 | CHAPTER II. Dahcotah, or, Life and legends of the Sioux around Fort Snelling |  |
2. CHAPTER II.
When the Chippeways broke up their camp near Fort
Snelling, they divided into two parties, one party returning
home by the Mississippi, the other by way of the St.
Croix.
They parted on the most friendly terms with the Sioux,
giving presents, and receiving them in return.
Some pillagers, who acknowledge no control, had accompanied
the Chippeways. These pillagers are in fact high-waymen
or privateers—having no laws, and acting from
the impulses of their own fierce hearts.
After the Chippeways had left, the pillagers concealed
themselves in a path near Lake Calhoun. This lake is
about seven miles from Fort Snelling.
Before they had been concealed one hour, two Dahcotahs
passed, father and son. The pillagers fired, and
the father was killed instantly; but the son escaped, and
made his way home in safety. The boy entered the village
calling for his mother, to tell her the sad news; her
cries of grief gave the alarm, and soon the death of the
Sioux was known throughout the village. The news flew
runners were seen in every direction, and in twenty-four
hours there were three hundred warriors on foot in pursuit
of the Chippeways.
Every preparation was made for the death-strife. Not
a Sioux warrior but vowed he would with his own arm
avenge the death of his friend. The very tears of the wife
were dried when the hope of vengeance cheered her heart.
The Track-maker was famous as a warrior. Already
did the aged Dahcotahs listen to his words; for he was both
wise and brave. He was among the foremost to lead the
Dahcotahs against the Chippeways; and though he longed
to raise his tomahawk against his foes, his spirit sunk
within him when he remembered the girl he loved. What
will be her fate! Oh! that he had never seen her. But
it was no time to think of her. Duty called upon him to
avenge the death of his friend.
| CHAPTER II. Dahcotah, or, Life and legends of the Sioux around Fort Snelling | |