He gave the
order.
The bugle restored quiet, and I raised my sword for attention. I asked
each tribe in turn if they had seen a white woman. Then I asked the
French. I gained only a storm of negatives.
I went on with the orders to the tribes. All captives were to be
treated kindly and their wounds dressed. This was because they were to
be adopted, and it was prudent to keep them in good condition. The
argument might restrain the savages. I was not sure.
And all the time that I was speaking I wondered if I looked and talked
as other men did. Would the savages obey me as they had done when I
was a live, breathing force, full of ardor and belief? They seemed to
see no difference. I finished my talk to them and turned to Cadillac.
"You do not need me now. You will be occupied caring for the wounded
and burying the dead. The Indians will not attempt torture to-day. I
am going to the woods."
"To the woods?"
"The woman is in the woods. She must have gone at the first alarm. I
cannot find her here."
"Ask the captives. They will know."
"It is useless to ask them. They will not speak now. It is a code. I
am going to the woods. Send what soldiers you can to search with me.
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