The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-05-30
white Hand
sA Tale Of the Early Settlers
{ Of Louisiana.
d Etfass s-~ t
CHAPTER XVIII
ny AUSTIN c. BURplcK
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
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co MS career as commander at the
Natchez fort by cruelty to his own men,
but one or two grave complaints made
TO Gov. Perier had come nigh causing his
eemova, and he let the whites be in
peace, but expended his wrath upon the
poor Indians. He was now much elated,
for he was sure that the beautiful village
of the White Apple would soon be his,
and he meant to pocket much money in
the transaction. One day he sat in his
Gude house, with some of his attendants
about him, when a soldier demanded ad-
aaittance.
"How now, sirrah?" he demanded, as
the man entered.
Il have come with a warning" the SOL
dier replied.
"Ha!-a warning Speak out"
IAN old woman passed my post this
morning, monsieur, AMI she babe me tell
the French to be on their guard, for dam
ger threatened them"
"And from whOm?"
butcher us ALL"
Have you spoken of this before?"
~ have not"
cried Chopart in anger Have you not
seen enough of this idle fear? What no!
without there!'
At this call, two soldiers entered, who
usually stood in the passage to obey the
commanders call.
Take this fellow and lock him up in
the prison." he ordered. "We'd soon
have the red rats down upon us if they
knew we lived in fear! They dare not
offer rs harm. Away with him.
And for pODVnVinp this iutaIliUanco n
fpo0r man was east into a strong dungeon,
and there kept for several days with his
&eet in the stocks.
But this was not the only note of warn
ding Chopart had. -Four days afterwards.
IA soldier came to him ami informed him
that the Indians surely meditated the de-
rgtruction of the FORT and of all its white
anhabitants.
'Out, fooiT' exclaimed Chopart, an
.grily. "The old bag who told you this
only thinks to frighten us. She thinks
ahat by exciting our fears she can fright
zen us into giving up our plan of taking
their village of the White Apple. What!
~ould We show to the Indians that we
deared them? Away with such idle fool
rerv!T
Pricked Arm was astOunded at the in
9atuation Of the French commander, and
as last resort she went to Chopart's
lieutenant, man named Mace, who, she
amagined, would have some influence
with his superior. But even this proved
abortiye. She told Mace that destruction
would surely fail upon them if they did
mot take some means to keep the Indians
away from the fort. But on the yerv
next day ChOpart invited all the Indians
20 a banquet, and pledged his friendship
to them anew.
with feeling of utter CONSERVATION,
Frcked Arm returned to her lodge One
evening she sought White Hands dwell
sng, for she had q faint IDEA working
Ehrough her mind that the French youth
might have some influence In all this. She
knew that he had been originally doomed
TO death to go and iutercede face to face
with the white mans God, but she had
never yet fully known why he was SPAR
ed. She found White Hand alone. He
Sazed eagerly into her face, for he was
anxious to know how her work progress
ed.
White Hand" she said. speaking abb
Fuptiy, why were you spared from death
when YOU first came here?"
THAT might marry Coqualla," replied
the youth.
But was there nothing else?" asked
the old woman, looking him sharply in
the face.
why, yes" returned White Hand,
speaking with some dtffi lence, for the real
season seemed so foolish and ridiculous
70 him that he almost feared he should
Oe laughed at for speaking Of it.
And what was that?"
why, promised to pray to the white
mans God that none of the wickedness
of the French might succeed, and also
TO tell him how basely the red men had
'Oeen wrongcd by the invaders; for was
OF that people, and they supposed that
should have some influence with nv Su.
ipreme Father"
That's it" the aged princess groaued
H:with her hands folded across her bosom
HOwT' asked the youth in surprise
81 knew that the Great Spirit had a
shand in this work. The fort at Natche,
2as doomed past all hope
"Ne-not doOmed!'
ut is. The last stick will be removed
tomorrow. and then the blow must fally
Tomorrow?
"No-the blow falls on the day after
The fatal sticks mark the interyenin,
days"
And must all fall?-all-allT
"All at Natchez, but not elsewhere. To-
the others wait yet another week, ant
ere that time the whites will be warned
But what noise is that? Hark! Their
are shouts of welcome"
They both started for the door, wher
they were met by Stung Serpent, VIII
caught the youth by the arm and force,
shim into the house again.
white Hand" he said, speaking quick
1y and sternly, remember your oath, 70
gour salvation may now depend upon il
The white men have come to carouse il
the White Apple. Beware that you d
not forget yourself! Shall we trust you
Mind-all is well with you if you ar
faithfulP'
Fear not, my father" spoke the you'll
enable to repress the trembling that sell
ed his limbs.
"Theu you may conduct CoquaIla to tn
eevelry.' #
1t was calm, warm night, and in til
center of the great square were built tw
+ AL. nI,n