The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1877-02-15

threw-on an armful Of wood, aud told
his wife to serve them some supper
of the beet there was in the house,
meantime endeavoring to draw his
strange guest into conversation, but
without success. Rohn-yan-ace re-
mained silent and moody, refusing to
join them at the evening meal, and sat
gazing sternly into the fire, which was
blazing and sparkling in the open
chimney-place.
There was something SO mysterious
and hostile in the Indians manner
that Adam might readily have been
pardoned had he regarded his visitor
with fear and suspicion, but he was
brave, honorable NAV who would have
scorned to suspect guest of treachery
in time Of peace; therefore, when the
hour for retiring came, he made bed
of skins for Rohn- yan-ace on the floor
in trout of the fire, piled more logs on
the hearth. and withdrew with his
wife to their bed behind the screen
made of quilts that were hung up like
a curtain in one end of the cabin. The
house. it is proper to state, consisted
of single room thus they were sep
arated from the Indian only by this
fragile partition that could be torn
away by one movement of the hand.
Mrs. Poe could not so easily COM
pose herself as did Adam, who was
soon sound asleep, but lay awake for
some time rejecting on the danger of
their situation--their loneliness and
unprotected condition In case of an
attack, and cold chill of despair crept
over her as she remembered her hus-
band had not a single weapon of de-
tense within reach. Wearily dragged
the hours, the swapping of the wood
in the Fireplace and the deep breath
ing of Adam keeping time with the
hurried, frightened beating Of her
heart. AT last she, too, fell asleep.
She was suddenly reused by her hus-
uaHO Hdli stditihS uP ~ ACA siuS'
Opening her eyes she shudderingly
beheld Rohn-y van ace standing by the
bed with an uplifted to,nahawk direct
ly over Poe.
'.Come, get up!' said he in broken
English, lowering his tomahawk. 81
want to eat with you; 1 want to talk
to you and tell you of my errand here,
and why l spared your life. My tribe
selected me to avenge the death of
Big Foot, and I promised to show
them your scalp on my return. AT
the end of seven suns, after weary
journey, found you. You were kind
to me, you invited me to your house
to eat with you, you gave me a bed
before your fire and treated me as a
friend. thought, how can l take the
life of this man. When you had gone
to bed, conscious that your life was in
my hands if had proved an enemy,
and crept in and saw you by the side
of your Young wife, unarmed, and
sleeping, l said to myself.
this ia brave man. 1t were base to
strike man who cannot defend him
self. Ii he were awake he could fight
as we'll as /, for he is great warrior,
but will not be coward and kill
him while he sleeps. 1 know we'll
what my fate will be when ! return to
my tribe without having avenged the
death of our mighty chief, but it will
not change my determination. l can
not kill you for honor your bravery.
Poe quickly rose, dressed himself,
and accompanied Rohn-yan-ace to the
fire, where he was soon followed by
his wife, who was overcome with Joy
1t this happy termination of her fears.
They sat talking around the fire till
daylight, when. after eating breakfast
with his two friends, the Indian shook |
hands with them, said good bye, and |
started back with his unwelcome til
1ings to his tribe.
Immediately ON his arrival at the
Wyandot town. he called meeting OF
1is people. Expectant and eager, they
hurried to the council lodge to do hon.
,r to the avenger, and view the scalp
If Poe dangling from his belt.
After all were seated Rohn-yan-ace
.rose, and with slow, measured speech
old the story OF his kind reception by
Poe, pictured the calm sleep of the
)raye man who had laid down in the
presence of foe without thought
If fear, stated how he had revolted at
he thought of striking him in his de-
enscless state, and then gazing fear
essly on the upturned faces around
lin, he added in proud, defiant tone.
lie is brave man, and l spared his
ife."
hall die!" burst from the lips of
hundred fierce warriors, and a hum
lred knives and tomahawks were
in the air, while they
closely to him with savage
Drawing up his stallwart form to its
ull height, and holding aloft his bat
leak, Rohn yan-ace commanded their
lttentiOn.
s.In the day Of BATTLE" said he, ad-
lressing them in the Indian tongue,
in all our struggles with the enemy, |
you have never known me to falter. |
,ave been in the thickest of the fight |
md have taken many scalps. 1 have
net the hungry wolf aud the bear in
he forest and have not feared danger.
Y ou may accuse me of cowardice if
You will, but | will not strike an un.
armed sleeninY man who has reposed