Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1870-06-10
A THRILLING STORY.
Thirteen Braves and Five Squass Carried
ever the Falls Of the Yellowstone.

A correspondent of the Helena
Montana) Herald thus describes q
thrilling Gene On the Yellowstone
river /: Alter nearly three hours
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 a 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
center thirteen braves, while FIVE
squaws were essaying to paddle the
unwieldly craft to the opposite shore,
with pieces of bark as substitutes for
paddles. Our pack horses werein the
river, as also were the Indian ponies.
Four of the latter reached the oppO-
site shore. ana
This strange sight bursting upon
our view rendered us, for the time be-
ing, incapableo of action. At q glance
we could see that they were gradually
going down stream, despite the efforts
of the squaws, and although our senses
for the moment forsoOk US, the sharp
crack of a rife and the yell Of q
'tsheep-eater'' told that the equanim-
ity OF our Crow guide was well pre-
served. At this j~uncture Pierre Ber-
pard shouted out, "For Gods sake
bows, don't murder them; they are
bound to go over the falls" We
looked, and a sight met our gaze which
was feariully impressive.
The raft having been caught IN an
eddy, not a vestige of it was to be
seen. it having sunk several inches.
below the surface, and the Indians
seemed to be like so 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 a yell of pain was heard pro
ceeding from a I" sheep-eater." Ber-
nard then told the Grow, in his own
dialect. to stop firing but he paid no.
attention to the command. Again he
raised his rife, but 3 lariat skillfully
thrown by Pierre held him fast. The
scene now presented was one which
those who witnessed viii not forget
to their dying day.
The mid-channel in whichthey were
now swiftly gliding down, seemed TO
be clear of distractions, while on either
side Jagged rocks peered out from the
foaming water. When about fifty
yards below where we were standing,
old Indian arose and stood erect in
the center Of a circle of braves. lie
spoke a few words, turned his face to-
ward the sun, and seemingly babe it
farewell; then wrapping his robe
around him, he sat down. The squaws
Immediately flung their pieces of bark
into the river, threw themselves on
the submerged ran, and commenced
pulling out their bong ~tresses, in the
meantime screaming and bowling
more like demons than human beings.
Endians seated in the circle shook
hands,..and then commenced Waihng
their always mOurnfm death soue.
Nearer, nearer, they approached the
fearful abyss; still not g movement
perceptible 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
Terrors. AS they shot swiftly down
the stream, our party i~nstinetively
raised our hats while looking at them,
and l doubt if there was one, except
the Grow, who did not show signs of
visible emotion.