The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-05-28
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 watchfGl 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 til infantry |
were stationed here. During midwinter |
old Boreas, with his festive and 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 ply |
sique, bubbling over with good nature,
combined with a 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 acknowledged
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;
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 darna-
ton purity color" Jack claimed her
mother to be 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 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 a thousand
miles away from civilization? So we all
concluded that be 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
'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
Their events. 4 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
fire burning brightly. After being escort
ed to seats we sat down 10 view the cere-
mony A tall pole had been erected, and
to the top were fastened 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 chief
harangued 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 a ii
ceased their weird movements, and, gath
ering the flesh up in a 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 it securely to the loops OF
bleeding, quivering flesh; then, tossing the
arms backward, commenced to pull and
dance about the circle, reminding one OF
the Maypole festivities of we merrie Brit
on" 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 fiedged war
riors ready to endure any torture, hard
ships or exposure. Those who failed To
tear the bloody loop apart were called
souaw men, and must wait another year
before they can join the fighting ranks.
IT'S sickening spectacle, however, and
we turned in disgust TO depart, when be
hold, short distance from US were Tom
and Silver Dove, she crying as If her heart
would break, kneeling in suppliant atti
tude at his feet, seemingly entreating him
to promise something. The yOungster spied
US and quickly joined the party, and to
gether we took our departure, not failing
to note, however, that many Scowhng Wis
ages were turned IN our direction as we
departed.
The young officer kept very quiet for {
time, but such hilarious nature as hi!
could not remain silent long, and he finally
broke forth.
"For the life of me l can't make ou
what ails Silver Dove. believe shes gon
wrong in her head. She wanted me L
promise her to leave here for another pos
before the next moon. When | inquired
the reason, could get no answer-nothlnt
Int tears-2nd her beseeching me in prayer
full attitude TO promise an early departure
Not much love expressed for me by suci
actions, l should say"
THAT are jest the reason. pardl, ex