human
Thou bleedest, my Blossom. Oh! Otaitsa, what hast thou risked, what hast thou encountered for Walter's sake?
gpt
But little, my beloved, she answered;
human
No, no, my Otaitsa, returned Walter,
gpt
I would not eat. I wished to die. I knew not that an angel would come to cheer and help me.
human
And to deliver thee too, my Walter, answered Otaitsa, with a bright smile.
gpt
I trust it is certain, my beloved. By the way _I_ came, by that way _you_ can go.
human
How came you? asked Walter, seating her beside him, and pressing her closer with his arm to the bosom on which she leaned.
gpt
I thought it was impossible for any one to reach me, so hidden is this place, so close the watch they kept. It must have been very perilous for thee, my Blossom. Art thou not hurt?
human
Oh, no, she answered;
gpt
Why not with you now? asked Walter eagerly.
human
Let Otaitsa go with me, and, whenever we reach my father's house, become my wife indeed. Oh, how gladly will he fold her to his heart! how fondly will Edith call her sister!
gpt
It cannot be, beloved, she answered.
human
I came to save him I love--to save him who is the husband of my heart, but not to abandon my father till he gives me to you; and, besides, there would be none to help us. This night you must climb by the ropes and boughs up to the top of the cliff, when, as near as you can reckon, there have been six hours of darkness. At the top you will find people waiting. They are but women, yet they all love you, and me likewise; and they have sworn by their Great Spirit, that if it cost their lives they will set you free. Each will help you in some way. One has a canoe upon the creek--another knows the deepest woods on the Mohawk side, and can guide you well. Others will lead you down Wood Creek to Sir William Johnson's Castle, where you are safe. Eat now, my beloved; for you must have strength, and Otaitsa must leave you soon. Before she goes, she must tie your hands again, lest your enemies come ere the night; but she will tie them in such a sort, that with your teeth you can undraw the knot; and she will loosen the fastening of the bar, so that even a weak hand can push it out.