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There is another stringed instrument, called the zeze, somewhat similar to the nanga. They have two wind instruments, one resembling a flageolet, and another a bugle. The latter is composed of several pieces of gourd, fitted one into another, in telescope fashion, and is covered with cow-skin. Rumanika's band was composed of sixteen men, fourteen of whom had bugles, and the other two hand-drums.
The flints struck, and Toopunkah Zeze, now a hundred and fifty yards away and a second's distance from a place where the straggling groves of the prairie offered life, fell dead. Two more bodies were thrown over the precipice into the river. For ten years the hostility continued, but the environs of the fort were sacred places. An effective lesson had been taught in 1827.
"It will goom soon doubtlez. Bud Bollyooly, will she obey? Zeze English blay zere creeket very 'ard." "She would be made obey," said the baron firmly. The grand duke changed the subject by raising his voice in a splendid, heartening roar at Pollyooly, who was running swiftly around the bases; and for nearly an hour he did his best to burst the welkin.
Alone in the dining-room she would ply her needle mechanically, while her nephews would amuse themselves with the toys scattered upon the table, colored pictures and lead soldiers. Every other moment they would call her. "Aunt Zézé, look at George pinching me!" "I am not! Paul hit me first!..." And the good aunt would quiet them.
About this second execution there has grown up an interesting story. One of the offenders, Toopunkah Zeze, was a favorite among the children of the fort. Tall and handsome and athletic and brave, he was the ideal of Indian manhood. The other, called the Split Upper Lip, was well known as a thief, and was as much detested as his companion was respected.
Monjardin had already pointed to his pocket as a token that he had the verses with him, and Zézé had trembled with gratification as she bashfully lowered her long face. Champagne sparkled in the glasses and toasts were given. Several guests of distinction spoke first, then followed the hosts and their children, frolicsome little things.
Pale and thin, for eighteen years she had lived with her youngest sister, who had married very early and now possessed five children: two young ladies of marriageable age, a third still in short dresses, and two little boys. Maria-José, whose nickname was Zézé, had never been beautiful or winning.
Fabio and his wife, their eyes somewhat brightened by the strong champagne, proposed in turn their toast to Zézé. "Here's to Zézé and the eighteen happy years we've lived together!..."
And at such times Engracigna and her daughters would say to her with a vehemence whose effect they little guessed, "Why, Zézé! Buy something and be done with it!... How silly! Do you want to dress like a widow? What a notion!" And at bottom they meant it. None of them saw Maria-José as she really was. Living with her day by day had served to efface the actual appearance of the faded old maid.
Again the thirty yards were allowed; again the Chippewa guns were fired. For once it seemed that this Indian punishment of "running the gantlet" would lose a victim. For Toopunkah Zeze was still running. The bullet had cut the rope that bound him to his falling companion. With new hope he leaped forward.