The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1845-08-05
From the American Review.
THE DEATH OF WIND FOOT.
BY w, WHITMAN.


Three hundred years ago--so headed the
tale, not long since, from the mouth OF one
educated like white man, but born of the
race Of whom Logan and Tecumseh sprang
three hundred years ago, there lived on
lands now. forming an eastern county OF the
most powerful Of the American States,
petty Indian tribe, governed by brave and
wise chieftain. This chieflain was called by
a name which in our language signlted Un-
relenting. His deeds Of courage and sub
tlety made him renowned throug hout no
small portion. of the northern continent
There were only two dwellers in his lodge;
himself and his youthful son; for twenty
moons had filled and waned since his wife
following four Of her offspring, was placed IN
the burial ground.
AS the Unrelenting eat alone one evening
in his rude hut, one Of his people came to.
inform him that a traveller from distant
tribe had entered the village, and desired
food and repose. Such petition was nev-
er sighted by the red men; and the messen-
ger was sent back with an invitation for the
stranger to abide in the lodge Of the chief
himself. Among that simple race, no duties
were considered more honorable than ar
ranging the household comforts Of guest;
those duties were now performed by the
hosts own hand, his son having not yet re-
turned from the hunt on which he had start
ed with few young companions at early
DIN. In a little while the wayfarer was
led into the dwelling by him who had given
the first notice of his arrival.
"You are welcome, my brother, said the
Unrelenting. eJ.
The person to whom this kind salute was
addressed was an athletic Indian, apparently
of middle age, and habted in the scant at
tire of his species. He had the war-tutt in
his forehead, under which flashed pair OF
brilliant eyes. His rejoinder was friendly
and brief IN. a. ...
~nThe chiefs tent is lonesome-hls peo-
ple are away?" continued the stranger, al
Ter a pause, casting a glance OF inquiry
around. -. .... .s...4. :.
.My brother says true that it is lonesome" !"
the other answered. "Twelve seasons ago,
the Unrelenting saw five children IN the
shadow Of his wigwam, and their mother
was dear to him. He was strong, like cord
of many fibres. Then the breath OF Manlto
snapped the fibres one by one asunder.-
He looked with pleasant eye on my sons
and daughters, and wished them for himself
Behold all that is left to brighten my hearth,
The Unrelenting turned as he spoke, and
pointed to an object just inside the opening
of the tent.
A moment or two before, the figure of
boy had glided noiselessly in, and taken his
station at the back of the chief. Hardly
twelve wears seemed the age OF the new
conner. He was noble child! His limbs,
never distorted with the ligatures Of civil
lied life, were graceful as the ash, and sym
metrical and springy as the bounding stag's.
II was the last and loveiest of the chieftain's
.sons--the soft-lipped, nimble Wind Foot.
With the youths assistance, the prepara-
tons for their frugal meal were soon COM
pleted. After finishing it. as the stranger
appeared to be weary, a heap OF skins was
arranged for him in one corner of the lodge,
and he laid himself down to sleep.
twas lovely summer evening. Inc
moon shone, the stars twinkled, and the
thousand voices Of forest night sounded IN
every direction. The chiefyand his son re-
clined at the opening of the tent, enjoying
The cool breeze which blew freshly upon
them, and tapped The piece of deer hide
that served for their door, sometimes fling
ING ii down SO as 10 darken the apartment,
then raising it suddenly up again, as IT to
lei in the bright moon beams.
e I a ofh i,
He had met with ne success, and, in boys
impatient spirit, wondered why it was the
others, arrows should hit the mark, and fail
ure be reserved for him alone. The chief
heard him with sad smile, as he remember
ed his own youthful straits; he soothed the
child with gentle words, telling him that
brave warriors sometimes went whole days
with the same perverse fortune.
.ss G Many years since," said the chief "when
nv cheek was soft, and my arms saw the
Snumbness of but few winters, myself vain
" trayersed our hunting grounds, as you
have done to-day. The Dark influence was
around me, and not single shaft would dc
my bidding.
@And my father brought home nothing to
his lodge2" asked the boy.
Nj 81 The Unrelenting came back without any
game . the other answered; "but he brought
what was dearer 10 him and his people than
the fattest deer or the sweetest bird meat
he brought the scalp Of an accursed Kansi!
\ The voice Of the chief was deep and
sharp in its tones of hatred.
Is evil my father" said Wind-Foot, 6
The child started, and paused. An ex
clamation sudden cultural noise, came
from that part of the tent where the stran
ger was sleeping. The dry skins which
formed the bed rustled, as if he who lay
there was changing his position, and then al