The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-12-13
CHAPTER XXXIIL


him to return to his wigwam to wait
till midnight, when they had agreed to
meet again, to plot some cruel death for
their defenceless victims, whom he sup
posed were sleeping, watched by one Of
the most barbarous Of the tribe.
Midnight az length arrived. The ten
warriors who had been selected to lead
forth the prisoners, advancing in a file,
entered the tent Of their chief. Rising
from n slight slumber which he had
fallen into, he erept softly to the place
where Norman was, bidding him come
forth if he would watch unperceived his
enemies brought out, whom he might
congratulate as soon as they were safely
bound and lashed to the trees.
While they We're thus speaking to-
gether the ten braves had proceeded TO
obey their commands, when suddenly
there went forth a whoop, so fierce and
horrible, that it fairly chilled the blood
in the veins of our fair heroine, who
lay upon rich mat, covered by a SUI
perb skin, prisoner, and alone in the
dark woods, with no one near her but a
ferocious savage, who now and then
cast a spiteful glance upon her if she
moved, thinking she was trying to
make her escape. As she heard the
savage signal her courage for moment
gave way, and she feared, nav, she
even expected, every moment to be led
forth to some dreadful doom, but with a
firm trust in her God, which grew
stronger as danger increased, she sat I'D
and listened to the fearful screams and
noise outside the wigwam. Hearing the
tumult grow louder, and knowing his
captive to be bound, her Indian guard
arose and disappeared through the open
tent door. Even his disagreeable pres
ence had been a sort of cOmpanionship, |
and when she found herself alone in |
that perilous hour of darkness she felt
indeed that earthly hope had forsaken |
her, and she sank back upon her bed /
weeping as she exclaimed:
''My Father! oh, my Father! If it |
be Thy will take me to Thyself ere I be- !
come victim to the cruelty of these
heartless savages."
"But there is one that is not heart
less, and feels for the distress Of the poor
stricken dove. The Good Spirit has
heard your prayers and sent me to COM
fort you" whispered the voice of Lodi,
as she knelt beside Sonora and lifted her
head and pillowed it upon her breast,
while she briefly related the cause of
the excitement.
"Thank God! thank GOdp' exclaimed
she. "My dear friends are now once
more safe, and 1 am comparatively
happy! But where is my poor Rissey?"
''She is still in the wigwam of Lodi,
who will keep her safe and happy till
she returns with her mistress. Only be
brave and trust Lodi, who will set you
at liberty or die in the attempt. Lay
down now, and lisp not that you have
seen me, or all may be suspected" and
placing a finger to her lips, she stopped
to the ground, listened a moment and
then slipped away as noiselessly as she
had entered.
Lodi had scarcely been gone five min
utes when Hard Heart and Norman ell
tered, bearing torches. Holding one to
the pale face of Sonora he exclaimed
with exultation:
"Ah, my priceless Onei you are safe
in the hands your future husband at
last, and without giving him the trouble
OF suing for your lofty and ambitious
love. Perhaps your naughty pride has
fallen a peg or two, and, if so, perhaps
you will consent to become my lawful
wife yet, which il you do not will not
hinder me from becoming your pro-
tector, though rather unceremoniously
and impolite, as shall be Obliged to
have you hasten your preparations be-
fore the return Of that sanctified lover
Of yours. Hark, girl 1 have sworn
by heaven and h well, will not
say what, as it might shock your sensi-
tive and refined ears, and is not exactly
becoming in a loving bridegroom" and
turning with a sneer, he began talking
to Hard Heart.
"Wretch and coward that you are
thus to taunt me, a helpless girl, whom
you could gain possession of in no Other
way than by theft! fear not your ma
licious threats, for I have a Friend
whom / know will never forsake me
but will most surely punish so deperatC
villain as you, Norman Burkep'
''The white dove speaks very brave, y
said Hard Heart, with a grin. "Maybe
she would rather be the light of the
great chiefs wigwam than the bride OF
one whom she hates so much.u
Sonora made no reply to this speech,
so disgustingly repulsiye to her ears
And even the lips Of Norman curled as
he listened to the base proposal, though
he thought the wisest plan at present
would be TO make no comments further
He therefore seated himself and bepar
talking about the escape and the possi
bility Of their quick return with create
force.
"At any rate, they cannot get to tn,
nearest town and back again befor
three days, and we shall be among tn
missing. So I shall not worry abou
that"