The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-12-06

pleased. AS this was satisfactory they
separated, the Indians to watch their
victims, while Hard Heart went to in
form Norman and devise some means
of torture.
But, fortunately for our friends, all
this planning was to be frustrated, for
all was known 10 Lodi. Wandering
about, she accidentally perceived Hard
Heart enter Norman's tent, first look
ing around with great caution. Creep
ing behind an old tree, she waited until
she thought him seated, when, crawl
ing along through the low brush-wood,
she arrived at the opposite side Of the
wigwam, where she was entirely con-
cealed from view, not only by the dusk Of
eve, but also by the close growth of the
trees. Putting her ear close to the
ground, she distinctly heard every word
of their atrocious designs upon their un-
suspecting victims. She soon heard
that they were to be brought forth at
midnight, and without waiting to hear
more, hastened to the wigwam of Cath
crime, to whom she quickly communi-
Gated all, telling her to go, ere it was
too late, and let them know, that If pos
sible they might escape, when she
would see that harm came not to So
nora, who should soon follow.
"Fear not, Lodi. will see that they
are far from here in safety ere to-mor-
rows sun shines, or some who deserve
it shall sleep to wake no more" an
swered Catherine, grasping her dagger
"You remain here, Lodi" continued
she. "See that the girl is safe. Beguile
them awhile. Let her not go with yon-
der wretch" pointing towards the wig
wan which Norman occupied. "Kill
her sooner than that should take place.
1 will pretend to seek rest in the wig
wan of the young chiefs. AS soon as
all are quiet will put this phial, which
contains a sleeping potion, to the nos
trils of the savages who watch, but who
always feign sleep. Then 1 will lead
them forth in the darkness to a place of
safety, for well does Catherine de Midci
know the haunts of this wild forest. As
soon as they are safe will return, but
not alone. 1 fear not the anger of the
NatitOehes. Though no longer am a
member of the brave Csupees, 1 know
one who will help me-" and before Lodi
could make a reply, she was out of
sight.
Going directly to the wigwam where
the young men were, Catherine stepped
across the drowsy form of one of the
guards, and throwing herself upon a
mat near his head, as she placed a fin
ger to her lips in token of silence to her
friends, she remained perfectly quiet,
pretending to sleep, until the heavy
breathing of the savage told plainly
that he was but a poor watcher. TAX
ing the bottle from her pocket, she
I placed it for an instant to his nose. Re-
placing it, she arose, and in few whis-
pers informed them of what she had
heard, telling them they must follow
I quickly if they valued their own lives
and would procure Sonora's freedom.
Though they felt very reluctant to ac-
cede to this mode of flight, leaving their
dear one still in captivity, still they
knew there was no other alternative,
and prepared to follow their faithful
/ preserver.
Stepping across the benumbed bodies
of three savages, who had been served
in like manner, Catherine led them out
side the tent. Looking carefully around
and listening a moment, she made signs
for them to follow her, as she sped along
like deer, but even less quietly, for q
distance of two miles, not even once
turning or breaking the dreadful still
ness by single word, so well did she
understand the quick Indian ear. At
last, coming out upon a broad, open
plain, she turned, saying:
"NOw we have no time to lose. Our
steps must be as feet as the antelope,
yet quiet and cautious as the snake.
Keep up brave hearts and follow speed
ily," and turning, she quickened her
pace so much that our travellers were
at last fairly obliged to run to keep up
with her.
Thus they travelled, halting but once
to rest for eight miles, when they came
in sight of a small valley.
"But short time more and you are
safe" and making her way towards a
high hill, which seemed to be surrounded
with trees and rough rocks, Catherine
scrambled over few and stopped. Bid
ding our travellers take hold of large
stone, she revealed TO their astonished
gaze an Immense cave, which seemed to
oe In the very heart of the hill. Plac-
ing small whistle to her lips, she gave
a low signal, when issuing from a dis
tant and obscure corner, with a ioyful
bound, stood our old friend MANY O..
4, noes, the Indian lover of White Star
( Welcome! Right welcome is tbe
wife of Lenard de Midci," said he. as n,
&: extended his hand and motioned for he,
f to enter.
t WELCOMED welcomev' was re-echoed
as a savage yell of joy went forth from
every savage of Many Canoes follow
r ers.
$ "But is" and Many Canoes stopped
as he was about to inquire about Nor
man, at beholding the followers Of Cath
/ crime.
e "Go on these are friends-enemies I,
i our enemy. would have them remain
IN 81