The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-04-21
LITTLE STAR EYES.

LITTLE STAR EYES.
The beautiful valley, called by the In
dams OtZinachson, and known TO US as
the west branch OF the Susquehanna, was
the last foothold in Pennsylvania, east of
the Allegheny mountains, that the Indians
abandoned. Long after the outposts of
civilization had advanced far up the val
ley the red men tarried by the graves of
their nces1ors. They were loath to leave
the clear waters of the river, incased in
the fruitful little valley that was bemmed
in by hills and mountains. Well they
knew that the time was drawing near
w hen incxorable fate would compel them
to turn their backs On their old homes and
tradge toward the setting sun, but they
dreaded to make the change.
The time came, however, when the west
ward movement was almost imperative
1t WIS decided that the tribe should mi
CRATE to the headquarters of the stream,
fully fifty miles beyond the limit of white
set tlhInern. But few friendly Indians,
who were on the best of terms with the
VIII ties, refused to heed the command of
the chiefs to move westward. This bred
vengefm feelings on the part of their kim
dre1
I he advance line of civilization at this
tim. was the mouth of Lycoming creek,
now wit3Hr the limits of Williamsport. At
the base of the mountain lived a young
friendly mflian named Fleet Foot, who
mace a-xairaiving by hunting and fishing,
assisted by the handiwork OF his young
squsaz~, whoamade handsome baskets that
werJsdfd to the settlers.
BlCh FieetPoot and his wife Minnawauua
Sparkling Water were remarkably fine
types OF Che Indian of those days, but they
had alffle papoose that was a wonder and
a delight to all the whites in the sparse
settlements. Even the fondest mothers
adm TIED that he was just the sweetest
little thing shey ever saw-with the excep-
ton of their own children of course He
had great, big, laughing hazel eyes, half
rosy checks, nose that sculptor would
have adored and the cunningest little
mouth. He was very appropriately named
Star Eyes.
Little Star Eyes was about two years
old when the tribe migrated to the new
location far up the river. Angry threats
had been made against Fleet Foot because
of his refusal to join them, but he was
happy and contented, and Minnawaqua
dreaded the4hought of leaving her white
friends
One day, shortly after the migration,
Fleet Foot was hunting in the mountains.
Minnawaqua left her wigwam, solid
structure Of logs which the whites had
elped to build, to go to a spring for
water She had left Star Eyes playing on
the floor, bat when she returned in few
minutes the child had disappeared. She
hastily looked about, called him and then
hurried ont of the house to renew the
search
She had hardly passed the door when she
stopped, turned pale and pressed her hands
to her heart. Her keen native instinct de-
tected strange moccasin tracks on the
ground They indicated the presence of
four individuals. Her mind comprehended
ii an as she sunk fainting TO the ground.
Star Eyes had been kidnapped by his kim
dred in revenge for Fleet Foots refusal to
join them, that was evident.
There was great connection among the
settlers when they heard of the dastardly
act Many of them were eager for imme-
date pursuit of the captors. but Fleet Foot
dissuaded them by saying that the Indians
would surely kill the papoose if they found
that they were followed, and besides, there
would be danger of ambush by large
party of Indians.
About ten days after this episode just
before daylight in the morning, Fleet Foot
and Minnawaqua were suddenly awakened
by Che voice of Star Eyes at the door, cry
ing bitterly In trice the child was in
the arms Of his overjoyed parents, but they
were surprised TO find him tremblingly
feeling their faces with his hands What
WIS the matter? He always spoke in Eng
lish
Star Eyes tant Sec"
True enough, he was totally blind, al
though the big, lustrous eyes looked Just
as natural as CD the day when he was alb
Quoted. Fleet Foot understood it all. The
tribe had wreaked their vengeance by
binding the innocent child, and had then
Etealthily returned him.
The settlers were wild with rage when
they heard OF it. Some of them were eager
for an expedition against the Indians, but
cooler counsels prevailed.
Among the settlers was Quaker fam
sly from Philadelphia who had taken s
special interest in Fleet Foot little fam
lily. Part Of the Quaker family. including
the mother. were about 10 make a journey
to the city TO visit their friends. and il was
suggested that Minnawaaua ard her blind
child should accompany them, in order that
the latter's eyes might be examined by az
oculist and treated, If there was any pros
pect of restoring the sight.
1t was e tedious journey in those days.
on horseback all the way to Harrisburg.
and thence by primitive s.agccosch. but
it was accomplished. and the little blind
papoose was taken TO an eminent oculist.
Examination showed that the eyes hed
been blinded by holding close to then.
with the lids opened, very hot obiecs
probably either red hos iron or super
heated stone. 1t was not the first case
known of suca Indian atrocity.
The oculist did his best TO repair the
vision. but ali he could accomplish was to
restore just sufficient sight fnr IAe child l.
distinguish between light and shade Ii.
could distinguish persons only by theiL
voices