Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1884-04-05
THE LAST OF THE MoHlClNS.
CONTINUED from first page. ]

IIUill IuSC.l
utes they mistook the form of David
for that of their prisoner but the very
accident which Hawk-eye had foreseen
occurred. Tired of keeping the ex-
tremities Of his long person so near
together, the singer gradually suffered
the lower limbs to extend themselves,
until one of his misshapen feet came in
contact with and showed aside the en-
bers of the fire. At first the Hurons
believed the Delaware had been thus
deformed by witchcraft. But when
David, unconscious of being observed,
turned his head, and exposed his SIM
pie countenance, it would have exceed
ed the credulity of even a native to
have doubted any longer. Then arose
the cry first heard by the fugitives. 1t
was succeeded by the most frantic and
angry demonstrations Of vengeance.
David was compelled to believe that
his own final hour had come. Depriv-
ed of his book and pipe, he was fain to
trust to memory that rarely failed
him on such subjects and breaking
forth in loud strain, he endeavored
to smooth his passage into the other
world, by singing the opening verse of
funeral anthem. The Indians were
reasonably reminded of his infrmity.
and they aroused the village in the
manner described.
A native warrior fights as he sleeps,
without the protection of anything de-
fensive. The sounds of the ALARM
were, therefore, hardly uttered, before
two hundred men were afoot, and
ready for the battle or chase, as either
might be required. The escape was
soon known and the whole tribe
crowded around the council lodge, lm
patiently awaiting the instruction OF
their chiefs. In such a sudden de-
mand on their wisdom, the presence of
the cunning Magua could scarcely fail
of being needed. Messengers were
then dispatched to his lodge, requiring
his presence.
In the meantime, some of the swift
est and most discreet of the young
men we're ordered to make the circuit
of the clearing, under cover of the
woods, in order 20 ascertain that their
suspected neighbors, the Delawares,
designed no mischief.
The clamor of many voices soon an
nounced that party approached who
might communicate some intelligence
that would explain the mystery Of the
novel surprise. Several warriors en-
tered the place, bringing with them the
hapless conjurer, who had been left Sc
long by the scout in duress.
Notwithstanding this man was held
in very unequal estimation among the
Hurons, he was now listened to by all
with the deepest attention. When his
brief story was ended, the father Of
the sick woman stepped forth, and, in
a few pithy expressions, related, in his
turn, what he knew. These two mar
ratives gave a proper direction to tn.
subsequent inquiries, which We're no
made with the characteristic cunnin:
of savages.
Instead of rushing in a confused
and disorderly throng to the cavern
ten of the wisest and frmest amonp
the chiefs were selected to prosecute
the investigation. On reaching the
entrance, the younger men in advanc.
made way for their seniors; and the
whole proceeded along the dark gal
lery, with the 6rmness of warriors
ready to devote themselves to the pub
lie good, though, at the same time
secretly doubling the nature of the pow
err with which they We're about to con
tend.
The outer apartment of the cavern
was silent and. gloomy. The woman
lay in her usual place and posture,
though there were those present who
affirmed that they had seen her borne
to the woods, by the supposed "medi
cine of the white man. Such a pal
pable contradiction of the tale relate.
by the father, caused all eyes to b.,
turned on him. Chafed by the silen,
imputation, the chief advanced to thu,
side of the bed, and stopping, cast al
incredulous look at the features. His
daughter was dead.
The unerring feeling of nature for a
moment prevailed, and the old warrior
hid his eyes in sorrow. Then he faced
his companions, and pointing towards
the corpse, said, in the language of
his people
''The wife of my young man has left
us the Great Spirit is angry with his
children"
The mournful intelligence was re-
ceived in solemn silence. After a
short pause, one of the elder Indians
was about to speak when dark-look-
ing object was seen rolling out of an
adjoining apartment, into the very
centre of the room where they stood.
Ignorant of the nature of the beinps