The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1894-01-26

Jcenreu swof1 grass, that was thrust in
his girdle as modern belle might wear
a favorite flower. Then came some
general instructions as to his conduct
in his assumed character.
He was to go down TO certain part
of the lake shore, which was in view
of the island where the Red Sorcerer
lived, and drink out of the shining bowl.
Many of the Indians would then come
across and ask him to marry them, but
the supposed princess was to say she
had travelled long way to be the wife
Of their chief, who must come for her
himself, or she would return to her ma
tive place.
When Hah- Undo-Tah heard this, he
would come in his own canoe. After
the marriage, Odshedoph must make the
opportunity to cut off the bridegroom
head with the blade of sword grass.
1t was now morning, and the old
woman told the young man to start out
on his mission. At first he kept up
good heart, but when full sense # his
undertaking came over him his Cour-
age failed him. Turning to retrace his
steps, the fog closed about him like
wall, and he could only find his way by
going in the way he had started.
1t all came about as foretold. When
the Indians saw the shining bowl, they
came focking to the beautiful princess,
who refused to wed any one but Hah-
Undo-Tah himself.
And SO the Red Sorcerer came after
his bride in the state canoe, the ribs of
which were formed of living rattle
snakes, with heads pointed outward to
protect the chief from his enemies.
The marriage took place at once, al
though the bridegroom s. mother OPP
posed the hasty union, saying no good
emony the mother voiced her doubts of
the new inmate Of the household, at
which the bride affected much indig-
nation and walked out of the lodge to
the beach where they had landed. The
bridegroom followed her to where she
sat weeping, and resting his head in her
lap he tried to cheer her up by planning
a number Of delightful slaughters, in
which she was to assist, one of them be-
ing that of her own family.
His bride, in the meantime, was gen.
tly stroking his forehead and grooming
a lullaby. Soon the terror of the lake"
fell asleep, and Odshedoph, taking the
blade of sword grass from his belt, cut
off the head Of the sleeping sorcerer.
Taking one of the canoes he soon cross
ed to the main shore, carrying the head
with him. Here he waited until the
cries of the Indians told him the head
less body had been discovered, when he
started off to find his friend, the old
woman who makes war. She was de-
lighted to see him again so soon, and
cutting off lock of the Red Sorcerer's
hair she babe the young man change
into his own clothes and set out at
once for home, bearing the head with
him, which would establish his reputa-
ton for bravery beyond any question.
Upon his arrival home, he found his
parents mourning for him as one dead
They scarcely knew him at first, for he
had changed from timid youth into a
man who had seen many wonders and
achieved mighty deeds. When the head
! of Hah- Undo-Tah was shown to the as
sembled tribe, great shout of triumph
and thanksgiving went up that one of
their own people had done this deed.
Odshedoph was made powerful chief.
His name was placed among the great
warriors of the earth, for in all the land
that lies between the great waters be-
yond which no eye can see the Red Sor-
cerer had been feared, and Odshedoph
had delivered them out of his hands. -
Louis Phillips in Philadelphia Press.