Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-03-26
: 1 a Il AZ ah AZ n n n n1 n1 1n1 a A a-
TA=TAT'S TRANSPORTATION. !
The Grand Coup of Indian Maid.
BY JOHN HAROLD HAMLIN.

for the Piutes, so firmly had his father
instilled in his mind the bitter details
of the old feud existing between the
two tribes. And to think of Ta-tat's pro-
fessed partiality to a miserable Piute
more than strengthened his desire for
speedy marriage between her and
Washoe Billy. Ta-tat safe in his
wickiup, Billy eager to claim her as
his wife, and the ponies and gun with
held until after the ceremony-these
facts prompted Meloxi to set an early
date for his daughters wedding.
The news had apparently no effect
upon the sulky Ta-tat. She realized
how little sympathy would be forth
coming from her people; yet she de-
termined to be the bride of no one but
Horace Hop-Foot, her noble Pluto
lover. Ta-tat's schooling had taught
her to read and write; she had labo-
riously waded through highly col
ored novel in her career at the insti-
tute, and from it had contracted ro-
mantle ideas.
With all Hop-Foot's glaring faults,
she loved MIN madly, and was more
than willing to renounce her connec-
tion with the Washoes, especially the
possibility of being bride to that ug-
ly Billy. Hop-Foot had acquired
| little learning at the Carson institute;
| he owned small shanty down near
Reno, and was the best gambler
among the Indians for many miles
| around. To be sure, he imbibed freely
| of firewater, but then that was not
such a grievous fault, according TO
Ta-tat's reasoning.
With the installation of white mems
ideas, many of Ta-tat's superstitions
were eradicated. For instance. she
thought it wise to forget the old feud
| long nursed between Piute and Wash
| oe; she also laughed at the Washoe's
tradition that certain birds and beasts
| were the forms assumed by good and
bad spirits. The magpie, for which
she was named, could be either wick
| ed woman in disguise, or the spirit of
wise old man, so claimed the Wash
oe medicinemen; but the white teach
ers scoffed at those ideas, and Ta-tat
agreed with them.
Hop-Foots first gift to her was a
scrawny young magpie Che thought it
an appropriate token), which she
tenderly cared for, and taught to say
few words, both in the English and
| Washoe languages. This bird, with
the majority of Ta-tat's belongings,
| still reposed in her room at the insti,
| tute. Meloxi had allowed her scarcely
time to gather up few necessary gar.
ments when he rode up to the school
and abruptly carried her away.
Now, sitting in lonely dudgeon be-
meath her fathers peaked roof, Ta-tat's
mind worked actively, and she con-
jured up mental pictures-frst of a
slaves life with Washoe Billy; then
| blissful vision of love in Hop-Foot's
shanty on the outskirts of Reno. Pros
poets seemed decidedly gloomy for the
uusky maiden.
| Great preparations were gaily
| planned for the approaching wedding;
the feast would eclipse any previous
similar attempt since the grand barbe-
cue of 80 years ago. when 10 fat horses
were stolen from dance hall at
Washoe City, and nicely roasted ere
the palefaces missed them. Invita-
ti6ns circulated freely among the Car
son Valley Indians, barring of course,
the Piutes. The orgies would be ap-
propriate for the nuptials of a prin-
cess, even though that princess was
sadly disgraced still her father COM
manded universal respect, and the
Washoes were only too eager to seize
upon an opportunity for big time.
| While the preliminary arrangements
hummed merrily along, and the we'd
ding morn but five days away, Ta-tat
hit upon a brilliant scheme. She
frightened up as willing bride should,
and for the first time since her return
took decided interest in the coming
event. That afternoon, in company
With Washoe Billy, Ta-tat tripped
lightly over to Farmer Bannons. Mrs.
Bannon had always been extremely
fond of the girl; ands since the BRIDE
to-be requested Washoe Billys attend
ance, no one objected TO the visit, and
every one felt highly pleased at the
happy turn Of anairs.
Mrs. Bannon and Ta-tat carried on q
very ordinary conversation, with
Washoe Billy close listener. He heard
nothing to alarm him; but, just before
departing, Ta-tat stepped into the
kitchen, placed let,er in Mrs. Ban
mons hands, and begged her to mail it
that very day. Washoe Billy failed to
observe this little side play, and grunt',
ed in serene contentment as the twain
walked back to the village.
Shrill and sweet sounded the locust
choruses in the thick sagebrush; happy
insects that could sing in blissful igno-
rance Of slain comrades parching under
the September sun at the Cone noun
tain village-daintiest Of delectable In
dian eatables, those parched locusts.
Rabbits and fish and sagehen were
also conspicuously abundant as prep
arations went on for the days feast;