The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1907-10-16

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question came up before him in a somewhat diff
ferent aspect, and his thoughts took a turn some
thlng like the following: "Have you not been SOL
EMMY set apart by the nation to avenge the
death of its bravest warrior? and will not the
ghost of the departed haunt you in your chase in
the Wilderness, and in your midnight SAUNDERS,
tll it is appeased by the death OF Poe? Does not
your religion require you to execute vengeance as
the agent of the Great Spirit? and will he not
frown upon you if you fail to do the work of
death?'
AT this, Rhon-yan-ness again seized his deadly
Instruments, and sprang to his feet. 1t was now
past midnight, and all was still. No sound could
be heard but the gloomy boot OF an owl, which
had nestled in some tree in the surrounding forest
The light of the fire had gone out, and there were
only a few burning Goals left upon the hearth.
from which was emitted a kind of twilight glare
tnat enapled MN to gaze upon the features of his
victim. Summoning all his courage, he raised the
FEARFUL tomahawk, and was about to bury it in
the head of his host, when something whispered,
Shame on the Indian that can strike a friend.
Mean and cowardly is the warrior who would kill
even an enemy that has treated him kindly.
His heart faltered, his hand trembled, and the,
tomahawk fell by his side. Without disturbing
the family he returned to his pallet. and, dismiss,
ing all thoughts of revenge, he slept soundly until
morning.
Poe rose early and made his fire, without dis
turbing his guest, who was in a heavy slumber.
When it was fully day, and the bright fire blazed
around, he had an opportunity of gazing upon
the broad. open features of the manly Indian
whose giant form was before him. There he lay.
with his tomahawk and scalping-knife by his Size.
Poe understood enough of the Indian character to
Know that in the days of peace they were capable
of the most sincere and lasting friendship; and
lhough ne mad measured arms with them in deadly
strlfe, they were more sinned against than sin
nlng, ana Whatever cruelties they may have com.
mltted were excited by the depredations of the
white man: hence he loved the Indian, and had
often bewailed the unhappy fate of Big Foot and
ms prothers. Anxious to enjoy the society of his
Indian guest, he approached him, and gently
touching him, said softly, Wake, brother, wake:
N morning h1S. ~ Tho AZ, -~.- - ~.
feet instantly. and. Selling him by the hand
bestowed his Indian blessings. After again par.
taking OF the humble but bounteous fare of the
cabin, he made ready for departure. AS he was
leaving, Poe furnished him with provisions for
his journey, and taking him by the hand. said.
once we were at war, and were enemies; but
now we are at peace, and friends. We have buried
the hatchet, and are brothers. Let us live in
peace and brotherhood Rhon-yan-ness was too
much overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for
The goodness of his heart to make any reply: but
the big tear which rolled down his bronze cheek
told the sincerity of grateful emotion, and he left
TO Join his nation on the plains of Sandusky.
He often told us that was a happy day in his
life, and the more he thought and reasoned about
the course he had pursued, the more he was con-
Vlnced that he had acted right. Not long after
his return to his nation, he became interested
in the missionary labors among his people: and
the wonderful story of the white mans God, as
he came to earth and suffered and died for sin
ners, deeply affected his heart. Soon this bold.
intrepid chief renowned his Indian religion and
forms of worship and embraced Christianity. He
felt upspringing in his heart that love which
worieth no i'll to it's ~neighbor, but makes it's pos
SCISSOR kind and gentle and forgiving; and which
teaches that whatsoever hateth his brother is a.
murderer" in the eye of the holy law, as effect
ually as if he had plunged the fatal Kn.fe into his
heart. He took a bold stand in religion, and as
a class-leader and steward he rendered efficient
service to the mission. Three years after his con-
version, he realized a maturity of Christian grace.
which enabled him to rejoice in that perfect love