The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1922-09-06
CHAPTER VIII

The Indian boys were plunging into
the river when Erskine appeared at
the opening of the old chiefs tent
next morning, and when they came
out icicles were clinging to their hair.
He had forgotten the custom and he
shrugged his shoulders at his mothers
inquiring look. But the next morning
Wolf passed him with haunting
smile he changed his mind.
"Wait I" he said He turned, stripped
quickly to a breechclout, pointed to a
beech down and across the river chal-
longing Black Wolf to a race. To-
gether they plunged in and the boys
white body Glove through the water
like the arrow that he was. At the
beech he whipped about to meet the
angry face of his competitor ten yards
behind. Halfway back he was more
than twenty yards ahead when he
heard a strangled cry. Perhaps it was
a ruse to cover the humiliation Of de-
feat. but when he saw bucks rushing
for the river bank he knew that the
icy wafer had brought a cramp to
Black Wolf. so he turned. caught the
lad by his topknot. towed him shore
ward dropped him contemptuously,
and stalked hack to his tent. HIS
mtoher had built fire for him, and
the old chief looked pleased and proud
"My spirit shall not pass" he safd.
and straightway he rose and dressed,
and to the establishment of the tribe
emerged from his tent and walked
firmly about the village until he found
Crooked Lightning
You would have Black Wolf chief"
he said. VERY well. We shall see
who can show the better right-your
son or White Arrow'--a challenge that
sent Crooked Lightning to brood
awhile in his tent, and then secretly to
consult the prophet.
Later the old CHER talked long to
White Arrow. The prophet he said.
had been with them but a little while.
He claimed that the Great Spirit had
made revelations to him alone. What
| manner of man was he, questioned the
| bOy-did he have ponies and pelts and
! jerked meat?
"He Is poor" said the chief. HE
has only wife and children and the
tribe feeds him."
White Arrow himself grunted - II
was the first sign of his old life stir.
ring within him.
"Why should the Great Spirit pick
out such man to favor?' he asked
| The chief shook his head.
Crooked Lightning has found much
favor with him, and in turn with the
others. so that I have not thought /,
wise to tell Crooked Lightning that he
must go. He has stirred up the young
! men against me-and against you
They We're waiting for me to die" The
! boy looked thoughtful and the chic
waited He had not reached the ain
to put it in words, for White Arrow
understood.
II will show them" he said quietly
When the two appeared outside
many braves had gathered, for the
Whole village knew what was in the
wind Should it be horse race first
Crooked Lightning looked at the boys
thoroughbred and shook his head
indian ponies would as well try to out
run an arrow, bullet, hurricane.
a font-race? The old chief smiled
when Crooked Lightning shook his
head again-no brave in the tribe ever
could match the speed that gave ths
lad his name. The bow and arrow
the rifle. the tomahawk? Tomahawk.
and bows and arrows were brough
out. Black Wolf was half heat
shorter, hut stocky and powerful.
built. White Arrows sinews hat
strengthened, hut he had scarcely useC
bow and tomahawk since he had lief
the tribe. He had the power but no
the practice, and Black Wolf VOL
with great ease. When they came t.
the rifle, Black Wolf was out CT tn,
game, for never a bull's-eye did Whit,
Arrow miss.