Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1890-06-26

UIlc RTOuuU. uc woman, m0aO-
while had been plucking branches OF
evergreen bringing them in armfuls
and throwing them beside-"the
grave" thought. And now, with
the utmost care and patience, the
whole cavity was lined with these
sprigs of evergreen held in place by
twiggs thrust into the backs ON either
side.
This done, the man sprang out.
The two surveyed their work for n
moment, and then, after gazing once
more, as if in anxiety, over the route
by which they had come, they APP
preached the wagon. Having rolled
up the canvas on one side. they lifted
out a small mattress, depositing it
upon blanket which they had spread
upon the ground.
This mattress was not without it's
burden. The beams of the full moon
enabled me to see there slight form
that OF little girl who had scarce
ly lived out three years. The pretty
white hands were folded over the
breast. Long golden curls fell on
either side upon the pillow.
The tace, which could see with as
tonishing clearness, was wonderfully
beautiful in it's aspect of innocence
and bore lifelike smile, as if in an
swer to the radiant queen of the sky,
who seemed to be smiling, too, as
she looked steadfastly down upon
the living and the dead.
The mother forwith proceeded to
arrange the spreads upon the child,
tucking them and smoothing them
down as if she were only putting her
it tie one to bed, although while l
heard no sob, nor any expression OF
grief, could see that her breast was
heaving with sorrow and her face
was visited by tears.
The two now knelt on either side,
kissing their darling many times,
and weeping over her, though trying
apparently to comfort one another
in their wretohedness. if perchanCe
there might come in their hearts
calm like that with which the moon
was still sending down her beams to
illumine the fearful scene.
Then, laying hold OF the blanket,
they carried their darling to the
grave, and by the aid of the bride
reins let the precious burden down
into the place which they had so care.
fully prepared. Green boughs were
scattered over her until they cover
ed the beautiful form many inches
deep, and then the clods were gently
replaced, and u little mound was
heaped, and the child, transferred
from her mothers bosom, was Sleep
ing at last in the bosom of that
greater mother-Earth. The two
sad mourners knelt again beside the
grave and seemed to he engaged in
prayer, lifting their faces now and
then to the sky, as if in it's intimate
clear depths they saw the future
hopes.
All this-though still thought it
unreal-had awakened in me the keen
est interest and sympathy. But my
attention was now suddenly diverted
to line of figures in the distance,
somewhat beyond the spot where
had seen the wagon where | first
awoke. These were horsemen. who
came sweewing on at a rapid pace, as
if engaged in eager pursuit. From
the manner in which they rode
knew they were Indians.
All! saw it all now, and under.
stood why these special visitors had
SO often looked back SO apprehensive-
~ in the direction from which they
had approached. These pilgrims
across the plains had seen signs of
savages, and had used the night to
push on beyond their reach, if haply
they might bury their dead in peace
and find safety for themselves. But
the foe had discovered their rail and
followed them bent on massacre.
! laid my hand instinctively on my
rifle under the edge of my blanket,
that might join in the defense, and
was about to cry out in warning of
the danger l saw approaching, but
INSTANTLY bethought myself that this
was unreality, a mere vision, calling
Tor no practical action, and l might
better let these shadows work out
their tragedy to the end. l again
restrained the dog, who seemed agi-
tated, whether because he saw what
was seeing or out Ofsympathy with
my emotion-I know not which.
The two at the grave seemed uncon-
scious of the threaten danger until
their enemies were within a hundred
yards, when the man sprang up and
lifted the woman also to her feet,
They turned toward the wagon, as if
togain it's shelter and secure weapons
fny <0 la
flashes OF fire and also fight of ar
rows, still without n sound, however,
to break the calm of the night.
Both the man and woman stag
gered rs if wounded. They stopped
and turned face to face, throwing
their arms about each other, as if re-
alizing that this was their last emf
brace. Another volley, and still cling
ing to each other in the agony of
denth thew foil fcrather unOn tho