The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1845-04-18

where she said she would be. Hsr tongue
is not forked."
ITolabee then told her of Black VOLTS i'll
ness, his uneasness, and his final departure;
that he was Black VOLTS friend, and would
protect her until he returned, which would
be as soon as he had found she had left
Water Lilly looked very thoughtful; at last
she said:
"None one knows what has become of
Water Lilly; no one can tell him. He will
not know how nor where to find her. He
was sick; he may be dead. He did moi
come TO us on the trail. How can ! wait
here? must 60 back and find him."
Holabee told her there were many trails /;
that Black Wolf had not taken the one by
which they came: that she could not tell
what one he had gone on, or on which he
would return, and that they might pass each
other again; that if she would go with Ho-
Iabee to the agency, and assist in the new
school, he would write letters 10 Black
Wolf which would bring him back with the
party that was 10 come in the fall. TO this
she reluctantly consented; but hearing sub
sequuntly that Black Wolf had cabin and
corn ground near the Sugar-loaf Mountain,
she went there. Finding it unoccupjed, she
remained and planted corn, and awaited his
return. Small parties were coming in daily,
but nothing was heard of Black Wolf
Time wore away, and the fall parties came; !;
but nothing was yet heard of him. Al
length some scholars came from the mission
ary school, and Holabee learned that Black
Wolf had been there, and finding that Wa
Ter Lilly had run off in the night, sought
her all over the nation, but could leara no.
thing of her. He believed that she had per-
ishod in attempting TO reach him; which so
affected him, that the Indians believed him
10 be crazy. Part Of this information was
sent the Lost Fawn, and she came forthwith
10 Fort Smith, determined to follow him.
But Holaboe assured her that she would
miss him, and that they would never meet
unless one rcmajnod. She at last consented
10 go back to Black VOLTS cabin, and re-
main there until he arrived, or until the bios
SONS cane again.
A long and tedious winter passed, and
nothing more was heard from Black
Wolf The early spring had scarce COM
nlencsd, when Holabce was reused in the
night by hearing his name called aloud
His dogs were barking at some strangers ap-
proach He heard his name once more, ac-
companiod with " Black Wolf has come
again! He called in the dogs, and invited
Black Wolf TO come in. But what was his
astonishment! The change that had taken
place in Black Wolf had left scarce trace
Of his former appearance. Haggard, enact
ated almost 10 skeleton, the young Indian
looked like an old worn out man. But when
he learned that Water Lilly awaited him al
his cabin, he washed the black paint from his
face; his eye lighted up, and he seemed
once more himself He had moulnGd her
dead; and according to the Indian custom,
had blackened his face and hands. He could
scarcely be prevailed upon to lie down: and
not until Holabee agreed to take horses and
start the next morning, did he consent to
sleep.
The eastern horizon had scarcely been
touched by the gray Of morning, before
Black Wolf was up; and as soon as they
could kindle a fire, he made ready their
breakfast. The sun had not yet pesped out
upon them, when they were Oh the road
Two days OF hard riding were before them;
and HClabee had hard work to make his
companion ride at gait that would allow
the horses to hold out; and when they ar
rived within mile of the cabin, to make
him tarry until Holabee could see Lost Fawn
and tell her that Black Wolf was safe, and
would soon be with her. She had Just re-
covered flom her surprise, when sharp yell
fell Oh their cars, and Black Wolf, with his
horse at full speed, was approaching. Lost
Fawn run TO meet him as he threw himself
from his horse, and the next moment found
them locked in each others arms. Not
word was uttered; both were too full TO
speak: their eyes met and again they en-
braced. They then approached the cabin,
each extended a hand to Holabse; Black
Wolf saying in English, "Our friend"
"Yes," responded Lost Fawn.
They were no sooner seated, than Black
Wolf produced the half of the broken stick
Lost Fxwn, by string around her neck,
drew forth from her bosom little bag, and
taking from it the other half of the stick, she
placed them bothin the bag together. Black
Wolf then kindled fire, in which Lost Fawn
placed the bag and sticks together. When
they were consumed, they once more en-
braced. They were man and wife; the
parted sticks could never more be separated
Such was the simple but impressive cere-
mony performed in the presence of the
Great Spirit, to whom alone the Indian looks
for approval. Lost Fawn, observing that it
was not fully understood by Holabee, brough!
a prayer-book, opened it atthe marriage GER
emony, and requested him 10 read it for them,
s1ying: /" We will now do as the missions
rics taught U.S. They stood up while Hola-
bee read it aloud, each making the required
answers: Black Wolf adding to the ques-