Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1883-01-05

NO sooner Q1d Joe clearly UNDERSTAND
how matters stood than be ran away
from the crowd. nobody paying any at
tention TO what he did. Half an houl
later. somebody cried out: "Lool
there! Who's thst. and what's be go
ing to do?' pointing up the stream
Looking in that d'rccbion. the people
saw some one three quarters of a mile
away standing on = floating field o
ice in the river. He had q large farm
basket strapped upon his shoulders
while in his hands he held . plank.
As the ice-fied upon which he stoot
neared another. the youth ran forward
threw his plank down. making bridgs
of it, and crossed to the farther fell
Then picking up his plank. he waited
for chance 10 repeat the process
As be thus drifted down the river
every eye was strained in his direction
Presently some one cried out: .It'
Joe Lambert; and he's trying to eros
to the island"
There was shout as the people un
derstood the nature of Joe's heroic At
tempt. and then hush as its extreme
danger became apparent.
Joe had laid his Plans wisely and well
but it seemed impossible ihas lie should
succeed. His purpose was. with the aid
of the plank to cross from one ice-field
to another until he should reach the
island; but as that would require good
deal Of time. and the ice was moving
down stream pretty rapidly. it was nee.
essary to start at point above the
town. Joe had gone about mile mp
tho river before going on the ice, and
when first seen from the town he had
already reached the channel
After that first shout whisper might
have been heard in the crowd on the
bank. The heroism OF the poor boy s
attempt awel the spe etafors. and the
momcntary expectation that he would
disappear forever amid the crushing
made them hold their breath
in xiety and terror.
HIS greatest danger was from the
smaller cakes Of lee. When it became
necessary for him to step upon one of
these. his weight was su iic'cnt 10 make
It tilt, and his footing was very inse-
cure After awhile as he was nearing
The island. he came into q large coliec-
lion OF these smaller ice-eakes. For
awhile he waited. hoping that q larger
lield would drift near HIM; but after q
delay he saw that he was rap
dly floating past the island. and that
hs must either trust himself to the
lreachcrous broken ice. or fail in his at
tempt to save the woman and child.
Choosing the best OF the foes. he laid
his plank and passed across successful
y. In the next passage. however. the
,akc tilted up, and Joe Lambert went
Town into the water! A shudder passed
through the crowd on shore.
Poor felloww exclaimed some ten
ier.hearied spectator; lit is al over
With him now"
"No; look, look!' shouted another.
= He's trying to climb upon the icc.
he's on his feet again!'' With
hat the whole company Of spectators
shouted for joy.
Joe had managed to regain his plank
IS well as TO climb upon 4 cake Of ice
before the fields around could crush
lin. and now moving cautiously. he
made his way little by little toward the
sland.
s'Hurrnh! Hurrah! he's there at
asir' shouted the people on the sho~e.
% But will he get back againr was
he question each one asked himself
later.
Having reached the island. Joe very
veil knew that the moro difficult part
Il his task was still before him. for it
vas one thing for an active boy to work
lis way over floating ice. aud quite ait
'ther TO irry child and lead a woman
lpon = similar journey.
Hut Joe Lambert was quick-witfcd
md ''long- headed" as well rs brave,
md he meant to do all that he could 10
ave these poor creatures for whom he
lad risked his life 80 heroically. TAX
ny out his knife he m lde the woman
nut her skirts OF ut the knees, so that
he might walk and leap more freely.
Then placing the baby In the basket
vhich was strapped upon his back. he
autioued the woman ag inst 81 ing way
0 fright. and instructed her carefully
bout the method Of crossing.
On the return journey Joe was able
0 avoid one great risk As II was not
necessary to land at any particular
'oint, time was OF little conseuuence.
nd hence whom no large field Of ice
ras at hand. he could wal. for one 10
pproach without attempting 20 make
10 Of the smaller ones. Leading the
roman wherever that was necessary, he
lowIy made his way toward shore.
rifting down the river. ofcourse. while
u the people Of the town marched along
ho bank.
When 1t last Joe lcapcd ashore In
ompany with the woman. and bearing
or babe in the basket or his back, the
cople seemed ready 10 trampIe upon
ach other in their eagcrncss TO shake
ands with their hero.
Their hcro was barely able 10 stand,
owcyer. Drenched as he had been in
he Icy water, the sharp March wind
nd chilled him 10 TO the marrow. and
ne Of the village doctors speedily lifted
i'm into his carriage. which he had
rought for that purpose. and drove |
apidly away. while the other physician |
'ok charge Of Mrs. Martin and the |
aby.
Joe was strong. healthy fellow, and |
nder the doctors treatment Of hot |
randy and vigorous rubbing with /
parse towels. he soon warmed. Then |
e wanted TO saw enough wood for the |
oclor TO pay for his treatment and |
lereupon the doctor threatened 10 |
olson i'm Il he should ever venture TO |
'ention pay 10 him again
Naturally enough the village people |
aikcd of nothing but Joe Inn1berf's /