Hans’ eyes sparkled as he took in the beauty of the scheme prepared by the Huron.  The arrangement was now explained to Lieutenant Canfield, who could but admire the sagacity and foresight of his Indian friend, that seemed to understand and provide against every emergency.  It was further explained to Hans that he was to manage to give the drug to his wife and children several hours before sunset, as its effects would not be perceptible for fully four hours, and that he was to take a small quantity himself about dusk, to avert the consequences of his philanthrophy.  Lieutenant Canfield admonished him to be cautious in his movements, and to take especial pains with his charge after leaving his lodge, in order to avoid discovery from the sleepless Shawnees.  The situation of Hans’ wigwam was fortunate indeed, as he ran little risk of discovery if he used ordinary discretion after leaving it.

Everything being arranged, Hans Vanderbum took his departure, and Oonomoo, the soldier and negro commenced the long, weary hours of waiting.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE EXPLOIT OF HANS VANDERBUM.

      God forgive me,
  (Marry and amen!) how sound is she asleep! 
          —­ROMEO AND JULIET.

Hans Vanderbum loitered on his way back to the village, to avoid giving the impression to any who might chance to see him that there was anything unusual upon his mind.  The precious substance handed to him by the Huron—­a sort of gum—­he wrapped in a leaf and stowed away in his bosom, guarding it with the most jealous care.  Upon it depended his hopes for the success of his cherished scheme.

After several hours’ intense thought, he decided upon his programme of action.  He would go fishing about the middle of the forenoon, giving his wife to understand that he would be back with what he had caught in time for dinner, so that she would rely upon him for that meal; but, instead of doing so, he would keep out of sight until toward night, by which time he rightly concluded his spouse and children would be so ravenously hungry that they would devour the fish without noticing any peculiar taste about them.

It was also necessary to place Miss Prescott on her guard against eating them, as it would seriously inconvenience him if she should fall into a deadly stupor at the very time when she would most need her senses.  All this was not definitively provided for until a long time after his return to his wigwam.

The more fully to carry out his plans, Hans feigned sickness shortly after his return, so that Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock, who really had a sort of affection for him, allowed him to remain inside, while she busied herself with the corn-planting.  This was the very opportunity for which Hans longed, and he lost no time in improving it.

“I’ve see’d Oonomoo,” said he, by way of introduction.

“Have you, indeed?” and the countenance of Miss Prescott became radiant with hope.