The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-10-19
Cherokee Girls Vengeance.
Try VIII Lisenbee.l

tory; but it was not surprising that ne
fingered, now that he had made the ac-
quaintance of Inez De Alma. Her
charming simplicity of manner, and
wondrous beauty. which made her the
central figure in the society of that
Acadian village. fascinated and held him
as if by some subtle witchery-
The blood of three nations flowed
within her veins-her mother a Ken
tuckian of Cherokee descent-her father
a Louisianian, with the rich blood of
Old Spain coursing through his veins,
it was not strange that Inez should pc
endowed with that rare loneliness, in
which were united the light and beauty
of the northern day and the dark splen-
dor of the tropical night
You walk northward from the little
town, scarcely an eighth of a mile, when
you arrive on the bank of the Grand
river, a stream whose broad waters,
fringed with noble forests, flows in a
southeasterly direction. You see
weather beaten ferry boat lying at rest
on the margin of the stream, and be-
yond this, across the river and up the
gentle slope, a large stone farm house.
Surrounded by a growth OF splendld
trees, greets the vision. This is the
home of Inez De Alma
The afternoon of a cloudleSS sum-
mer day was low in the horizon
Inez De Alma was standing by the
open gate, while near her, happy smile
And so you have decided to accom-
pany me to the ball in town tonight?'
he asked
Yes she replied, a soft light shining
in her lustrous eyes.
Il have a friend from the north who
is very anxious to see my little -
Little squaw,' she interrupted, with
a merry laugh.
It didn't say that-but it's just like
you to misinterpret my intentions, ne
make you no less dear to me-.a rose
by any other Name you know.
'Then you are not prejudiced against
Indians?''
Perhaps Merto is to be thanked for
this she said, cycling him critically
Merto was a young Cherokee girl,
half breed and orphan, who for several
AlmaS.
'sMertol how absurd. Inezl' answered
Fred. why do you say that?
Il was only jesting, she answered,
with a laugh. But, Fred"-and her
tone became serious-"did you know
that have reason to believe that
THAT what?
THAT Merto is in love with you,
Fred?"
s.Merto in love with me. Impossible."
cried Fred in astonishment-'b but, you
surely cannot mean it?
Yes; what 1 tell you is the truth OF
late she seems to be in the deepest tou-
BILE, avoids much as possible You
remember the photo that you gave me,
which 1 thought 1 had lost? Well.
have discovered that she has it-carries
it in her bosom continually-often kiss
ing and crying over it.
'sWhy, Inez this is astonishiGg!" ex-
claimed Fred, serious look upon his
face"
Poor girl said Inez. TT pains me
so much to see her in trouble. I love
her as I would a sister"
Let us hope there is some mistake
he replied, thoughtfully. But when
you are mine darling, we will leave
this place, and if what you suspect be
true she will soon forget that ever ex-
| isted.''
NO" and Inez shook her head sor-
| rowfully "she will never forget; she
has the blood of the Cherokees in her
veins, and when they love it is till
| deathl"
Thank Heaven then, that you have
| that blood in your veins, my darling.
| he cried, pressing her hand
For several minutes they stood con-
| versing in low tones, then turning, Fred
| Wilton walked in the direction of the
ferry, promising to return by eight
| o'clock
! Wapano. the half-breed, who attend
| ed to the ferry for Mr. De Alma, was
| sitting idly in the boat gazing thought
| fully into the water as Fred approach
| ed.
II wish to cross the river" observed
| Fred, as he stepped aboard
The half breed started to his feet at
| the sound of the young mans voice,
and flashing an angry glance at the
| intruder, he stood for a moment 1rres-
| olute, then taking up the long pole from
| the bottom of the boat, he pushed out
| into the river.
They were near the middle of the
stream when, glancing backward, Fred
saw Merto coming slowly down the
| road toward the river.
When the boat landed Fred jumped
| lightly ashore, and taking out his pock-
| etbook, he handed the half-breed his
| fare, who took it and silently placed it
| in his pocket.
Il shall want you to bring me back
again at eight O'clock said Fred And
taking a silver dollar from his wallet
he added: There, take this for your
| trouble.
FWapano took the piece of money, and
casting look of naughty disdain upon
! the giver he threw it far out into the
river. Then without having uttered
word he pushed the boat out into the
| stream.
by George!" exclaimed Fred, as he
| turned and walked toward the town.
Those Indians are as proud as
| princes
1t was dark Wnen FREQ wilton re-
turned to the river, and contrary to his
| expectatio he found the half-breed in
| the boat waiting for him
| A heavy rain had fallen the day be-
| fore, and as Fred was crossing the river
| he noticed that it had risen considera-
bly, in his absence, and patches OF
| driftwood could be seen here and there
| upon its surface.
AS he advanced toward the gate that
| opened into the yard of the De Alma
mo md n "a
| miliar form came to meet him.
'Inezi'' he cried, in a glad voice.
Yes she replied in a low tone, you
are late-I thought you were not COM
I T n