The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1870-07-15
OVER THE FALLS.

AN INDIAN PARTY FACING DEATH.
The stoicism of the Indians in the face
of death has often been noticed. Another
instance is recorded in a Montana pa
per:
"After nearly three hours of sharp riding
we came upon the band, and in such a
manner as to cause us some surprise, about
midway in the stream, where could be seen
hastily constructed raft, composed of drift
wood joined together by thongs made of
buckskin and buffalo robes. Upon this
strange craft were seen in the centre thir-
teen braves, while five squaws were essayine
to paddle the unwieldy craft to the oppo-
site shore, with pieces of bark as substi-
tutes for paddles. Our pack horses were
in the river, as also were the Indian ponies.
Four of the latter reached the opposite
shore.
"This strange sight bursting upon our
view rendered us, for the time being, inca
pable of action. At glance we could see
that they were gradually going down stream
despite the efforts of the squaws and al.
though our senses for the moment forsook
us, the sharp cock of rifle and the veil of
a sheep eater told that the equanimity of
our Crow guide was well preserved. At
this juncture Pierre Bernard shouted out,
Tor Gods sake boys, don't murder them ;
they are bound to go over the falls We
looked, and sight met our gaze which
was fearfully impressive
"The raft having been caught in an ed
dy, not yestige of it was to be seen, it
having sunk several inches below the sur
face, and the Indians seemed to be
like 80 many weird spirits floating on the
rushing waters. One of the Indians rose,
and bending his bow shot our Crow
through the arm The shot was returned,
and again yell of pain was heard pro-
ceeding from a sheep eater Bernard
then told the Crow, in his own dialect, to
stop firing, but he paid no attention to the
command Again he raised his rifle, but
lariat skilfully thrown by Pierre held him
fast. The scene now presented was one
which those who witnessed it will not forget
to their dying day.
1.-The mid-channel in which they were
now swiftly gliding down seemed to be clear
of distinctions while on either side Jagged
rocks peered out from the foaming water
When about fifty yards below where we
were standing, an old Indian arose and
stood erect in the centre of circle of
braves. lie spoke few words, turned his
face toward the sun, and seemingly babe it
farewell; then wrapping his robe around
him, he sat down. The squaws immedi-
ately flung their pieces of bark into the
river, threw themselves on the submerged
raft, and commenced pulling out their long
tresses, in the meantime screaming and
bowling more like demons than human
beings.
"Indians seated in the circle shook hands
and then commenced wailing their always
mournful death song. Nearer, nearer, they
approached the fearful abyss; still not
movement was perceptibe on the part of
the braves. They sat as immovable as
statues, and did not quake with fear at
the near approach of the King Of Ter
rors. AS they shot swiftly down the stream
our party indistinctively raised our hats
while looking at them, and doubt fthere
was one, except the Crow, who did not
show signs of visible emotion"