Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1903-03-10
White eHand!
"A Tale of the Early Settlers
nf Louisiana. )
BY AUsTlN c. BURDlcK
CHAPTER TX.

Far away, in the depths of the forest,
where a deep river ran, and where the
cypress trees grew thick and tall, party
of Indians sat down to rest. Only ten
red men are here upon the edge of the
cypress swamp, and eight of them repose
themselves to sleep, while the other two
keep watch. 1t is near noon, for the sun
has almost reached its highest point, and
these, men have been upon the trail since
early last evening.
But these Chickasaws are not alone.
Close by the side of a huge cypress log
one end of which is bedded in the swamp,
lies the form of a child Of the pale faces.
The hands and the feet are bound, and
a cord from the lashings Of the b N Is
leads along the ground, and is clutched
by one Of the sleeping Indians. In those
fair features, now shaded by the large
log, there is something of the look OF
Louis st. Julien; but even now the flesh
seems sunken, and the beholder would
think that many days, instead of only a
few hours, of suffering had rested with
in that frame.
Thus the party rested until nearly four
o'clock, and then one of the Indians, who
had been placed a little way up the riv-
er to watch, gave low, shrill whistle,
and on the instant the whole party were
upon their feet, and had seized their
arms. On the next instant, crashing of
the bushes was. heard at no great dis
tance, and not long afterwards, a party
of six Indians made their appearance.
He who led the newcomers was very tall
and athletic. 1t was the Natchez war
rior, Stung Serpent.
The stout chieftain spoke not until he
had seen the pale youth who still slept by
the cypress log, and then a grunt of sat
isfaction escaped from his lips. He spoke
with the chief of the Chickdsaws for
some time in his own strange tongue, and
then he turned to where the youth slept,
and-awoke him. The sleeper started up,
and with look of terror, gazed around.
Where is-is-where is my sister?" he
asked, in a low, thrilling tone.
tShe has gone on further south while
you slept" answered Stung Serpent But
the daughter of the white man is safe.
No harm can come to her, for her life
is precious. But you cannot go to her
now. You must go with the -Stung Ser
pent to the village of the White Apple.
What can Louis st. Julien fear from his
brother?"
The youth gazed into the face of the
powerful Natchez. and for awhile he
was utterly unable to speak. At that
moment hundred various thoughts and
emotions flew wildly through his mind.
He saw his father and St. Denis still
searching for the hiders, and he heard
their notes of alarm, and saw their tears
of grief Then he ran over the fearful
journey through the deep forest, and he
wondered why he was thus separated
from his mate.
"Can l not go with my sister?" he at
length asked.
NO." was the answer.
"And why may we not be together?"
Because it is impossible. Remember,
the Stung Serpent has spoken"
This was pronounced in slow, mean
ing tone, and Louis st. Julien knew
enough of the Indian character to know
that no appeal would move his captors
from such a purpose. He looked around
once more, and when he saw that half
of the Chickasaws were gone, he knew
that his companion had gone with them
In the meantime, Stung Serpent was
performing work that startled the pris-
oner not a little. After he had given his
last answer to Louis, he approached the
Chickasaw chief, and gave to him
heavy purse. The latter too it and emp
tied its contents into his broad palm,
and Louis saw that it was gold. The
Chickasaw's eyes sparkled as they rested
upon the coin. Louis clasped his hands
for they were free now-and his frame
shook as his former doubts grew to con-
frmations. Who could have placed that
gold in the hands of the Natchez war
rior? To be sure, there was a French
fort near the Natchez villages; but then
Louis knew that they had no gold to
spare there. Thankful must the Indian
be who could get even a few pieces of
silver from the people of Fort Rosalie.
Then who could have paid this gold but
Simon Lobois? The thought came, and
it was fixed. The prisoners head was
bowed and when again he looked up,
there was shade of determination upon
the finely chiseled features that contrast
ed strangely with the Sear marks that
had before rested there. He folded his
hands upon his bosom, and for single
instant his eyes were turned heavenward.
With satisfied look, the Chickasaw
leader emptied the money back into the
purse, and having placed it in his bosom,
he turned to his followers and gave the
signal for starting. They quickly gath
cred up their arms, and in a few mo-
ments more they were lost to sight in
the thick wood.
"Now," said Stung Serpent, turning
to his prisoner, 1--WE will be on our way
to our home in the domain Of the Nat
chez. Can you walk?"
eyes; but 1 am weak now, and shall
hardly be able to keep pace with you if
you hurry"
1.-THE white youth speaks calmly for
one in Distress" pursued the chief, look
ing his prisoner sharply in the eye.
perhaps he thinks he shall escape
"If I speak calmly" returned the
youth, sit is because I hope you mean
me no harm"
"Ughw That was all the answer Stung
Serpent returned upon that subject In
a moment more he took the prisoners
hand and gazed upon it.
"I did not tell the Chickasaw that it
was you who slew his people," the Nat
chez said.
Louis trembled.
''For if l had, should not have found
you alive, having once passed through
his hands. You have a small white hand
for a warrior such as you have proved |
yourself to be-" And Stung Serpent laid |