Mower County transcript., 1906-08-01

ing of the dispatches. but to seize the
| first pretext to leave the fort.
"And in order that there may be NO
backsllding, the bridges must be
burnt" and going to hegrate, Laven-
der dropped the dispatches on the
heart of the Goals. Slowly the edges
uncurled in last mischievous attempt
| to reveal the secret; then a greedy
| fame devoured the papers.
| "Ashes!" Lavender exclaimed, in tri-
| umph. Then, turning to Winslow:
There is nobody now to call you spy
or traitor!"
CHAPTER VII
A few days later, attended by a small
| military escort, the party left the
fort.
WinslOw explained to the command
er that there was double reason for
! haste-in their unwillingness to further
trespass on his hospitality, no less
than in the impatience of the ladies to
join their relatives. Reasons which,
| though with all hospitable intent, tho
colonel supplemented by the practical
suggestion that they take advantage OF
the present frosty condition of the
trail. A little later, when the spring
thaw had. set in, the swamp lands
| would be well nigh impossible.
There being no available guides at
the fort, it was decided that the SOL
diers accompany them to the nearest
Indian village, half days march
away, where they could obtain ponies
and guide for the journey north.
The little party arrived at nightfall
within the Indian settlement, and the
soldiers returned to the fort. having
made arrangements with the chief OF
the village for their safe conduct.
Left to themselves in the gloomy
wigwam, the travellers had much ado
to be cheerful. The place was ILL
smelling and close, and the Pickering
freight but served to bring into bold
er relief the grotesque shadows that
fouted them from every corner.
The loose-ftting skins of which the
walls were made, creaked and tapped
dismally. Inc brush of fox and the
head of deer hung over the door
way; stray feathers blew over the
floor as the wind stole in. Mrs.
Creighton gave shiver of disgust.
How grewsome this place is.
Trophies of dead things everywhere!
feel as though we were entertaining
ghosts"
Lavender laughed low uneasily,
Hush, and she lifted a warning
finger. Somebody is outside"
Winslow lifted the heavy flap that
curtained the threshold. A rush of
air made the torch burn low, and In
the darkness they could dimly discern
the figure of man-tall, with a wav-
ing eagle plume above a beaded head
dress.
Come in, friend,' said Winslow,
but the stranger made no move to
enter. "1s the white maiden here?'
His speech was cultural, but not harsh.
Where is the maid who is not
afraid of an Usage arrow? Owatoga
would speak with her,
Owatoga! Then he had followed
them. Was it as friend or foe? Law
ender rose and went to the opening.
II am here, Owatoga"
There was a nervous quiver in her
voice, and she grasped Winslows arm,
but the gigantic figure outside made no
move nearer.
"You will need 4 guide-Owatoga
knows the Forest" he said.
Winslow dropped the curtain, and
stood outside in the darkness, keeping
close to Lavender as he addressed the
Indian.
You are a friend to this white
maid?"
For answer, the other said with ir-
relevance: The arrow was taken out
quick; Owatoga was net left to die"
"Then you are better? am so glad,"
Lavender said, and the Indian respond
ed, gravely: "Owatoga is we'll; he will
be the guide for the white people to-
morrow"
Without waiting for thanks, without
further explanation, he disappeared,
and Lavender whispered, triumphant
ly, as they reentered the wigwam: 81
knew we could trust him.
Next day they left the village, led
only by their self-appointed guide. The
ponies and other equipment had been
bought of the Indians. Part of their
route was to be that known as the
CLARK trail. The town of New Madrid
vas their first destination - there
they would await the earliest boat
north.
On stout Indian ponies they rode;
sometimes over damp and slippery paths
but oftener where the hoofs beat
rhythmic measure on the frozen way
Occasionally they crossed wandering
bands of Indians, meeting with solid in
difference or friendly grunts, but never
hostile show. By night camp fires
kept off the cold, and sterner foes,
whose hungry bowling was a mock
ing lullaby.
Owatoga rode ahead, ,rigid-silent as
ohS f4oS- l.: