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


with firmness, and resigned himself to his
fate.
A hlazing torch was applied to the pile.
The flames had begun to mount up, when
the Pawnce warriors were suddenly dashed
aside by a strong arm, and the burning fag-
OTIS scattered to the winds. In moment
his bonds were sundcred, aud he was hur-
ricd through the circle of panic-strickcn
braves, and lie and his delivcrer mounted
upon war horses prepared for the occasion.
One glance ut his preserver was enough
to assure him that lie was indebted to
Waonla for his life. They shot like an
arrow into the forest. When they had rid
den short distance they halted, and Wy
man put on an Indian dress, which Waonda
had prepared, for he had been stripped of
his own garments.
A ride of few minutes took them to
the spot where Waontla had left the oval
ley Flower" She was just recovering from
deatl,-ike swoon. Wvman sprang from
his horse and lifted her from the ground.
lie spoke to her; he called her the mis-
trtss of his soul--hs lovc-his bride She
heard the voice so dear to her, and opened
her eyes.
lie lives ! he livcs!" she cried, and
again rclapscd into a state of unconscious
ness.
The words Of her lover soon recalled her
from the land Of shadows.
"FIy with me-" he exclaimed. "Stee,ls
arc waiting to bear us away. Let lis has
ten to tho blessed retreat we have pictured
in other hours"
:" Do not speak thus. hcsccch of you.
That has passed" said the maiden, fran.i-
cally. I'VE part here forever
What can YOU mcan9 The occurrences
of the las; few days have proved too great
for your strength. They have overturned
y"nr rcass'"," replied Wyman, hurricdy.
No! no. have spoken the truth.
have saved your life-I have sacrificed my
self for you. am to be the wife Of Wa
orda. That is the price Of your life," sob
bel the living girl.
Wyman stood aahast. He looked n,
Waonla. lie stood at Il little distance inn
n"vcahlc as Il stone, will, his arms folded
on his lr,ast rs was his habit.
And you will abide 10y this decision ~
said Wyman, when he WAS able to speak.
Il must-I miU," replied the "Yallry
F'wcr'" in 4 voice chokcd with emo
tinn.
Then no longer wish to escape Lc,
them come and take me. And Wyman
bowed his head on his hands with deter
mination to 90 no farther.
"la not the life worth keeping that I
have har'ered my happincs for2" exclaimed
the girl in heart broken accents.
"Is the sacrifice I made such triAe
in your sight? DO YOU esteem my wishes
SO ligh'ly' Have l not given you a proof
Of my love! Aud still YOU refuse TO obey
my only wish"
"N". girl will withstand you no Ion
ger. l will 60 and preserve the existence
you have heightened ont. will live to
pray for you. anil lhinl; of the debt Of graft
tude owe you" lie turned to Waonda.
and took his hand. "Brave Waonda, I've
kind to the Valley Flower She has been
to me the light of my eyes, and the warm
sunshine Of my heart"
When Wyman ceased speaking, he
placed heavy purse in the hands of tile
brave, and was about leaping into the sad
die.
"Stay!' said the warrior, " and hear the
words Of Waonda. He loves the flower
that blossomcl in the valley of his people.
lie has known her longer than the pale face.
and loves her as well /; but her heart is to.
ward the white stranger. Waonda will
give up the Valley Flower 1t shall bloom
in other lands, far away. The air that is
brcathed by the red man can no longer
give it life. Let it put forth its blossoms
in the lodge of the pale face. Lonely shall
be the wigwam Of Waonda. His days
shall pass in loneliness. The daughters of
his race shall bring him no Joy, for his
heart will be far away. He will 20 upon
tile long and dangerous war-patb. lie
will he the first to slay his enemies, and
the Inst to rejoice. No matter if he dies
on the war path. The valley Flower
will not he at his lodge to welcome him
back. Waonda is done. And now let the
white brother 60 with the pale flower-the
light Of Waonda's eyes. Take back your
money. 1t is nought to the red warrior"
Waonda ceased, and turned away to hide
his emotions.
Wy'nan wept like child.
The pale "Flower" caught tile hand Of
the brave warrior and kissed it over and
over again, and wet it with her tears. She
essayed to speak, but could not. Tie
"bravest of the brave" covered his ewes with