Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-04-19
CHAPTER Xxx.

CHAPTER Xxx.
1t was on the ensuing morning that
Starlight visited the lodge where the
interview already mentioned took place
between her and Allan Norwood.
There was great commotion at the
village when it was known that Fanny
Harrod had escaped. A council was Inn
mediately called to see what should be
done. While they were gravely smok
ing the pipe, as an indispensable pre-
liminary, Otter-Lifter appeared among
them. One warrior arose and advised
that the warriors be punished who had
been appointed to watch over the cap
tive. which duty they had not faithfully
performed Another recommended that
a small war party be instantly dispatch
ed In pursuit of the captive. Otter
Litter arose calmly to his feet and looked
deliberately around upon the faces Of the
assembled chiefs and warriors
1T was my hand that liberated the
young white woman" he said. 81 re-
joice that l did so, because it Is deed
that will give me pleasure whenever
think of it. l sent the Pale-Lily under
an escort of my warriors; and by this
time she is far beyond pursuit. If these
wise chiefs and these brave warriors
are angry. let them turn their displeasure
on me. | am strong, and can dieslike a
man; but she was weak young girl,
whom it was our duty, as brave men. to
protect. and not to inhumanly torture.
l have spoken"
Otter-Lifter sat down, and there was
deep silence among the chiefs and
warriors. At length a chief who had
more than reached the period allotted to
human lfe-three-score years and ten
arose and said, in voice of deep solem-
nifty:
''The young chief has uttered words
that have reached my heart The spirit
of Monedo rests upon the young man:
he is worthy to be chieftain among
the red children of the Cherokees l
shall pass away, and the grave will hide
me: but he will live to be great, and his
name will be known among the nations.
Young warriors and chiefs. initiate the
bright example of Otter-Lfter; it Is the
advice Of an old man whose way Is to-
ward the receptacle Of death, and to
whose eyes the scenes of the happy
grounds already open"
The old man took his seat and the
assembled warriors were deeply affect
ed. The current of opinion was changed.
The council broke up; the warriors and
chiefs pressed around Otter-Lifter to
shake hands with him and speak some
words of applause; for their noble ma
ture had been touched, and the man
''who cared only for his word, his rifle
and his honor" was never so popular
among his people as then. 1t is thus
that a noble act frequently raises the
actor in the estimation of those whom,
in all human judgment, it would have
1eply offended.
About the same time that the above
scene was transpiring, Starlight and
White-Cloud were walking in the forest,
upon the margin of the Indian village.
Il have seen one of your people," said
Starlight.
"Who was it?" returned our heroine,
looking anxiously at her companion.
"A young man. and he was seeking
you. He was tall and handsome, with
black hair and eyes" returned Star
Light.
did you ask him his name" re-
joined Rosalthe. with an earnestness
that she made no attempt to render less
apparent.
81 cared nothing for his name; but l
told him to go back to Boonesborough
and tell your friends you were safe, and
would be with them before another
NOON"
Il thank you for that" exclaimed Ro-
salthe.
Before the Indian girl had time to re-
ply, a rapid footstep was heard, and
Allan Norwood stood before the maid
ems. The suddenness Of his appearance
caused Rosalthe to recOil a few PAGES,
but Starlight remained unmoved.
What brings you here? have you
worn your scalp SO long that you have
got tired of it, and wish to lose it?'
asked Starlight.
Il have come to seek the maiden l
spoke of, and | will never go back till
know what her situation is, and l
have some proof that you have told me
the truth" replied Allan.
II never speak falsely; it is the pale
faces that lie" she replied with dig
nifty.
Il demand proof" returned Norwood.
again | ask. what is the young wom
an to you?' said the Indian girl.
"She is much-everything and yet
nothing" answered the young man,
with much feeling.
THAT is strange! Much, everything,
nOthing'-the young man has taken
much strong water" replied Starlight,
with contemptuous curl of her lip.
While this conversation was going on
our heroine stood partly behind Star
Light, partly concealed by her person:
and the effect of the young mans words
may be imagined by the reader. She
had no difficulty in recognizing him as
the man who had interposed to save
her from the impertinence Of lie Bland
She stood like one spell-bound and
listened to his words with intense In
terest.
'She Is much to me, because l love
her, and nothing to me, because she
does not know me and reciprocate the
sentiment which a single chance meet
ing called up," he added.
you have met her then? Why did
you not tell her this pleasant story"
resumed the Indian maiden.
IL did not even address her." said
Norwood. 81 gazed upon her beauty
only q moment, and she passed away
from my sight like a fair but delusive
vision Of the night"
"You will tell her this pretty tale IL
you find herr" added Starlight, looking