Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-03-04
yntuesting Storg.
THE
CHI!IEF.
ATALE OF THE WEST.
By WI. N. BUDD.
CHAPTER I

IL . llutdnS SAT at ln8lF council. L
was held in the midst of tAe wild wood
of Ohio. Sternly they sat in a circl
round the council-fr which blazed in tn
midst. 1t was fearful to view those sol
emn and stern faces, upon which war, re
morseless war. had written its blood
characters. Skins of wild animals formed
their general costume. In the belt whicl
girded each might be seen the cleaning
blade of the keen scalping knife and tn,
head Of the tomahawk, while behind then
rifles lay upon the ground.
The forest lay all around-the unin
habited. the trackless forest, whose depths
r%esound with many mingled sounds
There, arose the sweet melody of son.
birds, the loud scream of the hawk, tn
deep cry of the crow, interrupted by the
low growing of bears, the bark of wolves
and the horrid outcry Of hundreds O
wild beasts Of the forest.
Not far from the council lay the Indian
village, formed by a rude collection o
miserable huts, from whose conical sum
mits clouds Of smoke poured forth. A
gentle, a peaceful lake. spread its beauti
full sheet Of blue water beneath; over it
trees hung, and in it myriad fishes sported
where the banks threw down their shad-
ows. It "a broad morn. 1t was til
time for the Indian council.
All there were nov the warriors only
not their.wives and children only, who
awaited the issue Of that council. With
in ole of the tents lay a youth and a ten
der maiden, fastened with strong wythes
bound tightly and thown upon the ground
The arms Of the maiden were cut by the
sharp and tight cords. The blood gath
cred round the places where lay thu
bands. She was pale, and on her face
was a look Of ~incorceivable sorrow. The
youth groaned, but he thought not Of hi
own misery-he looked at her-of hel
alone he thought.
The warriors had for a long time sat
in silence. At length one arose.
Good 2 cried some; Let US hear th'
medicine-man. Let US listen to him."
Warriors - he cried, stepping int,
the circle, and raising his hand; "war
riors. my soul thirsts-blood alone cal
satisfy it. The pale-faces are up. The,
havs raised the tomahawk against u.s.
They have killed our brayns-thev hav,
murdered our wiyes--.ney have dishon
or~Saa our fathers bones. Blood-blood
alone can satisfy US"
A murmur of applause passed round
Tomawa, the chief, alone was silent. Hi
dark brows were contracted, and his keel
eyes glistened as they rested upon tn,
speaker.
The medicine-man grew fercer.
II cry for blood, warriors! The pale
faces live but a short distance from MS
some, but a nights journey. Let US go
then"
Again a louder murmur Of applause
went round.
Before we go, let US make our heart
s%terner. Two pale-faces are here already
Yonder they lie. Warriors, let us kin
die the fire /"
Every Indian arose Tomawa place.
his hand upon his knife.
"The medicine.man speaks we'll. War
riors, hear him. But let US not burn tbs
pale faces"
"Death fire p cried the others, tn
%multuously. The chief for a momen
drew his knife, but a thought darted thro
his mind, and putting it back he wa
silent
Soon all was changed; the stiffness AM
solemnity of the council were no longe
to be witnessed. A crowd Of women ant
children came pouring from the huts
with loud cries and wild gesticulations
The Indian braves seized their tomahawk
and darted around, jumping and leapin|
with fierce enthusiasm. Some hurlet
their weapons against trees, Others Tough
mock fights, All was nelse and appallln
confusion.
In one place, some were busily engage,
in setting up two stakes, around whlcl
eager throngs of boys placed faggots AM
piles Of brush. Hiaeous sight! Til
fierce savages howled and danced aroun'
the fearful preparation in abominabl
lglee. Some of the younger warrior
were decorating themselves with thei
gayest robes; others appeared with hide
GUS stripes and blotches Of paint upol
their naked bodies; while from all ther
arose cries and yells of savage delight
that added to the horror of the scene
Tomawa alone was still-he alone wa
%unmoved. His stately form arose amlt
the others like a tower which nothing
could shake. With a calm and steadfas
countenance he viewed the preparations
Two hours passed.
Then from the direction Of the hut