The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-05-28
ChaDter IX.

THE CABIN IN THE WOODS.
There stood cabin at the edge of the
brook, small and rooted with bark, but con-
venient for the winter. Before it hung on
a branch the flesh of two moose, while not
far away, in various places, cut wood was
PILED. In the cabin Aneeb, his leg bound
with splints, lay on a bed Of fir twgs. Fer
Gays Frank had not ceased work except to
throw himself to sleep But at last the build
ing finished.
Then began life Of routine. Before day
light the woman rose in the hut and walked
the boy and girl. They went out into the
cold and dusk, where stars yet glnmered
above and in the east the sky was growing
bright. They brushed the last snow from
the nearest woodpile and brought in their
arms the split logs to the cabin. There the
light of the rising fire fell upon the sleeping
men, and Alice, pausng, might see Frank S
face. On him--ah, there hung every hope Of
her heart! -
He lay as unconscious as if there were nei-
Their Boston nor London for him or for her.
His sleep was sound, his face was calm and
strong. AS the woman cooked the meal Alice
stole glances at him, comforting her. There
was in him so much of self-reiance, much
| Of power, that each day she could take cour
age for the future
But in the morning her moments with him
were few. When Netnokwa gave permission
she might wake him, and his opening
eyes. But his meal was hasty, and he was
soon away. AT the door of the hut, in the
dawn, Alice stood many a time and watched
his form melt among the distant shadows OF
the woods
Then, in the hut she would work at the
| skin curing or at the ordering of the place.
For Netnokwa was neat and was always
busy. There was sewing to be done with
great needles and the sinews of animals;
ho 70 ho
trimmed. And Aneeb, lying without com
plant, yet had to be tended and fed. In
minutes of quiet Alice worked on birch bark,
brought by the hunter from great distances.
With sharp stick she copied sentences from
her Bible. But Kewadin, ,contemptuous, left
her and tiptoed about under the trees, hoping
with his bow and arrow to shoot a squirrel
and win Franks smile. g.
Netnokwa prepared the evening broth, leav-
ing 1T to simmer long, for at what hour
Frank might return they could not tell. The
moose skins were shaken up afresh at his
seat, and the floor of the cabin was swept
with cedar branches. Pine splinters were
prepared; dry gummy wood was picked out
from the rest and laid on it's own pile This
" ork done, Netnohwa would take down from
their pegssthe $softest and best Of the mecca
sins and the prettiest leggins made for wear
in the cabin. And then from time to time
Alice, Kewadin, even Netnokwa herself,
would stand at the door and gaze about
through the woods. =: f.,
If it showed he might be late; in the soft
snow walking was difficult. Or if it showed
hard he might not come at all. Yet once on
the finest night he did not come; the sun was
hours down, but he did not come. Netnohwa
and the others lay down to sleep "Aneeb,'
cried Alice at last, where is Saggitto''
Little daughter" said the chief, she is
safe. Tomorrow, be sure, he brings fresh
meat ~. ..,. -a.
And on the morrow, before noon, Frank re-
turned, dragging a heavy load on an i'm:
provised sledge. .c
But usually the dusk fell they would
see him coming among the trees. Then with
a shout Kewadin would rush to meet him,
and Alice, less hastily, would follow. The
| moose tongue, the cartridges, the boy
would sieze with pride, and beg to carry the
gun. But the real welcome was between the
other two, with looks, not words, and with
hands clasped eagerly. ~
In the cabin the two men looked gladly at
| the hunter returning, and at the sign Of his
success. Netnokwa and Alice removed his
moccasins and leggins before the snow should
melt, hung them to dry, and gave him the
fresh ones. Next the bowl Of broth, or the
platter Of meat, was set before the hungry
man. No questions were asked him until he
was ready to speak. Then would begin their
hour of evening. ..-" -... $3.50. s.-s .-
MukkWah would sing the indian chants,
and with Aneeb instruct the boy in Indian
legends and history. But at times Alice and
Frank, sitting side by side, would speak
in their own mother tongue.
He made her speak of herself. Her mother
had died years before, her father was a we'll
TODD merchant, her brother q soldier:
IAN officer" she said. THAT was why l
felt so safe With.
She stopped and dropped her eyes, picturing
| herself the lieutenant as he fell dead, as she
| thought, and shivered slightly. Frank spoke
quickly Of his hunting to draw her from the
unpleasant thought. -zaf.%
She frightened. you hunt so well!" she
cried.
"But this is bad game country" he said.
''Now there is fair hunting, but the moose
and elk need bushes to feed on or young
trees. Here are few, for miles are great pines
| and hemlocks, but little underbrush. The
game Is already leaving" II,
+ Her face became serious; she foresaw. 'tWill
there be little to eat?
| II trust not. But you know how to starve,
Alice?"
Yes she said. She frightened her lips
her eyes looked back into memory Last
winter two more families lived near US. They
were women and children, SO Aneeb fed them
as we'll as US. It was hard sometimes. But
she added confidently looking up. II can live
Con little. It is usually three days before l
| faint
| Usually three days. he repeated. Usually
three days. And at home, Alice?"
Her ewes filed She could No; answer