Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-04-27
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 ancestors. They were loath to leave /
the clear waters Of the river, incased in .
the fruitful little valley that was hemmed |
in by hills and mountains. Well they
knew that the time was drawing near
when memorable fate would compel them
TO turn their backs on their old homes and
trudge toward the setting sun, but they
dreaded to make the change.
The time came, however, when the west
ward movement was almost imperative
1t was decided that the tribe should mi
crate to the headquarters of the stream,
fully fifty miles beyond the limit Of white
settlement. But a few friendly Indians,
who were on the best Of terms with the
whites, refused to heed the command OF
the chiefs to move westward. This bred
vengeful feelings on the part Of their kin
dred
The advance line Of civilization at this
time was the mouth of Lycoming creek,
the base Of the mountain lived young
friendly Indian named Fleet Foot, who
made a fair living by hunting and fishing,
assisted by the handiwork of his young
souaw. who made handsome baskets that
were sold to the settlers.
Both Fleet Foot and his wife Minnawaqua
Sparkling Water) were remarkably fine
types Of the Indian Of those days, but they
had a little papoose that was wonder and
delight TO all the whites in the sparse
settlements. Even the fondest mothers
admitted that he was just the sweetest
little thing they ever saw-with the excep-
ton Of their own children of course. He
had great, big laughing hazel eyes, half
rosy cheeks a nose that a sculptor would
have adored and the cunningest little
mouth. lie 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 the thought Of leaving her white
friends.
One day, shortly after the migration
Fleet Foot was hunting in the mountains
Minnawaqua left her wigwam, a Solid
structure of logs which the whites had
helped to build, to go to a spring fol
water. She had left Star Eyes playing OF
the floor, but when she returned in few
minutes the child had disappeared. Sh'
hastily looked about, called him and thel
hurried out Of the house to renew tn
search.
She had hardly passed the door when sh
stopped, turned pale and pressed her hand
to her heart. Her keen native instinct de
tected strange moccasin tracks on tn
ground. They indicated the presence c
four individuals. Her mind comprehende
it all as she sunk fainting to the ground
Star Eyes had been kidnapped by his kir
bred in revenge for Fleet Foot's refusal
Join them, that was evident
There was great commotion among th
settlers when they heard of the dastardl
act Many Of them were eager for imm
date pursuit of the captors, but Fleet Fo'
dissuaded them by saying that the Indian
would surely kill the papoose if they four
that they were followed, and besides, the
would be danger of ambush by a larl
party Of Indians.
About ten days after this episode, ju
before daylight in the morning, Fleet Flo
and Minnawaqua were suddenly awaken
by the voice of Star Eyes at the door, CT
ing bitterly. In trice the child was
the arms Of his overjoyed parents, but tn
were surprised TO find him trembling
feeling their faces with his hands. WI
was the matter' He always spoke in FL
lish
"Star Eyes tant see."
True enough be was totally blind,
though the big, lustrous eyes looked j.
as natural as on the day when he was
Quoted. Fleet Foot understood it all
tribe had wreaked their vengeance
binding the innocent child, and had I'll
stealthily returned him.
The settlers were wild with rage WI
they heard OF it, Some Of them were eal
for an expedition against the Indians,
cooler counsels prevailed
Among the settlers was a Quaker ia
ily from Philadelphia who had takeI
special interest in Fleet Foot's little ia
ily. Part Of the Quaker family, includ
the mother, were about to make a jour
to the city to visit their friends, and it '
suggested that Minnawaqua and her bl
child should accompany them, in order
the latters eyes might be examined by
oculist and treated, If there was any p
pect Of restoring the sight. :.
Il was tedious journey IN those d.
on horseback all the way to HarrisbJ
and thence by primitive stagecoach,
It was accomplished, and the little b
papoose was taken to an eminent ocu
Examination showed that the eyes
been blinded by holding close to tn
with the lids opened, a very hot OBJ
probably either red hot iron or So
heated stone. IL was not the first
known Of such Indian atrocity.
The oculist did his best TO repair
vision. but all be could accomplish wa
restore just sufficient sight for the chill