Saved From Burning at the Stake at the Hands of the Miami Indians
It was less than a hundred years ago when the prevailing customs of the
Indians were generally observed by the Miamis. A white captive had just been
brought in, and the question was about to be submitted to the council whether
the young man should die. The council was held, and its mandate had gone
forth that he must burn at the stake. All is confusion and bustle in the village, and the features of all save the hapless victim bespeak the anxiety with which
they look forward to the coming sacrifice. Already the prisoner is bound to the
stake, and the fagots are being placed in position, while the torch which is to
ignite the inflammable mass was in the hands of the brave selected to apply it.
But hold ! the time has not yet come when the fates have decreed that the man-
date of the council is to be executed. A chief is to be chosen to rule over the
tribe. There are many candidates apparently alike entitled to recognition. Again
the question of eligibility is mooted, and the usages of the ages must be observed.
He would save the young man. The torch is being extended to fire the combus-
tible material, and all attention is directed toward the spot. At a signal from his mother, young Pe-che-wah sprang from her side and bounded forward, knife in
Hand, to assert his chieftaincy by the captive's rescue. Electrified by the mag-
netic force of his mother's desire, he dashed through the wild crowd, cut the
cords that bound him, and bid the captive go free. Surprise and astonishment,
not unmingled with displeasure, was visible in every countenance at the unex-
pected denouement. Yet this daring feat of voluntary heroism was the universal
theme of exultation. He was thereafter the recognized chief. In the mean
time, the thoughtful mother, to make the rescue complete, placed the man in a
canoe, covering him with furs and peltries, put him in charge of friendly hands,
and sent him down the Mauuiee to a place of safety. 