Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1850-07-20
The Lost Maiden.
BY G.. H. CHATHAM

BY G. H. CHAPMAN.
The last rays of descending sun were
resting upon the tree-tops which lined the
banks of Mackinaw river, as two individuals
issued forth from thick copse of brushwood
near the stream, and gazed cautiously around
them Over the shoulders of each was thrown
a hunting pouch, and a heavy rifle was car
ried in the right hand of both. while the shaft
of a large hunting knife protruded from their
sheaths which stuck in the leathern belt of
the hunters A shade of care and anxiety was
seated upon their brows, and as they carefully
scanned the ground along the river bank,it was
evident that they were in search OF some sign
or mark which they expected to find impress
ed in the earth. Nor were they mistaken;
for as one of them approached the spot where
the long dried grass had been partially torn
away, and the damp ground was bare OF her
bape, a low exclamation burst from his lips,
which instantly brought hia companion to his
side
See here, Carlo, I have discovered the i'm
print of her footsteps, and besides it are the
tracks of warrior. I knew the red devils
had been engaged in the plot, and did not be-
lieve the idle tale of her being lost or torn to-
pieces by the wolves But the dogs shall rue
it, and dark cloud gathered upon his brow.
His comrade bent over the spot, and beheld
imbedded in the soft loan, the light and del
icate outlines of female footstep, almost OBJ
liberated by the huge moccasined heel of an In
dian warrior. A bitter scowl passed over his
features as he clinched his teeth together and
slowly raised himself to an upright position, at
the same time exclaiming:
This can account for her long absence and
tells the reason too plainly, why we could dis
cover no traces of her whereabouts, Walter.
Hughs the half breed, is at the bottom of this
plot
4 know it, replied his eomrade, 'thfrsting
for revenge ever since his final rejection by
my sister, he has taken this means of accom-
plishing his diabolical purpose, and has borne
her away to the bosom of the Illinois. But
he shall repent the shall learn that Edith
Elwood has brothers arm to protect her
from danger, or revenge any insult he shall
dare TO offer to herr and the young hunter
swung his rifle hastily to his shoulder.
.And he shall learn, too, that Carlo Dillon
has an arm to strike in the cause of friend,
and a spirit that shrinks from no danger, when
honor and manhood call upon him to put them
in reousition. Lead on, Walter, and come
what will, am with you to the last
Thank you, Carlo though they but feebly
express nv gratitude for your kind offer
Perhaps Edith may yet live to reward you
better'
Did she ever tell you aught. that you
should draw such conclusion suddenly ex-
claimed Dillon, his voice slightly trembling as
he spoke.
sCarlo-she has, and if we can rescue her
from the hands of this half-breed devil, her
own lips will tell you what am incompetent
to do
Enough, Walter-I have hoped, but have
been doubtful Now 1 will prove my love by
saving her from the power of Hughs. Let US
on
Throwing their rifles over their shoulders,
the two friends took the trail they had discov-
cred, and soon disappeared down the river.
r -
Morning broke bright and beautiful in the
east, and the glorious sun sent down his cheer
ing rays upon the earth, rousing everything to
| life and action In the village of Wa-con-ne-
90, the chief of the Illinois, a large and daring
! band of warriors had assembled, and were pre-
pairing for an excursion against neighboring
! tribe. AT the date of our sketch, that portion
of Illinois State bordering on the Maekinaw riv-
er, was but sparsly settled with white inhab-
itants, vet the chief of the Illinois was on the
4 most friendly terms with the few who had set
tied within It's jurisdiction. What had united
the bond still closer than it otherwise would
have been, was this: Wa-con-ne-go's sor
had been taken prisoner by band of potawat
omies, the hated enemy of his tribe, and con-
demned to death He was bound to the stake
and the fire already lighted around him, wher
a small party of white men, led on by Walter
! Elwood, came across them and with that gen
erous instinct which always characterized the
pioneers of the west, they resolved TO rescue
| the young chieftain from his impending fate
| They, therefore, rushed upon the party, anC
after short but1decisiye struggle, routed tht
] Potawatenies, and rescued the son of WAGON
! ne-go from his doom. From that time tht
whites and Illinois were upon the closes
terms of intimacy; and such was the position
of affairs, when the scene we are about t
bring before the reader occurred.
In the centre of the village was collected
the warriors of the tribe, who had formed
circle and inside that circle stood tall savag,
looking halfbreed, holding by the hand pale
vet beautiful white maiden, whose delecatt
features and snowy complexion formed I
strange contrast beside the swarthy counten
ance of the red men around her. WAGON
ne-go stood few feet distant, and just behin,
him appeared Hawk Bill, his son. and one o
two other noted warriors of his tribe.
How came the pale maiden to be wandering
so far from the wigwan of her father" de
manded the chief, as he fixed his eyes upo
the half-breed.
Leaping Panther seeks her for wife-sh
is to remain in his wigwam,' was the reply.
is there no warrior in her own tribe VIII
loves the pale maiden, that she seeks a re-
man for her husband % again asked the chic
'None-she chooses an Indian said tn
half breed.
'Tis false-he speaks with forked tongu
! great chief suddenly exclaimed Edith, ad
dressing Wa -con-ne-go. He stole me fror
. my home, and would force me to live in hi
wigwan. I love white warrior, and will nc