The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-11-10
A Tale of the Winnebagoes.
BY H. s. MILLFTT.

The sun had sunk behind the western hills,
twilight deepened into darkness, and quiet
reigned through the far stretching forest
The wtching silence was only broken by the
mellow notes Of some night bird, whose mu-
sic mingled with the voice of falling water, or
4 the fragrant zephyr breathing a low lullaby to
the Indian child that slumbered in its leafy
cradle. Softly through the treetops beamed
the moon, while the stars, shining like dia
monds amid raven locks studded the vast
arch of heaven:-Nature was at rest, her
form mantled by the drapery Of night
7Atthe foot OF towering oak, whose mas
sive form had withstood the blasts of many
winters, was seated an Indian girl buried In
deep thought. Around her were the wigwams
Of her tribe, their occupants locked in the
arms Of sleep, while she sat alone by the
watch-hre, the light falling upon the musing
Winnebago. Her form was slight and grace
Sul as the fawn's, eyes dark and piercing,
while her features had a beauty of contour
seldom found among the daughters of the
forest. Her dress was rich in its decorations,
Jewels were on her hands and arms, shone in.
each heavy braid OF her hair, and encircled
her neck of swan-like beauty.-Drawing a
portrait from her bosom, she gazed long and
ardently upon it, while tears filed her eyes
and stained her dusky cheeks. It was gift
of happier days from one who had taught her
uDW JOlOfC duu Jucn VI nCliJ uCcclLGQ uCI
one who had plucked the rosebud, and when
seated with its fragrance. thrown 1t from him
as worthless gem.--Pressing the souvenir
again and again to her lips, she murmured:
Glow have loved thee, Gilbert. Bat you
are wearied of the Indian girl--her affection
was not enough for thy selfish soul, and you
left her for a fairer bosom. A pale face now
lives beneath thy silken locks, and listens to
thy voice-the melody that won poor Tulips
II,
shine; | am al0ne-the dove would not mate
with the eagle, but sought again his own avi-
'ary,. He has gone and with him all the
rightness OF my life. Ny native woods have
ost their charms, the flowers their fragrance,
and the glowing morn gladdSns no more the
child of the forest. Treachery seems to lurk
in the very air, in the smile of day, in the
great round moon. I love no more the Win
pehagoes-my heart is false. wonld die
60 TO the spirit hunting ground Of the red
MANI The Great Spirit help me r
Grief choked her utterauce, tears welled up
from the troubled fountains and with clasped
hands she gave herself up to uncomfortable
sorrow. But as the flower bent by the sweep
ing gale raises Its dropping head as the storm
abates, so it was with the betrayed Tulip
Woe no longer weighed her down, but anoth-
er passion took possession of her breast, flush
ing her cheek and Frightening her eye. Her
i wrongs no longer utub neF III uuulllauOu, out
pride lifted her up and she seorned her own
weakness. Hate now ragged within her breast,
and trembling beneath It's potency, she start
e ed to her feet Kissing between hBr teeth.
"Famine and pestilsnee light upon this
hated race-their tongue is false, their eye
treacherous, and the Mantou they worship
gold, Curses light upon the recreant pale
face. the perjured lover. the destroyer of my
happiness, My soul Ia athirst for revenge, and
he shall Hnd that the Indian girl can hateDas
passionately as she loves. He shall be torn
from his lily bride--he shall feel my torture,
my agony. Shade Of my fathers, help me |
Witness my vow, ye aged oaks, ye starry
heavens, and bear abroad ye winged Winds
The betrayer dies BLOOD, blood to wash away
deceit" 4. 49, II n b ~, s', IN N II.
She gathered the blanket around her, and
seeking her wgwam, threw herself upon the
costly fqrs, vainly endeavoFing 10 drown her
sorrow ia sleep, The drewsy god flies the
shade, and the wretched girl passed the night
in state of only semi-censciousness, dream
ing dark dreams of fearful retribution.
Atthe dawn of day Tulip arose changed in
look and spirit, fire in her eye and scorn upon
her naughty lips. A short council was held
and she departed for the settlement OF the
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