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 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
Yonatchna 
 
An 
 Athabascan Princess 
 
 BY 
 
 GEORGE FENWICK 
 
 Illustrated by MAX W. KOLLM 
 
 1910 
 THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 
 
 NEW YORK (^ SEATTLE 
 
-f^ 
 
 
 Copyright, 1910, by 
 GEORGE PENWICK 
 
 THE PREMIER PRESS 
 NEW YORK 
 
 CCI.A2S0U14 
 

 
 In acknowledgment of help so generously 
 
 given, this little volume is 
 
 lovingly dedicated to 
 
 My Wife 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 BOOK I PAGE 
 
 Harold Brown Is Introduced - - - - 11 
 
 BOOK II 
 
 The Death of Chief Amugannock - - 53 
 
 BOOK III 
 
 Choosing a New Chief 63 
 
 BOOK IV 
 
 Yonatchna's Pleading 73 
 
 BOOK V 
 
 The Princess' Defiance 103 
 
 BOOK VI 
 
 The Persecutor 117 
 
 BOOK VII 
 
 The Pursuit 129 
 
 BOOK VIII 
 
 The Wedding 141 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 Yonatchna - Frontispiece 
 
 FACING PAGB 
 
 ** Thus they found them'* 26 
 
 Chief Amugannock 30 
 
 **Love found birth'* 48 
 
 ** Wilder rose their chant** 56 
 
 **Snow-shoe men ahead** 78 
 
 Chief Tuluksaka 132 
 
 '*Her mission-book served** 148 
 
AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 BOOK I 
 
i 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 
 
 FULL determined on the journey, though the 
 north-wind bit his face, 
 Every shade of his demeanor prophesied the 
 
 luring race 
 That stretched rosily before him, calling, calling to 
 
 his heart. 
 Lending visions to his dreaming, with ambition as his 
 
 chart. 
 He was strong, and full of purpose — cast like iron was 
 
 his will. 
 And the vigor of his body only matched his spirit's 
 
 thrill. 
 Here he was alone, abandoned, with a grim intent to 
 
 stay,— 
 Let the others turn them homeward, he would wait a 
 
 better day. 
 As he gazed about he pondered, wondered if he'd done 
 
 aright 
 In this effort to reach outward and engage this arduous 
 
 fight; 
 For though young in years and north-craft, much he 
 
 craved that he might know 
 Of the wondrous bleak, wild region, up where spread 
 
 Alaska's snow. 
 
 13 
 
14 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 For this great strange country to him, reaching ever 
 
 to the north, 
 Held a mystic maze of wonders, and would prove his 
 
 lack or worth. 
 He well knew from stories told him, that the menace 
 
 of these lands 
 Boasted few to brave the trailways ; few to meet with 
 
 their demands. 
 
 Overruling doubts that met him, he would master sure 
 
 his part, 
 Through the strength of his great purpose that made 
 
 way to cheer his heart ; 
 Leapt to passion now his hoping that the greatness of 
 
 his aim 
 Would insure his progress ever, lead him on to golden 
 
 fame. 
 Wild the blood sprang from its urging, zeal now quick- 
 ened to new life. 
 And his will commanding sternly, now applied the goad 
 
 and knife. 
 Strove he onward, in his mind's eye, seeking new 
 
 worlds to inspect, 
 And of these he grasped the fruitful ; then behind him 
 
 left the wreck 
 Of the life that yielded nothing, through these years 
 
 of clinging hope 
 That was deadening in its meanness, and was narrow 
 
 in its scope. 
 
 Massive mountains lay beyond him, capped by stainless, 
 changeless snow, — 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 15 
 
 Where the rivers find their fountains; eager that the 
 
 world might know 
 Of this matchless land inviting, spaced and set aloof 
 
 by God, 
 Ruled by Nature and the north lights to the tune of 
 
 nature's rod. 
 How the cool air fanned his bosom, thrown wide open 
 
 from the heat 
 That suffused his entire body; he would never know 
 
 defeat. 
 For the mind was ruling, building, and the body 
 
 swerved reply, — 
 Dare to do the things once hoped for, dare to do, or 
 
 dare to die : — 
 Thus the purpose worked within him, while he stood 
 
 here all alone 
 With his lone dog as companion, faithful as his under- 
 tone. 
 In the future that was calling this would be his only 
 
 mate, 
 Striving onward, ever upward, he would bravely meet 
 
 his fate. 
 
 — This the foeman of my liking, much my heart aspires 
 to tell 
 
 How he floundered through the morass, how he waded 
 through a hell, 
 
 How the obstacles he met there tried his mettle to the 
 quick : 
 
 Founded on the plan of testing — always nature's bold- 
 est trick, — 
 
i6 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Weighed the balance in the summing, if this was the 
 
 child she sought, 
 Or a stripling with a fancy, following thus his aim for 
 
 naught. 
 'Twas a brave soul that old Nature searched for to 
 
 commence her work, — 
 Who would dare the boldest issues, and the hardest 
 
 trails not shirk. 
 Oft the sweetness of our nature, like the honey in the 
 
 comb. 
 Turns to sour when fermenting, and takes on a bitter 
 
 tone. 
 Safe within the folds of sequence, changes come and 
 
 changes go, 
 Like the swinging of the pendulum minutes shuttle to 
 
 and fro. 
 Night was settling o'er the Northland, and the cour- 
 tiers nature sought 
 In her animal and bird-life, sank to sleep, and peace 
 
 thus brought. 
 Now the eyelids of our traveler, drooping heavy o'er 
 
 his eyes. 
 Lulled his soul to peaceful slumber, quieting the doubts 
 
 and sighs; — 
 Peaceful sleep, like the Redeemer, gathered up his scat- 
 tered thoughts. 
 Built them into hope redoubled, thus to conquer what 
 
 life brought. 
 
 With the morning breaking tranquil, woke our sleeper 
 from his dreams; 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 17 
 
 Sleep had brought reserves of nature, and sewed up 
 
 the broken seams 
 That his shattered hopes had brought him, when he 
 
 found himself alone 
 On the wild shores of a strange land, that in future 
 
 would be home. 
 Gazed he long upon the prospect, as it stretched far to 
 
 the North, 
 Trained his vision through the great gash cut by waters 
 
 surging forth 
 From the mountains in the distance, cheerless, spectral 
 
 in their state, 
 They should witness yet his triumph in the struggle 
 
 with his fate. 
 
 It was on the great Susitna, trained to carve its outlet 
 
 wide 
 Through the reaches of the valley, where the rocky up- 
 lands bide 
 In their peaceful slumbers, lying here in wait for newer 
 
 life. 
 As the man-child in the chrysalis climbing up the scale 
 
 through strife. 
 With his dog beside him trudging, lowly bending 
 
 'neath his pack 
 Of provisions that must succor, with his rifle on his 
 
 back — 
 He was leaving far behind him all the life that youth's 
 
 bright years 
 Had encircled close around him, with their promises 
 
 and tears. 
 
i8 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Trod he now the path that offered, leading on the river 
 
 bank, 
 Over rocks, and through morasses in whose miry 
 
 depths he sank : 
 GalHng deep the impetuous nature that was burning 
 
 in its zest ; 
 Firing wild the resolution that had gold for its sole 
 
 quest. 
 Tangled brush was scattered freely from the fury of 
 
 the storm 
 That had swept adown this valley in its driving, bitter 
 
 scorn. 
 Pushed he forward in his venture, nothing daunted by 
 
 restraint. 
 Though the hardships of his journey left him hungry, 
 
 chill, and faint. 
 Roared the waters wild below him in their hurry to 
 
 the sea. 
 Thick with silt which they had bitten from this wild, 
 
 rough country. 
 Noon had come, but naught he heeded, one hill more he 
 
 still must climb. 
 Then go downward to the river, there to rest him for 
 
 a time. 
 Rolled the great sun westward, westward, and its slant- 
 ing rays flung wide 
 Shadows from the shrubbery finding life upon the 
 
 mountain side. 
 Upward still the weary body staggered to the mind's 
 
 intent, 
 Weaker grew the struggling spirit that was leading 
 
 on the scent. 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 19 
 
 But the resolution boldly pricked ambition to its test — 
 Poured its fullness in the giving to this one aspiring 
 
 quest : 
 So the asking seeks to further what the better senses 
 
 know, 
 And engenders strength of purpose — for the true man 
 
 seeks to grow. 
 
 When the sun had kissed the hill tops in its westward 
 
 bent that night, 
 And had signaled its last watchword to the stars that 
 
 now grew bright, — 
 Staggered slowly to the river a lone figure with his 
 
 dog; 
 He was spent and sore from effort as he sank upon 
 
 a log; 
 Threw his pack from him so careless, caring naught 
 
 where it might fall. 
 As fatigue numbed him to slumber midst the evening's 
 
 gloomy pall. 
 And his dog exhausted lay there, watching by his mas- 
 ter's side, — 
 Gaunt from hunger, tired from tramping, but still 
 
 faithful to his guide. 
 Chill the air grew on the river, carried from the 
 
 mount on high 
 Where the snow and ice eternal lift their shroud 
 
 against the sky. 
 Closer crept the dog to warm him, bitter this the hour 
 
 of trial, 
 When the heart of man needs coaxing, that it may his 
 
 lot beguile. 
 
20 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 So throughout this long, lone night time, they two laid 
 
 there as if dead. 
 Naught to cover or protect them, naught on which to 
 
 rest the head, — 
 Save the damp and chilling mosses, that for centuries 
 
 have spread. 
 Hiding from the eye of mankind many coal fields in 
 
 their bed. 
 Once again the morning sunlight kissed the evergreens 
 
 in state. 
 Stole its way among the valleys, found the sleepers 
 
 there innate ; 
 Not a quiver of the eyelash, not a motion of the form : 
 Fain the daylight w^ould arouse them, fain the sun 
 
 their bodies warm. 
 Birds sang sweetly midst the bushes, for it was their 
 
 mating time, 
 And the whisper of the breezes made a soft cathedral 
 
 chime. 
 When the sun had reached its zenith heralding mid- 
 day's quiet hour — 
 It was then the sleeping figures showed some impulse 
 
 of their power. 
 
 Roused he from his lingering slumber, stiff of joint 
 and numb of limb; 
 
 But the ardor in him burned still with a never-quench- 
 ing vim. 
 
 Famished from his lengthy fasting, quickly he a meal 
 prepared, 
 
 And from all their craving hunger naught himself nor 
 dog he spared. 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 21 
 
 Sitting there upon the moss-bed, stringing out the 
 threads of hope 
 
 Leading through the Hfe before him in this climbing 
 fortune's slope: 
 
 Answering doubtful questions stoutly, fearing not that 
 heart would fail 
 
 In his distant wanderings onward. That much suffer- 
 ing would entail 
 
 He well knew from his short travel; but he suffered 
 not a doubt 
 
 To gain entrance to his planning. He would put all 
 fears to rout, — 
 
 So he gathered up belongings, carefully he made his 
 pack. 
 
 And with hesitating movements swung it to his blis- 
 tered back. 
 
 On before him boggy stretches, tangled with a scrubby 
 
 growth, 
 That past ages never bettered in their fair display of 
 
 sloth ; 
 Deep, thick, brackish ooze lay waiting to impede his 
 
 every step, 
 Intersected by the mosses ; and the nigger-heads here 
 
 slept 
 In their dormant state, inactive, no excuse for being 
 
 here. 
 
 Save to fill the time and place in, and this valley 
 gravely sear. 
 
 Trail there was none, but the river stretching up to- 
 wards its source, 
 
22 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Told his sense in strict assurance that his way lay by 
 
 its course, 
 Many hours he stumbled onward, fighting insects fierce 
 
 and keen, 
 For mosquitoes by the millions find their birth in this 
 
 demesne. 
 Struggling over fallen timber, wading through some 
 
 slimy stream, 
 Leaping over pools that sheltered poisons with opales- 
 cent gleam. 
 Oft in crossing he would stumble o'er some treacher- 
 ous, knotty log ; 
 Tear his clothes and flesh in falling headlong in some 
 
 brackish bog. 
 Now the night grew chill and moody, and as lowering 
 
 shadows fell. 
 Deepest meditation lingered, with its blissful, restful 
 
 spell. 
 Once he thought he heard the voices of some natives 
 
 far ahead. 
 As he listened more intently, naught but silence there 
 
 instead ; 
 Even the wind had died to stillness, and the black night 
 
 settled down 
 With his spectral, lonesome quiet, and its ominous dark 
 
 frown. 
 
 Now beneath a friendly willow, with its branches lifted 
 
 high 
 To protect him all the surer, down he laid him with a 
 
 sigh. 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 23 
 
 And his dog beside him nestled, slept they two in per- 
 fect peace, — 
 Past and present, and the future, — time gave him its 
 
 sweet release. 
 Thus the days wore on in numbers, and nigh tried his 
 
 body out ; 
 But complained he not, nor shrank he — he had gone 
 
 too far to doubt. 
 When the days waxed hot or rainy, and his limbs and 
 
 feet grew sore. 
 He would stop and stretch his blanket, pet his dog, 
 
 and count his score : 
 "Now to-morrow," he would murmur, **if I reach a 
 
 certain place, 
 I must travel several hours, can I make it at this pace ?'' 
 Then ambition would soar upward, and his courage 
 
 would reply: 
 "Dare to do the things once set on, dare to do, or dare 
 
 to die." 
 But his food was getting lighter, and himself and dog 
 
 grown weak 
 From this awful racking travel, and the land lay cold 
 
 and bleak. 
 
 Naught he saw to train his rifle, saving birds that he 
 might miss. 
 
 And his ammunition precious was in this vast wilder- 
 ness. 
 
 Passed he several streams by fording, but he varied 
 not his course ; 
 
 He would reach his destination, if for better or for 
 worse. 
 
24 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 He was seeking for the confluence where the Yentna 
 
 pours its flood, 
 Here an Indian village slumbered, where he'd seek for 
 
 rest and food. 
 Then would toward the mountains travel, till he struck 
 
 the low divide, 
 Over which rapacious gold fields, sucked entire their 
 
 human tide. 
 Oft he saw the two volcanoes, — Illimna, and Redoubt, 
 Cast their glimmer to the heavens from their tremor- 
 
 ous, angry spout. 
 Now a longing seized his bosom, rent his purpose nigh 
 
 in twain, 
 God, for just a human being to make less this awful 
 
 strain ! 
 
 Could he make it ? Oh, so weary, would no man stretch 
 out a hand. 
 
 Help him gently o'er this cursed space of treacherous 
 boggy land ? 
 
 Grasped he wildly to the air-space, full he fell upon the 
 ground : 
 
 Crippled, torn, and bleeding badly from the wounds 
 he'd left unbound. 
 
 Stood his dog in silent wonder, eyes that showed a hu- 
 mane sense. 
 
 Faithful to the last long moment, with an agony in- 
 tense 
 
 From the starving and the walking ; and the poisonous 
 brackish ooze 
 
 Ate into his flesh and stung him, — not his nature to 
 refuse : 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 25 
 
 For his master in liis weakness, strapped upon the dog 
 
 his pack, 
 As he wandered blindly onward, praying God to fill 
 
 each lack. 
 Low upon his belly lying, licked his master^s wounds 
 
 and face, — 
 Thus revived him for a moment, and was caught in an 
 
 embrace, 
 And the crazed man hugged and kissed him, talked in 
 
 tones so full of heart. 
 As emotion ran its riot, — for 'tis thus does love impart. 
 Thus they found them, did some natives, huddled on the 
 
 cold damp moss, 
 Trembling from the cold that gripped them, — nature, 
 
 with its gold and dross. 
 Took them to their kaiaks, gently, paddled to their 
 
 village near, 
 In their warm igloo they tendered all the care that man 
 
 holds dear. 
 
 With selected skin of moose-calf, scraped clean of its 
 every hair. 
 
 Smooth as velvet in the finish, handled with the great- 
 est care ; 
 
 'Round about the edge for trimmings, colored strips 
 of skin were placed 
 
 Fashioned in the native custom, with soft folds her 
 form was graced. 
 
 Thus appeared fair Yonatchna, with her moccasins so 
 light 
 
 Fitting close her slender feet, and tied about with new 
 thongs bright ; 
 
26 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Varied the artistic bead-work — bright her dainty foot- 
 gear shone, 
 
 Like the colors of the rainbow that the summer sky has 
 known. 
 
 Tall she was with supple figure, timid as the faltering 
 fawn; 
 
 Rounded features, eyes of coal black, dimpled were the 
 cheeks of brown. 
 
 When she moved 'twas like the zephyrs blowing 
 through some rosy bower, — 
 
 Life had touched the maid with blessings, through its 
 rare artistic power. 
 
 As she stood there, haughty, silent, crept a deep flush 
 
 o'er her face; 
 Not a word spake she in looking, — as the custom of 
 
 her race. 
 Back they fell before this maiden, back these dusky 
 
 natives all. 
 Her one glance so firm sufficed her to make plain her 
 
 early call : 
 She had come, this Chieftain's daughter, as a mark of 
 
 their good will. 
 Bearing in her bosom kindness that this stranger's 
 
 doubts be still. 
 Quiet lay he on the fur robes, spread in layers on the 
 
 ground. 
 If he heard, he gave no signal to the babel all around. 
 Slowly to the bedside, faltering as the deer urged by 
 
 the chase 
 Seeks to hide its presence always, with a stealthy tread 
 
 of grace ; 
 
I 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 27 
 
 Knelt she down beside this stranger, gazed upon his 
 
 visage pale ; 
 With a hngering look of sadness read his sufferings 
 
 on the trail. 
 Quick she rose, and spake some few words to a native 
 
 standing by, 
 And his animated footsteps paused not that he make 
 
 reply : 
 Soon some herbs he brought and offered, these her 
 
 deft hands quick prepared. 
 Bathed his wounds so tender, careful, — the esteem her 
 
 people shared. 
 Then she lingered but a moment, gave her orders as 
 
 she went, 
 In a voice that held command, but still it left the flow- 
 ers' scent. 
 
 Days and days passed to oblivion, still he hovered near 
 death's door. 
 
 Raving in his shattered senses ; muscles weak and body 
 sore. 
 
 Attentively they watched his welfare at the orders of 
 this maid, 
 
 Who had well usurped this function in her duty, un- 
 afraid. 
 
 Came a time the sun swung southward, in its gradual 
 
 trend from sight, 
 On its annual migration, turning daylight into night ; 
 And this gloomy stretch of darkness, makes an effort 
 
 to hide low 
 
28 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 All this cursed, gripping freezing, midst this north- 
 land's ice and snow. 
 By this term of nature's respite, man adopts the one 
 
 extreme, 
 Utilizes this advantage to cross over bog and stream, 
 In the hauling of his outfit to the vast interior, 
 
 where 
 He may delve and grope for riches — find a stipend as 
 
 his share. 
 But the work is hard and trying, and it takes man's 
 
 stoutest heart 
 To make good and crown his effort by his sole, integral 
 
 part: 
 Not a semblance of weak shirking, hope to rest is put 
 
 aside — 
 Always working, pulling, hauling, — cold and wet he 
 
 must abide. 
 Many are the men who've tried it, led there by the lure 
 
 of gold ; 
 But defeated and disheartened at the hardships mani- 
 fold. 
 They have left these northern death trails for the 
 
 stouter hearts to break ;— 
 Left the struggling and the suffering to the men whom 
 
 hopes still shake — 
 But they come again and follow where the master hand 
 
 has led : — 
 Follow over trails that threaten : strewn along with 
 
 maimed and dead. 
 
 Yonatchna came one evening when the sun had sunk to 
 rest; 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 29 
 
 Stepped into the igloo gently, with a weight in her 
 
 young breast ; 
 For somehow this stranger touched her through the 
 
 pallor of his face, 
 And the lines of suffering wrought there, for the weeks 
 
 had left their trace. 
 He was noble, manly, feared not to take up an arduous 
 
 task : 
 What on earth is more enchanting, what on earth has 
 
 better cast? 
 Let the world pay tribute ever to the men who blaze 
 
 the way 
 They control the secret power that lights to a better 
 
 day. 
 Slowly to the bedside stole she, fearful in her maiden's 
 
 quest, 
 
 Lest the unforeseen might happen, and she thus dis- 
 turb his rest ; 
 
 He was wide awake to greet her, but his voice was low 
 and sad : 
 
 Though he'd passed the man's first land-mark, still in 
 features was he lad. 
 
 "I am glad you came," he faltered, and reached out a 
 
 thin white hand 
 That bespoke the pain he'd suffered, and his manhood's 
 
 sturdy stand ; 
 But she gave no hand in greeting,— stood there silent 
 
 in her pride — 
 Was she not the Chieftain's daughter, all emotion to 
 
 deride? 
 
30 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 From the cradle to the present, strict her tuition on 
 
 these Hnes, 
 So 'twas purely second nature stirring her from ancient 
 
 times. 
 Calm she stood and gazed upon him, not a line of her 
 
 sweet face 
 Told the secret that her soul knew, — thus her heart 
 
 did she efface. 
 Calm, from her display of calmness, he withdrew his 
 
 outstretched hand. 
 Waiting 'till she gave some answer, — then he'd better 
 
 understand. 
 "You are better, are you?" asked she, and her words 
 
 were low and clear. 
 Like the wood-notes of the thrushes, singing their first 
 
 morning's cheer. 
 "Better? Yes; but still not able to take up my daily 
 
 tramp ; 
 Trails are rough in this wild country; though you'll 
 
 think me but a scamp 
 If I stay a charge upon you and your kindness try still 
 
 more, 
 For to you I owe my life and so I thank you o'er and 
 
 o'er. 
 I'll repay you though," he finished in a burst of manly 
 
 pride. 
 And his eyes turned quick enquiry to this maiden by 
 
 his side. 
 "Pay, we ask not that ! I came here, I, the Chieftain's 
 
 daughter, came 
 On the bidding of my father, who is old and very lame : 
 
Chief Amugannock 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 31 
 
 He would see you when you're able; I have told him 
 
 of your case, 
 How our hunters found you lying when returning from 
 
 the chase. 
 Rest/' the words slipped from her gently, as she turned 
 
 and left his side : 
 Thus her calm adieu was spoken in the quiet eventide. 
 
 Quietly the shadows falling o'er this village in the wilds 
 
 With its igloos standing ghost-like, basking fair in 
 nature's smiles, 
 
 Yonatchna walked its whole length, wrapped in medi- 
 tative mood : 
 
 Glowing in the joy of living this her budding woman- 
 hood. 
 
 Life to her was void of sorrow, and the spark burned 
 deeply bright 
 
 Through the richness of her nature, making ideal what 
 requite 
 
 She could offer those about her in her benign atti- 
 tude : — 
 
 Full of love, her buoyant spirit always sought to do 
 some good. 
 
 Dearly loved by all her people, who had gathered from 
 
 afar. 
 Oft returned their huntsmen hungry, bearing deep 
 
 some jagged scar 
 They had proudly gained in combat from the victims 
 
 of their chase, — 
 'Twas to her, sweet Yonatchna, with an all-becoming 
 
 grace, 
 
32 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 That they would relate so proudly, all their arduous, 
 daring deeds : — 
 
 She would recompense them simply by a smile, and 
 gift of beads 
 
 Worked in some artistic fashion on a strip of moose- 
 hide white, 
 
 Which they wore in full view always in the chase as 
 proof of might. 
 
 Born of brave blood, thus her lineage traced a long 
 
 ancestral line ; 
 Backward, backward through the ages, at a place at 
 
 such a time 
 Rose the first man from the unknown; he was Chief 
 
 and Lord o'er all. 
 And from that to this late living ne'er once did his 
 
 prestige fall 
 To the rear in chase of walrus, or the savage polar 
 
 bear. 
 And the hunting of the great moose; always first for 
 
 battle's share. 
 Down throughout the long, long ages, pride and 
 
 strength, and ruling power. 
 Had engendered pride and valor, as their natural 
 
 earthly dower. 
 But a sweeter pride had caught her, in her attitude to 
 
 self. 
 For she knew this sweet, true living was the spirit's 
 
 greatest wealth. 
 
 Suitors had she beyond counting; far was her sweet 
 nature known : — 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 33 
 
 From the Kobuck, and Aleutians, to where ThHngit 
 natives roam. 
 
 For, in gathering to this village on some pilgrimage 
 of note, 
 
 Back the brave in pride bore with them, her small em- 
 blem to denote 
 
 That a day had passed their tribe life when they'd won 
 their laurels well 
 
 In the chase, or through endurance. Of her beauty 
 they would tell; 
 
 But they could not win an answer that would crown 
 their wish entire : — 
 
 Laughingly she'd circumvent them, till their pleading 
 lost its fire. 
 
 And they'd give a whole-souled friendship with its 
 ardor no whit less, 
 
 She would be friends to all, lowly, through this north- 
 ern wilderness : 
 
 Thus contrite in her soul's fullness, with a woman's 
 instinct clear, 
 
 Reaching deep through their emotions, — ^her consoling 
 aim, to cheer. 
 
 .When the next morn brought its brightness, ere the 
 
 sun had sucked the dew. 
 And the birds were singing sweetly songs which 
 
 seemed to her anew, 
 Yonatchna, in her simple yet artistic dress, came forth, 
 And she lightly brushed the flowers on the pathway to 
 
 the north. 
 Humming lowly some stran^-e lore-chant, thus she 
 
 voiced her yearning heart; 
 
34 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Plumy grasses, glinting sunlight, all gave homage to 
 
 her art. 
 Life was glorious in this freedom, with the dandelions 
 
 in love — 
 Drinking in this primal color; and just through the 
 
 alder cove 
 Strove the gypsophila's beauty to offset the daisy's 
 
 hue; 
 And entangled through the grasses, laughed the morn- 
 ing-bell so blue. 
 Oh, these children of the valley, how they nod in elfish 
 
 glee. 
 As the wind comes swishing past them with its gusts 
 
 so saucily. 
 Yonatchna, moving careful, lest she mar this splendid 
 
 scene. 
 Plucked so lovingly the flowers, with appreciation 
 
 keen, 
 Just to shade the dainty colors more to her artistic 
 
 taste. 
 Her bouquet being completed, off she set in maiden 
 
 haste. 
 Straight towards an igloo went she, but she paused, 
 
 as half afraid 
 Lest her act savor of boldness, being she was but a 
 
 maid. 
 So she hummed a lore-song gently, thus to make her 
 
 presence clear; 
 Then so proudly with her flowers aloft, she bade him 
 
 morning cheer. 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 35 
 
 He was sitting on a low seat that was carved from 
 
 some great tree ; 
 Buried deep in recollections, and was startled much to 
 
 see 
 Entering, so fair a vision, with the gifts from nature's 
 
 bowers : 
 In her hand, that was extended, held she morning's 
 
 fairest flowers! 
 Rose he up to greet her quickly, took this offering she 
 
 gave: 
 '*! am ever now indebted, so from now I am your slave ; 
 These are wondrous flowers, surely; but the donor in 
 
 the act. 
 Shows a rarer beauty to me. Is this friendship's fair 
 
 compact?" 
 For a moment she was silent, thus to weigh her words 
 
 aright : 
 "I was walking up the valley, and I thought perhaps 
 
 you might" — 
 Then words failed her, as she stood there, in her grave 
 
 nativity. 
 Like a messenger of gladness in her sweet simplicity. 
 **So you thought I might like flowers? Yes, they yield 
 
 a double hope — 
 Their sweet fragrance is a message that has life for its 
 
 great scope. 
 Hope still lives within my breast here that the future 
 
 will hold dear 
 These, your people, who have succored, and yourself, 
 
 who, standing here 
 Praising loudly all your goodness, that yourself will 
 
 not admit; 
 
36 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 But my heart is more than grateful^ and dear lady, all 
 
 my wit 
 Would count naught in this, my telling, if my thanking 
 
 were not true — 
 I was thinking it this morning, so Fm voicing it to 
 
 you." 
 
 Yonatchna's face grew brighter and, with her extended 
 hand, 
 
 Led her woman's courage upward, that she stood here 
 in command. 
 
 Taking her small hand within his, and with just a pres- 
 sure mild, 
 
 Bowed in recognition, lowly, to the sweet in nature's 
 child. 
 
 **Soon my stay here will be over, but wherever I may 
 roam, 
 
 Through your kindness, I'll be tempted to claim this 
 as my own home." 
 
 "My fair stranger, I implore you, for my kinsfolks 
 
 and myself. 
 That you tarry here among us, so you might regain 
 
 your health : 
 Thanks we ask not, as I told you, 'tis with pride we 
 
 recognize 
 That we have a man among us, as yourself must well 
 
 surmise, 
 'Tis a brave one who tramps northward, fearlessly and 
 
 all alone. 
 For what reason, 'tis your secret, — and for this you 
 
 must atone." 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED ij 
 
 And mischievously she laughed here, with that low 
 
 sweet sound of joy, 
 Promising a freer feeling, which he hoped she might 
 
 employ. 
 *Tray be seated; and those flowers, have you plucked 
 
 them fresh this morn ? 
 Was it for myself you brought them, or has some one 
 
 else been shorn 
 Of their beauty, and your presence? If so, I am in 
 
 black books ; 
 And again I am your debtor. Some day I will seek 
 
 the nooks 
 Where they grow, if you will show me. Might I be 
 
 so bold to ask, 
 As a favor that I crave much, — and the favor is no 
 
 task, — 
 That you tell me for my pleasure, by what name I 
 
 might address?" 
 Then she looked toward him shyly, though her poise 
 
 showed none the less. 
 ''Why, they call me Yonatchna, just a plain name, as 
 
 you see; 
 Names mean nothing, when you know one, so at least, 
 
 it seems to me. 
 I like better deeds of daring, for their inspirations 
 
 urge 
 To live better, and be nobler; through them such im- 
 pulses surge." 
 So he sat and gazed upon her, both in face and mind 
 
 so rare, 
 Born here in this wild, rough country, no advantages 
 
 to share. 
 
38 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 "I am Harold Brown, from 'Frisco. You have never 
 
 heard of him : 
 ''Well, I'm traveling o'er the mountains to the upper 
 
 Kuskokwim. 
 There is gold there, so they tell me, and, being young 
 
 and full of hope, 
 I have set out in this manner v^ith Dame Fortune's 
 
 gods to cope." 
 "Gold ! And you are a gold-seeker ? You, just in the 
 
 prime of life : 
 Tramping, tramping, day-time, night-time, undergoing 
 
 all this strife 
 For the gold that's so appealing to your race beyond 
 
 the sea : 
 What is in this gold that lures you? It has never 
 
 mastered me. 
 Oh, how careless are my manners, you are hungry; 
 
 what a shame ! 
 Pray be seated, Mr. Harold Brown, — oh, what a funny 
 
 name!" 
 
 When she left him, he thought deeply on the words 
 
 she spake to him : 
 Very interesting, surely, was this girl's rare, native 
 
 vim. 
 How was it that she had mastered thus the tongue his 
 
 people spoke? 
 These her people, this her country, this her place from 
 
 rock to oak. 
 He would learn the answer from her, but his time he 
 
 must abide; 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 39 
 
 She was sweet and very noble, and possessed of 
 queenly pride. 
 
 Came the natives now to greet him, on their wooden 
 platters, bare 
 
 Lay dried moose-meat, sweet and wholesome, — noth- 
 ing of it did he spare. 
 
 'Twas three days from this their meeting ere he saw 
 her once again; 
 
 Cold the day and very gloomy, with an intermittent 
 rain; 
 
 He was nervous from inaction, so he walked about out- 
 side, — 
 
 Sauntered through their crooked roadway, past their 
 igloos standing wide. 
 
 He met many of the natives who were strangers to his 
 eyes ; 
 
 Broken men and time-worn women, who himself did 
 recognize. 
 
 Paid his deep respects to many, and to some the slight- 
 est bow, 
 
 Many of the northmen nodded, while the rest just 
 grunted "How." 
 
 Deep in wisdom of the Northland, well they knew this 
 stalwart form, 
 
 Could do battle and win laurels; and could face the 
 veriest storm. 
 
 Many men were in the roadway, so they formed a little 
 
 crowd, 
 And among them Yonatchna stood, so silent and so 
 
 proud: 
 
40 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 She was always with the men folks, filling her allotted 
 
 part, 
 So unlike the other women, who seemed not to know 
 
 this art. 
 When she saw him she gave greeting in a voice which 
 
 brought him cheer ; 
 But her glance was momentary as he passed her by so 
 
 near — 
 Had he tried he might have touched her; and quite 
 
 clearly he observed 
 All the black looks turned upon him by these men, alert 
 
 and nerved. 
 His way led him through the valley, where a foot-path 
 
 had been trod. 
 And from here he gazed beyond him, where stretched 
 
 out his future road. 
 Gravest doubts now fast assailed him; what had life in 
 
 store for him ? 
 Unacquainted with this country ; had he still the proper 
 
 vim 
 To mush over all this long way; had his zeal been a 
 
 mistake 
 Thus to start him on this journey? He would trust 
 
 himself to fate : 
 Well he knew what trail life promised, and he would 
 
 not give up now ; 
 So determination seized him, — ^put its mark upon his 
 
 brow. 
 
 Down the roadway from the village, in its sombreness 
 of state, 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 41 
 
 Came the figure of a young girl — Yonatchna, calm, 
 
 sedate ; 
 In her walk the bloom of centuries now was breaking 
 
 to new life, 
 And her lineage seemed new waking to engage in bitter 
 
 strife. 
 *'Are you hunting for my flowers? Well, they're on 
 
 the hill up there; 
 But I do not like your choosing this a day that is not 
 
 fair." 
 Thus her voice rang out in gladness ; but her face grew 
 
 sad and long. 
 When she saw that he was downcast, and that some- 
 thing had gone wrong. 
 For he stood there all dejected ; but he looked into her 
 
 face: 
 "I have come. Miss Yonatchna, to search out the better 
 
 place. 
 For my journey must begin soon ; I have lost a week 
 
 you know. 
 If your flowers grow up yonder, they a comfort will 
 
 bestow ; 
 For the way will be most lonely, and I'll miss you to 
 
 be sure, — 
 Else, my heart throbs would be lying, and a sweet re- 
 membrance, poor." 
 "Do you see those hills uplifting? Well, they're many 
 
 miles away, 
 And I doubt if yet you have the strength to walk the 
 
 livelong day." 
 Looking through her crowning beauty, simply, with no 
 
 trick of art 
 
42 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Shaking down the barriers built there to protect his 
 
 lonely heart. 
 He would fain have made his answer as impulsive as 
 
 he felt; 
 But he only stood there silent, weighing full his deep 
 
 intent. 
 Reaching out his hand to touch her, through the folly 
 
 of desire; 
 But she shrank in terror from him, as though burnt 
 
 by fiercest fire. 
 Like an avalanche above them, sprang a native to her 
 
 side: 
 On his face a lowering hatred that was growing like 
 
 the tide; 
 Yonatchna, quick of action, when her reason dictates 
 
 clear, 
 Turned and laughed outright so gaily, showing him she 
 
 had no fear. 
 With a dogged look of hatred, yet obedient to her 
 
 voice. 
 Straight he turned and walked off slowly, — not from 
 
 any wish or choice. 
 "What did you do this for?'* cried she, as swift her 
 
 anger spent: 
 "You should not deign to touch me in whatever argu- 
 ment." 
 Humming lowly, but distinctly a strange song she oft 
 
 would chant, 
 "My good, true friends, I love them all; but they watch 
 
 against my want." 
 And her face turned upward to him, as she gazed into 
 
 his eyes, 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 43 
 
 And she saw his passion lurking, as he stood there in 
 
 surprise. 
 Now a coolness crept about him; and his anger rising 
 
 fast, 
 Spread its likeness o'er his features, while his soul 
 
 within him lashed 
 In a fury born of madness, and his eyes shone hard 
 
 and cold. 
 "Do you think that I came here, Miss, to insult you, 
 
 and make bold ? 
 The native dog who sprang here now, what was his 
 
 full intent? 
 Does he think that I'd insult you? Is his mind so 
 
 downward bent 
 That my every act of friendship is construed for some- 
 thing queer? 
 And do you think within yourself that you have aught 
 
 to fear? 
 Pray answer this, for on my soul and by the name I 
 
 bear. 
 If so, I'd have contempt for you and yours ; and so I 
 
 swear 
 That I would rather perish thefe on that bare moun- 
 tain side, 
 Than eat again the food you give, or glory in your 
 
 pride ! 
 You think because you are a girl, that I am not a 
 
 man, — 
 We are not beasts in our land ; we rend not whom we 
 
 can 
 That gives the succor to our needs ; we do not stain the 
 
 clean ; 
 
44 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And I am not the sneaking cur you sought to prove 
 
 I've been. 
 Go, take your igloo and your robes; and tell your 
 
 Chieftain too, 
 That now I scorn the hand that gave. With money 
 
 I'll ensue 
 To pay my debt, whatever it be, and curse the day that I 
 Fell by the wayside on the trail when your men passed 
 
 me by." 
 And standing there in all his pride, — pure manhood at 
 
 its best, — 
 He dominated all about, through his pure righteous 
 
 zest. 
 
 Fair Yonatchna stood her ground, though wept she 
 
 bitter tears ; 
 But proved the self-sufficiency she'd gained through 
 
 many years, 
 While growing slow to womanhood, — her father's 
 
 mandates dealt 
 To all his people in their wants, — through which she 
 
 lived and felt. 
 He did not soften at her tears; the hurt in him was 
 
 deep. 
 And scorning rose within him more ; he felt its onward 
 
 sweep — 
 ''Why don't you speak, or have you lost that lovely 
 
 voice of yours? 
 You offered flowers, that I might fall into the trap that 
 
 lures : 
 For you are fair, I grant you this, with eyes that steal 
 
 their light 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 45 
 
 From out the blackest cloud that hangs about the dark- 
 est night." 
 *'0h sir, you much misjudge the cause, and so you 
 
 misjudge me: 
 I have not put my faith in you to lose it utterly ! 
 For all my friends, and father, too, will surely meet 
 
 your scorn 
 That rises in its fury, like the direst thunder-storm. 
 Fair Yonatchna stands here now, your servant as be- 
 fore; 
 But well I know that when I speak, your anger is no 
 
 more. 
 You do not know our customs yet, and so you are at 
 
 sea 
 Why this old friend who was here now, should thus 
 
 look after me. 
 You do not know the hurt you deal, the pain my heart 
 
 must feel; 
 But I would not, for all this world, their friendship let 
 
 you steal. 
 They are my friends, those men you see, all sturdy 
 
 fellows, they, 
 Whose hearts are true as tempered steel, forever and 
 
 a day. 
 They do not gauge a dire insult as you, with finer 
 
 sense ; 
 They cannot see your gallantry, and all your fine intents 
 In just your way of viewing it, and so they might hurt 
 
 you; 
 But with all unconscious actions, to me they would be 
 
 true. 
 
46 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Their acts to me are nobly meant, and so you must 
 
 agree, 
 If they have over-stepped a point, it was their love, you 
 
 see. 
 If you are noble, as you say, and as I surely thought, 
 You, in yourself, would offer first the best that could 
 
 be brought 
 From any heart at any time, at such a place as this ; 
 And here your full apology would not become amiss. 
 You think because I am a girl, raised by a native tribe. 
 That I am far beneath yourself, and I should have no 
 
 pride; 
 You did not feel like this, my friend, when you lay 
 
 there alone 
 Upon the trail on that bleak day, reduced to skin and 
 
 bone! 
 You rise up in your anger now, and curse us every one; 
 And merely just because you see we have been spied 
 
 upon. 
 Well, this is such a foolish scene, for us two children 
 
 here, 
 A-scratching at each other's eyes, — it really does seem 
 
 queer." 
 And here she shot a stinging glance that pierced him 
 
 as a knife, 
 As he stood here, and heard her words with sorrow's 
 
 tears so rife. 
 "You half convince me, as you speak, that I was harsh 
 
 to you : 
 Thus my unbroken will I bend, and grant that you are 
 
 true." 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 47 
 
 The riotous soul within him strove to master what he 
 
 felt; 
 And now the maiden, quick of step, before the young 
 
 man knelt. 
 *'See, kneel I here, not to you, sir, but to your better 
 
 heart ; 
 I feel within my own lone self, that much the greatest 
 
 part 
 Is in the heart of any man, if he but master it." 
 And through the force of her pure mind, she made him 
 
 this admit. 
 "My Yonatchna, glad I stoop to quaff my visitor's cup 
 And henceforth through the years to come, no one can 
 
 e'er corrupt 
 The purest thought that will live here within my own 
 
 lone heart 
 Of you, the supreme queen of right whose life must 
 
 good impart." 
 She bounded up in maiden glee, and let him take her 
 
 hand. 
 As homeward bound they walked along, with deep trust 
 
 in command. 
 Into the igloo that was his, he led her tenderly ; 
 And gloried in the fact that she was girt with purity. 
 
 She looked so girlish and so trim, clothed in her 
 
 moose-hide gown ; 
 Her wealth of hair, of blackest hue, o'er shoulders fell 
 
 adown. 
 On robes of bear and caribou hope sprang to their 
 
 desire, 
 
48 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And love found birth as they sat there before the 
 
 blazing fire. 
 Tnie to her dreams of symmetry, here nature showed 
 
 her art 
 In graceful lines, that moulded her nearest to nature's 
 
 heart. 
 "If we could but believe in dreams," and here her face 
 
 lit up 
 Until it shone with radiance from draughts of 
 
 memory's cup. 
 "Why, I would be a Princess fair, and you my per- 
 fect Prince; 
 There now, you're laughing at me, and I do not like 
 
 your hints. 
 In bygone days, so long now past, that this seems a 
 
 new sphere, — 
 I learned it from my father dear, the story you shall 
 
 hear: 
 There was a maiden who had dreamed that on a future 
 
 day 
 Would come a man among them who, in battlement 
 
 array 
 Would be full decked, and on his head would bear a 
 
 signal charm. 
 And not a man or beast on earth could do him any 
 
 harm. 
 She dreamed that he would sweep the earth with his 
 
 majestic power. 
 And make subjective every man in one brief fleeting 
 
 hour. 
 And then she dreamed that he would come to look upon 
 
 her face, 
 
HAROLD BROWX IS INTRODUCED 49 
 
 And from that moment, all his power he'd barter for 
 
 her grace 
 If she would be to him a wife, and follow to his land, 
 Where all the subjects of his power would be at her 
 
 command. 
 And, strange enough, this dream came true, and thus 
 
 our own forbears 
 Have settled on this land about, and to them we are 
 
 heirs." 
 "And so you dreamed of me ?" he cried. "Well, I have 
 
 little power 
 To sway a kingdom, or enchant a people in an hour ; 
 But Yonatchna, I would ask, where gained you all this 
 
 speech. 
 In English you are versed so well, while not within its 
 
 reach?" 
 "Why, I am just a mission girl, I got my English 
 
 there; 
 And so I learned to feel the weight of this a woman's 
 
 care. 
 They taught me that a woman weak, was still of 
 
 greater strength 
 To mould the good, than any man with all his boasted 
 
 length ; 
 For most men curse where w^omen pray, — they do not 
 
 feel the good 
 That consecrates one's very soul in radiant woman- 
 hood. 
 They come to me, those friends of mine, that I might 
 
 give them power, 
 Not knowing 'tis the good in me I give them as a 
 
 dower." 
 
50 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 She paused and looked into the fire in meditative 
 
 mood; 
 "You men are weak in your great strength, and cannot 
 
 gauge the good. 
 IVe read in books that worldly men praise much a 
 
 pretty face; 
 That they will throw fair virtue down and enter any 
 
 race; 
 As you have come from that far land, you know where- 
 of I speak. 
 And know that I am ignorant of knowledge that I 
 
 seek." 
 "Far from the knowledge you may be, but not far from 
 
 the truth 
 That goes to recompense the one who lives for good, 
 
 forsooth ; 
 I have not come to teach you in the happenings of our 
 
 time. 
 Fair souls, to thrive through their great wealth, must 
 
 purity entwine 
 About their very cores, for then the greatest sinner 
 
 here 
 Will much reflect to such an one the essence he holds 
 
 dear. 
 And do you seek the one great God, as my race taught 
 
 you to ? 
 I feel within my own lone heart temptations are not 
 
 few, — 
 For you have come from nomad stock that finds its 
 
 pride in strength, 
 While roaming over hills and dales throughout your 
 
 world's great length." 
 
HAROLD BROWN IS INTRODUCED 51 
 
 ^'Temptation, as you speak the word, I know not what 
 you mean; 
 
 For we have many natives, all with morals good and 
 clean. 
 
 And I have read your teachings too, and have pon- 
 dered their sense; 
 
 They sent me to your mission in my very innocence. 
 
 And there they strove to make me think that all the 
 earthly good 
 
 That could be brought to prove its worth, was as re- 
 ligion stood. 
 
 With us the man who shows his strength, and proves 
 his courage too. 
 
 Lives his own life by what he knows in his own self 
 is true." 
 
 She rose and stood a moment tense, and looked upon 
 her friend. 
 
 Her body swaying lightly, thus her silence to de- 
 fend. 
 
 She left him as the brooding dusk had offered up her 
 prayer, 
 
 And showed the traveler that she had no greater light 
 to spare. 
 
 She did not bid a fond adieu, she gave him not her 
 hand; 
 
 But left him in this quiet way that he might under- 
 stand. 
 
 "To-morrow I will go," he said, in speaking to his 
 
 heart, 
 "To-morrow on the long lone trail, my pilgrimage Til 
 
 start. 
 
52 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Oh, for the time to prove the man within me has not 
 
 died, 
 The chance to prove ambition true that courage has not 
 
 Hed! 
 Yet, I must go to-morrow, sure,*' and here his brow 
 
 grew stern, 
 "The Chieftain must my wants supply, my eagerness 
 
 doth burn." 
 
AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 BOOK II 
 
THE DEATH OF CHIEF AMUGANNOCK 
 
 THE Chieftain lay upon his robes, the death 
 Hght in his face; 
 But not in that poor wasted form, was there of 
 
 suffering trace : 
 Brave as the stoic heroes old, and proof against dis- 
 play, 
 Not once the voice had raised complaint, though many 
 
 came that day 
 To gaze upon that face they loved, and utter words of 
 
 cheer ; 
 But shammans with their boasted powers, had naught 
 
 to do with fear. 
 The shammans stood to all the tribes conjurers of the 
 
 race; 
 And loudly they proclaimed their power all evil to 
 
 efface. 
 The sick and troubled of the tribe would bare their 
 
 hearts and pray. 
 In confidence, that through their power, good spirits 
 
 would obey. 
 And all the braves before the chase, were taken well 
 
 in hand, 
 They sought these worthy shammans that those spirits 
 
 brave and grand. 
 Would dwxll within their hearts and limbs, would 
 
 clarify their sight, 
 
 55 
 
56 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And reinforce their efforts so that they would win 
 
 through might. 
 They claimed well to foretell the day good spirits 
 
 would come forth 
 And bless the tribe in all they did that was of any 
 
 worth. 
 When the great hawk or raven stood with mockery's 
 
 grave grimace, 
 To call some one from out their midst, who well had 
 
 served the race, 
 'Twas then the shamman's office here well to display 
 
 their power, 
 And through fantastic revelry enhance life's blessed 
 
 shower. 
 And now that their dear Chief was ill, no power at 
 
 their command 
 Was left neglected or uncalled, to strengthen well their 
 
 hand 
 In overcoming wicked spirits that would cut the cord, 
 And write across his noble brow death's dark unhal- 
 lowed word. 
 
 So all the shammans that were near, and many from 
 
 afar, 
 Now gathered to their Chieftain's home, to give the 
 
 spirits war. 
 Deep painted were their faces all, and decked in strange 
 
 attire, 
 With voices weird they bade good spirits their sick 
 
 Chief to inspire. 
 Wilder and louder rose their chant, while sadder grew 
 
 their wail, 
 
DEATH OF CHIEF AMUGANNOCK 57 
 
 The spirits present they blasphemed, to make their 
 
 boldness quail : 
 Thus up and down the igloo floor their wild eyes roving 
 
 mad, 
 Then shrieking shrill, fantastic calls, they laughed with 
 
 voices glad ; 
 The amulets upon their limbs forced blood where 
 
 tightly drawn. 
 Which culminated in their boasts that spirits lick their 
 
 spawn. 
 On the Raven and the Hawk they called, to dissipate 
 
 their spleen. 
 They danced in frantic reverence with zest both deep 
 
 and keen. 
 'Round the still form of their sick Chief, the shammans 
 
 rallied all 
 In gesticulating agony, on hands and knees to 
 
 crawl ; 
 And as they watched that pale face there, their very 
 
 madness grew. 
 They shrieked and cursed, implored and begged the 
 
 dragging hours through ; 
 They snatched great coals from out the fire and tossed 
 
 them in the air ; 
 They rolled upon the ground, then gazed about with 
 
 vacant stare; 
 The spirits that could aid them here to save their dying 
 
 Chief,— 
 To them they offered beads and charms if they would 
 
 grant relief. 
 Then looked they on his face again, and it was paler 
 
 grown, 
 
58 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 The eyes were set and glassy hard, — the spirits heard 
 
 no moan. 
 They tore the clothes from off their backs and tramped 
 
 them to the ground, 
 They smeared their bodies with foul paste, and tight 
 
 their eyes they bound. 
 And now they stood each in his place, and danced and 
 
 tore their hair 
 Until their strength exhausted was and they fell in 
 
 despair. 
 But though their shammans' powers failed to win a 
 
 lease of life 
 Still, to this day, the shammans' sway with natives 
 
 here is rife. 
 
 Yonatchna, pale and trembling, through her agony of 
 
 grief. 
 Despairing and heart-broken, knelt beside her suffering 
 
 Chief: 
 All the sunlight of her young life had now turned to 
 
 blackest night. 
 And she suffered there in silence through her agoniz- 
 ing plight. 
 Prayed she silently but earnest, to the God of branch 
 
 and dove, 
 Prayed that He would spare her father in His goodness 
 
 and His love. 
 Then she meditated deeply, how her father in his 
 
 pride, 
 Strove to keep a promise given to the good priest — 'till 
 
 he died 
 This fair Yonatchna cherish, as a being set apart 
 
DEATH OF CHIEF AMUGANNOCK 59 
 
 From the hardships of her sisters to bring sunshine to 
 his heart. 
 
 He had ever kept his promise, always treated her 
 
 aright ; 
 And instructed all his subjects that her presence 
 
 brought much light. 
 She could speak the pale-face language, she could sing 
 
 white sister songs ; 
 She it was to whom acknowledged he that right and 
 
 wrong have tongues. 
 He was wise within his domain, ruled with firm and 
 
 iron hand; 
 Owned his slaves, his furs and igloos, and the kashims 
 
 for his land, 
 Where he entertained the strangers who had journeyed 
 
 from afar; 
 And where slept the many young men, to avert wrong's 
 
 searing scar. 
 Now in prayer and meditation, long she knelt beside 
 
 the bed : 
 Many came and gazed in silence, fearing much that she 
 
 was dead, — 
 For her face, where it showed slightly, was as pale, and 
 
 cold as stone 
 But they touched her not for fearing they would find 
 
 her spirit flown. 
 Only once in all these hours did a hand in rudeness 
 
 dare 
 To grip the shoulder tightly, to discern if life was 
 there. 
 
6o AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 It was he who would be Chieftain, when this fleeting 
 life ebbed out : 
 
 It was he who swore to claim her, — ^all objections put 
 to rout. 
 
 She had scorned his every pleading, yet her heart was 
 doubly kind, 
 
 For she'd smile on him as others, through her gentle- 
 ness of mind. 
 
 Now she rose and laid her soft hand on her father's 
 
 brow, so cold, — 
 While she knelt here he had left her with his Chief- 
 tain's spirit bold. 
 Bitter tears sprang to her eyelids, but she dried them 
 
 hastily. 
 She must show her weakness never, she would act quite 
 
 stoically ; 
 But her daughter's heart bled deeply, she had lost a 
 
 father, friend! 
 Who was there now to protect her, who such strength 
 
 and goodness lend? 
 Only once her thoughts did wander to her pale-face 
 
 friend, near by, — 
 In the face of all her sorrow, would he tarry, would he 
 
 fly? 
 But her woman's instinct told her that no threat of 
 
 deadliest foe, 
 Could make less his liking for her even if he had to go. 
 
 Thus their great Chief, Amugannock, from the nature 
 of his death. 
 
DEATH OF CHIEF AMUGANNOCK 6i 
 
 Passed to worlds beneath their own world, but of 
 
 power was not bereft : 
 He would come again in spirit, keenly guide them in 
 
 the chase; 
 He would lead them on to conquer any warring hostile 
 
 race. 
 Through the roof they raised the rough box; hewn 
 
 from trees with the stone adz 
 In which lay his body, covered with the gifts of these 
 
 nomads, — 
 Stones and bow and arrows, clothing, amulets, and 
 
 shells and beads : 
 These were sacred to his people ; and would meet with 
 
 all his needs. 
 From this old w^orld to his new one, lend him strength 
 
 to fight his foes, 
 Resurrecting all his knowledge and add much to what 
 
 he knows. 
 Out upon the well known tundra on a mound they 
 
 placed him high, 
 Raised a totem shaft to comfort, 'neath the Hawk and 
 
 Raven's eye. 
 
AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 BOOK III 
 
CHOOSING A NEW CHIEF 
 
 NOW to choose a great successor, worthy of the 
 name of Chief : 
 Tests were planned, as custom warranted to the 
 
 best of their beHef. 
 Tuluksaka was the foremost in the feats of trying 
 
 strength : 
 His it was whose arrow never missed the mark at 
 
 greatest length; 
 His the foot that was the fleetest, his the eye of keenest 
 
 sight ; 
 He it was who challenged boldly, and had never lost a 
 
 fight. 
 In the chase he bagged the great bear that roams 
 
 through the underbrush ; 
 Brought the deer to earth so surely with swift arrow in 
 
 its rush; 
 And fleet mountain sheep he captured, as in craggy 
 
 heights they'd roam; 
 And the ground-hog did he waylay, when it wandered 
 
 from its home. 
 In the stalking of the great moose, his sure skill knew 
 
 no defeat, 
 And in spearing wily northfish none with him could 
 
 well compete. 
 He was sure of aim in striking with great strength to 
 
 land them safe, 
 
 65 
 
66 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And like the Great Alexander, still for new feats did 
 
 he chafe. 
 Challenged he the men in speaking, challenged them in 
 
 song and dance ; 
 Challenged them to brave dread suffering: wild his 
 
 boasts through insolence. 
 Then he gave to all the people, share and share alike of 
 
 beads ; 
 Gave them stones and shells he'd gathered, thus to 
 
 emphasize his deeds. 
 Thus though every testing tried they, Tuluksaka was 
 
 the first, 
 And there could be no misgivings — he for dominance 
 
 was athirst. 
 So they named him Chieftain ever, and a lodge they 
 
 set apart, 
 As a token of his power, and the greatness of his heart. 
 
 On the tenth day from the burial, all the native women 
 
 here. 
 Took the fasting obligation; some from duty, some 
 
 from fear. 
 Sixty days as was the custom, scant the food that 
 
 graced their plate. 
 But exempt from arduous labor; o'er his deeds must 
 
 contemplate. 
 In the meantime many envoys went to foreign tribes 
 
 to tell 
 Of the death of their great Chieftain, and to laud their 
 
 choice right well. 
 To the Sitka tribe they traveled, and then to the 
 
 Yakutat; 
 
CHOOSING A NEW CHIEF 67 
 
 Roamed they through the Thlingit country, so toward 
 
 the brave Klawak ; 
 Eskimos, the Togish, Tongas, and also their friends 
 
 Ah-Tena ; 
 Traveled they in fleetest fashion to the empire of the 
 
 Huma ; 
 Told the Hydad, and the Chilcot, told the fleet of foot 
 
 the Kuyu; 
 Thus conveyed their news in sorrow to the tribe of the 
 
 Taku ; 
 Over to the Wrangel nation, the Aleut, and to the Auk ; 
 The Killisnoos heard their story, so in sorrow did the 
 
 Rake : 
 All agreed, as was the custom, to take part in their 
 
 great meet, 
 Pay respects to the departed, and the living Chieftain 
 
 greet. 
 
 As the days wore on in number, filled our traveler's 
 
 heart with awe ; 
 Deep his interest in this people, wondering much at 
 
 what he saw. 
 For he had postponed his journey in the midst of their 
 
 great grief ; 
 And to mourn with Yonatchna, now deprived of father, 
 
 Chief! 
 All the livelong day he wandered through the valleys, 
 
 o'er the hill, 
 With his trusty dog and rifle, thus the dragging hours 
 
 to fill. 
 Many were the deer he landed, packed them to his 
 
 native friends ; 
 
68 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Caught the hahbut and sahnon, — hoping thus to make 
 
 amends 
 For the kindness they had shown him when he needed 
 
 help the most : 
 Though they felt distrust for strangers, still they 
 
 proved the willing host. 
 
 It was on the day he wandered, that he came upon her 
 
 there, 
 Kneeling low beside the rough box, lost in agony of 
 
 prayer. 
 Here her father lay so lonely ; had her God forsook her 
 
 quite ! 
 Would her earnestness in praying ever bring him back 
 
 to sight ? 
 For a moment he stood watching the lone form con- 
 vulsed with grief. 
 Then in sympathy strode nearer in the hope to grant 
 
 relief : 
 Wild she sprang up at his footsteps, like the startled 
 
 deer from rest; 
 Turned and gazed in pained wonder ; heaving was her 
 
 maiden's breast. 
 Standing there at bay a moment, just as if to ward 
 
 a blow; 
 Lost her mind to all things earthly, in her face there 
 
 was no glow. 
 Now the native blood was upmost, she in silence heard 
 
 his speech; 
 Backward stepping as approached he, always keeping 
 
 out of reach. 
 
CHOOSING A NEW CHIEF 69 
 
 She was dressed in native miiskrat that hung loose 
 
 from neck to feet ; 
 And a hat made from the spruce roots hung down from 
 
 her head so neat. 
 But her eyes grew fiercer, fiercer, and as flint were set 
 
 and stern, 
 Deep with passion were their black depths, and with 
 
 dark contempt did burn. 
 Down her features ran the sorrow that had carved its 
 
 way outright 
 From the heart which was the fountain of this agoniz- 
 ing fight. 
 Stolid in her bare demeanor, ignoring quite the past 
 
 she showed, — 
 Where her beauty captured surely, where her wondrous 
 
 rich words roved. 
 He was stunned and stood there silent; and for pity, 
 
 what the count? 
 Half his eyes accused of lying that he might this shock 
 
 surmount ; 
 Cut adrift was all his hoping that had pledged his soul's 
 
 requite, — 
 She was only just a native, and could never know his 
 
 light. 
 "Yonatchna, fairest maiden," sent wild riot to her 
 
 soul; 
 Though his w^ords were tender, loving; still his voice 
 
 bore reason's roll. 
 "I have come out here to greet you, I have come to 
 
 make it plain, 
 That the sorrow you have suffered finds a sympathizing 
 
 strain 
 
70 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Through my heart that holds you sacred, though you 
 
 doubt my words at best ; 
 In these long days you were hidden, my poor soul could 
 
 find no rest ! 
 I have waited here to tell you, that in all the years to 
 
 come, 
 Yours will be the image with me, wheresoever I may 
 
 roam !" 
 Milder grew her eyes while listening to the words that 
 
 meant so much, 
 But she gave herself no gesture that the man might 
 
 heed and touch ! 
 Silence reigned, while hearts beat wildly, mute confes- 
 sions came and went ; 
 But the barrier was perfect, as her native challenge 
 
 sent. 
 Backward, backward, slowly backward, moved she 
 
 farther from his sight, 
 Till the shrubbery hid her from him, and made plain 
 
 his direct plight : 
 Lost she was to him forever; his way lay along the 
 
 trail, 
 Hers to live ever in anguish and her future to curtail. 
 
 While his heated brain ran rampant down the resolve 
 
 that was set. 
 Shriveled up his full intentions, he this maid could not 
 
 forget : 
 Almost lost he thus his purpose, — she was still before 
 
 his eyes, — 
 As he saw her praying silent when she sprang up in 
 
 surprise. 
 
CHOOSING A NEW CHIEF 71 
 
 Thus the morrow found him thinking, what was left 
 
 to do for him, 
 Only to fulfill his purpose, and mush to the Kus- 
 
 kokwim. 
 
 Tuluksaka, sought he early, for this Chieftain he must 
 
 see: 
 Offered money for his keeping with a sense of surety. 
 Stern the face that met him squarely, deep the eyes set 
 
 in his head ; 
 Cold of speech, and set of purpose, — these the arrow 
 
 words that sped : 
 ''You have come here as a stranger ; you were sick ; we 
 
 took you in. 
 Nursed you back to strength and gave you what protec- 
 tion you could win, 
 Now your path lies o'er the mountains, by to-morrow 
 
 you must go! 
 Let your exit now be final, and by this you then can 
 
 show 
 You thank us; for your money it is nothing to our 
 
 eyes; 
 All your speech is but deception, your contention basest 
 
 lies." 
 Turned his back toward our traveler, closing thus the 
 
 interview, 
 As the native custom always, when with speaking they 
 
 are through. 
 Here our traveler stood a moment, while the hot blood 
 
 swept his soul. 
 Strung his nerves to highest tension, from these insults 
 
 manifold : 
 
72 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 "Curse this devil of an Indian," and his brow grew 
 
 dark with hate; 
 But he turned and left him standing, "Let the devil 
 
 meet his fate." 
 
AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 BOOK IV 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 
 
 FAR towards the southern heavens rose the sun 
 to greet the earth, 
 Cold its face that leered towards them and 
 
 its rays of little worth ; 
 Deep the snow lay o'er the landscape, shrouding every 
 
 hill in white : 
 Playing havoc with the trail-ways, lighting up the 
 
 darkest night. 
 Slow the temperature was shrinking, — it was forty-two 
 
 below, 
 And the ravenous frost bit deeply all life moving to 
 
 and fro. 
 Gone were all the flowers and foliage that had made 
 
 the summer bright : 
 And the gladsome sunny day-time shrank before this 
 
 wintry blight. 
 O'er the mountains to this village, that lay on Susitna's 
 
 stretch, 
 Coursed the natives, as their promise, to attend the 
 
 great potlatch, 
 With their dog teams and their snow shoes, wending 
 
 on their way in peace 
 Bearing emblematic tokens, that their friendship might 
 
 increase. 
 
 75 
 
y(^ AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 In this Athabascan village where fair Yonatchna dwelt, 
 'Twas a cold December found them, all upon their work 
 
 intent : 
 Large new Kashims that the Chieftain willed to house 
 
 their many friends 
 Had been planned, were now completed well to meet 
 
 intended ends. 
 All the wood beads in the carving had been colored 
 
 with much taste, 
 And the ornamented native bone in moose-hide shields 
 
 were cased; 
 Rarest teeth and shells were strung on thongs as amu- 
 lets to wear 
 About the neck, on arms and legs, and in the jet black 
 
 hair; 
 And copper nuggets, which they worked in wonderful 
 
 design, 
 Were set in trays carved from the wood of tamarack 
 
 and pine ; 
 Great stores of fish and caribou, of moose so choice to 
 
 eat. 
 Were smoked and dried, and laid away with which 
 
 their friends to greet. 
 
 Tuluksaka proved himself a wise, efficient Chief, 
 
 He ruled them with an iron hand, but still would grant 
 
 relief : — 
 He took his share of all the pelts they brought in from 
 
 the hunt, 
 Exacting much, he gave them much, but would not 
 
 stand affront; 
 His massive frame of giant size, a symbol to them all 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING y-j 
 
 That they must Hve the Hfe he wished, or 'neath his 
 
 hatred fall. 
 Fair Yonatchna was his choice, and he this mandate 
 
 gave : 
 That she would be his wife ere long, or serve him as 
 
 a slave! 
 Full many a night she lay awake and wept sore, bitter 
 
 tears ; 
 Full many a day each hour would seem an agony of 
 
 years ; 
 The sad wan face had lost its smile, the eyes their lustre 
 
 too, 
 And all that sprightly grace so rare had vanished from 
 
 their view. 
 Bold Tuluksaka saw not this — at least he gave no sign, 
 Nor not a loving word he spoke to make her young life 
 
 shine : — 
 For natives have a heart as we, and feel the love flush 
 
 creep 
 About the heart and through the form, and o'er the 
 
 features leap. 
 They too can feel the tenderness that quickens all the 
 
 soul, 
 That makes their world look brighter far, their men 
 
 of purer mould. 
 
 From down Susitna's Valley came the first party of 
 
 friends, 
 Bearing the Thlingit banner high, where this their 
 
 journey ends. 
 First came the snow-shoe men ahead, to tramp new 
 
 fallen snow. 
 
78 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And laboriously they plodded on, while making head- 
 way slow ; 
 
 Behind them, following hot their tracks, came twelve 
 dogs in one line. 
 
 Hitched to a native sled that bore their robes and gifts 
 so fine; 
 
 Five natives in their regalia formed thus the traveling 
 crew, 
 
 From their far distant village home they'd pushed their 
 long way through. 
 
 For several days, through storm and frost, these dusky 
 envoys came; 
 
 And each was dressed in his own style, as such became 
 his fame. 
 
 Tuluksaka, in robes of state, bade each a welcome 
 here, 
 
 Insured them of his friendliness to show they'd naught 
 to fear. 
 
 Keen-eyed and cautious in their sense, from bloody 
 tribal wars, 
 
 Bearing the proof of struggles fierce, as showed by 
 many scars 
 
 That much disfigured face and neck; and lent each a 
 distrust, 
 
 That second nature had enforced from many a back- 
 ward thrust. 
 
 Here enemy met enemy on this a neutral ground; 
 
 But through a custom's loyalty in peace they must 
 abound. 
 
 And so we find the several tribes, to mourn a Chief- 
 tain's death. 
 
 Were gathered here in courtesy as tribal laws attest. 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 79 
 
 Fair Yonatchna, queen of all, known for her native 
 grace, 
 
 To many tribesmen who had won her talisman in the 
 race, — 
 
 Was Hot in evidence to share the greeting that they 
 brought, 
 
 From all their people to this tribe, so they her pres- 
 ence sought. 
 
 In answer to the questions asked, her native tribes- 
 men plead, 
 
 That she was mourning for her Chief and father who 
 was dead ; 
 
 She could not see them now, they said, but ere they 
 took their leave, 
 
 'Twould be a pleasure then to send her greetings to 
 their Chief. 
 
 So finally the last had come from far Aleutian shores. 
 Forming a goodly gathering here of natives with their 
 
 lores, 
 These they would chant at this conclave, in memory 
 
 of their tribes, 
 And seek again to taunt the evil spirits with their 
 
 jibes; 
 For all believed it rarest truth, that spirits in their 
 
 wrath, 
 Were still among them day and night, camped on their 
 
 very path 
 To intercept their full success, to cheat them of the 
 
 race, 
 To bring an evil to their lives when they entered the 
 
 chase ; 
 
8o AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And so they'd burn their incense long, and wail their 
 
 hatred loud. 
 Thus to drive off the evil ones and their attendant 
 
 cloud. 
 
 The Chieftain gathered one and all the nobles to his 
 side; 
 
 And there the shamnvans stood apart in one great cir- 
 cle wide; 
 
 The natives all had gathered too, that they might view 
 the meet, 
 
 And, with misgivings that were real, their visitors then 
 greet : 
 
 From ancient time the custom ran to kill sufficient 
 slaves 
 
 On meets like this, to lay them bare upon the dead 
 ones' graves, 
 
 That they might serve their masters well in that mys- 
 terious life, 
 
 Where pain was not, and sin was dead, and happiness 
 was rife. 
 
 The Chieftain rose, and silence fell while Tuluksaka 
 
 spoke, 
 And careful were the words he chose that none he 
 
 need revoke : 
 'T call upon the spirits all — of ours, and of our 
 
 friends ; 
 I call upon the Great White Light to sanction well 
 
 our ends. 
 Our gathering here of purpose true, — we of ourselves 
 
 are naught, — 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 8i 
 
 But you, the spirits that abound, have well our path- 
 way fraught 
 With good and evil deeds. 
 
 So now we worship all the good, — 
 We gladly pay in tributes that will fill you well with 
 
 food. 
 See, we have here a goodly host, and our dear Chief- 
 tain may 
 Come calmly in and feel the warmth as though it were 
 
 bright day. 
 We have no sins but that the fire will quench them 
 
 every one; 
 The spirits will detect the one who seeks his sins to 
 
 shun. 
 I stand here now before my friends, and make it plain 
 
 to all, 
 That these our worthy shammans there will answer 
 
 quick the call 
 For help to heal the sick, to drive the vilest spirits of¥ ; 
 And woe to him who comes to plead, and then returns 
 
 to scoff. 
 And here, my friends, my truest friends, those whom 
 
 I shall claim as mine. 
 If aught of you a grievance have — I hope none will 
 
 decline — 
 He shall come forth and make it plain, and all my 
 
 nobles here. 
 Will well detect the one at fault, and punishment 
 
 severe 
 Will meted be, with no escape, for by our dead Chiefs 
 
 grave 
 I swore all this, but yesterday. 
 
82 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And so my friends, I crave 
 Your will, and the good spirit's will, to point us out 
 
 the slaves 
 iWho shall, in duty to their Chief, prove that they are 
 
 not knaves, 
 But here submit to that one death to glorify their end, 
 And serve their Chief in other worlds, and there his 
 
 life defend." 
 He paused a moment in his speech, and searched well 
 
 every face 
 That filled that Kashim full throughout its every foot 
 
 of space; 
 Discerning not the one he sought, he raised his hand 
 
 on high. 
 Like some great cruel fiend, who now the thumb- 
 screws would apply, — 
 *T speak it here to all my friends, and with the spirits 
 
 plead, 
 I of a wife and helpmate, surely stand greatly in need. 
 There is but one that fills my wish, and let the spirits 
 
 frown 
 If so they wish, — conserve I thus my dear dead Chief's 
 
 renown. 
 She is the daughter of our Chief, who now lies down 
 
 below : 
 Sweet and fairest Yonatchna, on her my hand bestow." 
 A murmur of excitement ran throughout that anxious 
 
 crowd ; 
 But Tuluksaka stood there still, his manner firm and 
 
 proud. 
 *Tf she will wed me not," and here his voice grew hard 
 
 as flint, 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 83 
 
 *'She then must serve me as a slave, and bear the slave's 
 imprint." 
 
 That night when the assembly broke, and all the friends 
 
 v^ere pledged, 
 And every heart was satiate with forms and vows 
 
 alleged : 
 A spirit of excitement moved among that multi- 
 tude, 
 For this the night to choose the slaves who'd drink 
 
 death's noxious food. 
 And when the sun had screened her light for the rich 
 
 eventide. 
 And thrown her purple glory o'er the landscape far 
 
 and wide, 
 They drove them to the great corral, — a place stained 
 
 long ago — 
 And here stood Tuluksaka with the shammans in a 
 
 row. 
 Here all the slaves who served the Chief who now had 
 
 passed away. 
 Were singled out, that they might thus preclude the 
 
 least delay. 
 
 Five of the oldest slaves, and so, the ones of greatest 
 
 prize, 
 Were named as trophys to appease and quell the spirits' 
 
 cries ; 
 For on the morrow, when the sun was sinking to her 
 
 rest, 
 To their dead Chief these slaves would speed and fill 
 
 his one behest. 
 
84 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Among them was an older slave, who'd served his 
 master well, 
 
 One who was born to slavedom and had passed 
 through fires of hell ; 
 
 He stood erect, compassionate at this his new Chief's 
 whim ; 
 
 But not a word he uttered here, nor cast a glance at 
 him — 
 
 A stoic in its truest sense, — no hurt could force the 
 cry; 
 
 And just but once throughout his varied life the heart- 
 broke sigh 
 
 Escaped him in a moment when his agony intense 
 
 Swept o'er him to unman him with its dire recom- 
 pense : — 
 
 His son had dealt a deadly blow to one who gave insult, 
 
 And he was hacked to pieces as the law's severe 
 result. 
 
 The news of their Chief's choice now reached fair 
 
 Yonatchna's ears, 
 And through that gentle heart there ran a multitude of 
 
 fears ; 
 "To-morrow I must brave his wrath, and plead for this 
 
 one life: 
 To-morrow, I will break his will, and show him how 
 
 a knife 
 Can be thrust in the heart to deal a deadly, wicked 
 
 blow, 
 Just as he gave to me a thrust not many days ago. 
 To-morrow, and to-morrow," here the voice died in 
 
 despair, 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 85 
 
 The head bowed low again in grief that seemed beyond 
 
 repair. 
 Full well she knew that she was marked a victim by 
 
 her Chief; 
 But still her maiden heart rebelled in wrath, though 
 
 full of grief ! 
 Why should she give her life to him who could not win 
 
 her love ; 
 Or palliate the gross insult 'gainst which her goodness 
 
 strove ? 
 Her pride ebbed up in one great wave and dashed her 
 
 fears to ground, 
 And fiercely swept her being through till she was cap- 
 tive bound : 
 Gone was the gentleness of soul which thralled her 
 
 worshipers ; 
 And o'er her face the hard lines crept which lent her 
 
 courage spurs ; 
 The native cunning swept within to supersede the 
 
 calm, 
 And every movement of her friends was gauged with 
 
 dire alarm : — 
 She would not tolerate a move but what her senses 
 
 caught, 
 And her fears surged her through till they a world of 
 hatred wrought. 
 
 The old slave now condemned to death had served her 
 
 many years, 
 Had stood between her and all harm, thus to allay her 
 
 fears ; 
 Almost a father in his love, a mother in his care,— 
 
86 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 His gentleness had thus endeared him to this heart, so 
 
 rare. 
 She Hved again the Hfe when she had left her home 
 
 in youth — 
 A child then in her innocence, born of a tribe un- 
 couth. 
 With rapid thought she brought to life that space of 
 
 time again 
 When she was sent to learn the lore taught by the pale- 
 face man ; 
 And then those years spent in the task unfitting her to 
 
 live 
 Among her people here again — for she could never 
 
 give 
 The same hard service that her sisters gave as custom 
 
 made, — 
 To slave from morn till latest night, because they were 
 
 afraid. 
 Then next would come the cutting lash, which she had 
 
 oft seen fall, 
 And at the word of cruel lords the slaves were forced 
 
 to crawl. 
 Now Tuluksaka stood again, as thus her vision 
 
 wrought. 
 His hated presence poisoned all the good within her 
 
 heart. 
 His very voice had shriveled up the kind words she 
 
 would speak. 
 For he had proved himself the cur by punishing the 
 
 weak. 
 And then the face of her dear friend, the traveler met 
 
 that day, 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 87 
 
 Fate brought him here to tempt her love ; but would not 
 
 let him stay. 
 How stout of heart, how strong of limb, how tender 
 
 were his words; 
 How holy sweet was this impulse, what memory it 
 
 affords ! 
 She pictured him again when first he came into her 
 
 hfe, 
 When his young energy was spent upon the trail of 
 
 strife; 
 He looked so careworn, that her heart bled for this 
 
 youth, alone 
 Struggling to compass a hope that led him far from 
 
 home; 
 How manly were his attributes, how pure the words 
 
 he spoke ; 
 How quick to flash a challenge back if doubt ever 
 
 awoke, — 
 In the one aim that prompted him to speak, or do a 
 
 deed ; 
 And had he not proved a staunch friend when most 
 
 she was in need ? 
 And now her heart leapt to new life, when once again 
 
 she vied 
 With sweet remembrance tried to trace the time, when 
 
 by her side, 
 He led the converse on and on, to show her his true 
 
 heart : 
 How strong it beat to manly aims, how eager to im- 
 part 
 The real terse feeling that he had for her dear friend- 
 ship's sake, 
 
88 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And how his hope was born on wings and kept his soul 
 
 awake. 
 And then again beside the grave, how sad his words 
 
 and strange, 
 That he should here protest his love midst her deep, 
 
 bitter pangs ; 
 Emotion rose to riot now and, leaping to her feet, 
 She struck her breast in vowing now that nothing but 
 
 defeat 
 Could meet this Tuluksaka when he asked her heart 
 
 and hand — 
 To be his wife, and live with him in this her father- 
 land. 
 'Ture shall my love remain for him, and when he shall 
 
 return, 
 My heart will meet his heart half way, and with great 
 
 joy will burn." 
 The morning had passed through the hours that 
 
 brought the noontime here; 
 And through the ordeal that would come, not one least 
 
 twinge of fear 
 Could gain an entrance to her heart, — for her resolve 
 
 was set : 
 Come what there might in her whole life, she never 
 
 would forget 
 That her pure heart would rise triumphant, as they 
 
 taught it would, 
 When battling for a righteous cause through a death- 
 dealing flood. 
 
 The men without her igloo, tramped incessantly all 
 day; 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 89 
 
 She kept within her confines well, and silently did 
 
 pray 
 To the one God, whom they had taught would 
 
 strengthen every soul, 
 And cleanse the bitterness from those who wished to 
 
 be made whole. 
 A gentle knock without the door, a signal to her 
 
 brought 
 And up she raised, a convert now to this new truth 
 
 they taught : 
 And now her face shone with new life, her eyes were 
 
 bright and clear, 
 And through her animated form the pulsing flash of 
 
 cheer 
 Ran, as the sunbeams run to light the darkest ways 
 
 of earth. 
 And turn the coldest spots that frown to a rebounding 
 
 mirth. 
 **I come," she said, and opened wide the door which 
 
 led without ; 
 And on her ears smote revelry that ended with a shout. 
 She made her way directly on toward the great 
 
 Kashim, 
 Nor paused she here a moment's time, but boldly strode 
 
 within. 
 
 The surging crowd made way for her as to the front 
 she went. 
 
 And stood without the circle there,— which dire sug- 
 gestion lent. 
 
 She knew that every eye was firmly fixed upon her 
 face; 
 
90 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 She knew that many men within would gladly take 
 
 her place, 
 If they felt sure within themselves that they could win 
 
 her fight; 
 But courage in a woman's heart, has naught to do with 
 
 might : 
 They do not measure this or that; no obstacle's too 
 
 great 
 For their assault, having made sure that there is no 
 
 mistake. 
 As she stood there in her own strength, her father's 
 
 image wrought, 
 His great, brave spirit lived again, and to their senses 
 
 brought 
 The man and Chief to them once more and their hearts 
 
 leapt to aid 
 Her in her fight, for she was brave, and stood there 
 
 unafraid. 
 There to the left the five slaves stood, the shammans 
 
 to the right; 
 And full before her Tuluksaka towered to his great 
 
 height. 
 Behind him sat his nobles all, the very men she knew 
 Did have but kindly thoughts for her, whom she loved 
 
 all life through. 
 
 *'My friends, I stand here as your Chief, the keeper of 
 my tribe; 
 
 'Tis not for me, or aught of you our customs to de- 
 ride." 
 
 And here he cast a full, long glance at Yonatchna's 
 face, 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 91 
 
 As though her features true the secret of her heart 
 
 might trace. 
 "These honest slaves have signified their v^illingness to 
 
 die: 
 No thongs to bind them captives down : in fact each 
 
 one will vie 
 To meet his end unflinchingly, and leave such record 
 
 here, 
 That not the least of native men have aught in death 
 
 to fear. 
 If there be one among us here who dares the spirits' 
 
 wrath, 
 To plead the fate of the least one; if that one reason 
 
 hath 
 Why now he should not meet that death to serve their 
 
 master hence, 
 Let him speak forth, but let him mark the future conse- 
 quence." 
 
 The room grew still as death is still, while the Chief 
 took his seat. 
 
 Then stepped forth Yonatchna quickly to ward off 
 defeat ; 
 
 She spoke in low, deep, even tones and every ear was 
 strained, 
 
 And every eye was turned on her, and every soul re- 
 strained, — 
 
 "Our reigning Chief, and my dear friends, and you 
 our visitors. 
 
 Think not that 1 come here to pose as your inquisitors ; 
 
 When I was young, so very young, that scarcely I 
 could walk 
 
92 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And I knew not a mother's care, for death, led by the 
 
 hawk, 
 Took her from me, 'twas then I knew a gentle, but 
 
 firm hand 
 To guide my cause, and watch o'er me, to make me 
 
 understand. 
 He was a slave, my father's slave, and so he was my 
 
 slave, 
 They sent me to the Mission then, and I attention 
 
 crave 
 That I might plead the cause of one, and make my 
 
 pleading plain 
 To all who listen to my voice, — I will not long detain. 
 They sent me to the Mission, where I loved a God of 
 
 grace. 
 They taught me there a God who loves the entire hu- 
 man race; 
 A God who is so great and good that He can compre- 
 hend 
 The smallest mite of sinning and will love man to the 
 
 end. 
 They taught me that 'twas wrong to steal, and that 
 
 'twas wrong to lie. 
 And those who live uprightly here should never fear 
 
 to die; 
 They taught equality in men, and that the life God 
 
 gave — 
 Be he Chief or King, or white or black, or freeman 
 
 or a slave — 
 Was truly sacred, and for Him alone to choose his end. 
 And you, my Chief, what right have you to kill my 
 
 slave and friend ? 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 93 
 
 I call upon your tarnished life the wrath of this great 
 
 God, 
 And here I prophesy to all, that low beneath the rod 
 Of persecution you will bow; you'll be a slave in- 
 stead, 
 Now let the consequences fall upon my uncrowned 
 
 head! 
 I call upon my father's friends to note my words 
 
 aright, 
 I call upon his spirit here to hold me to the light — 
 He does not ask that these slaves here should feel the 
 
 traitorous knives. 
 And I dare you, our coward Chief, to rob them of their 
 
 lives ; 
 You are too low to crawl upon your hands and knees 
 
 to them 
 Whom you class as unworthy slaves, though in the 
 
 form of men. 
 You here did boast that you would claim me as your 
 
 lawful wife, 
 And if I scorned your base demand, a slave for all my 
 
 life 
 To you I'd be. 
 
 Well do your worst: but hear me still, you 
 
 knave, 
 I'd rather serve the lowest man, and be to him a slave. 
 Than ever stoop so low to let your vile hand touch my 
 
 flesh; 
 Or condescend to have you know my maiden's sacred- 
 
 ness! 
 I here defy you openly ; and by my father's soul 
 I here proclaim you lower far than any low down mole. 
 
94 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 I nigh could curse you as I stand before the Most High 
 
 God, 
 For so I hate you in my soul, and dare you wield your 
 
 rod." 
 They led her to her igloo door, and gently urged her 
 
 in; 
 While in the Kashim Tuluksaka sat morose and grim. 
 
 The female persons of the land were held in poor es- 
 teem; 
 They were the work-abouts on which the men-folks 
 
 cast their spleen. 
 And that a one of them should dare to desecrate their 
 
 hall,— 
 Their superstitions riot ran thus to bespeak their 
 
 fall. 
 Great Tuluksaka rose to speak, a steel glint in his eye, 
 And every ear was strained to hear how he would 
 
 make reply: 
 For Yonatchna, they well knew, had won full many a 
 
 heart 
 Among the braves and visitors who fain would take 
 
 her part ; 
 And he well knew 'twas not himself alone who ruled 
 
 the tribe : 
 But what his nobles thought was best, — with them he 
 
 must decide. 
 *'But yesterday/' he thus began, his anger rising fast, 
 *T visited the holy place, and there my offering cast; 
 Up rose the spirit of the dead, — of Amugannock, Chief 
 Who was, and who now is the great, and I besought 
 
 relief, 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 95 
 
 And this he said to me, 'Go thou and kill five slaves 
 that I 
 
 Might feel again the prestige power, and with my 
 brethren vie/ 
 
 By the great spirit of the Hawk, by the fierce light of 
 day, 
 
 And by the prestige power of wealth, and by the spirits' 
 sway, 
 
 I now demand that these five slaves shall fill their mas- 
 ter's wish. 
 
 And bring contentment to our tribe. 
 
 As for that traitorous kiss 
 
 That now was shown to be a curse by Yonatchna here. 
 
 My nobles will advise with me. 
 
 My friends, there is no fear 
 
 But that full justice will be done; for no she dog can 
 link 
 
 Herself with us and cause dispute, and leave that last- 
 ing stink 
 
 Of dogs which bite the gentle hand with which we fed 
 them first ; 
 
 I pray the mighty spirits here to make her life accursed, 
 
 And that the fiercest pangs of pain will sear her very 
 heart 
 
 Till she a loathsome spectacle, falls every bone apart.'' 
 
 As he stood there not one hand moved, not one eye 
 
 flashed a sign, 
 And not a man in that conclave showed aught his trend 
 
 of mind. 
 Stung to the quick at this defeat, he walked straight to 
 
 the slave, 
 
96 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Whom Yonatchna had plead for, and, with a vengeance 
 
 gave 
 Him one sharp slap upon the face with the back of his 
 
 hand, 
 To show his hatred deeper still than words at his com- 
 mand. 
 Back to the place from whence he spoke he strode with 
 
 anger wild. 
 Yet was his cunning uppermost his guests to reconcile. 
 *'My dearest friends I here implore that you would pass 
 
 this by: 
 We have met here to bind our faith, and silence the 
 
 war-cry. 
 I deep regret these happenings, and for my nobles here, 
 And for my tribe grouped here about, I offer you good 
 
 cheer. 
 To-morrow is the fasting day. 
 
 And so to-night we meet 
 To summons all the spirits here, with loyalty to greet, 
 And to combat the evil ones in all the fulsome sense ; 
 So now the shammans will begin to burn their sweet 
 
 incense : 
 But ere we thus invoke the gods, these slaves must 
 
 leave our sight. 
 And let them curse the very one who thus prolonged 
 
 their plight." 
 Within the charmed circle wide the shammans took 
 
 command 
 And for the space of many days joy rang throughout 
 
 the land. 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 97 
 
 Fair Yonatchna left alone within her own igloo, 
 Spent many hours of awful thought on what she had 
 
 passed through. 
 Wronged was her sense of womanhood, though full 
 
 her sense of grace, 
 For her great joy in what she did had left a glowing 
 
 trace. 
 Once and for all this new-made Chief must gauge his 
 
 attitude. 
 And treat her with severe restraint, since knowing how 
 
 she stood. 
 
 She sank upon her fur-robed floor, a penance to per- 
 form, 
 
 While in her heart still deeply raged the fury of the 
 storm : 
 
 Racked deep with doubts in her own mind as to her fit- 
 ness here. 
 
 To come before the great high God in purity sin- 
 cere 
 
 And ask for aught close to her heart, for sinning she 
 might be, — 
 
 For darkness still ruled half her life, through native 
 pedigree. 
 
 '*0h. Mighty Spirit, God, I mean, the God I learned to 
 love. 
 
 Look down in all Thy pity, now from Thy home up 
 above. 
 
 And watch o'er him who's gone away, I know not 
 where he strays ; 
 
 But watch o'er him, I love him so, and will through 
 all my days ! 
 
98 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Oh, bring him back to me again, for he is staunch and 
 
 true. 
 And he can help me now so much with what I must go 
 
 through." 
 
 A noise without her igloo door, and quickly up she 
 
 sprang 
 But stood a-trembling, as the sound increased from 
 
 knock to bang. 
 And louder still the tumult came, her name she clearly 
 
 heard, 
 "Hello," she called out timidly, and waited for the 
 
 word 
 That would reply. 
 
 'T've got a letter, so dismiss all fear, 
 From Harold Brown, you know the man, the one you 
 
 nursed last year." 
 And quickly she unlatched the door, and bid him come 
 
 within. 
 **And do you sure know Mr. Brown, and how is it with 
 
 him?" 
 Her joy showed through her every word and set her 
 
 eyes on fire; 
 It roved throughout her being swift and claimed her 
 
 now entire. 
 She bade him sit upon the robe, that lay upon the floor. 
 And brought forth moose-meat dried in strips to pay 
 
 this golden score. 
 'Twas naught to her that he sat there, a stranger to 
 
 her sight. 
 Enough for her to know that he had brought this new 
 
 delight. 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING 99 
 
 He looked upon her in surprise, at her excited mood : 
 
 Still in the dark, much he surmised, but much he under- 
 stood. 
 
 He knew the Indian custom well, so ate the proffered 
 meat, 
 
 And promising to call again, he then made his re- 
 treat. 
 
 Left all alone, she first made fast the door that led 
 without. 
 
 And glanced about the room, from fear and trembling 
 much in doubt. 
 
 Her shaking fingers scarce could hold the letter as she 
 read 
 
 Her name scrawled in a firm young hand, which much 
 her fancy fed; 
 
 She feared to tear the envelope, perhaps the message 
 there 
 
 Was not the love note that she wished, for that would 
 be too rare. 
 
 Perhaps this missive was to tell her something he for- 
 got,— 
 
 And thus she sat a victim to her own most anxious 
 thought. 
 
 Doubts came and went, fears found their birth, and 
 died when faith arose, 
 
 Then love sprang to the aid of faith and lent her sweet 
 repose : 
 
 So wistfully she opened now, the first in all her life, 
 
 This letter that had quite caused her such passing, bit- 
 ter strife. 
 
 ''Fair Yonatchna," thus it ran, "my dearest maiden 
 fair, 
 
100 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 I have desire to write to you, 'midst all my worldly 
 care, 
 
 I find my every moment now is full of love for you ; 
 
 And that the brightest stars that shine from that far 
 dome of blue, 
 
 Seem not so bright as did your eyes; and not so pure 
 a light 
 
 Does radiant fresh morning give as did your soul that 
 night 
 
 When first you let me look within, and hear those ring- 
 ing words, 
 
 That battled hard for mastery, and cut like gleaming 
 swords. 
 
 How is it with you, sweet my love? For I am ever 
 bold 
 
 To reach far out and win that heart that pales the 
 purest gold 
 
 In its rare fineness; do not think that I have e'er for- 
 got 
 
 The poignant happy moments there, beside that sacred 
 plot 
 
 Where lay your father, and your Chief ; and then you 
 ran away; 
 
 But you would not do that again, for soon will come a 
 day 
 
 When I will come again to you, and you will under- 
 stand 
 
 That love is all, and life is sweet when love is in com- 
 mand. 
 
 I left you then because I knew that you would be alone, 
 
 And that your custom taught that you at this time must 
 atone 
 
YONATCHNA'S PLEADING loi 
 
 For him who died ! But, dearest girl, let this thought 
 
 live with you 
 From that day that I last saw you, I've been sincerely 
 
 true. 
 And when the day comes, as it will, that I can feel 
 
 your love, 
 God will have smiled supreme on me from His throne 
 
 there above. 
 Good bye, good bye, and think of me, as I will think of 
 
 you; 
 And ere the season has been spent, we'll greetings give 
 
 anew." 
 
 She read and re-read every word, and traced the 
 
 thoughts with care. 
 Lest she might miss the sweetness that his pure heart 
 
 had put there. 
 This was the holiest night that ever her fair life had 
 
 known, 
 She reveled in a wonderland that his dear love had 
 
 shown. 
 
AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 BOOK V 
 
THE PRINCESS' DEFIANCE 
 
 WHEN morning broke, the restless sleep re- 
 treated from her eyes, 
 And she sprang from her hide-dressed couch 
 
 in wondering surprise; 
 There burned the simple light by which she read of 
 
 his pure love ; 
 While from without she plainly heard the treading 
 
 footsteps rove 
 By her small igloo, now in haste, and now with patient 
 
 tread ; 
 And then again the great ordeal through which her 
 
 young heart bled 
 Rushed over her; and deep again her outraged anger 
 
 rose, 
 And hatred made her slave once more. 
 
 "Did her Chief dare suppose 
 For one brief moment he could win the least shade of 
 
 her love, 
 And did he think that honor was the last thing reck- 
 oned of?" 
 No, he might treat her with contempt, or deal her base 
 
 insult ; 
 But gladly true her steadfast soul knew well the sure 
 
 result, — 
 For not her Chief should know her charms, or sap 
 
 her holy life; 
 
 105 
 
io6 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 God gave her tliese, and she would guard with the 
 
 keen cutting knife 
 Of her resolve, and hew the line straight with her 
 
 sacred love — 
 He could not feel this fine instinct that armed her from 
 
 above ; 
 Nor could he know her abhorence to thus be bound 
 
 a slave, 
 That would in time make her servile to dictates of a 
 
 knave. 
 No, she would fight with all her strength, and treat 
 
 with direst scorn 
 The least suspicious acts of him whose aim was e'er 
 
 base born. 
 She stepped without her igloo door, and looked o'er 
 
 hill and swale ; 
 She saw the wintry garb of white, fair as a bridal veil 
 Upon the vastness of the scene, spread out before her 
 
 eyes. 
 Steeped in the beauty of her hopes, and glinting with 
 
 sun dyes. 
 Outward her rich thoughts floated on, and beat against 
 
 the skies 
 'Neath which there labored for her sake, he of the 
 
 deep blue eyes — 
 Of all the men that she could know, the best that e'er 
 
 would live, 
 To him she gave her wealth of love, she would her 
 
 beauty give. 
 
 Outside the village confines stood a tent beside the 
 trail. 
 
THE PRINCESS' DEFIANCE 107 
 
 And from its stove-pipe curled the smoke with move- 
 ment of a snail, 
 And hung in one great cloud above. 
 
 No other sign of life 
 Could she detect, but well she knew that here in active 
 
 strife 
 Dwelt her lone friend who was so loyal as to fulfill 
 
 his word 
 And bring the message from her love. So she could 
 
 well afford 
 To risk what censure might befall and call upon him 
 
 there. 
 So hastily she took some food which she prepared with 
 
 care. 
 As a thank offering thus to show she counted him a 
 
 friend, 
 And that his wants she would supply, and his stay 
 
 here defend. 
 She walked in haste along the trail till she had reached 
 
 his tent. 
 Oh, that the one inside might gauge the depth of her 
 
 intent. 
 She hardly knew now what to do, her courage almost 
 
 failed, — 
 Dare she disclose her presence here ? 
 
 Her ruddy cheeks now paled. 
 And she was trembling half from fear at her au- 
 dacity ; 
 Then boldly picked her courage up to meet what chance 
 
 might be. 
 *'See, I have brought you here some food, that I have 
 
 well prepared 
 
lo8 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 That you may understand that I would wish your 
 
 trouble spared; 
 For it is hard to cook one's food when one is on the 
 
 trail ; 
 And you will understand, I know, that I can never 
 
 fail 
 To thank you, oh, so kindly, sir, for what you did for 
 
 him 
 Who now is somewhere over there along the Kusko- 
 
 kwim." 
 
 The tent-flap raised, as thus she spake, and there upon 
 
 the ground 
 Sat her new friend, and with him one whose hands and 
 
 feet were bound. 
 In answer to her startled gaze replied he casually, 
 *'He froze his hands and feet, back there, you see," and, 
 
 pausing here, 
 He bade her enter, and quick too the proffered food 
 
 she brought. 
 ''And thank you miss for bringing this, for we are 
 
 surely caught 
 In a bad place. 
 
 You see we aimed to reach the river's mouth, 
 And then return before the sun had crawled up from 
 
 the south. 
 But now," and here his face grew grave with doubting, 
 
 and with pain, 
 "I fear me much that my friend here will never bear 
 
 the strain 
 Of this long mush, that's hard at best. 
 
 His feet are frozen bad ; 
 
THE PRINCESS' DEFIANCE 109 
 
 And you must know 'tis many a mile before help can 
 be had : 
 
 Unless," and turning to her full, so he could catch 
 her eye, 
 
 "Unless your folks would lend a hand in this our pass- 
 ing by." 
 
 She hesitated ere she spoke and looked him earnestly, 
 TheQ paused a while, and he could see the wish creep 
 
 wistfully 
 About the rounded cheek and down toward the trem- 
 bling chin. 
 Traced by the tears that rolled fast from her eyes 'cross 
 
 dusky skin — 
 "Yes, I wall aid you all I can, and I have friends who'll 
 
 be 
 A present help in your dire strait, for they can surely 
 
 see 
 That help is needed at this time. But you will me 
 
 obey 
 And never tell to any one that you fetched yesterday 
 The letter that my friend sent me ; for things would go 
 
 amiss. 
 The Chieftain here is venomous, and he would resent 
 
 this; 
 And your friend would find suffering upon my own 
 
 account : — 
 Things are not as they used to be. If he knew, he 
 
 would doubt." 
 
 And shortly afterward she came, and deftly, with her 
 hands 
 
no AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Applied a sort of secret salve, and then with muskrat 
 bands 
 
 She wrapped the frozen members tight, then told him 
 to bring snow, 
 
 And into this she banked his feet, and watched the pro- 
 gress slow, 
 
 His face grew pale as one in death ; the agony intense 
 
 Swept through his body to his face, to make its own 
 defense. 
 
 She seemed to feel the pain with him, and stepping to 
 his side 
 
 Sought in her own sweet way to show that pain he 
 must deride 
 
 If he would soon be well again. 
 
 *'You know it will take long 
 
 To make you well so you can walk ; and then you will 
 be strong 
 
 To go back home again up there, where my dear friend 
 still lives; 
 
 It must be nice there, I should think, such place con- 
 tentment gives." 
 
 *'Your friend is Harold Brown, I judge, well, he is a 
 great lad. 
 
 So true of heart and strong of limb; and he has never 
 had 
 
 The least trouble with any one, that you could call dis- 
 pute. 
 
 But not a man in that whole camp, would dare his word 
 refute. 
 
 But I will tell you more of him if I'm allowed to 
 stay. 
 
THE PRINCESS' DEFIANCE in 
 
 Send me your Chief, I'll talk with him. I will his 
 
 doubts allay, 
 For all the trouble I might give. 
 
 My friend Pat, can go on; 
 And I'll remain with your folks here until I have 
 
 grown strong." 
 
 The temperature had sunk down low, till it read fifty- 
 two ; 
 
 And few there were who cared to face the trail and 
 make it through. 
 
 Dense grew the air that, thick as fog, hung low to- 
 ward the snow ; 
 
 And hardly could one breathe this frost in moving to 
 and fro. 
 
 But, 'twas the day set for his start, so Patterson struck 
 out; 
 
 The time was short to make the trip, but never did he 
 doubt 
 
 His own full strength, and the swift pace of all his 
 noble dogs, 
 
 Who were companions, tried and true, o'er trails and 
 hills and bogs. 
 
 Oh, could the world without but know the feelings that 
 will grow 
 
 Between a faithful dog-team and their master's heart 
 aglow ; 
 
 They give and give with all the fineness of a human 
 being, 
 
 Clinched in the solitary wilds of this great Northland's 
 seeing. 
 
U2 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 The stretch was long, the trail was hard, the air burnt 
 
 like the fire; 
 But never would this brave, true soul give up the fight 
 
 entire. 
 Such are the brave souls who have carved that others 
 
 might traverse; 
 These are the men who much deserve, but often hear 
 
 the curse 
 Hurled at them by the timorous few who follow in 
 
 their steps, 
 To find their failing strength cry out the lie to their 
 
 concepts. 
 But let the world know, once for all, that heroes fight 
 
 and die 
 Alone, unsuccored and unloved, while with their 
 
 strength they vie. 
 
 His friend and comrade gone, McVaugh lay in his 
 tent alone; 
 
 Though promised succor from the tribe, he knew that 
 only one 
 
 Could be relied upon to give him aid in his distress ; 
 
 Yes, only one in all this cold, forbidding wilder- 
 ness. 
 
 She came anon and brought her slave, — the slave she 
 saved from death. 
 
 And well he knew that she was much of other aid be- 
 reft. 
 
 The quiet manner of this maid, the sweetness of her 
 mould 
 
 Spake more to him in the true sense than volumes 
 manifold. 
 
THE PRINCESS' DEFIANCE 113 
 
 How tender were her words, how shy if chance left 
 
 them alone, 
 How quick to take her leave when once her duty had 
 
 been done. 
 
 The Chief had promised to give aid, and in return re- 
 ceive 
 
 Tobacco, tea, and calico, his tribe's wants to relieve. 
 
 But deep his hatred grew apace for Yonatchna fair,^ 
 
 And never once from this time forth would he her in- 
 sults spare. 
 
 And many of his followers, who in the past loved her, 
 
 Now treated her with dire contempt, and often cast a 
 slur 
 
 On seeing her return from out the tent where Mc- 
 Vaugh lay — 
 
 For she was true as heart is true, and ministered each 
 day. 
 
 So, sadder grew this fair sweet maid, as days succeeded 
 days. 
 
 And 'tis strange if she wondered not if such devotion 
 pays. 
 
 But gave she never hint nor word, but steadfast to her 
 
 task. 
 Dressed well the frozen members till the pain left him 
 
 at last. 
 He heard them speak to her one day, when she had left 
 
 his tent. 
 And heard her fiery soul spring out their base slurs 
 
 to resent : 
 **You call yourselves the brave men here, and so I 
 
 thought you then, 
 
114 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 But now I know too well I judged you wrongly as 
 
 brave men. 
 Where are the valiant gone I knew when father was 
 
 your Chief? 
 Then you did seek me, one and all, that I might grant 
 
 relief ; 
 And now you know that care I naught for all your 
 
 ridicule, 
 It hurts me not, and more it proves that you are but 
 
 the fool." 
 With this she walked straight up the trail, proud as 
 
 her ancestors, 
 And wavered not in her straight course from these her 
 
 sequestors. 
 
 The Irish fire leapt in McVaugh and burned to fiercest 
 flame, 
 
 Anger there was in this just man to hear her put to 
 shame ; 
 
 He hobbled well without the tent, and spake as natives 
 do: 
 
 *'You Indian devils, you vile rogues, you coward sneak- 
 ing crew ; 
 
 Let me but hear that once again you dare this girl de- 
 ride, 
 
 And you'll be laying cold and stiff along the bare trail's 
 side. 
 
 You must not think that I'll stand here while you insult 
 this maid. 
 
 Though you may be a thousand strong, you know I'm 
 not afraid 
 
THE PRINCESS' DEFIANCE 115 
 
 To face you all, and you might tell your Chief that I 
 
 am here, 
 And will make good the word I speak, — of him I have 
 
 no fear." 
 
 They slunk away, as Indians will, when rightly called 
 
 to task ; 
 They greatly dread to hear the word that does their 
 
 fear unmask — 
 So days passed on, and days grew long, as the glad 
 
 spring drew near 
 With all its glorious sunshine bright ; but he now had 
 
 a fear. 
 For by this time brave Patterson should have turned 
 
 on the trail. 
 What if his comrade had misjudged the trip, and thus 
 
 should fail 
 To make this point before the snow had sunk to mother 
 
 earth ? 
 Grave was his dread, and less he showed the maid his 
 
 native mirth. 
 Day after day he took long walks along the river's 
 
 course, 
 And questioned all the native men of this and that 
 
 stream's source : 
 For much he feared that these small pups would open 
 
 in advance 
 Of the Susitna, — the main flow, — his partner's doubt 
 
 enhance. 
 For, when the spring breaks with its flow of warm air 
 
 and sunshine. 
 
ii6 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 It eats the billowy whiteness from the mountain's top- 
 most shrine, 
 
 Down leap the turbulent waters in their race toward 
 the sea, 
 
 And gut the streamlets clear of ice. 
 
 So nature holds the key 
 
 To vast dominions of the North, but long her warning 
 gives 
 
 Ere she enacts this tragedy ; and none within her lives 
 
 To tell a different tale than this: that nature at her 
 best 
 
 Aids every one of her dear sons well to conserve their 
 quest. 
 
AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 BOOK VI 
 
THE PERSECUTOR 
 
 THAT spring had come the village life took on 
 an active mood; 
 Their visitors had left them long; and so a 
 quest for food 
 Was carried on, as one by one, the huntsmen went 
 
 away 
 Till in that village scarce was left a man from day to 
 
 day. 
 For it devolves upon the men to stalk the roaming 
 
 game; 
 As on the women-folks it rests well to preserve the 
 
 same : 
 
 They must prepare the hides for clothes, by tanning 
 them to wear, 
 
 And they must see that meat is dried, and then be- 
 stowed with care. 
 
 Their lordly masters like not work, for it is truly 
 known 
 
 That native men will seldom toil and ably play the 
 drone. 
 
 Fair Yonatchna's efforts rose to still her Chief's com- 
 plaint, 
 
 Worked, as the other women worked, though often 
 chill and faint; 
 
 But she was treated with contempt by these poor, igno- 
 rant folk 
 
 119 
 
I20 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Who drank the poison of their spleen from men of 
 
 meaner yoke. 
 She was untaught in their crude work, save seeing how 
 
 'twas done, 
 And doubly hard it came to her, though she with pa- 
 tience won — 
 Men stood in wonder as they watched her try to tan 
 
 some hide : 
 Bending so lowly o'er her work, with faultless marks 
 
 of pride. 
 With her small hands and shapely form, her wealth of 
 
 jet black hair, — 
 None sweeter in the whole bleak land could e'er with 
 
 her compare. 
 But had their Chief not told them in his unmistaken 
 
 terms. 
 That favors would be given him whom Yonatchna 
 
 spurns ? 
 And few there were who disobeyed, and just these very 
 
 few, 
 Were barely civil to her now, since their Chief's wish 
 
 they knew. 
 For had he not here, openly, expressed his wish to 
 
 wed? 
 And had she not refused his hand, his igloo, and his 
 
 bed? 
 Their Chief had told them in plain words that she 
 
 loved the firebrand 
 Who feigned his sickness with them once, that he 
 
 might win her hand. 
 "She spurned us all, her truest friends, she says we are 
 
 not fit 
 
THE PERSECUTOR 121 
 
 To touch her hand, nor win her love, nor in her pres- 
 ence sit. 
 So why should we coerce her whims, or hold her as 
 
 the best ? 
 What is there in this female dog that she should still 
 
 be blest 
 With all attention we can give, because her father 
 
 Chief 
 Had fostered her and cared for her? 
 
 I hold but as a thief 
 One who would take our substance and meanwhile still 
 
 spurns our love ; 
 I do not know, my tribes-men all, what we are thinking 
 
 of. 
 True, our dead Chief did counsel us to look to her 
 
 with care; 
 But is there one among us who has not done his full 
 
 share 
 In helping and in petting her? And what is the re- 
 turn? 
 Why, my dear friends, she slights us all, and our love 
 
 doth she spurn! 
 She loves a pale-face, this I know ; a white-skinned dog 
 
 who here 
 Imposed on us, and lived on us ; and well I saw the fear 
 Spring to his face, as to a cur's, when I did bid him go. 
 And so he went, as a thief goes with trembling heart, 
 
 I know. 
 You must not think that I bear spite because she would 
 
 not wed ; 
 But I do here proclaim to you, that, for the honored 
 
 dead 
 
122 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 I feel that she would bring insult to this her lineage 
 
 tribe, 
 If she would wed a pale-faced dog, and leave us in her 
 
 pride. 
 She must be humbled to the dust, and you, my brave 
 
 tribesmen, 
 Must see to it that this is done before he comes again." 
 With this he turned and sought his lodg^, while the 
 
 braves stood aghast ! 
 What did this mean? Was this their Chief who dared 
 
 defy the past. 
 Where every maiden's honor stood a glory to them all 
 As from the dead past o'er such sins they always threw 
 
 a pall. 
 
 Here is a lore song that I learned, this is the way it 
 
 ran, 
 Known by the learned of this tribe, and sacred to each 
 
 man: — 
 
 Lore Song* 
 
 Command we our maidens that they should be spotless 
 
 and loyal : — 
 The Spirits demand it to ward off the chance of our 
 
 fall; 
 In long ages past this their emblem ; let ours now attest 
 That virtue must still regnant be, if our nation be 
 
 blest. 
 
 * Handed down from Chief Ik-Khagamute, whose fame 
 still lives among the Indian tribes for his unquestioned 
 loyalty to his people, his great powers in war, and in the 
 chase. The author gives it as nearly word for word as is 
 possible to insure rhythm. 
 
THE PERSECUTOR 123 
 
 This one lonely instance conserve in a sense to display 
 How our fathers were firm in their efforts their honor 
 
 to stay : — 
 For a wee babe was born; but quickly dispatched was 
 
 its Hfe; 
 Its mother was shielded, for she laid not claim to be 
 
 wife. 
 
 The Chief called aloud for her name, that example be 
 
 made, 
 The tribe was compelled now, to hold up to shame this 
 
 vile maid; 
 The igloos were searched, every child and its parents 
 
 must come 
 To the great meeting square, — not one was this edict 
 
 to shun. 
 
 They came all excited, their honor shone forth from 
 their eyes : 
 
 Their Chief, and his nobles, their slaves, and their chil- 
 dren and wives; 
 
 From every low home that was built in the bowels of 
 the earth, 
 
 Even every wee babe was brought from the place of its 
 birth. 
 
 Not a one was exempt, for the edict had gone into 
 
 force ; 
 The Chief and his nobles and shammans were there to 
 
 endorse. 
 Deep painted and plumed came accusers with low 
 
 steady tread. 
 
124 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And bearing the proof of the guilt of the maiden 
 unwed. 
 
 The Chief stood apart, while his brow showed no sign 
 
 of a frown : 
 The proof of the stoic, — the badge of his tribe's wide 
 
 renown 
 For their fierceness in war, for their unconquered speed 
 
 in the chase, — 
 On him it devolved to wipe out every sting of disgrace. 
 
 The women and children and tribesmen stood some 
 way apart. 
 
 While accusers stood close by their Chieftain, their 
 proofs to impart. 
 
 A deep silence fell o'er that gathering; almost hearts 
 ceased to beat, 
 
 As the Chieftain their faces searched boldly, command- 
 ing them to speak. 
 
 ''Our Chief," came the voice of the leader, "is won- 
 drous and brave ; 
 
 We bow to your courage in battle; and audience we 
 crave : 
 
 We come, O, our Chief, at your mandate, we bow to 
 your will. 
 
 We come that your eyes may behold, that your doubts 
 may be still." 
 
 And then to the eyes of the anxious who had been de- 
 layed ; 
 
THE PERSECUTOR 125 
 
 They brought forth a bundle, unwrapped it, and 
 
 showed the dead babe ! 
 The Chief in his anguish stood silent; intent was his 
 
 thought ! 
 ''Let the men and their families be counted, the guilty 
 
 be caught." 
 
 His voice rang like far distant thunder, command on 
 
 command, 
 And broke on the ears of his people, renowned through 
 
 the land. 
 The families were counted and passed on, then stood 
 
 off apace. 
 Till they found one of them to be missing, now hid in 
 
 disgrace. 
 
 The accusers again faced their Chieftain, and each 
 
 bowed his head; 
 "O, Mighty, the Chief of our people," and their voices 
 
 showed dread, 
 ''We have counted thy people, O, Chieftain, and one is 
 
 not here; 
 She is hid from the sight of thy visage through anguish 
 
 and fear. 
 
 "Bring her forth that our people may see her, this sin- 
 ner accursed!" 
 
 Men sprang to the igloos in haste now; through the 
 doorways they burst, 
 
 They scoured the homes that were empty ; but no one 
 they found. 
 
126 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Till they entered their Chiefs only igloo, and there 
 she was found. 
 
 They dragged her in haste through the door-way, and 
 
 into tlie square, 
 Where the people fell back in amazement, her anguish 
 
 to share ; 
 But the old Chief, her father stood boldly, not a tremor 
 
 he showed ; 
 Then quick to the side of his daughter, — they feared as 
 
 he strode. 
 
 He cursed the vile spirits, then struck her, contempt for 
 
 the sin; 
 Contempt for the flesh of his flesh that she let spirits 
 
 in 
 To defile, and corrupt, and destroy her, and thus heap 
 
 up shame 
 On the race of his father, his people, his untrammeled 
 
 name. 
 
 And turning he walked off in silence his head bending 
 low. 
 
 Not willing to show to his people the force of that 
 blow! 
 
 They took her and caged her for six days with no 
 water, no meat; 
 
 But bare to the sun's heat they left her to beg, to en- 
 treat. 
 
 They passed daily by her to taunt her and scourge her 
 anew; 
 
THE PERSECUTOR 127 
 
 On her ankles and wrists they hung fish-teeth that cut 
 
 the skin through; 
 Though water flowed outside her prison they gave her 
 
 no drop ! 
 In their firmness of heart to be loyal they aided her not. 
 
 On the sixth day, nigh dead from exhaustion she lay 
 
 in a heap, 
 From her body they tore all her clothing and painted 
 
 her feet; 
 In a cage they had built for the purpose, with breasts 
 
 in full view 
 That her dead baby's spirit might suckle and her life 
 
 renew. 
 
 Thus cleansed from her base sin and folly, the spirits 
 
 forgave ; 
 Her forefinger cut from her left hand, her future to 
 
 pave, 
 She was publicly wed to her consort, who knew well 
 
 the chase. 
 The shammans implored then the spirits their sins to 
 
 erase. 
 
 But for years she must hide from her sisters her face 
 
 and be lorn, 
 And amulets gather and wear she, till a baby was bom, 
 Then she knew that the spirits forgave her, that she 
 
 was made new : 
 That the future was planned for her living, — the sun 
 
 would shine through. 
 
AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 BOOK VII 
 
THE PURSUIT 
 
 THE spring had come in earnest now, with all 
 its glorious Hght; 
 And here the pussy-willows sprang to greet 
 the living Hght; 
 
 The snow had left the south hillsides, and tufts of ten- 
 der grass 
 
 Waved to the breeze, and lent a charm as o'er this 
 course she passed : 
 
 For Yonatchna tramped alone in this sweet solitude ; 
 
 Always fair nature overjoyed and filled her soul with 
 food. 
 
 The radiant sunshine of the day, the never dark'ning 
 nights ; 
 
 The beauteous flowers, the fragrant breeze, filled her 
 with rare dehghts. 
 
 Here could she find the one true salve for all her 
 wounded pride ; 
 
 And here her thoughts found life again in all their 
 range so wide. 
 
 'Twas on this very hill that he had met her long ago, 
 
 And he would fain have drawn her near, where now 
 sweet flowers grow. 
 
 And here it was that she had learned he really cared 
 for her, 
 
 For, with a maiden's instinct clear, she saw he did con- 
 cur 
 
 131 
 
132 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 With all she said, when his wild soul had voiced its 
 
 riot out, 
 For eagerly he drank her words when the truth came 
 
 about. 
 How manly he had plead to her, and opened wide his 
 
 heart, 
 In his firm pleading for her wish to judge him as a 
 
 part 
 Of her true self, in this one way, that she was his 
 
 best friend, 
 And evermore he would endorse, and her sweet self 
 
 defend. 
 The flowers were here, in her mind's eye, and here the 
 
 running vines, 
 And over there, from where she stood, the honeysuckle 
 
 twines 
 Its tender branches with the spruce, in seeking for 
 
 support ; 
 And just beyond the gypsophila filled the flowery port. 
 
 This place was sacred to her now, and every leaf which 
 grew. 
 
 Flamed radiant with life-giving love the vivid day- 
 time through ; 
 
 No, nevermore should night-time come, for love had 
 paved the way, 
 
 And dark or light, for all the time life would mean 
 glorious day. 
 
 Hearing a noise behind her, quick she turned to seek 
 the cause, 
 
 Who could intrude upon her now? As she looked 
 came a pause. 
 

 '1 
 
 1 
 
 mU iM 
 
 1 
 
 
 "^S^^^S ""^^d^Mmmj^^^^^^m^^^^Bk ti.'*' 
 
 
 P 
 
 CT^ie/ Tuluksaka 
 
THE PURSUIT 133 
 
 Wild beat her heart as there she saw the Chieftain 
 
 crouching low, 
 A fiendish leer shone from his eye, and dark his evil 
 
 brow. 
 "What would you here, my Chief?" she cried, as fear 
 
 sprang up with stress 
 And clogged her senses as to how she best should him 
 
 address. 
 
 "Oh, I was walking o'er the hills, by chance I saw you 
 
 here, 
 Sweet Yonatchna, I would know why you do show 
 
 such fear 
 At this my presence on this day, at such a time as this ? 
 Is there aught now that you would say, or aught that 
 
 is amiss?" 
 "Oh! I know why I should fear, you do not mean me 
 
 well; 
 You have no love for me I know that you will have to 
 
 quell : 
 Then why have you come here I pray, you heaped on 
 
 me a curse; 
 Now I know well your deep intent — 
 
 You still do wish me worse! 
 I know you do not care for me for arts I can employ, 
 Much rather do I think that you my good name would 
 
 destroy." 
 
 **You think this, do you, oh my maid? You are so 
 wondrous wise, 
 
 You think because you are well versed in many pale- 
 faced lies 
 
134 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 That you are far above your tribe ; I curse them every 
 
 one, 
 And so my tribesmen curse them too. 
 
 Who will you lean upon 
 When he, your friend, has come again and robbed you 
 
 of your pride, 
 As he will surely do ? Or will you take his love betide, 
 And boldly hold your head as now, and shun us as 
 
 you do? 
 But I will rob him of his first sweet kiss, — yes him and 
 
 you!" 
 And like a lynx that creeps upon his helpless, cornered 
 
 game, 
 So the Chief crept toward this maid, with not a twinge 
 
 of shame. 
 
 Wild grew her eyes, fast pulsed her heart, while down 
 
 the bare hillside 
 She ran in fright, her trembling limbs o'er doubled 
 
 thrice their stride, 
 As over rocks and stunted pines, whose branches reach- 
 ing out, 
 Rended her dress of caribou, and scratched her all 
 
 about. 
 Down, down, and ever down she plunged, the twigs 
 
 caught in her hair. 
 Her face was torn and bleeding now, her soul was in 
 
 despair, 
 For just behind her plunged the Chief, an oath in 
 
 every breath 
 He swore by devils and by ghosts, by all the fiends of 
 
 death ! 
 
THE PURSUIT 135 
 
 She side-stepped him as he reached out to grab her in 
 his clutch, 
 
 And prone upon the bare hillside he stumbled; and a 
 touch 
 
 Of wild new hope leapt to her breast; she downward 
 sprang again, 
 
 Crippled and torn, and bleeding much; but heart and 
 brain still sane. 
 
 This bare mishap stood her in stead, for fair into the 
 arms 
 
 Of old McVaugh she fell prostrate, safe from immedi- 
 ate harms. 
 
 He laid her there upon the ground, and drew his hunt- 
 ing knife, 
 
 The Irish blood in him was fierce to let out some 
 skunk's life. 
 
 He ran about the hill in hopes of finding cause for 
 fight, 
 
 And once he thought he saw the semblance of a fleeting 
 sprite 
 
 Dodge through the tangled, scrubby brush; but when 
 he reached the place 
 
 No single living thing he saw that he might give it 
 chase. 
 
 Back to the spot where he had lain poor Yonatchna 
 down, 
 
 He hastened with redoubled steps, with still a murder- 
 ous frown 
 
 Upon his face. 
 
 "God curse the cur who would attack this 
 maid, 
 
136 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 And hell burn out his coward heart till he is well re- 
 paid." 
 
 She still lay prone upon the ground, insensible to 
 life,— 
 
 The poor, worn body, limp as death! So raising up 
 his knife. 
 
 Till its blade glistened in the sun, to consummate his 
 oath 
 
 Wildly he swore o'er that still form : 
 
 ''Oh, God, I am not loth 
 
 To seek the coward heart of him who dare assault this 
 
 girl, 
 
 So make my arm now doubly strong, to strike the 
 
 skulking churl. 
 And I swear here, o'er her still form, and by my 
 
 mother's name, 
 And by the very drops of blood that run throughout 
 
 my frame, 
 By my own being, and more I swear — I swear my 
 
 sacred soul. 
 That every drop of poisonous blood that he can claim 
 
 as whole. 
 Shall be scattered upon the ground, to poison this fair 
 
 earth. 
 And every spot that it escapes will blossom with its 
 
 mirth." 
 He raised the poor weak body up in his great sinewy 
 
 arms. 
 And bore his burden lovingly, with all her maiden 
 
 charms 
 Entrusted well for safe keeping; for all the native 
 
 men 
 
L 
 
 THE PURSUIT 137 
 
 That he passed by seemed not to care her honor to 
 
 defend. 
 She had nursed him, so he would now repay her for 
 
 her deeds ; 
 His staunch heart knew this best of ways to satisfy 
 
 her needs. 
 
 He knew that by her acts to him she had lost all her 
 
 friends, 
 He knew the native custom well : that none can make 
 
 amends 
 For what they do that might reflect upon their tribal 
 
 pride, 
 And she a Chieftain's daughter, too, this insult more 
 
 beside. 
 To her igloo he bore her now and laid her gently 
 
 down ; 
 And his crude efforts to help her brought to his face 
 
 a frown. 
 Now, if she were but man instead, he'd know just what 
 
 to do; 
 But duty urged his staunch heart on, and he would 
 
 pull her through. 
 He deftly bathed her face and hands, and wrapped her 
 
 robe about; 
 And from his tent he brought some rum and gave her 
 
 with a doubt. 
 And then beside the couch he sat, and watched the 
 
 fragile form 
 As still as death, while in his heart raged a deep, bitter 
 
 storm 
 
138 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Against the beast, who ever dared to wreak such havoc 
 
 here. 
 *'It calls for vengeance and I'll surely seek him far and 
 
 near." 
 And now the eyelids trembled some with urge of com- 
 ing life, 
 And her whole form convulsed in memory of the awful 
 
 strife. 
 She gave one scream that smote his heart, as half from 
 
 out the bed 
 She sprang in frenzied innocence, from her pure girlish 
 
 dread : 
 "Oh, save me, save me," loud she called, and quick he 
 
 caught her arm, 
 "There, there, you're safe, safe for all time. 
 
 I will not let him harm 
 You for one instant, see, I'm here. It is your friend 
 
 McVaugh, 
 Your friend I say, look well at me, for I was there 
 
 and saw 
 How it all happened ; you're safe now and I am here to 
 
 stay; 
 There, lie back now, and look at me, I'll watch by you 
 
 each day 
 Until you're well again, and then your Harold will be 
 
 here. 
 Oh, he will come; I know he will, so you need have 
 
 no fear." 
 
 She looked at him in that strange way, which showed 
 
 the mind a blank 
 To all the present happenings. 
 
THE PURSUIT 139 
 
 And she had him to thank 
 For this her present hopeless state ! 
 
 "Oh, if I could undo 
 It all again, and let her be the native maiden, true 
 To these her native friends, in fine, as in the past she 
 
 was; 
 But she is true, and they are wrong; and I have been 
 
 the cause." 
 And thus McVaugh nursed her for days, while she 
 
 begged piteously 
 In incoherent ramblings wild that he would set her free 
 From her strange agony. 
 
 'Tor he will come, I know he'll come 
 And kill us both. He said he would; and oh, you'll 
 
 see him soon 
 Come through the door, with all his might ! Oh, save 
 
 me, save me now ! 
 Oh, please, my Chief, do not do this, for you are 
 
 strong, and how 
 Can I protect my lonely self. Help! Help!! Oh, help I 
 
 say!" 
 Then she would clasp McVaugh's great hand, and beg 
 
 that he would stay; 
 Beg him with all her frenzied fear in her poor native 
 
 way. 
 Tears oft would spring from McVaugh's eyes as he 
 
 would comfort her, 
 And talk for hours of Harold Brown, and get her to 
 
 concur 
 In all he said about their friend, how he was good and 
 
 brave ; 
 And how in all sincerity he'd come her love to crave. 
 
140 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Thus quietly he brought her back to reason once again ; 
 And she would go when he went forth; but all their 
 
 walks in vain : 
 For Patterson had not appeared. 
 
 "He'll have to travel nights, 
 Now that the snow has mostly gone. I see the north- 
 ern lights 
 Are playing wild, and that portends we're going to 
 
 have more cold ; 
 He must have had a trip of it, and likely has been 
 
 fooled." 
 And thus the days dragged on, and now approached 
 
 the month of May, 
 And Patterson reeled in one day, much worn in every 
 
 way 
 From his long trip; his weary dogs were naught but 
 
 skin and bone 
 From untold hardships they had met, making this 
 
 journey home. 
 
AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 BOOK VIII 
 
THE WEDDING 
 
 THE season had cut off their hopes to reach the 
 Kuskokwim, 
 And earnestly they set to work to put their 
 
 tent in trim : 
 For they must wait here for a space until the ice had 
 
 broke 
 Upon the Yetna's watercourse, so then they set to 
 
 work, 
 Whip-sawed their lumber for a boat, though crude 
 
 from lack of tools, 
 Still worthy : for they gained their art from these wild 
 
 northland's schools. 
 McVaugh soon told his partner all about the Indian 
 
 rake; 
 But spake no word to the poor maid for her own com- 
 fort's sake. 
 
 They watched the Indians cautiously, and met them 
 
 with contempt 
 When aught of them would come near by and sneak 
 
 around their tent. 
 And Yonatchna kept aloof from people of her blood, 
 Always she lingered with these two, — in safety by 
 
 them stood. 
 She cooked their meals, and cleaned their tent, and 
 
 took a wondrous pride 
 143 
 
144 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 In what attention they would give. 
 
 And sitting there beside 
 The fire she told them tale on tale of tribesmen of 
 
 renown ; 
 But only once, up to this time, spake she of Harold 
 
 Brown : 
 "He said he'd come, and I had hopes that he would 
 
 come ere this, — 
 I wonder if he's lost his way, or aught has gone 
 
 amiss !" 
 They quieted her fears in this, and told her he would 
 
 come; 
 That he had told them he'd be here before June's stir 
 
 and hum. 
 "He has a week yet to make good, and you can count 
 
 on him, 
 For he's the hardiest chap we know along the Kusko- 
 
 kwim." 
 
 A change had come o'er this fair maid, the reader will 
 observe. 
 
 Though staunch as steel and proud and pure, with all 
 her sweet reserve, 
 
 Yet, she had lost a something here, and gained a some- 
 thing there, 
 
 Which made her less impulsive girl, and more the 
 woman fair. 
 
 When she spake now she weighed her words with the 
 precisest care, 
 
 Lest she might utter something that in justice was not 
 fair; 
 
THE WEDDING 145 
 
 And oft these two firm friends of hers would relate 
 
 tales from life, 
 While she would listen avidly and marvel at the strife. 
 And when they'd leave her igloo as the night drew on 
 
 apace, 
 Quietly she'd sit alone. 
 
 And o'er her wondrous face 
 Would creep a frown, or flash a light, as though she 
 
 weighed their words, 
 Which cleared her vision's mental scope, like rays from 
 
 gleaming swords. 
 And every night before she sought her couch for rest 
 
 and sleep. 
 To her great God she humbly prayed that He her love 
 
 would keep. 
 
 One morning ere she left her bed she heard her friends 
 
 without, — 
 Their tent was moved beside her home, to still her fear 
 
 and doubt, — 
 Welcome, she knew not whom, except his was a 
 
 friendly tone 
 And much beloved, for glad their talk, and through it 
 
 was no moan. 
 She listened now ecstatically to catch the comer's 
 
 voice : 
 Hoping on hope that it would cause her lone heart to 
 
 rejoice. 
 The voices seemed to her, constrained, for oft she lost 
 
 the sound, 
 Then they would ring again, the more her senses to 
 
 confound. 
 
146 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 No time for her to lie abed, when hopes sprang to her 
 
 breast, 
 There was no peace for her now that her mind could 
 
 find no rest. 
 Quick from her couch she sprang, and dressed her with 
 
 artistic care ; 
 Her every movement set on fire her hoping he was 
 
 there. 
 In haste she strung about her neck the beads he liked 
 
 so well, 
 And donned her dainty moccasins he told her looked 
 
 so "swell." 
 Her hair was braided and hung down, and at the ends 
 
 were tied 
 With dainty bows, stained deepest red, cut from the 
 
 moose-calf hide. 
 Her black eyes shone with hope and fear unto their 
 
 very deeps ; 
 And o'er that face, for long careworn, a flush of 
 
 beauty creeps. 
 It seemed she waited ages there before she ventured 
 
 out, 
 But hope restrained her ere she sought to still her lin- 
 gering doubt : 
 "If he is here, my eyes must see, my heart must know 
 
 the joy; 
 My ear must hear his voice again, my soul his love 
 
 enjoy." 
 Quick from her igloo she stepped forth, but paused 
 
 now where she stood. 
 Within the cadence of a voice that seemed to her so 
 
 good! 
 
THE WEDDING 147 
 
 "It must be him/' her wild heart said, "Oh, God, how 
 
 good Thou art 
 To bring him to me once again, and this great joy 
 
 impart." 
 She heard his words so clearly now, they mentioned 
 
 her own name. 
 And all a-tremble back she turned, her purpose now 
 
 gone lame. 
 "I'll wait until he comes to me, his heart will find me 
 
 here ; 
 He can not long remain away." 
 
 She heard a foot-step near 
 And now it paused at her own door, then gently came 
 
 a knock: 
 She tried to bid him come within, but silence, stood 
 
 to mock 
 Her every effort to speak out, "Come in, come in," she 
 
 cried, 
 But silence reigned supreme instead. Had her own 
 
 senses lied? 
 Her great eyes stared ; with wild heart throb she bade 
 
 him come once more. 
 But not a whisper could be heard, and no one oped the 
 
 door. 
 Knock, knock ! She heard it loud again, and trembling 
 
 like a fawn 
 Just startled from its morning's sleep by the rude 
 
 huntsmen's horn 
 She staggered wildly to the door, "Oh, Harold, is that 
 
 you? 
 Oh, do come in," her weak voice said, as slight her 
 
 courage grew. 
 
148 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 The door was fairly broke within; and hke a mighty 
 
 blast 
 That sweeps its path she felt two strong and loving 
 
 arms at last 
 Close round her in a warm embrace, and then she 
 
 knew no more 
 Love had rewarded her at last: love had its golden 
 
 store. 
 "Sweet, oh, how sweet it is to see your own dear lov- 
 ing self ; 
 And just to know that once again, my arms can you 
 
 engulf ! 
 Dear Yonatchna, darling girl, how great has been my 
 
 gain. 
 Now that I have my own sweet girl in lieu of all this 
 
 pain ; 
 But since I see you still are safe, you'll let me tell you 
 
 now 
 That love has crowned you queen of all, and my heart 
 
 will endow 
 With all the beauty that can come to any one in life; 
 And nevermore again shall you taste aught of this 
 
 world's strife; 
 For you will be my wedded wife, and proudly I'll pro- 
 tect 
 Your every moment with my care, so you may walk 
 
 erect." 
 
 She did not speak a word as yet, this moment holy 
 
 sweet, 
 Joy surely crowned her steadfast soul with a pure love, 
 
 complete. 
 
THE WEDDING 149 
 
 Closer became his hold on her, as sweet the moments 
 grew ; 
 
 Time had no meaning to them now, as their hearts 
 beat anew. 
 
 And when she looked into his eyes and saw the pas- 
 sion there, 
 
 And felt his warm breath fan her cheek, she doubted 
 not his care. 
 
 And holy sweet to her pure soul was his first, fervent 
 kiss: 
 
 Not for the world would she retreat, and this dear 
 moment miss. 
 
 She led him gently to the robes, and down upon the 
 floor 
 
 She made him sit; where he then told his travels, o'er 
 and o'er. 
 
 She then prepared some food for him, which he ate 
 with a zest ; 
 
 And when he could, he took his leave, to seek much- 
 needed rest. 
 
 McVaugh had told Brown what he knew about that 
 
 fateful day; 
 And how, for days and days he sat, while in her bed 
 
 she lay, 
 Begging so piteously for life, in her delirious mind, 
 And to the fact that she was safe, completely was she 
 
 blind. 
 He told him how, through nursing him, she won the 
 
 hate complete 
 Of all the natives here about ; and when they'd chance 
 
 to meet, 
 
I50 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 They gibed her in deep, bitter tones that she had broken 
 
 laws, 
 And that she was a slave, impure, unworthy of their 
 
 cause. 
 ''And I swore them many an oath that there would 
 
 come a day, 
 When I would meet this scoundrel, and he'd have that 
 
 score to pay; 
 But so far he has kept well hid, though I have searched 
 
 alone." 
 
 '* 'Tis not for you, McVaugh," Brown spoke, ''to me 
 
 he shall atone. 
 And I have still another debt, — for days that are gone 
 
 by: 
 I have my bearings better now, I'll with his cunning 
 
 vie. 
 Oh, do not fear, he is a dog of the low mongrel breed : 
 And so he thinks since he has strength, that others 
 
 shall take heed. 
 But he shall pay, or I'll forfeit my every drop of blood. 
 My vengeance shall he surely feel; it surges like a 
 
 flood"— 
 He rose and stalked from out the tent, his great form 
 
 showing fair 
 Against the evening's waning light; none might his 
 
 purpose share. 
 
 McVaugh now followed in his wake, well to protect his 
 
 friend 
 Against the cunning of the man whose braves would 
 
 him defend. 
 
THE WEDDING 151 
 
 The young man hurried to the place where dwelt the 
 
 reigning Chief 
 And not a moment did he pause to grant his ire 
 
 relief, — 
 Crash went the door, when his great strength had met 
 
 this feeble bar, 
 And he stood there with lion heart to face this Chief- 
 tain cur. 
 Low on the robes the Chieftain lay; but sprang quick 
 
 to his feet, 
 His muscled form in attitude an enemy to meet. 
 "So here you hide, you cursed scum, you Chieftain of 
 
 black hell; 
 You base defiler of the pure and innocent as well; 
 Think not that I am not aware of what a dog you are, 
 And how the devil keeps your kind that this earth he 
 
 may mar.'* 
 
 Chiefs lowering eyes grew hard as flint, a leer de- 
 formed his face, 
 
 His muscles tightened with a snap, as when he took 
 the chase. 
 
 Then glancing for a moment sharp about his dark 
 igloo, 
 
 He raised his head in vaunting pride. 
 
 "And so your friends and you 
 
 Are come to rule instead of me? You stole a foolish 
 girl 
 
 By your base flattery and food. You are the vilest 
 churl 
 
 That eyes have ever looked upon.'' 
 
 And like a man insane 
 
152 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Harold was at his throat, and fought like a wild 
 
 hurricane. 
 Flash went a knife with lightning speed, and deep into 
 
 his arm 
 The long blade sank. But Harold, quick to ward ofif 
 
 further harm 
 By such base treachery, sprang clear and, drawing his 
 
 keen knife, 
 "You cowardly devil's whelp," he cried, "now, this 
 
 shall cost your life." 
 But ere he could make good his threat, the strong arm 
 
 of McVaugh 
 Had seized him firmly by the arm. 
 
 "Come, Brown, this is no way." 
 And then he saw the blood gush forth from out the 
 
 deep ait there, 
 And quick as flash his pistol came. 
 
 But all in war is fair : 
 "You skunk of a declining tribe, you'll fight a good 
 
 square fight. 
 And by the skittering cats of day, we'll show you who 
 
 is right. 
 Come now, and drop that knife of yours ; your men are 
 
 here to see 
 That fairness will be done to you. Drop it, and let 
 
 it be, 
 Or you will never fight again. There, now, come on 
 
 without." 
 And Harold gave up his own knife, to quash the 
 
 Chieftain's doubt. 
 
THE WEDDING 153 
 
 The stalwart form stepped quick without in face of all 
 his tribe, 
 
 'Twas not for him, the bully now, to give them room 
 to gibe. 
 
 Strong as the bear that roams the hills, as quick of eye 
 and limb; 
 
 Who was this cur of a pale-face who thus dared chal- 
 lenge him? 
 
 His fury rose in face of all, and giving one wild 
 
 yell, 
 
 He sprang toward the younger man; but quick as 
 word can tell, 
 
 A side-step, and a thundering crash fair on his vicious 
 face, 
 
 Now stunned him for an instant; then loud jeers from 
 his own race 
 
 Quite maddened him, and fury spent its spleen upon 
 his mind. 
 
 Then like a bull, pricked to attack, what semblance to 
 mankind 
 
 Was left in him, had been destroyed and straight to- 
 wards his foe 
 
 He sprang. They whirled, now clinched and broke; 
 the fight was never slow, 
 
 Arms shot out with the lightning's speed, and landed 
 fair and full; 
 
 Now down, now up again, and round with many a 
 lurch and pull. 
 
 McVaugh and Patterson stood there, their pistols in 
 their hand, 
 
 Stern in their attitude, to hold the natives in com- 
 mand. 
 
154 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 Well were they watching every move of the grim 
 
 fighters there, 
 And saw with satisfaction that their friend had 
 
 strength to spare. 
 The Chieftain's face was red-blood-stained, and his 
 
 eyes staring wild. 
 ''You'll say I stole this native girl, or robbed you of 
 
 your child? 
 You skulking cur," fast fell the blows upon the head 
 
 and face, 
 "I'll show you where you're standing now, and how 
 
 we keep the pace." 
 This all from Harold as he sprang clear of all blows 
 
 that fell 
 With awful force; then back again with a victorious 
 
 yell. 
 The Chieftain's strength was waning fast; by all 
 
 'twas clearly seen. 
 When somewhere from without the crowd came a 
 
 heart-rending scream: 
 And full before them sprang a girl, pale, and with 
 
 heaving breast, 
 '*Oh, Patterson, oh, please, McVaugh!" she pleaded 
 
 with all zest, 
 "Save him, oh, save him from this beast. See, Yon- 
 
 atchna pleads, 
 On bended knee; oh, please, McVaugh, I served you 
 
 in your needs, 
 And now you will not turn a hand to save my Harold 
 
 there!" 
 And she clung to him piteously. "You think I do not 
 
 care! 
 
THE WEDDING 155 
 
 My poor, poor girl, 'twill soon be o'er. Remember 
 
 well the hill 
 When he attacked you that day. Think how he tried 
 
 to kill 
 Your precious life's virtue. Think! Think! And let 
 
 your love avenge 
 The base, deep insult that you felt. You know we are 
 
 your friends 
 And will stand by him and by you." 
 
 **Oh, please, oh, please, McVaugh, 
 Let him not suffer for my sake!" And screaming as 
 
 she saw 
 Them both fall heavily to the ground. The fight at 
 
 last was o'er, 
 For now the Chieftain lay quiet, still, — no use to fight 
 
 him more. 
 She sprang towards her champion as he lay upon the 
 
 ground : 
 And wept hysterically and kissed the one great gaping 
 
 wound 
 Upon his cheek. 
 
 ''Oh, Harold dear, the joy of all my life! 
 O, God! that I should cause you this, — this bitter, 
 
 bitter strife. 
 Can you forgive me, Harold dear? Oh, speak to me 
 
 sweetheart, 
 So I may hear your voice again, and I'll use every art 
 To nurse you back to life again as it was yesterday.'* 
 And sobbing thus, they gently led the stricken maid 
 
 away. 
 
156 AN ATHABASCAN PRINCESS 
 
 The following day Harold was out, though his wound 
 
 gave him pain : 
 And all the natives ready were to greet him with 
 
 acclaim. 
 To them strength was a mark of rank, a trust of 
 
 worthiness ; 
 And eagerly fair Yonatchna they would now address. 
 She was again their idol fair, and her great heart did 
 
 melt 
 Before the native warmth again, — no hatred now she 
 
 felt, 
 Her life was much too full of love to let a shadowy 
 
 thought 
 Enter her soul, since it was love that had this beauty 
 
 brought. 
 They left there when the stream ran full, to reach the 
 
 Kuskokwim ; 
 And life was one great pulsing joy in sharing it with 
 
 him. 
 Her Mission book served for McVaugh rightly to 
 
 marry them, 
 And he was classed as minister from this time with 
 
 the men. 
 
Songs o' the Olympics 
 
 By ALICE HARRIMAN 
 
 TOTEM POLES 
 Thlingits' queer Totem Poles, ugly, uncouth, 
 Represent what they were told in their youth 
 Of tribal history— fiction and fact 
 They accept fully; nor add nor subtract. 
 
 Why should we ridicule, think very droll 
 Indian legends and carved totem pole. 
 When we, in bhndness, are equally odd 
 In misconceptions of life and of God? 
 
 In this book you have struck several new notes-the rarest thing 
 '" ^ -R^erUnLwood Johnson, Editor of Century Maga^ne, 
 Mrs. Harriman bears the gift of real poetry •^-_}^-^J^;,,,^^^^^ 
 
 Illustrated. Boards, artistic Indian head design, $1,60; 
 
 leather, %2.00 net; limp leather, $2.50; Japanese 
 
 gold and silver art einbroidery, $3.50. 
 
 THE ALICE HAKRIMAN COMPANY 
 
 318 DENNY 
 
 542 FIFTH j^gw YORK & SEATTLE building 
 
Trails Through 
 Western Woods 
 
 By HELEN FITZGERALD SANDERS 
 
 The author-artist gives us an idyl of forest trails, cloud-swept 
 mountains, glacier-born cascades, gentle Selish and heart-broken 
 Indian chiefs, born to learn their day is past. The book will 
 widen the circles of those who regret the passing of the brave, 
 free life of the wilderness. 
 
 ^ ' Hekiv 
 
 ^- Ifl'zger^d 
 
 The author deserves the gratitude of the American nation for capturing 
 the nebulous star-mist of its beginnings— and that which went before." 
 
 —N. T. Times. 
 Illustrated by the Author. Colored end sheets. 
 $2.00 net; 'postage 16 cents. 
 
 THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 
 
 and 
 
 avInueNEW YORK 
 
 C -P A T'T' T X} 318 DENNY 
 a i^i A 1 i 1^ il. BUILDING 
 
The SUPERINTENDENT 
 
 By IRENE WELCH GRISSOM 
 
 New Characters, Scenes and Theine 
 
 A strong story of the Sawmill Country in Western 
 Washington. Redolent of fir, cedar, and hemlock as 
 the whirring saws let loose the stored perfume of the 
 growth of centuries. 
 
 $1.35 net; postage 10 cents 
 
 THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 
 
 AVEN UE NEW YORK and SEATTLE ^'gilmNS 
 
A MAN OF 
 TWO COUNTRIES 
 
 A POLITICAL NOVEL 
 
 By ALICE HARRIMAN 
 
 Other books: Stories of Montana, Songs 'o the Sound, Chaperoning 
 Adrienne Through the Yellowstone. Songs o* the Olympics 
 
 QUERY. Why does 
 an Englishman ever 
 become an Ameri- 
 can? 
 
 TIME. 1878-1891. 
 
 PLACE. Montana. 
 
 THE MAN. A young 
 Englishman. 
 
 THE GIRL. There 
 are two. 
 
 A Man of 
 'Evo Goun tries 
 
 Alice Harriman. 
 
 A story with hither- 
 to unused local color 
 and thoroughly 
 original characters 
 
 Illustrated with pen 
 and ink chapter 
 headings by C. M. 
 Dowling. 
 
 Striking four color 
 wrapper. 
 
 Trice $1.50^ postage 12c. 
 
 THE ALICE HARRIMAN COMPANY 
 
 and 
 
 ^v^'n'S^NEW YORK 
 
 C -C A T'T" T 17 318 DENNY 
 O XL. A 1 I ij Hi building 
 
m 4 !9!! 
 
One copy del. to Cat. Div. 
 
 a t^'^ii