The Shreveport weekly news., 1861-08-12

the woods, he heard noise like that
of dog gnawing bones. Drawing
near to the spot with a stealthy step,
he dimly perceived living object
among the bushes, and invoking aid
from on high, discharged an arrow at
it. The thick and tangled under
wood prevented him from seeing the
effect of the shot, but as the animal
did not stir, he Aattered himself that
he had killed it. With this hope he
awaited until the day dawned, when
he beheld his victim, huge creature
of the panther kind, lying dead, the
arrow having passed through its en-
trails and pierced its heart.
Gathering together the mangled
remains Of the infant, and replacing
them in the coffin, Ortiz dragged his
prey in triumph to the village, with
the arrow still in its body. The ex-
plot gained him credit with the old
hunters, and for some time softened
even the ferocity of Hirrihigua. The
resentment Of the latter, however,
for the wrongs he had suffered from
white men, was, too bitter to be ap-
peased. Some time after, his elder
daughter came to Ortiz and warned
him that her father had determined
to sacrifice him at the next festival,
which was lust at hand. She stated
that the influence Of her mother, her
sisters and herself, would be no longer
of any avail to save him, and there
fore wished that he should take re-
fuse with neighboring Cacique
named Mucozo, who had sought her
hand in marriage, and would be-
friend him, for her sake. "This
very night" said the kind-hearted
maiden, cat the northern extremity
of the village. you will find trusty
friend who viii guide you to bridge
about two leagues hence; on arriving
there, you must send him back, that
he may reach home before the morn
ing dawns, to avoid suspicion, for
well he knows that the bold act, in
daring to assist you, may bring down
destruction upon us both. Six
leagues further on you will reach the
village Of Mocozo. Tell him that |
have sent you, and expect him to be-
friend you in your extremity. |
know he will do it. Go, and may
your God protect you!'' Ortiz
threw himself at the feet of his gem
erous protectoress, and poured out
his Acknowledgements of kindness
she had always shown him. An III
dian was at the place appointed to
direct him. and they Quilted the vii
lagc without alarming the warlike
savages. When they came to the
bridge Ortiz sent back the guide. in
obedience TO the injunction OF his
mistress, and continuing his flight
found himself, by break of day. ON
the banks of "A small stream near the
vii aga of Mocozo.
Looking cautious Y round, he saw
two natives fishing. As he was up-
acquainted with their language, and
could not explain tn. excuse of his
appearance in their neighborhood, he
was in dread lest they should take
him for AN enemy and kill him. He
therefore ran swiftly to the place
where they had deposited their wca-
pons, and seized them. The savage
fled TO the village, without attending
to his signs of friendly attention.
The inhabitants sailed out armed
to attack him; but Ortiz fixing his
arrow in his bow, prepared for his
defence, CRYING out at the same mo-
mcut, that he came not rs an enemy,
but as an Ambassador from female
Cacique TO their chief. Fortunately
on. present understood him, and in
terpre,ed his words. Upon this the
Indians unbcnt their bows, and re-
turning with him to their village,
presented him to Mocozo. The lat
ter. a youthful chieftain, of grace
ful form and handsome countcnance,
received Ortiz kindly for the sake of
her who had sent him: but, on furth-
er acquaintance, became attached TO
him tor his own merits, and treated
him with the affection of brother.
Uwihl@ua soon heard where the
fugitive had taken refuge, and de-
mandea several times that he should
be delivered up. Mucozo as often
declined; considering himself bound
by the laws of honor and hospitality
to protect him. Hirrihi qua then EN-
plovcd as mediator another Cacique
Il brot h.r-in-l of MucoZo, who
went in person to demand Ortiz. Ihc
generous Mucoza, however, indig-
nantly refused to deliver up to a cru
Ell enemy the poor fugitive who had
come so well recommended to his pro-
lection, and treated the request as a
stain upon his honor. The two Ca
ciques continued their opportunities.
but the high-minded savage remained
faithful TO his guest, though in main
tanning inviolate the sacred rights of
hospitality. he lost the friendship OF
his hrothcr-in-Iaw, and forfeited the
hand of Hirrihigua's beautiful daugn-
ter, whom he loved