PETI T JEAN The val ian t Cheves pondered-wavering between loye and advent ure . Lured b,1 the stories of the unexplored he set sail for America. France had no charm for Adrienne witholl! her lover . Disguised as a cabin lad she kept in his shadow-wearing a new name. Up the Arkansas they came-to the friendly I ndians, the beall tiflll cOllntry, the delight f ll l climate. A veritable f airy land! Petit Jean-the In dians adored. They brollght her offerings of flowers, of fruit s and of lo>e. BIlt happiness made room for sorrow. She fell desperately ill. She weakened and weakened-then revealed her identity. Indescribable concern kept Cheves by her side. Wrapped in the tenderness of his arms she breathed las t. The mOllntain where she lies bears her name. The fond Indians felt her spirit gllarding her grave-they saw her in the tree tops-rowing on the river , wandering through the forest-sowing blessings over the realm now sacred.
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