White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1857-11-12

4 - ~ SAoSS " AAAOW . pAoookcs
r Only once he erept to the top Of rock. and
looked mournfullJ back towards Wyoming. The
red flames Of the burning fields and dwellings,
were curling upwsrds-the smoke lay in one
dark moving mass along the hori1cn-the river
was one long line of fame. He groaned, set his
teeth firmly together, drew his hand across his
eyes, and said in his heart, Can they be Chris
tians1 Lo, how they deceive each other-curse
their hypocrisy"
Through that terrible massacre, he had shed
no bloOd-laid rude hands on none Burning
with shame for his tribe, who had thus been de-
coyed into treachery, he had met item at -
council fire." demonstrating against their in
tended cruelty. They could not appreciate his
nobleness of character, yet no man called him
coward" he the brave Of the past, the hero Of
many battles. He went and returned at pleas
ure unquestiOned; knowing the secrets of their
councils, bound by an Indians sense of honor,
not to betray his people.
The heavy dew drops fell from the leaves as
they parted them in their way, the shadows lay
heavy upon the rocks.
Eagle-Eye slackened his pace, descending
cautiously into hollow, covered with underbrush
and weeds. He stopped as he proceeded, they
following WOnderingly. Presently their feet pat
ted upon the naked rock, while far in advance,
they saw single cleaning light. Sometimes
they lost sight of it-again it twinkled directly
before them like star
After proceeding, what seemed to some Of
them, long journey underground, they emerged
into an open room; the wall sufficiently high for
them to stand upright; that and the sides also
of solid rock. There was that star, (the candle,
and there bound hand and foot, was George Ry-
erson, secured by rope to heavy rock, yet so
fettered as to feel no other Inconvenience than
that Of detention. Beside him sat an Indian boy
and girl; bread, cold meat, and fruits were on a
rude table beside him.
In a corner lay buffalo robe and blanket, up
on which Eagle-Eye bestowed his burden; then
unbound the prisoner, who folded his wife and
child to his bosom, returning thanks to Heaven.
Affer the massacre was decided upon, Eagle
Eye pOndered in his heart hOU he might save
his friends He must not turn infOrmer, and come
to despise himself and be looked upon as a wo-
man by his race; perhaps he and his family fall
I victims to the cruel tories. He knew too that,
ifhe informed him, Mr.. Ryerson would never
desert that settlement, (even he would have hat
ed him under such ci=cumstances,l how could he
save both him and his own Retrospect; his hon
or, as understood by the white mans code7 He
decoyed him away from home on the morning Of
the fatal struggle, there seized him, by and with
his superior strength, bound him hand and foot,
and carried him into the cave.
i "Me no hurt you-me save your wife and ba-
lby-great war-mueh blood-be still" Then
putting gun into his sons hands he said, ''ifhe
makes noise, shoot him." and to his daughter
"cook his dinner-feed him."
i Poor George Ryerson, fear curdled the very
blood in his veins, his knees shock, his brain
reeled, as he thought of the loved ones at home,
but he had perfect confidence in the integrity Of
the being before him; he knew the usslessness
cave was dsrkened by his retreating form, ore
member" He was answered, eagle Eye is
not dog that he should lie.''
Descending the mountain, he was met by q
party Of John Buffers men, who seemed inclin-
I ed to watch him, and he turned another way.
ale is not false" they said, "he is hunting in
the mountain" When he descended into the
valley the human blood hounds were already on
their relentless track, too busy to notice him as
before. He hurried to the house Of his friend
to find it already deserted. He walked on TO-
wards the fort, his eye scanning narrowly every
human face. When he came within reach of its
guns he said, "they are safe, it is WE'LL" and
taking another path, than that which he came.
he returned to his home in the mountain. He
spoke few words to Blue Bird, in their own
language, the meaning Of which was, "When
the battle is hottest TO- morrow, be there in the
rear with the squaws; when whistle, come ike
a faun to my side; who shall touch the wife of
Eagle Eyel"
There in that lone mountain cave, dWelt
George Ryerson and his family until all was
safe; cared and provided for By the Indian and
; his family. When he said, eft is time" they
went forth into the world again, to weep over the
cruelty of Christian men, and the desolation Of
the lovliest valley whose green pastures ever
slept beneath the sun.
There, near the blackened ashes Of their for
ner dwelling, they reared another cottage, fenc-
ed their broad fields anew, and BY industry, fru-
gality and patience, gathered slowly around
them all the comforts and Injuries which men
truly need below.
. Seasons came and went; the rain and sunshine
bleached out from that valleys face the crimson
records of the past; and time, which msllows all
things, mingled with the waters of memory the
sweet leths of forgetfuIness, George and Mary
Ryerson were happy m love, security and hber-
. ty. America is free.
On = sweet spring morning the door Of their
home was dArkened BY the entrance of Eagle
Eve, his wife and children. A few white hairs
had blended with the raven locks ofthe parents;
which told they had suffered, for they we're still
in the full vigor Of life; and the children were
tall and cOmely, the youth apparently seventeen
the maiden two years younger.
r "Sit down, my friends, and let Us talk sogeth-
en-"
! ave may not sit down in your cabin for the
: sun walks On;Our journey Is long and weary; We
are come to say farewell. We are sick with the