I was
caught in one of the nets that the Malhominis strung with small bells,
and stretched across the stream to keep both fish and enemies in
bounds. I set my teeth hard.
"It is Montlivet. It is Montlivet," I called.
Had I thought the Malhominis stolid and none too intelligent! They
heard me call, they pushed a canoe to my rescue, and they carried me to
a warm lodge. I remember that I bandied words with them as they
carried me. They made sport to see me naked, for on my former visit I
had rebuked them severely on that score. But they were tender of my
shoulder.
The time for the next few hours--indeed for the night--is confused. My
shoulder was dressed and bound with herbs, and I was laid on a bed of
rushes. Outchipouac, the Malhominis war chief, knew from former
acquaintance with me that I had prejudices and would not lie where it
was not clean, and so he humored me and gave orders that the rushes be
freshly cut. By this I knew that he had not only respect for me, but
something that was like affection, since savages are indolent and
intolerant, and will not bestir themselves for Europeans unless they
are unwontedly interested. I treasured this kindness. One meets
little that savors of personal regard in the wilderness, and I was ill.
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