title: War path and hunting trail; adventures of Indian boys,
text: ■I Ml;:'"*' 'l-f! '.rXil.i.'.i:. :( 111 I , h /■mi : /mw i »f H 1 > tW ' ' •» 444 '-'.I.Hi: iiiiiiiiiiili I' I , < 1 1 ‘t (.•"I’. ii\ ■j’iJ .‘J " ■ . ' . " ,| l»l • 1. c , J . I ,1 ■ I .. m • ' in; =:iii f , 1 ,. ‘ i‘i i si;::;!!!.::!;- !n!}| Ml ll'-”’:'!’-' 4^' ,. 1 } ^ m\ :i;::| jin f.Ti?::; hi ,’ I:'; ••" • ' yiM I.;;* , iiilSiiii iiJip..- si it!! . ...in,, ini'n I It’-’ ni .;: n'v- 1 •nM' 4 Jh ’ n '.nn uj^ni'iwa. i'rilibitiijtii,. iiinltnnid: '::: ius; •' ‘-‘j: fi -V,','. • 1 *t(» M • l\>*r 0 ^ MfU;;: mm >*(;i t/nt) inl< ' • ' . . , . [ — ‘ft' , . , I ,v^ I COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT, , , .i ; ' r s m <'»i •J ilKV <'■ • . '•/ i.’-i It? Ir^V-’ ■ > rv .. 4 J f.r I »l % ,r VJ ;y iJ'vp w# 'C'/f, ifVf} t*.l f- > ^‘k V •# 9' # , 'V |r ■ A :i < .Si 1^1 '( f. < ‘-i >. ' / ^ »l -•'V. •■ 1) fi ,, Mpnwav';. ,v ' / •:» ■mmm ii -.V. i >ris^ ■g f •■' t !•.» k ] f '«r w: n -i^i- '•*,,! biY ■■ ■ V ». c rK<- i L'l ’ I . » k- j 'ft !,« ■f',^ i i‘\* (^9' .' . Ik M.i -♦ . ' s *'-'.Wf 4.> V !• «*r > • t '»• « trt; '.X*ja r> '.p^' 7 Ti:i -, * k-ftT k. I {. .\f >J ??' >4 T ■ I U\ k ••J! Hi Vth// i:- k. •■ .riu 4? '^ iisVV ^'^ ■ '•'^ " ,f \. .... , . ... '\i - .' I. k • »' , *'-:v' \ »: ^ |i. y<- ' ■ k^'" !.A •V;l! Ik M ' »{ 1 1 * r '%;i'-,*’Vi' ' ' ■ ' ?• .^4fc/r3 s>,» w * i . ■"<■" 'h> -t¥-J ‘ . > • >. M V ‘X V - Vi I , I . ^ .A » .! ';^}t ' i?krk >< rr>^ \ v s'.* > v>’ t\< y US'* • 4 ' *.r i ', ' - '■ -^’v.^V's^v ir.<\ y '> './-r S«.> A’ ti . k ■-v u\ » B ii ^.fi a- Mt n' Vi •>ii 7.r f. fij ' }»> ' A r ri\' WK* .» • t' x' v<* , '• { ' V( »>•!») ..I JfTTiy*. • r *• ■5i iff k>k.-l' rv F' ' t. .V Ml V) LA* .J'. J '% hA?- -AJ tv t •>»i Vk VBUMUE l:.ll Books by ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR WAR-PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL Illustrated. Post 8vo THE RED ARROW. Illustrated. Post 8vo CAMPING IN THE WINTER WOODS Illustrated. Post 8vo CAMPING ON WESTERN TRAILS Illustrated. Post 8vo HARPER & BROTHERS, NEW YORK Established 1817 4 [See page 70 B oldly outlined on the cliff stood the erect figure of a solitary warrior. WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL ADVENTURES OF INDIAN BOYS BY ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR AUTHOR OF ” “CAMPING ON WESTERN TRAILS” “THE RED arrow” ETC. HARPER BROTHERS PUBLISHERS NEW YORK AND LONDON MAY 20 1316 War Path and Hunting Trail Copyright, 1911, 1912, 1913. 1914. 1916, by Harper & Brothers Printed in the United States of America Published May, 1916 D-Q ©CI.A431156 CONTENTS PAGE Introduction vii I. Silver Cloud, the Delaware i II. Sky Bird, the Iroquois 19 III. The Gratitude of Lame Deer 31 IV. The Redemption of Jumping Fox 58 V. Singing Bear, the Chippewa 75 VI. The War-eagle 100 VII. Little Hawk, the Sioux 123 VIII. Little Beaver, Son of Roaring Bear .... 139 IX. A Pawnee Scout 153 X. The White Buffalo 175 XI. The Adventure of Crying Bear 189 INTRODUCTION In this book, as in The Red Arrow, I have endeavored to show the Indian as he actually was. These adventures belong to the realm of fiction, but the thoughts, motives, customs, and traditions which are illustrated are those which are characteristic of the old- time red man. I have aimed to tell stories of clean and wholesome adventure which have a certain historical value because they show the Indian as he was. In this Indian life of the olden time there was a manly self-reliance which is the foundation of true character and real success. Whatever the faults of the Indians were, they should be judged accord- ing to their standards, and assuredly their un- faltering faith and courage, their self-denial and loyalty, have some lesson for those who have come after them. Elmer Russell Gregor. WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL I SILVER CLOUD, THE DELAWARE T he first gray tinge of dawn was flooding the forest with a soft gray twilight as Silver Cloud, the Delaware, cast aside his robe and rose from his couch of ferns. He stood some moments listening to the sounds of awakening life. Birds sang in the thickets, a squirrel barked saucily in a tree above him, and a fish splashed close to the shore. Then, satisfied that all was well, the lad gathered his weapons and made his way cautiously toward the river. Once within sight of the water. Silver Cloud stopped to reconnoiter. As he heard nothing to alarm him, he crept steathily into the fringe of willows which bordered the river. He had I WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL scarcely concealed himself, however, when he saw something which caused him to start with surprise. A bark canoe had rounded a bend of the stream and was drifting slowly toward his hiding-place. Silver Cloud watched it with considerable uneasiness. To all appearances it was unoccupied and abandoned. Still the young Delaware feared a trap. As it came nearer he identified it as being of Delaware workmanship. His first impulse was to swim out and recover it, but a moment’s reflection convinced him that such recklessness might prove fatal, and he told himself that he must be cautious. He studied the approaching craft with great attention. Silver Cloud had been well trained in the art of observing, and his sharp eyes soon told him enough to quiet his fears. He noted that the canoe rode high upon the water, which satisfied him that it was without an occupant. As it drifted on an even keel and failed to leave a ripple he felt sure that it did not conceal some crafty swimmer who might have been using it as a shield. Assured, therefore, that the mysterious craft was deserted, the alert Dela- ware searched his brain for a way to gain possession of it. Some distance below Silver Cloud’s place 2 SILVER CLOUD, THE DELAWARE of concealment a long, narrow strip of gravelly beach extended far out into the river. Much to the lad’s delight he saw that the canoe was drifting directly toward that ob- stacle. He watched with bated breath until the prize finally grounded upon the projecting bar. Then as the canoe swung slowly about with the current he realized that he must act quickly if he would secure the trophy. Skulk- ing through the bushes with the speed and agility of a fox, the young Delaware made his way toward the canoe. It had already swung stern foremost down the stream, and as the lad hesitated he saw the bow sliding from the beach. Silver Cloud waded swiftly into the water and seized the unoccupied canoe. As he drew it toward him the bow slipped into the water and left a telltale mark on the gravelly bar. The young Delaware made no attempt to erase it, for he knew that any one who might follow on the trail would see it and be deceived. It appeared as though, hav- ing grounded at that spot, the canoe had drifted around with the current and floated away. The excited lad waded with his prize until he found a safe hiding-place, and then he dragged the canoe into the bushes. He 3 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL uttered an exclamation of surprise as he saw a long hickory bow and a buckskin quiver filled with arrows lying in the bottom of the abandoned canoe. A moment later he had them in his hands, staring at them in amaze- ment. The weapons were of Delaware manu- facture, and, what was still more astounding. Silver Cloud recognized the decorations on the buckskin quiver. It was the property of his envious rival. Spotted Hawk. Spotted Hawk had long been jealous of the superior exploits of Silver Cloud, and had taken every opportunity to annoy and hu- miliate him. A feud had thus sprung up be- tween them, and while they had never per- mitted their feelings to lead them into actual combat, they had lived a sort of armed hostility toward each other. For many moments after this startling dis- covery, therefore. Silver Cloud stood ab- sorbed in gloomy meditation. His mind was occupied with two important questions, which for the moment at least he saw no way of answering. He would have given almost everything he possessed to know how far the canoe had drifted on its solitary journey, and how it chanced to contain Spotted Hawk's weapons. He knew that his rival had left the village some days before on a hunting 4 SILVER CLOUD, THE DELAWARE expedition, and it now seemed probable that he had ventured north into the Iroquois country in search of beaver. But that so skilful a warrior as Spotted Hawk should have left his canoe and his weapons uncon- cealed on the river-bank seemed incredible^ Even Silver Cloud was compelled to acknowl- edge that his despised rival had more sense than to make such a blunder. Besides, Silver Cloud recalled the absence of the ash paddle. He told himself, therefore, that if Spotted Hawk had intentionally left his canoe he would have taken his weapons and left the paddle. The whole affair was a mystery, and the perplexed lad wondered what he should do. The stream was one of several branches which emptied into the large body of water that flowed past the distant Delaware village. Silver Cloud's first impulse was to make a paddle and take the canoe to his tribe, with a detailed account of the mysterious circum- stances which surrounded his discovery. On second thought, however, he saw two reasons for changing his mind. First, because he was not at all sure that any ill fate had befallen Spotted Hawk; and second, because he feared that the latter might have lost his canoe through carelessness, and, finding it in pos- 5 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL session of Silver Cloud, might accuse him of stealing it. In such an event he knew only too well the banter that would go round at his expense. He told himself that a warrior should investigate before giving way to his suspicions, and he determined to learn the answer to the mystery. Silver Cloud be- lieved that if Spotted Hawk had actually fallen into the hands of the Iroquois, they would despatch warriors to search for the missing canoe. The lad realized, therefore, that he was in considerable danger, and he knew that he must be alert and cautious. Retaining the bow and quiver. Silver Cloud carried the canoe to the river. As he set the frail craft adrift he overturned it with his foot to make plausible the disappearance of the weapons. Then he watched with keen satisfaction as the canoe drifted toward a long stretch of white water some distance farther down the river. When it had finally passed from sight the young Delaware began to search for a safe place of concealment, where he might watch the stream for the appearance of rival or foe. Many hours passed while Silver Cloud con- tinued his alert vigil on the river-bank. Like a lynx watching for its prey, the young Dela- ware waited to learn the answer to the 6 SILVER CLOUD, THE DELAWARE mystery. Nothing escaped him. His eyes saw every movement ; his ears caught every sound. Toward the end of the day, Silver Clotid’s patience was rewarded as he discovered an- other canoe coming swiftly down the river. He saw at once that it differed in pattern and workmanship from the one which had pre- ceded it. It was guided by two sturdy paddlers, whom Silver Cloud recognized even at a distance as Iroquois warriors. His heart bounded wildly against his ribs at sight of these fierce foes, but as he had concealed him- self with great care, and felt secure from dis- covery, he determined to hold his ground. The Iroquois canoemen kept their craft in the middle of the stream, while their keen eyes searched the shores for signs of the miss- ing canoe. As they passed him Silver Cloud studied them closely. The warrior in the stern of the canoe was a powerful middle-aged man of threatening appearance, while his com- panion was a tall and lithesome youth of more pleasing countenance. They turned their canoe toward the gravelly beach upon which the Delaware canoe had grounded, and Silver Cloud wondered whether they would discover the telltale mark in the sand. He was not left long in doubt, for he saw the younger warrior pointing toward the beach and talk- 7 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL ing excitedly to his companion. The latter, however, was more wary. Having discovered evidence of the missing canoe, he apparently feared an attack from shore. The two pad- dlers spent some time watching both banks of the river. Then, when they had finally as- sured themselves that they were in no imme- diate danger, they paddled close to the beach and studied the mark in the gravel. Silver Cloud watched in painful suspense. It was soon evident, however, that they had been deceived by his stratagem, for they pushed their canoe into the current and disappeared down the river. The young Delaware might easily have killed both those warriors from ambush, but under the circumstances he believed it would have been most unwise. He felt almost cer- tain that Spotted Hawk, his boastful rival, had fallen into the hands of his foes. He believed that the two warriors who had passed so close to him were on the trail of the Del- aware canoe. Therefore Silver Cloud took keen satisfaction in the good sense which had persuaded him to set it afloat. He felt quite sure that those same warriors would return up the river as soon as their search was ended, and he determined to remain in his hiding- place to watch for them. Then he planned to 8 SILVER CLOUD, THE DELAWARE follow them, hoping in this way to learn the fate of Spotted Hawk. As the evening shadows were settling upon the forest the Iroquois scouts returned with the Delaware canoe. They passed well over toward the opposite bank of the river and disappeared from sight around a wooded arm of the shore. Silver Cloud waited until he believed they were well beyond hearing, and then he gath- ered his robe and his weapons and stole cau- tiously away into the darkening forest. He hurried on their trail with the stealth and caution of a fox. As night finally closed down he ventured nearer the water, straining his eyes to catch the first warning flicker of a camp-fire. He fully realized the peril to which he was exposing himself, but his curiosity as to the fate of his rival led him on. Silver Cloud had gone a considerable dis- tance before he finally caught the first warn- ing flash of light which advised him that he was approaching the Iroquois camp. His heart bounded at the thought, and he stopped behind a giant hemlock to watch and listen. Fearful of making a nearer approach until he had reconnoitered, the young Delaware de- cided to pass the balance of the night where he was, and to follow the travelers, if they 9 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL resumed their journey at dawn. He would have preferred to crawl near enough to the hostile camp to learn the size of the war-party and the fate of Spotted Hawk. However, he feared that the capture of the latter might have made the Iroquois suspicious, and he believed the camp was guarded by sen- tinels. He determined to wait until day- light, therefore, before attempting a closer approach. With the first gray streak of light in the eastern sky Silver Cloud waded carefully into the river and swam to the opposite shore. Having entered a country with which he was entirely unfamiliar, he planned to recon- noiter the hostile camp from a safe distance. Making his way with great caution until he was about opposite the spot where he sup- posed his enemies to be encamped, the wily young scout sank to his hands and knees and crawled into the fringe of bushes which lined the water. Peering carefully between the branches, he saw the dim outlines of three overturned canoes on the opposite shore. A short time later a solitary warrior emerged from the shadows of the forest. He crossed the narrow beach and threw himself down at the edge of the water to drink. Then, as he rose and looked across the river. Silver 10 SILVER CLOUD, THE DELAWARE Cloud recognized him as one of the warriors he had seen on the previous day. The Iro- quois spent a few moments studying the Del- aware canoe, and then he turned and disap- peared into the woods. Silver Cloud saw a column of blue smoke rising above the tops of the evergreens, and he knew that the Iroquois were broiling meat. The thought made him hungry, and he opened a small buckskin bag and ate the last of some parched corn which he had brought from the Delaware village. As the Iroquois were par- taking of a hearty meal, he felt quite certain that the day’s journey would be a long one. It was evident that they were convinced their cap- tive had ventured upon their hunting-grounds alone, otherwise he knew they never would have permitted the telltale smoke signal to rise and betray them to any of his friends who might have been skulking about in the vicinity. Silver Cloud was greatly surprised to learn that the war-party numbered only four warriors. He could scarcely believe his eyes as he saw them appear on the opposite shore with the Delaware prisoner. Spotted Hawk had his arms bound behind his back, and his legs loosely bound with buckskin, which ren- dered all attempts to escape futile. At a sig- nal from one of his captors the prisoner seated WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL himself in the center of his own canoe. Two warriors entered after him and paddled rap- idly up the river. One of the remaining warriors launched one of the Iroquois canoes and followed his companions. The fourth warrior, whom Silver Cloud now recognized as the younger of the two men he had seen previously, remained behind. He stood some moments looking up the river after his com- rades, and when they passed from view he, too, disappeared into the forest. The perplexed young Delaware had not ex- pected this manoeuver, and it greatly inter- fered with his plans for trailing Spotted Hawk and his captors. It was evident that the Iro- quois were taking no chances. Silver Cloud believed that they feared the presence of other Delawares in their domains, and to avoid be- ing followed and surprised by a larger war- party they had left one of their number to watch the river. Shortly after the Iroquois scout had en- tered the woods. Silver Cloud saw spasmodic puffs of smoke rising above the trees, and as they soon ceased he knew that the remaining warrior had beaten out the fire preparatory to leaving the camp-site. In fact, a few mo- ments afterward the Iroquois appeared on the opposite shore with his robe and his 12 SILVER CLOUD, THE DELAWARE weapons. The concealed Delaware had a second opportunity to kill one of his foes, with little peril to himself, but as on the former occasion he refrained. The unsus- pecting Iroquois carried the remaining canoe to the water. Then after he had glanced carelessly across the water he entered the canoe and paddled swiftly down the river. As soon as he had passed from sight. Silver Cloud left his place of concealment and hur- ried away on the trail of Spotted Hawk. Crossing mountains, circling about the bor- ders of impassable swamps, and wading swift- running streams, the nimble-footed lad finally came in sight of the Iroquois. He followed them for many weary hours, until at the end of the day they entered a long lane of boiling rapids and shot ahead at a speed which soon carried them from his sight. However, Silver Cloud continued resolutely on the trail. Long after it was dark he sud- denly caught the odor of burning wood and he realized that at last he had overtaken his foes. Aware that he was close to the hostile camp, he turned from the river and began a cautious reconnoissance to locate the Iro- quois fires. When he finally discovered them from the summit of a low ridge, he fitted an arrow to his bow and began a daring advance 13 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL upon his enemies. Alert to his peril, Silver Cloud stole through the dark as stealthily as a panther creeping upon its prey. At last he came within sight of the blazing fires, and as he saw many shadows flitting across the illu- minated tree-trunks, he believed that he had found the main camp of the Iroquois. Determined to investigate, the daring lad planned to approach still closer to the camp. He was anxious to know whether Spotted Hawk and his captors were with this tribe. His petty jealousy toward his rival had sud- denly vanished, and a splendid feeling of loyalty for his fellow-tribesman had taken its place. He determined, therefore, to risk his life in an attempt to rescue Spotted Hawk from the Iroquois. Dropping close to the earth. Silver Cloud crawled cautiously toward the alluring circle of light. Stopping frequently to listen, he Anally reached a sheltered position from which he could inspect the entire camp. As he saw many women and children, he knew at once that this was a permanent village. About the Are sat a circle of stern-faced warriors, lis- tening to one of their number who, from his gestures, seemed to be telling some interesting tale of adventure. The speaker stood with his back toward Silver Cloud, and the latter care- 14 SILVER CLOUD, THE DELAWARE fully moved to a new position so that he might see his face. Then his heart beat ex- citedly, for he recognized the boastful narrator as one of the little company who had captured Spotted Hawk. A moment later Silver Cloud discovered the unfortunate prisoner himself, sitting a short distance apart from his foes. Around him were gathered the women and children, and the older boys of the camp, and it was evident that he was being made the target for all sorts of rude jests and insults. Silver Cloud felt the hot fighting blood of his people rushing to his head. He under- stood enough of the boastful tale being told to the circle of warriors to guess the manner of Spotted Hawk’s attack. Paddle in hand, the latter had been on the point of stepping from his canoe when the concealed Iroquois rushed from cover and overpowered him. In the scuffle which followed, the canoe had drifted away unnoticed. The tale was retold times without number, and Silver Cloud had little doubt that the narrators were doing full justice to their own courage and ability. When the fires finally dwindled to beds of glowing embers the warriors rose and dis- persed to the lodges. Then the reckless young scout crawled still nearer to the camp. His 15 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL eyes glowed threateningly as he saw two stal- wart guards pull the Delaware prisoner to his feet and push him roughly into one of the bark lodges. They entered after him, and Silver Cloud’s heart filled with despair as he realized that the prisoner was to be closely guarded. With a last feeble flicker the fire in the center of the village went out. Then dark- ness smothered the camp. The night-hush had fallen upon the wilderness, and all was still. The lithe, active body of the young Del- aware moved slowly over the ground, drawing nearer and nearer to the bark-covered lodge which sheltered Spotted Hawk and his guards. At last Silver Cloud saw the dark outline of the prison looming up within bow-shot of him. He stopped to listen. All was still, and the daring scout wriggled slowly forward under cover of the night. When he finally reached his goal he crawled to the entrance of the lodge and strained his ears to catch the faint- est sound from within. Silver Cloud felt sure that Spotted Hawk would remain awake long after his guards had fallen asleep, and, relying on this, he bided his time. However, as he heard nothing to alarm him, and fearing that further delay might be fatal to his chances, he drew his knife and crept boldly into the lodge. i6 SILVER CLOUD, THE DELAWARE Once inside the prison, the young Delaware crouched in the dark, not daring to move until the deep, measured breathing of the in- mates assured him that two, at least, were sleeping heavily. As his sharp eyes accus- tomed themselves to the gloom he made out three indistinct forms lying side by side. Which was Spotted Hawk he had no way of determining. As he watched, however, the middle figure appeared to move slightly, and, watching closely. Silver Cloud saw the wake- ful one’s head rise slowly and drop back quickly as one of the other sleepers stirred. The manoeuver gave the young Delaware hope. It might be that Spotted Hawk had seen him enter the lodge and, hoping that it was a friend, had endeavored to give him a sign of recognition. At any rate. Silver Cloud determined to risk his life on the chance. After watching the guards for further signs of wakefulness, and assuring himself that they were slumbering peacefully, the young Del- aware crept forward, knife in hand. Once at the feet of the sleepers he paused, ready to sink his weapon in the hearts of the Iroquois at the first sign of waking. While he hesi- tated the middle figure slowly raised his head and then sank down between his companions. It was the final clue for which Silver Cloud 2 17 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL had been waiting, and without a moment’s delay he severed the thongs which bound the feet and legs of the captive. Then, as Spotted Hawk leaned forward. Silver Cloud stooped over and freed his arms. This accomplished, he gave Spotted Hawk his own bow and quiver, and waited with bated breath while the captive wriggled cautiously from between his guards. A moment afterward the two young Delawares passed from the Iroquois lodge as silently as shadows. Once at the river, they found and launched their own canoe. Not a word had been spoken during the entire rescue, and not until they were speeding safely down the river toward their own village did Spotted Hawk turn and clasp the hand of Silver Cloud in a crushing grasp of gratitude. II SKY BIRD, THE IROQUOIS S KY BIRD, the Iroquois, had heard his people tell of the wonderful country of the Chippewas ; of the lakes teeming with fish, the forests filled with game, and the great moun- tains, the abode of the Thunder Bird. Al- though but a lad, Sky Bird determined to go and verify these tales. He spent a night in prayer with old Yellow Bear, the medicine- man, and at dawn he began his venturesome journey. Sky Bird traveled leisurely, for spring had come to the wilderness and there was much to enjoy. The forest throbbed with the music of the birds; the balmy air was heavy with the fragrance of wild fiowers, and the river was packed with fish. The Great Spirit had filled the world with blessings, and the appreciative young Iroquois raised his hands toward the heavens and gave thanks. He traveled boldly along beside the river, 19 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL for he was in the hunting-grounds of his peo- ple and there was nothing to fear. A red- tailed hawk circled above the trees, and Sky Bird stopped to watch it. As its harsh cry reached his ears he shook his bow and called a greeting. ''Ah, my brother, you, too, know that the world is good. Go in peace, and tell your people that you have seen the mighty warrior. Sky Bird.’^ At the end of the day he surprised a doe drinking at the river. He could have pierced the helpless creature with his arrows, but he refrained. Sky Bird knew that at this season she had a fawn concealed somewhere in the forest, and he spared her life. He whistled, and the doe raised her head and looked for the danger. The great ears were thrust for- ward, and the sensitive nose was raised into the wind. She found the danger scent and fled into the forest. The Iroquois laughed and called after her: "Go, my sister, and tell your young one that the mighty warrior. Sky Bird, has spared your life.” Darkness was creeping on, and Sky Bird entered the forest and made a small fire. He cleaned and cooked two squirrels, which he had killed with bis arrows. Then, after he SKY BIRD, THE IROQUOIS had eaten, he returned to the river to watch and to listen. Wrapping his robe closely about him, the alert young Iroquois concealed himself in the heavy shadows at the edge of the timber. The night was calm and still, and he turned his eyes to the wide lane of star-studded sky above the river. Dreamily he traced the misty white trail which led to the Spirit Land. Then a fish jumped, and his thoughts were diverted. He lowered his eyes to the river. The heavens were reflected in its tranquil depths. Was there also a spirit trail beneath the water? He wondered. In the distance an owl hooted. A lynx screamed from the op- posite shore. Then a bird sang a wonderful night song. And then, except for the peace- ful soughing of the breeze in the pine-tops, all was quiet. Sky Bird rose and went to his fire. The night passed without alarm, and at sunrise he resumed his journey. As he con- tinued, the river became narrower, and he entered a splendid forest of spruce and pine. Sky Bird believed he was at the. border of the Chippewa hunting-grounds, and he became more cautious. He had planned to follow the river to its source, and to spend a day or so hunting through the region about its head- waters. WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL Late in the day, as he was climbing a hard- wood ridge, he saw many little birch-bark receptacles fastened to the trees. The truth instantly flashed into his mind, and his heart began to beat wildly. He had come upon a camp of Chippewa sap-gatherers. Sky Bird recalled the stories his father had told of the ceremony which the Chippewas conducted each spring. Realizing his peril, the young Iroquois hurried to the summit of the ridge. He saw what appeared to be a large swamp at the base of the opposite slope. But before he had begun to descend an arrow hummed past his head and the Chippewa war-cry rang in his ears. Aware that he had been discovered by one of the sap-gatherers, Sky Bird retreated to- ward the swamp. The warning cry of his discoverer was answered by shouts from far- ther along the ridge, and the Iroquois knew that the entire party of Chippewas would join in his pursuit. He felt more confident when he gained the border of the swamp, and he lost little time in burying himself deep in its isolated confines. The Chippewas, however, were determined to transform his shelter into a trap, and, in- stead of following him, they scattered and surrounded the swamp. As their cries sounded 22 SKY BIRD, THE IROQUOIS on all sides of him, Sky Bird’s heart filled with despair. He realized that he had blundered; he should have retreated toward the river. But it was too late for regrets, and he looked about him for a hiding-place. Sheltering him- self between two fallen trees, he fitted an ar- row to his bow and waited for his pursuers. As the light finally faded and darkness settled beneath the trees his hopes revived. He realized, however, that to escape capture or death he must leave his hiding-place and reach the river. Sky Bird was about to make the attempt, when he heard sounds which aroused his suspicions and caused him to hes- itate. He heard the call of an owl behind him, and an answering signal from his right. Then a twig snapped nearer at hand, and the Iro- quois knew that one of the searchers was approaching. Sky Bird crept from between the trees and stole away in the direction of the river. He moved with the stealth and caution of a lynx, for he realized that the slightest sound would betray him. The hoarse yapping of a fox sounded directly in front of him, and he stopped. He waited until he had allowed the searcher sufficient time to pass on, and then he altered his course and continued his peril- ous retreat. He had not gone far, however, 23 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL before he was again halted by the sound of subdued voices. He sheltered himself behind a tree and listened. The speakers were ap- proaching. Sky Bird held his breath as three dim forms passed within bow-length of him. When they had gone a sudden weakness seized him and he began to tremble violently. He realized that he had escaped death by the narrowest margin, and, as this was his first war trail, the thought unnerved him. But a moment later he drove the fear from his heart and resumed his way. The young Iroquois finally reached the bor- der of the swamp in safety, and, elated at his success, he turned and shook his bow at the enemies he had outwitted. His triumph was short-lived, however, for at that instant the Chippewa war-cry rang through the night and Sky Bird was thrown to the ground. He found himself in the clutches of a giant, and his struggle was useless. Sinewy fingers closed about his throat, and, realizing that further resistance might bring on his death, the Iroquois lad surrendered. Having subdued his young captive, the Chippewa gave him to understand that an attempt to escape would end fatally. Then he called his companions, and Sky Bird was surrounded by a group of jeering warriors. 24 SKY BIRD, THE IROQUOIS Some of them spoke the Iroquois dialect, and Sky Bird was sharply questioned. However, he refused to reply to their insults and pre- tended to misunderstand most of their ques- tions. The Chippewas took their prisoner to a temporary camp beside the river. He saw a number of old squaws boiling sap, and as they caught sight of him they began to cackle glee- fully. Sky Bird knew that a fierce and bloody feud of long standing existed between these people and the Iroquois, and he had little doubt that he would be made to suffer for it. His captors led him into the firelight, so that the entire camp might look upon him. But Sky Bird stood the ordeal manfully, with head erect, eyes blazing defiance, and a scornful smile on his face. Only when a youth ran for- ward and struck him with a stick did he lose control of himself. Then he became so threat- ening that a warrior crossed his hands behind his back and bound them together with buck- skin. That night Sky Bird slept in the center of a circle of Chippewa warriors. A chilling vapor rose from the river, and the Iroquois missed the genial warmth of his covering; his captor had confiscated both his weapons and his robe. He rolled nearer the glowing embers 2 $ WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL of the camp-fire, and several Chippewas raised their heads suspiciously. Sky Bird realized that for the present escape was impossible. What they might do with him the following day he had no idea. Perhaps they would keep him as a prisoner, with the idea of eventually adopting him into the tribe; perhaps they would revenge themselves for many stinging defeats at the hands of his people. Sky Bird awakened at daylight, and found the camp astir. While the squaws cooked the morning meal the warriors gathered in coun- cil, a short distance from the prisoner. The young Iroquois believed he was the subject of their discussion. Possibly they were decid- ing his fate. He sat up and looked about him. The river was within bow-shot, and he knew there must be canoes drawn up along the shore. Sky Bird determined to dash for the water at the first opportunity. He believed they would un- bind his hands to allow him to eat, and if they did he would make his daring attempt at escape. Then he realized that he had no weapons. Without them he would be entirely at the mercy of his pursuers. But even this fact did not weaken his bold resolve. At the call of an old squaw the warriors ended the talk and walked toward the fire. 26 SKY BIRD, THE IROQUOIS Two turned aside and sat down beside the prisoner. A squaw brought them food and they ate heartily, while Sky Bird watched them with hungry eyes. He wondered if they intended to weaken him by starvation. But when all had partaken of the food his guards motioned him to rise and go to the fire. Then they freed his hands and commanded him to eat. But half a score of alert warriors kept guard over him, and his carefully planned stratagem came to naught. When he had eaten his scanty ration they again bound his hands behind him, and Sky Bird realized that his opportunity had passed. Then four warriors led him toward the river, and the Iroquois knew that they had been detailed to take him to the Chippewa vil- lage and deliver him to the chief. He went willingly, as he hoped for an opportunity to escape before they reached their destina- tion. The captive saw two canoes in readiness for the journey, and others drawn up on the shore. Sky Bird seated himself in the center of the first canoe, and was paddled up the river. The second canoe followed them, a paddle-length in the rear. The current was sluggish, and as there were no rapids they made good headway. 27 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL At the end of the day they went ashore, and, much to Sky Bird’s delight, they un- bound his hands and commanded him to gather wood for the fire. As he went about his task, however, he was followed by one of his captors, who watched his every move and held an arrow ready for instant use. The temptation was a strong one, and the Iroquois trembled with eagerness. Several times he sought to lead his guard from the sight of his companions, but each time he was called back. Then, when all hope of escape had gone, his opportunity came. A deer flashed into view and the Chippewa yielded to tempta- tion and sent his arrow through its heart. Before he could draw another arrow from his quiver Sky Bird threw himself upon him. He felled him with a heavy piece of wood, and, securing his bow and most of his arrows, he fled into the forest before the other Chip- pewas recovered from their amazement. When he believed he had gained a safe lead. Sky Bird circled back toward the camp he had left at sunrise. He traveled steadily through- out the night, and at daylight he came in sight of his goal. The Iroquois wondered if his baffled pursuers had returned to give warning of his escape. He doubted, for he believed 28 SKY BIRD, THE IROQUOIS they would make a thorough search before ex- posing themselves to censure and ridicule. His heart filled with hope as he saw the war- riors leave the camp. He knew they were going to gather sap and would not return until the end of the day. Believing himself safe, Sky Bird hastened to the river, and, concealed from the camp, he ran boldly to the canoes. He launched the first one and was about to step into it when he heard a warning cry from the top of the bank. He looked up and saw a squaw wav- ing wildly toward the camp. Her screams were redoubled as he sent the canoe into the current and shook his bow. Then as he paddled rapidly down the river he heard a wild chorus of shouts and shrieks, and he knew that the squaws were calling back the war- riors. However, by the time they had returned and started in pursuit of him. Sky Bird was a long distance on his journey. In spite of their efforts they were unable to overtake him, and, being afraid to follow him into Iroquois territory, the second day they abandoned the pursuit. At sunset Sky Bird rose proudly in the Chippewa canoe and sounded the Iroquois war-cry, for he was in sight of his own yillaget WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL The people hurried to the river, and welcomed him with shouts of approval. That night he told his story at the council fire, and the Iro- quois sang and danced until daylight to cel- ebrate his victory over the Chippewas. Ill THE GRATITUDE OF LAME DEER T he weird, quavering cry of a loon echoed through the night, and Spotted Beaver stopped his canoe to listen. He waited some moments before the call was repeated, and then he again heard it on the opposite side of the lake. It roused his suspicions and filled him with alarm, for he feared it was a signal. Dipping his paddle noiselessly into the water, he pushed his canoe into the heavy shadows at the edge of the shore. Then he waited anx- iously to learn if his fears were real. In a few moments an answering cry rose through the night, a short distance ahead of him. The lad’s keen ears told him that it was a counterfeit, and his heart bounded at the thought. He realized that his fears were true — ^he was in the midst of his enemies, the Iroquois. For a moment the idea filled him with panic. He knew that he was in much peril and that he must use great caution 31 WAR PATH AND HUNTING TRAIL to escape capture and death at the hands of his foes. Spotted Beaver was undecided just what to do. If he remained on the lake until daylight he felt quite sure he would be dis- covered. On the other hand, to attempt to retrace his course seemed equally dangerous. The lad was in a frenzy of doubt. He realized that every moment of delay increased his peril, for the night was more than half gone and daylight might betray him to his foes. The young Delaware knew, therefore, that whatever he decided to do must be done at once. 