horde of semi-barbarians. And to think that we would elude them, just
when I was giving up in despair. It is said that the darkest hour is
that which preceedes dawn; weeping may endure for a night, but joy
cometh in the morning. So with me, in my utter prostration, in the act
of giving way, God heard my prayer, and opened a way of deliverance,
and we made the best of the opportunity.

"No foe, no dangerous path we lead,
Brook no delay, but onward speed."

Some of the Indians it seems had come across General Strange's scouts
the night before, and in consequence, all kinds of rumors were afloat
among the band. They were all very much frightened, for it looked as
if they were about to be surrounded. So a move, and a quick one, was
made by them, at an early hour, leaving the half-breeds to follow on.
This was now the golden opportunity, and Pritchard grasped it, and
with him, five other half-breed families fled in an opposite
direction, thereby severing our connection with the band nominally led
by Big Bear.

We cut through the woods, making a road, dividing the thick brush,
driving across creeks and over logs. On we sped. At one time hanging
on by a corner of the bedding in order to keep from falling off the
waggon. Another time I fell off the waggon while fording a stream; my
back got so sore that I could not walk much. On we went roaming
through the forest, not knowing where we were going, until the night
of June 3rd the cry was made by Mrs. Pritchard with unfeigned disgust,
"that the police were coming." Mrs. Delaney was making bannock for the
next morning's meal, while I with cotton and crochet needle was making
trimming for the dresses of Mrs. Pritchards nine half-breed babies.