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. 
In the morning and evening sun, a long line of the 
forest children might be seen, with clay jars and skins 
filled with water, 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 picturesque display, not unlike 
the processions figured in the hieroglyphical 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 Rousseau met her eyes. 
Stopping and examining him, with almost overpowering 
curiosity, she retreated 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 

