Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1871-08-12
FAWN'

In the summer OF 1918, a band OF Sc
neca Indians were encamped on the
banks of the Gen0see river. They
were on their return from a hunting
expedition to their main reserva-
tions near the shores of Lake Erie,
and were anxious to hasten their
movements, for the purpose of Of
fering their services for the defence
of the frontier to their American al
lies, in the war pending between
them and England. But their pro-
gress at the time referred to was de-
layed, owing to the circumstance
that one of their number, favorite
"a girl.some fifteen years of :age-
had been taken i'll on the march, and
was then delirious with fever.
The disease had baflled the usual
skill of the few squaws Of the band.
A consultation was held by the war
riors, to determine whether to re-
main with the girl, and await the
future of the disease, or to- leave her
at the nearest settlement of whites,
in charge of one or two of their num-
Der, land then proceed on their
journey. The latter proposition
was vehemently opposed by the sa-
chem of the band, the reputed father
of the girl. At this crisis, the deep
baying of the hounds around the en-
campment fires betokened the ap-
proach of stranger.
at is our good brother, the young
white hunter" calculated Blue
Coat, the sachem, in broken Eng
lish, as a young man in hunting cos
tune, and with a rifle in hand,
bounded into encampment.
''Welcome, Wall!"
A vigorous shaking of hands en-
sued, and grunts of satisfaction were
heard on every side.
Waltar, or "Wally," as he was
known by the Indians, was inform
ed of the subject under discussion;
and he was taken to the couch
of bear skins on which the sufferer
Law. His heart felt pity; his deepest
sympathies were instantly aroused.
lie had never before seen the face
of an Indian female that interested
him so much.
"Night has overtaken me in the
chase, ten mile from hOme," said
Walter; 81 will tarry with you till
early morn, when Fawn shall be
taken to my mother, who will care
for her as for her own child; and the
white medicine man shall kill her
disease. A few of your number
may remain with her until she is a
BILE to resume her march,"
The counsel was at an end. Grunts
of approval was the reply to Wal
ter's proposition, and renewed shak-
ing of hands followed. A bountiful
supper of roast venison and cakes
of pounded corn baked in hot ashes
was prepared, of which all save the
invalid ate heartily; and, after a
heightened smoking of pipes, the
party, wrapped in Indian blankets,
sought their nights repose.
Walter Wallace was of good pa
rentage, and well educated. He was
left fatherless at an early age. DIR
Arnold, ,|his stepfather, though man
of abilities, had but small practice.
He was not generally liked. His in
creasing wealth, therefore, was a
matter of surprise to all, and suspi-
cion to many of his neighbors. The
matter was once be boyishly g, rafer-
red to by Walter, in conversation
with his father, who answered on
ly by a scowl of resentment. Wal
ter at once comprehended that he
was treading on forbidden ground.
At length the overbearing dispo-
sition and imperious will of DR.. Ar
mold became insupportable TO Wal
ter, and at the age of ninsteen he
Indignantly abandoned the parental
roof. The sting of regret which
troubled him was the parting from
a dearly loved mother; and though
this was proposed against her re-
monstrance, yet he was concious of
her secret sympathies. Placing a
purse of five hundred dollars in his
hand, she kissed her manly-hearted
and darling boy for her last time.
To strengthen his health-to cul-
tivate and develop his physical sys-
tenn, Walter determined to devote
two wears to adventure and wild
sports in the West. With this OBJ
iect in view, and with good sup
plies of arms, ammunition, and hum
tingt attire, he found himself in due
time in the Genesee Valley-at that
time abounding i'll bear, the Ameri-
can panther, the wild cat, deer, and
lesser game. He took up his abode
in the house ofa settler on the banks
of the Genesee. He wrote to his
mother by every possible convey
ance; but at the end of a year, learn
ing of her death, he felt as if the
great tie of civilization had been
sundered; and for ever afterwards
he acknowledged the kind wife of
the settler as his adopted mother
At the time of his meeting with the
Indian encapment, he had resided
in the country two years, and dur
ing that time had secured the coun-
try around as far as the shores of
Erie and Ontario. He had become
acquainted with the Indians, their
Language, costoms and manners; and
was favorite and privileged person
among them.
Under the influence of good treat
ment, the health and strength of
Fawn was restored. Walter was
strangely fascinated with her beau
ty, and surprised at her intelligence.
she spoke the English and Indian
L