Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison

Walking through the corn field, Molly notes the passage of time since she has been with the Senecas and since Josiah left. She arrives at Earth Woman’s lodge, where Earth Woman is firing clay pots made by Molly and Beaver Girl. Molly admires the pots but laments how long everything takes. Earth Woman insists that “a good thing is never made in a hurry” (397). Finally, in the afternoon the pots are cooled and examined. Molly is elated by her cooking pot, and the village children celebrate with her.

Shining Star calls Molly inside. While she is inside the lodge, Gray Wolf announces that Englishmen have come to speak with Chief Burning Sky. Squirrel Woman and Red Bird feel uneasy about the visitors’ arrival and discuss a private matter.

Molly emerges from the lodge in a new outfit of bright embroidered broadcloth. The children admire her and declare, “Corn Tassel is a Seneca woman now!” (402). Molly is confused when Squirrel Woman rushes her inside, instructs her to put on her deerskin, and brings her out to the corn field.