Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1888-09-17

ed goods that had been taken on the
boat at the Mandsn village, II their trip
up the Missouri. Among his effects was
gay cnlored poncho that he had used
during his illness, which had been taken
on shore while the dead man was being
buried and through neglect was not des-
sroyed. During his burial Williams and
his friend left the steamer in which they
had been icurneying and which for the
first time had visited that remote spot
in the wilderness, and hurried on to the
Indian village in advance of their white
friends.
Towards evening, the approach OF the
steamboat having been noised abroad,
the whole population of the Indian vii.
lage congregated along the waters edge
to witness the arrival of the "big fire
canoe" of which they had heard dis
cription from the ones who had seen one,
The occurrence was 30 rare and extraor.
dinary that their anxiety and curiosity
were wrought up to the highest pitch.
After a short delay, Williams, who stood
amid the throng of chiefs, gave notice
that the steamer was in sight, and soon
the black smoke and white steam be-
came plainly visible as the boat ro unded
point and came plouehing its way up
the winding stream. 1t rapidly came
nearer and nearer, and all decided that
it was great mystery as they witnessed
its movements. AS it came opposite the
village the mass of natives were thrown
in the greatest confusion and consterns-
tion and rushed neck and heels over
each other-sase end ssehsm, old and
young all in q msss--in their fright at
the terrific noise made by the steam
whistle and escape pipes, which the
captain of the boat let loose for his own
afausement. Presently the boat landed
and moved 10 the shore, when Williams
led the chiefs down to the waters edge
and on board. They plainly demon
strated their wish to be on good terms
with the whites and cordial greetings
took place between them and the Black
feet, as they latter examined the wonder.
ful structure of the "big medicine
canoe"
Daring the excitement OF the meeging
and while the chiefs were being enter.-
tained on board shs boat, Williams OBJ
tanned secret interview with the head
chiefs daughter and arrangements were
made to take her with him down the
river, when the steamboat returned,
Iron-Horn secretly watched the lovers
during their stolen interview, end with
the patience characteristic of his race,
abided his time until the following
morning, when the steamer, having land
ed the medicine chest and baggage OF
Williams and his friend; took its depart
ture. The first duty OF the young Ken
tuckiaa and his partner, WAS to erect q
lodge and deposit their treasures, and
articles OF trade therein. Scarcely was
their duty concluded, when messenger
summoned the two white men to coun.
Gil of the chlefs. Williams and his friend
obeyed. though neither had any intima-
tion OF the cause of this requleition
They, however, followed in silence, and
we're led to an open place in front OF the
council lodge, where the chiefs were as
sembled in the open air, in the presence
OF their women and young men. A sim
gle glance satisfied Williams OF the
nature OF the subisct to be del;bs,s!ea
upon.
Iron-Horn was smoking his plbe with
the most stoic gravity, his form envelop
cd in rare and beautiful poncho; bns
there was smile OF malicious meaning,
as he rolled his eyes toward the spot
where the young chiefs daughter was
standing near her father. AS Williams
sat down, gravely forming one OF tho
circle of ohisfs, his companion. who took
his place close to his rear. leaned for
ward and whispered few sentences 10
bis ear. Williams looked hastily at Iron
Horn, examined him closely, and be-
coming convinced of the truth OF ais
friends remarks, he became deadly pale
and shudder came over him. Regain
ing his outward composure by strong
effort, the young American accepted the
calumet pipe profsred him and smoked
several whiffs. at q sign from the head
chief Iron Horn rose and in deep gutter.
al tones addressed the assembled war
riors 10 language too oircum locusory and
tgurative to be rendered into English
literally. He said:
"The pale face medicine man, who
came up on the big fire canoe, has pitch.
ed his lodge in the village by the Wig.
vans of the Blackfeet. He is young,
rich and great warrior among his peo-
pie, he wished to be friend to the
blackfeet who called him brother, bui
he had no squaw to cook his meas and
make his bed with soft skins and furs
Look around. .--.he young women OF the
tribe are many--they are fair--.let him
choose his squaw after Iron Horn has
taken the daughter of the great chief !"
AN emphatic grunt of appreciation
proceeded fsom the whole circle. Both
those who understood the secret motives
OF the willy sub-chief, congrstulatins
him upon his cunning. and those who
did not, but sincerely wished to see hin
adopted in the tribe:
Young Williams rose to reply to Iror
Horn, and addressing the assembled