210 SUFFERINGS OF THE INDIANS. 



now reduced to a state of great weakness, crowded 

 round them for a portion of what they could ill 

 afford. It was the same with us ; for those who 

 happened to be within a moderate distance fell 

 back on the Fort, as the only chance of pro- 

 longing their existence ; and we freely im- 

 parted the utmost we could spare. In vain 

 did we endeavour to revive their drooping 

 spirits, and excite them to action ; the scourge 

 was too heavy, and their exertions were entirely 

 paralysed. No sooner had one party closed the 

 door, than another, still more languid and dis- 

 tressed, feebly opened it, and confirmed by their 

 half-famished looks and sunken eyes their heart- 

 rending tale of suffering. They spoke little, 

 but crowded in silence round the fire, as if eager 

 to enjoy the only comfort remaining to them. 

 A handful of mouldy pounded meat, which had 

 been originally reserved for our dogs, was the 

 most liberal allowance we could make to each ; 

 and this meal, unpalatable and unwholesome as 

 it was, together with the customary presentation 

 of the friendly pipe, was sufficient to efface for 

 a moment the recollection of their sorrows, and 

 even to light up their faces with a smile of hope. 



"We know," they said, "that you are as much 



distressed as ourselves, and you are very good." 

 Afflictino; as it was to behold such scenes of 

 suffering, it was at the same time gratifying to 

 observe the resignation with which they were 



