Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-05-30
"THE: CALL OF THE wARPATH."

Some OF the trees stood lost in the
shadows Of the night while others
great knotted oaks. were painted with
the scarlet Of the blazing ire. The
glow cast bright reflection upon
the savage Indians as they gathered
eagerly about the stake. where the
prisoner stood tied. Red Feather was
helpless. while the smoking leaves Al
his feet Glowed slowly into fame The
vapor rose swiftly. Involuntarily he
chokcd Suddenly yell bursted
forth al this proclamation OF pain. Ar.
ter time II subsidized and several
naked warriors. stripped with the ex-
ception OF clout. stepped to the front
The village was in excitement The
inrb. women ard men. crowded into the
appointed space. Now and then. as
Red Feather twisted with his hounds
came the deep roll OF tom toms. then
still silence. followed By breath Of
cutting air at his check \ chip OF
bark fell from the tree. and. turning
he saw the Quivering tomahawk lodE ed
beside his head. He laughed his def
ance. but when the echo died away he
knew he was not his own: rather such
AS tho young warrior on the warpath
5hrieks. when he snatches OF his hrst
bloody scalp. The smoke driftcd and
he saw the old chief in the backgrounds
| beside Tecumseh. with the women and
children beyond one by one he dis.
| .
as they came TO the front and sent
their sharp weapons speeding At him
RE dared not move. though some
flashed straight il would sometimes
suddenly curve. chipping different por-
tons OF his skin. Tho delight at This
amusement gradually diminished. and
again the fire blazed. Round and round
they danced about him. twisting ard
turning, while above the roar OF the
din. rang the hideous war cries. The
lions roar the VOLTS call and the
howl OF death were horribly initiated
Red Feather felt a strange numbness
stealing over him. Indian like. he be-
gan his Roasting. Elancing now and
| then AT the sky as il searching for
some sign. Dogs he cried. MS mouth
twinchine. more WOOD! Did you think
| me TO cry for mercy. you snakes"
| Fierce anger came into the faces abou,
| him. There was nurmur. One Of
| my brothers thinks he is a great war
| rior. but he is not. He lies. On my
wigwam | have painted victories which
he dared never obtain. can cut him
! to pieces like dog in fair fight. Hut
he is cowardly. he sits silent: the yell
low OF his name follows his blood. He
| would shiver IL sent forth my war
| cry to the niSht--the dog. spit in
| his face. Al this there came a sud :
den movement from somewhere in the
| circle. and, yellow Bear. his face de
torted in rage and cleaning knife in
| hand. sprang forward like a wild tiger.
| Immediately followed a throwing aside
OF blankets. Each brave eagerly
| ciinched his weapon The wood at
| Red Feathers head crashed. Several
missives had heen flung at him Te-
cumseh flung Yellow Bear back. and
stood before the enraEed ring. Again
| respectful silence was given him.
brothers." he said in calm, deep tones.
| would you slaughter the captive as
! he stands? He has thrown defiance
! at our young men. shall he not pay
! for it," mighty yell Of mingle war
| cries rose and knives were branished
| threateningly. Stand back, them" he
! comma nded. back: let the great spirit
! decide" Yellow Bear jumped into
| the cleared circle. and Red Feather
stepped forth to meet him. "A knife -
| he asked proudly. In reply Calm Fear
! hung his own blade and as il quiv-
| cred in the ground said mysteriously.
Till the light appears is our father
wisdom" Red Feather nodded, pick ed
| the weapon from the soil and closed in.
! Ito BE Continued)
| BY ALVIN HATTORF.