The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-05-16

twlg, placed IN the centre OF the road
He approached it rapidly, and found sus-
pended from it welI-known string of
wampum. He seized it eagerly, pressed
it TO his lips, and placed it in his bosom !;
al the same time tear swclled in his
eye, and he audibIy pronounced the name
Of Water Lily
In an instant she was at his side. Had
he been less eloquent, she would have
remained hidden. Black Wolf was fair
Iy surprised; he could say nothing; but
loosing his belt, he placed it on the neck
of the blushing girl; then taking her
hand they left the road. He led her 10
small wood, where, seated on fallen
tree, they looked al each other a moment
in silence. Water Lily could no longer
restrain her housekeeping her head
on his shoulder, she said, Must YOU
leave me!'
Il must 60, Water Lily. | will never
forget you. When am in our new
home, | will build cabin, and | will
never be happy until You are in it,
i will come she said; If | find no
one before me, will stay. If find
any before me, you will never see me
again
Fear not, Water Lily, fear not; you
are first and only. Black Wolf can new
er split his heart nor his tongue
Enough said Wafer Lily; Il will
come be sure what say. Water Lily
has no JOY when Wolf is gone. When
the next blossoms come, Water Lily
goes to the setting sun. She will now
20 back; she will learn to make cloth
ing; she will learn 10 plan, corn, and to
make bread; she will leave her books {;
and when she comes, she will be ready
to keep his cabin, if she finds i, empty,
and to make him happy. If she finds
any one before her, she will sing her
deaIh-song where none will hear her.
She picked up small stick, broke it
in two, gave Black Wolf one piece, and
pu, the other in her bosom. Then res
ting her head on his shoulder, she gave
one long sigh. In moment she was on
her feet, and Black Wolf heard her sobs,
as she fed back to the school. He gaz-
ed after her until she was out of sight,
and then resumed his journey, with a
heart more at case, and determined 10 full
I'll his promise. lie was much more
cheerful, for he was sure Of the love of
Water Lily.
Let us leave Black Wolf and his friends
to make arrangements for their departure,
while we take view Of the country to
which they are going, and the prepare
tons made for their reception.
Fort Smith had been abandoned a few
years before. 1t is situated on the right
bank Of the Arkansas, at the mouth of the
Porto River, and three hundred yards
west Of the line of Crawford county, the
western boundary of the then territory,
now State Of Arkansas, and the eastern
boundary Of the ChoCtaw nation. This
was the point of landing in ascending the
river, and the general point of entering
the nalcn; being bu! eighteen miles from
the agency. At this point a number of
traders were stationed, and sub.agent.
Issues Of provisions, blankets, rifles,
powder and other articles stipulated in
the treaty, were made here to The par
ties arriving. 'llolabee' was name Civ
en- to an adopted son of the Indians, who
was licensed trader in The nation, and
had charge Of the articles belonging to
them; at times going into the nation to
attend TO issues, and assist in the cmigra-
ton. No man had ever enjoyed more
ct the confidence of the Choc,aws than
llolabee. He was consulted in all mat
lers of general interest. The country be-
ing large, i! was settled by parties or
companies, scattered about at different
distances. The Sugaroaf and Cavanole
mountains attracted some Red river 9TH
ers. A large portion Of the Choctaw ma
ton have some notions OF agriculture, and
schools and churches are encouraged.
Religion, however, had little TO do with
Indian morals or habits. Ii rather tend
ed to make them decciful.
The cmigrant party to which Black
Wolf belonged, arrived at Fort Smith in
the fail of 1880; but they had suffered
much on the way. Chlls.and.fever was
so general, that the oxempts were looked
upon as having charm. Neither age
nor sect was spared. The season was
wet; and very many paid the debt Of ma
lure before they could reach the promis.
ed land.
Black Wolf had suffered much from
this disease. He was nearly discoura
ged on his arrival at Fort Smith; for hS
was too i'll to go with his father. lie re
NAMED and was employed by Holabe,