Plymouth banner. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1852-1855, 1854-04-13

down Ill tDe preCeuliiS CHdp'eIS. We dis
called upon TO visit the hut. over which
the old elm made music in the village
in the horse shoe bend of the Saltwater.
The tiny blossoms of the o!d elm glis-
tened along It's dropping branches. which
were dallying tenderly with each other,
inspired by south wind. like dust OF
gold; aud the birds were helping the wind
TO breathe harmony. which is love.
The bear-skin which served for door
to the hu:, was drawn aside. and within
was a singular group. In the shadows
of corner was female figure in sit
ting posture. dumb and motioness as a
log. Her hair which floated heavily about
her person was unagitated- but By the
wind which huttered bout the dim place
ftfully as If it did not know whether it
had entered by the door or chimney. or
which way it should retire. In another
corner, where there was little fTe on
some large, fiat stones. was young man
sitting on block. moulding bullets
His face was flushed by the fire, and his
hands were red from various exposure;
but from many indications. it must IN
evita bly, have been concluded by any OBJ
server. that there was no perceptible
tinge of Indian blood ir his veins: His
cheeks were smooth and not marked by
monumental bones. his hair fine and in
clined to curl, his eyeb browS were dark
and arched. his mouth Of moderate dimen-
sions with round. red lips. his nose
straight, and his eye black, with much
more Of Shaksperean speculation than
those of so young an Indian would have
been likely to possess or suggestion
young Indian warriors (though some H.
lustrious pens have written o,herwise)
were not individuals remarkable for SEN
timent or romance-were more dirty than
dandyish. and less inclined TO melancholy
and pining in unhappy love, than 70 stu
+ piditv, and most unroman.ic inlulgences.
| Near the bear skin door. was pile OF
skins, some of which were fine furs. al
together forming tolerabie substitute
I for sofa. on which reclined two young
white females III half savage garments.
Their heads were protected only by natu-
/ raj hair. This. of one was dark. of the
other, faxen; both full oflight, shade and
beauty, and making a rich contrast
! About their shoulders and bosoms. after
1 the manner of capes. were exquisitcly
soft and spotted fawn skins, their sleeves
J and jackets were of cloth. which perha ps
some British trader had given for furs.
aud their SHIFTS were of deer skins tan
ned until fair as muslin. and skillfnly
sown by thongs. Their feet were cased
in moccasins gaudily ornamented. and
/ their whole appearance. though little
wild and rude. was not In the least for-
lorn or wretched. Not in the leas'
wretched we say meaning that they were
not miserable by physical discomfort
bu, their faces were full of mournfulness
Their eyes. though bright. had a seeming
Of too often washing with teais. and thei
lips had an expression which had nothing
to do with smiles-a smile would have
been a discord OIL their sad faces. There
was hope in the eyes. resignation OF
the lips. while placit beauty alone helC
tender dominion over the dimpled cheeks
Their captivity and savage home wat
like dream of amazing pertinacity-i
spell obstinateiy refusing to be dissolved
The woods waved round them as III Ken
tucky, solemn and stately, and the wind.
in their wanderings whispered the same
stories of the buds, and wooed with th'
same fervor he blossoms. and tossed th'
song birds or the long limbs TO the sa m'
old tunes. And the wolves howled a
l.t, - drcfq
and desoate; and the great owls. partic
ularly when there were cloud rings abou
the moon. hooted in the same disma
style, making the arches Of the fores
roar. The river was not so broad o.
swift as that in KentucR! 5ut had the
same glitter IN the sun. and the same
sound on the sands. But there was 6
difference in their surroundings. The
scowling. half naked warriors. and thei
rough cultural voices and ludicrous (ol
awful) solemnity, were contrasted with
the pleasant faces, kind words. and wei
come smiles Of fun and affection of the
rangers--their guardians at the home
station, from whose care they so Needless
ly strayed. The squaws too. were like
beasts of burden. stupid. gross, and in
all things wanting neatness; and the chill
dren were like very imps. agile as cats
mischievous as. devils. and passionate al
wild hogs.
| Happily the Woods Hag. over whom
had fallen a changs--soms glimpse oi
light had struggled up through the mists
of score of years. dimly. and revealing
little. Emotions long strange had thrill
ed over the shattered cords of her bosom
and to feverish. fierce impulse to be
moving, constantly, succeeded deep
thoughtfulness-it was much as if the
mind had gone to work to let the body
rest. Happily this creature exerted the
Dpower which her supposed supernatural
i gifts gave her over the Indians. TO take
the fair captives under her care. and that
Of the White Panther. her Richard,
their friend on the journey Of captivity
Some Indian families would have adopt
Ell the white girls. and some of the braves
would have been satisfied to have per.
mitted them TO share their wigwams and
blankets, but the Hag. with the vehe.
ment ferocity Of pantheress guarding
her young, took them and watched over
them in her house. and none dared inter
IL l.