Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-05-25

On nearing nimSefi cautu, Oceoia ioue
quickly forward, and springing to the
ground, he stood silently before them
The heavy dew that had fallen upon the
high grass through which he had creps,
IN making his way to the Mexican camp.
had partially washed the thick paint from
his face, and revealed spots as fair as any
of his companions.
.. oceola, you are certainly white
man." said Walker, as he went up and
scanned him closely. "Come, my brave
fellow, and let US try the effects of some
soap and water, for if you are as take
you to be-one of our race, you should
occupy the station that nature intended"
A murmur of surprise went through the
assembly as the two friends entered the
house, but stranger rode up at that
moment, and calling Wilson. the uncle of
Marie aside, said to him, sE
"Prichards, you know, was committed
to prison on yesterday, and last night
some one came to the grated window and
shot him. We heard the report of the
gun, and ran to see what was the matter,
but the villain had fled, and could not be
found. Prichards thinks it was Tomp-
kins, man with whom he fought a duel
some few months ago, and whom he had
badly wounded. Prichards is dying, and
has sent me to beg his son and daughter
to come to him, and entreats that Robert
Andrews will come also, that he may pro-
nounce his pardon before he dies"
The tender heart of Marie melted at
the tale of her fathers sutterings, and tes-
titled her Willingness to set off at once,
and Henry took Andrews by the hand as
if to request his attendance, for the tears
that filed his eyes denied him the power
of utterance.
The young man felt repugnance to
visit his sworn enemy, even IN his last
moments, but the eyes of Marie were fix
ed appealingly upon him, and he hesita-
ted no longer to go.
Tell Captain Walker and Oceola to
follow us Immediately, he said, as he
mounted his horse, for the idea of treacll-
cry took possession of his mind, and he-
thought best under any circumstances to
have those tried friends by his side. But
if doubt of the truth of what he had
heard still fingered in his mind, it was pnt
to flight on entering the gloomy apartment
of the dying man.
The room was small, damp and filthy );
and the feeble light that penetrated
through the narrow grated windows, was
barely sufficient to reveal the. pale and
distorted countenance of Pricharis as he
lay struggling in the agonies of DEATH
His weepin children flew to his side and
bent over him with filial tenderness, while
he slowly raised his arms, and feebly en-
braced them and said,
sOh, that 1 deserved your love my
dear children, but L do not, yet if the
o. cuah find
acceptance at the throne of God then
will you be happy, and your souls un-
stained by the crimes that tarnish mine.
Where is Andrews? All, see him stan
ding there like an avenging angel, come
to condemn the murderer OF his father
Speak young man. and say whether you
come to curse or forgive me-"
''To forgive, and may Just heaven do
the same," said he solemnly.
Thank God for this undeserved mer
cy-but my sight fails me, and my breath
grows short. Andrews, come near, l
stole your only brother and gave him to
the Indians. Nay, do not curse me-" be
said implefingly, as the young man start
ed at this confession. ''Perhaps he yet
lives, and if you should ever find him,
you may know him by a small miniature
of your mother, which was fastened about
his neck by a gold chain"
"Oseola has little frame with face
in it, said the supposed Indian. as he
came forward and stood by the side of
Andrews, who started with surprise at
his hideous appearance Divested of the
hideous paint that had hitherto darkened
and deformed his face, and Of the uncouth
dress which he had worn, he row stood
before them form of matchless syme-
try, and features that would have added
grace to Appolo. So complete was the
transformation, that no one present would
have recognized him. and Andrews re-
manned stupetied with astonishment until
the voice of the Indian again fell upon
his ear, and shot like a flash of lightning
through his brain.
"Here is the little picture,'' said he as
he drew it forth. .'Big White, the great
chief of the Mandans told Oceola that IL
was his medicine, and that if he lost i'll
evil would come upon him, and Oeeola
listened to the words of his father
"Big White was not your father, dear
George" said Andrews, as he gazed for
an instant upon the miniature, and then
threw his arms around Oceola. .'You are
my brother. your father was my father.
and this likeness is your mothers. Long
did that sweet mother weep for your loss.
long did she vainly hope for your return
and when hope yielded to despair, she
would often place her tender hand upon
my head, and tell me about you aud bid
me pray to God for your restoration"
1.-The clear, quick mind of 0ceola COM
pretended at once the true state of things,
and in Indian-like style he. said - i.
1.-The great Spirit guides the wing of