Los Angeles herald., 1891-08-01
THE FOILED MASSACRE.

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 --th
and three companies of the -th infantry
were stationed here. During midwinter
old Boreas, with his festive and coquettish
airs-the bleak and gentle zephyrs common
to this territory managed to keep
the boys we'll housed.
n 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 rs an Apollo, of perfect ply
sique, 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 moro
as one, and soon the handsome, golden
haired subaltern became an acknowl lodged
favorite, both with the command and
among the Indians.
Previous to the advent of our fine look
ing young officer, Silver Dove, daughter OF
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 its most sacred precincts; a
beautiful child of the forest, and as our
chief of scouts, Yellowstone Jack, used to
say, with jest enuf Anglo-Saxon mixed
with the cooper tint to make her darna-
tion purity color" Jack claimed her
mother to be beautiful white woman
capture 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 hey
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 hava
been innocent of it's 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, "He was
stuck as fast in love to the gal as a fly in
1asses." 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
ststance.
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 huge
Are 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 large circle about the pole were
the chiefs and warriors. Presently the
musfc struck up, the weird beating on
sheepskin covered drums, accompanied by
the mournful war. song. An old chief
hRrangued the crowd, then a candidate for
honors bounded into the circle, large
hunting knife in his hand that glistened
wickedly In the freight, then another and
another, until the ring was crowded with
half nude dancing demons.
At word from the chief, who appeared
to be the master of ceremonies, they all
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
lariat fastened it securely to the loops Of
bleeding. quivering flesh; then, tossing the
arms backward, commenced to pull and
dance about the circle, reminding one oi
the Maypole festivities Of ''ye merrie Brit
ony' They continued to pull, jump and
haul, till finally the loops of flesh were
torn asunder, and they dropped to the earth
exhausted, having become full fedged war
riors ready to endure any torture, hard
ships or exposure Those, who failed to
tear the bloody loop apart were called
squaw men, and must wait another veal
before they can join the fighting ranks
'Tis sickening spectacle, however, and
we turned in disgust to depart, when be
hold, a short distance from us were Tom
and Silver Dove, she crying as If her heart
would break, lSneeiing in suppliant atti
tuda at his feet. seemingly eatreating him
10 promise something. The yoqpgster spied
MS and quickly joined the party, and to
pssher>we took our departure, not failing
to pOss, however, that many scowling Wis
ages wsse turned in our direction as We
departed.
The young officer kept very quiet for
time. but such q biiRrious nature as hi'
could not remain silent long, and he finally
broke forth.
"For tho life of me can't make out
whsS aiis Silver Dove. / believe she's gon'
wrong in her bead. She wanted me t.
promfse her to leave hero for another pos
before the next moon. When inquired
the reason, could get no nothing
but tears-and her beseeching me in prayer
full attitude to promise an early departure
Not much love expressed for me by sucf
actions. should say"
sNThat are Jest the reason, pardp' ex
Slaimed Yellowstone Yack. "She's sech
eoner on yer she wants You scmewha
outen yer latitude, SO she CANT gaze at ye
bootif1l figure so often