Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-09-03


smiled archly as she saw him, and ceased
her embroidery long enough to ask in the
sign language, "Why did you not come, as
you promised, before my brother left?n
The artful youth responded with another
question, "Why did you not tell your
brother of my visit yestesdayP" Upon
this both laughed aloud and continued to
converse with more freedom. The maiden
exhibited her finely wortled robes and
other possessions, while she coyly took
note meanwhile of the brilliant paint, I'M
usual equipments and handsome face and
form of the fascinating stranger.
Pointing to his gun, which was always
within reach, she questioned him as to its
use Smiling ut her ignorance he made
signs expressive of its death dealing
force, but she looked aside incredulously.
Finally the youth boldly asked the maiden
to become his wife and to accompany him
home. She appeared toconsent, but stipu-
lated that he should first return with them
to her fathers lodge To test her lovers
faith she proposed also to conceal him in a
large par fleche (rawhide trunk, there to
await her brothers return. Although the
young warrior fully realized that he was
placing himself in perilous and even hui
initiating position, for loves sake he sub
mitted one evening to be crowded into the
narrow space within one of these painted
trunks, where he lay helpless and unable
to move, breathing through small open
ing which was turned toward the outer
circumference Of the lodge.
The hunter returned at the usual hour
and was informed by his sister that a
strange young man of another tribe had
4 = ~ H.
his fine appearance, splendid dress and the
strange weapon he carried, but omitted to
mention his proposal Of marriage and his
presence in the lodge The concealed lover
felt very uncomfortable as he listened to
the conversation, not n 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 adj
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 early,
and If 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 "A 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 us My 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, 81 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 a mark, which he would
pierce at distance much greater than
that at which an arrow would prove eff
fective. The Blackfoot offered the white
pony which he usually rode, but was re-
n NlilOW Whlu was IuTuSJ lubO
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 fanci,a that
a 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.
| - Ia, al
the stranger was a parsonage whom IL
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 a 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 chic
welcomed them Hospitality, only warning
the stranger to beware Of the disappointed
suitors of his handsome daughter. In tn,
morning the whole tribe was assembled q
hear the announcement that the chic
would give his daughter in marriage to
young warrior Of another tribe. Her,
some hot headed youths were ready to fal
upon their successful rival, but were held
back by the chief and told of the wonder
full weapon possessed by the stranger
called the mysterious iron"
The Sioux professed his readiness {,
meet them all and challenged them to
trial of its magical powers. Contemptu
ously and increduously they offered thei
best ponies for mark, and this time thu
offer of one was accepted. The Sioux free
and the beautiful animal leaped into tn,
air and fell lifeless. Some of the peopl
screamed, others fed and all were per
suaded Of the wonderful gifts of tn
stranger, who was believed by many to b.
an impersonation Of the thunder.
The wedding was celebrated by feastinl
and gifts, and the triumphant youth car
ried home his beautiful bride and he
dowry of many fine horses, laden with ricl