The Shasta courier., 1865-11-18
WOman's Heroism.

was only lad OF eight when the Incl
cldent which | am about to relate happened,
vet it produced so powerful an impression
upon my mind at the time that still remem
Der everything perfectly, even to the most
mimute detail.
My father had removed to the West few
months before, where he had constructed
quite p comfortable log house ant cleared
considerable land. There were only three
OF us-iather, sister Jennie and myself
Jennie was our housekeeper, but besides her
work she found time to teach me to read
and write little, generally spending an
hour with me every day. She was dear,
faithful girl was Jennie, and | used to
think II l ever grew up to he a man | would
marry such woman as she wasl
There were some Indians remaining in
the neighborhood, but as they never modest
| ed us we ceased to think of them at
last, and father used often 10 90 away, some
times to be gone all night, leaving Jennie
and alone. At such times we used to
iasten up the house as soon as it began to
grow dark, and keep the life in the corner,
where we might seize it at the first alarm.
One morning father went away upon
business expecting to be gone longer than
usual The day rassed quietly and pleasant.
= L
drawn back from our six O'Clock tea, when
the door softly opened and an Indian enter.
ed.
lie was a tall, muscular fellow and looked
as if he might possess the strength of giant
in his stalwart frame He wore a hunting
shirt of some dark stuff, belted at the waist.
and the borders fancifuly embroidered with
white beads. deerskn Ieggings flaming in
oil bn of fhn b,y md
of wrought mcceasins. At first he stood
quite still and surveyed US all in silence.
Jennie had arisen. Her face was quite
pale, but otherwise she did hot show the
least sign Of fear. She only stepped for
ward and asked:
"What do you wish? Can 1 do anything
for youY'
"Me want fire water" returned the
savage looking at her steadily with his great
evil eyes.
II naye no fre-water to give you," said
Jennie, - but you can have draught of milk
if you would like"
She placed some upon the table and
fresh plate, and bade him help himself
This he did quite freely, making a hearty
supper OF il, but still keeping his eyes upon
us while he ate. When he had finished
his repast he came and stood by the window.
g Me stay here to night" he said, - sleep
by the fire."
mo" returned Jennie firmly, you can
not remain"
Me stayi" repeated the savage, this
time a little angrlly. white squaw all
alone-can't help herself"
Il am not quite so defenceless as YOU
think said nay sister in an unfaltering
voice, you have eaten and drank, and now
you must go. The Indians brow darken-
ed, aud he raised his hand as if he would
strike her. but let it fall without word and
rushed out Of doors. Jennie comprehended
his ljact in moment. He had left his
rife without and had gone to fetch it. With
a quick movement she closed the door aad
fastened it.
The savage came back raging and furious
at finding himself outwiited. He tugged and
pushed at the door, filing every pause with
horrid oaths and threats, but it was true to
its trust and did not give an inch.
All was quiet at last. Jennie took me in
her arms and crept close to the wall, on the
same side with the window, so that the In
dian could not fire at us from that could
feel her heart beat very fast, but she whis-
pered quietly:
Don't be frightened, Frank, all will
come out right at last. He will go away
scon."
By this time it had grown quite dark
Raising our heads little we could see the
stars come out one by one. We dared not
light a candle, so we sat very still in the
gloom. After a long time Jennie got up.
g am going to look for the Indlan," she
said - do not stir until come back"
She crept away through the darkness.-
After she had gone all was still for few
moments, and then l heard slight noise
close at hand. | looked up and saw dark
form at the window. | knew it was fasten.
ed and so thought very little about it. By
and by, however, there was cracking OF
springs and the window went slowly up
| hardly knew what to do Jennie might or
n light not be where she could see all that
was going on. | knew not where TO seek
her, aud dared not call, so | lay still and
trembling. and watched every motion.
The Indian put his head through the
opening first and then slowly drew his body
after it. There was a rdstllng at the other
end of the room. and the moment his feet
touched the floor Jennie struck light. She
had been in another apartment when he had
first attempted toenter, and had returned too
late to prevent 1t.
W nv dtt you near dIdiI sue dSheu,
with assumed anger. as the light flashed up
and displaced the gloom.
The savage looked at her a moment in sur
prise. Evidently her coolness and calmness
perplexed him.
Me want fre-water." said he after
pause.
81 have already told you we have none"
White squaw lies What this, then ?"
and he seized bottle which stood upon
shelf and raised it to his lips.
The bottle was full of OIL Jennie lifted
her hand to stop him, but it was too late
He had already received goodIy portion in
his mouth and was splitting and coughing at
a great rate.
In spite Of her situation Jennie could not
help but smile at his ludicrous mistake.
white squaw laugh another way soon,'
mu tered the Indian, angrily. "Pealsweap
take scalp-her's and another onev' and
he pointed toward me.
Jennie was sobered instantly.