Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1906-02-01

- 10 tiAtAA4 tui II tIltII VA z
on me- am strong, and can die like a
man; but she was a weak young girl,
whom it was our duty, as brave men, to
protect, and not to inhumanly torture.
| have spoken"
Otter-Lifter sat down, and there was
a deep silence among the chiefs and
warriors. At length a chief who had
more than reached the period allotted to
human life-three-sc years and ten
arose and said, in a voice of deep solem-
nifty:
The young chief has uttered words
mat have reached my heart. The spirit
OF Monedo rests upon the young man:
ne Is worthy to be a 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-Lifter; 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
hunting-grounds already open"
The old man took his seat and the
assembled warriors were deeply affect
u.
The council broke up; the warriors and
chiefs pressed around Otter-Lfter 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 rife
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
deply 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.
Il cared nothing for his name; but I
told him to go back to Boonesborough
and tell your friends you were safe. and
would be with them before another
moon"
Il thank you for thai" 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
spoke of, and | will never go back till
l know what her situation is. and |
have some proof that you have told me
the truth" replied Allan.
Il 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 WON.
an to your 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
cur 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 I 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. Il gazed upon her beauty
only a moment and she passed away
from my sight like fair but delusive
vision of the night.
You will tell her this pretty tale if
you find herr added Starlight, looking
at him with a scornful smile
mot until she is safely restored to
her friends" replied Allan firmly
"Listen-let your ears be open-the
WhiteCloud already lovesr'
The young hunter grew deadly pale
and pressed his hand to his forehead
as if it were stricken with a sudden
pain.
Rosalthe's fortitude gave way, and the
Intensity of her emotions overpowered
her. With a faint cry she sank into
the arms of Starlight, and her percep-
tions grew so confused that the past
present and future We're mingled in cha
otto confusion.