Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1941-10-18

Long ago" he repeated in the sign
language. The farther the right hand
is drawn back the longer is the time
indicated.
The story teller repeated the sign.
drawing the right hand way back,
thereby indicating a very long time
ago. He then resumed his seat on
the ground and continued his story.
In the days of beginnings there
lived on the banks Of Mi-tsi-a-do-zi
(Yellowstone) an Indian chief and his
daughter, Running Fawn. The daugh-
ter received her name from being very
swift on her feet and also from the
fact that She greatly delighted to race
along the course of the clear running
stream that flowed past her lodge.
Running Fawn had many suitors,
but gave no encouragement to any OF
them. To her lodge they often came
with gifts which they besought her
to accept, but these she would always
refuse Her father was a great hunter
and he brought to the lodge plenty Of
furs and skins from which she made
her garments. These she fashioned into
such form as to give added grace to
her comely figure. With such album
dance of game and other provisions
very happy in her parental home.
waited for Lover
"'Not until I love and am loved
shall I leave my fathers lodge; love
Is the only power that can ever draw
me away Running Fawn would de-
clare.
"One day the Indians gathered to
celebrate the feast of the Fruit Moon
(September). Among those participant
ing in the races and other contests
was a stalwart young brave whom
Running Fawn had never yet seen.
Who is the splendid brave?' she asked
of her father, and requested that she
might meet him. He is from the Min
nisosha (Adissouri), many miles away
said the father, and is chiettain OF
his tribe His name Is Eagle Feather
When the two young people met
they Immediately found favor IN each
others eyes. For some time following
the feast Eagle Feather delayed his
return to his people that he might
court Running FaWn. I must know
that you love me, she would insist,
or cannot leave my fathers lodge.
You have favor in my heart more
than any other, but 1t is only when
your love is strong enough that II
can draw me away.
Eagle Feather at length returned
to his home, much disappointed that
he had not succeeded In persuadtng
Running Fawn to become his wife, but
to continue his wootng.
He was also determined that when
favorable opportunity presented itself
he would afford the demanded teSti-
monial of his love. Continually his
thought was of the beautiful maid and
b 4rvfat nt
her. Nor could Running Fawn forget
the noble young brave or restrain her
growing fondness for him. His absence
but intensified her love.
"One day word came 70 Eagle
Feather that an evil spirit was causing
much sickness In the lodges at the
home of Running Fawn, and he has
tened TO her that he might offer help. /
Now Is the time to prove my love-
be thought. For several days he tray-
eled very fast, fearing some sad fate
might befall his lover before he could |
reach her. When the two met, Run |
ming Fawn's first words we're:
Destroy the evil spirit that Is
making my people sick and prove your
love for mel"
Eagle Feather was greatly distressed
ut this demand as a test OF his al
lection. Where was the evil spirit, how J
could he battle with it and with what I
weapons?
Girl Meets Fox
lone day I was racing along the
stream explained Running FaWn,
when I met the fox. drew my bow
and arrow and was about to shoot
when / heard q voice, do not shoot, |
[ am your friend come TO warn you"
I looked about to see who was speak |
ing. Then the voice said, Il am the
Fox, your friend, and come to tell
you that when burrowing In my den
I scratched the side of the evil spirit
that dwells under the ground where
your people reside. The spirit became
very angry and he breathed a fire
breath and that Is what caused your
people 10 sicken."
Eagle Feather listened intently to
all that was told by Running Fawn.
What could he do? Stay the evil spirit
that Is destroying my people repeated
Running Pawn, and I shall know that
you love me-.
Eagle Feather took q trail leading
TO lonely place near the summit OF
a Jagged mountain that there he might
mediate al day he sat and into the
night. Very. early on the following