Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-09-18
White Hand
"A Tale Of the Early Settlers !
/ Of Louisiana. ;
cHApTER X1.-(Con!inuedl
BY AUSTIN C. suRoIcK
Observation-Disclosures


violently. But they were not left long
in suspense Stung Serpent was absent
but the Great Sun stepped down from
the elevated seat that he occupied, and
from one of the attendants he took bow
and an arrow. and crown of feathers,
to which was affixed an oak twig. The
latter he placed upoh White Hands head,
and the weapons he placed in his hand.
Then to Coqua'Ia the old chief gave a
laurel twig and IN ear of corn.
My son" then spoke the Great sun,
in solemn and impressive tone. Il. as
the eldest male relative Of the bride do
now beStow her upon thee Thou hast
been crowned with the plumage of the
sOsrring bird, which signideth the power
OF command you shall exercise in the
household. The twig of oak tells US that
the depth Of no forest can prevent thee
from procuring food in times of need;
while the bow and arrow in thy hand
signiheth that even unto death thou wilt
protect her who is now given unto thee
for WIFE Then the Great Sun turned
10 the bride: 'Coqualla, in thy hand thou
holdest the twig of laurel-the emblem
81 purity. So wilt thou ever remain pure
and uasnllied, that the green laurel may
be no more pure than art thou. The ear
OF corn thou hast also assumed. Never
let thy household want for food whilst
thou art thus prc-ided"
Then the cheftain resumed his seat,
and tbs same old man who had led White
Hand to the temple stepped forward and
delivered a sort of sermon. after which
the couple were hailed as man and wife.
In the midst of these rejoicings, the en-
trance 10 the house was darkeued. and
in a moment more Stung Serpent stood
within the place. He looked upon White
Hand, and his brow darkened. but a close
observer could have seen that + look
was assumed.
WHO hath doue this?" he demanded.
in n loud tone
Il. my brother, answered the Great
Sun. They loved each other well. and
| gave Thy child away"
Stung Serpent bowed his head a few
moments, and when be looked up az in
his brow was clear
Then my promise is made void. he
said; for no man can harm the husband
OF his child. White Hand. thou art safe
with US: but remember thine OATH
''The husband Of thy child will not
break his promise, spoke the White
Hand. solemnly.
1T is well. am 10 season for the fes-
riyities
And therenpon the festivities connnenc
ed, and they were kept Up till late in the
evening, and chen the newly Parried
couple were conducted 10 a dwelling that
the king himself gave them. IL WIS just
back of the house Of Stung Serpent and
was within the line of the great circle OF
dwellings, but its post Of honor was
marked By its nearness TO the abode Of
the Great Sun
After the newly married pair had been
conducted to their dwelling. the youth
Eelt a hand upon his arm, and on turning
he saw the Great Sun.
White Hand. he said, follow me
for the Great Sun Of the Natchez has
much to say to thee.
Full OF wonder, the youth followed the
king from the place, lat he did NOT fear.
for there was only MADNESS in the tones
nr the monarch. On they went until
they reached a gigantic oak that stood in
the very ENTER of the village, and here
the Great sun stopped
white Hand" he said 10 low. sol
emn tone, thou hast sworn 60 my broth
er that thoa wilt not betray thyseif to
thy cdGntrymen, nor leave the village Of
la White Apple without our consent.
Only SIX miles from here is the fort and
F'lage o. 'ae "hi'e n'ah' 50 'hou sees.
how great ~ me ,fusl We F'P'se IN sffe'
let ! WIZ nos "'s@N my ofu' sun
me youlh' mn'Ie spirit % a"e elep.
over Alin. lhere was sonle'hihs Srani !
ana subilm IN she aeehe ABOUT hi'h' auu
he couid hot shAAe on 'he IMPRESSION
that sort oil mystic t"te was beihS
worEed cut IN an t1'S. L he heavens were
without tioHa, ana ihe myflaa stars
we're t"inhHuS hhe 'hay eyes ot iire away
OF IN me DARK Want ne hF"aI sthootu
PLAIN stEeteheer on "Nt mystic IaRe'
Whl'c the nuts CT 'he Na''h'% were dlih'
ly visible N lhe great elrrt"-
White hHnd' RESUME the darn
monarch. i 40 not th'hA thal me Hr"a'
Spirit III our people Is lh' same Nod
that made the white man. me country
away beyond the great saIt lake. they t"d
me, is sut et whife men, aud F"or tod
has given them laws not Ike cur laws
They pray to their God for vengeance on
the Natehez. aud the dread vengeance
comes Like the swift storm ne Night
aud like the bound of the beast of prey
il comes upon us. My son, thou canst
prayE'
YES. murmured me youth
-.rher wilt thou not urav for tho Nat
ebezY Wilt tbon not pray that He will
send mo- more calamtties upon us2 Thor
art good. and true. and noble. Nhaf say