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Narcissa Whitman, along with all the other terrified people that had retreated to the upstairs of the mission, waited to see what their fate would be. The slow and steady footfall on the stairs gave them no clue as to what the future held. Then they heard a familiar voice.
Tamsucky, one of the chiefs, called out to those hidden in the rooms above. He said that he was their friend and that he had come to help them. Many of those hidden did not trust the Indian but Narcissa, though weak from loss of blood, was willing to take the chance if someone would help her down the stairs. When she opened the door it was Joe Lewis she saw coming up the stairs. Seeing who it was she hesitated but it was too late. Lewis lifted her down the stairs and placed her on a cot. Mr. Rodgers, having also come down, lifter one end of the cot while Lewis lifted the other end. Together, they carried Narcissa Whitman outside where she was soon murdered. The women hidden above also descended, leaving behind Catherine and Elizabeth Sager, and Mary Ann Bridger to be with the children that were ill. Alone in the upper rooms with the sick children, the three girls heard a sudden crash of furniture and dishes. There were yells and shots, then one horrible cry from Narcissa Whitman. The din was followed by a sickening silence. They could only guess, correctly, that the worst had happened. Throughout the long night the three girls waited. All was silent except for the bong of the clock announcing each deadly hour as it passed. With the rising of the early sun the sick children began to whimper for water until Mr. Kimball, who was also hidden above, could stand it no longer. Wrapping a blanket around himself, he slowly walked down the stairs. Shortly after he had gone below the girls heard the sound of a gun being fired. Mr. Kimball would not now, or ever, be bringing them water. The girls had no choice but to wait and see what would happen. After a time Joe Lewis and several Indians came up the stairs and entered the room where the girls waited. The girls were told to get their things and assured that they were not going to be hurt. Catherine gathered up Louise while Elizabeth lifted Henrietta. Mary Ann Bridger tried to pick up Helen Mar Meek but the girl was too heavy for her. They had no choice but to leave Helen there. They heard her screams as they left the room and went below. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article The Sagers Go West, part 16 in The Great Plains is owned by . Permission to republish The Sagers Go West, part 16 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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