Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1855-03-28
Ny ears are OPEN" said the maiden

my ears are Open" said the maiden
with cold dignity.
Mahala is to keep the lodge-fre Of
Abankee bright; the old chief, her father
has said it"
The eagle eyes of the maiden sparkled
as she sprang to her feet and looked at
the sneaker with inehable contempt.
You would take an unwilling wife
You would WOO maiden who loves not
you, and never can
Mahala speaks truth; Twould," reioin-
ed the Indian, his haughtiness returning
at this sudden burst of Indignation.
A brave chiefl" she retorted, with a
contemptuous curl Of the neither lip.
| Two'more suns, and the daughter Of
the valley will speak like that no more.
Then 4 bankee be master" added the chief
with g lowering and threatening yisage.
The Good Spirit will not permit It'll!
exclaimed Mahala, with startling energy.
Go | would be aione" she added, wa
wing her hand majestically.
1 The Indian looked at her intently for
an instant vita an expression which made
even the dauntless maiden tremble. and
then turning abruptly Oh his heel disap
peared.
Mahala felt relieved at his ABSENCE
" hat did that last glance portend? Did
1t threaten injury to herself, or her lover,
or both ? She well knew that Abankee
was Of cruel, revengeful disposition, and
that he would not hesitate to sacrifice Big
Cloud TO his vengeance. He had more
power than the latter and would not fail
to use It. Perhaps he imagined that if
his rival was out of the way. she would
be induced to transfer her affections to
him.
The Indian girl had not meant to be se-
we're. or provoke the slumbering fires of
Abankee's nature; but his insulting taunts
and imperons bearingssahad so wronaht
upon her feelings. that she had spoken
more plainly than she intended. The
prospect of his-anger and her fathers dis,
| pleasure filled her with much solcitude
for the safety Of Big Cloud.
| She was rejecting upon the conversa-
ton which had occurred, when she saw a
figure advancing toward her from the d.
rection of the river Her heart told her
who it was, and with sparkling eyes and
fawn-like step she ran forward to meet
! HIM.
The new conner possessed fine figure
and his department was noble and digni-
fed. He greeted her affectionately, as
was his wont, and the maiden thought he
had never appeared so handsome before.
But she could not conceal from his prac-
ticed eye that she was i'll at ease; the alb
stracted air and anxious look was sufli
cient to assure him all was not right.
Mahala is not happy to night" he said
taking her soft hand within his own, and
looking earnestly into her face.
The Indian girls lip quivered with EN-.
otion, and she turned away her head to
hide tear.
The chief looked troubled and panied.
The sorrows of the daughter Of the
valley are my sorrows, and her joys my
| Joys; wll she not speak then?" he added
in slightly reproachful voice.
Abankee has been here he has used
bitter words tossain the love of o maiden.
Ha Did he dare p cried Big Cloud
sternly.
He dared" resumed his companion
with emphasis Two Suns more, he said
would make me his WIFE"
Does the old chief, your father, know
of this?" demanded Big Cloud abruptly.
He has told me that Abank eemust be
my husband: He is stern and will not
change. Does the warrior wonder that !
ain unhappy"
The Indian pressed her hand in silence.
He was viewing the subject at all points
calculating With the red mans precision
just how long before Abankee's schemes
of revenge would begin to unfold them
selves; for the latter had determined to
dog his steps, waylay and STAY him, he had
not doubt.
Then his thoughts reverted to the loved
one beside him. Forced by her father
into unionymost repugnant to her, oblig
ed to hear the bitter taunts and revilings
lof her rejected lover, what happiness
would life have in store for her? II
would be a degrading slavery, a hopeless
bondage.
Mahala, do you love me?" he said af
ter a pause.
Does the grass love the rain or the
HoWtIo .IHe uSW ollt Icplleu III tone
so earnest that it vouched for the truth Of
her words.
Then we must fly together said the
chief firmly.
g Whither?" asked the maiden.
Big Cloud pointed toward the river.
" A canoe lies concealed on the bank
.Somewhere We can find spot to dwell
in peace. Big, Cloud will try to make
the maiden happy. Will she trust herself
with him 2"
| Mahala stood moment without speak
ing; then with a beautiful trust, laid hei
soft hand confdingly upon his shoulder
and simply said
2 Let Us 60"
Without an other word the lovers
walked quickly in the direction the chic
had pointed; the canoe was launched Ma
hala took her seat, and Big Cloud piled
his paddles industriously