about noon
Before starting , the chief called to Mary , and again offered some food ; but no reply being returned , or motion discovered under the robe which he imagined enveloped her , he supposed she was sleeping , and directed the party to select the most even route when they emerged in the prairie , that she might as much as possible enjoy her repose . The Indian who had planned and executed the escape of Mary , with the well-devised cunning for which the race is proverbial , had told his companions that he would rise before day and pursue the same direction they were going in advance of them , and endeavour to kill a deer for their next night 's meal . Thus his absence created no suspicion , and the party continued their precipitate retreat . But , about noon , after casting many glances back at the supposed form of the captive reclining peacefully in the snow-canoe , the chief , with much excitement , betrayed by his looks , which seemed to be mingled with an apprehension that she was dead , abruptly ordered the party to halt . He sprang to the canoe , and convulsively tearing away the skins discovered only the roll of snow ! He at first compressed his lips in momentary rage , and then burst into a fit of irrepressible laughter . But the rest raved and stamped , and uttered direful imprecations and threats of vengeance .