The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-05-28

| unknown reason his manner toward her
began to change. He no longer made fire.
quent visits to her fathers wigwam, and
instead of his free and openhearted de-
meanor he had become grave, secretive,
and suspicious, Moreover, 1t was OBJ
served that he remained much at home
in the daytime, not hunting and fishing
as did the other Indians, while at night
he was often absent from his wigwam,
where, or for what purpose no one knew.
Occasionally he would be absent for sew
eral days, always returning at night.
But though he neither trapped nor
hunted, yet 1t was noticed that after 60
ing to Fort Astoria, which had been es-
tablished recently~on the banks of the
Columbia, he would return with abundant
supplies Of greater value that those OBJ
tanned by his more industrious kinsmen.
1t had also been learned that he had been
seen by an Indian living near the trading
post, barterlng with the captain of a
schooner; and the informant was positive
in his assertion that Sipah had exchanged
piece of white metal for money which
he afterward spent at the post.
The father Of Tokeete now determined
to discover the cause of the mysterious
movements and behavior Of Slpah, and to
accomplish that end, employed several
Of his trustworthy braves to watch him
day and night though keeping themselves
In hiding. The vigilance of Sipah, how
ever, thwarted them and suspecting |
their intentions he suddenly burned his
wigwam to ashes and removed to a level
piece of ground on the east side of the
lake which Is now called Culliby, whers
he erected hut smaller in size but
stronger and batter guarded that the one
he had previously occupied. And there
he lived in secluslon though not un-
watched, for the spies still endeavored
to learn the cause of his strange actions.
Their perseverance, was at last rewarded
One stormy night In midwnter the spies
had padded cautiously down the west
ern shore of the lake till directly opposite
the hut of Slpah, and after watching the
place for some time without observing
any indication of the presence of any
person, ventured across. They proceeded
very quietly fearing the vengeance of
Sipah, should thOy be discovered, but
upon investigation they found that the
rude abode was unoccupled
Hastily returning to the protection of
the opposite shore, they decided to re, !
main there and await developments.
Slowly the long hours of the night passed
10 the wet and shlvering watchers, who
Jared not make a fire and could not have {
found dry wood had they so desired. but
lust as the trees on the opposite side of
he lake became dlstingulshable. word
ention Of the others to dark object
n the middle of the lake approaching
rom the South.
A moment or two more sufIiced to dis
lose its nature, and hasty consultation
'esulted in determination to intercept {
he canoe and its occupants. Quickly {
,uttlng off from the shore, they mad
discovered by the lone paddler, who was {
orcing his canoe forward with almost
Incredible rapidity. AS soon as he saw
he Indians padding forward to meet
lin, Sipah, for 1t was he, understood
heir intentions and knew that they
would be satisfied with nothing short of /
IN explanation of his conduct.
Dropping his paddle he seized his rifle
md, taking aim at one of the Indians in
he other canoe, pulled the trigger. But
he rain had so dampened the powder
hat 1t would not take fre.
Finding thus that his only means Of re-
istance was gone, he laid down the
life and sat upright, looking a. his pur-
uers with an expression of helplessness
nd resignation mingled with intense ha-
red But this was only for a moment.
AS the canoe approached him his count~-
ance changed, and look Of fierce deter
nlnation foretold triumph for him.
NE Indians were now so near that they
eased padding and hailed Siplh He
not asword. but rising to his ,
eet, he lifted heavy iron box from the |
ottom of the canoe, and clutching firm
Y at the two iron rings that served for
andes, plunged headlong into the angry {
gaters never more to be seen by men.
The superstltlons Of the Indians pre-
ented their making any attempt to re-
over the body Of sipah or the box which
e priced more than his own life. and
he deposit Of sediment in the bottom OF
he lake would make 1t impossible to re. 3
over them after so many years should
ny one attempt 1t, so IN all probability /
he contents of the mysterious box will
ever be known r
MARIE TEMPLETON.