The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1914-11-19

be certain that there were no Indians
on the opposite bank OF the river VS.
might venture an attempt. But We
were far from sure.
Thus far all had been failure, our
mission useless, our sufferings vain:
Schultz had given up his life, Brady
was wounded and suffering, and l, as
well as he, a helpless prisoner. Yet
even this could be borne with patience
II only l could perceive some way to
become of service, some means by
which | could warn St. Clair Of this
tornado of savagery about TO sweep
down upon him. | wrestled with the
avenue Of escape, some unguarded
opening by which l might hope to
penetrate through the watchful RED
lines.
Slowly, insensibly, the vision Of
mademoiselle came. What life had
been hers from childhood, and yet how
the true, sweet womanhood had con-
quered all savage environment. 1t was
to me a miracle. Indian she claimed
herself, and yet 1t was her French
forebears who had marked her face
and character
She was in my mind still, soft, ten
der memory. when the skin concealing
the entrance was lifted and she stood
in the narrow opening looking in.
could see her slender, lightly poised
form outlined against the fire, but
seemingly her eyes could not pene-
trate the darkness within. An instant
she hesitated, leaning slightly forward
''Monsiewr."
YES" eaid eagerly, already on my
feet. n was longing for you to come"
She came forward cautiously, guided
by the sound of my voice, leaving the
entrance open, permitting me to
glimpse the guard without. facing the
opening.
You have come to help US, mad
emoiselle?" l whispered, bending so
close her hair brushed my lips. You
feel that our need is that desperats?"
Il must do right" she answered, yet
without lifting her eyes to mine, "as
God tells me. l pray to him for guild
ance. You are white men and Chris
tians; you came to the Wyahdots on q
mission Of peace. What is my duty.
monsieur? I also am Christian, and
only a drop OF Indian blood flows in
my veins. Yet all my life have been
Indian. How can turn against my
own people?"
Il cannot think that you do" urged
as she paused, breathing heavily. "The
Wyandots have been falsely led, de-
ceived. They have been driven into
this war by the lies of white men.
Would we be in danger now If our
fate was left to council of Wyandot
chiefs?"
"No; they would listen to me, and
believe. 1t Is Hamilton and his white
aides who refuse to hear the story.
went to his tepee twice, and was
turned away-the last time with in
suits, as though I were an unknown
squaw."
'How, then, did you gain permission
to come here?"
II waited until he left the camp
There are but two white men here to-
night, and one Of them Is Girty. like
not the man. but he seems friendly to
you, and SO l trust him. He suggested
that l come, and told me something
which gave me courage. He had heard
a word dropped by Hamilton which
made him suspect your lives were at
stake. He dare not act openly, but he
sent me to tell you this, and to whis-
per to you his plan. 1t was easy for
me to come here with Hamilton away.
The guards are Wyandots, and l had
only to ask the chief to let me dress
Monsieur Brady's wcunds. He had not
been warned against me, and suspect
ed nothing. The Englishman who was
left In command was led by Girty to
the other end Of the village. When the
chief sought him, he was not to be
found, and 80 was given permission"
She stepped silently back to the en-
trance. and glanced out into the fire.
light, returning ~ swiftly to clasp my
sleeve.
Listen. monsieur; must speak
fast, for l know not who may sus-
picion US. Now mark every word. for
t u a desperate chance. Two hours
from now be ready. We must work
tonight, while Hamilton is away. II
will somehow draw the guard away
from this side-here. next to river,
monsieur. When you hear an owl boot
three times creep beneath the skins
and down the bank to the waters edge.
You must move like foxes, for therA
Will be sleeping warriors to pass. Go
down stream"
And them" asked breathlessly, as
she stopped to glance behind.
"A quarter of a mile below, at the !
end of the village. around a sharp
bend, Girty will have a canoe tied to a |
tree that overhangs the water. 1t will |
be in shadow, and concealed by brush. |
he has promised to put into it food,
paddles and one gun. You must hide |
during daylight-are you sure you un-
1erstand all?"
Yes; that is clear. but l must ask a |
is st. Clair?"