Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1902-01-04
TA-TAT'S TRANSFORMATION,

p'oNcu an empty nOnOr, ana Billy
numerous ponies and three guns APP
pealed to his covetous nature; there
fore, when Billy sued for Ta-tat's hand
MeloXi consented on learning that two
ponies and a shotgun would be his por-
ton of the wedding contract. In addi-
ton, Meloxi possesses his quota of ra-
cial pride, and never could lose his
hatred of 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
progressed Partially to a miserable
Piute more than strengthened his de-
sire for speedy marriage between her
and Washoe Billy. Ta-tat safe In the
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 Plute lover.
Ta-tat's schooling had taught her to
read and write; she had laborously
waded through a highly colored novel
in her career at the institute, and from
it had contracted romantic ideas.
With all Hop-Foot's glaring faults,
she loved him madly, and was more
than willing to renounce her connec-
ton with the Washoes, especially the
possibility of being bride TO that ugly
Billy. Hop-FoOt had acquired little
learning at the Carson Institute; he
owned small shanty near Reno, and
was the best gambler among the In
dams 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-tats superstitions
were eradicated. For instance, she
thought it wise to forget the old feud
long nursed between Piute and Washoe;
she also laughed at the Washoe tradi-
ton that certain birds and beasts were
the forms assumed by good and bad
spirits. The magpie. for which she was
named, could be either wicked wo-
man in disguise, or the spirit Of a wise
old man, SO claimed the Washoe medi-
cine men; but the white teachers
scoffed at those IDEAS and Ta-tat
agreed with them.
HOp-FOot's first gift to her was a
scrawny young magple Che thought it
an appropriate token which she ten
derby cared for, and taught to say a few
words, both In the English and Washoe
languages. The bird, with the majority
Of Ta-tats belongings, still reposed in
her room In the Institute. MeloXi had
| allowed her scarcely time to gather up
few necessary garments when he
rode up to the school and abruptly car
ried her away. Now, sitting in lonely
dudgeOn beneath her fathers peaked
roof, Ta-tats mind worked actively,
and she conjured up mental pictures
first, of a slaves life with WashOe
Billy; then a blissful vision Of love in
Hop-Foot's shanty on the outskirts of
Reno. Prospects seemed decidedly
gloomy for the dusky maiden
Great preparations were gally
planned for the approaching wedding:
the feast would eclipse any previous
similar attempt since the grand barbe-
cue Of thirty years ago, when ten fat
horses were stolen from a dance hall
at Washoe City, and nicely roasted ere
the palefaces missed them. Invita-
tons circulated freely among the Car
son Valley Indians, barring, of course.
the Piutes. The orgies would be ap-
propriate for the nuptials of princess.
even though that princess was sadly
disgraced; still her father commanded
universal respect and the Washoes were
only too eager to seize upon an oppor.
tunity for big time.
While the preliminary arrangements
hummed merrily along, and the we'd
ding morn but five days away, Ta-tat
hit upon brilliant scheme. She
frightened up as willing bride should
and for the first time since her return
took a decided interest in the coming
event. That afternoon, in company with
Washoe Billy, Ta-tat tripped lightly
over to Farmer Bannon'S. Mrs. Ban
non had always been extremely fond Of
the girl; and, since the bride-to-be re-
quested Washoe Billy's attendance, no
one objected to the visit, and everyone
felt highly pleased at the happy turn
of affairs.
Mrs. Bannon and Ta-tat carried on
very ordinary conversation, with
Washoe Billy close listener. He heard
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