The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-04-28
CHAPTER XIX,

0Diufv.
white 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
Cloudr' 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 war party or MS
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-Lfter afraid? When did he
fail to raise his voice against cruelty!
Who can say that he ever tortured
prisoner, or made war on women and
children? Not a person living! said
the chief, with dignity.
'sTAen why does such gentle-hearted
leader stand still when his help is need
ed? Does he not see this. trembling
girl suffering the terrors of death? Has
he not hand to use, as well as tongue
to talkY' exclaimed Starlight
"The speech Of Starlight is bitter:
she wounds the heart of the chieftain
who is ready to die in her service" re-
turaed Otter-Lifter, mournfully.
Fanny HarrOd recovered her con-
sciousness.- 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 it was he who was to decide
her fate. There was a 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 Rosaithe bent for
attention.
'The Pale-Lily has been condemned to
death by the ordeal Of fire. but she shall
live" said Otter-Lifter.
at is WE'LL" 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."
1T is enough" replied the Indian girl.
This way" continued Otter-Lifter.
The latter moved on, and the three
maidens followed him without dues-
ton: Leaving the little village, he led
the way to the deep aud dark forest.
through the umbrage OF which the pale
~ &C.
ped at length few hundred yards from
the encampment.
"Stay here" he said. still | 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 cry of
surprise and alarm; for. instead. of see
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 themr' she exclaimed.
Rosalthe looked again at the adyanc.
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
mai which had been provided for that
purpose. The chief then turned to the
young men.
Conduct this maiden to Harrois-
burgh.' he said, in 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 subdued voice The proud Indian
rod. bending forward. imprinted kiss
upon her lofty forehead sit is all I 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 4 mildness almost angelic.
st is well that you have been called
Starlight, for behold reflected from
your starry eyes serenest rays of
mercy and TRUTH said Miss Harrod.
enthusiastically.
Wassahauza gazed more hxedly 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 if 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
head, she haif-formed the resolution to
whisper his name: but single Glance
&C the changed and gentle expression OF
starlight made her reject the idea:
ana In an instant Fanny and her escort
were moving toward Harrodsburgx.
ncsafthe threw her arms about Star.
Light and embraced her tanderiv. an