PLACE DE LA CROIX, 245 



worn footpath. You could trace it, from where it lost 

 itself in the deep forests, to where it wound around the 

 steep - washed bank, and touched the water's edge. 

 At this point were to be seen the prints of footsteps ; 

 and traces of small fires were also visible, one of which, 

 still sent up puffs of smoke. 



Here it was that the Choctaw maidens and old 

 women performed their rude labor of washing. 



Ill tlie morning and evening sun, a long line of the 

 forest children might be seen, with clay jars and skins 

 filled witir\\ater, carrying them upon their heads, and 

 stringing up, single file, the steep bank, and losing them- 

 selves in the woods ; — with their half-clad and erect 

 forms, making a most pictures(|ue display, not unlike 

 the processions figured in the liieroglyphical paintings 

 of Egypt. 



Soon after Rousseau fell at the cross, there might 

 have been seen emerging from the woods, and following 

 the path we have described, a delicately-formed Indian 

 girl. In her hand was a long reed and a basket, and 

 she came with blithe steps towards the river. As she 

 passed the cross, the form of Kousseau met her eyes. 

 Stopping and examining him, with almost overpowering 

 curiosity, she retreatod with precipitation, but almost 

 instantly returned. She approached nearer, until the 

 wan and insensible face met her view. Strange as was 

 his appearance and color, the chord of humanity was 

 touched, the woman forgot both fear and curiosity, in 



