The St. Johns herald., 1891-12-03
A MODERN POCAHONTAS.
How an Indian Maiden Saved a
 White Mans Life.
She Was Pierced by an Arrow Intended for Him but Recovered and Be- came His Wife-The Sor-
 rows of Her Old Age.


 
 me recent troubles between the na- tional government and the Sioux h. dians recall to the memory of core spondent of the Youths Companion a pathetic incident which occurred in that tribe sixty-five or seventy years ago, and which she believes has never been in print. She is not positive as to dates, but the events are actual, and can be vouched for. she says, by other persons now living, some of them children and grandchildren of the heroine of the story.
 About the date have given a Scotch man named Laidlaw, belonging to one of the great American fur companies, traded extensively with the northwest ern Indian tribes. On one of his eXpe- ditions his headquarters were for sev- eraI weeks among the Sioux. During that time few men of the tribe, for some fancied injury, or in consequence of some actual disagreement, became mortally offended with him, and deter mined to take his life. One man, a skillful archer, was to steal up to the tepee. and, while Laidlaw was busy with his accounts, send an arrow into his heart.
 An Indian maiden overheard the men discussing their diabolical scheme and determined to save the Scotchman's life. She crept quietly to the tepee, but just as she reached it, and before she could warn him, she saw the Indian at the opening of the tent with bow al- ready drawn.
 Quick as thought she threw herself before Laidlaw's breast, and the arrow went through one of her arms. The Indian fled, leaving the suffering girl to her fate. Laidlaw, surprised and shocked by the suddenness and horror of the affair, knew not what to do, but the girls fortitude and presence of mind did not forsake her.
 She told him to assist her in removing the arrow, which he did by cutting the stem in two and gently pulling it out. They then sought her parents, who applied their crude remedies to the wound.
 After the maidens recovery Laidlaw, in gratitude for her, heroisn, married her, and brought her to Clay county, Mo, where he died after about twenty three years.
 Mir. Laidlaw built an elegant house, with spacious and lovely grounds, and kept retinue of servants. His place was visited by sightseers and thronged with guests. He had, I think, eight children, whom he sent to the best academies for education. The daughters were fine looking, though showing in marked degree their h. dian blood. The mother told me that only the two sons had pretty blue eyes like their father.
 The mansion was provided abundant ly with comforts and luxuries, but while the children enjoyed them to the full Mrs. Laidlaw seemed to prefer solitude and simple food and clothes.
 For many years of her widowed life she lived with one of her daughters, a kind neighbor of mine. I often visited her, and she talked of her husband, her parents and her tribe with so much feeling that was often moved to tears. She told me that after she had been married sixteen years a Sioux chief passing through Missouri heard of her and came to see her, but she could not talk to him, for she had forgotten her native language.
 She said it broke her heart. There was so much she wanted to ask him about her people, whom she still loved so dearly, and so many messages she would have liked to send to old friends and kindred.
 In her last days, even when partially blind, she wandered every day through the woods, dejected and alone. Though she had kind friends and affectionate children she seemed to shun companion ship, and her stately figure, but little bent with age, coming slowly from the woods, was sight touching in the eX- treme.