The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1878-03-05
Selert Sturv.
THE COMANCHE BRIDE.
A Tragedy Of the Rocky Noun.
talns.

Hill, one of the most lofty of the Rocky
Mountain peaks, sat white man, al.
though be was dressed in the garb OF an
Indian. He appeared to be entirely
alone; and yet not far below him arose
the smoke of hundred lodges, and the
quarters OF body OF Comanche Indians
we're visible. The young man glanced
at them, and then he gazed away down
the valley OF the Sweetwa'er as far as
the eve could reach; bat only mountains
piled up beyond mountains, until they
became blended with the gray clouds,
met his gaze, save here and there love-
ly valley or a sparkling stream Long
did the young man gaze in silence; and
then speaking, he appeared to be utter
ing the Thoughts, rather than addressing
his words to an, one, although an Indian
girl had approached unseen and was now
standing near him. He said:
"Oh, what would no, give to see the
gay world again! But, no; here must
remain and burrow like volt, where
everything around is hateful! cannot
endure It, will not be kept . prisoner
herer .ra
He ceased spesking, for the young
girl had advanced and thrown herself
upon the ground before him. She had
clasped his knees and looked up into bis
eyes while her own had filed with tears.
She did not utter a sound. but there was
a thousand questions in the expression
of her face. The young man observed
this, and at frst he appeared little con
fused
Then he recovered his self.possession
and asked:
"Nemonie, did you hear my words 2
ayes, Albert" she replied And the
tears which had gathered in her eyes be.
gan to roll down her cheeks.
The feelings of the young man ap.
peared to be touched by this exhibition,
and pointing to the rising sun he said:
Mennonite, you cannot wonder that
am sad. Away of yonder where the
sun rises. was my home Father, moth.
er, brothers and sisters are there,and Tor
four years l have not seen them For
four years l have been here prisoner,
shut out from the great world; and but
for your smiles / believe I should have
died before this, for only with you can ]
content myself"
"Then you do love me, dear Albert p
whispered The young creature, as she
nestled closer to the side of the man she
worshipped.
"Yes, Mennonite; and If / could only
forget the past-.if memory conld be,
come blank--f might be happy here.
But l cannot forget; cannot cease to
contemplate the fact that am priso.
ner."
"No, dear Albert,you are not restrain.
ed in your liberty. am sure. that my
father, the old Chief, has been very kind
to you Has not your lodge been of the
very best, and your bed of soft furs p
Has he not gives you his only daughter,
Nemonie, for a wife? Has he not made
you one of his braves, and promised to
confer still further honors upon your"
o"I grant all this ;lbut let me attempt to
escape from the tribe, and what would
he the resuItf Why, my scalp would
grace the belt OF the first warrior who
should overtake me know this, and
so / cannot help feeling that am still {
prisoner" a4;ia
"And would you leave us if yor
couldr' -.-.1s 5 .4
Yes, for l."
The young man paused, for be hat
caught the expression of agony which
passed over the face of his wife III
tdrew her to his bosom and then contin
ued: 81 b Er &
II would go, Mennonite, but not with
out you If you were absent from m,
side should never be happy, for l should
miss your sweet, innocent face, you
kind words, and your caresses. NJ
other could ever ill your place, so her
l must live and here die"
| At that moment party Of some doz
en- Indians came up. They were heade'
by the Chief, Wontum, the father of Ne
monte. He seated himself upon tn
Iground, but the others remained stand
ling. That he had something importan
Ito say Albert we'll knew by bis manner
lalthough he remained silent several min
utes while he puffed away at his pipe.
At length be exclaimed,
$50 our son is resolved to remain Con
tent among Us ?"
YES" returned Albert, glancine to
ward bis wife.
"Good! Our cause shall be bis cause
"Yes.''
"Good! And our son would not re
main inactive when there is fighting t
be done?'
: NO." replied the young man with er
Ithusiasm. a"Give me something to &C
the blood coursing through my veins.- :
1t is becoming sluggish, staguant Lea
me into battle-I will follow, even int
the thfckest Of the fight! Place me from
ito frolt with the accursed Sioux, and
will show them what Comanche pale
face can do"
"But you are not to be led-you ar
to lead! From this moment YOU hecom
my first Chief, and feel that Won vii