The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1900-07-14
Story OF . Papo0ss.
D. n-lA. ~ uol1o-Ho


Our house stood on the brow OF q
hill, Just on the edge Of the apple
orchard, which reached from the back
dooryard fence 10 the river shore. A
great spreading russell tree grew near
the bank, and It was under this tree
that the Indians used to camp when
travelling up and down the river. We
we're well acquainted with some Of
them, and would run down the hill
the minute we saw the smoke from
their fires or caught a glimpse Of their
wigwams through the trees.
One morning mother came to the
foot Of the stairs and called rs to
breakfast The first time she called We
Just opened our eyes, threw the bed
clothes partly on, turned over, and
went to sleep again. But the second
time she called us she told Us that the
Indians were in the orchard. and We
were wide awake in a moment We
jumped into our clothes and started
on a run for the wigwams, forgetting
all about our breakfast and everything
else. We rushed along the path
through the rye that grew on the fats,
slipping and sliding on the windfalls
that were scattered under the apple
trees, never stopping until We stood.
all out Of breath, in the center Of the
camp. There was no one to be seen.
and we thought at first that they must
an be asleep, but we soon heard strange
noises within the wigwams, as though
someone were grooming or trying to
sing without knowing how. We were
at a loss what to make Of It. Always
before the Indians had come out to
meet US, and seemed very much pleas
ed to see US when we visited the camp,
and now we began TO feel a little bit
frightened.
Lets 60 home" said Jack; -they
amt our Indians"
Wait till / take peep" whisper
ed In answer, as ! lifted one corner Of
the blanket door. But I did not have
a chance to see much, for at that very
moment q tall Indian, with stripes OF
red and black paint across his cheeks,
and a long knife In his hand, showed
the blanket aside and Jumped out, CIV
ing q loud whoop as he landed on his
feet on the sand
Did we run? Well, now; you should
have seen us- We did not wait to fol-
low the path, but took bee line for
the house, straight through the tall
rye and the melon patch. Mother saw
US coming, and ran out TO meet rs.
you had better keep away from
them" she said, when We told her
what had happened They have
been drinking, and it Is not safe to 90
near them"
We kept on the inside Of the door
yard fence all that day. The next
morning the camp was gone. We
waited until We were quite sure there
were no strange Indians lettering In
the orchard; then We went down to
the river. The fire was still smolder-
ing on the sand, and there were scraps
Of dried meat and hulled corn scat
tered under the tree. All Of q sudden
Jack cried out:
What's that?"
Nv heart began to thump, for ] ex-
pectsd nothing less than to see q big.
painted Indian, ready to grab my scalp
lock. Jack pointed to the tree over
our heads. A piece of birch bark. tied
at each end with strings. was hanging
to one Of the lower branches, swinging
back and forth like q hammock. Fas-
tened In It with strips Of buckskin was
q bundle wrapped In blanket We
looked at It swhile before We spoke.
and had not quIts recovered from our
fright when ! whispered:
Lets climb the Tree. Jack. and 80
what it L."
II did not take us long 10 Get
where we could look down On the bun
die. and what 60 you think 1t vas? A
real i've Indian baby fast asleep in its
bark cradle. We did not dare 10 touch
4 Cor fear tie Indians might be watch
Ing n, bat We hurried down Is quick
y a. We could and ran home 70 tel
mother What we had fsund.
Thay'vs gons on and forgotten II
the poor litkis ssaeeure.s she said. -
lhs tied On hAr szzbonnst and went