The record-union., 1897-11-28
AANNrS IDEA OF JUSTICE.
An Episode in the Massacre of In
dian Island.
(Written for the Record Union by Har-
old FranciS.)

OLD Fra1cIS.j
Concentrating its kaleidoscope beams
upon the Western horizon, and casting
a soft, mellow glow over the hills and
water, the sun was slowly sinking to
rest. The sky was one blaze Of gor-
geous color, speckled here and there
with fleecy copper-tinted clouds.
On a hillock of an island overlooking
Humboldt Bay and situated opposite
the town of Eureka, sat AN Indian wo-
man, who, with fixed gaze, scanned
the broad eXpanse of water and the
wooded mainland AT the waters edse
was sturdy youth about II years old
who amused himself by throwing clods
into the water.
Sphinx-like, bent forward, her chin
resting on the palm of her hand, she
sat, apparently oblivious to her sur
roundings. She did not notice natures
brilliant display nor speak to her COM
panion. She was watching-watcllins
for her lord and father, and, while she
apparently did not move a muscle, her
mind was working actively. For the
past week she had been visiting the
island, which had been her home from
childhood, staying with her lords
mother and brother. To-day the re-
ligious ceremonies and rites of her peo-
pie had commenced, and she awaited
her lord and father, who were to join
in the festivities. For over an hour
che sat there motionless, when, shield
ing her eyes with her hand. she soon
saw tiny speck push from the dark
mainland
"Kaitah.'' she called, they comet
40 NJ tbxa,,
Joined her, and together they noted the
approach of the swiftly-speeding OBJ
ject. The evening shadows were falling
gently over the landscape, and it was
impossible, at such a distance, to make
out the outlines of the occupants.
Soon it grew more distinct, and Kai-
tab said:
Il see but one. It is my brother"
Nanika was disappointed, but the
ripple and swish of the water under the
lusty strokes of her lord were. never
theless. sweetto her ears. With math-
ematical precision, he dipped his pad
die deep and piled it with all the pow
er at his command. In response, the
frail. yet commodious, canoe shot for
ward like a swallow skimming the wa
ter.
Huh, Wanatah, at last thou hast
come" said she, as, with a dextrous
flirt of the paddle he sent the obedient
shallop high upon the sandy beach.
Il am late" he said, tersely, land
weary, too Kaitah.'' he added, point
ing to the canoe, draw it up out of
reach of the incoming tide"
The tall, brawny Indian, clad in a
travel-stained shirt and overalls, was
not very effusive in his greeting, and
Immediately proceeded toward a rude
hut near by. from the roof of which
was issuing column of gray smoke.
"Why did not my father come, Wa
natah?" ventured Nanika. who follow
ed her lord at respecta BILE distance.
HE attends the gathering at Eel
River. I spoke with him this morning.
But how are all here? Listen! All. 1
hear the voice of Aikia. He chants
well. And my mother-is she well?"
The squaw grunted an affirmative in
reply, and their conversation ceased.
AS they drew nearer the hut Wana
tab put his fists to his mouth and ut
tered shrill whistle, whereupon an
old emaciated squaw appeared at the
door. She knew the signal and she,
too was happy, for she was proud Of
Wanatah, and he, as was the custom,
treated her with more consideration and
respect than his own wife, for he and
Nanika had been married according to
the ritual of their tribe.
"A greeting to thee, mother" he said,
his face lighting up with smile.
art hungry" she said patting him
on the back, as khe passed into the
tumble-down habitation-
Hungry" he repeated. eyes, in
deed. Since morning have I trudged
from Trinidad, and nothing save, a few
CLAIMS have passed my lips. All, thou
hast a fine rabbit there!" he added, as
his mother proceeded to skin the lanky
little animal which Kaitah had brought
down with a well directed rock.
Wilt thou participate in the dances
tonight, my SOM" said the old squaw
as she went about her cooking.
mo. Tonight will I rest, and to-
morrow I will join the others. But /
must make known my arrival I will
be back anon. Come, Kaitah, tell me
what has transpired since last we met.
My but thou art becoming a veritable
giant he said, as he closely scrutin-
lied the manly frame of his younger
brother
They treaded their way over long,
irregular stretch of lowlying, sandy
marsh. barely elevated above flood-tide,
until they reached the rude huts where
were gathered some two hundred and
fifty Indians, a majority residents of
the island, but their numbers were aug
mented by many friendly Indians from
a..i,r rt1tNN N,t,-<r he, h MN
less aborigines being to a certain ex
tent isolated and undisturbed, culti-
waited and kept up the traditional Gus
toms of their forefathers. This was
the first evening of their gathering,
and, while there were more women and
children, bucks to the number of near
ly hundred graced the bizarre meet
ing with their presence. Here, each
year, they We're wont to congregate
for social and religious purposes, and
for a couple of weeks kept up their
superstitious but inoffensive ceremonies
and rites.
AS Wanatah approached the huge
bonfires which had been built in the
midst of the hnts the scene presented
an impressive character.
A large crowd was gathered together.
some participating in and others wit
Messing the dances A dozen or so of
half-naked Indians. horribly painted
and carrying deerslSins supported on
long poles and other symbolical objects,
We're circling around to the accompani-
ment of a doleful chanting. The fitful
flames of the bright fires threw a
wierd and ghostly look upon the sway
ing forms and brought out more inn
pressively their painted, distorted and
fiendish-lookin faces. The others