The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1892-08-25


strange young man OF another tribe had
called at the lodge. She described vividly
his fine Appearance, splendid dress and the
strange weapon he carried. but omitted 10
mention his proposal Of marriage and his
presence in the lodge. The concealed lover
felt very uncomfortable as he listened 10
the conversation, not word of which he
could understand, and in spite OF his pas
sion he dreaded some perfidy on the part
of the smiling Blackfoot maiden. He
clutched his gun to his breast and lay still.
Darkness came on and all slept-the ad-
venturous Sioux far from soundly, owing
to anxiety and his cramped position. AT
daybreak the young hunter arose, saddled
his pony and went out after deer, having
agreed with his sister to return very carly,
and IL possible to surprise the stranger in
their lodge Accordingly she released her
lover as soon as she could and gave him
an abundant breakfast, after which they
sat talking for long while, as they had a
great deal TO say to each other.
Suddenly the shadow of the Blackfoot
darkened the doorway. The intruder did
not betray his surprise by the slightest
start, and the two young men cordially
greeted one another and entered into CON
versation by means of signs. When the
young Sioux presently announced his de-
sire to make the maiden his wife and his
intention Of returning with them to the
tribe on the morrow there was a silence.
Friend" finally exclaimed the Black
foot, "you will expose yourself to great
danger by returning with u.s. Ny sister
has many suitors among the young men of
the tribe and some one among them may
be induced by jealousy to kill you"
The other smiled and pointed to his gun,
saying in effect, II am able to defend my
self"
What is the singular weapon~ de-
manded in surprise the Blackfoot
The owner of the gun replied by asking
him to set up mark, which he would
pierce at a distance much greater than
that at which an arrow would prove ef-
fective. The Blackfoot offered the white
pony which he usually rode, but was re-
fused. A willow wand was thrust into
the earth and instantly cloven by the
bullet, greatly startling by the unaccus-
toned sight and sound both the youth and
girl the latter of whom now fancied that
q supernatural being stood before her.
The Sioux, however, by carefully explain.
ing the mechanism Of the wonderful gun
and putting few grains Of powder on the
fire, dispelled all superstitious fears.
The Blackfoot was now persuaded that
the stranger was parsonage whom it
would be an honor to bring home as a
guest. He therefore consented to the
lovers proposition, only insisting that the
youth must be concealed in bundle Of
skins and conveyed secretly to the chiefs
house on a travois, lest he should lose his
life by the rash action OF some jealous
brave. Accordingly they set out next
morning at daybreak for the Blackfoot
village, the adventurous Sioux, hidden in
robes upon his rude conveyance, bringing
up the rear. At nightfall on the second
day they reached the village and the chief
welcomed them Hospitality, only warning
the stranger to beware Of the disappointed
suitors of his handsome daughter. In the
morning the whole tribe was assembled to
hear the announcement that the chief
would give his daughter in marriage to a
young warrior of another tribe. Here
some hot headed youths were ready to fall
upon their successful rival, but were held
back by the chief and told of the wonder
ful weapon possessed by the stranger
called the mysterious iron"
The Sioux professed his readiness to
trial of its magical powers. Contemptu.
ously and increduously they offered their
best ponies for mark, and this time the
offer of one was accepted. The Sioux fired
and the beautiful animal Ieaped into the
air and fell lifeless. Some of the people
screamed, others fled and all were per-
suaded of the wonderful gifts of the
stranger, who was believed by many to be
an impersonation of the thunder.
The wedding was celebrated by feasting
and gifts, and the triumphant youth car
ried home his beautiful bride and her
dowry of many fine horses, laden with rich
robes and ornaments. Soon after his re-
turn to his own people he gave great
feast, and upon this occasion distributed
these presents among the tribe. Subse-
quently an equal number of horses, bur
dened with blankets, guns, knives, powder,
beads and other articles obtained from the
white men, were sent as present to the
Blackfoot chief.-Charles and Elaine Good.
ale Eastman in Philadelphia Press.