Prev | Current Page 213 | Next

Eastman, Charles A., 1858-1939

"Old Indian Days"


Suddenly a familiar form appeared in the door
of the council lodge.
"Is it becoming in a warrior to spill the blood
of his tribesmen? Are there no longer any
Ojibways?"
It was the voice of Eyatonkawee, that strong-
hearted woman! Advancing at the critical mo-
ment to the middle of the ring of warriors, she
once more recited her "brave deed" with all
the accompaniment of action and gesture, and
to such effect that the disorderly feast broke
up in confusion, and there was peace between
the rival bands of Sioux.
There was seldom a dangerous quarrel among
the Indians in those days that was not precipi-
tated by the use of strong liquor, and this sim-
ple Indian woman, whose good judgment was
equal to her courage, fully recognized this fact.
All her life, and especially after her favorite
brother had been killed in a drunken brawl in
the early days of the American Fur Company,
she was a determined enemy to strong drink,
and it is said did more to prevent its use among
her immediate band than any other person.


Pages:
201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225