The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-11-03


have appeared more different-an ashy
hue overspread his countenance, and he
who could meet death in athousand ways,
seemed now to be affected almost to dis
solution by a single question. Temoorah.
not less sensible Of its import, almost
said, by the heart-rending look of inquiry
which she directed to him, "Can you
condemn me?" Oh, what a moment!
when the frmness Of the warrior yielded
to its power, and tear gligtened in his
eye. Presently he spoke: - Brave chiefs
Of the Shawanese and Miamies! the Great
Spirit has made me your prisoner-and
although Walemba knows that the flames
are kindled to receive him, yet does it not
trouble him. The panther's courage for
sakes him not, when taken by the hunter.
Nor does their courage forsake the wami-
ors of the setting sun, when in the power
of their enemies. Yet is Walemba trou-
bled. She who is before you, is dearer
to me than life. She is the daughter OF
the Black Eagle, and the beloved of her
tribe. She left her friends TO see me; her
love made her hope that Walemba would
|
rab cannot cause him to turn his back
upon death. From my hut her eye caught
the Wampun Belt, which she believed
made me Il prisoner. In moment, she
rushed from my presence, and tore it from
its place. Quick as the lightning was
her speed; and ere | could seize it, the
flames had covered il from my sight,
Brave warriors! Let not your revenge rest
upon her. Spare the dove, though it may
inlure you, and let the Black Eagle send
prayers to Manitou for the return Of his
child, while he loves and admires the gen
erosity OF his enemies"
Walemba ceased. No one interrupted
the silence for some minutes, until two OF
the chiefs, in a tone audible only to them
selves. addressed each other. This ap-
pcared 10 determine the result When
they ceased, the first chief addressed
Walemba ---' Our hearts would spare the
offender, but our customs forbid it. Our
tribes are known for their justice. 1t must
not be said hat we receive injuries, and
our vengeance sleeps. The I5hawanese
and Miamies allow not their enemies to
insult them. The Buffalo turas in his
fury upon the hunter. The eagle in his
vengeance tears the flesh with his talons.
! And shall the brave warriors of these
tribes not turn upon their enemies.
We will kindle our fires, that they may
dread the vengeance Of the Shawanese.
And the Great Spirit. when he sees our
triumph, and hears the war-shouts Of our
chiefs, viii give us victory III battle; he
will send us more game than We can hunt,
and more corn than We can eat The
council was dissolved. and the chiefs re-
paired to tie place where the prisoners
were bound. 1t was now about noon.
The sacrifice had been delayed by the
trial of Temoorah, who With Walemba
was now awaiting a similar fate.
They did not wait long go all was ready,
and Walemba was led to the stake. Te-
moorah was in the act of following. when
a warrior easily recognized by the broad
lines of black and yellow which traversed
his face, and by the crest OF plunes which
surmounted his forehead, as the Black
/ Eagle advanced to the centre OF the cir
Gle; and holding his bow in one hand,
while with the other be pointed 10 his
! daughter, exclaimed, Brave chief you
are about TO sacrifice the last OF the race
Of the Black Eagle. Not drop Of my
blood runs in the veins of any other be-
ing. Ny sons have fallen in battle. |
saw the last expire at my feet. Are you
not fathers! Have you seen your sons
fall before you, and none left TO call you
sire! Then do you know the trouble OF
the Black Eagle. Ask more Of the Oui-
famous they will grant your. demands,
to restore the daughter Of their chief.
A parley ensued among thc chiefs of the
tribe, in which il was determined that the
Ouitanous should replace the lost Belt,
aud allow to the Shawanese and Miamies
one fourth OF all the game they should
kill for the next twelve moons. Upon
these conditions TemOorah was released
and restored to her father The work o.
sacrifice commenced. The fire was kin
died at the first stake, and at regular in
tervals to each one in succession. Sav-
ages are not wanting in ingenuity when
their enemies are its object. Walemba
q
was doomed 20 witness the sutterngs OF
the Others, before his eXecutioneTs permit
| ted his to commence circumstance
calculated to aggravate the horrors Of his
situation more than the appalling shouts
that were ringing in his ears, or the ges-
tures or dance that accompanied them.
As the groans Of the last victim became
| inaudible. the torch was applied to the
pile that surrounded the unhappy chief,
Looking with a composed stemness, that
defed the terror of his situation, Walem-
ba saw approaching the flames that were
to consume him. femoorah, who wished
to share the fate of her lover. had been
hurried from the scene, and was on her
return to her own tribe, when her party
made halt for some purpose, and she
took advantage of the opportunity to es-
cape. Before the party had missed her,