MAULEY

Crouching in the early morning, Came the swarth and naked “Sioux;" On the village, without warning, Fell the sudden, savage blow.

Horrid yell and crack of rifle Mingle as the flames arise;— With the tomahawk they stifle Mothers’ wails and children's cries.

Men and women to the ferry Fly from many a blazing cot;— Brave and ready — grim and steady, Mauley mans the ferry-boat.

Can they cross the ambushed river? ‘ Tis for life the only chance; Only this may some deliver From the scalping-knife and lance.

Through the throng of wailing women Frantic men in terror burst;— “Back, ye cowards!” thundered Mauley,— “I will take the women first!”

Then with brawny arms and lever Back the craven men he smote. Brave and ready — grim and steady, Mauley mans the ferry-boat.

To and fro across the river Plies the little mercy-craft, While from ambushed gun and quiver On it falls the fatal shaft.

Trembling from the burning village, Still the terror-stricken fly, For the Indians’ love of pillage Stays the bloody tragedy.

At the windlass-bar bare-headed — Bare his brawny arms and throat — Brave and ready — grim and steady, Mauley mans the ferry-boat.

Hark!— a sudden burst of war-whoops! They are bent on murder now; Down the ferry-road they rally, Led by furious Little Crow.

Frantic mothers clasp their children, And the help of God implore; Frantic men leap in the river Ere the boat can reach the shore.

Mauley helps the weak and wounded Till the last soul is afloat;— Brave and ready — grim and steady, Mauley mans the ferry-boat.

Speed the craft!— The fierce Dakotas Whoop and hasten to the shore, And a shower of shot and arrows On the crowded boat they pour.

Fast it floats across the river, Managed by the master hand, Laden with a freight so precious,— God be thanked!— it reaches land.

Where is Mauley — grim and steady, Shall his brave deed be forgot? Grasping still the windlass-lever, Dead he lies upon the boat.