The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-01-17
CHAPTER III.


 are always such people-tried to dis suade him.
 "She is halt Indian" said friend. "l wouldn't like that kind of wife"
 "I don't care if she were half ourang- outang and as beautiful as she is, could not help loving her; and, loving Der inn plies marriage. Half Indian, why d. it, man, Indian women love like other wo- men. Don't talk to me-"
 The marriage occurred two weeks from the time of the engagement. It was Miss Towards wish that they be quietly married in the afternoon and that they should go home in the evening. When evening came, they walked over to Hogroe's place. Hogroe was never be- fore so happy and his wife, beautiful and affectionate, seemed to be holding in her hands cup brimtul of happiness.
 Nov we are sitting by our own fire" she said. ct is like coming in out of a wild night, is it not, precious p
 "Yes. angel" kissing her. "Ah, to think that a night so far along-a night that should come to me in old age and be the happiest of my life."
 "Oh, don't speak of old age. You shall never be any older to me-"
 "You are of another world, Anton"
 "Oh, no, dear, not so much as you are"
 From under her cloak she produced a small rope. "Do you see this, my dear husband2"
 "Yes, what are you going to do with it p
 "You'd better ask what avas going to do with it. Had l not married you l should have hanged myself with it."
 He looked at her sweet face and saw an earnestness which he had never be- fore beheld. She approached the large rocking chair in which he was sitting, laughed in her joyful way and put her arms around his neck.
 "What are you doing, love2' he asked.
 She had wound the rope about him and was tying it.
 "l want to show you something. Wait just minute," drawing the rope tighter
 "You are frolicsome, precious"
 "Yes. We'll, you'll humor me, won't you2'
 "But you musn't draw the rope so. It cuts me. There, that will do, little kitten"
 She stepped in front of him, smiled, and then sat on stool near his feet.
 Let me tell you little story" she said.
 "Well, proceed"
 "l don't want anybody to hear it but you."
 "There is not soul on the place but you and l."
 She clasped her hands over her knees and, swayed to and fro, with her intense eyes fixed upon him. "Many years ago." she began, "ap old Indian legend says that there came handsome white man who fell in love with and married an Indian girl. He was as gentle as whisper at dawn; she, as tender as plant that comes up when the sun has set. How they loved each otherl Unto their loving hearts, little girl was born. How delighted they were when at even- ing they sat by the cabin fire. That little home was a paradise. One night a strange white man came and knocked at the door. He was admitted, and was given seat. He was wild, handbook ing man. After sitting for time, he arose, drew knife and plunged it into the heart of the loving husband and father. Then he sprang from the door, way and disappeared"
 The old mans face wore an expression of horror.
 Unite me, Anton"
 Are you ill, dear ?" arising.
 No, but want you to unite me-"
 "Wait. That Indian woman told the terrible story to her daughter-told it every evening when the fire glewed in murderous recollection"
 "Untie me, tell you"
 That Indian woman was my mother.n Great God 1" exclaimed the old man. "Yes, and you-you, damnable and accursed wretch-you, for whom the bowling hounds of hell are awaiting, are the man who murdered my father your brother. am your niece, my fathers avenger. Don't gasp, old breath of perdidon. An, it all comes home to you does itl"
 "Anton, unite me and let us have this marriage annulled."
 ." will annul it without untying you. My mother taught me this revenge. An, you groan. Be comforted; you won't groan much longer. Your wife died good woman-too good to