Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1884-03-15
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
but though the beasts of game
The privilege of chase may claim;
Though space and law the stag we lend,
Ere hound we slip, or bow we bend;
Who ever rocked, where, or when
The prowling fox was trapped or slain.
Lady Of the Lake.
1t is unusual to find an encamp-
ment of the natives like those of the
more instructed whites, guarded by
the presence of armed men.
When Duncan and David, there
fore, found themselves in the centre
of the children, who played the antics
already mentioned, it was without
the least previous intlmation of their
approach.
David, in some measure familiar
lied to the scene, led the way with a
steadlness that no slight obstacle was
likely to disconcert. Duncan found
it difficult to assume the necessary
appearance ofunconcern, as he brush
ed the powerful frames of the savages;
but, conscious that his existence de-
pended on his presence of mind, he
trusted to the discretion of his COM
panion. His blood curdIed when he
found himself in contact with such
implacable enemies; but he so far
mastered his feelings as to pursue
his way into the centre of the lodge,
with an exterior that did not betray
weakness. Initiating the example of
the deliberate Gamut, he drew a bun
die of fragrant brush from beneath
pile that filled q corner of the hut,
and seated himself in silence.
So soon as their visitor had passed,
the observant warriors fell back from
the entrance and arranging themselves
about him, they seemed patiently to
await the moment when it might
comport with the dignity of the
stranger to speak.
A tlarlng torch was burning IN the
place, and set its red glare from face
to face and figure to figure, as it
waved in the currents of air.
At length one whose hair was be-
ginning to be sprinkled with gray,
but whose sinewy limbs and firm
tread announced that he was equal
to the duties hf manhood, advanced
and spoke. He used the language OF
the Wyandots, or Hurons; his words
were, however, unintelligible, to Hey
ward. The latter shook his head,
and made gesture ofhis inability to
to reply.
"Do none Of my brothers speak the
French Or the English ?" he said in
the former language"
Though more than one had turned,
as if to catch the meaning of his
words, they remained unanswered.
81 should be grieved to think"
continued Duncan; ''to believe that
none of this wise and brave nation
understood the language that the
Grand Monarque' uses when he talks
to his children. His heart would be
heavy did he believe his red warriors
paid him so little respect"
A long pause succeeded, during
which ne movement of q limb, nor
expression Of an eye, betrayed the
impression produced by this remark.
"When our Great Father speaks to
his people, is it with the tongue of
q Huron ?" asked the chief
"He knows no difference in his
children, whether the color of the
skin be red Or black Or white," re-
turned Duncan; "though chiefly is
he satisfied with the brave Hurons."
SIN what manner will he speak,"
demanded the chief, "when the run
ners count ON him the scalps which
five nights ago grew on the heads Of
the Yengeese?"
"They were his enemies" said Dun
can 'and, doubtless, he will say, it
is good-my Hurons are very gal
lant."
"Our Canada father does not think
it. Instead of looking forward to re-
ward his Indians, his eyes are turned
backward. He sees the dead YEN
geese, but no Huron. What can this
mean ?"
ga great chief like him has more
thoughts than tongues. He looks to
see that no enemies are on his trail"
"The canoe of the dead warrior
will not float on the Horican,. re-
turned the savage gloomily. "Hls
[Conhnaed on fourth pagal.~