Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1889-09-26


pine woods, and tho food that followed tore
the fallen trees from tho bank and bore
them down the wild stream.
Gustave Stein, the lamo boy, lived on
Gull Island with his sister Almeda. Gull
Island was just below the rapids, n narrow
strip Of land containing few acres that
Mr.. Stein cultivated, and when he died left
as a legacy TO his children.
Gustave was away at neighbor's house
when the storm came, and his anxiety for
Almeda was pitiful. The road from the
house where he was stopping 10 tho river
opposite Gull Island was Allied with trees,
and tho wind continued 10 blow even after
tho worst was over.
81 will keep you company, oustave,n said
the farmer, "or perhaps you had better re
main here while 60 and ascertain II any
thing has happened to Almeda. The wind
could do no damage on the island, but The
riveri Is rising, and 1t may be well enough
for your sister TO seek the main land tll
after the flood subsidies"
"I can not remain here" declared Gus
tave. 81 can mGnage some way to get to the
river, and Rob will lead the way"
The boy patted the head OF his dog, stout
shepherd, which stood near regarding his
young master with intelligent eyes.
every well, then,n said Mr.. Frost; "bui
I'm afraid you'll find II q tedious road with
your lameness.n
Il was about three miles 20 the river, nnd
Il required nearly three hours time for boy
and man TO gain the bank, so many trees
obstructed tho way. Rob, however, went
on in advance, instructed by his master &C
90 seek Almcda.
Long before the twain reached tho river
the distant bark Of n dog was borne &c
their ears. Az times this became a howl,
and but added TO the daring OF Gustavc.
The kind farmer lifted the lame boy over
fallen trees, and In other ways assisted him
forward, although be had urged him tc
leave him and push forward alone.
II can not do thati" declared Mr. Frost
'You are under my protection now, my
boy, and shall SEQ that you get through
this tanglo ia safety"
The howls Of the dog grew louder as the
man sad boy reached tho vicinity Of the
river.
"Ahl seein exclaimed Gustnve, as he
caught sight OF the foamrng water In the
distance; "the river is overfiowing its
banks the island is gonei'
"No, no, my lad; let us hope it's not sc
bad as that
Pushing on with nervous haste, Mr.. Eros,
reached the river some rods in advance OF
Gustave. The dog was nowhere 10 be seen.
while the roar OF mad waters drowned al
other sounds
But narrow strip OF the river bank was
above the water, and the island was indeed
Inundated.
Mr.. Frost strained his eyes, but could SET
nothing Of the humble cot that had so lately
been occupied by the brother and sister. II
had indeed been swept away.
Gustave, limping 10 the side OF Mr.. Frost
uttered n moaning cry and sank 10 the
ground, covering his face with his hands.
"Almedal my poor Almeda" he groaned
A hand plucked at the sleeve Of the boy
and Mr.. Frost said, cheerily;
"Don't give way like this, Gustave. Tn,
girl may have escaped before the food"
''No, no. She could not took the onl,
boat She is drownedl drownedl" waileC
the lone lad.
"Hushl Listeni There's the dog again,
declared Frost.
Sure enough, Rob's bark rang family
over the water. and then the two on thu
shore saw the animals head peer Up from
between the trunks OF trees that had beer
| swept down by the mighty flood, aud now
formed part OF a large jam at the head oi
| Gull Island. Around and through thes'
i fallen mounds Of the wood the watei
/ rlble 70 contemplate.
Below this jam part OF the island wa
visible. Evidently the house had beer