The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1870-06-30
DASHED TO DEATH.

4 correspondent of the Helena (Montana)
Herald thus describes thrilling scene on
the Yellowstone river:
After nearly three hours sharp riding, we
came upon the band, and in such manner as to
cause US some surprise about midway in the
stream where could be seen hastily construct
ed aft composed of drift wood joined together
bv thongs made of buckski and buffalo robes
Upon this strange craft were seen iu the centre
thirteen braves. while FIVE squaws were essav
ing to paddle the unwiIdy craft to the opposite
shore with pieces of bark as substitutes for
paddles. Our pack horses were in the river
as were also the Indian ponies. Four of the
latter reached the opposite shore.
This strange sight bursting upon our view
rendered US, for the time being, incapable of
acii0n. At glance we could see that they
were gradually going down stream, despite the
efforts of the squaws, and although our senses
Tor the moment forsook US, the sharp crack of
rifle and the yell of "Sheep- eater'' told
that the equanimity of our Crow guide was
well preserved. At this juncture Pierre Ber.
nard 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 fearfully impressive.
The raft caught in an eddy and not vestiga
of it was to be seen. it having sunk several
inches below the surface and the Indians
seemed TO be ike so many weird spirits float
ing 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 proceeding from
a"Sheep eater" Bernard then told the Grow
IN his own dialect to stop firing, but he paid
no attention whatever to the co amand Again
he raised his rife, but lariat skilfullv thrown
to Piorre held him fast. The scene now pre.
sented was one which those who witnessed will
not forget to their dying day
The mid channel in which they were now
swiftly gliding down seemed to be clear of OBJ
structions, while or either side Jagged rocks
peered out from the foaming water. When
about fifty yards be'ow where we were stand
ing, an Indian arose and stood erect in the
centre of circle of braves He spoke few
words, turned his face towards the sun, and
seemingly bade it farewell then wranpino his
robe around him, he sat down. The suuaws
Immediately flung their pieces of bark into
the river, threw themselves on the submerged
rait, and commenced pullirg out their long
tresses, IN the meantime screaming and howl
ing more like demons than human beings.
Indians seated in the circle shook hands
and then commenced wailing their always
mournful death song. Nearer. nearer thew
approached the fearful abyss: still not a move
ment was perceptble on the part of the braves
Ihey sat as immovabe 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 instinctvely raised our
hats while looking at them. and 1 doubt if
tnere was one, except the Grow, who did not
show signs of visible emotion.
How singular. was it not Before US were
our enemies. who but a short time ago we
would have gladly killed in a fight. but now
whose near approach to death touched our very
hearts with mingled feelings OF tenderness,
sorrow and pity. A few moments, aud won
derful to state, the raft without losing a sim
oil a info IL 81,
over the awful brink and into the mouth of
death.
We turn from the spot with understandable
feelings As we take our last look at the
treacherous stream, where eighteen mortaIs
passed from life to death. we discern lowering
over the fatal precipice two large eagles whose
screams Iesound above the noise o. the waters.
The roar of the cataract and the eagles
screa ms-what fit requiem for those depart
ed red children