Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-05-01
TnE ConLSCHE RRIbE.

upon the edSteIu SlOpS vi l@SiO hAAi'
one of the most lofty of the Rocky
Mountain peaks, sat white man, al.
though he was dressed in the garb OF
an Indian. He appeared to be entirely
alone. And yet not far below him arose
the smoke of a hundred lodges, and the
quarters Of a body of Comanche Indians
were visible. The young man glanced
at them, aud then he gazed away down
the valley of the Sweetwater as Tar as
the eye could reach. But only noun
tains piled up beyond mountains, until
they became blended with the grey
clouds, met his gaze, save here and
there lovely valley or a sparkling
stream. Long did the young man gaze
in silence; and then speaking, he ap-
peared to be uttering his thoughts,
rather than addressing his words to any
person, although an Indian girl had APP
preached unseen, and was now stand
ing near him. He said.
"Oh. what would | not give to see
the gay world again. But, no! here
must l remain and burrow like whole,
where everything around is hateful!
can not endure it. / will not be kept a
prisoner here!
He ceased speaking. for the young
Girl had advanced and thrown herself
upon the ground before him. She had
clasped his knees and locked up into
hi, eyes. while her own had filled with
tears. She did not utter a sound, but
there were q thousand questions in the
EXPRESSION other face. The young man
observed this, and at first he appeared
little confused.
Then he recovered his self-possession,
and asked, Mennonite, did you hear my
words:'
Yes, Albert she replied And the
tears which had gathered in her eyes
began to roll down her cheeks.
The feelings Of the young man ap
neared to be touched by this exhibition
and, pointing to the rising sum- be sad:
Mennonite, you can not wonder that
am sad. Away of yender where the
sun rises, was my home. Father'moth'
or brothers and sisters are there, and
for four years have not seen them.
For four years have been here pris-
ouer. shut out from the great world; and
but for YOU. smiles believe | should
have died before this. for only when
with YOU can for moment content
myself
Then YOU 90 love me, dear Albert
whispered the young creature, as she
nestled closer to the side Of the man
she worshiped.
Yes, Mennonite; and if could only
forget the past-ifmemory could be-
come a blank might be happy here.
But can not forget; can not cease to
contemplate the fact tliat l am prls-
oner.'
No. dear Albert, you are not re-
strained in your liberty. | am sure that
NV 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? Has he not gwen you his only
daughter, Mennonite, for witeT Has he
not made you one of his braves. and
promised to confer still further honor
upon YOU?
! grant all this. But Let me attempt
to escape from the tnbe' and what
would be result? Why, my scalp would
grace the belt of the first warrior who
should oyertake ME. know this. and
so | can not help feeling that am still
prisoner
And would you leave us it yen
,ould:'
Yes, for i
The young man paused. for he had
caught the expression of agony which
passed over the face OF his wife. He
drew her to his bosom, and then contlnu'
ed:
4 would 60, Mennonite, but not With
out YOU. Ifyou were absent from my
side. should never be happy, Tor
should miss your sweet, innocent face
YOUR kind words, and your caresses. Nc
other could ever fill your place. so here
| must live and mere die
Al that moment party OF some doz'
en- Indians came up. They were headed
,, bv the Chief. Wontum, the father o
Mennonite. He seated himself upon the
ground but the others renamed stand
ing. That he had something importan
to say. Albert we'll knew by his man
ner. although he remained silent sever
al minutes while he pufi'ed away at hi'
pipe.
: At length he exclaimed:
so our son is resolved to remain con
tent among us?'
Yes returned Albert, glancins 10
ward his wife.
Good. Our cause shall be his cause'
Yes
4 Good! And our son would not re-
main inactive when there is hShtIn!
to be done9'
No, replied the young man with Gu
thusasIn. Give me something TO 50
the blood courslug through my VEINS. 1
is becoming sluggish, staSnant' lea'
me into battle-I will follow, even int'
the tAickest Of the fight! Place m'
front to front with the accursed Sioux
I and | will show them what Comanch'