Evening journal., 1891-05-26
THE FOILED MASSACRE.

a few weather beaten and wind pierced
adobe structures, with two substantial log
barracks, comprised a western frontier
post facetiously termed fort, erected by our
sturdy regular troops some years since, up
in the wilds OF bleak and dreary Dakota
in order to keep watchful eye on the willy
Sioux, who were at that time creating sad
havoc among the poor settlers and their
stock. One troop OF the fighting til
and three companies of the --th infantry
were stationed here. During midwinter
old Boreas with his festive aud coquettish
airs-the bleak and gentle zephyrs common
to this territory-usually managed to keep
the boys well housed.
A young sprig of lieutenant, graduated
from West Point and assigned to one OF
the infantry companies, had lately Joined
the command. Not yet twenty, he was as
handsome as an Apollo, of perfect phy
sque, bubbling over with good nature,
combined with CHEEKY and sprightly dis
position. As none of the prim require
ments of civilization had penetrated so far
west, the rank and file assimilated more
as one, and soon the handsome, golden
haired subaltern became an acknow lodged
favorite, both with the command and
among the Indians
Previous to the advent of our fine look
one of the head chiefs OF the tribe, had en-.
gagged all our attention. She was the pet
and favorite of the post, and had free access
at all times to it's most sacred precincts;
beautiful child Of the forest, and as our
chief of scouts, Yellowstone Jack, used to
say, with jest enuf Anglo-Saxon mixed
with the copper tint to make her a darna-
tion purity color" Jack claimed her
mother to be a beautiful white woman
captured by the Sioux, and who died at the
birth Of Silver Dove. Be that as it may,
this primitive child of nature was indeed
pretty, combined with that coy and lovable
disposition known to the gentle and COO
ing dove, after which she received her
name.
Lieutenant Tom and Silver Dove became
fast friends, were frequently seen together,
would take long strolls into the surround
ing forest, she tripping lightly beside the
tall, handsome youngster, often clinging
like the woodbine to him, ever and anon
raising her limpid, dovelike eyes to his,
that plainly showed the affection so often
noticed in the look of some pet animal for
its master. Tom would then chuck her
| playfully under the chin, and with a merry,
ringing laughter both disappear in the
wood.
Silver Dove was deeply in love with our
handsome Tom, although she may have
been innocent Of its meaning then; and he
/ paid her too much attention altogether but
then what could be expected thousand
miles away from civilization? So we all
concluded that he meant just harmless
Irritation to break the monotony of exist
ence up here in this sterile and forlorn
country. Yellowstone Jack said ''IIe was
stuck as fast in love to the gal as a fly in
'lasses" But when questioned in regard
to his actions Tom would reply that the
| Indian maiden and himself could attend to
their own affairs without any outside as
sistance
About this time the Indians commenced
hostilities again. We had captured some
Of the most noted chiefs, and held them
| prisoners in the guard house awaiting fur.
ther events A sun dance was to take
place near the reservation among the
friendly tribes, and a number of us de
cided to witness it, After obtaining the
necessary leave, arms and horses we start
ed for the camp, Tom with the party This
dance is celebrated late in autumn, when
all the young bucks who have arrived at
majority are initiated as warriors.
Arriving at the camp we found a huge
fire burning brightly. After being escort.
ed to seats we sat down to view the cere-
mony. a tall pole had been erected, and
TO the top were fastened a number of lariats
Seated in a large circle about the pole were
the chiefs and warriors Presently the
music struck up, the weird beating on
sheepskin covered drums, accompanied by
the mournful war song. An old chiey
harangued the crowd, then a candidate for
honors bounded into the circle, large
hunting knife in his hand that glistened
wickedly in the firelight, then another and
another, until the ring was crowded with
half nude dancing demons.
At a word from the chief. who appeared
TO be the master Of ceremonies, they AZ
ceased their weird movements, and, gath.
ering the flesh up in thick fold, forced
the keen blade through the tough muscles
Of the left breast, then served the right
breast likewise, and picking up the end Of
a lariat fastened 1t securely to the loops o
bleeding, quivering flesh; then, tossing tn,
arms backward, commenced TO pull and
dance about the circle, reminding one o
the MaypOle festivities Of I'VE merrie Brit
on" They continued to pull, jump ant
haul, till finally the loops Of flesh were
torn asunder, and they dropped to the eartl
exhausted, having become full fledged war
riors ready to endure any torture, hard
ships or exposure. Those who failed t,
tear the bloody loop apart were calleC
squaw men, and must wait another yea
before they can join the fighting ranks.
'Iis sickening spectacle, however, anf
we turned in disgust to depart, when be
hold, a short distance from us were Ton
and Silver Dove, she crying as If her hear
would break, kneeling in suppliant atti
tude at his feet, seemingly entreating hin
to promise something. The youngster spie,
us and quickly joined the party, and to
gether we took our departure, not failing
to note, however that many scowling Wis
ages were turned in our direction as vi
} departed.
, The young officer kept very quiet for
time, but such a hilarious nature as hi
! could not remain silent long, and he final,
broke forth.
"For the life Of me can't make on
what ails Silver Dove. believe she's gon
wrong in her head. She wanted me q
promise her 10 leave here for another pos
; before the next moon. When | inquiries
the reason, could get no answer-nothinl
but tears-and her beseeching me in prayer
ful attitude 70 promise an early departure
Not much love expressed for me by sue
J actions, should say"
. THAT are jest the reason, pard!n eS