Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1893-1895, 1894-03-17
AN INDIAN LEGEND.

A hundred years ago the immense
deserts extending from the declivity
of the Rocky mountains to Red river
were peopled by numerous barbarous
tribes, always at war with one an
other.
The following is little story relat
ed by an old missionary, who passed
30 years in the midst of these Indians
of the northwest:
One day toward the end of the
month of July, 1S-, while the Black
feet were at war with the Crow tribes
and each was watching to surprise
the other, so of the latter were scat
tered over the prairie gathering wild
berries. Not suspecting the presence
of their enemies in the neighbor
hood, they had dispersed themselves
here and there without any anxiety
in the places where the fruit most
abounded. Their horses were fas
tened to trees, and the women, fur
nished with kettles, hurried with the
fruit to the carts as soon as their
vessels were filed.
They had been occupied about an
hour at this work when suddenly a
troop of armed horsemen appeared
in the distance. The Crows were
not long in ascertaining that they
were Blackfeet coming to surprise
and massacre them.
~ n
They left everything on the prairie
which would impede their flight
fruit jars and all were left for the
enemy. They thought only of saving
their lives.
A young chief of this tribe, who
had been married but few months,
had brought his wife with him. Al
the first cry of alarm he took her uI
in his arms and placed her on horse
back behind him.
After going some miles the young
chiefs horse, tired with the weight
of his double burden, began to slack
en- his pace. His rider did his best tC
urge him on, but In spite of his ef
forts he realized that the Blackfeet
were perceptibly gaining ground or
him. He saw that he must fall into
their hands if he tried to save hi
wife. What, then, was he to do
Should he abandon her on the prairie
to become the prey of his enemies ol
fall with her rather than basely leave
her to her fate.
Meanwhile the Blackfeet were com
ing.
II am going to place you on th'
ground" said he to his wife. Il an
aware that you will be made a pris
oner, but they will not kill you. l
would be otherwise with me. Yol
know the sort of death awaiting M
if they seize me. Alone with m!
horse have better chance to escap
and reach my camp. Once restored
to my own people, Twill raise part,
of warriors, and we will go forth t
rescue you from the camp of tn
Blackfeet. In four or five days yo'
shall be set free"
Saying this, he removed his wifi
lIOul lnt uOIb0 anu put ACA NN'A ~
the grass.
The horse, relieved of half his buI
den, resumed his course more swift
ly, and the young Crow found him
self beyond the reach OF his enemies
Meanwhile his wife, captured by
Blackfoot, was conducted into tn
enemy's camp to be given as a pres
ent TO the chief of the tribe.
Toward 8 o'clock in the afternoo
all who had escaped from the Blacl
feet arrived in the Crow camp an
related how they had avoided thei
murderous tomahawk and arrow.
The young chief in particular, VIII
had only deserted his wife because q
was certain that they would not XII
her, and that he could deliver hel
endeavored by his recital to gal
their sympathy and urged his friend
to join him in wreaking vengeanc
upon those who had attacked theI
so treacherously.
Immediately 80 young warrior
who burned with a desire TO displa
their bravery by doing deed worth
Of praise from the old men OF II
tribe, pressed around:him. The wa
whoop resounded, and that ver
evening the avengers went in pursu
OF the Blackfeet under cover OF Il
night. They encamped on the banl
Of the Souris river. 1t was there
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