Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-05-26
T H e INDIA MS USE,

1t was the Indian summer-thoSe few, pleasant
days which come like an oasis in the desert of
winter, cheering and gladdening all things; the
leaves in the forest were all yellow and faded,
yet not fell; the tall grass on the prairie was
unrufhed by the slightest breath of wind; light
blue vapour like smoke enveloped every object;
there was no brightness, no dazzling glare; but
all was as still and silent as moonlight. 1t SEEM
u as if the spirit of the departed summerl had
turned, soft and balmy, yet cold and lifeless to
haunt the scenes it had once made bright. The
sun, that in the past summer had been so hot and
fierce, was now pale and yellow: then, at his
setting, he lighted up the west with his deep red
light, like departed hero leaving his glory be-
hind him: now, he sunk calmly and moonlight
to rest, a few feeble rays only remaining to tell
of his departure. The sun had set; the shades of
evening were falling fast forest and prairie;
the stars were coming out one after another, as
the graceful figure of an Indian lad glided from
the dark pine.forest and made his way through
the rank heritage of the prairie, where the undu-
lating motion of the grass, Which in some places
reached far above his head, alone enabled the
eye to follow his track. A short distance
from the border of the forest lay the carcass of
deer. When within about twenty yards of the
spot, the Indian paused; and after examining
the printing of the rusty, primitive-looking mus
ket he carried, he erouched in silent watchfuness
among the thick grass, which here only reached
his chest
Na-na-ma-kee (Thunder) was of the tribe of
Sacs. He numbered nineteen summers and long
ed to become warrior. His heart burned with
in him when he listened to the tales the old men
tolp of mighty chiefs now gone to the happy
hunting grounds, or to the boastful recitals of
deeds of bravery or cunning the warriors re-
lated around the campfire. But there was ano-
Their reason more powerful in his breast than am
bition: Mana ma kee loved the daughter of one
of the chiefs of the tribe, and the maiden loved
him. She was very beautiful; her long black
hair and soft dark eyes any European lady might
have envied her voice was so soft and silvery,
they called her the Humming bird Often, as
they wandered together, did the lovers talk of the
day when Na-na-ma-kee should be enrolled
amongst the braves, and demand the Humming-
bird for his BRIDE
Two grizzly bears he had already slain; one
more, and all his hopes would be fulfilled. Whilst
hunting the wild turkey, he had that morning
found freshly killed deer. The heavy footprints
of bear told clearly how the animal had met its
death, and Na-na-ma-kee we'll knew that 'the
grizzly would return for another feast on his
victim. He had waited but a few minutes before
a loud rustling was heard in the tall grass; near
er and nearer it came, until he could clearly dis
tinguish bruins heavy shutting tramp. The
noise ceased and the Indian knew, by an occa-
sional low cultural growl, that the creature was
busy at his repast. Rising softly, he crept for
ward, step by step, with Cat like tread, until
within dozen PAGES. He could see the huge
brute plainly tearing and Cru nching his prey
lie knew that to level at any except the head,
would be worse than useless. Keeping his eye,
therefore, steadily fixed on him, he waited, mus
ket in hand, in readiness for the first opportuni-
ty.o At length the grizzly S head was raised with
fierce growl Na-na-ma-kee was ON the lee
side, therefore he knew the bear could not have
winded him; but he saw his suspicious were
aroused. No time was to be lost. Instantly
he fired, and the ball entered the creature neck.
The blood gushed in torrent from the wound;
but it was not mortal and with roar of mingled
rage and agony, the bear rushed towards his I'M
seen enemy. The Indian capped his hand in
stnctiyely to his belt, where hung the powder
flask, to reload, but it was gone His only re-
naming chance of safety lay in flight. If he
could reach the forest, he safe, for the grizzly
bear never climbs. He was fleet, and the bear
would follow by scent only; for except, by rising
on his hind legs, he could not look over the high
grass. 1t was long chase, but the bear gained
fast. Na-na-ma- kee gave himself up for lost,
aen sudden burst of dogs, on burning scent,
brought fresh hope to his heart, and in an instant
more, his pursuer was brought to bay by halfa-
dozen fierce deer-hounds The Indian turned
back; but ere he reached the spot, the sharp
crack of rifle rung in his ears, and the huge
beast rolled over lifeless.
The hunter soon made his appearance-a
thlck-set, weather beaten man. entirely clad in
leather, his hunting -shirt, brooches, and gait
ers were all of the same material. Many cut
from Indian knife and tomahawk had this turned
aside; often had it preserved its wearer from VOLTS
teeth or serpent's fang. Bufao-hide, as the In
dams called him, quietly with as little appear
ance of excitement, as if it had been raccoon or
prairie-dog that had fallen before his unerring
rifle, beat off the hounds which were now
maung the dead body, striving in vain to tear
the tough skin; then drawing the long hunters
knife from his belt he proceeded to haunch the
bear, in order to "blood the dogs. In the mean
time, the Indian had regained his musket, but
the powder.horn was not 10 be found. The