Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1853-07-14
Continued
CHAPTER XIV-rcoSTENUED

He viii not fail he never breaks his
word. These brief sentences cheered
the heart of Miss Harrod.
After the lapse of half an hour steps
were heard approaching Fanny and Ro-
salthe simultaneously uttered a cry of
surprise and alarm; for, instead of see
ing 0tter-Lifter, they beheld half dozen
warriors mounted upon horses. Star Light
remained calm and undisturbed
Peace peace, foolish maideus CT
ter LITTER is with them she exclaimed.
Rosalthe looked again at the advanc-
ing Indians, aud beheld the chief in the
midst of them leading horse. She kiss
ed Miss Harrods pale cheeks, and wept
for Joy. Without speaking, Otter-Lifter
placed Miss Harrod upon the animal
which had been provided for that purpose.
The chief then turned to the young men.
Conduct this maiden to Harrodsbargh,
be said in voice of command Otter
Litter has pledged his word that she shall
live and return to her friends Go and
remember that your lives shall answer for
hers, if harm befall her.
Come here, Star Light said Fanny, in
a subdued voice The proud Indian girl
stepped to her side, and Miss Harrod
bending forward, imprinted grateful kiss
upon her lofty forehead
1t is all | can give you, she added.
Starlight smiled family. and seemed
to look lovingly at the young girl For
moment her naughty beauty was softerod
into mildness almost angelic Standing
as she did, with the dim rays of the moon
shining upon her upturned face. she caus-
ed Rosalthe's thoughts to wander to that
unknown period far back in the forgotten
years of the past, when the sons Of God
saw the daughters Of men that they were
fair
1t is we'll that you have been called
Starlight for | behold reflected from your
starry eyes serenest rays of mercy and
truth 7 said Miss Harrod, enthusiastical
ly.
Wassahauza gaze hxedly at Fanny and
her expression became more benignly soft
Otter Litter gazed at her with a kind
of mute idolatry discernable IN his clo-
ouent eyes, and then turned abruptly
from the scene. as If afraid TO trust him
self longer.
Starlight moved slowly away. and Ro-
salthe took Miss Harrod's hand. When
the latter stopped to kiss her forehead
she half formed the resolution to whisper
her name; but single glance at the
changed and gentle expression of Star
Light made her reject the idea and IN
an instant Fanny and her escort were
moving of towards Harrodsburg.
Rosalthe threw her arms about Star
light and embraced her tenderIy; all her
unfavorable impressions were completely
removed by the recent scene.
This spontaneous act of friendship the
Cherokee maiden neither repelled nor en-
couraged, but suffered it as a.statue Of
marble might receive the same indica-
tions of gratitude. The parties return
ed to the village in silence.
1t was on the ensuing morning that
Starlight visited the lodge where the in
terview already mentioned took place be-
tween her and Allan Norwood.
There was a great cOmmotion at the vii
lage when it was known that Fanny Har
rod had escaped 4 council was .mme-
diately called to determine what should be
done While they were gravely smoking
the pipe as an indispensable preliminary,
Otter Litter appeared among them. One
warrior arose and advised that the warri-
ors be punished who had been appointed
to keep watch over the captive, which du-
ty they had not faithfully performed An
other recommended that small warpaT-
ty be instantly despatched in pursuit of
the captive.
\ young chief next arose, and said that
SO far as he could learn, the young woman
had been liberated By some man Of inHu-
ence among them for, upon examining
I the adjacent forest, he had discovered a
/ fresh trail. produced by some half a doz.
en- mounted men. Moreover, come of their
Young braves were missing aud It would
Z therefore seem as if they had been sent TO
|condtct the young woman back 10 Har-
rodsburg He hoped the wise chiefs would
examine this matter, and see who was the
guilty party.
During this speech murmurs Of aP-
plause were heard from every portion of
4 the council lodge When the fiery chief
I had ceased speaking. aud resumed his
4 seat. Otter ifter arose calmly to his feet,
/ and looked deliberately around upon the
I faces of the assembled chiefs and warriors
Our nation he said slowly, in the
4 past was a great and powerful one It's
warriors were as numerous II tue trees %
the forest, and its young maidens we're as
plentiful and as fair as the flowers. The
glory Of tie Cherokees is passing away
their numbers have dimiuished-their
power is being broken They could once
make war alone. and feel assured of victo-
rv: but now they are obliged to seek for
allies among other nations Why IS this
WHY are the Cherokees and other red rae
Is of men fading away from the earth
WAY do they not increase iu numbers un-
. I'll they are Ike the rocks and mountains
that cannot be moved 1 viii answer,
and nv words shall be uttered in wisdom
The Great Spirit Is angry with his red
children because of their crueltjest He
hides his face from them baelu=e they