V. HOW TWO SQUAWS SAVED THEIR BAND
(Kickapoo)
he Indian has a great pride in and love for his band and nation. There is a story of two captive squaws who were promised life and freedom if they would lead their captors to the place where the squaws’ own people were hidden.
The squaws told their captors to bring many canoes; then, acting as guides, leaped into the front canoe, calling on their captors to follow them. The long line of boats swept quickly down the stream. Every one was merry but the two squaws; their faces showed the sorrow in their hearts.
The river grew narrower, and the current grew swifter. The warriors called to the squaws to know if they were going the right way.
“This is the shortest way to our wigwams. Make ready your arrows. You will see the smoke of our campfires. We will lead the band who will kill our braves.” [[97]]
The squaws stood up in their canoe. They threw their paddles far out into the white water of the rapids. They gave the war whoop of their people.
The warriors saw the canoe which held the two captive squaws stand still. It was caught for one minute by a rock, then it leaped forward like a great fish and was out of sight. There was no hope for any of the canoes. Down, over the falls they went, one by one. The squaws had led their captors by the shortest way, but it was the way of death to each one.
The braves they were seeking were hidden in a cave at the foot of the waterfall. The broken canoes, scattered garments, arrows, and bodies told the story of their rescue by the brave squaws. Now the squaws of their band sing in the great war dance and chant of the bravery of women. [[98]]