Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-04-12

to be uninhabited. OF this they imme-
diately took possession. To the sur
prise of both parties, they perceived that
fire had recently been kindled there,
and several articles of comfort were left,
among which were pieces of venison,
mats, a few undressed deerskins, etc.
Allan hailed this discovery as sim
gular piece of good fortune and instant
ly set himself at work to minister prop
erly to the wants of his friend. lie
dressed his wound as well as he could,
searched for a spring. brought him cool
and refreshing water and then arranged
the mats and deerskins, and prevailed
upon him to lie down and recruit his ex-
hausted energies.
Kenton complied. making efforts dur
ing the time to induce Norwood to leave
him there, and put a safer distance be-
tween himself and the Indians. who
might possibly be on their trail.
Our hero was of course deaf to these
suggestions; and in short time had
the pleasure of seeing his comrade sink
into Il deep and tranquil sleep. He then
kindled fire and moving about softly,
commenced cooking as we'll as the case
would admit, some of the venlson SO
providentially provided.
While Allan was engaged in this man
ner, a human figure darkened the lodge
door. The unexpected visitor was an
Indian maiden. When she beheld our
hero, she drew back with an exclama-
tion of surprise.
Come in," said Allan. perceiving she
was in doubt
what does the pale face seek here?'
she asked. with a dignifed air.
Il don't know that it would be proper
to make you my contidante.' replied
Allan, with smile.
Confidence sometimes makes friends,
added the Indian girl. in excellent Eng
lish, though somewhat loftily.
Il know it, daughter Of the red man,
answered Norwood. Are any of your
people with you?'
Il am alone; are you afraid?" replied
the maiden.
Not of you, certainly" said Norwood
with a smile.
"Why are you so near our village!
inquired Starlight.
"A young maiden has disappeared
from the station on the Kentucky riv-
err" rejoined our hero, resolving to trust
her with the object of his mission.
Such things often happen; but why
do you seek her in this direction? Dc
you lay this new sin at the door of the
Cherokee? Is the red face always a,
fault? Did the Great Spirit make them
nation of thieves?'
Il said not so; but we seek that
which is lost in all places where there
is possibility of its being found. Is
it not so?'
'Know that the White Cloud is safe
she will return again to Boonesborough
before the next moon. Go back and tel
her friends So"
cried Allan.
Am l speaking to the winds, that
you do not understand? Are my words
SO idle that they do not interest you?
said that the white maiden was safe,
rejoined Starlight.
Where is she? Let me see her-let
me speak to her" cried Allan.
''What is White Cloud to your asked
Starlight, coldly, looking steadily al
Allan.
..Oh, she is much! l think of her and
dream of her!' exclaimed Norwood.
"And does she dream of you? resum
ed Star Light, in the same tone.
"Alas, no! She does not even know
me. | am impatient to know more. II
you really speak truly, lead me to Ro-
salthe," added Norwood.
II should lead you to your death
You would never return to the great
fort to say that the pale maiden lives,
returned Starlight emphatically.
"Rosalthe is captive among your peo
ple-how, then, can she be safeT ask
ed the young man.
THAT is known to me and not tc
you. l will tell no more" said Star
| Light
You shall." cried Norwood, starting
| to his feet.
The daughter of the proud Cherokee
| fears nothing She is willing to make
| the friends of the White-Cloud glad by
sending them word that she is safe; but
should you torture her with fire she
would tell no more,' replied Starlight
drawing up her person majestically.
The dignifed and assured air of the
| Cherokee maiden arrested Allan in his
purpose. He stood before her irreso
lutte and embarrassed Before he haC
recovered his sef-possession, Starlight
| had glided from the lodge, and disap
peared in the forest.
| Ito be continned)