The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1906-05-19
CHAPTER XIX


motionless In the path.
What would Starlight and her cous-
in of the Wyandots doT asked the chief,
coldly.
"White-C Cloud and the maiden they
call Starlight do not like cruelty; they
seek to save this pale captive from
DEATH" replied Wassahauza.
"And was not Otter-Lifter worthy of
the confidence of Starlight and White
CloudT replied the chief, In a tone of
mild reproach.
"Otter-Lifter of the red race of the
Cherokees is humane; but this captive
was not taken by a war party of his,
and he might have feared to offend the
young warriors who brought her away
from Harrodsburg," answered Star
Light.
"Wassahauza speaks of fear. When
was Otter-Lifter afraid? When did he
fail to raise his voice against cruelty
Who can say that he ever tortured a
prisoner, or made war on women and
children? Not a person living" said
the chief, with dignity.
"Then why does such gentle-hearted
leader stand still when his help is need
girl suffering the terrors Of death? Has
he not hand to use, as well as a tongue
to talkw exclaimed Starlight.
The speech of Starlight Is bitter;
she wounds the heart of the chieftain
who is ready to die in her SERVICE" re
turned OtterLifter, mournfully.
Fanny Harrod recovered her con-
seriousness, and stood clinging to Star
Light and our heroine. She fixed her
burning eyes on the placid face of Otter
LITTER in silent agony of spirit; for she
felt that 1t was he who was to decide
her fate. There was short period in
which no words were spoken. The cap
tive read no emotions Of pity in the
features of the chief.
He gave back her appealing look with
one apparently as impassive as hers had
been earnest. A faint smile at length
played over his lips: he spoke, and
Fanny Harrod and Rosalthe bent for
ward to catch his words with breathless
attention.
THE Pale-Lily has been condemned to
death by the ordeal of fire, but she shall
live," said Otter-Lifter.
1T Is well" answered Starlight, loft
lily.
'She shall live," repeated the chief,
even If the sum of her freedom be the
life of Otter-Lifter. Yes, he will perish,
before a single hair of her head shall
be scathed by the devouring fire."
ut Is enough" replied the Indian girl
"This way" continued Otter-Lifter
The latter moved on, and the three
maidens followed him without a cues.
tion. Leaving the little village, he led
the way to the deep and dark forest,
through the umbrage Of which the pale
moonlight with difficulty crept. He stop
ped at length a few hundred yards from
the encampment
Stay here" he said, IT'LL return"
and Immediately left them.
Rosalthe was now about to reveal
herself to Mis- Harrod, but Starlight
sternly babe her be silent.
"If you would save her. be SILENT"
she said.
The time Of Otter-Lifter's absence
seemed long indeed to the expectant
captive. A thousand fears and wild con.
lectures had birth In her mind. Per-
haps the chief had been detected in his
purpose, and the plan had failed. 1t
was possible that he had not sufficient
influence among the other chiefs and
warriors to save her, and innumerable
other fancies Of this kind passed in
quick succession through her mind to
revive her terrors.
After the lapse Of half an hour steps
were heard approaching. Fanny and
Rosalthe simultaneously uttered a cry of
al fnr 20
Ing Otter-Lifter, they beheld half doz-
en- warriors mounted upon horses. Star
light remained calm and undisturbed.
Peace! peace. foolish maidens! Otter.
Litter is with theml" she exclaimed.
Rosalthe looked again at the advanc.
ing Indians, and beheld the chief In the
midst of them, leading a horse She
kissed Miss Harrod's pale cheeks, and
wept for Joy. Without speaking, Otter
Litter placed Miss Harrod upon the ami.
NAL which had been provided for that
purpose. The chief then turned to the
young men.
Conduct this maiden to Harrods-
burgh," he said, In a vonce of command
"Otter-Lifter has pledged his word that
she shall live and return to her friends.
Go; and remember that your lives shah
answer for hers If harm befall her."
Come here, Starlight" said Fanny,
In a subdued voice. The proud Indian
girl stepped to her side, and Miss Har-
rod, bending forward, imprinted a kiss
upon her lofty forehead. "It Is all can
give you," she added.
Starlight smiled family, and seemed
to look lovingly at the young girl. For
moment her naughty beauty was
softened into a mildness almost angelic
at Is we'll that you have been called
Starlight, for l behold reflected from
your starry eyes serenest rays of
mercy and truthw said Miss Harrod
enthusiastically.
Wassahauza gazed more fxedly at
Fanny, and her expression became more
benignly softened.
Otter-Lifter gazed at her with a kind
Of mute idolatry discernible In his elo-
Quent eyes, and then turned abruptly
from the scene, as II afraid to trust him
self longer.
Starlight moved softly away, and
Rosalthe took Miss Harrod's hand.
When the latter stopped to kiss her fore
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