Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 41, Number 182, 17 June 1916 — Page 15

TUB RICHMOND PALLADIUM. SATURDAY. JUN13 17. 1916

rAGT3 TllUlin ELMER RUSSELL M'GREGOR Both 1 Joys and Girls Will Enjoy This Story

ITHK RED AKKO.W.1

When darkness at last gave way to dawn, the lads advanced with greater caution, for they knew that it would be fatal to he discovered

on the open plain in daylight. At sunrise they stopped, and looked anxiously about them for some trace of the Kiowa camp. As thy saw nothing to give them a clue to its location they were undecided which way to go. However, the plain seemed to offer more shelter toward the east, and they finally determined to continue in that direction. "The Kiowas are our enemies; we must be as watchful as the eagle," said Sun Bird, as they hurried along. They scouted carefully throughout the day, but were unable to locate the Kiowa camp, and as the sun finally sank below the western horizon they began to lose hope. The lads were soon roused, however, by the sight of a dust-cloud which rose behind a long, undulating swell of the plain to the south of them. Believing that it was a warning of danger, the Sioux took shelter in a heavy stand of Umber, and watched the alarming signal with much anxiety. It was not long before a company of horsemen appeared on the crest of the ridge, and the lads' hearts bounded at sight of them. Then, as the riders galloped their ponies toward the trees, the Sioux turned to each other in despair. "It is the war party!" cried White Otter. For an instant the lads thought of dashing recklessly across the plain, but a moment's deliberation convinced them that such a nianoeuvcr would be mere folly. They realized that it would be impossible to escape from their mounted foes except by stratagem, and they decided to remain in the grove. "We must hide like the squirrel," said Sun Bird. "Yes, I believe it is 'the only thing to do," agreed White Otter As the riders drew near, the lads climbed to the top of a large aspen and concealed themselves in its dense foliage. A few moments later, the horsemen came within bow-range and stopped to talk. The Sionx counted them; there were fifteen. After a short discussion the riders separated into two parties and cantered slowly about the grove. "They are Kiowas," whispered Sun Bird. Having identified the horsemen, the Sioux felt sure that this was the war party which had been sent to find them, and their eyes flashed angrily at the thought. They knew that the warrior who had stolen their ponies was in the company, and they would have given much to have been able to recognize him. In the mean time the riders had sent two scouts into the grove to reconnoiter. A hasty search convinced these warriors that the place was free from enemies, and they went to the edge of the plain and called their companions. A short time afterward the Kiowas proceeded to make their fire within bow-length of the very tree in which the lads had taken refuge. The Sioux were filled with despair. This unexpected manoeuver not only ruined all chance of escape during the night, but it threatened the lads with exposure as well. They knew that if the Kiowas made a large fire the glow from the flames would illuminate the top of the tree and make them conspicuous targets for Kiowa arrows. Therefore, as the Sioux heard the first sharp crackle of the igniting wood, and smelled the smoke ascending among the branches, they feared that discovery was but a matter of moments. Tho Kiowas, however, were content with a small fire before which they broiled their buffalo steaks, and the lads were much relieved. They peered cautiously down through the leaves and saw their enemies seated in the ruddy glow from the flames. They were eating heartily, and the Sioux believed that they had ridden a full day's Journey from the Kiowa camp. The lads wondered whether these warriors would resume their search the following day or whether they would return to the village. The Kiowas were talking earnestly, but,

unfortunately, the Sioux were unfamiliar with the dialect. Then one of the warriors thrust a 6lick among the embers, and a shower of sparks soared up through the

leaves of the aspen. A dozen bronzed faces were upturned to watch them, .and the lads shrank back, fearing that they had been discovered. A hush had fallen upon the little company of warriors at tlie base of the tree, and the Sioux waited in torturing suspense for a volley of arrows to tear their way through the fragile shield which screened them from their foes. The moments seemed endless until the conversation was resumed. Then the lads realized that they had escaped detection, and their fears subsided. "It is good; the Kiowas have eyes like a very old man," whispered White Otter. "Perhaps their ears are sharper than their eyes," Sun Bird cautioned him. The lads remained in the tree throughout the night, and at daylight they saw the Kiowas mount their ponies and ride away toward the west. The Sioux waited some time after their enemies had disappeared over a rise of the plain before they finally descended to tho ground. Then they left the grove and hurried away toward the south. At midday the lads saw. smoke rising against the sky, and they believed that it came from the Kiowa village. Soon afterward they crawled cautiously to the summit of a low ridge and discovered the camp. It was located in the timber on the bank of a stream. Judging by the number of lodges, the Sioux believed that the tribe was an important one. Then they transferred their' interests to a large herd of horses which were grazing within a short distance of the village. The lads studied them with much interest, hoping to recognize their own ponies among the number. However, they found it impossible to distinguish the ani mals at the distance, and, besides, they believed that the captured ponies would be exhibited in the camp. As they watched they saw many people moving about near the lodges, and a number of old women far out on the plain gathering herbs. The lads saw that it would be impossible to approach the camp from where they were without be ing discovered, and they wondered how they might locate the ponies. "We will cross the stream. TSicn we will hide in tho timber and watch the camp," proposed White Otter "Yes, I believe it Is a good thing to do, agreed Sun Bird They made a long detour, and crossed the water far to the east of the Kiowa camp. Then they circled, and approached the village from the south. Once in sight of the trees which lined the stream the lads concealed themselves to watch and listen. Then, as they discovered nothing to arouse their fears, they made their way cautiously toward the water. They advanced until they were opposite the Kiowa horses, and then they stopped to reconnoiter. With only the width of the stream between them and the herd they soon convinced themselves that the Sioux ponies were not with the other animals. "My heart tells me that they are in the camp," said White Otter. The lads crept carefully through the bushes at the edge of the stream until they were opposite the Kiowa camp. Then they heard voices behind them, and they fitted arrows to their bows and prepared to defend themselves. A few taoments later two Kiowa hunters entered the stream less than an arrow-flight below the spot where the Sioux were concealed, . and waded across to the village. "We must be cautious; perhaps there are other hunters in the limber behind us," said Sun Bird. "We will watch until we know about it," replied White Otter. The sun had set and the day was ending. The lads watched tho evening shadows settling upon the water, and their hearts filled with gloomy forebodings. They knew that to successfully carry out their undertaking they must locate thf ponies before dark. Each moment,

therefore, was precious, and they

realized that delay would only make their task more difficult. Still, they were at a loss to know just what to do. As they were dis cussing the situation they heard much loud talking and the neighing of ponies in the camp across the water. "The war party has returned to the village," whispered White Otter. ' Sun Bird nodded understanding. A few moments later they saw some boys driving the tired ponieH out upon the plain. They also paw many warriors passing among the lodges. However, they were un able to see into the center of the camp, and as the twilight thickened the lads ventured from their Ivfd ing-place and crept cautiously to the summit of a bushy knoll which afforded them a splendid view of the village. Then they saw the two Sioux ponies tied before a lodge near one cud of the camp Tho lads were planning a way to enter the village and run off the ponies under protection of the n i gli t when they were dismayed to see a tall, hlnowy warrior emerge from the lodge and lead the ponies from the camp. The manoeuver threw the young Sioux into a trenzy of despair. It wus almost dark, and they realized that if tho Kiowa turned thoir ponies into the herd it would be impossible to recover them. They watched in breathless suspense, and were filled with wild delight when they saw the warrior picket his prizes within bow-shot of the village. When he returned to the camp the eager lads crawled through the undergrowth until they were opposite their mounts. The Sioux realized that it would be foolhardy to attempt to reach the ponies before the camp quieted down for the night. However, as soon as it became dark the Kiowas made several large fires and began to dance and sing, and the lads knew that they were celebrating some important event. They r,aw the tall warrior who had taken charge of their ponies making a fiery speech to his people. From his gestures and the shouts of ap proval which greeted his remarks the Sioux believed that he was in venting a tale of thrilling heroism In connection with the capture of the Sioux ponies "He is telling his people about a terrible fight with the Sioux," White Otter said, scornfully. "His mouth is braver than his heart," declared Sun Bird The night was far gone when the Kiowas finally retired to their lodges. Then the Sioux heard the dogs prowling about the camp in search of food. The surly, half starved beasts soon began to fight among themselves, and, as the turmoil increased, an old woman rushed from one of the lodges und drove them from the village. "It is bad," said White Otter. "When we go over there they will tell the Kiowas that we are near the camp." "No; when they made a great noise the people will say, 'The dogs are fighting over the bones.' Then they will not come out to look for us," replied Sun Bird. When the fires had burned to embers and the camp was hushed in slumber the Sioux crept stealth ily to the edge of the stream. They stopped a moment to listen, and then, as all was still, tbey waded carefully into the water. Realizing that the slightest sound might be tray them to the dogs, the lads moved with great caution. As the bed of the stream was covered with small round stones, the Sioux were compelled to feel their way with much care. When they were half-way across they stopped to listen. However, they heard nothing but the sleepy murmurs of the water, and, reasstired by the stillness, they continued boldly to the opposite shore. Once across the stream, the lads hurried toward the ponies. Keenly alert to their peril, they moved (through the dark as noislessly as shadows. The prize was almost within reach, and the thought set their hearts beating wildly. Still, they realized that each moment might bring discovery and death.

possibility made them cautious, As they ncared the ponies they drew their knives and advaticed with every muscle set for instant action. They strained their eyes lu an effort to pierce the dark, and at last they saw the ponies lying down & short distance ahead of them. As the lads approached, the suspicious animals rose to their feet and snorted nervously. A few swift strides brought the Sioux boflde them. They severed tho rawhide lariats which bound the animals to the picket stakes, and then they mounted and rode slowly away. Once beyond ear-shot of the camp, they urged the ponies Into a gallop. They crossed 'tho stream far out on the plain, and raced away in triumph, "That brave warrior can tell his people another story about the Sioux,"1 laughed White Otter. "It Is good," replied Sun Bird Having made their escape, the lads had little fear of being overtaken. They knew that the Kiowa would not discover hia loss until daylight, and by that time the Sioux hoped to bo far from the camp. Besides, the plain was hard and sun-baked, and they believed that their enemies would find it impossible to follow them. After the first wild sprint, therefore, they slackened the speed of their ponies and rode through the night in high spirits. A Loss Retrieved. The lads knew that witch the Crows eventually recovered their ponies they would begin a determined pursuit. Therefore, the anxious young Sioux soon left the cottonwoods and continued their flight across the plain. As they rode they glanced uneasly behind them, expecting to see their foen gallop Into view at any moment However, as time passed and the Crows failed to appear the lads be gan to hope that they had eluded them. The day was drawing to a close when Sun Bird saw something far away to the west which caused them to stop their ponies and watch anxiously. After Sun Bird's first Bhort glimpse of It, however, the mysterious object had disap peared behind a swell of the plain, and although the lads waited some time It failed to reappear, "Perhaps it is a wolf," said White Otter. "No; there Is a scout hiding behind that ridge," declared Sun Bird. "How do you know this thing?" "My eyes have told me about It A wolf does not hide ' when the hunters are far off;" replied Sun Bird. "It is true. Perhaps it is the Crow warrior who was guarding the ponies. I believe he has fol lowed us. Come, we will go over there and fight with him," mite Otter proposed, fearlessly, "No, that would bo very foolish Perhaps it Is not a Crow, There may be many warriors hiding be hind that ridge, cautioned Sun Bird. "Your words -are good. We 'will be very cautious." "Yes, my heart tells rao there is danger." The lads rode on, keeping a sharp watch for their foes. Tbey feared that they were followed, aud the thought caused them much con cern. However, as they saw noth ing to strengthen their suspicions, at sunset they stopped for tho night beside a little pool. They concealed their tiny fire in a shallow depression of the plain, and after they had broiled some buf falo meat they extinguished the embers with handfuls of earth. Then they picketed the ponies close at hand, and sat down to watch until dark. When darkness finally settled upon the plain the Sioux Increased their vigilance. They sat beside each other In silence, listening for a sound which might warn them of an impending attack. At last they rose and circled cautiously about their camp site. Then, having failed to discover any foes lurking in the vicinity, they , felt somewhat more at ease. However, they determined to take every precaution,

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and they decided that one should watch while the other slept. "It Is the best thing to do," said Sun Bird. "I will watch neur tho ponies." Some time afterward White Otter was roused from a heavy slumber by the pressure of hia friend' hand. He was rubbing the sleep from his eyes when the lads wcro startled by tho snorting of the ponies. At the eound Sun Bird turned and disappeared Into the night, and White Otter sptang to flis feet and followed him. But bofore they had gone ten paces they

heard the pontes galloping wildly across the plain to tho accompaniment of wild shouts of triumph. Realizing that they had boon outwitted, the dismayed young' Sioux stopped short and looked hopelessly iuto each othor'e eyes. "We are like foolish papooses, Sim Bird cried, bitterly. "Yes, wo are like cackling old women," declared White Otter. Once again the unknown foe Kent his war-cry ringing throvgu the night, and the Sioux noted that he rode toward the east. They be lieved that he was alone, and their hearts burned with wrath as they realized how easily he had gained his victory. "I believe it la a Crow." said White Otter. "No, my heart tolls mo another thing," 'replied Suit Bird. "I bo lleve that warrior la a Kiowa." Sun Bird said that he had often , heard his father tell about a largo Kiowa village, which was two days travel east of tho great mountains. As the horseman had ridden away in that direction, Sun Bird felt sure that it was u Kiowa who had stolen their ponies. "I believe it is so," said White Otter. The lads realized that tbey were in a serious predicament, and they were depressed and disheartened. They knew that it would be folly to attempt to continue their Journey on foot and thoy sat down to plan a way out of the difficulty. They felt quite sure that the victorious scout would return with a war party in the hope of ovcrtHfcing them before they reached the mountains, and they realized that they must act quickly to save themselves. "We must find the Kiowa camp," declared N White Otter. "Then we will wait until we see our ponies. When it is dark we will take them away." ' Bun Bird instantly agreed to the plan, and as they were anxious to take advantage of the night the daring lads Immediately set out upon their perilous mission. Awaro of the folly of trying to find tho trail of their foe in the dark, they wasted no ume tn tne attempt, Dut traveled toward the east, with the Btars to guide them. They hurried along at an exhausting pace, for they knew that they might be forced into hiding at daylight. "The Kiowas will look for ub near the mountains. They win not find us. No, we will hide near their village," said Sun Bird. You are as wise as the fox. declared White Otter. (More Next Week.) Bird Lays Brick What bird is a bricklayer? Do you know of a bird that looks for a clay patch, rolls up the mud into a little pellet and carries It to Its nesting place? This is a cliff swallow. The bird will take hundreds of little pills of mud and plaster them under the eaves of a barn, just as a brick mason lays brick. The bird rounds over the top of the nest nd then has a house as snug as the one you live In. The bird wears a shiny blue-black coat and a brownish-yellow vest. His tall Is only slightly forked which distinguishes him from the other "swallow-tails." The battleship Is the most heavily armored, heavily armed ship of the modern, navy, and theo retically can destroy any boat of any class other tha aher own. .