The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1856-03-20

murinT of the streanlet, and the soft sigh
ing of the wind through the trees, lent !,
dreamy charm to their f;.ncies.
But storm was brooding over them
The skies of their bright horizon grew
dark. The storm burst over their heads.
The principal chief Of the tribe had been
long absent on the "war path" He it was
who was to decide the fate of Wyman. His
return WAS looked for with no little degree
of interest hy the Pawnecs. IIc came.
Unfortunately for the prisoner, his expcdi-
ton had lecn disastrous. lie had slain but
few of his enemies, and lost several OF his
best warriors. lie was in Il poor mood to
show mercy. Wyman was doomed to
death. What death blow to the sunny
hopes of the valley Flower" She had
loved Wyman with the whole strength Of
her soul. She could not renounce him
without struggle that would break her
heart. She knew of no philosophy to teach
her resignation under such sorrow. And
perhaps there is NO philosophy on earth
! that can teach the heart resignation after
all its dearest hopes of the future have been
torn AWAY.
The Valley Flower" was stricken to the
ground-it would bloom no more for the
children of the forest. Its roots could no
longer take root, and draw nourisl,mcnt
from their soil. In the deep woods alone
she poured out the burden Of her grief in
tears. Her checks grew pale. and her step
! WAS feeble when she walked her once f;,vor-
| itc l,aunts. She resolved to save her lover
; or sacrifice herself
The death in reserve for him was to be
the refinement of cruelty. All the arts nf
savage torture We're to he spent upon HIM
Great preparations were made for the traG-
| edy. That event WV to he celebrated l,v
general festivity and rj .irinss. The "V.l-
ley Flower" begged his lif;, in vain. Tie
day that was TO terminate the earthly career
of Wyman approachcd-come and brought
will, it an agony Of torture for the maiden.
II the sacrifice took place. she resolved to
return no more to the tribe who had adopt
cd her. The hours rolled on with terrible
rapidity. She sought the deepest rccrsscs
of til" forest. and wished TO die there. S!..
! heard from Il distance the shouts and songs
of her savag. brethren. She shut ont the
horrible din by placing her hands upon her
ears. As she sat there in despair, she heard
the ruSIing Of leaves. She looked up.
Waon'la stood before her. Ills arms were
folded upon his breast His noble features
were melancholy in their expression. lie
was rc;'iny i'cr thoughts. There was no
fierce triumph in his gaze-no savage joy
i'll his eyes.
"To-day the white man dies" he said, in
= low voice.
80, save him! save h,n!" cried the
poor girl.
81 cannot save hi,n-and why should !,
if could Is not the white man the nat
ural enemy of the red 2"
lie Is not your enemy, Waonda. He
would Il" you good and not evil. You arc
good and noble, Waonda. How can You
take pleasure in such inluman cruclty2
Your influence may save him."
"And how would the Valley Flower
reward me!" replied Waonda, with a
mournful smile.
with her blessings, with her thanks,
with her nightly prayers"
"And can she not do more than that?"
What more is in my power! Tell what
more yon would have"
"Waonda loves the VALLEY Flower
His heart is desoiate without her. BE his
wife, and the white man shall live" said
the warrior. bending his eagle eye search
ingy upon the maiden.
GOOD Wao,,la! is there not some other
condition that will content you9 O, say
that there is" cried the g VALLEY Flower"
| falling Oh her knees, and holding up her
hands.
The brave shook his head.
"Think, Waonda, think again"
Waonda shook his head as before, and
pointed to the sun to signify that the hour
| of the white mans death drew near.
Tie fair pleader sl'ultlered. Raising her
streaming face to Waonda, she said:
II consent. will dwell in the lodge of
Waonda. Save the white man."
at is well. If the whit. man dies, Wa
onda will die with him. Let the valley
Flower remember her promise" and he
turned and walked toward tho village.
FAR better TO sacrifice myself, than to
survive his death. Yes, he shall live and
return to make glad the hearts of his peo-
pie; and will give my life to his preser-
yer. l will make happy the lodge of Wa.
ond", and fill the desolate place in his
heart" exclaimed the dropping @valley
Flower" and sank senseless to the earth.
Wyman was led to the centre of the cir
Gle formed nv the Pawnpe warrioro IT.,