 When the group reached the village , Alder learned why his life had been spared . One of the Mingo chiefs , Succohanos , and his wife , Whinecheoh , were an aging couple who had lost their son , and planned to adopt Alder as a replacement . Alder was forced to run the gauntlet , as a rite of passage , and after he exhibited bravery during the trial , he was adopted and cared for by Whinecheoh . The Indian 's other prisoner , Mrs. Martin , had been promised to a man in another village , and was taken away during Alder 's adoption ceremony . 
