While we were making them, two gaily dressed Indian girls called at the door exclaiming, this is the last time we shall ever see a white woman. They were entire strangers, and startled us a little. Some of our party gave them a little cool advice, which they deemed prudent not to stay and consider. We have had to secrete ourselves several times during the day, for strangers are passing to and fro all the time, and the sight of a white person may cause them to yield to the wicked one and devour us.52 It is quite evident that the white people have not taken any of the firewater , as the Indians call it, from the country or towns.53 Oh, that another drop, not even for medicine, may ever be carried in the Indian country again; New Ulm, we are confident, furnished its share heretofore. Miss Laframboi called here on her way from Lacquiparle.54 Her brother went after her. She did not have time to give a full account of Mr. Huggins’ cruel death; but having learned the particulars since, we will give them in this part of our journal. This sad event was on Tuesday p.m.55 Mr. H. had been out tending to some hay and did not return until after the thunder storm. While he was absent two young Indians called and inquired when Mr. H. would be at home. After being told they seated themselves and commenced making observations about the sewing machine, intent on examining its rapid movements, and making cheerful remarks in regard to it. They seemed rather anxious for Mr. H. to return. When Mr. H. came into the house, his wife, addressing him, he replied in his kind...

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