It was not long before the whole affair was made clear. The man had seen a deer, and, not wishing to lose his chance of a shot, he took the first gun he could find. When his object had been attained, he not only returned the rifle, but brought the lady a piece of venison as a recompense.
Before the introduction of fire-arms the deer was killed in different ways. One method was a snare formed of a rope of wild hemp, and so placed that when the deer's neck was caught his movement only served to tighten the rope and choke him to death. Another was that of driving sharp spikes of wood into the ground, on the other side of a log, over which the animal was expected to jump. In springing over the log, he would fall upon the spikes, which would pierce him to death. Sometimes the deer were driven by dogs into the water and thus easily captured. Finally they were shot by arrows. The bow was generally made of iron-wood, red cedar, or hickory, and it was very strong. The arrows were sharpened at the points, bone and shell being used for the tips.
Before the Indian completely vanishes as a distinct race, it is to be hoped that what we have learned about him will be preserved. Many Americanists have carefully labored in this field, and the Bureau of Ethnology in Washington is doing excellent work in this direction. Thus, long after the red man has vanished from the continent, his memory as the first American will remain with his white successor.
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THREE WISHES
BY MINNA THOMAS ANTRIM
"ONCE aloud, and twice in silence, shalt thou wish, and thy best wish I will give thee." So spake Destiny.
The moments ticked eternityward. The silent wishes were made, but the other—frantically the Woman stared at the face of the clock.
Vainly she prodded her mind, but five minutes—four—three remained—two—one "Oh!" wailed she aloud. "Oh, could I but choose!"
Solemnly the Hour struck. "Thy wish is granted thee: the sovereign gift of Surety—a greater lies not upon the knees of the High Gods. Beside thy two first (for beauty and love), the power to choose aright is as gold to clay."
And the future proved to this Woman that Destiny's choice for her had indeed been right.
