towards Mary. When her food is stolen from her, one Indian approaches Mary and gives her a piece of Horse-liver, which she finds savory in her state of hunger.(132) After making a journey across a river, Mary breaks down and cries to herself remembering her old life of luxury. When the Indians ask her why she is crying, she replies that they will kill her. The Indians assure her that none will hurt [her], and they give her two spoonfuls of meal to comfort [her] and half a pint of Pease.(132) Mary must rely on the support of the Indians to maintain a somewhat healthy body so that the Indians will spare her life and keep her with them. Mary even tries to please the Indians. When she earns a shilling in exchange for a shirt she makes, she offers the money to her Master, but he lets her keep it to buy food. At another instance, Mary acquires a knife, and she gives it to her master, glad that [she] had any thing that he would accept of, and be pleased with.(133) Mary also speaks of the kindness of several Squaws, who give her food and warm shelter when she is need. Sometimes she met the Indians with favor, and sometimes with nothing but frowns.(134) Mary has gone from hating the Indians to making efforts to please them and even befriend them. Her Master even tells her that he will let her husband buy her from him when the time comes. Mary and the Indians develop somewhat of a mutual respect for each other, and they coexist in peace once they realize that they can benefit from each other. Mary can sew and knit clothing that is useful to the Indians in the harsh weather, and the Indians can provide her with food in exchange.As Marys time with the Indians draws to a close, she becomes more and more desperate to return to her Christian family and friends. While still gaining most of her comfort from her Bible and religion, Mary also begins to gain comfort through certain kind deeds of the Indians, although she still refers to the...
