Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1885-07-10
much that she could do to aid the poor

Portable as they might have done, even
with The little they possessed. She
had many pleasures too, for she rode
on horseback with her husband, taking
long jannts over the rough country.
and at sunset they often went out in the
canoes, padded by the Indians. It
was very pleasant to sit upon the soft
skins IN the bottom Of the canoes, and
be padded rapidly over the waters OF
the lake, which cleaned all crimson and
gold, with the reflected glory and the
setting sun.
A year passed sway like dream, and
the time drew near when Robert must
60 to Washington, to make his report
to the Kitche Ogamar," or great faith
er, as the Indians called the President.
He waited until some Of the traders
had arrived in the place, and then babe
good bye to lis little wife, who tried to
be brave and not cry when he went
away.
1T was for only month, and there
was Albert Davis. his friend. who
would watch over her in his absence"
Albert Davis was shrewd trader,
but good hearted, and a faithful friend.
Robert felt that his wife would be as
safe under his care as if he were him
self by her side. The parting came and
passed. How very lonely the house
was without Robert.
Albert Davis slept every night, wrap
ped in his blanket, on the kitchen floor
but still Katy would wake sometimes in
the night with start Of terror. One
night she awoke thus and listened.
What did she hear? Some one WAS
breathing in the. room, she was quite
sure. She lay, holding her breath,
not daring to move or scream.
At last she could endure it no
longer, so she gave one spring from the
bed towards the bureau, and lit q match.
Nothing to be seen; but she felt sure
that IN Indian was skulking behind the
foot board. She knew we'll that the
way to manage an Indian was to show
no fear, but to face him boldly. She lit
candle and looked about. Still no
one to be seen. Then she listened again,
and heard the breathing distinctly.
Now it sounded towards the window.
BY this time her fears were somewhat
allayed, so she stepped quickly up to
the window, and there beneath it lay
large dog that belonged to the Indian
Buffalo. He was in the habit OF CON-
ing to the house, as Katy sometimes
took pity on the poor, starved creature
and fed him. 1t was his breathing that
had sounded 80 near to her in the still
ness of the night. Katy went to bel
without disturbing Albert Davis, but
she had been so frightened that she
could not sleep soundly all night.
Upon the next day Katy saw q
strange and alarming sight. Several
Indians passed the house, in war paint.
and she waited anxiously for Albert
Davis to come in and explain to her
what was going on. He came soon,
knowing that she would be startled.
"Oh, Albert" said Katy, looking as
pale as ii she had never had any bright,
pretty color in her cheeks, what has
happened?"
"Well," said Albert, "there has an
other tribe of Indians squatted not q
dozen miles from here, and our folks
are tearing mad about it. They've got
on their war paint, and they're having
dance down yonder. lfyou 60 to the
door, you can hear them yell like q
pack of wolves"
"Oh, Robert, Robert! If you were
only here" moaned Katy.
II wish he was here" said Albert.
Hes got some influence with EN-, and
if something don't turn 'em therell be
bloodshed; but never Won fear, Katy.
They haven't any thought Of harming
us, and if our folks get the best of it in
the fight, we're safe enough"
''But if tho strange Indians beat ours
and come down here to burn their
wigwams ?" said Katy, with trembling
voice
''There is my rifle" replied Albert.
land John Fletcher and jim Cook are
good shots. I fancy we three could
scatter score of them rascally red
devils.
The Indians fled off into the woods.
Albert, with the other two traders, kept
watch over the little house all day. At
night, wild whoops were heard in the
forest. The Indians were coming back
to their wigwams victorious, and bear
ing six scalps in triumph.
ut is all right" said Albert, coming
into the little house. "Our folks have
driven the strange Indians out Of their
hunting grounds, and have brought
home six scalps."
Horrible" exclaimed Katy.
"You had better stiffen your nerves,
madame, for they intend to bring them
here, and in the absence of the Ogamar,
you are expected to do honor to the
brave Warriors"
"Oh, [ can't, can't!" said poor Katy.
II should faint at the sight"
"You must control YOURSELF" said
Albert earnestly. eve had better keep
on the right side of these savages just
now, while they are excited. Find
some ribbons or some bright rags, and
decorate the scalps. That is all that
will be necessary.
Katy pressed her lips hard together,
and went to do as he bade her. IN a
few minutes, the Indians were at the
door. Six poles were carried by six Of
| the braves, and the scalps were dam
Cling upon the ends of the poles. Katy
opened the door, and they bowed low
before her, presenting the scalps fo1
her inspection. She felt faint at the
sight of the bloody trophies, but ne1 we'd
herself to what she knew she must.
She brought out some bright red rib
bons and tied one upon each of the war
locks of the scalps. She then present
ed each warrior with plug of tobacco.
Albert had given her the tobacco for
them. It was an article much in demand
among the Indians, and he had stock
Of it to exchange for skins.
The Indians were highly delighted
| with her behavior. and each receivel