Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1927-11-25
ROCKVILLE MARYLAND FRIDAY MORNING. NOVEMBER 25 1927
|Onoto and Wyda of
the Jungle

BY AD SCHUSTER

TN ALL of the tribe of Central Amer
l lean Indians, Onoto, the man, and
Wyda, the maid, were the only ones
who were white. Because of their
color they were held In esteem. The
old chief was scarcely more impor-
tant.
The tribe was preparing for the
wedding ceremonial which would
unite these two, who, so Far rs they
knew, were set apart from all men
and women In the world by their color,
when, through the Jungles and dressed
In strange garb, came whole com.
pany OF white men. The surprise of
the savages at seeing these visitors
was no greater than that OF Leonard
Detwlller, leader Of the explorers,
when he saw Onoto and Wyda.
"They are white IndIansp he ex-
claimed in triumph. 1--WE have proved
that the stories of the old conqulsta-
doris are true"
The wedding was put Off while the
tribe entertained Detwlller and his
party and, all the while, the white
men bargained with the chief. II he
would let Onoto and Wyda go with
them to a land where all the men
were white there would be many pres
ents.
"But you must bring them back"
the chief insisted; "you must swear
on all of the holy things of your
tribe"
Detwiller made solemn oath, de-
livered his presents, and the party
left, taking with It wondering man
and maid. The Journey through the
jungle, so difficult for the white men,
was easy for the two, but when the
villages and cities appeared, Onoto
and Wyda were frightened. In their
fear and amazement they chung to
each other for support and behind
their round eyes and solemn faces
there was nothing to indicate their
thoughts.
Onoto and Wyda knew that for
some reason they we're objects Of Gu
riosity. Men pointed at them little
boxes which clicked and they were
made the center of crowds who stared.
But Detwiler hurried his charges
to the ship, another thing which WINS
so far beyond any dream the two had
ever had that 1t held their senses In
sort Of paralysis. They went
through the canal and saw long trains
which looked like great snakes spout
ing smoke. Nothing now could be too
great or wonderful; they were pre-
pared.
OF the excitement occasioned by
their arrival in New York and Of the
meaning Of their visit to q university
where they were regarded lntently by
a group Of elders, they understood
nothing. The street cars, subways,
great crowds and tall buildings over
whelmed their minds. At first they
longed to go back to the tribe, but
as they grew more accustomed to the
strange sights their fears quleted and
they began to enjoy their experiences.
OnOto told Wyda that he never wished
to go back and the girl said, with
blush, "Only long enough for the wed
ding"
They spent several months in the
land Of the white man, learned few
words Of English, and then were told
II was time to go. Wyda sighed and
Onoto shrugged his shoulders.
"There Is no help" he said; 1--WE
have promised. And when we get
back they will never let us go away
again"
"T WISH" replied the girl, I'VE had
never seen all Of this. We will long,
all our lives, to return"
so, with presents for the chief and
themselves, they went back to the
tribe. Detwlller had told them that
II they cared to make the journey to
New York again he would see that
they were cared for, but he did not
know that his words only added to
their grief. The pride OF the tribe in
Its white members would be too great
to let them 60.
There was a wedding and meeting
OF the tribe on the evening OF their
return. The fire burned and the group
sat close while Onoto related his adj
ventures. The young Indian told OF
the great ships, which moved without
sails and sent smoke to the sky. lie
told of the trains, the cities, the build
Ings which reached to the clouds, and
deep silence greeted his words.
"In the land Of the white man." said
Onoto, great snakes carrying hun.
dreds Of men and women, more than
in ten tribes, run underground and
overhead. More people than you have
seen In your dreams pass through the
streets every minute. The streets are
filed with cars In which men ride and
those cars run by themselves. And"
he waved toward the sky, there ARE
white men who fly In the heavens like
great birds"
ut Is enough" the old chief inter
rupted. "The white man has given
to Onoto and Wyda the evil tongue
In these few moons they have for.
gotten what they learned In the Jun
giles. Never In my life have I heard
such Ilesp'
There was n murmur OF assent ana
anger from the circle, and the chief
went on. lie spoke cruelty and with
fine sarcasm.
"GO' he said, back to your flying
men and great temples. Go back
where you learned TO lle"