Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1860-11-10
+ From the Cannon City Times !
MAIDEN ROCK.
ny II. S. N.


Nothing can surpass theseenic grandeur
of the fper Mississippi--not even the cas-
Heated Rhine. His giant course winds
through a panorama Of natural beauty, anC
murmuis around innumerabe islands, di
yersifed in position aud varied in light anC
shade. No sooner do you pass one thar
another succeeds, giving the traveller tht
pleasant illusion Of sail through a multi
tude of picturesque lakes. Gigantic bluff
frown from either side, their red cliff
wreathed with beautiful foliage, while theil
rocky beds are often shaded like the finest
painting. Such is the scenery until yor
reach Lake Pepin, famous from its alliance
to the Great Father Of Waters. Near the
head Of this lake, Maiden Rock towers
proudly above the water, and here our sto
ny opens.
Evening had thrown her light robe
around the encampment Of the Wapashas,
shadows stole through the stately hemlocks
and pines, and nloonbeams danced upon the
tranquil bosom Of the water. Slowly the
smoke Of the wigwams curled through the
tree tops, while their occupants on rich furs
reclining, pulled their ornamented pipes
Half century ago, life was nothing but
pleasant pastime to the red man, for the
pale face was up nown in the forests and
prairies Of the glorious West.
In little grove, whose banging foliage
was kissed by the ripples Of the lake, and
whose depth of shade a sunbeam could
scarcely penetrate, stood an Indian girl,
leaning against a small tree in a listening
attitude. She was tall and graceful-dark,
dazzling eyes, and harmony Of features
very pleasing to the beholder. Her dress
was richly decorated, while ornaments
sparlled on her arms and hands and shone
in the heavy braids of her raven hair,
Hark she soliloquizes -
"Redwing comes not, and Winonas pa
tience is shorter than a summer night
The wings Of affectation should lie swift as
the flight Of on eagle; for, like our camp
fire, loves flame perishes without fuel
What sunshine in bis presence, what melo-
DIV in his voice, and what protection the In
dian girl feels in the pressure Of that strong
arm. List that firm, elastic step,-ny
heart tells me it is Redwing.'
The keen ear Of the maiden was right, il
was her lovers foot that broke the dry
twigs, and brushed the dew from the slun-
berinc flower. lie was a fine specimen Of
the tribe, his rich leggings and blanket coy
eling form Of manly beauty while many
colored feathers wave over as bold an eye
as ever singled out buck for the fatal ar
row. With hasty strides he enters the
grove, and stood before the expectant girl.
"Redwing is late tonight" said SD Z, her
eyes growing brighter in his presence.
HE is here Was the laconic return.
"And the heart Of the Indian girl beats
once more firm and strong. What kept the
warrior from his loye?'
"The red man has been on tie banks Of
the bio water, and these has he brought to
adorn the beauty Of Winona, and he threw
a string Of shells around her neck.
ellis kindness shall be remembered fol
many moons" returned the girl, her eyes
gazing fondly upon the toys.
"Aiy heart is heavy as the storm cloud
"a storm lowers over the head of her
love-"
.Fear not. The sunshine follows the
tempest-the rose issweeter after the show
err
"The maiden forgets the brave thai
bore 50 many scalps from the chippewas.
"Oriocow
Yes, love. Thy father has given thee
to him."
ale will refuse me-Orioco woull mar
~ one who loves him. Ny heart hasal-
ready companion-the bird needs but onS
mate"
1.-The tones Of Winona are sweeter than
music to the ears Of the red man. Hewll
hope
sOroco is brave, but finds no favor il
the eyes u the Indian girl. She has nc
love to give. Redping has i all"
"Thy words arc ike sunbeams and dis
pei the darkness. But-your father"
"AYill not force his child 70 what her sou
ahhors. He loves her, and would not SET
her eve dim, her cheek grow thin IN ths
wigwamof Orioco.
"The Great spirit be thanked
Glove is strong and steadfast q yor
mountair peak. None but him she love'
shall possess Winona.
.Ughr burst forth a Iow gu.teral voice
~ hey side. "Ihc daughter Of the Wapa
shas steaks strong, yet hersoiee will llay'
no mole effect IAN the summer wind
She mist he the sqnaw &C Orioco.'
..Neyer'' shouted lSeslwing, turning UP
"a the intruder his land grasping the han
die at bis tosnahavk.
arho camp ire Of the Wapashas need
another wapaior. The iildl.sii VIII s'r,f's',
Mas tie reioiller, andsthe bfaye slowly ~
the spot
"tathcr, the heart If yoar daughter
i ..s.ts - Ia ffaxFS IN he