Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-10-16
CHAPTER XVII.

While the things gust narrated were
Transporting at the chateau. and at the dis
aant metropolis, how Jared White Hand
and his dusky princess?
Gradually White Hand became used to
the primitive fashions of the Natehez.
and though he had many hours Of sorrow
and grief, yet he showed only content
to the warriors But TO his wife he was
not so reserved Of his true feelings. She
sympathized with him in his sadness, and
she even went so far as to assure him
that il the honorable opportunity ever
offered itself for his escape to his own
people, she should not oppose his wishes.
Early one morning, the Great Sun re-
ceived an invitation 70 visit the settle
ment OF the white men, and taking with
him an escort of his trusty warriors. he
set out. 1t was past noon when he re-
surned, and his brow was clouded, and
his stout frame shaken by a powerful
emotion. His first movement was to send
for White Hand The youth &ent, and
found the Great Sun alone with Stung
Serpent.
white Hand" he said. overcoming all
outward signs of his deep emotions, you
must fast and pray. The hour is dark,
aud evil comes upon us. The white mans
heart is hard. and his soul is base. You
remember your pledge. Will you pray ~
Il will" answered White Hand. And
De was then dismissed
As soon as the youth was gone, the
Great Sun started up from his seat and
leaped down. His brow grew dark again,
and his hands were clenched.
"Stung Serpent" he said. go and sum
mon your council at once. Summon only
the wise men and the tried warriors. for
we want no women nor children now. Bid
them attend me here"
Stung Serpent asked no questions, but
with quick movements, he called up the
men who were ft Tor deep counsel, and
soon they were all collected in the place
of council They knew that something
important had happened for never were
they thus called together save on occa-
sions of emergency.
Warriors of the Natchez, Hsten.' com.
menced the Great Sun, speaking calmly
and slowly, but with fearful emphasis
"You know how the white mcn have
abused us-how they have trampled upon
US. and how they have proved recreant
10 every trust we have req ed In them.
But you 10 not yet know tie most wick
ed thing Of all. The white chief has ,.e-
manded the beautiful village % the
White Apple, Ay--he says the great
chief in the big village away towards the
salt water has demanded it. ! told him
he could not mean il, bat he oniy laugh
ed at me. ! told him we had lived here
in peace ever since we settlmi upon the
banks OF the mighty rivpr-that our tenn
pie was here. and that here, in the quiet
vale, we had laid away the bodies OF our
departed friends. And even at this be
scoffed. and swore he would possess our
village"
As the Great Sun sat down. low muir
mur ran around the room, and angry ges-
1ures marked the movements Of the dark
wa sriors. Stung Serpent started to his
feet and in a moment all was silent. The
towering chieftain gazed around with a
flashing eye, and when he spoke his voice
was like low thunder.
''I4et the souls of the \atchez be firm
now, and let the hearts OF her warriors
be stroug"' were his first words. THE
white man came to us. and we gave him
q home. He asked us for land. and out
of our abundance we gave him much. He
asked US for friendship. and we gave him
our whole hearts. But how has he repaid
US for all our kindnessY Where now is
cur peace? The white man calls the
Indian secret foe. Why is it sou Be
esuse the pale faces are net to be trust
cd; because they speak fair when they
cheat rs. Look around; look IL your
homes, TO your sacred temple, and To tho
graves of your ancestors. VIII you give
ali mp? ! can read your answers in your
books as well rs in your words. Once
more, and | am done. Let the white men
De exterminated, Let them be swept from
eur land at once and forever
ON the next day messengers came
( ON Chopart. the commander Of the
French fort, to learn what the Natchez
had agreed upon. They We're informed
that they had not vet been able to agree
upon Il place to which 10 move, and the
Great Sur asked two months in which 10
prepare. promising, meantime, TO pay a
sew tribute of corn to the French. This
message was conveyed to Chopart, and
~ agreed to the terms, fondiy believing
that in another spring his people should
share the rich land spoils of this flares,
Natchez village.