Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1856-12-31
58eao115
AN INDIAN LEGEND.

We paused on the margin OF lake III
the valley of the Mississippi. 1t was near
the hour of sunset, and bright golden tinge
fell upon the waters, gliding the glossy sur
face beautifully.
"Look across in that direction" said my
companion.
al see precipice of imposing height" !
replied.
"There is singular legend connected
with the history of yon pile OF jagged rocks
every foot of this soil was once trodden by
red men; the original and just owners OF
this wide and fertile valley returned my
friend: "Yonder was an Indian village, but
no mementoes remain TO tell US that this
romantic place was formerly the home Of Il
powerful tribe. The children of Wapesha
sported on these verdant banks, and the
maidens bathed in these waters. and listened
to love.tales beneath these sylvan shades.
"lt chanced that young hunter became
enamored Of one of the fairest of the daugh.
ters of his tribe. He was brave and hand
some. There was none swifter in the chase
or more cunning on the war.pa,h. He was
successful with the maiden, but not with
her parents, for he was without rank; while
n notable chief was his rival. Unfortunate
ly, the red men, like the pale faces, have re-
gard to earthly distinctions, and titles have
charms for their ears. The untitled suilor
was hidden to go his way, and treated with
marked harshness and contempt by the rela-
lions of the Indian damsel. She was close
ly watched to prevent stolen interviews, and
every artifice was used to keep the lovers
apart.
Gone day lhe hunter had the good luck
to meet her in the forest, when he again
repeated the oft-told tale Of devotion, and
she renewed her promise to wed him, or
never become the wife Of warrior or chief.
The sharp eyes of the hunter detected 4
form gliding from tree to tree, and presently
he heard tile click Of lock, admon;shing
him of his peril. A timely change of posi-.
ton saved his life; ball cut the air close
to his head, striking an oak beyond.
"You do well" cried the hunter, calling
the young man by name, "to come forth to
shoot neighbor as you would kill pale
face. What is my crime, fiat deserve to
BE- hunted like buck g
You have been told that my sister is
promised TO powerful chief, and that you
must have no more love.tak with her. You
deserve to die for your audacity!" replied
the girls brother.
"lhc hypier had his gun in his hand
and his knife and tomahawk at his belt.
you are in my power" he proudly re
rlicd. 81 can kill you in moment. bat
scorn such wickeduess. Besides, your death
would distress the maiden love; depart ir
safety, unpunisbed for your trcactery. ane
remember | have given you your4i(e."
IL will go, but my sister shall go will
me, and you can 90 to your lodge and weeE
like a squaw," relorted the young man.
.Come, foolish one, your future HUSBAND
awaits you at the LODGE" added her brother
"My future husband is before you, If
am destined to have one on the earth " sht
exclaimed. 81 despise the man you name 2
"Eler brother laughed contempuously
and taking her by the arm, led her toward
his fathers lodge. When she, was takcr
before her relatives, they covered her witt
rcproaches, accusing her Of unmaidenly con
duct. All her spirit was aroused by thei
taunts.