The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1906-03-28
CHAPTER XIX.

"What would Starlight and her cous,
In of the Wyandots doi" asked the chief,
coldly.
"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-L.ifter worthy OF
Che confidence of Starlight and White
Cloudr' replied the chief, in tone OF
mild reproach.
"Otter-Lifter of the red race of the
Cherokees is humane; but this captive
was not taken by 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 person living" said
the chief, with dignity.
Then why does such gentlehearted
leader stand still when his help is need.
ed? Does he not see this trembling
girl suffering the terrors Of death? Has
NE not hand to use, as well as tongue
to talkY' exclaimed Starlight.
s'The speech Of Starlight Is bitter;
she wounds the heart of the chieftain
who is ready to die in her service" re-
turned Otter-Lifter, 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.
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 0tter-Lifter Yes, he will perish,
before 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 ques-
ton. 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 few hundred yards from
the encampment
Stay here" he said, 'till l 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 0tter-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. II
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 ia
revive her terrors.
After the lapse Of half an hour steps
were heard approaching. Fanny and
Rosalthe simultaneously uttered a cry OF
surprise and alarm for, instead of see
ing Otter-Lifter, they beheld half a dog
en- warriors mounted upon horses. Star
light remained calm and undisturbed.
Peace! peace, foolish maidens! Otter
LITTER is with themp she exclaimed
Rosalthe looked again at the advanc
ing Indians, and beheld the chief in tn,
midst of them. leading horse. Sh,
kissed Miss Harrods pale cheeks, ant
wept for joy. Without speaking, Otter
LITTER placed Miss Harrod upon the ami
NAL which had been provided for tha
purpose. The chief then turned to tn,
young men.
s'Conduct this maiden to Harrods
burgh," he said, In a vonce Of command
~Otter-Lifter has pledged his word tina
she shall live and return to her friends
Go; and remember that your lives shall
answer for hers If harm befall her"
"Come here, Starlight" said Fanny
An subdued voice. The proud Indiai
girl stepped to her side. and Miss Har
rod, bending forwasl, imprinted kis
upon her lofty forehead. ut is all cal
give you," she added.
Starlight smiled family, and SCENE,
20 look lovingly at the young girl. Fo
4 moment her naughty beauty wa
softened into a mildness almost angelic
1T is well that you have been calle'
Starlight. for behold reflected iron
your starry eyes serenest rays 0
mercy and truth" said Miss Harrod
enthusiastically
Wassahauza gazed more fixedly d
Fanny. and her expression became NOR
benignly softened.
MA Offer-I liter raxcd nj her with n kin