Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1892-10-07

some perfdy on the part OF the smil-
ing Blackfoot maiden. Ho clutched
his gun 10 his breast and lay still.
Darkness came on and they all slept
tho adventurous Sioux far from
soundly. owing to anxiety and his
cramped position. At daybreak tho
young hunter arose. saddled his pony
and went out after deer having agreed
with his sister to return very early,
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 and
talked for long while as the had a
great deal TO say TO each other
Suddenly the shadow of the Black
foot darkened the doorway. The in.
trudcr did not betray his surprise by
the slightest start and the two young
men cordially greeted one another
and entered into conversation by
means OF signs When the young
Sioux presently announced his desire
to make the maiden his wife ana his
intention OF returning with them to
the tribe on the morrow. there was
a silence.
Friend" finally exclaimed the
Blackfoot you will expose yourself
to great danger by returning with u.s.
My sister has many suitors among the
men OF the tribe, and some ono among
them may be induced by jealousy to
kill you"
The other smiled and pointed to his
gun.
What is that singular weapon?"
demanded in surprise the Blackfoot
The owner Of tho gun replied by
asking him to set up mark. which
he would PIERCE at distance much
greater than that at which an arrow
would prove effective. The Blackioot
offered the white pony which he
usually rode. but was refused. A
willow wand was thrust into the
earth and instantly eleven by the
bullet greatly startling by tho unac-
customed sight and sound both the
youth and the girl the latter of whom
now fancied that supernatural being
stood before her. The Sioux, howev-
er. by carefully explaining the mech
anism Of the wonderful gun. and put
ting few grains of powder on the
fire. dispelled all superstitious fears.
The Biacxfoot was now persuaded
that the stranger was a parsonage
whom it would be an honor to bring
home as n guest; he therefore con-
seated to the lovers proposition. only
insisting that the youth must be con-
cealed in bundle Of skins and con
veyed secretly to the chic S house on
travois. lest he should lose his life
by the rash action of some jealous
brave. Accordingly they set out next
morning at daybreak for tho Black.
foot village. tho adventurous Siouv.
hidden in robes upon his rude convey
ance. bringing up the rear. At night.
fall on the second Cay 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
assem- bled to hear the announcement
that the chief would give his daugh-
ter in marriage to young warrior of
another tribe Here some hot headed
youths were ready to fall upon their
successful rival but were he'd back
by the chief and told OF the won
derful weapon possessed by the
stranger called the mysterious
iron" The Sioux professed his
readiness to meet them all and
challenged them to trial OF its
magical powers Contemptuously
best ponies for mark. and this time
the o1er of one was accepted. The
Sioux fired and the beautiful animal
leaped into the air and fell lifeless.
Some OF the people screamed others
fled and all were persuaded of tho
wonderful gifts of the stranger. who
was believed by many to be an i'm
PRESERVATION OF the thunder
The wedding was celebrated by
feasting and gifts. and the triumphant
youth carried home his beautiful
bride and her dowry OF many fine
horses, laden with rich robes and
ornaments. Soon after his return
TO his own people he gave great
feast and upon this occasion dis
tributed these presents among the
tribe. Subsequently an equal number
of horses burdened with blankets
guns knives, powder beads and other
articles from the white men were
sent as II present 10 the Blackfoot
chief - Elaine GooGale and Dr.
Charles Eastman in the n. Y. AID.
We; tiser.