Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-11-20

come affected, and he could do little more
| than whisper. Meanwhile, Barton had be-
come somewhat annoyed at his brothers. alb
| sence. He had half mind to commence an
attack upon the veDison which was fast grow
ing cold, but he bethought him that he had
better look down upon the river, to what de-
tanned the youngster. He stood upon the
edge of the bluff, but far he could see
there were no signs of the missing brother.
Barton now grew anxious, he could form no
satisfactory reason for his disappearance.
There could be but one solution of the
mystery the Decotahs must have been watch
ing them, and succeeded in capturing Harry
This conclusion arrived at, he turned to look
far up the river, where rose upon the still air
tall column of smoke that told him he was
near some Indian encampment.
eyes, it must be SO 20 he muttered, an
agony of feeling stole across his soul, sMy
brother has been made, thus early in his from
tier experience, prisoner by these cursed
savages. But he shall be rescued, or if too
late for that, avengedl''
Without further delay he unhtched his horse
from the limb to which it had been fastened
while quietly grazing, replaced his saddle.
examined the priming of his rifle, and vauited
upon his animal.
"Now, Barbary,'' he almost shouted, ssyou
must bear your part nobiy in this enterprise.
We must bring back my brother, or return not
at all.''
As the sounds of footsteps died in the dis
tance, and unbroken silence brooded once
more over the spot, there shot from the op
posite bank light canoe propelled by the
practical hands of young and beautiful forest
maiden. With the rapdity Of lightning 1t
sped across the waters and touched at the
very spot where Harry had received his wound.
AS it grazed the beach the girl sprang lightly
from it, and ran swiftly up the bank to where
the young man had fallen. She arrived just in
- ofr afnh hir,oa M trtfh
agony of pain, throw his arms wildly above
his head and sink almost insensble again.
She bent over him and in sweet whisper said
"Come with me the warriors arrow has
wounded the white bird, who flew to our for
ests for home but Atawahta viii save the
life OF the pale face. Quick to my canoe, or
the chieftains of my tribe will discover us.
saw you from yonder grove, watched the
movements of the Dacotahs, and am here to
save you. Atawahta is not very strong, but
she can at least guide you to her hut among
the bushes there. You will die if you do not
Gomez
With such gentle words the maiden strove
to rouse him to the effort land finally succeeded
He had sense enough remaining to know that
if he did not accompany her his hours of life
were numbered. He had heard OF the medicin-
al knowledge that the Indians possessed, and
he doubted not that she could aid him.
ssMy brother 20 he said family.
"W III return TO tnlS spot, anu Wait your
coming he has gone to seek you. He Will
never leave you till he meets you again
When the sickness is passed Atawahta will
bring you here. Come, ere the warriors of my
race shall discover you and me-"
By series of painful efforts Harry at last
reached the canoe, into which he was assisted
by his fair guide.
ssNow you mnst trust yourself to Atawahta,
who, by the help Of the great spirit, will draw
this arrow from your arm, and heal the wound.
She could thus atone for the cruelty Of him
who drew the bow.''
As Harry felt himself lifted from the frai
barge, he cast a grateful look upon his pre-
server and become uncopscious.
Four months had passed ere Harry was again
able to leave the mats whereon he had reposed
in utter pr0stration. The fever had at last
left him, but he very weak. Atawahta
had clung to him with singular devotion ,aDd
had been true to her promise. Aided by
couple of aged squaws she had brought him
from the very gates of death far on to health.
We find her now, after the lapse of so many
weeks, still by his side either administering
some restorative or sitting at his feet listening
to the strange stories of the white mans home.
ssYou will soon leave the wilderness, Z
sighed the maiden, 'sand shall see you no
more. Four moons have passed since l saw
you-they have been happy days to me, but
we must part. Look from this door upon the
scene without. Already the leaves are with
erng and dying in the cool autumn blasts. Ere
long the storm king will ride upon the wind,
and wrap earth in its cold embrace. You
will go to meet the warm hearts that watch for
you, while Atawahta will grow cold as the
snow. The winter will blight her very heart.'
Harry turned from the contemplation of
landscape to the bright eyes of the fair child
Of nature beside him. He read in their dark
meaning words, that sent the warm flush to
his cheek. His arm rested on her shoulder
and almost led her neck, joining his
hands he pressed her to his bosom.
s:Atawahta,' he whispered, ssI love you ,and
must never leave this spot. Be mine and let
me here live and dep
With glad smile the maiden raised her
moist lips to his; but ere he could press them
a shadow stole across her face, her head droop
ed again as she murmured sadly:
ssNo, no it must not be! This has been a
pleasing dream to the forest maid but it cannot
of his Indian bride, and would long tor the
associations that he had abandoned. Better
leave me now than them"
"Atawahta believes that there is truth in the
heart 20
eyes, but affection may grow cold
"Listen to me, dearest My lite was pre-
served by you, and to you it should be devo-
ted. Do not suppose that wish merely to
repay the debt-that can never do; but over
and above all other considerations is the love
that can be answered by possession, could
not breath word of harm to you! have LETT
no one in the far off home of my childhood,
for whose society can anguish. Fear not,
then, my truth, for by the light of that great
sun / swear
s.No not for me ! The great Maniton will
not hear an oath. am yours forever! If in
some future hour your heart should 60 back to
the friends Of earlier days, / will bid you de-
part and lay me down to die. At least you