Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-03-11
CHAPTER III.

oiskhuJ Ia VIC Uottpi Vi WIS EaViuc,
throwing strong glare upon the forms
of about forty warriors, who stood with
bows and arrows and war-clubs in their
hands, in circle around it. Many a
head and limb bore irigh.ful marks of a
recent conflict; and every face wore an
aspect as hdeous az paint and rage could
make it. Some few lay around wrap.
ped in skins, and appeared from their
restless motions and occasional groans
that proceeded from them, to be desper
ately wounded. Some exciting topic
had evidently been lately discussed and
settled by the warriors in council; and
from the large heap of brush and dry
wood that lay piled up close by, and
from the angry gestures that were occa-
sionally directed 70 a particular spot, it
was not hard to divine ,ohat il was. nor
that which was soon to follow. Close
by the group Of warriors and in full view,
tied hand and foot TO tall stake, was
an Indian girl. Her feet and arms were
bloody and swollen from many wounds
inflicted by thorns and briars. An EN-.
broidered and highly dressed skin of
some wild animal, hung in strips from
her shrinking body, disclosing form
youthful and full OF beauty. Her head
was bowed in deep detection, from which
the long dark hair flowed wildly over
her heaving bosom. Now and then her
eyes would wander restlessly over the
painted faces OF her captors, seeking, but
in vain, to catch some ray Of hope in
their Implying glances; but for this, she
neither moved nor stirred, and TO all ap-
pearances, was as inanimaie as the trees
that lowered around her. As we'll might
she expect mercy as the young lamb
when the jaws of the wolf have fasten-
ed upon him--or her sweet name-sake,
the wild flower when winters icy
breath had touched it. Her fate was
sealed! Soon. very soon would her fra
gile body be given to the fiery heat OF
the blazing faggot, and her gentle spirit
would pass away amid shouts and launts,
and yells of exullation. There she
stood, bound and helpless, feeble, unre-
sissing woman--a sacrifice to be offered
on the altar Of Indian superstition! She
knew that even now those chosen for
The purpose were preparing to commence
their Internal offices upon her. But her
thoughts were far away. Before her
mental vision arises the home of her
chi,dhood--her aged parents, and The
young brave TO whom her troth was pligh-
ted. Now her fancy royes through the
green woodlands and wide fields where
she had so often strayed, listening TO the
singing bird and running water. No
more shall the song of the one, and the
plaintive ripping of ,hc other, gladden.
the heart of Keleotuc! No more will
she greet them iuing!
Now are the warriors gathering around
her. See! they are heaping up the fag-
OTIS. Listen to the taunts they heap up.
on their gentle victim; but she answers
not--she hears them not. Like the dy-
ing swan, she pours forth her lates,
trealh in touching melody. Her soft,
flute like voice comes floating through
The midnight air. In solemn chant she
sings, "Green earthl bright flowers! run
ming waters. bear hence, far away unto
Coshatte, the young brave, the last sigh
Of Keleo;uc! Spirit Of The waving trees!
whisper forth through the air--let the
fate of The "wild flower" reach the home
of her kindred--let it burn in the hearts
of her tribe. Companions of my child
hood, ye birds. of sweet note, sing my
requiem! Silyery stream Of the noun
tain, mnrmur forth my name! And now,
Great Father. listen othy suffering child!
Oh! send forth thy winged messengers
speed them quickly on--lei them
shield and bear me to thy bosom!-
Hark! like meteors flashing through the
sky see theml Their snowy pinions
beat the air. and so.gs Of joy are floating
round Welcome, sweet shadows of the
spirit land! Welcome. swee, sisters of
the starry robe! To your outs,retched
arms. ! come, / come!'
Thus sang Keleotac, as warrior sie-
zed lighted torch and hurled it at her
feet. Quickly the dry brush igni.ed, and
a canopy Of smoke, black as volcano
from hell, rose fercely 10 the sable sky.
One wild shrek Of agony burst forth
from the dying gir!as the flames wreath
ing round, blasted her with its fiery
breath; maddened howl of derision
from the infuriated savages ans wered
her. A moment more, and crushing
sound from the tramp of feet was heard,
and before the Indians could gain COW
er, the party of whites burst forth fom
the adjoining thlcket and poured out the
contents of their rifles upon them.
"Then arose so wild yell
Within this dark and narrow dell,
AS if the fends from Heaven that fell,
Had pealed their banner cry of Hell. I"
The Indians, although losing several OF
their number, and taken entirely by sur
prise, maintained their ground for some
time, fighting hand to hand xi.h the
courage and despair and the terocity Of
tigers. The blow of the tomahawk, the
thrust of the knife, the shrieks Of the
wounded and dying, were now intermin-
gled with the shouts of encouragement
from one party and the yell of defiance
from the other. None expected or ask
ed Tor mercy, but fought desperately, like
the wolf, to the last gasp.
In the mean time, the flames rolled on,
l. - Il L. IL Ill