Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1903-04-21
CHAPTER XVII.

49, WhA@4 the things, Just narrated were
transpirirg at the chateau, and at the dis
tant metropolis, how Jared White Hand
and his dusky princess?
Gradually White Hand became used to
the primitive fashions Of the Natchez.
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 If 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 to visit the settle
ment of the white men, and taking with
him an escort Of his trusty warriors, he
set out. It was past noon when he re-
turned, and his brow was clouded, and
his stout frame shaken by powerful
emotion. His first movement was to send
for White Hand. The youth went, 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,
and evil comes upon US. The white man q
remember your pledge. Will you pray 2"
"I WILL" answered White Hand And
he 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 fit for 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 ocea-
sions of emergency.
warriors Of the Natchez, listenr' COM
menced the Great Sun, speaking calmly
and slowly, but with fearful emphasis.
You know how the white men have
abused us-how they have trampled-upon
us, and how they have proved recreant
to every trust we have reposed In them.
But you do not yet know the most wick
ed thing of all. The white chief has de-
manded the beautiful village of the
White Apple! Ay-he says the great
chief in the big village away towards the
salt water has demanded it. I told him
he could not mean it, but he only laugh
ed at me. told him we had lived here
In peace ever since we settled upon the
banks Of the. mighty river-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 he
scoffed," and swore he would possess our
village"
As the Great Sun sat down, low mur-
muir ran around the room, and angry ges-
lures marked the movements of the dark
warriors. Stung Serpent started to his
feet, and in moment all was silent. The
towering chieftain gazed around with a
flashing eye, and when he spoke his voice
was like low thunder.
"Let the souls of the Natchez be firm
now, and let the hearts of her warriors
be strong" were his first words 1.-The
white man came to US, and we gave him
a 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 kindness? Where now is
our peace? The white man calls the
Indian a secret foe. Why is it soY Be
cause the pale faces are not to be trust
ed; because they speak fair when they
cheat US. !, Look around; look to your
homes, to your sacred temple. and to the
graves of your ancestors. Will you give !
Ill up2 can read your answers in your |