Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1892-08-26


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 left9"
The artful youth responded with another
question, "Why did you not tell your
brother of my visit yestesdayW Upon
this both laughed aloud and continued to
converse with more freedom. The maiden
exhibited her finely worked 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 it's
use. Smiling at her ignorance he made
signs expressive of it's 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 to consent, 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
large par fieche (rawhide trunk, there to
await her brothers return. Although the
young warrior fully realized that he was
placing himself in a 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
called at the lodge. She described wildly
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 Il word OF which he
could understand, and in spite of his pas
sion he dreaded some perfdy 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 long while, as they had
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 apother 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 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 weaponS" 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 eff
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
a supernatural being stood before her
The Sioux, however, by carefully explain
Ing the mechanism of the wonderful CUR
/ and putting a few grains of powder on the
fire dispeled all superstitious fears.
} The Blackfoot was now persuaded thai
5 the stranger was parsonage whom il
would be an honor to bring home as
guest He therefore consented to tn,
; lovers proposition, only insisting that thu
L youth must be concealed in a bundle o
q skins and conveyed secretly to the chief
e house on "A travois, lest he should lose hi
life by the rash action of some jealou
brave. Accordingly they set out mex
p morning at daybreak for the Blackfoo
4 village, the adventurous Sioux, hidden il
+ robes upon his rude conveyance, bringing
q up the rear At nghtfall on the secon
:, day they reached the village, and the chic
4 welcomed them Hospitality, only warning
l. the stranger to beware of the disappointe
!. suitors of his handsome daughter. In tn
Y morning the whole tribe was assembled t
p hear the announcement that the chic
IS would give his daughter in marriage to
young warrior of another tribe. Her
% some hot headed youths We're ready to ia
e upon their successful rival, but were hel
!, back by the chief and told of the wonde
e full weapon possessed by the strange
J. called the mysterious iron"
IS The Sioux professed his readiness
d meet them all and challenged them to
" trial of its magical powers. Contempt
ne ously and increduously they offered the
IN best ponies for a mark, and this time tt
" offer of one was accepted. The Sioux fire
4 and the beautiful animal leaped into IL
10 air and fell lifeless. Some of the Peep
screamed, others fed and all were pc
Il. suaded of the wonderful gifts of Il
stranger, who was believed by many to
a an impersonation of the thunder.
The wedding was celebrated by feastir
at and gifts, and the triumphant youth ca
at ried home his beautiful bride and h
no dowry of many fine horses laden with ri
n robes and ornaments. Soon after his
he turn to his own people he gave gre
H. feast, and upon this occasion distribute
he these presents among the tribe. Subs
CIV quently an equal number of horses, br
dened with blankets, guns, knives, powd'
he beads and other articles obtained from t