Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1893-05-09
DOWN THE RAPIDS.

We were . merry party strolling among
the woods and waters Of the Adirondacks
magical word to summon up visions Of
nature in her sublime grandsur-lake
upon Lake sparkling In the Summer sun
like liquid diamonds: forest blending into
forest until they melted in the misty
shadows u the blue horixon; mountains
rising beyond mountains in the distance
until their pinnaclss lowered above us
like giant fingers pointing upward; deep
sbysses where the torrents roared and
thundercd and the fieetinx shadows Turk
Ell like phanton,s.
We had cast life's cares and response
bahties behind us and yielded ourselves
mp to the grateful rest Of the communion
with nature. Strolling in the forests.
Just tinted with the first hues Of autumn.
hunting on the lakes or fishing in the
teemiug brooks-it was all one long
dream Of happy luxury.
Yet we did not wander aimlessly. We
had guide who cho-e our camps. coun-
aeled and led US on our expeditions, and,
concerning him. one word. He was IN
Indian--ons Of the few survivors Of tho
once powerful nation Of the Iroquois-s
tall, angular. keen eyed man past the
middle age. the sinews Of whose lean
body seemed nodded Of iron. Quiet. re-
served, speaking but seldom and then
briefly and 10 the purpose. he had yet
worked his way deep into our regard.
for a. Colonel Hood afterward remarked.
HE WAS brave man and a fine shot.
~nA ,h~S vvnnr~. r<..,ll ~yo,, u.Lrs
Brave he WAS certainly, as this nara
tive will go TO show. and fine shot, as
his prowcss among the game had time
and again proved. We called him John,
but his name was Wahneema, and he
had the proud blood Of chiefs coursing in
bis veins
Word came to us one morning that the
track Of deer had been discovered on the
banks Of stream a mile or more up the
mountain.
1t happened to be Sunday. beautiful
day. and the majority of the party, wea-
ried by week Of such active life, pre-
ferred TO remain in our coy little camp
OH tho borders Of the lake But Colonel
Hood and myself. the two most ardent
and experienced hunters present. shout
dered our rifles and announced our de-
termination Ia bag one or more Of those
deer ere We returned. John quietly picked
up his gun and took the lead as we set of.
A tiresome climb over rocks and fallen
trees finally brought us to our destina-
tion-a little mountain lake. from which
the stream dashed In foaming torrent,
fierce and irresistible. Here we paused
to recover breath and enjoy the prospect.
A beautiful scene il was too.
Above US rose the grand mountains.
their tops blushing crimson III the rising
sun; here little waterfall. like thread
Of gold and silver. flashing down the
MOUNTAIN side and twining in and ont
among the masses 81 trees and rocks;
there = glimpse If fairyland through a
forest opening. The lake, surrounded by
dense masses Of foliage. slarkled like
jewel sct in green. and on its surface
Aoated water fowl of every kind. But
no deer were visible. We searched the
bank. but even Johns prscticed eve
failed 10 find the traces.
Either we have been deceived or IN.
tracks are Ia be met on the opposite
margin" said the colonel. II don't in
tend 10 return until am satisfied. 50
h.ra ,,oe.
II. bss,,lv ,b,.u os IN. coat and ves,
but WAS checked by John LAYING hand
on his shoulder.
"De,,.r no, rsl :, chief n. said
orie,ly. the .uc,,o, - IN, ar,ds u tor
riblc."
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