The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-01-08
An Indian Pythias.

Ephraim Webster Is said to have becu
the first white man, who sought perma.
nent residence in Onondaga county, and
passed most of his time among the red men
of his day. Force OF circumstances brought
him to Onondaga, and soon after he had
located there young brave of the Cayuga
nation one morning presented himself be-
fore the chiefs OF the Onondagas and NIr.
Webster, while sitting at the door Of the
council-housc. The young man said: 81
have come to dwell among you and your
people, II you will permit. have left
forever the home of my father and the
hearth of my mother. seek home with
you my name is Mantinoah, deny Inc
not"
'Mantinoah, you are welcome here"
said the aged chief ka.whick- -do-ta; "sit
down among us. Be our son. wo will be
to you father; you can hunt and fish
with our young men, and tread the war
path with the braves Of our nation you
Shall be honorcd as you deserve"
Nearly TWO years passed and Mantinoah
was apparently contented and happy. He
was the first in the chase most active in
the dance, and the loudcst III the song.
His ever-pleusant and oven manner won
for him the friendship of Webster, and
therefore 1t was that where ono was, there
was the other also. Webster was surprised
one bright morning by Mantinoah saying:
II must leave your peaceful valley soon
forever. 30 toward the setting sun;
nave VOW to perform. My nation and
my friends know Mantlnoah will be true.
My friend, desire you to go with me. !"
Webster consented, and preparation was
made for the Journey. They loft Onon-
daga valley together, and, after walk of
three or four days, taking their journey
ielsurcly, hunting and fishing by the way,
they arrived ut an emincncc near Nlauti-
noah's village.
''icre," said Manlinoah, set US rest
let us invoke the Great Spirit To grant us
strength to pass triumphantly through the
scenes Of this day. Here, said he. eve
Will eat, and here fol the last time will
smoke the pipe of peace and friendship to-
gcthcr."
After rcpast of broilcd venison and
bread, the pipe was passed from one to the
other Ill regular succession, and the silence
was broken by Mantinoah saying: "a
little more than TWO years have elapsed
since, In my native village near to u.s. in a
burst OF passion, slew my bosom friend
and chosen companion. The chiefs OF my
blood, and decrced must suffer death. 1t
was then sought your nation; 1t was then
l won your friendship The nearest of kin
to him l slew. according to our custom,
WAS to become my cXccutioncr. My OK
ccution was deferred two full years, dur
ing which time was condemned to banlsh.
ment from my nation. vowed to return.
The time of two iull years expires this day,
when the setting sun sinks behind the tor.
mast branch Of yondor tree. Beneath the
broad branches of this venerable oak,
where we now stand, at the foot of tins
ancient rock, against which we now lean,
stand prepared to receive my doom. My
friend, we have had many cheerful sport
toge ther; our joys have not been circum.
scriDed, our grlefs have been few; look
not so sad now, hut Let new joys arouse you
to happiness. When you return to the
Ononuagas beur Witness that MantinOall
died like true brave OF the Cayugas; that
he tremblcd not ut the approach Of death,
like the coward paleface, nor shed tears
like woman. My friend, take my belt,
my knife, my hunting pouch, my horn, and
rifle accept them US mcmentoes OF our
friendship; shall need them no longer
rev moments and the avengcr will be
here; the Groat Spirit calls; am ready
Mantinoah fears not to die; farewell"
AS soon as tho brave Indian had finished,
Webstur demonstrated with him, but in
vain he urged him 70 escape the conse-
quenccs. Il short silence cnsued, when a
yell was heard III the distance, TO which the
Cayuga responded A single Indian ap-
preached and took Mantinoah by The l.and.
lie, too, had been his friend, but tho law
! OF the savage could not bc broken.
Alter mutual salutatlons and expressions
or kindness, the nycnger addressed him {:
"Mantinoab, you have slain my brother ;
our laws declare nc avcngcr and your ex-
eculioner. Your time ID come; death is
at hand prepare to meet him. BE stead
fast, DC firm and may the Great Spirit
sustain you.
Upon this Mantinoah gracefully elevated
his manly form, carefully barred his broad
bosom, calmly laid his arm across his man :
ly breast; not muscle moved not a breath
was lcard. There he stood, ready for the
voluntary sacrilicc, immovuDlc us udamant.
Accompanied bya deafcning yell, the
bright tomahawk Of the avenger Klistcned
In TIC fading light; it's keen edge sank deep
into the brain OF hls victim. The thirsty
earth drank The eblood of Mantinouh,
and he sank, without grOan, u lifclcss
corpse before his friend. Instantly: as if
by magic, host of snvagos appeared the
mourntul song Of death rcechocd through
the forest; the gloomy dance OF the dead
moved in melancholy solemnity around tho
corpse OF the departed; the low, cultural
moan peculiar TO the savage murmurcd
through the trees, and MI Was still. They
silently surveyed the scene, when slowly
in groups, in pairs, and singly, the wit
ncsscs Of this thrilling scene retired.