The Red Cloud chief., 1884-04-18

the red men in that locality for more
than a score of years. He knew their
character too well TO Judge them other
wise than Alright, and he shook his head
solemnly as he saw the matter verging
toward a climax.
what are you taking so much trorl-
bic about that wigwam for. Carlos:?''
he asked Estalez one day, as he saw the
rude but comfortable structure near
completion.
ITO live in, Pedro" was the answer.
Wasn't the n you wintered in
good enough?"
NO; it was cold and uncomfor.a-
ble."
Are YOU going TO live in it ~alone?"
asked the Old man. turning his head, as
if ashamed of the question.
Can tell vet. But there goes the
Berry Hunter and | want t. see her"
And he dashed down to the waters
edge. hailed her as she was passing in
her canoe, Jumped in, and was padded
away toward one of the little islands
that lined the shore, flashing with their
dense foliage like emer:lds set in a
changing sheen of turquoise.
li|tC SpNS Il lllstlf w Il luius htt
tered the old trapper sOrrOwfuiiy. as he
took up his rifle.
Often had he intended TO warn Esta-
lez, but he was his superior, and. in
firm of purpose. he put off the evil day.
But the young man gave little heed to
the words he had spo en-. From the
moment he had seen the Indian girl all
other thoughts were banished from his
mind. With her light canoe dancing
over the waters, and dressed with far
more than ordinary brilliancy-with
scarlet flowers woven in the heavy
braids of her intensely black hair. with
her eyes lighted at the sight of him she
loved, and from whom she hoped so
much with a smile upon her face and
sweet words of welcome upon her red.
ripe lips. it would have been strange if
it had been otherwise.
The little island reached. they moored
their canoe, and wandering away from
the shore and completely out of sight as
well as hearing. seated themselves upon
the short and velvet like grass, mosaiced
by myr ads of tiny flowers.
"How beautiful you look TODAY"
said Carlos, as he took her hand within
his own.
as the daughter of the red man rs
fair in the eyes of the pale-face rs those
of his own people," asked the girl,
raising her eyes SO as 10 look him fully
in the face.
There are few as handsome rs YOU
are. know thousands that would give
all they have for your figure and eyes
and hair"
.'But they are Ike SHOW. and the
daughters of the Aburanians are AS
brown as the hillside when the Mani
tou of the Frost has brPathed upon it,
.'Pshawi YOU are the fairest OF all
your tribe. You know that l have often
told you of Pocahontas. doubt if she
was as white as you"
'And Vet was looked up to by the
pale-faceS??"
..Yes; went to England, married one,
and lived in such spleIdor as you never
dreamed Of
Never before had Estalez fully deter
mined upon his plan of action. Now
he had made up his mind to win her at
all hazards, and throwing his arms
around her waist he drew tcr to his
side. whispered burning words OF love.
and for the first time kissed her. And
thus they sat-she loving and dazzlrd
by the splcndor he promised should be
hers when he returned TO civilization,
and he forgetful OF all but the passion
OF the hour. With the declin NO sun
they returned TO the shore a promised
man and wife. though as Yet no time
had been fixed upon. That was a sweet
decision left for the future.
The old trapper. Pedro, saw them as
they Ian led-saw their rarting. 1t was
such an one As lovers have iniulged in
since Eden. and will until the end of
time. He saw the fender embrace,
could almost hear the kiss, and resolved
TO be reticent no longer.
Il want you IL tell me one thing.
Carlos he said. as they sat by their
bright campfire, smoking. after L late
supper.
well, Pedro. what is it?"
"Do You intend to marry that pretty
.berrv-hunter?:'"
Why: will it make any difference to
yo?"
Certainly not, but it will to you, if
| don't miss nv reckoning, and | am
NO. apt 10 no IL Wien there Is all inInT
of the present nature about the matter.
I've lived too long among the Indians
not to know them thoroughly"
We'll, / intend TO marry her."
..You had better not. She's Just as
dangerous and treacherous As n pois-
oncd serpent. if she is fooled with"
What makes YOU think so?"
'.Wl.at would make me think there
was a snake around if | saw her glide,
or a beaver if | saw her dam? 1 al
ways know what kind of an animal is
about the moment ] see the ta L.
"iou are much mistaken about her,
Pedro, she loves me 40 distraction
Very likely, now; but | reckon it
won't always be so. You don't expect
TO remain in these woods until you
die"'
NO, thank Heaven: another twelve
months will see me clear of them for
ever" |
..And what are YOU going to do with
the Berry Hunter when YOU leave?"
''What makes You ask such q ques-
tom
Ito know whether YOU are going to
take her TO your home when you leave
this locality
NO, / doa't intend to. Hundreds