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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Birch Bark Legends of Niagara, by  Owahyah
+
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+Title: Birch Bark Legends of Niagara
+
+Author:  Owahyah
+
+Release Date: March, 2005  [EBook #7783]
+[This file was first posted on May 16, 2003]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, BIRCH BARK LEGENDS OF NIAGARA ***
+
+
+
+
+Bill Boerst, Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+BIRCH BARK LEGENDS OF NIAGARA
+
+FOUNDED ON TRADITIONS AMONG THE IROQUOIS, OR SIX NATIONS
+
+A STORY OF THE LUNAR-BOW;
+(Which Brilliantly Adorns Niagara Falls by Moonlight),
+
+OR,
+
+ORIGIN OF THE TOTEM OF THE WOLF
+
+DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF JOINSTAGA, FROM WHOM MANY LEGENDS OF THE
+ALMOST FORGOTTEN PAST WERE OBTAINED BY THE AUTHOR OWAHYAH
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+My preface will be a few citations from reliable authorities to
+introduce to my readers the people of whom I write:
+
+GOV. CLINTON, in a discourse delivered before the New York Historical
+Society, says: "Previous to the occupation of this country by the
+progenitors of the present race of Indians, it was inhabited by a race
+of men much more populous and much farther advanced in civilization;
+that the confederacy of the Iroquois is a remarkable and peculiar piece
+of legislation; that the more we study the Indian history the more we
+will be impressed with the injustice done them. While writers have
+truthfully described their deeds of cruelties, why not also quote their
+deeds of kindness, their integrity, hospitality, love of truth, and,
+above all, unbroken fidelity?"
+
+WASHINGTON IRVING says: "The current opinion of Indian character is too
+apt to be formed from the degenerate beings, corrupted and enfeebled by
+the vice of society, without being benefitted by its civilization. That
+there are those, and a large class of them that have with moral firmness
+resisted the temptations, with which they have been surrounded, and
+command our highest esteem."
+
+VOLNEY, the French Historian, pronounces the Iroquois "The Romans of the
+West."
+
+W. H. C. HOSMER, "The Warriors of Genesee."
+
+ORSEMUS TURNER, in his History of the Holland Purchase, says. "The
+existence of the IROQUOIS upon the soil now constituting Western and
+Middle New York, is distinctly traced back to the Period of the
+discovery of America.
+
+"Their traditions go beyond that period. They fix upon no definite
+period in reference to the origin of their confederacy. Their Councils
+were held along the southern shores of Lake Ontario, and upon the
+Niagara River, before the first adventurers, the Dutch, and French
+Jesuits appeared in the valley of the Mohawk; and there are evidences of
+a long precedent existence that corresponds with their traditions."
+
+And their Council Fires are still kindled though they burn not as
+brightly as of yore. Nor do the young braves listen to the wisdom, or
+ever now in their Councils witness the allegorical or figurative
+language so beautifully illustrating the discourses of Red Jacket, Corn
+Planter, Farmers Brother and other Chiefs, thus eulogized by PRES.
+DWIGHT: "In strength and sublimity of their eloquence they may be fairly
+compared with the Greeks."
+
+The INDIANS say: "We listen to your stories, why do you not listen to
+ours? Although civilized, you use not the rules of common civility."
+
+OWAHYAH
+
+
+
+
+BIRCH BARK LEGENDS OF NIAGARA
+
+FOUNDED ON TRADITIONS AMONG THE IROQUOIS OR SIX NATIONS
+
+Within sound of the thundering cataract's roar once worshipped the
+roaming sons of the forest in all their primitive freedom. They
+recognized in its thunder the voice, in its mad waves the wrath, and in
+its crashing whirlpool the Omnipotence of the Great Spirit--the Manitou
+of their simple creed.
+
+Also in the rising mist, the flight of the soul, and in the beautiful
+bow--the brilliant path followed by the spirits of good Indians to their
+Happy Hunting Ground.
+
+With this belief came the custom of yearly offering a sacrifice to the
+Great Spirit, or whenever any particular blessing was to be
+acknowledged, or for some wrong perpetrated, to propitiate the righteous
+anger of their Deity of the roaring waters.
+
+The sacrifice, or offering, consisted of a boat filled with fruit,
+flowers and any precious gift, which was to be paddled over the foaming
+cataract by one either drawn by lot or selected by the chiefs; or, as
+often happened, a voluntary offering of life, as it manifested heroism
+beyond their usual test of torture. Martyrs thus sacrificed had this
+consolation: that their spirits were sure to rise in the mist and follow
+the bright path above, while bad Indians' spirits passed down in the
+boiling, crashing current, to be torn and tossed in the whirlpool, there
+to linger in misery forever.
+
+With all thy present loveliness--smooth paths cut round thy rocky
+banks, covered with trailing vines and bright, soft mosses, nature's
+beautiful tapestry; flights of steps, half hidden with gay foliage,
+displaying at almost every turn majestic scenery; bridges thrown over
+the bounding, foaming rapids, from island to island, opening bower
+after bower with surprises of beauty at every step. Scattered here and
+there the nut-brown Indian maids and mothers; among the last of the
+race--still lingering around their fathers' places and working at the
+gay embroidery--soon to pass away forever.
+
+Yes, with all thy loveliness, the circle of mirth and gaiety, reflecting
+happy faces of thy present worshippers, tame is the scene compared with
+the traditions of a by-gone race, which, notwithstanding the simplicity
+in forms of customs that governed them, were among the brightest
+pictures of American life--always associated with the beautiful forest,
+which together are passing away, and oblivion's veil fast gathering
+around them.
+
+Thy rocks, now echoing the gay laugh of idlers, first rang with the wild
+war-whoop, or sent back the Indian's low, mellow songs of peace, or
+mingled with the heavy roar of thy failing waters the mournful dirge of
+the doomed one, to the Great Manitou.
+
+
+
+
+STORY OF THE LUNAR BOW,
+(_Which brilliantly adorns Niagara Falls by moonlight_),
+
+OR
+
+Origin of the Totem [Footnote: The coat of arms of a clan.] of the Wolf.
+
+
+FIRST LEGEND.
+
+The tradition of the Lunar Bow, the Manitou's bright path, or the origin
+of the totem of the wolf, was traced with a scene long remembered at
+their councils, passing from generation to generation, and still sung by
+the Indian mothers in their far-off home towards the setting sun--the
+last foot-hold of the dark sons of the forest on this their native land.
+On the east side of the Falls of Niagara, before the hallowed waters of
+the mist fell, on the pale-faced warrior or the sound of the axe had
+even broken the great stillness of their undisputed soil, the dark
+shadows of the primeval forest fell only on rock and wigwam.
+
+The red-topped sumach and sweet sassafras grew thick on either side,
+while ledges of rocks here and there pierced the foliage of the
+cedar-crowned banks 'round which tumbled and roared the mad waves,
+leaping like frightened does in wild confusion to their final plunge.
+The narrow Indian trails, winding around swamps, over hills, and through
+ravines, were the only paths that led to this their Great Manitou.
+
+The drowsy sultriness of an American summer pervaded this secluded spot,
+harmonizing with the unceasing roar of the Great Falls. Ever and anon,
+tall, dark forms might be seen suddenly appearing from the thick foliage
+of the underbrush, through which their paths with difficulty wound, and
+silently their painted faces and gayly plumed heads dropped round the
+big wigwam. Important questions waited the decision of their wisest
+Sachems, and runners had been sent with wampum to call together distant
+Chiefs, who, with braves and warriors, as became the dignity of the
+wampum, answered by their presence quickly and in silence.
+
+Near the brink of the Falls, beneath an aged pine, reclined a well-
+guarded, sorrowful, but haughty band. Their fine symmetry, noble height,
+and free carriage, were especially attractive. They were all young
+warriors, whose white paint presented emblems of peace: their plumes
+were from the beautiful white crane of the sunny forest, which
+designated the southern land from whence they came.
+
+A gleam of pride flashed across their dark faces, while their attitudes
+bespoke both defiance and despair. A tall, stately looking youth
+appeared to command from these few the deference due a Chief. He was
+leaning against the old tree, looking for the first time on the great
+sheet of falling waters, where soon himself and followers would probably
+end their tortures by a welcome leap. Their noble bearing had attracted
+the eye of the Sachem's daughter, the Gentle Fawn; she, with a few young
+Indian girls, half hid among the whortleberry bushes growing luxuriantly
+around the smaller wigwams of the camp, were dividing their attention
+between the stately captives and weaving the gaudy wampums to be
+bestowed, with the shy little weavers themselves, upon such young braves
+as should be deemed worthy by the great council. Their stolen glances of
+admiration and pity, however, were intercepted by the young brave who
+brought home and so suspiciously guarded the prisoners. He was a fierce,
+wicked savage, with repulsive, glistening eyes, evincing a cunning,
+revengeful disposition.
+
+[Illustration: GREAT OAK]
+
+At the side of this savage hung a string of fresh scalps, and a gleam of
+exultation shot across his swarthy visage as he pointed to the gory
+trophies at his belt, saying:
+
+"The Black Snakes scalps are fresh from his enemies; the fingers of the
+Gentle Fawn cannot number them."
+
+"The Fawn does not like the smell of blood," quickly answered the
+sensitive maid. "The Black Snake is a boy, and does not know his friends
+from his enemies."
+
+"The Fawn has been taking lessons from the mocking-birds," replied Black
+Snake, "and has learned many tunes; she sings now for the ears of the
+sunny Eagle, whose wings are too feeble to fly. His last flight will be
+short (pointing to the cataract); he will not need his wings, and the
+Gentle Fawn will soon learn to sing to Black Snake. The Fawn is an
+infant, and Black Snake will feed her on birds' eggs." Approaching with
+a noiseless step, he continued, in a lower tone: "The Black Snake will
+be a great warrior; he must build a lodge of his own whereon to hang his
+enemies' scalps (shaking them in her face), and the Gentle Fawn will
+light his pipe."
+
+With a suppressed cry the Fawn sprung to her feet. In an instant from
+the long wild grass, at her side appeared a huge wolf, of unusual size
+and strength, which the powerful creature owed in a measure to the
+affectionate care of its mistress. She had found it when young, reared
+and fed it with her own hands, and they had become inseparable friends
+and protectors to each other.
+
+With an angry growl and flashing eyes the wolf warned the Indian back.
+Black Snake pointed his flint-headed spear with a look of disdain at the
+heart of the watchful beast. His arm was suddenly arrested by the hand
+of the Sachem, Great Oak.
+
+"Does the Black Snake make war with the women? Wouldst kill my
+daughter's four-footed friend? Has the young brave only arrow-heads for
+his friends? He must go back to his mother's wigwam: let her teach him
+how to use them."
+
+The dark frown passed from the Great Oak's face as he addressed his
+daughter. With a watchful tenderness seldom found in the breast of a
+warrior, the stern old Sagamore's voice grew soft as a woman's.
+
+"My daughter will follow her father; he knows not his wigwam when the
+Fawn and her four-footed friend are not there."
+
+Thus saying they immediately left the discomfited brave. In passing by
+the stranger captives, a sigh escaped the old Indian as he saw the
+sympathetic looks that passed between them and his daughter, and
+compared that noble young Chief, so soon to pass away, with the
+treacherous warrior who aspired to fill the War Chief's place, and
+receive his daughter with the title. The War Chief was slain on that
+same expedition that conquered and brought home the prisoners. Another
+was to be chosen and the captives disposed of, which was the business
+that had called together Chiefs from distant places. Occupied with sad
+thoughts, that brought him no comfort, he was attracted by the low whine
+of the wolf, and upon turning discovered him fondling around the captive
+Chief, who seemed equally pleased with him; at the same time be caught
+the ill-omened look of Black Snake, distorting his face with rage,
+jealousy and revenge, as it glowed from beneath his tawdry plume of many
+colors. Hastening his daughter along, who was quickly followed by the
+wolf as she gave a peculiar call, they passed silently out of sight.
+
+As the dark shadows of night; gathered closely around, made brilliant by
+innumerable fire-flies, sportively decking all nature in spangles, women
+and children disappeared to their wigwams, while their dusky protectors
+seated themselves 'round the great fire, the red flashes of which fell
+brightly on the strongly bound prisoners, proud and defiant, awaiting
+their doom.
+
+Only one more night and the mild rays of the moon would fall on good and
+bad alike--would gaze on the beautiful, bright colored path over the
+dark and fearful abyss they were so soon to follow to the Happy Hunting
+Ground. The breaking of the waves against the rocks on the shore, the
+melancholy cry of the night bird, like soft music, partially subdued
+their tortured spirits, and each recalled with fond longing the memory
+of a distant home now lying in ashes, and the sound of some voice now
+silent, whose tones would go with them to the Manitou's home.
+
+Calm night, our soothing mother, bringing rest to all, freed them at
+last from the insulting taunts of their savage guards as their swarthy
+forms were swallowed up in the surrounding darkness.
+
+Oh! how many heartfelt and anxious prayers have been sent, Niagara, to
+rise on thy light mist to realms above.
+
+The Indian's simple supplication, so full of hope and faith, needed not
+the assistance of other creeds to be heard by _his_ Great Manitou. And
+if thou dost pray sincerely for strength, Grey Eagle, unflinchingly to
+stand thy torture and joyfully to take thy final leap, it will be given
+thee.
+
+As the dampness of night fled from before the rays of the morning sun it
+revealed a cooler, calmer crowd around the big wigwam.
+
+In sight of the great waters, and almost deafened by its thundering,
+warning voice, Sachems, Chiefs and Warriors were quietly and orderly
+assembled. Directly in front were placed the securely bound prisoners,
+surrounded by aspiring young braves, too willing to show their skill in
+throwing arrows and tomahawks as near as possible to the captives'
+heads, delighting the dusky children, who with the women formed the
+outside circle.
+
+For several minutes the pipe, with the sweet-scented kinny-kinick, was
+passed from one to another in silence. Not a word escaped them, the
+Chiefs viewing with each other in betraying no symptom of idle curiosity
+or impatience. At length a Chief turned his eyes slowly towards the old
+Sachem, and in a low voice, with great delicacy in excluding all
+inquisitiveness, addressed him:
+
+"Our father sent us the wampum; we are here, when our father speaks his
+childrens' ears are open,"--again resuming the pipe with due and
+becoming solemnity.
+
+After a moment's silence, during which the children even became mute,
+the Sachem arose with dignity and commenced his brief story in a solemn,
+serious manner, becoming himself and the occasion.
+
+"'Tis well; my childrens' ears shall drink no lies. Their brothers have
+been on the war-path. The Great Manitou smiled on the young brave; sent
+him back with fresh trophies and prisoners; not one escaped. The Great
+Manitou has also frowned on his people, hushed their song of triumph,
+sent them back to their tribe crying, 'where is the great War Chief, the
+nation's pride?' Do my sons see or hear the War Eagle in the wigwam of
+his people? No; he came not back; the Manitou needed him; he has gone to
+the Happy Hunting Ground; our eyes are dim; we shall see him no more.
+Who will lead the young braves on the war-path? Who will protect the
+wigwams, the women, children, and old men? Let my children speak, their
+father will listen."
+
+With the last words all excitement seemed to pass from him, and the face
+of Great Oak assumed that immovable expression which rendered it so
+impossible to surmise what really were his thoughts or wishes. The
+murmuring wails of the women in remembrance of War-Eagle and the
+threatening tomahawks that were shaken at the prisoners, all ceased as
+slowly the first Chief again rose to speak.
+
+"Let our brother, the young brave who followed where War Eagle led, and
+returned with prisoners and trophies to appease his mourning people--let
+the Black Snake speak, that we may know how to counsel our father."
+
+[Illustration: BLACK SNAKE.]
+
+The eyes of the young warrior thus alluded to flashed with fierce
+delight--his nostrils dilated with strong emotion. Passing with a
+haughty stride in front of the Chiefs, displaying to all the bloody
+trophies at his side, without dignity or feeling, but in an excited,
+vindictive manner, he gave an exaggerated account of the foe and the
+battle; spoke of the loss of the War Eagle; called on the young braves
+to help revenge his death, swinging his tomahawk around the heads of the
+prisoners, counting the scalps he had torn from the heads of their
+people, forcing them in their faces with malignant pleasure, and calling
+them women, who would cry when their tortures commenced. He said he only
+waited to attend the joyful dance before going on the war-path to avenge
+more fully the death of their Chief and earn the right to have a wigwam.
+He howled his fierce demands for an opportunity to show his willingness
+to execute the sentence the Chiefs should pass upon the prisoners. Then,
+adroitly pleading his youth, he said he would not ask to lead the braves
+on the war-path--he would follow where some braver one would lead.
+Throwing the string of scalps among the crowd, he said the women might
+have them to hang on their lodges--he was too young to carry them.
+Feeling he had made sufficient impression of his bravery to leave the
+decision in the hands of the Chiefs, without noticing his triumph in the
+applauding multitude, his fiery eyes rolled proudly from Chief to Chief.
+He passed with a haughty step before the Sachem, who had several times
+rather depreciated his bravery, rejoicing in this public opportunity of
+boasting a little before the Chiefs, evidently thinking it would greatly
+contribute to his ambitious purposes and make a good impression on the
+Sachem's dark-eyed daughter.
+
+As he finished his speech the crowd commenced reciting the virtues of
+their deceased Chief, calling for revenge, and insulting the prisoners
+with every epithet their wild imagination could suggest. A dissatisfied
+"hugh" from the old Sachem caused the first Chief again to rise, when in
+an instant all again became quiet, such were the peculiar customs of
+these people and the great influence of their Chiefs and Rulers. In a
+calm voice he addressed again the old Sachem:
+
+"Thy son has spoken with a brave and cunning tongue; yet he speaks not
+to the heart of his Chief. He is ready to strike the enemy. Who carries
+more arrows or sharper ones than Black Snake? Whose stone-headed war
+club is deadlier? Whose tomahawk is freer on the battle-field? The Black
+Snake coils himself under the bushes and springs upon his sleeping
+enemy. When they would strike him he is gone, and their club falls where
+he once stood. He will be a great warrior when he gathers a few more
+years. He needs experience to lead the young braves. Let our father
+speak from his heart, that he may hide nothing from his children, then
+will they know how to counsel."
+
+Thus called upon, the old Chief rose with a calm brow, and advancing
+with great dignity, slowly scanned the faces of his dusky audience. His
+eyes beamed with respectful, hopeful submission on his circle of Chiefs,
+also upon the women judges, who make the final decision in choosing a
+new Chief after hearing the arguments in favor of each candidate.
+Glancing towards Black Snake with a stern, unwavering countenance,
+regarding the prisoners with unaffected sympathy, and finally resting
+with a fond look of painful solicitude upon his daughter, who was seated
+on a mossy carpet beneath a large tree, within hearing distance of all
+that was said--the wolf, the Fawn's devoted friend, coiled at her feet,
+and her neglected wampum carelessly thrown over his glossy neck--in a
+clear, low voice, as one who having once determined upon the necessity
+no hesitating fears should prevent, Great Oak addressed the now watchful
+and silent multitude.
+
+"It is true the feet of the young brave have been far away on the
+war-path; his tomahawk and arrows have not been idle; he crept like a
+serpent upon his victims; his war club was stained with their blood;
+their scalps were many by his side; he came not back empty-handed; he
+brought prisoners to his people and gifts to his Manitou."
+
+The low murmur of applause now increased to a shrill howl, which the
+echoing rocks sent flying on, mingling with the roar of the falling
+waters. This approval being taken for their approbation, which promised
+support to his opinion, Great Oak, thus confirmed in his remarks,
+continued:
+
+"War Eagle came not back to his people; his wigwam is lonely; did he fly
+away like a frightened bird at the sight of his enemy?" An angry "hugh"
+was uttered sympathetically. "Did he die with his body filled with the
+arrows of his enemy?" After a short pause he answered himself:
+
+"No, my children, the tomahawk was buried in the back of his head. Was
+his foe behind him? Yes, my children, but not Grey Eagle and his brave
+little band now standing in front of you. They were also in front of War
+Eagle, but he saw in them no enemies; Grey Eagle saw no enemies then.
+Look at the paint, of Grey Eagle and his braves; do you see the red and
+black worn by a Chief on the war-path? Has the Manitou thrown a cloud
+over the eyes of your Sachem? I see only the white paint of peace and
+friendship. When were our fathers ever known to bind a friend?
+
+"Your Sachem has lived too long; he has lived to see the ceremonies of
+his people laughed at by boys--the sons of his friends with friendly
+colors bound at his feet by his own children, and the tomahawks of his
+people ready to bury themselves in their flesh."
+
+The deep silence which succeeded these words sufficiently showed the
+great veneration with which his people received their ideas from their
+oldest Chief. All listened with breathless expectation for what was to
+come. Black Snake and his few followers scowled revengefully, though not
+daring to reply. The Sachem continued:
+
+"The Great Oak can no longer overshadow and protect his people--can no
+longer preserve the ceremonies of his fathers. His strength has gone,
+and his counsels fall to the ground like the branches of the dying tree;
+he is needed here no more. When my children next fill a canoe for the
+Manitou, place the old tree and all belonging to him in it. The tired
+birds that have flown to him for rest he can no longer protect, and it
+is time his people burned him down out of the way, that the saplings may
+find more room to grow. Let the arrows and tomahawk of Great Oak be
+prepared for the Manitou--he would pass from his people forever."
+
+With the last words he moved slowly from the circle, and, placing
+himself by the side of his daughter, closed his eyes, manifesting his
+resignation of all interest in their present or future state. An
+appealing wail from the multitude brought several Chiefs to their feet.
+
+"Our father must not leave us; his voice is the voice of wisdom; when
+his childrens' ears drink lies and their counsels are foolish the wind
+brings truth to the ears of Great Oak; they will fade away when Great
+Oak's shadows are withdrawn. Can his children feast and dance when their
+father hides his face with shame? The Manitou has counseled the Great
+Oak in his sleep; the women are in tears, and the young men are silent.
+We have spoken, and we wait for the voice of our Sachem."
+
+"Why do my children wait for the voice of a Chief, whose words fall like
+leaves in the cold blast to be trod on by boys?"
+
+"The words of the Great Oak, like the leaves, can bury the people. Let
+our father speak to the hearts of his children that they may know what
+to do. Has the wind whispered in the ear of our father and he tells not
+his children their story? We listen for the voice of our Chief." The old
+Sachem slowly opened his eyes and once more rose to his feet, standing
+erect in front of the tree whose name he bore, where still, with the
+wolf stretched at her feet, the Gentle Fawn remained seated. Without
+deigning a glance upon the multitude, but looking in the distance, as if
+invoking unseen aid from the air or sky, dropping their figurative
+language, he spoke in a low, prophetic tone.
+
+"Yes, there has been whispering in the ears of your Chief. He shut his
+eyes on all around him, and opened them on a sunny spot, far off, where
+the rivers know no ice and the moccasin never tracks in the snow. There
+were more wigwams than he could count, filled with happy people. He saw
+a band of braves as straight as the pines of their forest go on a long
+path to get furs and meat for their people. After moons of success they
+joyfully returned; but not to hear the voice of their fathers or ever to
+see their faces again. The hand of the foe had spared none; their homes
+were in ashes; their friends sent without food or presents on their long
+journey to the Manitou's hunting-ground. I saw these tired, sad hunters
+gather the scattered bones and relics of their tribe in a large circle,
+placing plenty of furs and food, with pipes, beads and arrows in the
+center, and cover them high with stones and earth that wild beasts could
+not move. And they placed the Manitou's mark on this mound that no foe
+would dare to desecrate. Then turning their faces from their once happy
+home they sought a new one, and people to help them revenge this deed
+and recover their land. Winding their way to the land of snow and ice
+they saw approaching a band of warriors covered with emblems of peace,
+and, leaving their stony weapons in care of the younger braves, they
+walked open-handed to meet the strangers. War Eagle stood foremost among
+them. While passing the calumet [Footnote: Pipe of peace.] of friendship
+their ears were deafened with the war-whoop from many mouths. A tomahawk
+flew swiftlier and deadlier than an arrow and hid itself in the head of
+War Eagle."
+
+Then, turning his eyes upon the multitude, he would question, and,
+looking off in the distance, in the same prophetic voice answer:
+
+"Did the tomahawk fly with the stranger's hand? They came open-handed--
+left their weapons behind them. Did any of War Eagle's braves protect
+him while his spirit was passing on its long journey? No; the arms of
+yonder brave protected him until they were bound, to his side. Can War
+Eagle's spirit leave his friend to receive the torture of the condemned
+and be tossed in those dark whirling waters forever? No; I hear his
+moans mingle threateningly with the roar of the Manitou's voice. His
+spirit cannot rise to the beautiful path while his friends are prisoners
+to his people. Would you leave War Eagle forever hovering over the
+turbulent waters? Who will cut the thongs and set the spirit of War
+Eagle free by freeing his friends?"
+
+The wild cries of the multitude were stilled by the long protracted howl
+of Black Snake as he sprung in front of the Chiefs. With a dexterous
+flourish of his tomahawk he separated the thongs, liberated the
+prisoners, and with a wave of his hand commanded silence, while,
+shouting in a loud voice, he replied to the old Sachem:
+
+"Our father asks who bound War Eagle's friends! It was the spirits of
+darkness that blinded his childrens' eyes to the color of Grey Eagle,
+and whispered in their ears, 'they are enemies.' It was the spirit of
+darkness that killed War Eagle and whispered in the ears of his braves,
+'revenge his death.' It is the voice of the good Manitou that whispered
+to the Great Oak, and he has saved his children from the Manitou's wrath
+and freed the spirit of War Eagle." This ingenious speech showed the
+cunning of some candidates for office even in those early times, and had
+the desired effect of winning the confidence of many of his dusky
+auditors. Long talks followed within the circle by the Chiefs, while
+preparations were being made for feast and dance around the council fire
+that night.
+
+Aye, Niagara! thou didst lull with thy awful and solemn voice as anxious
+and also as happy hearts beneath the soft furs that wrapped those dusky
+maidens--mingling their sweet voices with thy deep bass, dancing beneath
+the old trees on thy wild banks--as any there have been since in the
+princely halls where the old trees once stood, beneath silks and
+diamonds, that rival thy beautiful drops, to music that drowns for a
+time thine own tremendous voice.
+
+The attention of the Chiefs being directed to Grey Eagle, the youthful
+Chief stepped lightly but proudly in front of them. His manner plainly
+indicated him a brave warrior and hunter. As he spoke of his people, now
+nearly exterminated, he pointed out to the council the necessity, and
+expressed his willingness, of merging their existence in that of another
+tribe. Many looked upon him with sympathy and regard. Speaking of the
+foes of his people, his dark eyes lighted up with contemplated revenge--
+his mouth curled with contempt. He called them snakes with forked
+tongues; he wished to drive them from the ever green and pleasant valley
+of his fathers; he wished to share the land with his brothers of the
+snowy hills. He proved his skill as an orator by swaying the minds of
+his hearers, and amidst great rejoicing stepped back to the side of his
+own braves.
+
+The old Sachem looked at him encouragingly, while the shy Fawn,
+gathering up her no longer neglected wampum, bounded away to mingle with
+the Indian maidens, followed by the devoted wolf, and the affectionate
+eyes of her father and of many admiring braves.
+
+The feast and dance continued long into the night; but sunrise found the
+warriors and braves straightening their arrows and sharpening their
+stony points and newly cording with sinews their idle bows, withing the
+heads of their tomahawks, war-clubs and spears. Great and earnest
+preparations were made to follow the river in its noisy course past its
+dark whirling basin, down the stony mountain to where it mingles its
+wild dancing waves with the calm and beautiful lake, bringing only the
+faintest murmurs of the great falling waters to their favorite hunting
+grounds.
+
+Within that valley, before the sun drops beneath the bright waves of
+Ontario, will be decided by individual skill, unassisted by friendly
+influence, the right between Black Snake and his adopted brother, Grey
+Eagle, to fill the place made vacant by the death of War Eagle.
+
+This was the decision of the women. Among the Indians genealogy is
+reckoned on the mother's side alone; and, therefore, the important
+business of selecting a candidate to fill the place of War Eagle, who
+left no near relative, devolved upon the women, who decided the
+successful combatant was to be the future War Chief of the tribe and
+claim the wampum with the old Sachem's dark-eyed daughter.
+
+Sympathy was pictured in most of the faces of those dark warriors, when
+passing the Great Oak's wigwam they beheld the moist eyes and tender
+leave-taking of that heroic old Chief and his motherless child, whose
+future depended so much on the coming contest, as following one after
+another they disappeared in the forest.
+
+"The Gentle Fawn will stay in the shadow of her wigwam and work on her
+wampum." And the old Chief, whose words were law, also disappeared,
+following the narrow winding path, watched by the Fawn till the dense
+foliage hid him from her view. Without hearing the slightest noise the
+Fawn felt a hand upon her shoulder. Turning quickly, she beheld the
+pleasant face of Grey Eagle. Turning his hand in formal recognition, he
+addressed her:
+
+"The Grey Eagle's eyes are very true, and his arms are very strong;
+shall he shut his eyes when he draws his bow?"
+
+"May Grey Eagle's aim never be truer or his arm stronger than to-day."
+And love-light flashed from the soft eyes of the pretty Seneca maid.
+
+"The Fawn has spoken well; Grey Eagle hears. When the wish-ton-wish
+sings his evening song Grey Eagle will be here again. The Fawn will
+welcome him."
+
+The last of the warriors disappeared, followed by the old women and
+children, the latter with shouts and songs, going far towards the brow
+of the mountain, where evening would still find most of them gathering
+sticks and pine cones to light the evening fires.
+
+About seven miles from the great cataract, towards the north, when
+following the river, is seen the famous Queenston Heights, where the
+force of waters has cut through solid rocks to a depth of about three
+hundred feet, and it is equaled in grandeur only by the cataract itself.
+This deep chasm in winding from the falls forms the great whirlpool--the
+terror of the poor aboriginals. From the brow of the mountain the most
+gorgeous landscape bursts upon the view.
+
+A splendid picture, with the broad waters of Lake Ontario, forms a
+magnificent background. The mountain sides are broken by deep ravines
+and huge precipices rising to a great height. The scenery is wild beyond
+description. On the highest elevation of this rocky cliff, on the
+western shore, stands the Pillar of Brock, like a giant, guarding the
+borders of the Queen's Dominion.
+
+Under the eye, at the foot of the mountain, nestles the pretty village
+of Lewiston. The banks of the river are lower and less rugged, and here
+commence the beautiful flats that reach to the shore of Ontario. The
+lake from this elevation is seen like a miniature ocean, spreading far
+and wide until clouds and water blend. On the left, the foaming, dashing
+river, passing furiously through the rocky gorge, here becomes quiet,
+winding its peaceful way through woods and meadows, its soft liquid blue
+dividing the Dominion from the United States, and gradually widening
+until its waters mingle with Ontario. There, standing opposite, and
+frowning upon each other, are the forts Niagara and Massussauga, where
+successively have contended French, English and Americans. Four villages
+appear within this view, on either side of the river, with their tall
+church spires, from which sweet, melancholy notes come floating on the
+air, tranquilizing the senses with the beautiful scene, interspersed by
+meadows and grain fields, thickly dotted with cottages, surrounded and
+half hidden among orchards and lovely gardens, disclosing hundreds of
+happy homes; while from this elevation deep repose gives softness to the
+whole picture. The same beautiful river and lake and rock-bound mountain
+surrounded the Indian's favorite hunting-ground; but a dense forest,
+divided by marshy creeks, protected their game and sheltered themselves.
+
+Thus secluded, hundreds of wild songsters filled the air with music,
+while the melancholy notes of the wish-ton-wish's evening song
+traditionally had power to sooth their savage natures. This sweet,
+pensive scenery, decked with summer's lovely green or autumn's wampum
+dyes, with morning's glittering dews or evening's fire-flies' transient
+gleams, illuminating the darkest places; the distant murmur of the
+waterfall, the sympathetic cooing of the wild ducks, the cedar-scented
+air, all tended to thrill the Indian bosom with sensations not less
+melancholy, not less pleasing, than the present unsurpassed and
+magnificent view charms all beholders.
+
+Seldom so many warriors met at one time on these quiet flats, and never
+contested champions more earnestly than did Black Snake and Grey Eagle
+on that day for the two prizes in one; never were spectators more
+enthusiastic. Their triumphant whoops echoed along the river banks and
+their joyous applause animated the fatigued warriors, while side
+combatants of various ages fought their mimic battles, blending the
+whole in a scene of wild excitement and confusion. Grey Eagle was an
+expert archer, but he had found his equal; hence the conflict was so
+long, and had, from its even tenor, become so engrossing. One instant's
+hesitation would probably decide the contest with critics so quick to
+perceive with both eye and ear the least deviation from their standard
+customs. After passing successively through the exercise of war-clubs,
+spears and tomahawks, to the bow and arrow was left the decision. Again
+preparing for the contest after their own fashion, omitting no caution
+or form, the combatants brought all their warrior skill into
+requisition. Challenge after challenge was given and taken with equal
+confidence. The impression on the warrior spectators was exciting;
+admiration of such unexampled dexterity gradually increased, finally
+swelling into sounds that denoted lively opposition in sentiment, when
+suddenly, with an ominous flourish of his bow, as it fell at the feet of
+Great Oak, Black Snake with a single bound stood in front of the Chiefs.
+This unexpected movement produced attention and silence while he spoke:
+
+"Black Snake sends a true arrow, but the Manitou guided Grey Eagle's.
+The Manitou whispered truths in the ear of Great Oak and defeated the
+evil spirit. The Manitou says to War Eagle: 'I send a warrior to your
+people to fill your place, and Grey Eagle, the chosen of the Manitou,
+will be a great warrior.'"
+
+[Illustration: GREY EAGLE.]
+
+All of Black Snake's former pride and exultation seemed supplanted by
+humility. Not the least demonstration of jealousy or revenge, was to be
+traced in his artful face, while he continued:
+
+"Grey Eagle will lead the young braves on the warpath. Let our father
+send an offering to the Manitou, that he may drive the evil spirit away
+from Black Snake, and he will be Grey Eagle's brother and fight by his
+side. Black Snake's arrows are true, and the cries of our enemies will
+fill the forest, while every squaw can deck her lodge with scalps."
+
+With an appealing glance at the circle of Chiefs, Black Snake modestly
+retired and they held their talk.
+
+According to their customs, captives were either adopted by the captors
+and enjoyed all of the rights and privileges of the tribe and
+confederacy, or sentenced to death, attended by all of the horrors of
+savage torture. If adopted, the nation knew no difference between her
+own or adopted children. In the former council by the falling waters the
+Chiefs had concluded to adopt Grey Eagle and his braves; therefore the
+women had an undisputed right to select him as one of the candidates for
+War Eagle's successor, which nomination was ratified by the Chiefs. The
+women being undecided between the rival candidates, left the final
+decision as before mentioned, to skill or chance. It was more through
+chance than skill that Grey Eagle won, for both were well-drilled,
+powerful warriors. But he had fairly won the two prizes, and the
+conclusion the Chiefs came to was this:
+
+Their great Manitou had evidently sent him to them for some wise
+purpose. A human sacrifice must be made, as had long been their custom,
+for the Manitou's good gifts and to redeem Black Snake from the power of
+the evil one, this sacrifice must be made while the moon was the
+brightest, which was the present time. It was that the bright light
+might more fully reveal the brilliant path of the just. As those sent as
+an offering to the Manitou would go direct to the happy home above,
+freed from all trouble forever, when the selection was once made they
+would become reconciled, and make themselves believe it a great favor
+bestowed and cause of rejoicing. The subject for the sacrifice was most
+frequently selected by lot from a few the Chiefs would name; but this
+time it was Black Snake's privilege to make the selection and
+arrangements, as he was next to Grey Eagle as a warrior, and then
+the sacrificed spirit was especially to atone to the offended Manitott
+for Black Snake's rashness while under the influence of the evil
+spirit. At a signal for silence from Great Oak he made known these
+conclusions, and Black Snake again came forward, and, with a great
+deal of self-depreciation, expressed his wishes as follows:
+
+"After the calumet with the soothing kinny-kinnick shall refresh each
+Chief, while its light curling clouds bear their good resolutions on
+high, let Great Oak and Grey Eagle be first on the backward trail;
+rising the big stony hill, still keeping the trail, without entering any
+lodge, the first one their eyes rest upon--be it one of the men, one of
+the women, or one of the children--will be the one the Manitou wants.
+Let the Manitou make his own selection: Black Snake is not worthy."
+
+During the delivery of this speech; his swarthy countenance kindled with
+a satisfied expression well calculated to conceal the dark malicious
+plans that struggled in his breast. His very nostrils appeared to dilate
+with hidden exultation.
+
+Hurriedly passing the calumet, soon a light, fragrant cloud from the
+sweet-scented kinny-kinnick rose on the air like evening incense, making
+valid and unchangeable each resolve that tribunal of Chiefs had passed.
+
+While they were yet smoking, Black Snake, recovering his bow and arrow,
+called for some young braves who could track the deer and help carry the
+venison back to their lodges, as a feast and dance accompanied each
+council. The chiefs would smoke in the shade until the fiery eye of the
+Manitou, satisfied with the purposes and promises of His simple-hearted
+children, would fall asleep beyond the waters of Ontario, where already
+the last rays were beginning to color clouds and waves, till lake and
+sky seemed a bright vision of the promised land the doomed one must soon
+enter.
+
+"The hunters will be back here before the wish-ton-wish sings, if the
+chiefs are gone the hunters will follow," said Black Snake, as himself
+and about twenty dusky boys, flourishing their bows and arrows, leaped
+along the skirt of the forest and soon disappeared. They wound their way
+towards the east, where the deer frequented a marshy tract of land,
+Black Snake now assuming all the superiority of a chief and leader, his
+boasting, haughty manner returning, as he related what great deeds he
+could do, and his name would make his enemies tremble. Having excited
+sufficient awe and veneration among those artless Indian boys, he
+pointed to fresh tracks, and waving his hand to the north, said:
+
+"The deer have gone to the clear water to drink; the young-brave who
+kills the first deer shall follow in the steps of Black Snake on the
+war-path. Black Snake will go prepare for the feast and dance, and the
+evening fire for the great chiefs; the young braves follow with their
+venison the back trail; they will not go before the old chiefs."
+
+This sudden and unexpected announcement was received with a joyous shout
+by the aspiring young braves, who, thus stimulated, quickly disappeared,
+leaving Black Snake alone.
+
+A hasty glance at the sky showed him the Manitou's eye had moved but
+little since he left the chiefs, and had some ways yet to travel before
+disappearing for the night, and his satisfied look said, "'Tis well,"
+for Black Snake had much to do and much to bring about before the fiery
+eye would again throw his searching rays upon this wild and wayward
+child of the forest.
+
+A fierce and fixed expression settled on his swarthy features,
+contradicting all that assumed humility while in the presence of the
+chiefs.
+
+Following a direct path to the south-west, with his fast Indian lope,
+crossing the creeks on the well-known beaver bridges, nothing impeded
+his speed, and in an incredibly short time he found himself on the brow
+of the great stony hill, where his path soon struck the river trail,
+leaving the council of chiefs many miles behind him to the north. He
+gave a peculiar whoop, composed, of a quick succession of notes
+terminating in a prolonged sound, which made the forest ring till it
+died away in the distance, silencing terrified bird and squirrel and
+making the stillness that followed doubly still. Speeding on toward the
+lodge, as he neared the great water-fall, he again repeated the shrill
+call; this time faint answers reached him from different directions.
+
+Then a sharp, solitary note, repeated at short intervals, and answered,
+in the same, manner, and with the exclamation "Hugh!" in a satisfied
+tone, the tired warrior seated himself for the first time since morning
+at the root of a large tree, holding his head in his dark sinewy hands,
+as if that was more weary even than his' over-exercised limbs. Soon
+there appeared several Indian boys and old women from different sides of
+the trail. He held a hasty confidential talk with them. That he did not
+truthfully explain anything, in fact, misrepresented the whole, was only
+too natural for Black Snake. But in his own way he revealed the final
+decision, making a double sacrifice of the human offering--both body and
+soul; he told them their spirits would be given to the evil one and sent
+to the turbulent waters, there to be whirled forever in sight of the
+bright path they never could follow.
+
+This story, as calculated, struck terror to the hearts of his awe-
+stricken hearers, and had the desired effect. Instantly the dense
+foliage hid their frightened faces as they fled from the river trail,
+and only the mimic cry of bird or animal known as a warning of danger to
+all within hearing, the leaping or plunging through the underbrush was
+all the eye or ear could detect after Black Snake's communication, which
+sent the berry pickers and cone gatherers back with the fleetness of the
+deer to hide themselves in their lodges. Black Snake was again following
+with his greatest speed the river trail, not pausing till near the Great
+Oak's lodge, where, assuming the position and actions of the reptile
+whose name he bore, he crawled to the side of the wigwam, where,
+unobserved, he watched for a few moments its solitary occupant. Seated
+on a robe of the soft furs of the beaver, weaving the plaits on her how
+highly prized wampum, while the prolonged gaze, interrupted with
+restless flashing from the dark eyes of the Fawn, bespoke the anxiety,
+with which she had waited the result of that long, long day, which would
+also decide her fate. Wearied with picturing the future in its brilliant
+lights and dark shades, as Grey Eagle and Black Snake alternately
+figured in her thoughts, and wearied with waiting for the song of the
+evening birds, she is suddenly startled from her meditation as a shadow
+falls across the lodge, and Black Snake stands before her.
+
+Springing to her feet and spasmodically grasping the wampum, fearing
+Black Snake had been victorious and had come for his reward, was the
+impulse of the moment; but the subdued and brotherly manner assumed by
+Black Snake reassured as he gently addressed her.
+
+"The Grey Eagle is a great chief, and Black Snake is his brother. Grey
+Eagle looks as he rises on the stony-hill for his wampum, that he may
+sit in the circle, of chiefs. Shall the Swaying Reed meet Grey Eagle
+with her wampum? Is the Fawn too timid to go? Black Snake will stay with
+the Fawn and let Swaying Reed fly on the trail towards the stony hill."
+
+"No! No!" exclaimed the Fawn. "The Swaying Reed loves Black Snake; her
+feet would be slow on the trail to carry the wampum to Grey Eagle. The
+Fawn will go to meet her father and the tall chief, while Black Snake
+sings in the ear of Swaying Reed, who is never tired of the voice she
+loves so much."
+
+"The Fawn has spoken well; but Grey Eagle must take the wampum from the
+one his eyes rest first upon as he rises on the stony hill. The Fawn saw
+the Indian women follow the trail towards the great flats to gather
+berries and pine cones; she must shame the moose in her flight, and hide
+under the bushes, if she would see Great Oak, and Grey Eagle first as
+they mount the hill. If the Fawn would fill the pipe and kindle the fire
+for Grey Eagle in his own wigwam, let him not know she is near until she
+stands before him. I have said."
+
+"The Fawn's ears have been open; her feet will not be slow; she will
+follow the hidden path, until she reaches the great rocks of the hill.
+The Fawn will do as her brother tells her. The Swaying Reed is waiting
+for Black Snake."
+
+And ere the day songsters had finished their sweet melody, or the
+wish-ton-wish [Footnote: Whippoorwill.] had yet commenced its evening
+song, the half frightened Indian maid had hid herself near the summit of
+the hill, under foliage so dense, she felt not the fast falling dew, as
+breathless she waited the coming steps. From her safe hiding place she
+saw the white plume of Grey Eagle waving over his happy, excited face,
+as with his light elastic step he appeared first; erect and tall like
+the cedars around him. Next came her father whose wrinkled countenance,
+softened with paternal care and watchfulness, had long lost the
+fierceness and native fire of his youth, followed closely by his chiefs.
+He passed slowly along the trail, hardly daring to raise his eyes, it
+being the death warrant to whomsoever they should fall upon. Suddenly
+the bushes parted and the Fawn bounded into her father's arms. To
+accurately describe the agony of this scene would be impossible;
+consternation for a moment held them spell-bound; horror was pictured in
+faces so long trained to conceal the workings of the mind, and for the
+first time the Fawn remained uncaressed in her father's arms. Astonished
+and grieved she turned to Grey Eagle; the light had fled from his face,
+and his soul apparently; he seemed petrified and lifeless as the rock he
+stood upon. Even the poor wolf, missing his usual attention, or from
+some inexplicable cause, commenced to howl pitifully as he leaped from
+one to another.
+
+The spell was broken by a young chief not old enough yet to feel the
+responsibility of the customs of his fathers, from which life nor death
+would tempt older chief to deviate, hopefully exclaiming:
+
+"It was the wolf the Sagamore's eyes fell upon first; it was the wolf
+the Manitou sent. He wants him to put into the far off hunting ground."
+
+For an instant, only an instant, hope flitted across the face of the
+doting, and heart broken lover. With the stoicism so natural to these
+people, they attempted to hide their grief, but too plainly their ill
+concealed tears betrayed, while they unlocked the almost paralyzed
+tongue.
+
+"Did my daughter find her lodge too warm, that she ventured so far away
+in the dew? Were her ears closed when her father bid her stay in the
+shadow of her lodge?"
+
+"The Fawn was sent by Black Snake to meet her father," she replied.
+"Would Grey Eagle have the Fawn wait for the song of the wish-ton-wish,
+while the Black Snake sung in her ears; and the Swaying Reed carried her
+wampum to the chief with the white plume? The Swaying Reed loves Black
+Snake; and Black Snake sent the Fawn with her wampum, that the eyes of
+her father and the young chief might fall on her first as they rose the
+great hill."
+
+Amazement and stupefaction sat for a moment on the features of the
+Indians during the delivery of this speech. Their swarthy countenances
+kindled with a fierce expression that told so well the dark thoughts
+that struggled in their hearts at the perfidy of Black Snake who had
+exercised his vengeance in so unmerciful a manner. The threatening
+tomahawks that filled the air at this convincing proof of his malicious
+designs, would have terrified any other than that sly, cunning chief. As
+villains of the present day so often protect themselves with the strong
+arm of the law intended for their suppression, so Black Snake knowing so
+well the customs of his people, used their own well meant laws to carry
+out his sinister plans, and protect himself in so doing. Again amidst
+the tumult the young chief insisted:
+
+"It was the wolf the chief saw first; 'twas the wolf the Manitou
+wanted."
+
+So many endorsed the young chief that confusion for the time prevented
+Great Oak from speaking, which might have been mistaken for yielding;
+when that crafty chief springing from among the ever-green bushes,
+confronted the chiefs, and in a loud voice of ferocious exultation and
+of triumph, tauntingly demanded:
+
+"What says the Sagamore? Does he tell the young warriors a lie? The wolf
+was in the arms of Black Snake when the Fawn was in the arms of her
+father."
+
+Turning with an annihilating look upon the base Indian, whose last
+sentence conveyed an unpardonable taunt to any Indian chief, the
+Sagamore, with the firmness of the rocks around him and in clear
+distinct words replied:
+
+"Dare pass judgement upon the deeds of a sachem who hath sat in council
+with thy father's father? Look to thyself Black Snake, the hissing
+spirits in the boiling waters below are calling for thee. I have said."
+
+Bestowing upon his daughter a long look of thwarted love and final
+resignation, in words at once unyieldingly firm, but full of, the
+Indians' bright hopes and promises for the future, he pronounced her
+doom, which none dared question.
+
+"My child, the Manitou hath need of thee; thou must soon travel the
+bright path and join thy mother beyond the clouds. The big moon shows
+the path brightest now; and that thou mayst not stumble or lose thy way,
+go prepare thyself at once as the child of thy father should, to
+joyfully carry the gifts most precious to the Great Manitou for the
+welfare of thy people. I have said."
+
+The real or pretended indifference to pleasure or pain, one of the
+great characteristics of the American Indian, even to the joyful manner
+they would yield, without resistance and evidently without sufficient
+cause, to torture and death, was owing greatly to the sudden and
+unalterable decisions of their chiefs, governed by customs formed from
+their views of a future state, over-ruling all earthly ambitions of
+these untutored people. Such terrible dooms! The sentence and execution
+so quickly following each other, and apparently falling upon the poor
+victim at once, the shock paralyzing their faculties, while pride
+concealing their softer feelings, transforms them so suddenly into
+what appears beings indifferent and insensible to the suffering and
+distress of death and separation or to the expectation of enjoyment
+and happiness here on earth to themselves or others.
+
+Thus comprehending her inevitable situation and feeling it an honor to
+be the selected of the Manitou to guide the birchen-bark with precious
+gifts over the precipice to the happy forest in eternity, where she
+would meet her long remembered mother, the doomed maiden replied, with
+tearful smile and subdued voice, "I go my father," and immediately
+disappeared among the wild vines and bushes that border the banks of
+Niagara, followed closely by her faithful wolf.
+
+The setting sun that day shed its last rays and warmth upon a busy and
+sorrowful scene, around thy roaring cataract, Oh, cruel unrelenting fall
+of waters softly painting with mellow light the trees, rocks and thy
+wild children, unmindful alike, of the sad though customary,
+preparations for the sacrifice hurriedly proceeding: the women decking
+with shells and flowers the fairest maiden in their tribe, so soon to
+pass from them forever; the chiefs wrapped in the pride of Indian
+endurance hide from each other their feelings no tear betrays, or
+thoughts even mar the serenity of their countenances, which indicated
+only submission to fate while the necessary ceremonies were being
+provided for; and they filled the flower decked bark, moored in the
+little eddy above the rapids, with highly valuable contributions; and
+lighted the great pine-fires for the feast and dance, so well furnished
+and prepared by Black Snake, while daylight faded into night, heralded
+by invisible singers from the surrounding trees, pouring forth their
+sleepy monotonous songs, varying only at times in a higher and wilder
+key, then dying away in the endless roar of the turbulent waters around
+them.
+
+The full moon ascending majestically above the horizon, with its pale,
+wavering light softened into beauty the rough rocks and banks, revealing
+the brilliant and beautiful path that one by one, the wisest and best of
+their tribe, had followed. Showering its light upon the narrow river
+path, already filled with the sad hearted maidens leading the submissive
+Fawn to the waiting boat in the quiet little bay; they hushed the noisy
+feast with their low sweet voices as they sung her virtues, followed by
+a subdued and curious crowd of every age and sex. About stepping from
+the rock to her boat, the Fawn turned to her sire, but e'er she spoke
+the sachem answered her appealing look.
+
+"I have no word or gift to send by thee my child. Thou art my all. The
+Great Oak will soon fall, but in falling must crush his enemies. Thy
+father will follow thee on the beautiful trail when the Manitou next
+lights the way," turning, as he finished, his back towards the river,
+while the Fawn placed herself with mechanical helplessness in the boat.
+Instantly the unnoticed, but faithful wolf, sprung after her. Arms were
+stretched to pull him out, but the sachem's voice caused them to fall by
+the sides of the officious forms to which they belonged.
+
+"The Manitou calls whom he hath use for. If he sent my child through the
+artfulness of that young chief to the brow of the big hill, he hath also
+called the wolf, because he hath need of him; let him go. I have said."
+
+The little bark, held firmly by strong ropes twisted from the inside
+bark of the elm, and fastened to both ends of the boat and to the side
+next to the shore, the other ends of the rope held by the weeping
+maidens who followed the river path, slowly towing the little bark to a
+point near the brink of the cataract, on the east border of the river,
+where a platform of flat rocks whose uneven portions appear here and
+there above the surface of the water, form a solid foundation to its
+unsandy shore. There tossing the ropes from them, the light canoe drawn
+by the powerful current would dance only a moment on the bounding waves,
+ere it launched into the misty region surrounding the mystical path,
+where transition is hid from mortal eye. Slowly drawn by the reluctant
+girls, the Fawn commenced her death song, a simple address to the
+Manitou, while her thoughts evidently clung to her earthly friends.
+
+  "Thou hath called. Great Manitou, from thy forest on high,
+  I come, I'll follow thy wampum-dyed path through the sky;
+  Thy gifts hath been poured on the chieftains and braves,
+  They send Thee their child on the dark boiling waves;
+  Soon in the Beautiful Path she will be,
+  Loaded with tears so precious for Thee;
+  The grief of my sire, the grief of my brave,
+  Oh! Precious the load on this terrible wave;
+  But cheered by my chief, as the last leap draws nigh,
+  Can I look back and see him from thy Path in the sky?
+  One look, O Manitou! 'ere my face rams
+  From my father and brave, where my heart still yearns;
+  That look; and their tears my offering shall be,
+  Oh precious the load I'll carry to Thee,
+  As my spirit will rise in the mist o'er the wave,
+  While my body floats down to its watery grave."
+
+Suddenly her song was interrupted by another wail, commencing low and
+gradually rising, till its clear notes seemed to fill the surrounding
+woods, mingling with the shrieks of the wind as it wound round the
+prominent rocks they were slowly approaching. There on the very rock
+where the Fawn's little bark would dart away from the open hands of the
+sad lamenting maidens, stood unobserved by all but his own braves, the
+tall figure of Grey Eagle, dimly seen through the suddenly cloudy
+moonlight, erect against the dark back ground of the forest, singing in
+an exulting voice and manner, words that betrayed his intentions, which
+none would dare prevent, or set at naught if accepted by the Manitou,--a
+free spontaneous gift of life on his part, as shown in the words that
+floated on the night air to the ears of his hearers.
+
+   "Thou lift'st not thy hand, which only can save
+   The dark-eyed maid from thy terrible wave;
+   She is tender and timid, Oh! Great Manitou!
+   In the arms of her brave to Thee she must go,
+   In the arms of her brave take the terrible flight,
+   Together their spirits shall, rise into light."
+
+As the ropes fell, from the trembling hands of the towing maidens, the
+moon in mercy seemed to hide her face beneath a cloud, veiling in
+darkness the fearful tragedy, as the Fawn floated off on the pitiless
+wave. A splash; a struggle; a wild howl, filled the air, echoing from
+rock to rock and from shore to shore. One ray of light from between the
+clouds revealed the little boat, as poised an instant in the misty vapor
+over the boiling surge, and dark forms gathered on the rocks from whence
+the bark had just departed; while shout and strife and angry threats
+grew loud among the warlike group madly struggling on that brink of
+eternity. Great Oak alone could quell the tumult. Followed by some
+sympathizing chiefs he wound his way among the promiscuous crowd already
+gathered. On the shore near the brink of the falling waters, on the
+stony tables extending far out into the water, stood Grey Eagle's
+warriors, firm as the rocks beneath them. In the center of this group,
+almost a prisoner of his own braves, was the speechless Grey Eagle; at
+his feet crouched the powerful wolf over the prostrate form of the
+insensible Fawn, alternately howling and licking her face. At the
+appearance of the old chief clamor ceased, and with difficulty the
+astonished father was made to understand the cause of the excitement.
+
+At the moment of the Indian girls freeing the boat, the natural instinct
+of the wolf apprised him of her danger; instantly springing to his loved
+mistress, fastening his powerful jaws in her deer skin dress, the
+faithful beast tumbled into the water, struggling with fear and more
+than common strength to the rock where stood the almost petrified Grey
+Eagle, who then recognized the omnipotent power that moved to save.
+Being surrounded by his own braves who quickly and thoughtfully passed
+them to the shore, re-commenced the pow-wow in which Black Snake's voice
+was heard above all the others, calling on the Manitou to let his wrath
+fall on the strangers for robbing him of his gifts, and not on the open
+hands of his own people, and calling for help to toss them all into the
+boiling waters, to avert the wrath of the Manitou from themselves, he
+tried to suit his actions to his words. His voice was last heard on the
+brink of the precipice, as if in a deadly contest.
+
+When the sachem and the other chiefs agreed the Manitou had taken what
+he wanted, and given the rest back to his sorrowful children, Black
+Snake was not there. When the pine cones were piled high on the big
+fire, and Grey Eagle was proclaimed War-Chief, and the wolf as a totem
+thereafter to the mingle tribes of Great Oak's and Grey Eagle's people,
+and was marked indelibly on each warrior, Black Snake was not there.
+When the feast and dance commenced and the now animated Fawn, in the
+presence of all the chiefs, gave her wampum to Grey Eagle, and the night
+wore away with wild festivities, as chief after chief silently
+disappeared, as they had appeared, in the dark winding paths over the
+hills and around marshes to their distant homes; and peace and happiness
+again spread around old Niagara, while the sassafras' fragrant smoke
+from their cheerful wigwams mingling with the cataract's cloudy mist,
+rose like incense to their Manitou, Black Snake still was not there; and
+only for the Swaying Reed wandering up and down the vine tangled banks,
+ever looking among the rocks, and listening for a well remembered step,
+or some mimic note of the departed brave, he would have passed from
+their memories as he had from the sight of the noble and generous wolf
+tribe created and loved of the Great Manitou of Niagara.
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, BIRCH BARK LEGENDS OF NIAGARA ***
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