Page:Nattie Nesmith (1870).pdf/85

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an Indian, was now an unconscious prisoner in his rude wigwam, and soon to be borne away toward the wilderness. How could they think of anything so dreadful as this?

They knew that there were a few strolling Indians about town. It was no unusual thing. They were remnants of a once large tribe, and had never been known to do anything worse than petty thieving. Even this offense was rather unusual; and the village people were more pleased than otherwise at the yearly visits of these denizens of the forest. Their variegated bead-work and tasteful baskets found a ready sale at the stores, and adorned the center tables of many of the first families.

There was no cause for suspecting the Indians of any grave offenses. Their manners had always been simple and conciliatory. They in no way meddled with the white people, but peaceably sold their wares, and, after a few weeks tarrying, struck their cone-like tent and moved on.