The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1916-05-20
By Elmer
Russell
McGregor

f.. +
After carefully removing the
priceless pelt White otter sang q
Sioux war song and danced around
the buffalo. Then he saw large
golden eagle circling above him,
and he believed it was a good omen.
Cutting large piece OF meat from
the carcass, he held 1t above his
head as an offering to the great
war-bird of his people.
Then, having performed the Gus
tomary ceremonies, White Otter
mounted his pony and rode toward
the foot hills, which were less than
half a days journey away. AT the
sun was barely at the zenith, he
hoped to reach them before dark.
Behind them lowered the noun
tains, great snow-capped peaks
close against the sky. The lad
looked upon them with supersti-
tious awe, for he had been told that
they sheltered the mysterious Thun-
der Bird, and the great bear which
could kill a bull buffalo with one
blow Of its paw. 1t was the first
time White Otter had been within
sight of them, for the Sioux were
a prairie people, and he determined
to explore the rugged peaks and
learn for himself whether the tales
he had heard were true.
He approached the foot hills With
great caution realizing that enemies
might lie hidden in the timber
Before venturing within arrow
range, he stopped to reconnoiter
For long time he searched the
low wooded slopes for a trace of
smoke or anything which might pro
claim the presence of concealed
foes. When he saw nothing to1
arouse his suspicious he rode for
ward slowly. AS he drew nearer.
however, he dropped to the OFF side
of his pony, and advantage at an
angle, with his body sheltered be-
hind the piebald. 1t was a trick
which several times had saved lis
grandfather, and Wolf Robe had
cautioned him to remember it.
White Otter reached the timber
in safety. and found well-worn
game trail leading up from the
border of the plain. He followed
1T to O grassy park, and found
spring and many fresh deer tracks.
Hoping to see the shy creatures
themselves before dark. White
Otter concealed his pony and then
seated himself to watch at the edge
Of the timber.
It wos not long before a twig
over at the opposite side
Of the park. The lad fitted an
arrow to his bow and peered anx-
ously into the woods. However.
rs he saw nothing moving, he at
,ributed the noise to some small
animal passing through the under
growth. Then he saw the top OF
small tree tremble, and he in
SANITY became alert. A moment
alter a splendid black-tail buck ap-
Feared at the edge of the park. II
aised its nose into the air, and
hrust forward its great ears.
searching the wind for danger. But
he wind was false to it's trust, for
It that instant it veered to the Oh.
'osite quarter and the buck was
deceived. Believing that all was
veil, the handsome creature walked
'oldly into the open. Each step
it nearer It's doom, for the
alm-eyed young Sioux had already
lined his arrow at it's heart. The
'lack-tail stopped to crop a mouth
ul of grass, and then it went for.
yard to drink at the spring. Twice
lowered it's head, and each time
suddenly Strengthened and looked
Iervously about, the little park. IT.
nemy was skillfully concealed,
oWever, and the wind gave no
warming. The buck was apparently
that its suspicious were
nwarranted, and again 1t lowered
IS head and plunged it's muzzle
nto the pool. A moment afterward
fell with a Sioux arrow through
is heart
The park was an attractive camp
lite, and White Otter decided to
emain there for the night. AS
arkness came on. however, he
'ished himself back on the open
lain. He was oppressed by a feel
ne of dread. The massive peaks
eampd tn cast n SnaIl M UIonyn {