The Brave Ferry-Man

Crouching in the early morning, Came the swarth and naked "Sioux;"[CF] 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.

[CF] Pronounced Soo; a name given to the Dakotas in early days by the French traders.