FOREST AND PRAIRIE; LIFE ON THE FRONTIER EMERSON BENNETT, AvnoR or "the prairie flower," "the bandits of the 0iA«i»" "MTITERI0U8 MARKSMAN," "THE T2^»»or," ETC., ETC PHILADELPHIA : THE KEYSTONE PUBLISHING CO. 1890. -*\ Copyright By THE KEYSTONE PUBLISHING CO. T# WILLIAM W. HARDING, ESQ., OF TH1 $Mnnsillr&tti& Inpmr, PHILADELPHIA, &* > TCKIF 07 FRIENDSHIP AND ESTEEM, THIS WORK II INSCRIBED, BY THE AUTHOB M204178 CONTENTS. TAoa Tn« Mingo Chief 1C The Kentucky Hero 27 The Maid of Fort Henry 39 Wrecked on the Lake 56 A Leap for Life 80 A Desperate Encounter 69 Love Triumphant 90 Mad Ann 103 The Daring Scouts 115 The Gamblers Outwitted 125 A Fight on the Prairie 135 An Arkansas Duel 146 The Poisoned Bride 158 Attacked by Indians 169 The Trapper's Story 180 A Miraculous Escape 189 A Mother's Courage 2<>3 A Daring Exploit 215 Rocky Mountain Perils 232 The Dead Alive 245 Fight with a Bear 259 (7) 8 CONTENTS. PAGE. Thb Haunted House 269 Bill Luken's Run 285 The Faithful Negro 298 The Guerrilla Qujsen 310 The Last Stake 320 Adventure of a Colporteur 333 A Night with the Wolves 344 Colonel Bowie of Arkansas 355 The Backwoodsman's First Love 372 A Wolf in Sheep's Clothikg 387 0* THB SCOCT 400 %%t §li»p (SiTnitt We talk of the ferocity, the vindictiveness, the treachery and the cruelty of the native savage ; and, painting him in the darkest colors, tell how, when his hunting grounds covered the sites of our now proudest cities, he was wont to steal down upon a few harmless whites, our forefathers, and butcher them in cold blood, sparing neither sex nor age, except for a painful captivity, to end perhaps in the most demoniac tortures ; and we dwell upon the theme, till our little innocent children shudder and creep close to our sides, and look fearfully around them, and perhaps wonder how the good God, of whom they have also heard us speak, could ever have permitted such human monsters to encumber His fair and beautiful earth. But do we reverse the medal and show the picture which impartial Truth has stamped upon the other side — and which, in a great measure, stands as a cause to the oppo- §ite effect — stands as a cause for savage ferocity, vindic- tiveness, treachery and cruelty ? Do we tell our young and eager listeners that the poor Indian, living up to the (15) 16 THE MINGO CHIEF. light he had, and not unfrequently beyond it, knew no better than to turn, like tne worm when trampled upon, and bite the foot that crushed him ? That we had taken the land of his father's graves and driven him from his birthright hunting grounds ? That we had stolen his cat- tle, robbed him of his food, destroyed his growing fields, burned his wigwams, and murdered his brothers, fathers, wives and little ones, besides instigating tribe to war against tribe — and that, knowing nothing of the Christian code, to return good for evil, he fulfilled the law of his nature and education in taking his "great revenge" upon any of the pale-faced race he should chance to meet ? No! we seldom show this side of the medal — for the natural inquiry of the innocent listener might contain an unplea- sant rebuke : " Father, were we all savages together then ?" But I have a story to tell. Listen ! More than eighty years ago, when the great West was a howling wilderness, and mighty, unbroken forests stretched away for hundreds of miles, and covered the broad, fertile lands of Western Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Ken- tucky, and so onward to the vast prairies beyond the Father of Rivers, the unrivalled Mississippi — forests that threw twilight over the gliding, purling, or rushing streams, and gave wild freedom to the bear, the buffalo, the panther, catamount, and deer — more than eighty years THE MINGO CHIEF. 17 ago, I say, on a fine, pleasant spring day, a party of border hunters were encamped upon the left bank of the Ohio, above the present site of Wheeling, which then boasted only a single trading fort, and was considered the extreme frontier. This party numbered more than a dozen strong, hardy bronze-visaged men. dressed in true border fashion, with green hunting frocks, caps, buckskin trowsers, leggings and moccasins, and they were armed with rifles, toma- hawks, and knives. They had built themselves a tempo- rary cabin, and had fished and hunted in the vicinity for several days; and furs, and game, and articles of traffic were jtrewn carelessly about their cabin, which had been erected rather for the purpose of protecting their goods and weapons from the weather than for sheltering themselves, for your true borderer likes to sleep in the open air. The party was about to break up camp and return to the eastward ; and some were packing their furs and skins, and some were cleaning their rifles, and some were mending their torn garments, and some were lounging idly about, smoking and drinking, and stretching their huge limbs, and wishing for some keen excitement to rouse their sluggish natures. The leader of this party — a man of fair proportions, but with low brow, bushy hair, a snaky eye, and a red, rough, ferocious-looking countenance— was standing apart from 18 THE MINGO CHIEF. the others, leaning upon his rifle, thinking wicked thoughts and planning wicked deeds. Suddenly he wheeled about, and drawing near his men, said, in a hard, harsh voice : "Boy's, this here's a — bad business, going back with- out nary scalp. What'll the people think of us ? I tel you, boys, we must raise some red-nigger top-knots, or our reputation '11 spile, by !" " Thar's Injuns 'tother side the river," replied a big, ♦double-fisted, coarse-featured fellow, who was smoking his pipe, with his back braced against a huge sycamore ; " 'spose you jest go over, Cap, and take what you want !" "It moughten't be so easy gitting back," replied the first speaker ; " and I hain't no incline to take a scalp at the risk of mine. If we could only get a few of the heathen over here 1" "Why, so you can, Cap, if you'll only keep quiet, for there comes a few now," answered the other, taking his corn-cob pipe from his mouth, and pointing with the stem across the river to a canoe filled with Indians. "By ! Sam !" cried the first speaker, using an oath that we will not repeat, "I hope they'll come across. If they do, we'll have fun. I'll go down and beckon >ein over." And hastening down to the water's edge, the leader of the whites made friendly signs to the Indians in the canoe, inviting them to cross the river to his camp. THE MINGO CHIEF. 19 And the Indians came across, without apparent fear or hesitation — five men, and one woman with an infant in her arms. Two of the men, one quite advanced in years, were fine, athletic, noble looking specimens of humanity; and the woman, the daughter of one and the sister of the other, was more than usually comely, and had a soft, dark eye, a mild, pleasant-looking countenance, and a sweet, musical voice. All landed and shook hands with the Jeader of the whites, who seemed greatly pleased to meet with them, and invited them up to his cabin to take a drink. Three of the Indians readily accepted the invi- tation ; but the three we have mentioned declined — the venerable head of the party observing, with a smile : " Rum no good for Injun — make drunk come. Me buy tobac — tobac good for smoke." And while three of the party entered the cabin and drank the liquor proffered them, the other three, including the woman with the infant, remained outside, and opened a trade with the leader of the whites, for tobacco and powder, paying for the same in the current coin of the frontier, pelts and furs, of which they had on hand a goodly stock. An hour passed away in friendly barter, and then the old man signified his intention of recrossing the river. He stepped into the cabin, and found three of his party 20 THE MINGO CHIEF. ying on tne ground, and so much intoxicated as not to be conscious of any thing going on around them. "Ah! me said rum bad for poor Injun!" observed the old warrior; "him take Injun sense, and make him worse as beast." He called his son to him, said something in his native tongue, and the two were about to begin to remove their helpless comrades, when the leader of the whites, who had been holding a short consultation with his men, came in and said : "Afore you go, my boys, I want to see you shoot at a mark. I hear you're some at a shot." " Me hit dollar," returned the old man, with gratified vanity. " Come on — we've put up the mark — and if you hit it, I'll give you a pound of tobacco ; and if you don't, you're to give me a deer skin." The old warrior and his son went out and looked at the mark, and the former said : "Me bet." "And will you try, too ?" said the leader of the whites to the son of the Indian sage. " Me bet," was the quiet answer. " Fire away, then — you shoot first." The son said something to his father, the old warrior THE MINGO CHIEF. 21 nodded and the young man, drawing himself up and taking deliberate aim, fired. " Hit, by !" said the white leader, as the white mark, the size of a dollar, showed a hole near its centre. ««A good shot 1 Come, old man, let's see what you can do !" 11 Me beat him," said the father, with a smile. He raised his rifle slowly, brought it to a level, fired, and drove the pin through the centre. " Now, boys," said the white ruffian, " all right, give 'era h— 11 !" And at the word he raised his own rifle and shot the old man through the brain, who fell back dead ; and the next instant his son fell upon him, a ghastly corpse, pierced by four bullets from as many rifles in the hands of the whites. The poor woman with the infant in her arms, who was standing apart from the crowd, looking quietly on, uttered a shriek of horror on seeing her father and brother thus inhumanly butchered, and, clasping her offspring to her bosom, ran swiftly toward the river. But crack went some half a dozen rifles, and she fell to the earth, mortally wounded, but not dead. The first who reached her was the leader of the whites, who, grasping her infant roughly, raised his tomahawk to give the poor innocent mother the finishing blow. 22 THE MINGO CHIEF. " Spare child !" shrieked the dying mother, with a look of affectionate, pleading anguish, that would have melted the heart of a stone. " Child got white fader— child one of you — spare poor child 1" She said no more, for the hatchet of the white fiend at that instant crashed through her brain and set her spirit free, to roam the hunting-grounds of her faith with the spirits of her father and brother. " Give me the child, Dan," said the brother of the white leader, who reached his side just as he was about to dnah out its brains. " I reckon I know its father, and we'll make it pay." The bloody ruffian gave him the infant, accompanied with a savage oath; and whipping out his knife, he bent over the dead mother and tore off her scalp. The whole work of butchery was now complete ; for while these events were taking place outside the cabin, another fiend within had chopped to pieces the drunken Indians, and now came swaggering forth, shaking three gory scalps in triumph. " Now, boys," said the white leader, " we've got a good rfhow, and let's make clean tracks afore some other red -niggers get arter our hair." And hastily they stripped the dead of every thing of value, broke up their camp, and departed for the intenoi settlements taking the poor motherless infant with them THE MINGO CHIEF. 23 Meantime, the Indians on the other side of the river, being witnesses of the horrible massacre, hurried into their only remaining canoe, and rowed swiftly down the Ohio. On passing the fort at Wheeling they were espied, and chase was given by a party of whites. Far below they were overtaken, a short fight ensued, and another of their party was killed — the others making their escape through the deep dark forests While the bloody events we have recorded were taking place on the Ohio, a Grand Council of chiefs and warriors was convened at the Indian town in the interior of what is now the State of Ohio. They were deliberating upon the propriety of digging up the hatchet and going to war against the whites, who were fast encroaching upon their homes and hunting-grounds, and, judging from precedents, would soon require them to leave again for the still Fur West. Most of the chiefs were for war ; but there was one brave and eloquent man among them, who spoke for peace, and spoke with such reason, power and pathos, that he carried his point over strong opposition, and the pipe of peace was smoked in the Council House of the assem- bled nations. This brave and eloquent chief had ever raised his voice for peace between the white man and the red, because, as 24 THE MINGO CHIEF. he said, the same Great Spirit had made them all, and designed them to be brothers; and the earth was large enough, and rich enough, in forest, streams, and game, to give them all shelter, food, and happy homes. His earnest eloquence conquered the fiery war spirit of his fierce comrades, and he was rejoicing in his peaceful triumph, when lo ! a poor Indian, half dead with hunger and fatigue, appeared before him, and told him how his father, brother and sister had been brutally butchered by his pale-faced friends. Instantly the dark eye of this Chief of Peace gathered a storm of fire and shot forth lightning glances of anger, and his mighty voice, before the reassembled chiefs and warriors of many nations, was soon heard thundering : " War ! war I war ! — war upon the pale-faces ! — war upon the Long Knives — death to all of either sex and every age !" And the cry of " War ! war ! war ! — death to the pale- faces ! — death to the Long Knives 1" was echoed and re- echoed, with wild, savage shouts, by many hundreds of fiercely painted, half-naked, savage men. And down upon the unprotected frontiers poured a fierce, dusky horde of human beings, whose rallying war- cry was, "Revenge! Revenge 1" And old men and infants, and young men and maidens, THE MINGO CHIEF. 25 and men in the prime of life, and wives and mothers, were roused at the midnight hour by those yells of vengeance, and were butchered in their cabins, scalped on their hearthstones, and burned with their burning homes. " I will have ten scalps for every kin of mine slain!" said that Chief of Blood, so lately a Chief of Peace. And ere the war, so terribly and suddenly begun, waa closed by a treaty of peace, thirty human scalps, thirty pale-fale scalps, hung dangling at his gory belt. This war is known in history as Lord Dunmore's War. That man of peace, roused to such bloody deeds by the aggressions of his white brothers, was the world- renowned Logan, the Mingo Chief ! The leader of the party who butchered his relatives, was Daniel Greathouse. The leader of the party who sallied from the fort at Wheeling, and followed and slew one of the flying fugi- tives, was Captain Cresap. Logan always supposed it was Cresap who murdered his relatives ; and in his celebrated speech, sent to Lord Dunmore at the treaty of peace — for he proudly refused to appear in person — he mentions him as the cauae of the war. We quote this speech, delivered at old Chillicothe town, and sent to Governor Dunmore at Camp Charlotte, as one of the finest specimens of eloquence extant. "I appeal to any white man to say if ever he entered 26 THE MINGO CHIEF. Logan's cabin hungry and I gave him not meat — if ever he came cold or naked and I gave him not clothing I "During the course of the last long and bloody war, Logan remained in his tent, an advocate for peace. Nay, such was my love for the whites, that those of my own country pointed at me as they passed, and said, ' Logan is the friend of white men.' I had even thought to live wit a you, but for the injuries of one man. Colonel Cresap, the last spring, in cool blood, and unprovoked, cut off all the relatives of Logan, not sparing even my women and children. There runs not a drop of my blood in the vein5 of any human creature. This called on me for revenge. I have sought it. I have killed many. I have fully glutted my vengeance. For my country, I rejoice at the beams of peace. Yet do not harbor the thought that mine is the joy of fear ! Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life. Who is there to mourn for Logan ? Not one." Reader, you who are now sitting in judgment upon the deeds of the past, I challenge you to say that the white man was always the Christian and the red man always the fiend 1 It was a wild, fearful scene — a scene of carnage and destruction. Loud shrieks of pain, and yells of rage, defiance, and triumph, commingled with reports of mus- ketry, and here and there the clashing of steel, resounded on every hand. A small, but gallant, band of Kentuckians, were com- pletely surrounded by an overpowering horde of dusky savages, and were fighting desperately while falling vic- tims to superior numbers — fighting for the hope of retreat, but with none of victory. The scene was partly in an open glade, and partly in a surrounding forest, not far from the banks of the Ohio, in what is now the State of Indiana, but which was then an unapportioned and unsettled wilderness. Over this open glade were hurrying hundreds of human beings — some mounted and some on foot — some white, and dressed in the rough costume of the borders — but more of the dusky hue, half naked and hideously painted— and (27; 28 A KENTUCKY HERO. all with passions excited to the fierce, ungovernable fury of fighting wild beasts. Many a riderless horse went snorting and bounding away; while the ground was strewed with the iead and dying — the latter soon ceasing from the agonies of life, as the knife or tomahawk of either foe made his work sure. There were old men and youths, and men in the prime of manhood, all doing their duty bravely, and bearing down the foe in close encounter, or being themselves borne down to a bloody end. Foremost among the Kentuckians, in the very hottest of the fight, more desperate even than the oldest veterans, rode a tall, fine-looking youth, who charged upon the foe without regard to numbers or peril — and fast they fell beneath the almost superhuman strength of his single arm. Several times his horse was seized by the bit, and borne back almost upon its haunches, while the uplifted tomahawk was aimed at the head of the rider ; but with the quickness of thought, and the strength of a Hercules, the blows were parried right and left, and returned with a precision that laid his opposers bleeding beneath the feet of the fiery animal, which literally trampled them into the dust, as the undaunted youth still urged him on to new scenes of peril and victory. "On, comrades !" he shouted — and his loud, shrill voice was heard above the din of battle. " On, for the honor of A KENTUCKY HERO. 29 old Kentucky! Though surrounded ly four times our number, we are not yet defeated ; and will not be while there is an arm left to strike !" Almost as he spoke, a shower of balls was poured in upon him, some cutting his clothes, some wounding him seriously, while his gallant steed sunk under him. Spring- ing from the back of the falling beast, into the very midst of his dusky foes, this noble youth, wounded and bleeding though he was, still laid about him with desperation, the balls whistling around him fearfully and a dozen arms raised for his destruction. Recklessly and desperately, however, alone and unaided, he continued to fight his way through his savage foes, back to the main body of his friends, where he arrived just as the order came for retreat. As several, who were mounted, wheeled their horses to obey this welcome command, our hero dashed suddenly in among them, and, seizing the bits of two animals, one in either hand, he .fairly brought them round, and so quickly as almost to throw their riders, at the same time shouting : " For shame ! for shame ! who dares retreat — by any order — by any command — and leave our wcunded com- rades to the vengeance of our foes ! Bear back, men — if you be men — and let us bring off our companions witb honor, or perish with them !" 3* 30 A KENTUCKY HERO. But his valiant call was unheeded by those who thought only of saving their own lives ; and the moment the youth released his hold of their bridles, they dashed swiftly away. " My curses go with you, for pusillanimous cowards !" he shouted after them ; and then discovering another party on foot, as eagerly retreating also, he threw himself iu before them, and exclaimed : " Hold ! I command you, by every feeling of honor, to turn back and save the lives of our wounded friends !" " Out of my way, boy!" said a tall, strapping fellow, as he pushed eagerly forward to pass the youth : " you're not our captain ! Haven't you heard the order for retreat ? and don't you know, if you stand here a minute, you'll be butchered aud scalped by the bloody varmints around, who've hemmed us in ?" " Yes ! yes 1" cried most of the rest ; "Joe Hinkins says right !» " We'll all be killed if we stop here !" said one. " Turn back, Bill, and don't make a fool of yourself \ n cried another. " If we'd attempt to save the wounded, we'd purty soon want somebody to save us !" put in a third. " There, boys — the red devils are a-coming like mad !" shouted a fourth. With this t) ey all set up cries of alarm, and plunged A KENTUCKY HERO. 31 into the nearest thicket, where they met the very doom they were seeking to avoid — for there a considerable body of Indians fell upon them, and, gaining an advantage through their surprise and terror, tomahawked and scalped them to a man. With a cheek red with shame, our young hero now darted forward and intercepted still another party, who had likewise begun their flight — and this time his appeal was listened to. Turning back, they stopped a small mounted party; and getting them to dismount, they be- gan to pick up the wounded wherever they could find them, and place them upon the horses — which, as fast as loaded, they dispatched with a small escort toward the Ohio, nearly half a mile distant — the youth still exerting himself to cheer all parties. While thus engaged in their work of mercy, a body of Indians, about twice their number, came rushing down npon them ; and another terrible encounter took place ; during which the youth was struck by some four or five more balls — one shattering his left arm, three inflicting flesh-wounds upon different parts of his body, but none of them, fortunately, touching a vital part. Finding the victory not so easy as they expected, several of their number having either been killed or wounded in this new encounter, the assailing Indians suddenly drew back from our dauntless little band, and set off in pursuit 32 A KENTUCKY HEEO. of those who, judging from the eagerness of their 3ight, would not be likely to make so desperate a stand. " Three cheers for us, comrades !" cried the youth. Three cheers were accordingly given, with hearty good will ; and then they recommenced gathering up their wounded friends, there being now several of their own immediate party to be assisted likewise. In his different encounters thus far, our young hero had broken every weapon — his rifle, knife, and tomahawk — and he now proceeded to re-arm himself. Having found and thrust two weapons into his belt, he picked up a rifle, and, holding it between his knees, his left arm hanging useless by his side, he coolly proceeded to load it with his right, all the while speaking encouragingly to those around him. By the time this was completed, his com- panions were ready to set out for the river ; but just as they were about to depart, a voice ^rom another quarter of the field cried out : " Save me ! save me ! For the lore >f (jrod, gave me 1" "I know that voice," said the yoafcti; "It is a brave fellow who calls on us ; and we mus* <&ve bin* at all hazards !" " I fear it's more than we can do to s.a, 7 e ourselves," returned one; "the cursed Indians are at wor'? all around as ; and if we escape as it is, it'll be a miracle. "Save me!" called out the voice again; "in hamftrM" i A KENTUCKY HERO. 33 name, don't let the savages butcher and scalp me ! If I've got to die, I want to die in Old Kentucky, among my friends." This was an appeal hard to be resisted by brave men with feeling hearts ; but it might have been resisted, nevertheless, and the poor fellow been left to his fate, had it not been for the gallant youth, who declared he would die on the field sooner than leave a companion in such a strait. On reaching the spot where the poor fellow lay, they found him with one leg and one arm broken, and a serious wound in his breast. Lifting him up carefully, they hastily bore him to the only horse which was not yet laden ; and carefully placing him upon the back of the beast, they were just in the act of setting forward, when the youth, who had been quickly darting over the field and examining the fallen, called out to them that there were two more yet with life, who must on no account be de- serted. As two of the party ran back to pick them up, another small body of Indians — who for the last few urinute& had been busy in a different quarter, and had now returned to the main field of slaughter — poured in upon them a close volley, and literally cut them down over the wounded they were assisting, at the same time rushing in upon them with brandished tomahawks and furious yells. Finding there was no hope of saving any more, our 34 A KENTUCKY HERO. young hero now ran back to the main party, shouting, "Let us give them a farewell volley !" which was imme- diately done — several of the savages in turn falling beneath the fatal aim of the Kentuckians. "Now, then, for a retreat!" pursued the youth, who, though himself a mere private in the ranks, was listened to and obeyed with the deference due to an officer in full command. " Load up, men, and guard the wounded with your lives ! In Heaven's name, do not desert them, what- ever may be your fate ! I will run forward and give notice of your approach, that those who set out ahead of us may not push off the last boat before you reach them." "We'll all come in together, William, or you'll never see us again !" replied one of 'his comrades ; and as they began to urge their horses forward, the youth darted into a thicket and disappeared in advance of them. As he ran through the wood toward the river, his rifle thrown across his shoulder, his eye constantly on the alert for the foe, he passed over the gory corpse of many a com- panion, who had been overtaken, slain, scalped, and even stripped of his clothing — and which, in fact, at different intervals, marked the course of the retreat from that dis- astrous field of battle. At last, faint and almost exhausted, our brave youth reached the bank of the river, just as the only boat at that point, heavily laden with the escaping fugitives, was in the A KENTUCKY HERO. 35 act of being pushed from the shore. Here at the moment were, fortunately, none of the enemy — but above and below were sounds of conflict — and an attack was every instant expected. " Hold, comrades !" he shouted, presenting his weak and bloody figure to their view. " I am just in advance of a few more of our friends, who are hurrying up with the wounded 1" "Get aboard yourself, if you want to," replied one; "but don't ask us to wait for any more — for another party would sink us — to say nothing of the savages, who may attack us here at any moment." "Yes, jump aboard," said another; "and quick, too — . or we'll have to leave you as well as them " " Never !" returned the youth, with a mingled flush of pride and shame ; "never will I desert my friends in such a cowardly manner 1 Until the others arrive, I will not put my foot aboard your boat, whatever may be the con- sequences." " Then we'll have to leave you among the rest," called out a third ; " for it's better a few should perish than all : and all will, if we stay here a minute longer." He seized an oar as he spoke, and was about to push off the boat, regardless of all lives save his own, when the youth, throwing his rifle across the root of a fallen tree, poinded the Liuzzle at his breast, and jxclaimed : 36 A KENTUCKY HERO. "Beware ! the first man that sends that boat one inch from the shore until our comrades are aboard, I will shoot so help me God I" The man, knowing the youth, and knowing him to be ne who would keep his word, at once threw down the oar, muttering some bitter curses upon his folly ; but a few of the others, moved to feelings of shame and admira- tion by his heroic self-sacrifice, took part with our hero, and declared that all should escape, or all perish together This at once raised an altercation ; and hot and angry words had begun to pass between the different parties, when, fortunately for all, the last escort arrived, and were immediately hurried on board — the boat, by this additional weight, being sunk to her very gunwale, so that it was feared another pound might swamp her. The youth, who had meantime stood back, giving directions, and refusing to enter till the very last, on seeing the condition of things, told his comrades to push olf at once, and he would find a way to save himself; and without waiting for a reply, he hurried up the stream a few yards, to where some horses stood panting, which had e.-eaped from the field of battle; and selecting one of these be, by great exertion, considering his weak and wounded condition, got upon his back, and forced him into the Btream v and toward the opposite shore. The moment the men in the boat perceived that the A KENTUCKY HERO. 37 youth had fairly made his escape, they pushed off fiom the bank ; but not a moment too soon ; for they had scarcely got a dozen yards out, when a large body of Indians, who had been attacking the boats below, came hurrying up along the bank, and at once poured in upon them a heavy rolley. Only one or two of them were wounded, however — most of the enemy's balls going wide of the mark — and with loud yells of defiance, the Kentuckians returned the fire, and then pulled eagerly for the opposite shore. The wounded youth urged his horse toward the boat; but just before he reached it, another ball of the enemy struck him, and shattered his right arm ; when, bending over, he seized the mane of the horse with his teeth, and so clung to him, till, overcome by pain and the loss of blood, he fainted and rolled from his back into the water, from whence he was rescued by his companions at great peril to themselves. This heroic youth, who so self-sacrificingly saved his friends, and was himself most providentially preserved through many a perilous encounter besides these enume rated, subsequently rose to enviable distinction, and became one of the prominent men of the West. In 1810 he removed to Cincinnati, where he passed the remainder of his days. During the war of 1812 he was appointed Major General of the Ohio Militia; and, in 1829, Sur- veyor General of the public lands of Ohio, Indiana, and 38 A KENTUCKY HERO. Michigan. He proved to be as noble in heart as be was brave in deed, and was ever noted for his public spirit and benevolence. He died in 1831 ; and the public were then culled to mourn the loss, and do honor to the memory, of a distinguished fellow-citizen — the subject of our present cotice — Genera j. William Lytle. Reader ! come with me, and together let us enter a wilderness-fort, at a period when our now great Republic was in its infancy — at a period when the heroes of the American Revolution were in the very heat of strife, doing those brave and noble deeds which have brought their names down to us covered with immortal renown. There ! we now stand within the walls of a Western fortress ; and on all sides we are enclosed by strong palis- ades, about eight feet in height, which mark out the ground, some tfiree-quarters of an acre, in the form of a parallelogram At each of the four corners is a block- house made ol logs, which rises above and projects beyond the stout picke*« or palisades ; and in each of these block- houses are loop-holes, which enable us to look out upon the surrounding country, and also along the outside of the pickets, without being ourselves exposed to the view cf whatever enemy may be lurking about. And what do we see ? On one side the Ohio river; on another a straggling wood, stretching back into a mighty (39) 40 THE MAID OF FORT HENRY. forest; on the third a large cornfield, enclosed by a Vir- ginia fence ; on the fourth a small village of log-houses ; and on all sides hideously painted and half-naked savages. Yes! we are surrounded by Indians — a large body of vindictive red men — who are thirsting for the blood of those who are in the fort with us, for we are not the only occupants of this stronghold. It is now past one o'clock of a warm, clear, bright, autumnal day ; and since the golden rising of the sun, there have been some terrible scenes enacted, and many human beings have passed from time to eternity by the most violent and bloody of deaths. Last night — soon after the tenants of yonder log-houses, which we have pointed out to you, had retired to rest — the whole village was roused by the alarming intelligence, brought by an Indian hunter, that a great body of savages were prowling about the vicinity; and men, women and children, catching up their most valuable articles, rushed into the fort, and spent the night here in peace and safety, This morning the garrison numbered forty-two lighting males, including several youths, some quite young, but all brave, and all sharp shooters. About daylight this morning, there being no signs of t'le enemy, the commandant of the fortress dispatched a white man and a negro back into the country on an errand — but the white man never will return. As he was, passing through yonder cornfield, a hideous-looking savage sud- THE MAID OF FORT HENRY. 4 1 denly rose up before him, knocked him down with his mus- ket, and then killed and scalped him. The negro saw the bloody deed performed, and, with a yell of horror, fled back 13 the fort, where he communicated to anxious listeners the startling fact. " We must dislodge the enemy, which doubtless is small," said Colonel Shepherd, the commandant of the fort. " Cap- tain Mason, take fourteen picked men, and let the red devils have a taste of your bravery and skill." And Captain Mason marched out with his fourteen brave followers, through that large gate which you see in the centre of the eastern line of pickets, and hurried down to the cornfield, which he thoroughly searched for his savage foe, but without finding him ; and he was on the point of retracing his steps, when suddenly there came the crack of a hundred muskets ; a hundred balls came whizzing among his little force, killing several and wounding nearly all ; and then up-rose, on every side — front, flank and rear — many hundreds of vindictive red men, who, with shrill whoops and yells, rushed upon the gallant few still living and began to hew them down. They made a brave resist- ance — but what could such a handfull do against such a host ? One by one they fell, and were tomahawked and scalped. Captain Mason fought desperately ; and cutting hiii way through the ranks of the enemy, succeeded in reaching some fallen timber, where, though badly wounded, 4* 42 THE MAID OF FORT HENRY. he is now concealed, though all his friends in the fort t jint him dead. Twelve more men, under Captain Ogle, rushed from the fort to cover the retreat of their gallant comrades ; but they too were drawn into an ambuscade, and were all cut off from rejoining their friends in the fortress — only some two or three of the party being now alive, secreted in the underbrush of yonder wood. And still three more of the little garrison sallied forth to the support of Captain Ogle ; but they were forced to make a hasty retreat, and were pursued to the very gate of the fort, and fired upon as they entered, and had one of their number mortally wounded. And now the siege commenced in earnest. With whoops and yells of triumph, some five hundred savages surrounded the fortress, and began to fire upon it. And now the little garrison — numbering only twelve, all told— began to return their fire ; and so sure was their aim, that some one of the besiegers bit the dust at every shot. Several times did the enemy make a rush, in large bodies, to effect a lodg- ment under the walls — but the unerring rifles of the heroic borderers, fired through the loop-holes of the different block-houses, drove them back in dismay, burdened with the weight of their fallen comrades. Once only was there a pause in the conflict. A white flag was thrust out of a window of one of yonder cabins, and the head of a white man appeared, demanding, in THE MAID OF FORT HEXRY. 43 English, the surrender of the fort, in the name of His Bri- tannic Majesty. He read the proclamation of a British Governor, and promised protection to all in the fort, if they would surrender at once, and swear allegiance to the British crown. He was answered with derision. " If you want the fort, why don't you and your red, howling devils come and take it ?" replied the intrepid Colonel Shepherd. 11 And if we do take it, by ! we'll put to death all chat are in it !" repMed the white leader of the savages. " You would do that even if we surrendered, you red- headed, white-Inured renegade!" was the taunting re- joinder " No ! Y"-*i fihall be protected ; I swear it, by all I hold sacred !" " And what lo you hold sacred, you treacherous scoun- drel !" cried tke gallant Colonel. "Bah ! Simon Girty, we know you ; and thif, place shall never be surrendered to you, while there if r.v. American soldier left to defend it." Girty, the renpgade — for the white chief was none other — was about to renew his treacherous proposition, when one of the men in the fort, becoming exasperated, lodgec a bullet in the logs, just above his head, as a warning of what he might expect himself, unless he withdrew, which he did immediately. Again were hostilities renewed, and continued up to the 44 THE MAID OF FORT HENRY. moment when we have seen proper to enter the fort with the reader. And now, for the second time since daylight this mora- ing, have the Indians ceased their assault. Jt is 0119 o'clock, and for eight long hours has there been almost incessant firing. Let us look through the loop-holes. Away there against the wood, at the base of the hill, beyond rifle range, you see a body of savages collected, holding a council of w r ar. Yonder, along the edge of the cornfield, partly hidden by the fence and partly concealed among the fallen timber, you may see many dusky forms, and may readily believe you see only a few of the number which there lie in wait, as a sort of co?ys de reserve. And up among the cabins, yonder, you see a few more savages — some sauntering about, some peering through the palings, and some gazing out of the windows. And look where you may, in every direction you behold Indians. How is it within the fort ? In the centre of the area which the palisades enclose, in front of yonder row of cabins — where many a brave father, husband, and son slept last night, whose mangled bodies now repose in yonder cornfield — in the centre of the area, I say, a group of men, women and children are collected. There stand gray- baired sires, and strippling youths — staid matrons, and maidens in bloom — and all look sad and anxious. Somo of the men, with doleful faces, are leaning upon their THE MAID OF FORT HKNRY. 45 rifles, and wiping the perspiration, blackened with powder, from their bronzed features ; and some of the women are clasping little innocent infants to their hearts, and looking down upon them with fond eyes dimmed with tears. " God help us !" says the gallant Colonel Shepherd — a line, noble specimen of humanity, who is standing in the centre of the group — and as he speaks, he casts down his eyes and sighs. "If we could only die like soldiers, fight- ing to the last, selling our lives at a heavy price to our accursed foes, it would not seem so hard ; but to be com- pelled to stand idle and helpless, and see the hideous mon- sters enter our stronghold, and butcher our mothers, wives, sisters, and children, while we ourselves are secured for future tortures — oh 1 it is terrible ! terrible ! And yet it must come to this soon, if the Indians renew their attack unless kind Providence saves us by a miracle. Men," he added, with a kindling eye, "you have done nobly — you have fought like heroes : boys, you are worthy of your sires — I see no cowards here ; and oh ! would to God we all had the means to continue our gallant defence ! But what are rifles without powder? and it is a startling fact that we have but three rounds left!" "What an oversight,'' says another, "that we did not fetch all our powder with us ! There is a whole keg in my house ; and if we had it now, it would be our salvation." " It must be procured," returns a third. 46 THE MAID OF FORT HENRY. "But bow?" inquires the Colonel. "The Indians are all around us, and more than a hundred eyes are constantly on the fort, so that no movement can be made outside the walls that will not be discovered. And yet, my riends, that powder must be procured, or we are lost. It is a perilous undertaking — and, in all probability, whoever makes the attempt will lose his life, and so I will detail no one to the duty — but if there is any one here brave ,nough to volunteer, I will accept his services ; and if he .alls, and we escape, we will remember his name and do it honor ; and if he saves us, and is saved with us, our blessings shall be upon him through life. Is there ary one present who will volunteer to go into the very jaws rf death ?» Four young men instantly spring forward, and, almost in ihe same breath, each exclaims : "I will go." " But we can spare but one of you, my noble lads !" says the Colonel, while his features flush, and his dark eye sparkles with pride, at the self-sacrificing bravery of his young comrades. " Which shall it be ?" " Me !" cries one ; " I spoke first." "No, no, John — I was ahead of you." '•No you wasn't, Abe — no such thing." " I will leave it to the Colonel, if he didn't hear ray voice first of any !" c *ies a third. THE MAID OF FOKT HENRY. 47 "1 Tras before you, Joe; I call all here vo i/itr-Sud!" exclaims the fourth. " Ho! listen to Robert — I was first I tell ycu !" "No, I was first!" cries John. "You know 1 was, Colonel !" " But I tell you I am going — for I can run the fastest, and therefore will stand the best chance of getting back alive !" cries Abe. "I can run as fast as the best, and I'm much stronger than either Abe, Joe, or Robert," says John, laying his hand on the Colonel's arm. " Let me go — do ! And besides, I've got no mother or sister here to mourn for me, if I fall." "There!" cries one of the others — "he talks as if he might fall ! and I'm sure I could get back safely." Look at their flushed faces, and eager, sparkling eyes, as thus they wrangle for the privilege of being permitted to go forth to almost certain death ! for the chances are five hundred to one, that he who leaves the fort for the village will never return alive. And listen to the mur- murs of approbation which come from the surrounding circle of females! A mother looks fondly on her son — a sister looks proudly on her brother — and a maiden's heart swells with emotions unspeakable, as she hears him who ia the light and life of her world, boldly contend for the right 48 THE MAID OF FORT HENRY of being allowed to go forth into a peril from which most men would shrink aghast. " Come ! come !" chides the Colonel, at length, speaking almost sternly to the now angry disputants; "you will ruin all, unless some of you yield — for the Indians may renew hostilities at any moment, and then we are lost indeed. You are all brave, noble fellows ; and if I could spare four, you should all go ; but as it is, three of you must give way to the fourth; and I pray you do so speedily, for time is precious." " I will never yield !" cries one. " Nor I !" exclaims a second. " I will go, if I have to scale the walls to get out I" says a third. " Colonel, I am the strongest and fleetest, and was the 6rst to accept your offer; and I demand, therefore, that you settle the dispute by sending me I' 1 Look 1 In the circle of men, women and children that are now promiscuously gathered around these hot, eager, passionate youths, do you observe one human face that wears a very singular expression ? that seems to be animated by some strange and powerful emotion ? It is the face of a young and beautiful female, about whom there is a certain air of refinement — seen in the grace of attitude, dress, and general demeanor — which contrasts rather forcibly with many of her coarse-featured, rustic THE MAID OF FORT HENKY. 49 companions. But I wish you to observe that face particu* larly — not alone for its beauty — but to mark the expres- sion of noble, lofty, heroic resolve which is settling upon ii ! Do you see the head gradually straightening back, aa if with pride ?— do you see those dark, bright eyes kindle with the almost fanatical enthusiasm of daring self-sacri- fice ? — do you see the warm blood spring upward to the temples, and broad, white forehead, and finally settle in a bright, red spot upon either soft, downy cheek, as if the passion-fires of a mighty soul were already burning within ? - do you see the thin nostrils of a slightly aquiline nose gradually dilate ? and the thin, determined lips gradually close over those white, even teeth ? There ! she moves ; and mark, I pray you, the proud step, as she advances into the center of the circle, and catches all eyes, and sweeps the whole group of curious and anxious spectators with a lightning glance ! And now her thin lips part, and she speaks in clear, silver tones. There is no quivering, no tremulousness, in her voice — and every other voice is hushed. Listen ! " Hold !" she exclaims : " cease this wrangling ! cease this contention for the privilege of being allowed to throw away a life that cannot be spared ! You are all brave — almost too brave — since you so eagerly court death for the honor it v II confer on the name of him who may die in the noble ittempt to save the rest. But not anothei 50 THE MAID OF FORT HENRY. heroic defer der of this fortress must be lost! Already thirty of the forty-two men we numbered this morning are gone ; and shall we take another from the gallant twelve that remain? No, no — this must not be! The powder must be procured from my brother's dwelling — but let the first attempt to obtain it be made by one who cannot use a riiie. / will go /" There is an almost simultaneous burst of "No! no! no !" from the astonished listeners to this heroic offer. " I am resolved !" replies the noble heroine; "seeii not to alter my determination !" "But you will be killed !" cries one. " Then I shall die with the consolation of knowing that, to far, this brave little garrison is not weakened." " No, no — leave this adventure to us !" cries one of the kte disputants : " we can run faster than you, and are therefore more likely to be successful. We cannot yield this peril to a lady, the fairest of her sex, and see her throw her life away — we should not be acting like men, and shame would ever rest upon us." " The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong," proudly replies the noble girl. "What is my life compared to yours, who can skilfully use the rifle against our savage foe, and are required here for the pro- tection of these helpless beings who stand around you ? Look at these little, innocent children, each of whose lives THE MAID OF FORT HENRY. 51 is as valuable as mine ; and remember their whole depend ence is on you !" "Lizzie! Lizzie!" now interposes one of her twt brothers who are present — " this must not be ! You must not go ! We cannot suffer it and retain the nam of men. You cannot comprehend what you ask — you jo not consider the peril. Remember, you are just from Philadelphia, where you have lived in safety, in ease, in comparative refinement and luxury ; and you cannot surely be aware of the risk, the danger, of trusting yourself alone with a savage, merciless foe, who spares neither sex nor age ! Consider ! there are numbers of Indians strolling about yonder village, to whom your scalp would be a prize of victory: consider every thing, and give over this mad folly !» " Brother," replies the fair girl, " you have seen little of me of late, and you know little of my invincible will, or you would not attempt to thwart me in what I have resolved to perform. Come ! come ! we lose time. Open yon gate, before it is too late, and let me go ! for go 1 must : something whispers me that the good God will sustain me !" In vain they try, with reason, with remonstrance, with representations of the danger put in every conceivable form, with affectionate appeals, with downright pleading, to induce the brave girl to aband )n 1 er purpose ; and al 52 THE MAID OF FORT HENRY. last, with the utmost reluctance, they yield assent to hei heroic proposition. Instantly this assent is gained, she strips herself of every unnecessary article of clothing, and demands that the gate be opened to her All crowd to the gate, speaking words of affection, encouragement and hope. Now it slowly opens, and attracts the attention of the savages in the village, who wonder if a sally or surrender is to follow. The fair girl now fixes her eyes steadily upon her brother's house ; the distance is sixty yards ; she measures it in her mind ; she calculates the time that will be required to reach it ; she draws a long breath ; and now, like a ball from a cannon, she bounds from the fortress ; and sincere, earnest prayers, from the hearts of every being she goes forth to save, ascend to Heaven for her protection and safe return. See how she flies over the intervening space, with the basilisk-eyes of many swarthy savages fixed upon her! who stand amazed at the daring of a woman, and are lost in wonder at what can be the meaning of such a desperate act ! and how the hearts of her white friends beat with hope and fear as they behold yard after yard of distance put between them and her ! Will she succeed ? Will those brutal savages stand idle and not molest her ! who is thus, with a noble heroism almost unparalleled in the annals of history, thrusting herself into their very hands — putting herself into the power of beings that art tub; maid of fort itexry. 53 unprepared to show mercy? God help her! God sus- tain her ! How long the distance seems for a space that is so short ! There ! she nears the house ; she reaches it ; she enters it; the eyes of the savages have followed her; and now they move toward the building ; they do iutend to cap- ture her after all ; God help her, poor girl ! See ! they draw nearer — nearer ; they are almost at the door. Why stays she so long ? Why does she not come back while there is an opportunity? One minute more and it will be too late ! There ! there ! — she comes ! she comes ! She holda some dark object tightly in her grasp ; she has the powder; the fort will be saved! But no! no !— she is lost ! she is lost ! The Indians see hei ; they now com- prehend her purpose ; they bound after her, with terrific screams and yells ; they raise their muskets ; they fire ; they throw their tomahawks. Still she comes on — on ; nearer — nearer ; the balls pass her ; they lodge in the walls ; she is still unharmed. One moment more ! They gain upon her — God help her ! One moment more I Nearer — nearer ! And now — see ! she bounds through the gate, and is caught in her brother's arms, almost fainting. But she has the keg of powder clasped to her breast; she is safe; the gate shuts behind her. And 5* 54 THE MAID OF FORT HENRY. now the welkin rings — cheer on cheer — cheer on cheer— for now the fort and all it contains will be saved ! No longer any fear in that lonely fortress I—all is now hope, and animation, and joy. Soon again the Indiana renew hostilities ; but the brave little garrisoii is prepared for them; and as fast as they venture forth against its gtout walls, so fast they fall back in the arms of death. The women cut patches and run bullets ; and the men load and fire, with the utmost rapidity, all the day long ; and as their rifles get heated, they change them for mus- kets ; and still keep on firing — fearing nothing now — for they have plenty of ammunition, and as brave a girl to protect as ever the world saw The sun goes down and sees nearly one hundred of their enemies slain ; but not a single life lost within the fort, and only one man slightly wounded. And all night long the Indians prowl about, and keep up an irregular fire upon the fort, but do no harm. And at break of day, after a siege of twenty-four hours — during which twelve brave, noble fellows have withstood five hundred savages — reinforcements arrive; the Indians become disheartened ; they burn the village and kill the cattle; and at last, with loud yells of disappointment and rage, they raise the siege and depart. Sin;h was the siege of Fort Henry, on the present siu THE MAID OF FORT HENRY. 55 of Wheeling, Virginia, in the month of September, and the year 1*777 — and such the heroism of its gallant defenders Immohtal be the name of Elizabeth Z>?*f, thb noble Heroine of Fort Henry. In the fall of 1850, as I was passing down Lake Erio, from Sandusky City to Buffalo, I formed some acquain- tance with an elderly gentleman, who was also a passenger. Mr. Warren, for so he gave me his name, had been one of the early adventurers in the western country, and especially along the lake shore ; and finding me interested in matters pertaining to early times, he took not a little pains in pointing out to me, from the deck of the steamer, the different localities where important events had occurred connected with the early settlement of the country. With each locality he had a story to tell — either longer or shorter, as the case might be ; but the most remarkable one :f all, and which I am going to relate, occurred to himself and a small party of his dearest friends. " Do you see that dark line, yonder ?" he said, pointing to the distant shore. " I see something," I replied, " that resembles a small cloud stretched along the horizon." "Well, that, sir, is not literally a cloud, though it proved a cloud of sorrow to me." (56) WRECKED ON THE LAKE. 57 As he said this, in a voice somewhat tremulous with emotiou, I looked up, and observed a tear stealing down his aged cheek. " Ab ! my friend," he pursued, shaking his gray head solemnly, ai.d passing his hand across his eyes, " the sight o* that dark spot yonder brings up a dark memory, and makes me weep as a child rather than as a man. It was a great many years ago," he continued, "and I have since lived to experience a great many changes and reverses — have lived to see one friend after another taken down to his narrow home — but the events of that awful day are as vividly in my recollection now, looming above all others, as if they had occurred but yesterday. Excuse me a few minutes, and I will tell you the story," he added ; and turning away, he seated himself, buried his face in his hands, and did not again alter his position till the dark line he referred to had faded from my view. At length he looked up, as one starting from a dream ; and having swept the horizon with his still keen, bright eye, he turned to me and requested me to take a seat beside him. "That dark line I pointed out to you.'' he resumed — " and which, thank Heaven ! is now gone from my sight — ■ is an almost perpendicular bluff of rocks, of from sixty to eighty feet in height, upon the base of which the storm- raised waves dash with wild fury, throwing a fine white 53 WRECKED ON THE LAKE. spray nigh into the air, and filling the listening ear with an almost deafening roar, not unlike the thunders of Niagara. I heard it once, as a dreadful requiem over the loved and lost, and Heaven grant that I may never hear it again I" Here he paused, as if overpowed with the recollection, brushed another tear from his eye, and once more re- sumed : " It was many years ago — I need not tell you how many, for time counts as nothing in those great events that rend the heart : it was many years ago, I say, that a small party of us — consisting of my mother, sister, a younger brother, and a young and lovely maiden to whom I was engaged — embarked in a Canadian bateau at a point far down the lake, with the intention of finishing the remainder of our long journey from the eastward by water, and joining a few friends who had gone before us and settled just below the rapids of the Maumee." "For several days we had good sailing — the weather fair and the wind in our favor — in consequence of which our hearts became light and buoyant, for we felt that we were near our journey's end, and should soon be mingled with those we sought. But who knows aught of the future ? — who has a right to say that joy and happiness are his 7 — for in a single moment all his brightest hopes may be dashed forever, and he be either overtaken by WRECKED ON THE LAKE. 59 ftrtith, or by a calamity that shall make him a life-long mourner ! "One day, with the most gloomy apprehensions— witfc a presentiment that made me wretched — I saw a storm begin to gather, and I watched it with feelings of the most painful anxiety. It was not long in gathering, but loomed up quickly and fearfully, and, almost ere any one save me was aware of the danger, it burst upon us with fury. " I had taken in sail, and prepared for it as well as I could, but the first dash nearly capsized us. The wavea suddenly rose, and threw their spray completely over us, and we began to drift toward the dark bluff which I pointed out to you. All was now excitement and con- fusion on board, for all believed that we should soon go to the bottom. I pretended to have a stout heart, and to laugh at their fears, and so quieted them in some degree. But to tell you the truth, I was fearfully alarmed myself, for the boat at once became unmanageable, and set rapidly toward the rocky shore, upon which the surge was now heating frightfully, and I felt that nothing short of an interposition of Providence could save us from being dashed to pieces. " I spoke not of my fears, however, till I saw it was vain to hope — till I beheld the rocks looming up, black and fearful, immediately before us, the waves lashing them 60 WRECKED ON THE LAKE. terrifically, throwing up their white spray, and rolling back with a crash which could be heard amid the bowlings of the storm — and then I told my friends, shouting the words above the roaring of the tempest, that it was time to commend our souls to God, for we were about to pass the dread portals of eternity and enter His awful presence. " The scene that followed I may only describe as wild, fearful, terrible — each clinging to the other in the most agonized distress, and all appealing to God for mercy. The painful and horrible suspense of waiting for death, while staring it in the face, was of short duration ; we seemed but as a bubble on the crest of the angry waters, which now bore us swifter and swifter to our doom ; and suddenly, while we all stood locked as it were in each other's embrace, we struck. There was a fearful crash— loud shrieks that seemed blended into one despairing cry — and the hissing waves rolled over us. " We all went down clinging to each other, knotted as it were together, and were whirled about in the seething waters, till at length, as we rose to the surface, we seemed lo be caught by an unusually large wave, and were thrown violently upon a narrow shelf of the rock, where, the huge wave instantly retreating, we were eft comparatively dry. From the time of going under till we were thrown upon the rock, I had not for a single moment lost my presence of mind ; and though now half stunned and hi uised by the WRECKED ON THE LAKE. 61 concussion, 1 instantly comprehended all ihat had hap- pened ; and that, if I would save myself and friends, it must be done ere the return of such another wave as haH placed us in our present position. " Instantly I worked myself loose from my almost death- griping companions, dragged them back as far as I could, shouted in their ears the joyful news of their escape, and then got between them and the water, so that, in their bewildered state, they might not roll back to their destruc- tion. I had scarcely succeeded in making them understand what had happened, and they were just beginning to gather themselves upon their feet — my brother with as little pre- sence of mind as any — when I saw another huge wave returning; and, quick as thought, I threw them down, and fell prostrate across their bodies. The wave came, amid our shrieks of terror, and completely submerged us. but not to a sufficient depth to float us from the rock. " This occurred at intervals of about a minute ; and it took me several of these to make my friends comprehend that we were comparatively safe, though in a perilous posi- tion — to give them, in fact, a true understanding of the whole matter : and then the task of keeping them where they were became less laborious to me, because of their assistance. " I now for the first had a little time to look about me, which I eagerly employed in ascertaining what might be 6 fr2 WRECKED ON THE LAKE. our chances for escape. But, alas ! I saw nothing to give me any hope. It was an awful scene — a scene to excite feelings of the blackest despair 1 The shelf upon which we had been thrown was narrow, some ten or fifteen fee: in length, and about five feet above the level of the boiling and seething surge ; while behind us and over us, was a high, black, overhanging rock, the top of which our posi- tion did not permit us to see. There was no chance of escape except by the water; and there the wreck of our boat, in a hundred pieces, was whirling about on the foam- crested waves and frothing eddies — the storm the while still raging in wild fury — and the shrieking winds, the descending torrents, and the lashing waves, making a hor- rid concert for our affrighted senses. " ' My son,' shrieked my mother, in a voice of despair, Mhere seems to be no hope for us. It would have been better had we perished at once, and so ended our misery. y " ' While there is life there is hope,' I replied, in the hame shrill, shrieking tone — the only human sound that could be heard amid the howlings of the tempest. " Let me not dwell upon that scene — the recollection of which, even now, after a long lapse of years, makes the blood run cold in my veins. But little was said by any — • for, as I have remarked, the human voice could only be heard when pitched on its highest key — and each was too terribly impressed with the sense of our desolation, to give WRFCKED ON THE LAKE. 63 vent to the feelings of agony which stirred the depths of our inmost souls. " We clung there together for hours — in almost silent wailing, watching, and trembling — and then, with unspeak- able misery, we saw the night close in upon us — shutting out the horrid view, it is true — but leaving us as it were only the sense of feeling that each other was there. Oh, that long and terrible night ! an age to me of horror — the storm still unabated — the shrieking winds driving coldly through our drenched garments, and ever and anon a large wave engulfing us ! There was no chance for sleep — but *>uly for thought — thought the wildest, most terrible, most agonizing ! If we looked around, our gaze encountered nothing but the deepest blackness, or here and there the phosphorescent light of the foaming waters, which seemed to our now distracted fancies only a sepulchral light to guide us to destruction. " Somewhere about midnight, as near as I may judge — feeling weak, faint, cold and benumbed — through the pain- ful position in which I had thus far clung to my friends, and my continual submersion beneath the rushing and retiring waves — I released my hold for a few moments, in order to chafe my limbs. But scarcely had I done so, when I was suddenly startled by a wild shriek; and, on feeling for my companions, I found to my horror that 64 WRECKED ON THE LAKE. ray mother and brother were gone ! leaving only my dear sister, my beloved Mary, and myself upon the rock. " I need not dwell upon that night. If your imagina- tion cannot fill the picture of wo which I have so imper- ectly sketched, you will never form an idea of my feelings, for language has no power to describe them. " Morning broke at last — after that long, long night of horror — the storm still raging as furiously as ever — but only three of us alive to know the miseries of living. By the returning light we once more surveyed the awful scene around us ; and there, upon the rocks below, but at soma distance from where we were, we beheld the bodies of my mother and brother, locked in each other's arms, the lash- ing waves just sufficiently swaying them about to give an appearance of life. But they were dead — cold in death — ■ and the sight so affected my poor sister, that she arose with a shriek, and, whether intentionally or accidentally, plunged over into the boiling surge. "Almost beside myself with the accumulated horrors, I threw my arms around my only companion, my beloved Mary, and held her down by my side. "And thus I sat for hours, in a state of comparative stupefaction, gazing off upon the storm-maddened lake, but with a kind of stony gaze that scarcely had speculation in it. " When I again turned to Mary, I found she had fainted; WRECKED ON THE LAKE. 65 though how long she had been in that condition I did not know. This in some measure recalled me to myself; and I began to chafe her limbs, calling upon her dear name in the wildest tones of despair. She did not revive immedi- ately, and I had just begun to think that she had perished in my arms, when I saw signs of returning life, and redoubled my exertions. At last I had the joy of seeing her open her eyes, and of knowing that her senses had returned. She now looked wildly around her, and, scarcely comprehend- ing what had occurred, asked for her absent friends. "'They are gone, dear Mary,' said I, with a bursting heart ; ' toey will return to us no more ; you are all that is left to me now ; and may God in his mercy either preserve you, or take us both together to the land of 3pirits !" " ' Yes,' she replied, faintly — so faintly that I had to put my ear close to catch the words — ' and we must perish, too —but Are will perish together. We must die — we cannot live— we cannot escape — and so let us die at once, and join those who have gone before us !' " ' In God's own good time V I rejoined. ' We have no right to take our lives in our own hands. He gave and must take. It is our duty to be ready at His call.' " ' But I cannot survive this 1' she said ; ' death is aii und'ed times preferable to this agonizing suspense !' " J encouraged her a« well as one id my situation could ; 6* 66 WRECKED ON THE LAKE. 1 repeated, that while there was life there was hope; 1 used every argument and every term of endearment I could think of, to persuade her to cling to life; and at last she seemed to be more resigned to her fate — the fate of waiting and watching with me for the coming death. " Why should I dwell upon that horrible scene ? Why live over again in relating the agony I suffered in reality ? No ! rather let me hurry on to the awful close — for awful it was, and made these then black hairs turn white in the very prime of manhood. " Mary gradually drooped — grew faint for the want of food — grew benumbed and torpid through repeated drench- ings of the chilling waters ; and at length, when another night began to close around us, with the storm still una- bated, I feebly but painfully foresaw that, should [ still Uve on, I must soon live alone — be the last survivor of that once happy group. " My forebodings were awfully fulfilled ! Another night set in — and proved, oh God 1 the last to the last being I then had in the wide world to love ! 1 had gradually grown weak myself — so weak that I could scarcely keep my hold upon the rocks— to which I still clung with the instincts of life, and for the preservation of my poor Mary, who had long since given up the attempt of preserving herself. " But the end ca lie. A larger wave than ever burst WRECKED ON THE LAKE. 67 over us, loosed my feeble hold, dashed me against the rocks behind, and left me half-stunned and bleeding on the very verge of the abyss. I crawled up again, and felt for Mary. Great Heaven ! she was not there ! she was gone ! With a shriek of despair, I threw myself flat upon my face, determined to make no further effort for life. "But God, in his inscrutable Providence, saw fit to preserve me. The storm had now reached its height, and Tom that moment it began to abate. The morning found me alive, but alone ; and the angry waves, which had snatched from me all I prized on earth, were gradually subsiding to quietude, as if satisfied with their work of destruction. " More dead than alive, I kept my position upon the rocks through that day and another night; and then, being discovered by some Canadian fishermen, I was taken off, and conveyed to their home, on the other side of the lake. There, after a long and delirious illness, I finally recovered, and learned that the bodies of my friends had been found, taken from the water, and decently interred upon the American shore. "I have many times since," concluded the aged narrator, in a tremulous voice, "visited the humble grave where they quietly repose together, and never but with a regret that [ did not sleep beside them It was there, over that Ujnely 68 WRECKED ON THE LAKE. grave, I took a solemn oath to be true to my first lore, and you now behold me a wifeless and childless old man, whose only abiding hope is, that 1 shall soon joiu them in better world V gt&ymtt §mmt\Ut. J dam Wiston, though even now unknown to fame, was ^ne of the boldest and bravest of that hardy band of waring spirits who led the van of civilization into the great wilderness of the West. Born on the soil of Pennsylvania, nurtured among her wild and romantic hills, he early imbibed a love for bold and daring exploits, and even as a ^oy became the hero of some remarkable adventures. In those days of peril, the frontier afforded no facilities for the training of youth in the knowledge of books ; and staunch, robust, intellectual men entered upon the active duties of life without other education than that which fitted them for a victorious march into the very depths of the savage wilds, which still stretched before them for hundreds and thousands of miles The learning gained from letters is a species of mental luxury, seldom indulged in by those who find it necessary to be constantly on the alert to provide the daily wants of physical life and guard themselves from a thousand surrounding perils. Adam Wiston was, therefore, no scholar; but no mail (09) 70 A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. of his day had a more practical and thorough knowledge oi the forest, in which he wished to live and hoped to die, than he had at the time he bade his friends adieu, shoul- dered his rifle, and, afoot and alone, set off on a bold exploration toward the wilds of Kentucky. What he bhw, what he enjoyed, what he encountered, and what he suffered, from that eventful period till the day of his death, will probably never be known to the world; but there are some traces of his daring and checkered career, which show that his was not a life to be envied by the man who considers persona! ease and personal safety the para- mount objects of his existence. Tradition, the mother of written history, the preserver of unrecorded deeds and facts, has handed down a few of the adventures and exploits of this hero of the wilderness, and which it is the purpose of this article to relate. Adam was a large, powerfully built man, six feet m height, and well proportioned, with iron nerves and whip- cord muscles, and, at five-and-twenty, regarded himself as the equal in physical strength and endurance of any human being on the frontier, whether foreign or native, white or Indian, and always stood ready to put the matter to the test in any manner which any adverse believer might think proper. He was, moreover, supple, active, long winded, and quick of foot ; and had more than once, ereu when a mere boy, borne off the prize from older and A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 71 renowned competitors, in such physical contests as wrest- ling, running, leaping, throwing weights, and the like ; and when it is added that he was true of eye, steady of hand, and a dead shot, it will be perceived that he was a man whom no single antagonist might encounter with safety. Like nearly all of his class, Adam Wiston had come to regard his natural foe, the native savage, with an implacable hatred, and he never missed an opportunity of testifying to the fact in the most vindictive manner. It vas an invariable rule with him, to kill an Indian when- ever and wherever he could ; and so noted had become his eats of daring in this respect, that the savages had named •iiu Papapanawe, (Lightning,) and spoke of him with dread, and the few whites that knew him hailed him as tne hero of heroes, the bravest of the brave. Early one morning in the spring of the year, when the great forest had donned its new mantle, and looked delightfully green and gay, Adam crept stealthily and noiselessly over a steep ridge, which formed the left bank of a well-known stream, and, gliding silently clown into a narrow ravine, ensconced himself in a dense thicket, within thirty yards of a famous deer-lick. Here, carefully stretching himself out at full length upon the earth, with his long rifle properly adjusted, and the clustering leaves before him just sufficiently parted to give him a sight of the spot which some timid deer might be 72 A DESPERATE ENCOUKTER. pxpected to visit at any moment, he waited with the patience of an old, experienced hunter for the happy moment when he should be able to bring down his game, and thus provide himself with many a coveted meal. Adam was not destined, on this occasion, to have his patience tried by any unusual delay ; for he had scarcely watched the "lick" a quarter of an hour, when, in the direct line of his vision, appeared a sleek, fat buck. The "ifle was already pointed, Adam was quick of sight, and the next instant there was a flash, a crack, and the unerr- ing ball had sped on its fatal mission. The buck suddenly bounded into the air, and fell over on its side, where for a lew moments it lay quivering in the last throes of death. But, strange to relate, there was another report of another rifle, so exactly timed with Adam Wiston's, that the two sounds were blended into one, and two balls at the same moment struck the same animal at opposite sides. The quick ears of the old hunter barely caught the foreign sound, and he by no means felt certain it was not an auri- cular deception; but trained from his youth to prudence and caution, he was not the man to slight the faintest warning of danger when nothing was to be gained by bold and reckless daring. If it was indeed the report of another gun he had heard, it was, he thought, more likely to be that of an enemy than a friend ; and situated as he was in the great wilderness, his very life depending in no slight A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 73 degree upon his own vigilance and care, it stood him in hand to ascertain if he had aught o fear, before rashly venturing from his covert. Gathering himself upon his knees, therefore, and slowly and cautiously pushing his head up through the interlacing bushes, he directed his glance to the opposite side of the stream, where there chanced to be a ravine similar to the one he occupied ; and there, in direct confirmation of his suspicion, he beheld a thin wreath of smoke slowly ascend- ing and dispersing itself in the clear morning air ; while just below it, barely perceptible among the bushes, and so blending with them that no eye but a practiced woodman 7 s might have detected it, he perceived the shaven crown and painted face of a hideous savage, with its black, basilisk eyes fairly gleaming, as it seemed, with fierce desire, and fixed steadily and searchingly upon himself. Had there been in the mind of Adam Wiston the faintest shadow of a doubt of the Indian's simultaneous discovery of himself, he would have silently and cautiously withdrawn himself from exposure, reloaded his rifle, and awaited his opportunity of a fatal shot ; and even as it was, he hur- riedly debated with himself the propriety of boldly un- masking ; but yielding the next moment to an almost uncontrolable impulse, he uttered a loud yell of defiance, and called out to his adversary in the most taunting manii'T : 74 A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. " Hello ! you greasy curmudgeon of a sneaking tribe ! ef you want ray hair, you'll have to come arter it, and it'll take a man to crop it ; but ef I had a squaw here, I'd send her for yonrn, and consider her time wasted when she'd g3t it. Come, you old painted brute! I dar' you to a fair stand-up fight, and no rifles atween us, and the best man gets a scalp and a buck ! But, bah ! what's the use o' talk- ing? for it arn't in you to understand any thing like human language ; and it 'ud be worse nor a seven-year agar for rich as me to break my jaws over gibberish that no sen- sible human ever did know any thing about." While Adam was thus giving vent to his rage and con- tempt, he was not idle ; but, with his person all concealed except his head, his hands were actively engaged in put- ting a new charge into his rifle. He had succeeded in getting in the powder, and was in the act of ramming 'lorne the ball, when the Indian, who had up to this time apparently remained immovable — and who, perhaps, from some slight but perceptible motion of his enemy's head, had conjectured what he was doing — suddenly uttered a short, shrill whoop, and disappeared. " Only one minute more, Greasy, and thar'd been another dead carcass for the buzzards !" muttered Adam, as, aware of his own dangerous exposure, he suddenly ducked his head and crawled stealthily among the stems of the bushes, away from the spot he had occupied, for A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 75 fear a. venture-shot of the savage might chance to strike him. And then, as he re-primed his piece, keeping as wary a watch the while as his situation would permit, he added : " Now for it ; it's eyther me or that red-skin afore night." Thinking it the most prudent course to maintain his concealment for the present, in case the savage, whom he fancied would not leave the vicinity, should attempt to steal upon his retreat, Adam again stretched himself upon ihe ground, and for something like an hour listened keenly to every sound, and sharply watched the motion of every leaf around and above him, to be certain it was stirred by the breeze and not by his foe. Then finding his time was likely to be wasted, and fearing the savage might escape him after all, he resolved upon a venture of exploration into the retreat of his enemy, though not with that careless haste which might give the other the andantage he bad himself hoped to gain. With the greatest caution, therefore, and by a sinuous, snake-like motion, go that no movement of the bushes above him would Indicate his course, he worked his body up the ravine and over the top of the lidge; and then gliding into the thick wood on the other side, he set off more boldly en a circuitous route, intending to cross the stream some distance above and come up carefully behind the point where he had espied the savage 76 A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. Now it so chanced that there was a very si. gular and remarkable train of coincidences, formed by the same thoughts and desires actuating these two human beings at the same time; for both had stolen to their different concealments together, had together espied the deer, had fired together, had examined each other in a like manner, had both disappeared together, and waited and watched for each other, and each had actually set off to circumvent the other at the same moment, both going up the stream ; while, as if to put a climax to the whole, both came out face to face on opposite sides of the narrow river, with a distance of less than thirty yards dividing them ; when, quick as lightning, both pieces were simultaneously raised and fired, there being as before a blended report. Adam felt a sharp, burning twinge in his right arm, and saw the savage suddenly press his hand to his right breast ; and the next moment these brave, undaunted men, with loud yells of rage and defiance, were springing toward each other for a mortal hand-to-hand combat. Casting their pieces aside, they met in the middle of the stream, which was here shallow, and rushed foaming ana gurgling over a stony bed ; and had there been a spectator, conscious of all that had occurred, he would have con- sidered their individual chances of life about equal — for the Indian was a large, athletic fellow, supple and active, A DLSPERATE ENCOUNTER. 77 strong and determined, and both were actuated arith a mutual hate and a fierce desire for victory. With their knives gleaming, they met as recorded, and for a few moments there was a flashing and crashing of steel, as both struck and parried with something of the skill of two masters of fence. But a fight like this, at such close quarters, and with such short weapons, could not long continue without some serious wounds on one side or both ; and with a quick and sudden blow, Adam succeeded in giving his adversary a fearful gash across the breast, fol- lowed by another which nearly severed the tendons of the left arm. With a howl of rage and pain, the savage started back a pace, the blood flowing profusely ; and then, measuring his already panting antagonist with a quick glance of his eagle eye, he suddenly bounded forward, and made a fearful lunge for his heart. The old hunter, though in a measure prepared for this, could not altogether avoid the thrust; but he so quickly turned as to receive the wound in his right side; at the same time plunging his own knife half way to the hilt in the back of his foe, barely missing the vertebra, which would have terminated the contest in nis favor. Too highly wrought up by a fierce and vengeful excite- ment, and too eager for the finishing stroke to give a proper heed to defence, both combatants, badly wounded, covered with blood, panting for breath, and with failing str^gt! , 7* 78 A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. but with glaring eyes and gnashing teeth, now struck fast and furiously, each blow telling with fearful effect upon the other. At length their knives met in such a manner that both dropped from their hands together ; and then they clinched, swayed to and fro like intoxicated men, and fell, and rolled over and over in the water upon the pro- truding stones, locked in each other's embrace, knotted together, and each struggling to be uppermost and strangle or drown his antagonist. It was still a fearful and desperate fight, and was con- tinned in the manner described for some five minutes, during which no one could have told who would eventually be the victor At Inst Adam, in rolling under the Indian for the sixth or eighth time, perceived that chance or Providence had brought him back to the very spot where he had lost his knife ; and bethinking him of this, he, by a desperate exer- tion, released one of his hands, and placed it partially beneath him, in the hope of getting hold of the weapon. To his unbounded delight, the attempt proved successful ; and the next moment, with all his remaining strength, he w&s actively plunging it, with rapid thrusts, into the back and sides of his enemy. This, aud it may be this alone, gave him the victory ; for the Indian, though still holding out with a wonderful tenacity of life, a-d exerting himself even against hope, A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 79 gradually gave way in strength, till the hunter, with far less exertion thar formerly, was able to turn hi in again, when, plunging the knife into his throat, he ended the contest Adam, finding the savage was at last really dead, slowly gathered himself up, seated himself upcn the body, wiped the blood and perspiration from his face, and, in a some- what doleful, half ludicrous tone, complimented his late adversary by saying : 11 You war the toughest old red nigger as ever Adam Wiston fou't." He then, in a slow and deliberate manner, proceeded to scalp the dead Indian ; which done, he took from his person all that he considered of any value, secured both rifles, and then sat down on the bank and dressed his own wounds in the best manner he could. Though seriously, he was not dangerously, wounded ; and having rested himself for an hour, he set to work on the dead buck, cut off his breakfast, kindled a fire, cooked and ate it. Then cutting off another large piece of meat, to serve his neces- sities for the journey, he set off at a slow, feeble pace for the nearest station, where he arrived during the night, and narrated his desperate encounter to a crowd of eager and wondering listeners. If f»! tut fftf*. During the early settlements in the western part of Penn« Bylvania and the northwestern portion of Virginia, the nardy adventurers into those then wilderness solitudes at times suffered severely from the incursions of the Indians. As early as 1780, quite a large body of warriors, from the vicinity of the Cuyahoga Falls, came suddenly down upon the unprotected frontier, and, before any check could be put to their ravages, succeeded in murdering and plunder- ing quite a number ot tne wnites, and ettectmg their retreat in safety. At this time there was a well-known Indian hunter in that vicinity, one Captain Samuel Brady, whose many daring exploits and hair-breadth escapes had rendered him as famous throughout that region as his cotemporary, the celebrated Daniel Boone, was in Kentucky ; and having under his leadership a goodly number of as brave and daring spirits as himself, he at once called them together, selected a certain number for the expedition, and set out on the trail of the savages, hoping to overtake them and (80) A LEAP FOR LIFE. 81 inflict a severe chastisement before they should reach their villages. In this respect, however, the captain and his friends were disappointed ; for the Indians had gained a start which enabled them to reach their towns in advance of their pursuers ; but as they belonged to different tribes, it was discovered that they had separated on the bank of the Cuyahoga — one part crossing it and going to the north- ward, and the other turning off to the westward, as it was supposed to the Falls, where it was known there was a village. This division of the Indians rendered it necessary for the whites, if they would follow each trail, to divide their force also, which would weaken it materially, and render their further pursuit still more haza dous ; and in view of this new danger, Captain Brady stated the whole mattei fairly to his companions, and inquired of them what the) were disposed to do under the circumstances. Should they follow either one of the trails, he said, the other half of the Indians would escape ; should they follow neither one, all would escape ; and should they divide, each division would be comparatively small, and they might a?l be cut off in detail ; therefore it was for them to choose whether they would go forward in one party or two, or return as they were without striking a blow. The men were not long in deciding; they were unani- 82 A LEAP FOR LIFE. mons in their desire to push forward and take vengeauc* upon the enemy ; they also preferred a division of ihe party ; and accordingly about one-half of them immediately crossed the river and set off to the northward, while the remainder, under Captain Brady, followed the westward trail to the Cuyahoga Falls. It was the design and expectation of the gallant captain to take the Indians by surprise ; but the latter, expecting to be pursued by the whites, were prepared to receive them ; and it was only by a mere accident that the bor- derers were saved from falling into an ambuscade which would have proved fatal to all. Seeing that the Indians were fully prepared for them— that there was no cha .ce of taking them by surprise — that their numbers were : c least four times as many as their own — our friends judiciously determined upon a retreat ; but they had not gone far, when the Indians, uttering their wildest war-whoops, set after them in a body. Knowing that if his men continued together, there would be no hope for any of them, Captain Brady, in order to save as many lives as possible, called out to them to dis- perse in every direction, and each man to look out for him- self. By this means he expected to divide the Indians into umall parties in their pursuit of single individuals ; and this might have been the result, had they not, unfortu- nately for his own safety, discovered in him their most A LEA.P FOR LIFE. 83 vindictive and troublesome foe, and at once resolved upon his capture. Captain Brady was well known to the Indians ; in former times he had hunted with them over these very grounds ; but he had subsequently become their most im- placable enemy, and had done them so much injury as to create in them a fiendish desire to take him alive and put him to the tortures— they well knowing that the accom- plishment of this purpose would not only rid them of the man they both hated and feared, but would deprive the whites of their bravest and most daring leader, and would thus strike a more effective blow against the latter than would the destruetion of a dozen or twenty men of lesser note. For this reason, therefore, the moment it was ascertained that he was one of the party, his capture was determined on by all ; and turning from the pursuit of the others, the whole yelling crew set after him. Captain Brady had something of the start, and was ono of the fleetest runners on the border ; that he could distance and escape from a few, he was sanguine enough to believe; but when he found himself recognized, and, looking behind him, saw the whole body in chase of Limself, his very heart seemed to die within him. What chance had he of escape indeed- single-handed and alone — afar from the refuge of even a wilderness fort — and with fifty infuriated Indians in hot pursuit, urged on by a spirit 84 A LEAP FOR LIFE. of revenge, and resolved, above every other earthly con sideration, upon taking him alive or dead ? But the captain was a brave man, and a brave man dies but once ; he was a sanguine man, too, and would not consider his case hopeless while the freedom of his limbs remained ; and though, as he afterward expressed it, " it was hardly one chance in fifty, yet he was determined to do his best, and have no fault to find with himself from a lack of effort. " Near the point where the race first started, the Cuya- hoga makes a bend to the south, so as to nearly enclose an area of several square miles in the form of a peninsula; the direction taken by Brady soon brought him within this enclosure ; and the Indians, by extending their line to the two banks of the stream, at the point where they most nearly approach each other, considered him as in a net, and announced their satisfaction by yells of triumph. There was now, in fact, no chance for him to escape except through their lines or across the Cuyahoga river ; and considering that the foremost pursuers were not fifty yards behind him, either of these chances was regarded by the savages as an impossibility. Still the hardy and gallant captain did not despair; he had many a time hunted over this very ground, and knew every inch of it, and all the windings, turnings, and peculiarities of the river as well as the Indians them- A LEAP FOR LIFE. b5 selves ; he knew, too, there was one point where the river, compressed within a few feet, rushed roaring and foaming through a rocky gorge ; and it at once occurred to him to shape his course for this point, and make a bold, desperate leap for the other shore, lie might fall short, and be dashed to pieces upon the rocks beneath, it was true ; but this would only be a quick and sudden death ; the awful tortures of the stake awaited him if taken alive ; and to take him alive was unquestionably the design of his pur- suers, since they had neglected to fire upon him from a distance which would have mnde their aim fatal Casting away his rifle, as only an incumbrance which jould not serve him in this strait, he bounded forward with renewed energy ; and with a bare hope of life before him, he fled with a speed that few could equal — slightly gaining upon the fleetest of his foes — but not sufficiently, during the whole race, to take him beyond the easy reach of a rifle ball. Nearer and nearer he came to the rushing and foaming stream ; and as he heard the roar of the waters, and saw but i few seconds could intervene between the present and the lawful leap which might save or destroy him, his heart heal wildly, and his whole frame seemed to tremble with the intense concentration of his mind upon the fearfu* Tenure. 2* >arer and nearer he came ; louder grew the roar of 8 bb A LEAP FOR LIFE. the waters ; the awful chasm gradually yawning befc re him, and the white spray of the fearful torrent rising to hi? view ; the Indians yelling behind, and his only hope here *, nd then, contracting his muscles, as his feet lightly pressed the precipitous rock, and throwing into them all the power of his concentrated will, he leaped into the air, like a bounding ball, and landed safely upon the other rocky verge of the abyss, striking a little below the height from which he sprung, but passing a clear distance of twenty -two feet between the mural shores. Instantly grasping some bushes which fringed the verge of the awful chasm, to prevent himself from falling back- ward into the seething stream, the gallant captain stood foi a few moments, panting from his exertions, and striving to recover his breath for still another flight. In those few moments the Indians appeared upon the opposite bluff, expecting to find that he had been dashed to pieces upon the rocks below; but on discovering him safely on the opposite side, their astonishment was so great as involuntarily and simultaneously to draw from them some two or three short, approving whoops — forgetting in their first surprise that he was cleaily beyond their reach, and not seeming to recollect it till he had begun to vigor- ously climb the ridge above him in his further efforts at escape. Then drawing up their rifles, with a quick aim, they poured in upon him something like a regular volley — A LEAP FOR LIF*. 87 most of the balls whistling close around hiiL viid one of them lodging in his hip and inflicting a severe and painful wound. Notwithstanding this, the gallant fellow continued his ascent, and, on reaching the top of the ridge, gave a yell of defiance, and disappeared on the other side. Captain Brady was now aware that the Indians would have to make a considerable circuit in order to reach him ; and had he not been so severely wounded, he would have .■onsidered his escape as almost certain; but knowing he would still be followed, and finding his wound very painful, and the cords of his leg fast stiffening, he cast about him for some place to secrete himself from their search. After running a short distance, he discovered a pond, and, near the shore, a large oak which had fallen into it ; there might be nothing better than this ; and hurrying forward with all his might, he boldly plunged in, swam under water to the tree, and came up beneath the trunk and among the branches, in such a manner as to be barely able to breathe without exposing any portion of his person to his enemies. Here, in a state of mind which may be imagined but cannot be described, the gallant borderer remained for a long time, watching his enemies as they collected one by one along the shore at the point where his bloody trail had disappeared in the water. 88 A LEAP FOR LIFE. Still resolved upon finding him, either living or dead, the savages were by no means disposed to give up the search; and after running along the shore for a consider- able distance, on either side of his trail, to ascertain if possible where he had emerged from the water, several of the party plunged in, swam out to the oak, and actually seated themselves upon it, while they conversed in their own language, which he understood, concerning his won- derful escape. At last, with such feelings of joy as no one not simi- larly circumstanced might comprehend, he heard them state their belief that he was drowned, and his body lost to them by being sunk in deep water; and soon after this, to his still greater joy, they quietly returned to the shore, and one by one all gradually disappeared. Remaining in his uncomfortable position till he con- sidered it safe to leave it, the wounded captain himself then swam back to the land ; and weary, lame, and hungry as he was — alone, and without a weapon for his defence — he set off on his long, tedious journey through the wilder- ness for his own home; which he eventually reached more dead than alive; and where, to his great gratification, he found the companions of his perilous expedition already returned in safety. This has truly been considered one of the most wonder- ful adventures of a region teeming with adventure ; and to A LEAP FOR LIFE 89 this day the pond in which the captain secreted himself bears his name; while the rocky chasm of the Cuyahoga, across which he made his desperate spring, is known fa* and near by the name of "Brady's Leap." 8* j0fri Intftujjfiiit If there is any one who needs the philosophy of diis world's changes to make him wiser and better, by bringing hope to his despair, or humility to his pride, let him take a given number of individuals, and a given number of years —say twenty of each- — and observe the condition of the different parties at the beginning and end of the time that is named. The result in all cases will be astonishing — in many it will be wonderful. If old enough, reader, think back twenty years, and see where and how you stood in the world then, with nineteen others, selected at random from all you then knew. Take the names that first present themselves to your memory, and write them down, with the condition and prospects of each individual annexed ; and then, underneath, write the condition and prospects of each at the present moment; and if you find not the result almost startling, and full of moral philosophy, then' has time dealt gently with you end your friends, and you require not the lesson which would otherwise be taught. (UU) LOVE TRIUMPHANT. 91 Twenty names and twenty years ! Ah ! here they come — substance and shadow — the living and dead ; but oil ! how great, how startling, the change between that time and this — the past and the present ! Foremost of the group, I behold a bright, gay, fascinat- ing and beautiful little being, who seemed born to love and be beloved. Her promise was a golden future of joy — her reality an early rest in the dark, cold grave. Nine- teen years has her mortal form reposed in the quiet church- yard, and few now living remember the name she bore. Next I recall an aspiring youth — proud, wealthy, and ambitious — bending his whole energies to academic honors and collegiate distinction. His promise was a brilliant career, with living applause and posthumous fame — his reality a loss of sight, mental disease, and a suicide's death. The third comes up before me a poor, pale, blue-eyed cripple, whom one loved, a few pitied, and the rest despised. His promise was a short and miserable exist- ence — his reality an honorable position, great wealth, and plenty of what the world calls friends. And so I might g3 on, disposing of the number one by one ; but there are two whose names rise together and blend in my memory, and who may more properly fill the limits of my space — for theirs is a history "to point a moral and adorr a tale." 92 LOVE TRIUMPHANT. Twenty years ago, then, a slender, pale young man, thinly but decently clad, was one cold, autumnal evening hurrying his steps over the ground that divided his own humble home from the large and somewhat aristoeratiu dwelling of a neighbor. As he drew near the mansion, which loomed up white, and seemingly cold and proud, in the frosty, star-lit air, the pale features of the young man flushed, and the hand that timidly knocked at the door trembled not a little. The door, however, was almost immediately opened, by a blooming, beautiful girl of eighteen, who said, in a rather quick and apparently excited tone : " Ah ! Walter— so it is you ! Walk in !" " I hope I see you well this evening, Mary !" returned the young man, in a slightly tremulous tone, that seemed to result from strong but partially suppressed emo- tions. " Yes, I am well," replied the girl, hurriedly, as she closed the door and led the way to the sitting-room, where she motioned her guest to be seated, though without show- ing any inclination to sit herself. " You received my note, I suppose V she interrogatively asserted, in a quick and flurried manner, hastily turning her flushing features from the keen scrutiny of him she addressed. " Yes, Mary Ellsworth," replied the other, more slowly uiid distinctly, " I received a line or two from you, saying LOVE TRIUMPHANT. 93 all the family would be absent to-nigbt except yourself, and you desired to see me alone for a few minutes." The young man paused, keeping his fine, hazel eyes steadily fixed upon the other, who now, with averted head, seemed much embarrassed and disconcerted. Stepping forward a few paces, she dropped into a chair, and, still without reply, appeared to busy herself in looking at the jeweled rings on her fair, soft, lady-like-fingers. " Mary," spoke young Walter Harwood, after an impres- sive silence of more than a mimite, " what is the meaning of this ?" She played nervously with her fingers, but still remained silent. " Mary," continued Walter, placing a chair and seating himself in such a position that he could catch a partial view of her features, " let me remind you exactly how we stand in regard to each other; and then speak frankly, and say why you sent for me !" He paused a moment, passing his hand rather quickly and nervously along his high, white forehead, and up through his dark, clustering hair, and then proceeded : " I am four years your senior, Mary, and have loved you trom infancy. It was my delight as a child, when you were a mere infant, to hold you in these arras ; and even then, young as I was, and strange as it may seem, I often prayed that I might grow up a strong man, and be ever 94 LOVE TRIUMPHANT. able to support you and protect you through the jourm y of life. "We were playmates when little — we grew up com- panions — and there was never a period of your life that I iid not love you, and daily pray to be loved in return. But your father was rich, and mine was poor; and as I grew older, I learned to feel the distinction which existed, and still exists, between the families of Ellsworth and Har- wood ; though I will do you the justice to say, that I do not believe you ever intentionally made me perceive the difference I allude to ; but I did see, know and feel it ; and though loving you almost to madness, I dared not venture to tell you so, lest my motive might either be thought mercenary, or myself too presumptuous, and thus all my brightest hopes and fondest dreams be in an evil moment blasted. "But why dwell upon this which I have many times ♦-old you already ? Rather let me come to the point at once. " About one year ago then, Mary," the young man went on, with deep feeling, while his listener grew deadly pale and trembled violently, "such an opportunity presented itself for declaring my passion, that to delay it longer seemed flying in the very face of fortune; and carried away by an almost uncontrollable impulse, I poured out my very soul to your listening ear, and received in return LOVE TRIUMPHANT. 95 such assurance of your affectionate regard, to call it by no stronger term, that I went home the happiest being in the wide, wide world. Ah ! Mary— Mary — you may not love me now — you may never have loved me< — but you will never be so loved by another as you are by the poor, miserable being who now addresses you. " Well, I went home happy, as I have said — but how kmg did my happiness last ? The very next time I met You, you seemed troubled and displeased ; the second time vou were dignified ; the third reserved ; the fourth cool ; the fifth cold ; the sixth you scarcely noticed me ; and then we ceased speaking altogether, and I have been an unhappy being ever since. Now, after a long, painful lapse, your note has brought me to you, and I have come trembling with hope and fear. Oh ! Mary — dear Mary, shall I venture to call you ? — am I here to learn from your lips that the past is forgotten ? and that henceforth I am to be again enraptured with your esteem, your regard, your " " Hold !" interrupted Mary, suddenly starting to her feet, and speaking in a tone that betrayed great agitation : " I have let you proceed too far, Mr. Harwood. In short," she hurriedly went on, "I find, on examining myself, I have not, do not, never can, esteem you as I could wish ; and I sent for you to-night, for the purpose of telling you so, calmly, and asking your forgiveness for 96 LOVE TRIUMPHANT. my unintentional deception ; and to beg yon will go afld forget me — that you will go in a friendly spirit, and have no harsh and bitter feelings rankling in your heart. I would like your good opinion as a friend, and as a friend I hall always be pleased to meet you ; but a warmer feeling it is not in my power to bestow." "Can this be true? and am I thus suddenly made wretched forever !" groaned young Walter Harwood, as he buried his face in his hands, and rocked to and fro in an indescribable agony of mind. For a few minutes there was not another word spoken — ■ the young man swaying to and fro and breathing heavily — and the fair maiden watching him with features pale, anxious and troubled. " Mary," said Walter at length, raising a face so altered and ghastly that his fair companion fairly started with surprise and alarm, " answer me two questions, truly, as Glod is your judge 1 First, has either of your parents ever brought to your view the difference between yourself as an heiress, and myself as a poor and humble young man ?" "I cannot deny, Walter," returned Mary, in great agitation, "that something has beer said to me on the eubject." " Secondly, then," pursued the other, "is there any on you esteem, or love, more than vou do me V LOVE TRIUMPHANT. 07 •'I - I — would rather not answer that question !" re- plied Mary, turning away her head in confusion. " Enough !" rejoined Walter ; " I am answered. I knew lhat Henry Wilder had been a somewhat regular visiter here for the last six months ; but I did not allude to it sooner, because I feared you would think me captious or jealous. I understand all now !" he continued, rising and presenting his hand, which the maiden took almost mechanically. " Farewell \ n he added, in a faltering voice, his trembling form and quivering lips betraying his deep and painful emotions. " Farewell, Mary Ellsworth ! it is not likely we shall ever meet again. Yet one word of caution before wc part ! Beware of him I have named ! He is a mere adventurer, seeking you for your wealth. He is not a crue and honest man, and I speak from per- sonal knowledge. Oh ! give him not your hand and heart, as you value your peace and happiness ! which will always be dear to him you now reject. God bless you, and prosper you, and guard you from the misery I now suffer, shall ever be the prayer of him who now bids you an eternal adieu !" Saying this, he gave the hand he held a strong, nervous pressure, and rushed madly from the presence of the fair being he so wildly worshipped; who, for a few minutes, remained as one speechless with a strange surprise, and then gave way to her emotions in a fiVod of tears. 98 LOVE TKiUMPHANT. A week later it was known to all in the vicinity, that Walter Harwood had gone abroad, perhaps never to return. Three months later, a gay bridal party assembled at the mansion of 'Squire Ellsworth, to witness the beauti- ful heiress give her hand to him against whom she had been warned. Nineteen years passed away — a short period or a long one, according as existence has proved bright or gloomy, happy or miserable — and in a Southern city, which shall be nameless, the Governor of the State sat reading in his library, when a servant in livery announced to his Excel- lency that a lady in black most urgently craved a few minutes audience. " Conduct her hither," replied the Governor ; and aa Bhe appeared, he rose, advanced a few paces, politely handed her a seat, and resumed his own. The lady, who was dressed in deep mourning, with a black, heavy veil entirely concealing her features, trembled violently, as she hurriedly but silently reached forward a paper to his Excellency, which he quietly and courteously received. "This," he said, after a few minutes of silence, during which he was engaged in unrolling and perusing a lengthy document, " is a petition — signed, among others, by quite a number of respectable and influential citizens — praying for the pardon of one Thomas Calcraft, lately convicted and LOVE TRIUMPHANT. 99 sentenced to the penitentiary for the term of five years, foi the crime of forgery. Madam, what is this man to you V "He is my husband, your Excellency," faltered the woman, trembling nervously. I am sorry for it, madam — because it is hard for a man of feeling to deny the petition of a wife in behalf of him she has solemnly vowed to love and honor; but my sense of duty becomes paramount to feeling, and I must refuse your prayer. This man, though your husband, has no redeeming antecedents, and I am sorry to say I do not think he merits executive clemency !" " Oh ! say not so, your Excellency !" cried the poor woman, suddenly starting from her seat, and dropping down upon her knees before the Governor. " He always meant to do right; but he has been unfortunate; and in a moment of insanity — I can call it no less — insanity caused by want, and a husband's and father's desire to give bread to his starving wife and children — he wrote another man's name to a note, and got it cashed, intending to take it up before it came due; but was discovered, arrested, and is now groaning out his life within the dark, gloomy walls of a prison ! Oh ! pardon him, your Excellency ! pardon him ! as you hope God to pardon you ; and I solemnly declare to you, he shall immediately leave the State, and never again offend against its righteous laws !" While she was thus speaking, in a wild, impa&sioned 100 LOVE TRIUMPHANT. strain, s\ie impulsively threw back her heavy veil, and revealed to the astonished gaze of her listener the pale, careworn, but still beautiful features of a woman fast verg- ng upon forty. At the sight of this face, the Governor started back, clasped his hands, and, like one petrified with amazement, kept his eyes riveted upon hers, without further gesture or motion, and with even his breath sus- pended. " Do my eyes deceive me ! or do I behold in this kneel- ing figure the once happy Mary Ellsworth ?" he exclaimed, the moment her musical voice ceased. " Just Heaven ! who speaks that name?" almost shrieked the kneeling petitioner, starting suddenly to her feet, clasp- ing her temples with her hands, and fixing her eyes in wild amazement upon the ruler of a State. " Mary," he groaned, " it is Walter Harwood you see before you — the once poor, penniless man, who always loved you better than his own life, but whose suit you rejected, and whose existence your rejection has ever since rendered miserable ; for though the Governor of a State, Mary and blessed, as men call it, with honors, wealth and power, I am at heart a lonely, wretched being, who lives because it is a duty, and with only the hope of finding happiness in a better world. Would to God we had never met again !" The interview between these two beings, after a lapse LOVE TRIUMPHANT. 10i of nineteen years, was, if any thing, more painful than the one already recorded. She freely told him of all her troubles and sorrows ; how her parents, having been induced to sell their property to enable her husband to enter into some speculation, had soon been stripped of all, and had died in poverty ; how her husband had since squandered all he could lay his hands on, and then, falling into habits of dissipation, had gradually sunk lower and lower, till crime had been added to his other faults and errors, and he was now, under the assumed name of Thomas Calcraft, suffering the penalty of broken laws ; and, finally, how she herself, deserting him never, had, through good and evil report, in weal and w*e, wealth and poverty, happiness and misery, clung to him as a guardian angel might cling to the wicked for his sal- vation. " Oh 1 had you only so loved me, Mary !" groaned Governor Harwood, as he buried his face in his hands, and gave vent to his emotions in scalding tears. "It is well," he added, in a solemn tone, "that we can think God orders for ihe best ! or else this ife jf trial and tribulation would not always be supportable." When poor Mary Wilder left the presence of the Governor, it was with the assurance that her husband should soon receive a pardon, and the belief that herself and his Excellency would never meet again on earth 9* 102 LOVE TRIUMPHANT. But "man proposes and God disposes." That night Thomas Calcraft, alias Henry Wilder, committed suicide, by hanging himself to the bars of his cell ; and beside is dead body Mary Ellsworth and Walter Harwood met again. The sequel may be told in a few words. One year later, the even round of twenty years, Governor Harwood was united, by the holy rite of marriage, to his first and only love ; and it is the earnest prayer of all who know them, that their future may be blessed with a happiness that their past has never known. Oh. what a strange world is this to him who sits do^a to note the changes of a fev» revolving years ! Toward the close of the last century, there lived in the interior of Virginia, in the very heart of the Allegheny mountains, a strange, eccentric woman, who bore the sou- briquet of Mad Ann, but whose rightful name was Ann Bailey. She was a native of Liverpool, England, and ia her younger, and perhaps better, days, had been the wife of a British soldier How she found her way to this country, and why she chose to spend the remainder of her life in the backwoods of the frontiers, going on lonely jour- neys through the dark, heavy forests, and exposing herself to hardships and perils innumerable, was never probably known to many, perhaps to none beside herself. During the wars of the early white settlers with their Ravage foes, Ann Bailey performed much efficient service for the frontier, in carrying messages between distant forts, over long and dangerous routes, as between Fort Young and Point Pleasant — a distance, as the way led, of some two hundred miles, up steep mountains and down dark valleys, through deep woods and dense thickets, and across (103) 104 MAD ANN. rocky and dashing streams, and streams that could only be passed by swimming. But Ann Bailey seldom went afoot and alone. She wag the owner of a remarkable horse, an animal almost as sagacious as its singular rider. This beast she had named Liverpool, in honor of her birth-place, and she bestroda him in the fashion of a man She was a short, dumpy woman, with large, muscula. limbs, and a full, bluff, coarse, masculine countenance ; and her dress was such an odd mixture of the two sexes, that one would have been puzzled from her appearance, espe- cially when mounted in the manner described, to say to which she belonged. She disdained a gown, as being alto- gether too feminine for her taste ; but after putting on buckskin breeches, with leggins and moccasins, she effected a sort of compromise, by adding a linsey-woolsey petticoat; which was in turn again partially overlaid by tne regulai hunting-frock of the opposite sex ; and her head, with its coarse, bushy hair, in that condition which nature must perforce display it when untouched by a comb, was sur- mounted by a raccoon cap Thus dressed, and armed with a rifle, tomahawk, and hunting knife — weapons which she could use with the skill and strength of the best woodsman of the day— Auk Bailey, though a woman, was no mean antagonist against either wild beasts or savages. MAD ANN. 105 She likewise had a few other qualifications, which belong almost exclusively to the sterner sex. She could sweat like a trooper, drink whiskey like a bar-room lounger, and box with the skill of a pugilist. She was withal rather intelligent, could read and write, and could narrate her wild adventures, trials and sufferings, with a power and pathos that alternately thrilled, charmed, and deeply affected her sympathizing listeners, the simple and single- minded settlers among whom she made her home. Her strange appearance and eccentric ways led the mountaineers to bestow on her the appellation of Mad Ann — but they loved rather than feared her, and she was always a welcome guest beneath their sheltering roofs and at their humble boards. One cold, autumnal night, when the frosty breeze swept sharp and keen over the high mountains and through the deep valleys around the almost isolated station of Fort Young, and while most of its inmates were sitting half dreamily before their blazing log fires, there came a series of loud, impatient knocks upon the gate of the pallisades. For the moment these sounds startled all, both old and young — for in that lonely region those were days of peril to the little band of pioneers who had boldly ventured thither — and the arrival of a s:ranger was an event to be followed by a feeling of peace ai d security, or by a general 106 MAD ANN. excitement and alarm, according to the report of the new- comer of good or evil tidings. <( Who's there V challenged the sentry on duty. " Mad Ann !" returned a loud, gruff voice. All had listened eagerly for the response, and breathed freer when it was heard — though the news might still be either good or bad — and several of both sexes went forth into the area, to meet and welcome the messenger. As the sentry threw open the gate, the heroine of a thousand perils, astride of her coal-black palfrey, and with her rifle over her shoulder and her knife and tomahawk in her belt, rode quietly into the station, and, without deigning a reply to the dozen eager questions concerning the news, dismounted deliberately, and strode silently into the largest cabin of the row which formed one side of the station. As she came to the light of the tire, however, there arose several quick exclamations of surprise and alarm, from those who were there and those who followed ber ; for it was immediately discovered that her face (and much of her person) was covered with blood, which was even then slowly oozing and dropping down from a long, ugly ga&h that crossed the upper portion of the left temple and extended from her forehead to her ear. " Good heavens ! what's happened ?" exclaimed one. " There must be Injuns about P cried a second MAD ANN. 107 " Is tliere danger for us ?" demanded a third. " Speak !'• almost shouted a chorus of excited voices. Mad Ann gave no heed to any, however ; but taking the best seat in front of the fire, she bent partly over it, and, with hands extended to the cheerful blaze, and eyes fixed steadily upon the glowing coals, proceeded to warm her- self with the indifference of one who was not aware of being in the least degree an object of interest. But those around her were too much excited to remain quiescent ; and though fully aware that her eccentricity would keep her silent till the whim seized her to talk, they still continued to importune her to reveal what all were so anxious to know. "See here, folks," exclaimed Mad Ann, at length, draw- ing the back of her large, rough hand across her face, to clear away some of the blood, and looking ghastly and hideous, as she turned her eyes glaringly around upon the group, who instinctively drew back a pace, as if fearful of a sudden assault : " See here, folks," she repeated, slowly and deliberately, but adding a wicked oath — "if you don't know me well enough to know that I won't tell you any thing till I get ready, you don't know me as well as you ought to, and I'll just keep my mouth shut for a month to l'aru you." " Look you, Ann," replied a large, strong, robust man, the commander of the garrison, " if this nere matter only 108 MAD ANN". consarned you, we'd give you two months, and say nothing; but if thar's Injuns about, we ought to know it at once, and ^e gitting ready to defend ourselves." "Put up Liverpool, and fodder him well, and fetch me Borne whiskey, — quick !" rejoined the strange woman, turn- ing again to the fire, and deigning no reply to the last speaker. Knowing that the shortest way to her favor lay in obey- ing her instructions, two or three of the group bestirred themselves actively ; and presently it was announced that Liverpool was in the best of quarters, and that Mrs. Ann Bailey would much honor her friends by drinking their healths, the speaker at the same time presenting her a pewter cup containing nearly half a pint of her favorite beverage. Mad Ann seized the cup, looked steadily at its contents for a few moments, and then poured it down her throat as if it were so much water. She then turned her attention once more to the fire, but had not watched it many minutes, when she suddenly burst into a loud, hoarse laugh, and exclaim* d : •' Cap'u } '.older says if there's Injuns about, he ought t& know it. Why, there's Injuns about somewhere most always, a;- Alad Ann knows to her cost; but there's jeen a few mean, sneaking devils right nigh, as you can all tell Crom theso here;" and thrusting her hand into the bosoni MAD ANN". 109 of her huuting-frock, she drew forth, and displayed tritiui- phantly to the astonished gaze of those around her, two Indian scalps, from which the fresh blood was yet dripping, "Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Mad Ann; "did you ever see a cleverer sight than two such topknots, took by a woman's hand ? Beat that if you can, you big, robust, blustering male fellows, who call yourselves the lords of creation ! Do more'n that, and show it, any one of you, and I'll eyther beat you ag'in or stand treat. But it's your treat now, my masters, and so fetch on the whiskey." Another drink, nearly equal to the first in quantity, put Mad Ann in a good humour and communicative mood; and bidding the anxious and excited parties around her get seats and listen, she waited till all had complied, and then began and told her story in her own peculiar way. "You see, Cap'n Bolder," she commenced, addressing individually the commander of the station, " I left here to go to Point Pleasant, to carry a message from you to the Cap'n there somewhere about the last of August, or the first of September, and a right dreary time I had on't. 7 ' "And what news do you fetch from thar ?" inquired the commander, thinking there might be something important f jr him to know. "See here! am I telling this story, or you?" inquired Mad Ann, deliberately folding her arms and looking steadily at the other. 10 110 MAD ANN". "You, in course." " Then," rejoined Mad Ann, with another wicked oath, "just s'pose you keep quiet and listen." She then proceeded, in a kind of wild, rambling, inco herent manner, to give an outline sketch of her long journey out and back — what she had seen, what she had heard, what she had felt, and what she had suffered — while her listeners, eager for the sequel, were obliged to wait, with what patience they could, till she came to it in her own time and way. But once she had fairly launched herself upon the inci- dent of deepest interest, her whole appearance and manner changed, and she drew the closing picture with that graphic power for which she was at times remarkable. " It was about five miles back from here," she said "just as dark was setting in, that I first got warning of danger. I always have warning when there's danger about — not from man— not always from beast — not from winds, and trees, and earth — things I can hear, and feel, and see — ■ hut " She stopped, looked around mysteriously, and then, lowering her voice, added, with a strange impressiveness that caused more than one of the superstitious listeners to Bliudder : "From the Pother world. "Yes," she '-esumed, "something whispered me, 'There's MAD ANN. 1 i 1 Jange~ about ;' aj>d I whispered it into the ear of Liver- pool who answered me b.y raising his head and snuffing the tainted air. "I rode on further, with my eyes all about me; and then something come and touched me — something from t'other world — and I knew the danger was nigh and great— for when something from t'other world touches us mortals, it'a always for a last warning before death. " Then I got down ever so gentle and quiet off the back of Liverpool, and told him in a whisper he mustn't run away ; and if his poor old mistress didn't ever come back to him, to go on to Fort Young — where the kind folks, who'd always been good to poor old Mad Ann, God bless you all for it — would see that he'd never want for atten- tion and care ; and the bonnie black beast (b'ess his noble heart 1) answered me with a rub of his nose and a whinney, that said he understood me and good-bye as plain as any human eould. " Then I started on afoot before tae oeast, and kept looking sharp all about me, till I seen the twinkle of what might have been a dreadful demon's eye in the black wood before me — but which wasn't, that I knows on — but the light of a fire, about which was three painted Injuns, thai fetched ah my blood to b'iling with rage and fury. "'They musn't live to work mischief!' said I; and I went creeping, creeping, creeping, toward 'em, with mi 112 MAD ANN. rifle leveled forward for a sudden aim, and my tomahawk and knife where my hands could grapple them for close work. •• Creeping, creeping, creeping, like a painter on to a doer — J. come up, up, up — nigher, nigher, nigher — till 1 could see their eyes glisten as they talked, and their faces wrinkle as they smiled, and their teeth show whi e as they laughed — whilst they toasted their meat at the fire, and eat it like hungry men — and then something whispered to me and said : " ' Ann Bailey, them beasts of men are in the road to take your life, and you must eyther kill them or die yourself.' " ' Yea, Lord !' I answered the spirit voice : ' even so frill I kill or die !' " "And I raised my rifle, and looked along the barrel, and seen the sight, by the light of the ruddy fire, cover the eye of the middle one, just as he was raising a piece of meat to his opening mouth ; and then I pulled the trigger, and sent the bullet whizzing through his brain. And then wildly mad with a kind of fiendish joy, I bounded forward, crashing through the bushes, and shouting as I went : " ' The Lord fights for Mad Ann, and she must slay all before her V 11 But I like to have spoke with the vain boast of a silly MAD ANN. 113 Woman, for I 'spected the t'other Injuns to run. One did, but t'other didn't ; and when I jumped forward into his camp, the snap of his gun, with the muzzle not more'n ten feet from my breast, showed me how nigh I'd been to death without knowing it. " Then, with a yell of fury, he threw down his gun, and leaped on to me with his tomahawk. I hadn't time to guard, or parry, it Was so quick and sudden and surpris- ing ; but I did the best I could, and the blow came down without splitting my skull, as you see here, though it grazed the bone and stunned me some, and fetched me down on to my knees. Ag'in the weapon was whirled aloft, and another blow was coming ; but, with all my might and strength, I jumped forward and wrem hed the legs of the savage from under him, and he fell h savy by my side. He never got up ag'in — for my right arm was quick raised in wrath, and my tomahawk came dow<> on to his skull and laid him quivering. " 1 got up then, and took the scalps of the two, to prove my words — but the coward that run I didn't see ag'ii. I went back for my horse, and here I am 5 and if you want to see the bodies of the savages, and get their arms, go out to-morrow and do so." Such was one of the most remarkable adventures and exploits of Mad Ann, told, in her own peculiar manner, to u group of excited listeners. A search which was nrvxjo 10* 114 MAD ANN. by a party of hunters the next day, and which she herself guided to the scene of the tragedy, proved the truth of her statement so far as regarded the killing of the savages. Mad Ann remained for a number of years in the vicinity we have named, even after the Indian wars were over, and spent her time in roving about from place to place, and hunting for wild beasts, whose skins supplied her with the means of procuring the few necessaries that her somewhat primitive mode of life required. She was, in the true sense of the word, a border heroine. She subsequently removed to the frontier of Ohio, and died, as for many years she had lived, in the great wilderness, deeply lamented by those who had reaped the benefits of hei eccentric life of border deeds and border heroism. In the spring of 1794, while General Wayne, in com "nand of the Northwestern Army, was occupying Fort Greenville, which he had constructed the preceding winter, news was brought to him that a party of Pottawatomies had surprised and destroyed the block-house of a small settlement not far distant, and massacred all the inmates except a young female, whom they had takeu prisoner and were then supposed to be conducting to their village. This female, a Miss Eggleston, was the daughter of an officer of some note, who was a friend of Wayne's, and he determined, if in his power, to save her. At that time he had some two or three heroic little bands of spies, or scouts, attached to his division ; and he knew if a rescue ?ould be effected at all, the men to entrust with that important enterprise could be found among them, and them only. Now it so happened that a small party of these scou f * were at that moment in the fort, having come in the night previous with imoortant information, and Tere preparing (115) 116 THE DARING SCOUTS. to set off again immediately. Sending for one of i\*t most daring of these, Robert MeClellan by name, who, thongh not the regularly appointed leader of the band, sometimes acted in that capacity when his commander was absent, the general briefly informed him of what had taken place, and asked him if he thought there was a hope of Miss Eggles- ston being rescued. " I can't say as to that, Gineral," replied the scout ; "but this I will say, ef it kin be done, I kin do it." " How many men do you want ?" asked Wayne. " How big is the party V inquired the other. " From the report, I should judge there were twenty or thirty of them." " Then it'll neyer do for us to make a regular stand up fight on't, Gineral, unless we has the cap'n and the others all along ; and as they won't be in afore to-morrow, ef then, I reckon it's best to operate by sarcumvention ; and the two that's here with me — Hickman and Hart — will be jest as good for that thar as a dozen more. Only put me whar I I can git on their trail, and ef the red niggers arn't too far ahead, I'll soon fetch a good report of them, ef I don't of the young woman." " But you must bring a good account of her /" rejoined Wayne, in a positive tone. " It's to save her I send you ; for she is the daughter of my friend, and her life and rescue are above price." THE DARING SCOUTS. 11? "Then we'll save her, Gineral," replied the lardy scou* - ''that is, ef the butchering varmints only save her them- ot res till we kin get to whar she ar." xeneral Wayne gave MeClellan some further instruc* tio s, and then bade him set out immediately : and return- ing to his temporary quarters in the Fort, and informing his companions what was required of them ; they at once set . bout preparing for their new adventure; and in less than half an hour, the three men were threading the intri- cate . nazes of a great, dark forest, which then stretched away, uubrokenly, for many a long league before them. Wi h long and rapid strides — MeClellan, the fleetest- footed hunter of his time, on the lead — they got over some \ venty miles of ground, and reached the ruins of the block-1. )use, where the massacre had taken place, just aa the sun »vas setting There was light enough to find the broad ti vil of the retreating Indians; and with no unneces- sary deh y they set out upon it, and advanced some two or three mi 3s further, when the gathering night compelled them to encamp and postpone further operations till another d.y. The nig it, however, passed off* without any disturbance ; find at the 6rst streak of day they arose and resumed their journey ; a \d ere the sun set again, they had travelled far upon the bi >ad trail of their foes in a northerly direction. It is nol }ur purpose to follow them in detail. Suffice 1 13 THE DARING SCOUTS. tt to say, that near the close of the second day, the) reached a point where the trail forked, and it became necessary to make a careful examination, in order to decide vUiich party had taken the prisoner with them. To the best of their judgment, the whole number of Indians was not much short of thirty 5 but they were not equally divided at the point of separation, as was evident from one trail being much larger than the other. They soon satis- fied themselves that the girl had been taken with the smaller party ; and this to them was a pleasing discovery, as it gave them more hope of being successful in her rescue. This decided, they pushed on rapidly till night, and then encamped — proceeding on the following morning as before ; and at the close of the third day, just as night was setting in, they came within view of the camp-fires of their foes. Waiting some two or three hours, until they tnought the venture perfectly safe, they carefully proceeded to recon- noitre the Indian camp, which was in a small, pleasant, but heavily wooded valley, through which flowed a branch of the Wabash. Creeping up cautiously, under cover of some bushes, they beheld six Indians carelessly disposed around the fire — three of them lying down as if asleep, and the others sitting near together, conversing in low tones, occasionally laughing, and evidently totally unsuspicious of danger. A little apart, and bound to a tree, was the poor THE DARING SCOUT. 1 i9 cuptive — a young and beautiful female — whose now pale and dejected features bespoke the despair of her heart, and, combined with her disheveled hair and torn and disar- ranged garments, rendered her an object of pity even to men hardened to almost every scene of suffering and distress. Having fully ascertained the number and position of ♦■heir enemies, and the fact that the prisoner, whom they Had come to rescue, was still alive, the scouts drew stealthily lack to a safe distance, and held a whispered consultation »pon the manner of their future proceedings. (< I don't exactly like either of your plans," said McCleU Ian, who had quietly listened to the propositions of the others. "It's our business to git the gal away — that's the 'xineral's orders — and the way that we kin do that the best, is the best way. Now, instead of trying to steal thar guns, one o' you jest creep up and cut her cords, and start her off toward us as easy as you kin ; but ef thar's an alarm, tell her to break for the nearest thicket, and we'll stand atween her and harm. I don't think thar'll be any trouble 'bout our coming out all right, for we've fout bigger odds afore to-day, without the 'vantage of a sur- prise, and licked 'em too." After some further discussion, the plan of McClellan vas acceded to as the best, and Hart was selected to enter he camp and release the girl — the others to be in readi- 120 THE D\RING SCOUT. ness to pour in their fire in case of an alarm — which, to say the least, would be likely to throw the Indians into confusion, and give our friends so much the advantage — while the girl would be almost certain to escape, and hef escape was what they now sought rather than the lives of the savages. Having thus arranged the matter, the three scouts kept perfectly quiet and silent some two or three hours longer, and then began the execution of their final scheme. The fire, which the Indians had fed while astir, had now gone down to mere embers ; but this only the better served McClellan's idea, as it would render Hart less liable to be seen in his approach to the prisoner. Some quarter of an hour more was spent in arranging everything for perfect action, and getting into position, which they finally did in that stealthy and noiseless manner peculiar to men of their profession. Then leaving his two companions where their fire would be sure to be effective, Hart as cautiously and stealthily drew back, and glided round to the captive. He reached her without causing any alarm, but found her fast asleep, sitting on the ground, her back braced against the tree to which she was bound. To wake her, and warn her, and assure her that deliver- ance was at hand — without causing her to start, or cry out, and so arouse her captors — was a delicate task. Ho began, however, by whispering in her ear; and so con* THE DARING SCOUT. 121 iinued till she gradually awoke, and heard, and compre- hended his words; when her rare presence of mind came to his aid, and he was greatly rejoiced and relieved at her whispered reply : "I understand you — I thank you — God bless you, who- ever you are I Have no fear ! I am a soldier's daughter, and will do whatever you bid me." "Then jest as soon as I cut your cords," whispered Hart, in reply, " git up and foller me, and don't make a bit o' noise ; but ef the Injuns do happen to rouse, don't get too skeered, but run for the nearest thicket, and leave me and my comrades to settle them." He then cut her bonds ; and quietly, but with trembling eagerness, she arose to comply with his directions ; but the first step forward, her long-corded and benumbed limos partially giving way under her, she stumbled upon a dry branch, which snapped beneath her feet. Instantly one of the Indians nearest the tree started up into a sitting posture — when Hart, feeling himself called upon to act, suddenly presented his rifle at the breast of his foe, and lodged the contents in his body. As he fell back, the scout, with a yell of triumph and defiance, bounded over him to attack the next, the whole party being now fully aroused and alarmed. Snapping hi3 pistol at the breast of the second, and finding it miss fire, Hart struck out with his tomahawk, but stumbled at tne II 122 THE DARING SCOUT. eame moment, and, missing the warrior in the act of rising, fell heavily against him. The latter staggered, and was ically much alarmed and confused; but comprehending withal that he. had an enemy within his reach, he quickly grappled him, whipped out his knife, and plunged it several times into his body. He was in the very act of doing this, in fact, when a ball from the rifle of McClellan pierced his brain, and he fell dead over the dying form of Hart — Hick man at the same instant shooting down another — for with loud, terrifying yells, both had rushed upon the Indians at the same moment with their unfortu- nate companion. There were now three unwounded Indians to two whites; and had the former known of their advantage, the day might have been their own ; but they were sur- prised, alarmed, and half paralyzed with the thought that they were attacked by overwhelming numbers ; and before they had time to recover, the smaller weapons of our heroes had done their work upon two more of them, the sixth one only making his escape with a yell of terror. The skirmish, from first to last, scarcely exceeded a minute; and probably no regular battle in the world ever showed such a proportion of Ihe killed, to the nuinoer engaged, in so short a time. But it was a dearly-won contest to our two surviving friends, and sad and gloomy were their feelings as thej THE DARING SCOUT. 123 lifted their poor comrade from beneath his foe, and listenea to the irregular breathings, which were soon to cease in death. The girl, who had not fled far, now returned and joined them in their grief, for she felt that the poor fellow had fallen in her rescue and defence. An hour later, the dying man expired in the arms of McClellan, rousing a little at the last moment, and speaking a few words, faintly : " Good bye, boys," he said, " and remember me wher- ever you see the red niggers." " We'll do that, Hart, you may rest assured," replied McClellan, in an unsteady tone ; and over his mortal remains those two hardy scouts swore undying revenge against their savage foes. Drawing the fair girl apart from the bloody scene, and assuring her that they were as ready to yield their lives in her defence as the one who had so fallen, they gave her a blanket, and persuaded her to lie down and get what rest she could, that she might be prepared for the long journey homeward, which would commence on the morrow. Then ecalping their slain, and making prize of whatever they considered of any value, they sat down by their dead com- rade, and passed the night beside him, rehearsing tales of idventures in which he had taken a part, and renewing theii taths of eternal vengeance against the whole Indian race. At daylight the following morning they dug a rude 124 THE DARING SCOUT. grave with their hatchets and knives ; and having shown their final respect to their late companion, by interring hia remains as well as their circumstances would pt.tnit, they v !'' 152 AN ARKANSAS DUEL. " Yes, I'm in fcr that, too I" said Kelser ; " always good at eyther a drink or a fight, I am. You hear, stranger ?" he continued, taking hold of the latter's arm somewhat roughly. " You hear, don't you ? We're going to take a drink with the landlord ; and if you can prove you're a decent white man, we'll honor you by taking another with you afterwards." " I shall have no objection to treat, if the gentleman here think I ought to do so," returned the traveler, drawing himself up with dignified firmness, and speaking in a more positive manner than he had yet done ; "but as for drink- ing myself, that is something T never do " Nothing at that moment could have pleased the bully better than to hear the stranger refuse to drink ; for he had long since resolved upon a quarrel with him ; first, from natural malice; secondly, because he believed him one to be easily disposed of; and thirdly, because he misrht thus make a grand display of his fighting qualities, with little or no risk to himself — a very important consideration, when we bear in mind that all such characters are arrant cowards at heart. " So you don't drink, eh ?" he said to the stranger. "D'ye hear that, gentlemen?" appealing to the crowd. "Now every body round here has to drink or fight ! And bo (walking up to the traveler) you've got to do one or t'other — which shall it be ?" AN ARKANSAS DUEL. lb$ " I do not wish to do either," was the reply ; " bat ne standing firm, and receiving the charge or not as Heaven shall, will ! Is not this fair ?" " Perfectly fair !" coincided all except Kelser, who demurred, and swore that nobody but a Yankee would ever have thought of such a heathenish way of doing business. "Did I not tell you he was a coward — this fellow — who a few minutes ago feared neither man nor devil ?" sneered the stranger, thus drawing a laugh from the company, who now seemed to be all on his side. The landlord now objected to the affair taking place in bis house — but on one of the company taking him aside, and whispering in his ear, he made no further opposition. Accordingly, Kelser reluctantly consenting, one was chosen to prepare the pistols, which were immediately produced ; and in less than ten minutes they were placed under a cloth upon the table. " I waive all right to the first choice," said the stranger, as he and Kelser were brought face to face in their proper positions. The bully, who was really very much alarmed— and who showed it in his pale face, trembling limbs, and quiver- ing muscles — at once seemed to brighten at this conces- sion ; and thrusting his hand under the cloth, be drew forth 156 AN ARKANSAS DUEL. one of the weapons, presented it at the broast of the other, and pulled the trigger. It did not fire ; but the stranger, who knew not that it was unloaded, neither blanched nor changed expres- sion. The crowd applauded, and the bully grew ghastly pale. " It is my turn now !" said the traveler, in a quiet, deter- mined tone, fixing his blue eyes steadily upon the cowering form of Kelser. This was more than the latter could stand. " No, I'll be if it is 1" he shouted ; and instantly drawing the other pistol, he presented it, and pulled the trigger also. But with a like result — for neither pistol was loaded — the company having secretly resolved to test the courage of both without bloodshed. Throwing down the pistol with a bitter curse, amid a universal cry of " Shame I shame !" Kelser whipped out his knife, and made a rush for his antagonist. But the latter, gliding quickly around the table, suddenly stopped, and exclaimed : "Three times at my life — and now once at yours !" And with these ominous words he raised his arm quickly; the next instant there was a flash, a crack, and the bully fell heavily forward, shot through the brain. The verdict of the jury, who sat upon the case, was justi- AN ARKANSAS DUEL. 157 fiable homicide — and the blue-eyed stranger resumed his journey as if nothing had happened. Would you know who he is ? If we named him, we should name one who now holds a high official position ; and for many reasons we prefer he should be known only by those who are already cognizant of the incident we have recorded. H l0i^0ifl Hfidt. A. NUMBER of years ago, a man by the name of Wallace, o. Scotch descent, emigrated to Texas, and settled at a dMia-1] inland village. His family consisted of himself, *ife, daughter, and servant. This daughter, an only child, was then about eighteen years of age, and very beautiful — of a graceful figure, regular features, dark hair, and bright, merry, sparkling black eyes. She had received a good education, was well accomplished, and soon became I he belle of the place. She had one fault, however — a fault common to most pretty women — she was a coquette. Among her numerous admirers was a man some thirty years of age — tall, dark, and sinister of aspect — of whom report did not speak altogether favorably. He had come to the place a short time subsequently to the settlement of Mr. Wallace, and located himself at the village inn, where he gave out that lie was a man of wealth. Nothing was known of his history, and there were none who could say he was not what he represented himself; but there were many who believed, for various reasons, that he was a pro- (158) THE POISONED BRIDE. 159 fessional gambler. He seemed to have plenty ot money, and, so far as could be seen, conducted himself in an upright and honorable manner; but still he was not liked ; there was something too stern and forbidding in the man to make him popular with the people around ; and hence lie was regarded with suspicion and distrust, and many stories were set afloat derogatory to his moral character. James Vaughan, for so he gave his name, seemed not in the least disturbed by these evil reports, but continued to conduct himself as if he believed that all were satisfied with the report which he gave of himself. How it was that he first became acquainted with Helen Wallace, was not known to the gossiping portion of the village ; but they were suddenly surprised to find him received at the dwelling of her father as a welcome guest ; and it was soon rumored that he was treated by Helen herself with marked favor. Time passed on — six months glided away — and still Vaughan remained at his old quarters ; and still his visits to the house of Mr. Wallace continued, gradually increas- ing in frequency, until it was known that scarcely a day passed without a meeting between him and Helen. Meantime there were many other gentlemen who called to see her, and whom she received with polite courtesy ; but Vaughan, it at length became whispered about, was the favored suitor. She did not deny herself to any ; but 160 THE POISONED BRIDE. he, as a general thing, was her escort wherever she went He frequently rode out with her alone, and almost invari- ably accompanied her to all the balls, pic-nics, and parties in the vicinity. This finally settled the matter in the minds of many ; and it was not strange that a report should go abroad, whether true or false, that the parties were engaged to each other for the journey of life. This Vaughan himself did not contradict, except in a laughing way, which only tended the more strongly to convince the others of the truth of their conjectures. But the persons who had made such wonderful predic- tions concerning the future of Helen Wallace, were soon destined to meet another surprise, which did much to shake their faith in their own foreknowledge of events ; for one morning it was suddenly discovered, and rapidly spread abroad to all concerned, that James Vaughan, the still unknown and unpopular stranger, had disappeared aa mysteriously as he came. Eager and earnest were the inquiries set on foot, to know what had become of him. None could tell. The landlord of the inn, on being questioned, declared that he had settled his account in good currency, and had stated that business required his absence — beyond which he knew nothing — except that he had departed on foot, in tho night, ostensibly for a neighboring town, to take a public THE POTPOXET) BPJUE. 1 Cl conveyance for parts unknown. The Wallaces could give no additional information ; and Helen herself laughingly declared that she was not his keeper, and knew not for a certainty that he would ever return. Some few of the more wonder-seeking gossips undertook to raise an excitement, by stating that he had probably been secretly dealt with, and that his body might sometime or other mysteriously come to light ; but even this suppo- sition, greatly to their chagrin, was speedily destroyed, by ending parties to the town in question, where it was "ound that James Yaughan mortal, and not James Taughan's ghost, had stipulated for a conveyance, and nad taken bodily passage to Nacogdoches. This was al) what could be gleaned, and all that could be known con- cerning the man who had been so much talked about ; and the rest, being simply conjecture, soon died out a natural death. Three months more passed away, and Helen Wallace was found to be just as gay and lively as ever — the only difference to note being, that she now had more suitors lhan before. Among these latter there wus soon numbered one, supposed to be more of a favorite than the others, and who, at the time of Yaughan 's departure, was not known in the village. This was a young man, some five-and- twenty years of age, of a light complexion, prepossessing appearance, and agreeable manners who had recently U* 182 THE POISONED BRIDE. come into the place and opened a shop for trade. In that little village he was dignified by the title of merchant, and was supposed to be well-to-do in the world, if not abso- lutely wealthy. Henry Cleaveland was a very different personage from his supposed rival, and made himself popular with all classes. He, like all the rest, appeared to be smitten with the charms of the gay Helen j and this time the interested gossips declared that he ought to be the favorite suitor, and did all in their power to bring about " the consummation so devoutly to be wished;" and apparently with success; for in a few months the report went abroad that he and Helen were engaged. He had now become as attentive as his absent rival had ever been; and at length Helen herself announced that he was the chosen one, and that a certain day, sometime yet in the future, was fixed upon for the wedding. This was confirmed by her own preparations for the great event, and it was generally believed that the wedding would be a bril- liant affair Not to dwell upon the matter, we may briefly state, that the anxiously looked-for day at length arrived, and was as auspicious of a happy eliding as the believers in omens could have wished. It was near the close of summer, and Uie morning beamed as fair and beautiful as the fair and beautiful bride hers ;lf, and the blithe birds sung as gaily THE POISONED BRIDE. 163 among the leafy trees as if their music had been attuned to celebrate a day of happiness for all who heard them A wedding in those days, and in that section, was often- times a more public affair than in the older and colder regions of the North. It was a merry-making day, when both young and old might congregate for festivity, hilarity and joy. The residence of Mr. Wallace was decorated for \he occasion with evergreens and flowers, and his doors were thrown open to receive the visitors of the bride elect. Many servants were called into requisition, and long tables were spread under arching trees around the dwelling, and laden with substantial and fanciful viands for the enjoy- of the guests. But one of these, more beautifully and elegantly set out than either of the others, stood a little apart from the rest, and was the table of honor, or the table of the bride and her immediate friends. As the day in question advanced toward meridian, the clergyman appeared — the bride and grooms, with their immediate attendants, took their places — and then, sur- rounded by a large number of interested spectators, the solemn ceremony was performed which united the happy couple for life. After this, as soon as the many and cor- dial gratulations were over, the bridal train led the way to the festive board, and all w T ere soon engaged in doing honor to the hospitality of the provident host. In the midst of these festivities, when the wines were 164 THE POISONED BRIDE. beginning to circulate, and toasts were being drank with smiling faces, and joyousness was pervading the whole assemblage — at this time, we say, like a dark cloud cross- ing the bright sunlight, and casting a shade of gloom over all — there suddenly appeared upon the scene the unwel- come person of James Yaughan. Each looked at him in surprise, and then at each other, with a sort of mysterious wonder; and then all who could catch a view of the face of the .happy bride, perceived that she had suddenly become deadly pale, and slightly tremulous, as if through secret fear There was no perceptible change, however, in the appearance of the new-comer; his features wore the same stern, cold, forbidding, sinister aspect. With a slight nod of recognition, he passed one after another of the different groups, and advanced directly to the table occupied by the bride, her relatives and attendants. Mr Wallace arose, and received him with a sort of constrained politeness, and introduced him to such other of the company as he now beheld for the first time. He bowed to each with that same cold formality which was characteristic of the man ; and then advancing to the bride, he extended his hand, and said : " Permit me to congratulate you ! You know it waa always my desire to be present at your wedding !" Her face flushed crimson; and it was observed that she THE POISONED BRIDE. 165 trembled more than ever as she took his hand and in turn presented him to him who had now acquired the title of legal protector. A few civilities were exchanged between the different parties, and Mr. Yaughan was invited to become a guest at the board of honor. Room was made for him on the side of the table opposite the bride, and matters once more resumed their natural course ; but not with the same freedom and hilarity as before — all parties seeming to act under deep restraint. If Vaughan noticed this, he appeared not to do so, but now and then ex- changed a few civil words with those around him, and altogether conducted himself as one who believed himself a welcome guest. At length, taking up a bottle of wine — which, it was subsequently remembered, he for some time held in his hand in a peculiar way, though it excited no suspicion at the time - he said, looking directly at the newly-wedded pair : " Will you permit me to drink a toast with you ?" Receiving a quiet assent, he reached over, filled their glasses, and then his own. " My sentiment," he continued, " is one which I know you will not refuse. Here is happiness through life, and only separation by death !" The toast was a little singular, and the word death seemed mal apropos Why should it have been uttered 166 THE POISONED BRIDE. then and there ? It was the last word of the sentence — was pronounced distinctly) though without emphasis — but it unpleasantly fixed the mind upon what nobody cared to think about during a wedding feast. The wine was drank in a kind of ominous silence, the kride turning a shade paler as the ruby liquid passed her lips ; but it was noticed that the giver of the toast only slightly wet his lips, and, making some apology for his abstemious habits, set his glass down nearly full. For a few minutes after this, nothing unusual was per- ceived. Conversation in all quarters was resumed; and it was evident that, in spite of the new presence, the old feel- ing of convivality was gradually being restored; when suddenly Mr, Wallace started up and called out, in a tone hat sent a chill to every heart : " Good G-od ! what is the matter with Helen ?" The words brought the attention of all directly upon her, and more than one cry of alarm arose as the different guests sprung up in confusion. The bride was indeed deathly pale — her eyes were closed ■ — her beautiful features were working almost convulsively — and she was gradually sinking back in her seat aid falling therefrom. Her husband, turning to her in alarm, was in the act of reaching out his arm to save her, when he himself was suddenly seized in the same terrible manner; and botli THE POISONED BRIDE. 167 would have fallen together, had not some of the excited and now terrified spectators rushed forward and caught them. For a few minutes a scene of the wildest confusion ensued. Young and old came hurrying up from the dif- ferent tables, and crowding around in horror ; and then, in a tremulous, fearful, shuddering whisper, dark words began to float through the collected crowd, and gradually swell out into one long, loud, wild, chilling, heart-piercing wail : " They are poisoned! poisoned! poisoned!" Then suddenly uprose another, a louder, and a wilder yell — the out-bursting shriek for vengeance, quick and terrible, upon the inhuman author of the dark and damn- able deed. But he was gone — James Vaughan was gone, — amid the awful excitement and confusion he had suddenly dis- appeared. Yet he must not escape ! — the very earth would groan to hold upon her fair bosom such a monster 1 " Ah 1 then and there was hurrying to and fro," indeed ! with sounds of joy all changed to shrieks of woe ! a'.id Bounds of merriment to yells of vengeance ! Some ran away in horror, some wrung their hands witl irrepressible grief, some hurried to seek medical aid, and others flew to arm themselves and follow the damnable author of all this misery. 168 THE POISONED BRIDE. We need not prolong the tale of woe. Three days later a solemn funeral procession wound slowly through that mourning village, following that lovely bride and her noble husband to their last dark and narrow home. But long ere the clods of the valley fell upon their coffins — " united in life, and in death not divided" — the breeze of the forest swayed to and fro the dangling body of their inhuman mur- derer, whom summary vengeance had overtaken, and sent, " all unanointed ard unaneled," to his awful reckoning in the eternal world ! fticlfl In liliiiu. General Lee, in his Memoir of the Southern Cam- paigns, makes frequent and honorable mention of one Captain Joseph Kirkwood, of the Delaware line, whose regiment, at the battle of Camden, was reduced to a single company, of which the latter remained the commanding officer. Owing to the fact that Delaware could not raise another regiment, Captain Kirkwood, though truly deserv- ing, could not by military rule receive promotion, and therefore remained in command of a single company throughout the revolutionary struggle — taking a gallant and distinguished part, not only in the bloody encounter at Camden, but also in the battles of Hobkirk's, Eutaw, and Ninety-Six. After the declaration of peace, there being no other military service for this gallant officer, he removed with Lis family within the limits of the present State of Ohio, for the purpose of a permanent settlement. He chose a locality nearly opposite the present city of Wheeling, on the right bank of the Ohio, and erected his cabin on a 15 (169) 17C ATTACKED BY INDIANS. commanding knoll, where, though greatly exposed, he remained unmolested for a couple of years. It was his intention to have built a block-house for further security, and he actually commenced one; but, from one cause or another, it was still unfinished in 1791, when the events occurred which we are about to relate. One evening, in the spring of the year just mentioned, a small party of soldiers, under the command of one Cap- tain Biggs, on their way into the country, stopped at the humble residence of Kirkwood, and asked permission to remain through the night, which was cheerfully granted. The evening was spent in a social )le manner, in talking over the various events of the times- Captain Kirkwood depleting some of the more striking of the military scenes whic'\ had occurred in his experience, and also speaking, with a soldier's sensitiveness, of his chagrin at seeing office's younger, and of inferior rank, promoted over him, dimply because his little State could not furnish a sufficient quota of men to give him the rank to which he was honor- ably entitled. When the hour came for retiring, most of the men were assigned the loft beneath the roof, where, with the aid of Btraw and blankets, they disposed themselves very comfort- ably upon the rude flooring — Captain Kirkwood, with his family and the officer mentioned, remaining below. •MI gradually fell asleep, and the house continued quiet ATTACKED BY INDIANS. ^i for several hours, rot a soul dreaming that a n. .iciless enemy was even then stealing through the surrounding woods in the darkness, bent upon the destruction of the building, and the death of all it contained. Sometime late in the night, Captain Biggs, being rest- less, concluded to get up and take a walk in the open air. Passing leisurely once or twice around the dwelling, he advanced to the block-house ; and, after examining it a few minutes, and wondering why the captain did not com- plete it, he turned his steps to the bank of the river. Here he stood a few minutes louger, in quiet meditation, looking down upon the dark, gliding stream — the rippling of whose waters, the slight rustling of the leaves, the plain- 'ive hoot of the owl, and now and then the far-off cry of some wild beast, being the only sounds that broke the otherwise solemn stillness. Once he fancied he heard a movement, as of some heavy body in the bushes near him ; and knowing he was in a region of country not safe from Indian molestation, he started and turned quickly in the direction of the sound, looking steadily for some moments, and prepared for sudden flight, should he discover any further grounds for his partially aroused fears But he neither saw nor heard anything to justify alarm ; and turning away, he quietly repaired to the dwelling, re-fastened the door, laid himself down, and fell asle a p. 172 ATTACKED BY INDIANS. Soou after this the whole house was startled by a load cry of fire, whbh proceeded from one of the men who lodged in the loft. Captains Kirkwood and Biggs instantly sprung from their beds, and, rushing up the ladder, made the startling discovery that the roof was all in flames. A scene of the wildest confusion now prevailed — the men, thus suddenly aroused, and half choked with smoke, not fairly comprehending their situation, and the wife and children all shrieking with terror. As soon as he could make his voice heard, Captain Kirkwood ordered the men to push off the burning slabs ; and while in the act of doing this, a volley of balls rattled in among them, followed by those terrific yells which ever proved so appalling to those awakened by them in the still hours of night. Two of the men were wounded by the first discharge of the Indians — whose position, on the top of the block-house, situated still higher on the knoll, com- manded the roof of the dwelling — and being greatly terrified, they all drew back in dismay, and some declared that their only safety was in immediate flight. " Your only safety is in throwing off the roof before the whole house takes fire !" returned Captain Kirkwood, as he pushed in among them, and put his own hauds actively to the work. " We'll risk all that," said one, as he hurried to the ATTACKED BY INDIANS. 173 ladder. " I'm not going to remain cooped up here to be shot at." "By heavens! you shall remain here till I give you xeave to go down !" cried the enraged captain, as he sprung forward, seized the fellow, and threw him back violently. " Let us pass !" cried two or three of the others, advaix- ing toward the captain — the shots of the Indians mean- while rattling like hail against the walls and burning roof, and their wild yells now and then resounding afar through the gloomy wilderness around. "What ! mutiny !" exclaimed Captain Kirkwood. " For shame, men ! for shame ! Turn back this moment, and do your duty ! Is it not enough that we have a common enemy without, but we must have a civil strife within !'' " Who dares rebel against Captain Kirkwood's orders ?" shouted Captain Biggs from below, whither he had gone for his rifle. "Shoot down the first rascal that attempts to escape, Captain, or refuses to obey you !" " Quick, then, pass me up my rifle !" shouted Kirkwood, who kept his position at the head of the ladder. "Ay, here it is," returned Captain Biggs. Just as he was in the act of reaching it up, a ball passed through a small window, and, striking his arm, so disabled it that he let the weapon fall. Ripping out an oath, he picked it up with his other hand, and passed it to Kirk* 15* 174 ATTACKED BY INDIANS. wood. The moment the latter got hold of it, he turned to the mutinous men, and exclaimed : " Now let me see who will refuse to do his duty ! Back, there, and finish your work of throwing off the burning roof! The first man that attempts to leave this house, I swear to send this ball through his brain !" The more mutinous of the number, finding the captain determined, and that there was no chance for them to escape, at once began to take an active part with those who were already doing their duty; and in a very short time the burning portions of the roof were dislodged and thrown to the ground — the Indians all the while keeping up a steady fire, and slightly wounding one or two more. Thus far our besieged party had no opportunity to return the fire of the enemy ; but now the latter, finding that their first attempt to burn the house was likely to prove unsuc- cessful, rushed forward in a body, with still wilder and more terrific yells, and at once began a vigorous assault upon the door and windows, the former of which they nearly forced open at the first onset. The danger now being chiefly below, Captain Kirk wood flurried down, and ordered the greater portion of the men to follow, leaving a few above to defend the open roof, in case the savages should attempt to climb the walls and make an entrance there. At once tearing up several puncheons from the floor, a ATTACKED BY INDIAN'S. 175 party of men proceeded to brace the door in the most effective manner, the others keeping watch near the two small windows, and firing whenever they could get a glimpse of an Indian. In this manner the attack and defence was continued Bome little time longer — another of the party inside being slightly wounded — when suddenly the sound of a heav) gun came booming through the air. " Courage, men 1" cried Captain Kirk wood, in an ani- mated tone ; " they already hear us at Wheeling, and doubtless assistance will soon be here." " Let us give three cheers !" said Captain Biggs ; "just to show the attacking scoundrels that we are not the least intimidated." Three cheers were accordingly given ; and were an- swered by the Indians, by the loudest, wildest, and fiercest yells of furious rage. " Ay, yell away ! you mean, cowardly, thieving vaga- bonds I" shouted one of the men, tauntingly, as he reck lessly advanced close to one of the small windows, which had not been so boarded up inside as to render his position safe from the balls of the enemy. " IIave a care there, Walker!" exclaimed his commander, ic alarm. Scarcely were the words spoken, when the man, clapping 176 ATTACKED BY INDIANS. his hands to his breast, staggered back, reeled, and fell to to the floor, groaning out : " Oh, God ! the fiends have killed me !" Some two or three of his companions immediately lifted the poor fellow, and placed him upon a bed, while the two officers hurried up to examine his wound, which with deep regret they discovered to be mortal. As they turned sor- rowfully away, the firing and yelling of the Indians, which up to this time had been almost continuous, suddenly ceased. "Ah ! they are about to depart," said Captain Kirkwood, joyfully ; " probably they fear a reinforcement." " More likely they have stopped to plot some new devil- try," said Captain Biggs, who was more familiar with the Indian mode of warfare. All kept silent for a few minutes — waiting, hoping and fearing— so that the suspense itself was not a little painful. Suddenly one of the men uttered an exclamation of alarm ; and on being questioned as to the cause, replied : "Listen! Don't you hear the devils piling brush around the house ? They're going to burn us out !" " In that case we may be compelled to make a sortie," returned Captain Biggs. "It must be at the last moment, then," said Captain Kirkwood ; " for once beyond these walls, my wife and children would stand little chance of escape. If they set ATTACKED BY INDIAN'S. 177 fire to tx, we must endeavor to put it out. We have considerable water in the house, thank Heaven ! and before they can burn through these thick logs, I trust assistance will arrive from the Fort. Almost as he said this, a bright sheet of flame shot up round the cabin, shedding a lurid and fearful light upon those within. This was accompanied by a series of ter- rific and triumphant yells, and a general discharge of fire arms on the part of the savages. There was not sufficient water in the house to justify the inmates in throwing it over the roof; and all they could do, therefore, was to wait, in the most gloomy suspense, till some presence of the fire could be seen between the crevices of the logs, and then attempt to check its headway within. Some half-an-hour was passed in this manner— the In- dians continually fetching and piling on more brush, until the lapping and writhing fire had ascended to the very roof — keeping up the while their yells of triumph, and occasional shots of musketry ; which, combined with the lurid and ghastly light in which each saw the other, the loud and awful roaring of the flames, and the groans of the wounded, made a most terrible scene for the imprisoned inmates — a scene that cannot be fully described, and the horrors of which can only partially be comprehended by the most vivid imagination. 178 ATTACKED BY INDIANS. At length the fire began to dislodge the heated clay— which had been used to stop the chinks and crannies between the logs —and the furious flames to send in their devouring tongues in search of new material for destruc- tion ; and then all who were able set eagerly to work, dashing on water, and- so checking in some degree the progress of the consuming element. This was continued until the water became entirely exhausted ; and then recourse was had to what milk there chanced to be in the house ; and, after this, to some fre-h earth, which they dug up from beneath the floor — the Indians still keeping up their yells, and firing through every crevice, (by which some more of the inmates were wounded, though none mortally,) and Captains Kirkwoud and Biggs moving about from point to point, and ani- mating all parties with their own heroism and the hopo of speedy deliverance. The attack began about three o'clock in the morning, and lasted till dawn ; when the Indians, finding they could not succeed in their fell purpose without carrying the Biege far into the day, and probably fearing they might suddenly be surprised by a large party from the Fort, uttered another series of wild, discordant whoops, poured in upon the building one regular volley, and then sud- denly retreated — the men inside calling after them in the ATTACKED BY INDIANS. 179 most taunting manner — the voice of the poor fellow mor- tally wounded being heard among the loudest. About an hour before sunrise the whole party, having succeeded in subduing the flames, ventured forth cautiously, and immediately crossed the river to Fort Henry — Walker, the only one who lost his life, expiring on the way. Here all the living were properly cared for, and the gallant sol- dier was buried with military honors. A few days after, Captain Kirkvvood set out with his family for his native State ; but meeting on the way some Delaware troops, who were marching to the Indiau coun- try, and who offered him the command of their body, he took leave of his family and turned back. In the Novem- ber following, he took part in the bloody action known as St. Clair's Defeat ; " where he fell," says his chronicler, "in a brave attempt to repel the enemy with the bayonet, and thus closed a career as honorable as it was unre- warded." "Boys," said old Reuben Hardinge, as, with three of his companions, he sat before his camp-fire in the deep wilder- ness of the Far West, " it's right amazing how old recol- lections will plump down on a feller every now and then, and make him about as fit for his business as a turkey- buzzard is for a singing bird." " What's up now, Rube ?" inquired one of the others, as ne lazily inhaled and puffed out a volume of tobacco smoke. " Well, Joe, I war jest thinking back to the time I fust put out for these here diggings, and the right smart chance of a muss that made me do it." "I never heerd the story, Rube." I reckon none of us ever did," said another. ' S'pose you tells it, ef you're in the mood for't," put in the third. "Wall," rejoined Rube, " I s'pose I mought as well tell it as think about it — though thar's mighty few as ever heerd it — for it arn't one o' the things as I likes to hev cut across my track pur y often. (180) THE TRAPPER'S STORY. 181 "Let me see now!" pursued the old mountaineer, musingiy; '"thirty year, I reckon, would take me back to a right smart-looking young man. Now you needn't grin so about that, boys — for it's a fact, by thunder ! I warn't al'ays the scarrified, stoop-shouldered, grizzly-faced, gray- headed, grunting old beaver you sees me now, I can tell you — but a right smart chance of a sapling — six foot high in my moccasins, hair as black as a crow's, eye like a young eagle's, and with everything about me as limber and supple as a two-year old buck. Yes, that's what I war thirty year ago — but that thirty year has tuk it all dowft amazing " The trapper paused for a few moments, as one lost in contemplation, and then resumed : " Yes, thirty year ago, — it don't seem a great while, nyther, though I've done a heap o' tramping and seen a heap o' rough and tumble sence then, — thirty year ago it war ; and yit I can fotch it all back as cl'ar as ef it war yesterday; and the way he looked, and the way she looked, and the way I felt, all stand out afore me as plain as the nose on your face, Joe — and your wost enemy'll be apt to allow that you've got some nose. "But you won't understand me, boys, onless I begins a little back o' that partickerlar time, and so I'll do it, You see the way of it war this: I war raised down in Tennessee. 01. to a plantation that would hev been my 16 182 father's ef he'd only had all his debts paid, which he hadn't ; and on another plantation, about a half a mile off, thar lived Neil Waterman, who war a colonel r i the militia, and a squire-in-law, and some punks giner A\y all round. "Now Colonel Squire Waterman had a darter named Lucy, that war the purtiest speciment of a duck in them parts — slim, straight, plump-lipped, rosy-cheeked, and silky-haired, with two blue eyes that 'ud fotch the iallest brute of a human right down on to his marrerbone; afore he knowed what ailed him. " Wall, to git along into the meat of the thing, I fell head over heels in love with Lucy, from the time I war big enough to say boo to a b'ar; and I kept on that way, only gitting wusser as I growed older ; and ef Lucy didn't love me back agin, she made believe to do it, and that did me jest as well for the time. 11 But the difference 'tween me and Lucy, as we both growed older, war, that I'd only one to pick from, and she'd everybody — for every scamp in the diggings war arter her — and some o' the fellers I used to think inought be a heap better looking to her than Rube H.ar.lir^e — though I could out-run, out-jump, out-shoot, ouMijtler, and out-lick the lull kit, and stood ready to do it any minute that anybody wanted to try it. u Wall, the p'int I'm coining to, ar' this : 1 hingi had THE TRAPPER'S STORY. 183 gone on one way and t'other purty considerable — and me and Lucy had quarrelled and made up agin about a hun- dred times — and I'd kicked the clothes off o' my bed every night for two months, in dreaming as how I war kicking some mean sneak as war trying to get on to the blind side o' the gal of my affections : things war gitting on this way, I say, when Colonel Squire Waterman he gin a corn- husking, and axed in all the boys and gals around them pa"ts. " I war thar, in course ; and I went thar determined to Keep poor Lucy from being bothered with palavers from ihem as she mou'tn't like ; but, for some reason or other, the gal had tuk a notion jest then that nobody war no bother to her 'cept me, and that I war al'ays in her way when I happened to git along side o' her. That thar sort o' thing naterally riled me up and made me feel wolfish ; and when I spoke, I ginerally said so'thing that didn't altogether set well on the stomachs of the crowd — though as to who liked it, and who didn't, I never stopped to ax. " Now, amongst the ugly mugs as war trying to tote off the affections of Lucy, thar war one called Pete Blodget, that I'd tuk a mortal hate to ; and jest as ef they'd both planned out how they could best fotch the catermount into me, he squeezed himself up along side o' Lucy ; and she talked and joked and laughed with him, jest as ef no sech a man as me had never beeD born 184 THE trapper's story. " Wall, for me, I reckon I stood it purty well for a good while ; but I felt Satan coming into me as I husked away ; nnd I sometimes pitched the corn on to the pile, and some- ti'U3s over my head amongst the stalks and husks — for somehow blood war dancing afore my eyes, and I couldn't al 'ays see right well what I war doing. At last the boys and gals all round me began to titter and laugh, and nod and wink, and I knowed it war all about me. Still I husked away, and didn't say nothing often, and then al'ays so'thing sharp and sassy. " Now ef Pete had jest a minded his own business and treated Lucy respectful, and hadn't said nothing aggrawa- ting to me, it's like he mought be living now to laugh over his triumph ; but he couldn't be contented, the fool ! when he war well off; and began to ax ef anybody had seed anybody as had chawed a green persimmon lately, meaning me. All the fools, Lucy amongst the rest, laughed at this, and pretended to wonder who he could mean ; and as I still held myself down, (though I felt the seat gitting powerful hot, and seen little red things dancing afore my eyes,) he still kept on, gitting wusser and more p'inted like, till at last he says, says he, ' I'm the chap as goes in for ripe persimmons,' and he throwed one arm around Lucy's waist and drawed her over and kissed her. " Now, boys, I've come to a spot that's al'ays been kind o' blank to me. I don't remember gitting up— but I 'spect THE TRAPPERS STORY. 185 J did — for I remember finding myself standing up amongst h mighty excited crowd, with Pete lying down, his head all bloody, and a stove-in whiskey keg along side o' him, that all said I'd jest smashed agin his upper story ; whilst Lucy, all fainted and stretched out limpsy, war being toted off by her father and two others, and follered by all the test o' the gals, crying and screaming. '• The boys around now tuk different sides, and some eaid I war right and some said I warn't. But I soon fixed the matter. Stepping out from the crowd, I says, Bays I : " ' Let them as thinks I've done right, foller me ; and them as don't, stay and take keer of Pete, till he gits well enough to ax for a settlement with rifles, which I s'pose he'll do ef he arn't a coward. 1 "Wall, as I said, the party divided off, and some went home with me, and some staid and tuk keer o' Pete. I got my rifle down and cleaned her, and run some balls, and filled up my powder-horn, so's to be ready and not keep any body waiting as mought want to hev the thing settled arter a gentleman's fashion. "By the time I'd got this done, a friend of Pete's comef over, and says as how he'd 'spect me to meet him at a place he named at daylight next morning. " ' I'll be thar I' says I : 'tell him I'll be thar, and give him so'thing wusser'n a whiskey-keg to git over !' lti* 186 "Wall, I war tnar; and so war Pete, and everybody else round about them diggings, 'cept the women folks ; and they'd a been thar, too, ef they'd only been allowed to come. It didn't take long to fix things for the fight — for all we wanted war a level piece o' ground and a chance to blaze away. " Rifles at forty paces war the word in them times to settle all such trifles as ourn ; and arter measuring off the ground, they sot me and Pete face to face, with the butts o' both our pieces standing by our feet; and then all drawed back out o' the way, and some one gin the word to fire. " Up went our rifles at that word, and both pulled trigger at the same time. I felt so'thing queer about my neck ; and putting up my hand, I found Pete's ball had gone through within a hair's breadth of my life ; and I eeen Pete at the same time clap his hand to his breast, and knowed by that he'd got so'thing to look arter too. "But thar warn't no time to be spent in hunting balls — . for it war a fight till death ; and the fust man that could git his rifle loaded now, would hev the best chance o 1 talking about the muss arter it war over; so I weit in foi loading as fast as I could. " Now I claims to be some at loading a rifle, and you'd better believe I done :ny best jest thei ; but in spite o' all I could do, Pete got ahead o' me, and I begun to feel that THE TRAPPER'S STORY, 187 my time had come. Pete I knowed war a dead shot ; and ef he could hev tea seconds for an aim, it war a/1 up with this coon ; and so when I seen him shaking in the priming, whilst I war only ramming down the ball, I jest looked round to the rising sun to say good-bye to daylight " I don't think I'm any more o' a coward than any other man ; but when I seen Pete steadily raising his piece, and Snowed when it come to a dead level that I'd not know aothing, I'll own up I felt powerful queer; and ef the little money and traps I had, could hev bought me about ten seconds, I don't think I should hev waited long afore making the trade. " Wall, boys, that thar rifle come up slow and steady ; ')ut jest afore it got so as I mought hev looked straight hi to the muzzle, it war jerked one side, and went off in the *,ir ; and Pete Blodget fell down dead in his tracks, killed by my first shot, jest when two seconds more o' his life would hev ended mine. " As soon as I found he war dead,. I knowed I'd hev to quit them diggings sudden — for he'd got friends enough tc set the sheriff arter me, and it warn't pleasant to think o' being cooped up in jail. So I broke round to Colonel Squire Waterman's house, and got a sight o' Lucy, who war jest about as white as a snow-bank. "'Lucy,' says I, 'you're a critter as has kicked up a good deal o' mischief with me — but I forgive you. I come 188 *) tell you that Pete Blodget won't trouble nyther of us no more, and that I'm jest a breaking for tall timber. Good- by, Lucy — I'm bound to quit — I've got to go — and on this here 'arth we'll never meet agin.' " I war going on with so'thing more ; but Lucy fell down fainty like ; and so I left her, and put off for strange parts. I got to the Massissip that day, and got a passage to St. Louis, whar I soon got in with some old trappers, and started out for the life I've follered ever sence." "And what became of Lucy?" inquired one of old Rube's interested listeners, as the trapper ceased and dropped his head upon his hands. " Ah me, boys ! that's what I can't answer !" sighed the old mountaineer; "and when a spell comes over me like thar done to-night, I ginerally sets and wonders. Ah ! Lucy — poor, dear Lucy — nobody never loved you like this here old grey-headed beaver done when he war a kitten — never — never, Lucy — never 1" and the old trapper dropped his head still lower, and drew his rough, hard hand more Ui an or.ce across his eves. 0) mttMuum ©grajr It was just after General Wayne's great victory of the Fallen Timbers, (said an old pioneer,) that I became ac- quainted with Captain Robert Benham, who had been quite a prominent actor in all the principal battles of the frontier. His name had long been familiar to me in connection with a very peculiar and remarkable affair which had occurred on the Ohio, at the mouth of the Licking river, as far back as the year 1779 ; and as I had heard his singular adven- tures at that place related differently by different parties, I felt no little curiosity to arrive at the exact facts ; and therefore took an early occasion to get the particulars from his own lips ; which I now give, as near as I can recollect, in his own words : '• It was in the autumn of 1779," began the captain, " that quite a party of us left the Falls of the Ohio, in keel- boats, under the command of Major Rodgers, for the pur- pose of making an attack upon the Indians at the old town of Chilicothe. On our way up the river, we met with no remarkable adventure till we approached the mouth of the (189) 190 A MIRACULOUS E3CAPE. Licking, which we did about sunset of a delightful day; when we observed a few Indians standing upon a project- ing sand bar, at the point where the two streams unite, apparently watching some companions in a canoe, who were crossing to them from the opposite bank of the smaller stream. If they saw us, there was notbvig in their manner to indicate the fact ; and thinking it p j-ssible to take them by surprise, Major Rodgers ordered 4 Mz boats to be run up under some bushes along the ol:ore, and all the men save five — some seventy in number -to advance cautiously through the wood, and completely ? ountaineers, was a man by the name of Markhead. He was a finely-built, athletic fellow, and was probably as devoid of fear as it is possible for any human being to (232) ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS. 233 be and retain the natural instincts of life. There was no personal risk, at one period of his career, that he seemed afraid to venture ; and probably, the renowned Kit Carson alone excepted, there never was so bold and reckless a hunter, trapper, and guide, who lived so many years to boast of his almost incredible exploits. He managed for a long time to escape with life ; though his body and limbs were covered with ugly scars, which told the tale of many deadly conflicts, and how near he had more than once been to the very jaws of death itself. As a single instance of what he had been known to dare, it is related of him, that, while accompanying Sir William Drummond Stewart in one of his expeditions across the mountains, a half-breed absconded one night with several animals; and Sir William, being greatly vexed and annoyed at the occurrence, remarked that he would give five hun- dred dollars for the scalp of the thief. Soon after, it was discovered that Markhead was missing ; but the next day he rode into camp, with the scalp of the half-breed dang- ling at the end of his rifle. Markhead was by profession a trapper, and boldly ven- tured into every region where he thought he might be most successful in taking the beaver, having no regard whatever to the dangers he would be compelled to encounter in his lonely explorations. On more than one occasicn he was himself taken by outlying savages, who were only pre- 20* 234 ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS. vented from immediately dispatching him by taeir fiendish desire of burning him at the stake ; but he always suc- ceeded, sometimes in an almost miraculous manner, in effecting his escape, and always embraced every opportu- nity of a vindictive revenge upon the hated race. The Yellow Stone and its numerous branches, from its source among the mountains to its junction with the great and turbid Missouri, was the favorite trapping-ground of this daring individual ; and one of his most remarkable adventures in this region of country it is our present purpose to record. Setting off alone, as was frequently his custom, with his riding-horse, pack-mules, "possibles," "traps," and camp- utensils, himself well-armed and equipped in mountain style, Markhead penetrated far into the territorial posses- sions of his savage foes, and at last fixed his camp in a wild, romantic valley, and set about his vocation with the same careless indifference to danger that the angler would cast his line in the tranquil waters about his peaceful home. Here he remained unmolested for several weeks, and found beaver so plenty as to gladden his heart at the thought of the "glorious time" he would have when he should return to the " rendezvous," that paradise for such mountain men as happen to bring sufficient " peltries" to indulge largely in its luxuries, its games, and its general dissipations. ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS. 235 But going one morning to examine his traps, the gallant mountaineer, to his great annoyance, discovered the fresh print of a moccasin a little distance back from the stream : and the sight so roused his ire, that he at once gave vent to it in a very uncomplimentary apostrophe to an indivi- dual he had not yet seen ; and using all due caution to guard against a surprise, he continued on down the stream to his different traps ; and found to his great delight, that each one held a prize, in the shape of a plump, fat beaver. Having dispatched the animals, and reset his traps, ho cautiously, but proudly, returned to his camp, muttering as he went along ; " The sneaking fool 1 to come and put his foot into my mess in that way, and think to outwit me ! But I'll fix him yit, and every son of an aboriginee that comes with him ; for whilst I find beavers coming in this handsome, and begging to be tuk by a gentleman what appreciates, I'll be dogged ef I'll be druv from my position by all the greasy, copper-colored rascals in North America 1" Markhead spent much of the day in hunting for " Indian signs," but without discovering any thing to excite fresh uneasiness. He found a few more moccasin prints, it is true, but evidently made by the same feet; and he came to the conclusion that some stray Indian, perhaps a solitary hunter, had been near his camp and departed —it might be with, and it might be without, the knowledge of a whit* 236 ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS. man being encamped in the vicinity. If the former, and the savage had friends near, he thought it more than likely an attempt would soon be made to waylay and kill him ; and if the latter, that he had nothing unusual to fear ; but as he could not determine this point satisfactorily, he permitted prudence for once to have entire control over his actions ; and he took the trouble to secrete his peltries, lead his animals to a new grazing spot, and pass the fol- lowing night in another place himself. The next morning, Markhead, by a new and roundabout course, went down to his first trap most cautiously, recon- noitering the ground as he neared it ; and much pleased was he with himself at having taken this precaution ; for right in the very path along which he would otherwise have approached the spot, he now discovered three Indians, crouched down among some bushes behind a projecting rock, patiently awaiting his appearance. By the course he had prudently taken, he had come upon the stream a little below, and consequently behind them ; and he now, without being himself perceived, had them in fair range. " That's the way you painted heathens watch for a white gentleman, is it ?" chuckled the trapper, as he slowly and ieliberateiy brought forward his long, unerring rifle, and took a steady aim at the nearest, who nearly covered the one beyond him ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS. 237 Markhead recollected the old proverb of "killing two birds with one stone," and a grim smile partially relieved the harshness of his vindictive expression as he pulled the trigger. True to its duty, the piece sent forth its leaden messenger, and with such force as to drive the ball clean through the first savage and mortally wound the second. The instant he fired, the daring mountaineer grasped his long knife, and bounded forward with a ferocious yell ; while the unharmed Indian, starting as suddenly to his feet, with a wild yell of surprise and terror, darted quickly away, leaving his wounded, floundering, and groaning friends to the mercy of a foe who was never known to spare one of the hated race. On coming up to the wounded savages, neither of whom was dead, Markhead proceed to dispatch and scalp them with the same ferocious satisfaction that he would have butchered and skinned two wounded wild beasts ; after which he coolly reloaded his rifle, without the least com- punction of conscience, and with a self-complacent chuckle at his own caution and triumph. " Wonder how fur that thar other skeered Injun '11 run afore he stops !" he grinned, as he spurned his dead ene- mies with his foot, and gathered up, as further trophies of his exploit, the weapons with which they had intended to destroy him. " Thar !" he continued, as he moved away trom the dead bodies ; " I reckon I'll see to my traps now, 236 ROCKY MOUNTAIN - PERILS. withv,\it axing no leave of you, whilst you gtop here ta feed woWes and buzzards, that maybe is wanting a break- fast this fine morning." He then, believing there was no further danger set off boldly, and somewhat carelessly, down the stream, to visit his traps. As on the preceding day, he found his success had been somewhat remarkable ; and, fairly loaded with beaver he returned toward his camp in fine spirits. On his direct route, was a wild, romantic glen, with steep, high, rocky hills on either hand, and between which dashed, foaming and roaring, a clever mountain stream. He had reached nearly the centre of this valley, and was walking leisurely along, when he was startled by the sharp report of several muskets, instantly followed by the fierce exultant yells of a small party of savages, who sprung up suddenly from behind different concealments and darted toward him in a body. The instant the Indians fired, Markhead felt a sharp twinge in his left arm; and glancing toward it, he per- ceived the blood streaming through his garments, and knew he was wounded; but finding, on trial, he could use his arm, he gave no further heed to it, and concentrated his every thought upon the saving of his life. The Indians, some six or eight in number, were now bounding forward to finish their work ; and instantly throwing down his beaver, th» trapper brought his deadly ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS. 23# rifle to bear on the foremost; and he was in the very act of firing, when the latter, perceiving his danger, uttered a short cry of surprise, and dodged behind a tree — an example which his cowardly companions took care to imi- tate as speedily as possible. This gave the intrepid hunter a moment to look about him and calculate his chances of escape ; and perceiving, on the hill to his left, an opening among the rocks, as it flight be the mouth of a cave — and knowing if he gave his foes time to reload, they could certainly kill him where he {stood — he suddenly turned, and dashed across the stream, and up the steep acclivity ; his enemies immediately bound- ing after, with yells of triumph, but being deterred from venturing a too rapid pursuit by a wholesome fear of hia deadly rifle, which every now and then was steadily brought to bear upon the nearest. In this way Markhead reached the point at which he had aimed, some considerable distance ahead of his pur- suers ; and for a few moments he stood and debated with himself whether he should secrete himself within the open- ing, which appeared large and deep, or continue his flight over the mountain ridge. He decided on the former, as the readiest means of giving him immediate time for cool and deliberate calculation ; and the next moment he disap- oeared from the sigVt of his yelling foes j who, fearing 240 ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS. bis ultimate escape, now sprung up the hill more nimbly and boldly. The opening, as the trapper had conjectured, was the mouth of a cave of considerable dimensions ; and was so guarded, by winding passages among projecting rocks, aa to secure to him, from the moment of entering it, a feeling of safety; and darting back a few paces, he ensconced himself behind a sharp angle, and waited for his foes to come up. Presently he saw the Indians appear, one after another, at the mouth of the opening, and cautiously peer into the gloom within ; but neither seemed possessed of courage sufficient to lead the way to what would probably be cer- tain death to the foremost. From where they stood, the savages could not discern the fugitive, though he could perceive them distinctly ; and it required all his self- control to restrain his desire of firing upon them, and trusting the rest to chance. Soon after, the Indians withdrew from the view of the trapper, and for a few minutes all was silence within and without. He conjectured they were now holding a con- sultation ; and when he thought that his very life might depend upon the result, he could not but feel anxious tc have an end put to his suspense by an attack or retreat. Suddenly, while he was wondering how he should get safely out of his present " scrape," even with the loss of hii ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS. 24i animals and furs, the mouth of the cave was darkened bj several Indians, and lightened by the flash of several muskets, while half a dozen balls flattened themselves against the rocks, and the reports reverberated strangely as the sounds were thrown back from the farthest recesses of his subterranean retreat. Markhead was untouched by their fire, but enraged at what he eonsiaered their audacity; and, with a yell of defiance, he instantly raised his own rifle and poured back its contents. His shot, fortunately, took effect in the breast of a warrior, who fell over, and rolled yelling down the rugged hill, to the great chagrin and dismay of his companions, who made haste to get beyond the reach of so dangerous an enemy. After this, the savages, though remaining in the vicinity, and keeping a close watch upon the mouth of the cave, to prevent the escape of the prisoner within, took good care to keep out of his sight. And so the day wore away — ■ Markhead fretting and swearing at what he termed his ill-luck, in being " cooped up in sich an infernal hole," but not caring to venture out in the face of almost certain death. At last, toward night, he was suddenly surprised by geeing a large pile of brush thrown down in front of the cave, and was not slow in comprehending that his foes intended to smoke him out, as he himself had aforetime 21 242 ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS. smoked out some wild beast. This pile was rapidly augmented by fresh combustibles ; and in the course of an hour it had become quite formidable — the trapper sitting and watching, and considering which might be the safest proceeding for him — to remain and let them fire it, or attempt an escape by suddenly breaking through it. "But I'll let the cusses do it," he muttered, at length; " for I can break through arterward as well as now, and night'll soon be here to kiver me as I run " Had the savages thought of this plan and acted upon it sooner, the history of the trapper might have ended with that eventful day — for an escape in daylight would have been almost impossible ; but fortunately for him, they did not set fire to the combustibles till the forest had begun to grow dusky with the advancing shadows of night. The materials they had collected being old, dry brush, ignited like so much tinder ; and in a minute after the application of the match, the whole pile was a crackling and roaring (lame— the heat and smoke at once penetrating far back into the cavern, and soon rendering it an untenable place. Seeing the time had come for him to make another desperate effort for his life, Markhead secured his powder- norn in his bosom, wrapped the skirt of his hunting-frock around the lock of his rifle, grasped his knife firmly, drew in his breach for a start, and concentrating his whole will ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS. 213 upon his single purpose, suddenly bounded forth, directly through the scorching flames. So sudden was his exit from the cavern, that the Indians, though looking for the event to take place, and standing prepared to fire at and fall upon him with their knives and tomahawks, did not even get their guns to bear till he was half way down the dangerous declivity ; and then they discharged their muskets almost at random, and set yelling after him with a degree of uncertainty and confusion that gave him an additional advantage. On reaching the bank of the stream, Markhead turned quickly down it, darted into a favoring thicket, thence into the water, and threw himself flat down close up under the overhanging foliage. Here he quietly remained, favored by the fast gathering shades of night, till his enemies, who believed he was still in flight, had run yelling past in fierce pursuit ; and then, as they gradually grew more distant, he started up and ran in an opposite direction. An hour later he had reached in safety the spot where lie had deposited his pelts. Gathering up as m&ny as he could carry, he next sought and found his horse, mounted him, and escaped— leaving his mules, traps, and camp utensils as the spoil of his foes. Three days after this, he boldly revisited the spot, and found the remainder of his furs ; but all the rest of his property had been discovered and taken away by the 44 ROCKY MOUNTAIN PERILS savages. At this Markhead sought relief to his feelings by what in Western parlance would be termed "some pretty tall swearing;" but concluded at last to make the best of what he possessed, and Bet off to the nearest station o get a new outfit. That same season, notwithstanding all his misfortunes, Markhead might have been found trapping along the different streams, in the vicinity of his losses and thrilling adventures ; and when he repaired to the " rendezvous," in the following autumn, no single trapper could out-count him in peltries, or out-talk him in exploits. But this man of daring finally met a terrible fate. At the fearful uprising of the treacherous Mexicans, in the "Valley of Taos, at the time of the massacre of Governor Bent and other Americans, Markhead, and a companion named Harwood, who had gone thither to exchange some peltries for whiskey, were captured by the blood-thirsty mob, and shot down like dogs. So perished, in the full vigor of manhood, one of the very bravest, boldest, and most reckless of that hardy and daring little baid known as the Trappers of the Far Weat. "We Doctors sometimes meet with strange adventures," once said to me a distinguished physician, with whom I was on terms of intimacy. "I have often thought," I replied, "that the secret his- tory of some of your profession, if written out in detail, would make a work of thrilling interest." " I do not know that I exactly agree with you in regard to detail," rejoined my friend ; " for we medical men, like every one else, meet with a great deal that is common place, and therefore not worthy of being recorded ; but grant us the privilege of you novelists, to select our characters and scenes, and work them into a kind of plot, with a view to a striking denouement, and I doubt not many of us could give you a romance in real life, com prising only what we have seen, which would equal, if no 4 surpass, any thing you ever met in the way of fiction. By- the-by, I believe I never told you of the most strange and romautic adventure of my life ?" " You never told me of any of your adventures, Doctor," 21* (245) 246 THE DEAD ALIVE. I replied ; " but if you have a story to tell, you will ffccl me an eager listener." " Yery well, then, as I have a few minutes to spare, I will tell you one more wildly romantic, more incredibly remarkable, if I may so speak, than you probably ever found in a work of fiction." " I am all attention." " Twenty-five years ago," pursued the Doctor, "I entered the medical college at F as a student. I was then quite young, inexperienced, and inclined to be timid and sentimental ; and well do I remember the horror I expe- rienced, when one of the senior students, under pretence of showing me the beauties of the institution, suddenly thrust me into the dissecting-room, among several dead bodies, and closed the door upon me ; nor do I forget Iioav my screeches of terror, and prayers for release from that awful place, made me the laughing-stock of my older companions. " Ridicule is a hard thing* to bear : the coward becomes brave to escape it, and the brave man fears it more than he would a belching cannon. I suffered from it till I could stand no more ; and wrought up to a pitch of desperation, I demanded to know what I might do to redeem my character, and gain an honorable footing among my fellow students. " ' I will tell you,' said one, his eyes sparkling with mis- THE DEAD ALIVE. 247 chief; 'if you will go, at the midnight hour, and dig up a subject, and take it to your room, and remain alone with it till morning, we will let you off, and never say another word about your womanly fright.' " I shuddered. It was a fearful alternative ; but it seemed less terrible to suffer all the horrors that might be concentrated into a single night, than to bear, day after day, the jeers of my companions. " ' Where shall I go ? and when V was my timid inquiry; and the very thought of such an adventure made my blood run cold. '"'To the Eastern Cemetery, to-night, at twelve o'clock,' replied my tormentor, fixing his keen, black eyes upon me, and allowing his thin lips to curl with a smile of contempt. ' But what is the use of asking such a coward as you to perform such a manly feat V he added, deridingly. " His words stung me to the quick ; and without further reflection, and scarcely aware of what I was saying, I rejoined, boldly : " I am no coward, sir, as I will prove to you, by per- forming what you call a manly feat.' " 'You will go V he asked, quickly. "'I will.' "•'Bravely said, my lad!' he rejoined, in a tone of approval, and exchanging his expression of contempt for one of surprise and admiration. ' Do this, Morris, and 248 THE DEAD ALIVE. the first man that insults you afterward makes an enemy of me!' " Again I felt a cold shudder pass through my frame, at the thought of what was before me ; but I had accepted his challenge in the presence of many witnesses — for this conversation occurred as we were leaving the hall, after listening to an evening lecture — and I was resolved to make my word good, should it even cost me my life : in fact, I knew I could not do otherwise now, without the risk of being driven in disgrace from the college. "I should here observe, that in those days there were few professional resurrectionists ; and it was absolutely necessary to have subjects for dissection, the unpleasant business of procuring them devolved upon the students ; who, in consequence, watched every funeral eagerly, anc 1 calculated the chances of cheating the sexton of his chargj and the grave of its victim. " There had been a funeral, that day, of a poor orphan girl, who had been followed to the grave by very few friends ; and this was considered a favorable chance for the party whose turn it was to procure the next subject, as the graves of the poor and friendless were never watched with the same keen vigilance as those of the rich and influential. Still, it was no trifling risk to attempt to exhume the bodies of the poorest and humblest — for not unfrequeutly persons were found on the watch even over THE DEAD ALIVE. 249 these ; and only the year before, one student, while at his midnight work, had been mortally wounded by a rifle ball ; and another, a month or two subsequently, had been ren- dered a cripple for life by the same means "All this was explained to me by a party of six or eight, who accompanied me to my room — which was in a build- ing belonging to the college, and rented by apartments to such of the students as preferred bachelor's hall to regular boarding; and they took care to add several terrifying stories of ghosts and hobgoblins, by way of calming my excited nerves, just as I have before now observed old women stand around a weak, feverish patient, and croak out their experience in seeing awful sufferings and fata] terminations of just such maladies as the one with which their helpless victim was then afflicted. " ' Is it expected that I shall go alone ?' I inquired, in a tone that trembled in spite of me, while my knees almost knocked together, and I felt as if my very lips were white. " ' Well, no,' replied Benson, my most dreaded tor- mentor ; ' it would be hardly fair to send you alone, for one individual could not succeed in getting the body from the grave quick enough ; and you, a mere youth, without experience, would be sure to fail altogether. No, we will go with you, some three or four of us, and help you dig up the corpse; but then you must take it on your back. 250 THE DEAD ALIVE. bring it up to your room here, and spend the night alone with it V " It was some relief to me to find I was to have com- pany during the first part of my awful undertaking ; but still I felt far from agreeable, I assure you ; and chancing to look into a mirror, as the time drew near for setting out, I fairly started at beholding the ghastly object I saw reflected therein. " • Come, boys,' said Benson, who was always, by general consent, the leader of whatever frolic, expedition, or under- taking he was to have a hand in : ' Come, boys, it is time to be on the move. A glorious night for us !' he added, throwing up the window, and letting in a fierce gust of wind and rain: 'the very d — 1 himself would hardly ven- ture out in such a storm !' " He lit a dark-lantern, threw on his long, heavy cloak, took up a spade, and led the way down stairs; and the rest of us, three besides my timid self, threw on our cloaks also, took each a spade, and followed him. "We took a roundabout course, to avoid being seen by any citizen that might chance to be stirring ; and in something less than half-an-hour we reached the cemetery, scaled the wall without difficulty, and stealthily searched for the grave, till we found it, In the pitchy darkness — the wind and rain sweeping pa«t vs with disrcal howlf *nd THE DEAD ALIVE. 251 moans, that to me, trembling with terror, seemed to be the unearthly wailings of the spirits of the damned. "'Here we are,' whispered Benson to me, as we at length stopped at a mound of fresh earth, over w hich one of our party had stumbled. ' Come, feel round, Morris, and strike in your spade, and let us see if you will make as good a hand at exhuming a dead body as you will somo day at killing a living one with physic.' "I did as directed, trembling in every limb; but the first spade-full I threw up, I started back with a yell of horror, that, on any other but a howling, stormy night, would have betrayed us. It appeared to me as if I had thrust my spade into a buried lake of fire — for tho soft dirt was all aglow like living coals; and as I had fancied the moanings of the storm the wailings of tor- mented spirits, I now fancied I had uncovered a small portion of the Bottomless Pit itself. " Tool 1' hissed Benson, grasping my arm with the gripe of a vice, as I stood leaning on my spade for support, my very teeth chattering with terror; 'another yell like that, and I'll make a subject of you 1 Are you not ashamed ol yourself, to be scared out of your wits, if you ever had any, by a little phosphorescent earth ? Don't you know it is often found in graveyards V " His explanation re-assured me ; though I was now too weak, from my late fright to be of any assistance to tht- 252 THE DEAD ALIVE. party; who all fell to with a will, secretly laughing a: me, and soon reached the coffin. Splitting the lid with a hatchet, which had been brought for the purpose, they quickly lifted out the corpse ; and then Benson and another of the party taking hold of it, one at the head and the other at the feet, they hurried it away, bidding me follow, and leaving the others to fill up the grave, that it might not be suspected the body had been exhumed. "Having got the corpse safely over the wall of the cemetery, Benson now called upon me to perform my part of the horrible business. 11 ' Here, you quaking simpleton,' he said ; ' I want you to take this on your back, and make the best of your way to your room, and remain alone with it all night ! If you do this bravely, we will claim you as one of us to-morrow, and the first man that dares to say a word against yonr courage after that, shall find a foe in me. But, hark you ! if you make any blunder on the way, and lose our prize, it will be better for you to quit this town before I set eyes on you again ! Do you understand me V " ' Y-ye-ye-yes !' I stammered, with chattering teeth. " 'Are you ready V « ' Y-ye-ye-yes,' I gasped. " ' Well, come here, where are you V " All this time it was so dark that I could see nothing but a faint line of white, which I knew to be the shroud THE DEAD ALIVE. 253 of the corpse ; but I felt carefully round till 1 got hold of Benson, who told me to take off my cloak ; and then rear- ing the cold dead body up against my back, he began fixing its cold arhich brought the attention of John Glass fully upon myself, and was my only form of presentation to the scarified mountaineer. " Wall, stranger, you kin know me a heap, ef you're civil," was the reply of my new acquaintance, spoken in a tone that sounded not unlike the gurgling of water from a jug. " Chaw, hoss V he added, inquiringly, having, like many another individual I wot of, an eye to the profits which might accrue from my acquaintance. I instantly took the hint, and a plug of tobacco from my pocket, and handing the latter to my new friend, I observed that he had better keep the whole of it, as I had a sufficiency left. " Hurraw !" cried the old trapper "You're a trump, you ar, and I'd play you agin any amount of dandified jim cracks I ever seed. You're a hoss as has bottom, or else I'm a wolf — hurraw !" I saw I had made a good impression on my outre friend of the wilderness ; and I naturally argued, that if a plug of tobacco could do that much, a little whiskey would do more. So, after a few exchanges of civilities, in which I endeavored to compliment John as much as he had FIGHT WITH A BEAR. 261 me, I mildly suggested that we might as well take a drink. " Hurraw I" he cried, in his broadly accented dialect ; " you're one on 'em, stran c er ! and old peeled Jack is one as likes to know you. Drink ? In course I will — and ef you kin jest find the fellow as says John Glass ever was knowed to refuse to drink when ax'd, you'll see a fight." Accordingly, we adjourned to one of that kind of insti- tutions in which these rough borderers most do congre- gate ; and having called together a few of John's friends, we chartered a corner of the shanty for that especial occasion. The whiskey having been brought forward, in due proportion to the number and quality of the guests, who at once paid their respects to it, pipes were next in order ; and each man having loaded, prepared to fire — and did fire — and such a volume of smoke I never before beheld except at the discharge of a regular battery. My sole object in this operation was to hear from the lips of John Glass himself how it had happened that his figure head had become so seriously damaged; and so, seizing the first favorable opportunity, I broached the subject in a quiet way. " Wall, stranger," said John, " that was one o' tne scrapes. Hey, Bill," he added, turning to one of his com- panions, " you remember that thar, I reckon ?" "Wall, I does, hoss," returned the other j "and ef I 262 FIGHT WITH A BEAR. didn't think you war dead that time, may I never see tb« Rocky agin !" "Yes, Bill," pursued Glass, "you thought as how I war dead ; and it's like you wern't glad to find it different, for you'd got my hoss and gun all snug enough. But you see, when John Glass goes under, thar's gwine to be an 'arth- quake ; and thar warn't nary 'arthquake then. Stranger," he added, filling his glass and turning to me, " I'll just tell you how it war, for you're right decent for a settlement feller, and decency ought to be encouraged. You see, stranger, it war a good many years ago — I don't exactly remember how many — that me and a party war gwine out to the mountains. Wall, we'd fixed up for a reg'lar trapping expedition, and had our hosses and mules, and all the rest o' our kit along, for a reg'lar three months' hunt. We got over onto the Black Hills without any accident, which war some'at to talk about for us, kase we didn't often go fur without them things. I say we got over onto the Black Hills, and pitched our camp in one o' tho purtiest places I ever seed, whar we kind o' spread our- selves to make beaver come. Me and Bill, here — the old hoss — paired off, kind o' partner like, and did business in our own way, and that thar way war some. " One day, as we war off that thar way together, setting our traps along a stream whar the beaver rayther seemed to like the fun — for they allcrs kirn smelling round and FIGHT WITH A. BEAR. 263 lOwKtag pleased and curious — we got kind o' tangled up ic a thicket o' wild cherry, which growed along the stream. I war pushing along a leetle ahead o' Bill, when all at onee't, as I kim to a kind o' opening, I seed a big grizzly, as quiet as a kitten, turning up the arth with his nose for the roots as hid below. " ' Hurraw, Bill !' says I, 'hyer's fun, and thar's meat.' " ' What's the muss, Jack V says Bill, hurrying up to me. " I showed him the b'ar about twenty yards off, and we agreed as how we'd draw his blood. ''Now, stranger," continued the old trapper, turning to me, "them thar grizzlys is some." " In a bear fight ?" I quietly suggested. " Exactly — haw ! haw ! haw 1" laughed the mountaineer. "They're some in a b'ar fight — just so; and you're some punks, any whar. Wall, as I was a saying, we fetched our rifles to an aim, and both spoke together. We both hit old grizzly plum centre : but them is critters as don't mind hitting, and our shots didn't seem to do no more nor jest kind o' rile up his dander. He kind o' started up and looked round, as savage as Old Nick ; and then, seeing our smoke curling up from the thicket, he know'd thar was some'at for him thar, and broke for us like a streak o greased lightning. " ' Hurraw, Bill !' says I ; ' we're in for't now. Well be made meat on, suie as shooting.' 264 FIGHT WITH A BEAR. " ' Wall, we will, old boss,' says Bill, ' onless our legs if longer nor the b'ars.' " ' It's a run now, any way,' says I, as we both on us made a break through the thicket. "Bill was behind me afore, but he was ahead o' me now ; and ef he didn't do some tall walking then, I naver seed snakes. Hey, Bill ?" "Wall, I did, Jack," grinned Bill, who was himself nearly as pretty a specimen of the wilderness as the narrator. " We both on us tore through the bushes like mad,* resumed the old mountaineer ; " but they was awful thick together, I tell you, and we didn't get along not nigh so fast as I has afore now, tumbling down hill ; and we didn't git along not nigh so fast as the cussed old b'ar, who kim plunging arter us like a mad bull, gaining on us at every jump. Maybe as how I didn't swear some at them thar old bushes, which stuck into me at every leap, and kind o* kept me from gitting any war, with old grizzly puffing up close behind. "At last we got to t'other side o' the thicket, whar ttar was a patch o' prairie, and a big steep bluff on t'other side on't, about a hundred yards off. " ' Ilurraw, Bill !' says I ; * it's bluff or die ; for old grizzly has got kanta? kerous ; and lie ain't so fur behind FIGHT WITH A BEAR. 265 but what he ra )ut hear us holler. ' Leg it, Bill V says I ; 'let your pegs do their duty.' " And Bill, here, he did leg it, for he'd got the j gs as could leg it ; and I didn't keep a great ways behind. But the old varmint, he gained on us all through the bushes ; and when I struck that thar prairie, I hadn't more'n twenty feet the start o' him. I'd hev cleared old Brum, though, easy enough ; but jest as I got half way to the bluff, I struck my infernal foot agin a stone, and kim down headlong. I got up agin right sudden ; but it war too late for running now ; for jest as I got on my feet, the old scamp stood straight up alongside o' me, and reached out his paws for a hug, like some o' the old Frenchmen I've seed out thar. I know'd old grizzly's hug warn't for any good, though ; but seeing as thar warn't no help for't, I kind o' made up my mind to it, and gin him the contents o' the only pistol I had, at the same time yelling to Bill to load up and settle him. " I'd jest got the words out, when old grizzly got his paws onto me, and, with one infernal rake downwards, lore off skin enough for a leather apron. I drawed my knife, said some'at o' prayers, and pitched into him with all my might ; and we went rolling over and over on the grays, sometimes the b'ar topmost, and sometimes me. " That thar, boys, is purty much all I know about the fight," pursued Glass; "but some time next day I opened 23 266 FIGHT WITH A BEAR. ray peepers agin, wiped off the blood, and found J. war tin wust-looking human you ever seed. My old scalp hung clean over my face— the skin o' my face, and the most o' this here nose, war spread out all around me ; I'd been dug into clean down to the ribs, which looked as ef they'd been peeled ; and more'n all that, some thieving scamp — (Bill, here, kin tell you who that war)— had stripped off the most o' my clothing, and tuk my pistol, and rifle, and every thing away " "Yes," said Bill, "Til jest tell you how it war, boys— I jest thought as how Glass war dead, and I run down to camp and told 'em so, and old Sublette told me and Rube to go back and bury him. We went back, and tuk his things ; but concluding thar warn't no use o' settling him into the turf, we put back and told the boys as how we'd done it; but we hadn't, and Jack warn't dead, he warn't." "No, sir-ee !" chimed in Glass—" nor I didn't T/ant to die, nuther. Wall, I kind o* looked around like, And seed as how old grizzly had got rubbed out, and that ^iar was borne satisfaction, anyhow. '• Here Glass took still another glass, smacked his lips, and continued. " Ef I war to tell you all that happened artor that, VI keep you here till morning — so I wont. Ihe sh'.rt on't is, I jest tore up my shirt, and did up my woiu»4* **• well FIGHT WITH A BEAR. 267 as I could ; and then lay round thar, feeding on old grizzly for a good many days, till I got strength to crawl away. The boys, I reckoned, had changed their camp, and so I got out for a fort as I knowed was about ninety miles off; and I tell you what it is, that thar war one o' the wust tramps as ever this hyer old beaver seed ; for I war all cut up, almost skinned, and had to feed on roots and berries all the way. "At last I got to the fort, and some jimcrack of a doctor sot to work on me ; and, stranger, 1 kim out a? good as new, as you kin see for yourself. I managed to git another hoss, and then started for another fort, whar I knowed the boys would be coming in to winter. We both got thar about the same time ; and a skeerder-looking set o' white niggers nor them war, when they seed me, as they knowed war dead and buried, coming up astraddle o' tha, thar old hoss, this hyer child never put his eyes on. " ' Hurraw, Bill !' says I, as I seed him quaking, and trying to git out o' sight — for the scamp knowed as he war guilty, and I guessed it — ' I'll jest kind o' trouble you for that thar hoss, and gun, and the rest o' my fixings.' "Bill handed 'em over, and I tuk ray place amongst the boys, ready for the next thing as rao tight turn up. "Thar, stranger," concluded the old mountaineer, "you knows now why I looks so purty ; and so now let's liquor agin, afore we spile." 268 FIGHT WITH A BEAR. I subsequently ascertained that this story of John Glass was true in every particular; and I give it as a specimen of what human nature — and especially human nature aa found in the wildB-uess of the Far West — can endure and survive. Witt gatftiffl §0iiSf» I once had a friend — I say had, for he is n more than one occasion, alluded to his "scrape with the Crows, 1 ' one of his companions had now asked him for the story, to while away the time around their camp fire. " Wall, crowd her through 1" said the first speaker, in reply to Lukens. " Ay, that's the talk," said the one who was toasting his meat. " Next to the fun o' being in a scrape," .observed the fourth, "is the fun o' telling on't, or hearing on't." " Wall," resumed Bill, " as you're all willing, and me, too, I'll go in. You see, it was just this hyer way:— Me and my pardner, old Fighting Pete- it's like some o' ye knows him ?" " I does that — easy," replied the first speaker, drawing two or three rapid whiffs from his pipe ; u I knows the old BILL LUKENS' RUN. 287 beaver, jest like a trap. Me and him had a fight once, and I got licked 1" All laughed, and Bill Lukens proceeded. "Wall, as I was a-saying, old Fighting Pete war my pnrdner; and me and him war setting our traps, up along the Big Horn, one day, about three or four year ago, when 1 seed some'at as I didn't like, and I pinted it out t* 1'ete. " ' What does you call that thar, old hoss?' says I. " ' Why, that thar's as plain as shooting,' says Pete. ' That thar's a moccasin print, as had a Injun foot into it, and not many year ago nyther. Augh ! it's allers the way,' says Pete ; ' ef a feller happens to git whar he can do suthin decent, round comes the bloody red niggers to spile it all. I say, Bill, we'll hev to put out from hyer, and it goes agin me like sand in my eye.' " 'Wall, says I, 'thar's only one print, anyhow.' " 'As you see,' says Pete — ' only one print as you see- but you arn't sich a confounded fool as to 'spose a Injun walks on one leg, I 'spect V "'Wall,' says I, ' s'pose he has two legs? — that thar only makes him one Injun — and then we're two to one, any how.' " 'Augh!' says Pete, drawing himself up amazing, and looking as wise as an owl; 'does you know anything about hens V 288 BILL LUKENS* RUN. "'Not uncommon/ says I, 'but Fve eat 'em to Inde- pendence.' " ' Shah 1' says Pete ; ' I don't mean that thar ; but I means ef you know the principal upon which they works V 11 ' Not particular,' says I. " ' Wall, then, I'll tell ye,' says Pete. ' They fust makea a nest, and then they lays a nest-egg, and arter that they lays more.' " 'But,' says I, ' I don't see the pint. a < Why, you bat-blind crow,' says Pete, ' the pint is, that this hyer red nigger ar' the nest-egg; and whar you sees a sign o' him, you'll see more soon— for he ain't a egg as'll stay long alone — so it's my opine we'd better gather up our traps and put out from hyer.' " ' Wall,' says I, ' I don't know but that's safe advice.' " ' It ar' hoss, sir ee !' says Pete. " So we tuk up the traps as we war putting down ; and then we went to look arter some we'd sot afore — Pete going up the river, and me down — but both agreeing to meet at a place as we'd named Cedar Bluff. " Wall, boys, I hadn't gone fur down the river, when, jest as I war passing along behind a thicket like, whiz, came two or three arrers — two of 'em so close as to graze the skin, and t'other one sticking into my arm a bit, and followed by some o' them thar yells as all the skunks knows how to do. BILL LU KENS' RUN. 289 " ' Hooraw !' thinks I: ' ar' that your game I' and making powerful quick tracks for a near bluflf, I turned the corner of a rock, and, looking back, seed three o' the red niggers close arter me, still yelling like mad. "I didn't know how many thar mought be; but I thought as how, ef the forward one war Fighting Pete's nest-egg, I'd make a cold chicken on him sudden. So fotching round my old rifle, I let him hev the nicest part into it — thinking, maybe, ef he'd git more'n he wanted, he'd let the next imp behind him hev a bit, too. And he did — yes, sir-ee ! for the ball went plump through him, and into the one behind him ; and sich a howling as they all set up together, you never heerd. "Wall, I 'spected now to see t'other hound turn and run, and gin it up straight. But he didn't — nary once — no, sir — but come full bent arter me, drawing another arrer to the head, and letting it slide so close as to make me think o' what a preacher once said to me 'bout my prayers. " ' Oho !' says I, dodging around another corner o' the rock, and hugging it close ; ' ef you're all, you'll be easy meat, too, afore long; and ef you thinks I'm a gwine to run from one sich a red nigger, jest wait till I git a chance to tell you I arn't.' "Wall, round he come, blowiug amazing — for he thought I'd gone on furder, case the olace had chat kind 25 290 BILL LUKENS 7 RUN. o' a look — out I soon tuk the conceit out o' him powerful ; for jest as I seed his ugly mug agin, not more'n four feet off, I riz up and lit on to him, like a painter on to a deer ; and afore he knowed particular what ailed him, he didn't know nothing — for I'd got my butcher into him a few, I toll you ! " Wall, I ripped off Lis scalp, and shook it in his face, to show my contempt for the beast; and then, faring off his b'ar-skiu, and taking his bow and arrers, to help me out, in case thar war any more 'bout, I kicked him down into the water. Then I gin one reg'lar yell for old Wirgin'a, and sot to loading my rifle, all the time keeping my eye peeled, and looking two ways for Sunday. " Jest as I war ramming down the ball, I heerd a few more yells, some distance off, and old Pete's rifle crack at the same time. Says I to myself: Pete war right 'bout that thar hen business, and thar'll be a nest-full round here soon, anyhow. Then I wanted to do two things. I wanted to git to Pete, and help him out; and I wanted to git to t'other niggers, and get thar scalps and traps. But I didn't do nyther : fust, bekase I knowed that ef old Pete war to be killed or tuk, it 'ud be over afore I could reach him ; and. second, bekase thar war some answering yells t'other side o' me, not fur off; and I felt as how, ef I stayed round there long, I mought know a feller, by the BILL LUKENS' RUN. 291 name of Bill Lukens, that 'ud want help the wost kind hisself. " So I primed the old rifle quick as lightning ; and taking along the bow and arrers, I plunged into the Big Horn, and made for the bluff on t'other side. I got over thar without ary accident, and crawled up under some bushes, whar I could look back ; but when I did look back, I seed some five or six o' the niggers pointing me out ; and then, whiz, came another lot o' arrers, (along with some o' the darndest yells,) and two on 'em stuck into me — one on 'em into my meat-trap, and t'other into my arm. 11 One o' the arrers I pulled out, and t'other broke off in. 1 But,' says I, ' you infernal old Crow niggers, I'll give another o' ye suthin as ye can't pull out;' and taking plum sight at the feller with the longest feather, I drapped him amazing The arrer in me now hurt me oncommon ; but it war in the fleshy part o' my arm, and had nothing to do with my running pegs; and so I reckoned the next best thing to do war to use them a bit. " Wall, I pulled up the bluff as quick and as zig-zag as I could — the infarnal imps all the while blazing away with thai arrers, and howling powerful over thar dead. I got Ip to the top o' the bluff safe enough ; and from thar, about a mile off — or maybe half-a-mile — I could see a big bit o J prairie ; and crossing that thar prairie, full bent, 292 BILL LUKENS' RUN. war a big crowd more c ' the thieving scoundrels. I begun to think it war a gwine to be tight dodging, and broke for the nearest thicket ; but jest as I reached it, my ha'r fairly riz for the yells as burst from it a'most stunned me — and the next breath I found myself surrounded and tuk. "'Wall,' says I, 'Bill Lukens, your trapping ar' done for. You're wanted for a roasting-piece — 'cept jour scalp — and that thar'll rattle in some greasy nigger's lodge, to make glory for him and music for his squaw.' " Not to spin the matter out too long, I'll jest say what they done with me, and how I got cl'ar of 'em. They tuk me down to the prairie as I seed from the bluff; and thar, arter a while, they all met — nigh a hundred on 'em — and thar I had my trial. I couldn't understand much Crow talk ; but I made out enough to know that they war a-gwine to hev some fun with me, ayther by way of a burn or a run. I war in hopes it would be a run ; but I didn't say so, kase it warn't likely they'd take my advice, any- how, even ef I talked Crow to 'em with tears in my eyes. "At last, arter a good deal of palavering, and some gi ambling, it war decided as I should make a run for thar fun. But I took a good look at these hyer pegs, and then at thar spindle shanks, and made up my mind, ef tVey'd keep oft* thar hosses and be decent, I'd show 'em a run a* 'ud be more fun for me nor them. "Wall, hollering ar.d laughing, kicking and slapping BILL LUKENS' RUN. 293 me, and making all sorts of a hullabaloo, which I 'spect they thought war fun, they tuk me way out into the prairie, 'bout five mile from any tree or bush ; and thar, arter stripping off all my clothes, and tying my hands behind my back, they made me understand — some'at by words and some'at by signs — that when they gin the big yell, I war to run for my life, and every nigger on 'em arter me, and the first one as mought hit me with his tomahawk, war to hev my scalp for pay. " ' Thank you,' says I ; ' but if it's all the same to you, you greasy niggers, I'd prefer to keep that thar same scalp my own self " Still, I didn't think I had much chance o' doing it ; for how w r ar a naked man, with his hands tied behind his back, and placed in front of a hundred o' the red niggers, to git away from 'em ? and then git away to some fort arterwards, afore he'd starve to death? But, anyhow, it war a chance for life, and Bill Lukens and me concluded we'd go in and do our purtiest. "Purty soon they all stretched themselves out in a long row, way past both sides o' me, and about thirty yards behind, and I noticed as they all put aside all thar weapons 'cept their tomahawks and knives. That thar war some hop^ to me, and I looked a head to see the chances. Straight ahead I seed prairie, and nothing else; but off to the 25^ 294 BILL LU kens' run. right, 'bout five mile, as I said afore, war the hills whar they'd tuk me from. " Now I knowed them thar hills war my only chance ; ut I know'd, too, it 'ud take a long and a fast run, forrerd, to cl'ar the hounds so as to double on 'em and shape my course that thar way ; and I'd jest got these hyer things all thought over like, when up rose one tremenjus yell, like a young airthquake, and off I bolted, like a shot from a gun, and on come the hull yelling pack arter me. " ' Pegs,' says I, ' ef you've got any respect for Bill Lukens, do your duty now, for ef you gin in, he'll hev his har lifted amazing !' "And pegs did do thar duty ; and sich another run you never seed. I put on, and on, and on, as hard as I could tear ; and all the time I could hear the yells behind just about as nigh ; and I didn't dar to take a }ook back, for fear some tomahawk would settle me ; for I knowed they could throw a few feet with a sartain aim. "Arter running a good while, and finding myself still alive and kicking, and not hearing the hounds quite so lively-like, T jest turned my head a little, and seed as how I'd left all but six fur back ; and out of them thar six, only one or two would be like to gin me any trouble, ef I could hold out at the rate 1 war going. "1 had more hope now, anc I did my best, I tell you. 295 I strained every narve, and cord, and all the ether fixings into me, and kept on for nigh a half hour, doubling so as to git my line towards the nearest wood. When I looked back agin, I seed all had gin in 'cept two ; and out o' them thar two, one war a good way behind t'other; so I knowed it war only one arter all. " ' Oh, ef I only had my hands loose/ says I to myself, ' I'd bet a pound o' bacca yit, that I'd fix that thar var- mint ;' and so I begun to tug and pull at the thongs, till I thought I'd cut 'em clean into the bone. " At last they gin way, and I thought that thar war the happiest minute I ever knowed. I hadn't nothing to brag on yit, for I war naked, and without any weapon o' any kind, and the devil behind me had both a knife and a toma- hawk, and he now seemed to be gaining on me at every step. The nearer I got to the woods, the more I strained every narve to the very wo'st ; but all at once the blood began to gush from my nose, and mouth, and ears, and then I knowed, ef I couldn't play possum and come the blind over the Injun, I war a gone beaver. So I kind o* turned one eye onto him like, and made believe as I war working harder'n ever ; yit all the time slacking up a little, so as he mought come up by degrees and not suspicion me. Twice I seed him lift his tomahawk to throw, and twice I got ready for a d dge ; but the hound calkilated he'd got 296 BILL LUKENS' RUN. me safe, and thought he might as well hold on to it, and sink it into my brain with a sartin stroke. "As t'other one had gin out and turned back afore this, thar warn't but one that I could fear now, and I jest made Up my mind not to die easy. I found I couldn't reach the wood, and that thar warn't no use o' trying ; and so I kept drawing the nigger on like, till he came panting up to within about two foot, and had got his tomahawk raised for the blow ; when fixing myself for a desperate stroke, I wheeled sudden, bent my head down, and struck him with it right in his meat-trap, doubling us both up together. He struck with^his tomahawk at the same moment; but being tuk by surprise, he didn't hit me ; and grappling him with all the strength I had left, I jerked the weapon away from him ; and afore he could help hisself, I sunk it into his brain. As he fell back, wildly feeling about for his knife like, I drawed myself back, and keeled over on the 'arth, a'most as dead as him. " Wall, I laid thar till I got rested some ; and then I stripped off his b'ar skin, and wrapped it round myself, and tuk his scalp-knife and tomahawk, and crawled off into the woods, whar I slept over night. The next day I made tracks for the nearest fort, feeding on roots and berries all the way, and gitting in thar at last quite a starved-looking human. Thar I found Fighting Fete, the old hoss, who'd BILL LUKENS' RUN. 297 got away from the varmints with less trouble, and had told 'em all as how I war ' rubbed out.' "But I warn't !" concluded Bill Lukens, knocking the ashes from his pipe : " no, sir-ee ! And now, boys, as you've got my story, let's turn in, for we've got a heap o^ damping to do 'arly to-morrow." lf» Just before the breaking out of what is commonlj known as Lord Dunmore's war, a man by the name of Jonas Parker settled in the western part of Virginia, on a small creek which emptied into the Ohio. His family consisted of his wife, three children, ranging from five to twelve, and a negro servant. The place where he located was some distance from any settlement or station, and the scenery around very wild and romantic, with lofty and heavily-wooded hills sloping back from the valley. He brought his family here early in the spring, built him a rude log cabin, and, by great exertions, succeeded in clear- ing and planting a considerable patch of ground the same season. One day, near the close of summer, as Mr. Pavker and his negro Tom were at work in the woods, about half a mile from the dwelling, the latter, who had gooe down to a creek near by, came hurrying back, with an expression of alarm depicted upon his black features. " Well, Tom, what now ?" inquired his master, suspvnd- ing his work to look at his frightened domestic. (298) THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 209 " Ob, Marse Jonas," answered Tom, in a quavering voice, ooking fearfully around him as he spoke, " I tink I seed suffin down dar." "You are always seeing something wonderful," pursued the other; "but it generally turns out a very trifling affair. Did you see a black face in the water, when you stooped down to drink ?" 14 Oh, Marse Jonas, I seed suffin wossern'n dat. Dar, don't larf, Marse Jonas ! Great golly I I seed eyes in de bushes — 'relse I neber seed nuffin afore — nuffin — during dis life 1" 44 Well, eyes are not apt to hurt anybody, Tom,'- re- turned Mr. Parker, with a laugh ; " I've seen a great many eyes in my time." 44 Yes, but, Marse Jonas, it's a difference what they's Hached upon." 44 That is true, Tom. Well, what did your eyes be- long to ?" u I tink dey was 'tached upon a Injin. 44 Ah !" exclaimed the other, appearing for the first time a little startled. 4< Why did you not say so in the first place, you blundering fool 1 Pshaw ! there are no Indiana about here, except in your imagination. What makes you think it was an Indian ?" 44 'Case I tink de Injin was dar, dat's all," answered the black, looking timidly about him. 44 I tink, Marse Jonas, 800 THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. we'd bes' go down to de house, to 'tect missus and i« chill ren." " I believe it would be folly to do so," rejoined Mr. Parker, " lor I am almost certain you have seen nothing at all. Still, as you have made me uneasy, I will go back ; but if you fool me many times, look out for a tanning." " Ps not de chile to fool you, Marse Jonas," said Tom, hastily gathering up the tools, while his master took up his rifle, which was leaning against a tree, and, keeping his eye warily about him, proceeded to examine the priming. "No, Fs not de chile to fool you," pursued Tom. "If I didn't see the horriblest eyes — and dem dar eyes Injin's — ■ den I nebber seed nuffin — neber — nuffin during dis life — dat's trufe." Mr. Parker now suggested that it might be as well to go down to the creek and make a search through the bushes ; but to this proposition the negro excitedly demurred — saying, that if there were Indians there, they would bo certain to shoot him before he could find them. "That is true, Tom," replied the other — "if there are Indians there, which I do not believe. However, as you seem so much alarmed, and as I am willing to admit the possibility of such a thing, we will return to the house." Accordingly Mr. Parker and his servant set off, along the side of the hill, to a point whence they could get a Tiew of the dwelling, he carrying his rifle so as to be read> THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 30i for instant use, and the negro keeping close at his heels with the axes and other implements, and both looking warily about them, closely scanning every tree and bush Nothing occurred to justify the alarm of the negro tii 1 they reached the edge of the corn-field, which ran down to the house; when, just as Mr. Parker was in the act of reproving his servant for exciting his fears without cause, there suddenly came reports of some three or four rifles in quick succession — instantly followed by wild, Indian yells ^and both Tom and his master dropped together, the latter struck by two balls, one in his side and the other in his leg. " Oh, my God ! my poor family !" he groaned, as he gathered himself upon his feet, and beheld the negro stretched out on his back, apparently dead, and the savages, with wild yells of triumph, in the act of bounding forward to finish their work and take the scalps of their victims. Hastily staggering to the nearest tree, Mr. Parker now set his back against it, drew up his rifle, ready for the foremost, and so stood as it were at bay. Perceiving this, und knowing too well the certainty of the white man's aim • — and also feeling themselves perfectly sure of their prize, and therefore not caring to throw away a single life— the Indians immediately took shelter behind different trees, and began to reload their pieces. 26 302 THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. To remain where he was, Mr. Parker now saw would be certain death in a few moments ; wounded as he was, and continually growing weaker from loss of blood, it was vain to think of flight; and yet, with death staring him in the* face, and an almost maddening desire for self preservation, equally for his family's sake as his own, he felt that some- thing ought to be tried for his salvation, though never so hopeless the attempt. Looking quickly and searchingly around him, he per- ceived, about ten paces distant, a dense thicket ; and believing if he could reach that, his chances of life would be increased — as the savages, without actually entering, could not make their aim sure— he gathered all his strength and nerve for the effort, and ran forward to the spot, falling in the midst of the bushes, and just in time to escape two balls of the enemy, which at the same moment whizzed over his head. Seeing him fall, and supposing their last shots had proved fatal, the two savages who had just fired, uttering yells of triumph, darted out from behind their trees, and, flourishing their scalping knives, bounded forward to the thicket; but ere they reached it, Mr. Parker, who had succeeded in getting upon his knees, and his rifle to bear upon the foremost, pulled the trigger. There was a flash, a crack, and a yell at the same moment ; and springing some two or three feet clear of THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 303 the earth, the Indian fell back dead, at the very feet of his companion; who snddei.ly stopped, uttered a howl of dismay, and for a few moments seemed undetermined whether to advance jr retreat. That momeutary hesitation proved fatal to him also; for the negro, who had all this time been feigning death, but was really unharmed, now thinking there might be a possibility of escape, clutched one of his axes nervously, quickly gathered himself into a kind of ball, made two sudden bounds forward, the distance being about ten feet, whirled his weapon around his head, and, before the astonished warrior had time to put himself on guard, brought the glittering blade down like lightning, cleaving ihe savage through skull and brain, and laying him a ghastly and bleeding corpse beside the other. " Dar, take dat, you tieving red nigger!" shouted Tom, with an expression of demoniac fierceness ; "take dat dar I and don't ueber say nuffin more 'bout shooting down white gentlem." The words were not fairly uttered, when crack went the rifles of the other two savages, one grazing the left cheek c4 the negro, and the other causing his right ear to tingle. " Great golly !" cried Tom, ducking his head ; " dat dai was most nigh being de finishering of dis chile. But as you isn't got no more loads in, you ole varmiuters," he ad led, shaking Irs fist in the direction of the savages, 304 THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. " s'posen you doesn't shoot nuffin more afbre us gent!em does." Then seizing the empty guns of the two slain warriors, lie rushed into the thicket, where Mr. Parker was con- cealed, exclaiming : " Marse Jonas, I's hopes you isn't dead yet ; but two of the Injins am ; and here I is, wid dar two guns, dat only wants suffin in 'em to blow de oders to de debil." "Ah, Tom," groaned Mr. Parker, as he lay on the ground, making every exertion to load his rifle which his failing powers would permit, "thank God you have escaped ! I feared you were killed at the first fire." "Not 'zactly, dat time, Marse Jonas; but dis chile was drefful skeered, dat's trufe ; and seeing you drap, I fought I'd jest make b'lieve I's dead too, and wouldn't neber know nuffin more during dis life. But when I seed you get away, and shoot dat dar rascal dar, and t'oder stop so 'stonished to look at him, I conficluded I'd quit playing de possum, and get up and do suffin ; and I did it — dat's trufe. Ah 1 dear Marse Jonas," he pursued, bending down by the side of the other, and speaking in a sympa- thetic tone, "you is hurt bad — berry bad — I know you is —and I's berry sorry ; but you knows I tole you dar was Injin eyes in de bushes." " You did, Tom ; and had I then hurried immediately homeward, it is possible I might have escaped : though it THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 305 is equally probable the Indians were on the wat^h to take *is at advantage ; in which case the result might have been no better than it is. Oh ! that I was home with ray family! for they must have heard the firing here, and be terribly alarmed ; or, if not, they may be off their guard, and successfully attacked by another party ; for it is more than likely these few have not ventured hither by them- selves. Ah ! God forbid," he ejaculated the next moment, fairly starting to his knees," that they should have been attacked and murdered first I But no ! for then I thinlr we should have heard their cries ! and it is probable the savages would have wrapped the house in flames. I musl get home, Tom — -oh ! I must get home. But how ? how ?* "Why, Marse Jonas, ef you'll jus' let dis yere nigger tote you on his back, he'll fotch you dar." " But what of the other Indians, Tom ? have they fled ?" " Doesn't know — but guess dey am. I axed one on 'em to stop — and he did — but I guess de oders didn't want to." "You are a brave fellow, Tom, for all!" said his master; "and if I live, I will not overlook this affair." " Well, you see, Marse Jonas, I is one of dem as goes in for prudems — for keepin out of de fight as long as I can keep out of de fight ; but when de fight does come, I's dar — I is — during dis life !" " Hist I" whispered his master, as he carefully brought 26* 306 THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. his rifle forward. " I think I see one of the Indians peep- ing around yonder tree. Ah ! I am too weak to raise the piece. Get down here, Tom, and let me rest it across your shoulder. There— that will do. Quiet now I" " Dj you see him, Marse Jonas V 1 whispered Tom, after keeping silent some half a minute. Scarcely were the words spoken, when crack went both the rifles of the white man and the Indian at the same moment ; and then the latter, uttering a wild yell, was seen to run staggeringly from tree to tree on his retreat ; while his companion, taking advantage of the opportunity, bounded forward, and secured his person behind a large oak near at hand, keeping his rifle ready to fire upon his foe. "Dropdown, Marse Jonas," whispered Tom, "and let dis chile fix him." Taking his master's hat as he spoke, Tom placed it on the end of a gun, and pushed it with some noise through the edge of the bushes, a few feet distant from where he lay. Scarcely was it Visible to the savage, when, believing it to contain the head of his enemy, he brought his piece to his eye, and sent a ball whizzing through it. Fairly chuckling at the success of his ruse, Tom Instantly dropped the hat, and made a thrashing among the bushes, uttered a few groans, and then kept perfectly quiet; and Mr. Parker, comprehending his design, kept THE FAITHFUL XEGRO. 307 perfectly quiet also, though managing: meanwhile to reload and prime his piece. But though he believed his shot had proved effective, the wary warrior was resolved upon prudence and caution. First, reloading his rifle, he next carefully reconnoitered the thicket ; and then, finding all still, he suddenly darted from his tree to another, and from that to another, and so by a sort of semi-circular movement came up as it were in the rear of his enemies. Still finding all quiet, he at length advanced cautiously to the bushes, and began to part them gently. In this direction the thicket extended some twenty yards from the place where our friends were concealed ; and with the assistance of Tom, Mr. Parker now noiselessly got himself into a positiou to cover the approach of the savage. Then waiting in breathless silence, till the latter had so far advanced as to make his aim sure, he fired again. A 6harp yell of pain, and a floundering among the bushes followed } and Tom, seizing his axe, at once bounded for- ward toward his adversary. The Indian was badly wounded, though not sufficiently eo to prevent him making use of his rifle ; but fortunately for the negro, it only flashed in the pan, with the muzzle fairly pointed at his heart ; and the next moment the axe of Tom descended with Herculean force, and ended the work With a shout of triumph, Tom now ru med from the thicket. 30S THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. and, without heeding the call of his master, set off in pur- suit of the only remaining savage, whom he could easily follow by his trail of blood. About a hundred yards from where he had been shot, he found him concealed behind a log, and in a dying condition. Too weak to make a defence, the Indian looked up at his enemy, and, extending his hand, said : " How de do, brudder ?" " Jus dis way !" cried Tom : " dis is just how I does to all sich rascals as you !" and with the last words the bloody axe descended, and was buried in the brain of the Indian. Tom now went back to his master, and proudly re- counted his exploits. " Thank God, we are saved !" said Mr. Parker, warmly grasping the hand of his faithful servant; "and I owe my life to you, Tom." " 'Spect de Lord fit on our side, wid dis yere choppin'- axe," muttered Tom, as he coolly wiped the blood from his formidable weapon. He then carefully raised his wounded master, and, getting him upon his back, carried him safely to the house, v* here both were received with tears of joy by the terrified family. Mr. Parker's wounds proved not so serious as was at first supposed ; and the night following he and his family were removed to tie nearest station by a small party of THE FAITHFUL NEGRO. 309 scouts, who had been sent out to warn and protect the more exposed settlers against the expected incursions of the Indians, who, as we have shown, had already begun their bloody work of laying waste the border. Mr. Parker finally recovered, though not in time to take part in the sanguinary strife which followed ; and Tom, for his gallantry was given his freedom, and lived many years to boast of what he had done " during dis life, merely jus wid a choppin'-axe." lif dumtUft (fynttu. " Before I tell you my story, gentlemen, 5 ' said Captain Sheldon, as a small party of us sat around the festive board, "I will give you a toast. Fill up your glasses, and let it be drank in silence.' 5 And as we all complied, the captain rose and said, with much solemnity — " To the memory of the brave heroes who fell at Mon- terey. " An impressive silence of some moments followed, during which we all drank and the speaker resumed his seat. " I believed I promised you a somewhat romantic story, in which I happened to play a rather important part," proceeded Captain Sheldon, as one collecting his thoughts For a direct, straightforward narration " Well, here you have it, then ; and I am inclined to think the facts will interest you, even if my manner of telling th^m d jcs net. "It is needless, 5 ' pursued the captain, "to anter into any description of the storming of Mont'/tf/, for wHa the general facts vou are all familiar j and it U aljo neeo* iDullen, heavy booming of its still distant thunders, that it would be one of no ordinary power, he began to experience no little anxiety about finding a place of shelter for himselt and beast. He had ridden for hours without seeing any sign of habitation ; and the prospect before him gave no promise of finding one ere reaching his destination for the day, which was still many a long league distant. Half an hour's further hard riding, however, brought him to an old, dilapidated building, which, from its appear- ance, had served some early Spanish settler ; and as night and the storm were now close upon him, he decided it should serve him in turn, at least during the continuance ^t the tempest. Riding in through what had once been COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. 359 the main entrance of the building, he found himself partially sheltered under a roof constructed by some passing traveler, who had thrown a few saplings along the ruins, and inter- laced them with a thatch of brush and grass. It was not yet dark ; but the night was fast setting in, assisted by the advancing clouds, which had rolled far up toward the zenith, and long since veiled the sinking sun. Almost incessant flashes of lightning, which descended in crinkling chains, lit up the deepening gloom ; and each was followed by its own peal of thunder ; which, with a few exceptional crashes, became one almost even, continuous roar. By this light, and what still remained of day, the traveler could see about his place of refuge, which presented no very cheerful aspect. A few broken stones and other rubbish were piled up here and there ; but in one corner lay a litter of straw, which, should the night prove too inclement for his further progress, he flattered himself would serve as a comfortable resting-place for his own weary limbs. Dis- mounting from his horse, he tied him to one of the saplings overhead ; and then removing the fragments from around his feet, to guard against injury, and looking carefully tu his weapons, he deliberately sat himself down to await the issue. The storm broke fiercely ; the wind shrieked dismally, the lightnings flashed incessantly, the thunders crashed contin- uously, and the rain, pouring down in torrents, soon 860 COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. wetted our traveler to the skin. One, two, three, long dreary hours passed, and still the storm raged so furiously, that at last, reluctantly, our hero relinquished all hopes of pursuing his journey further for the night — for even should the tempest clear away, it was already late, and he knew that the different streams on his route would be so swollen as to make the fords dangerous. He therefore prepared to encamp where he was ; and pushing a portion of the straw together, he threw himself down upon it ; and wet though it was — and weary, wet and hungry though he was himself— he felt some little satisfaction in finding that his long uncertainty and indecision had at last come to an end ; and with a lingering sigh for his poor beast, which could fare no better than its master, he soon fell into a dreamless sleep — the thought of his late narrow escape not tending to a deeper impression upon his mind than a kind of inward gratitude that his good fortune or a kind Provi- dence had saved him. The storm passed on, the rain ceased, the thunders died away in the distance, and still the traveler slept. At length, just as the first faint streak of day had begun to linge the east, he roused with a kind of start, and, raising himself on his elbow, looked curiously about him, with the air of one who is trying to recall events immediately pre- ceding his state of unconsciousness. As he peered about the old ruin, by the dim gray light — feeling cold, wet and COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. 361 hungry — his eye fell upon his horse, which seemed to be asleep ; and remembering how long both had fasted, and that their fast must continue until they should reach a settlement, he resolved to resume his journey forthwith. As he changed his position, however, to spring to hi* fe3t, his eye suddenly encountered the body of a man, lying in the straw, not three feet distant. The back of tho stranger was toward our hero, and his face he could not see ; but thinking it some one, who, like himself, had been driven in by the storm for a night's lodging, he first looked carefully to his weapons, and then, moving over to the other, quietly laid his hand upon his shoulder, and said . " Well, stranger, so we are bed-fellows, it seems !" The man moved not, and spoke not a word. " I say, stranger," pursued the first, giving him a heart) shake, "I think you must be even a sounder sleeper than myself." Still no movement— no answer. " What ails the fellow ?" mentally queried our traveler, as he turned his quiet companion over in the straw ; and at the same moment the horse, aroused by his master's voice / started to his feet, with a loud whinny. " Good Heavens!" continued the speaker, as by the faint but increasing light he looked upon the ghastly face of the human form beneath him — "there is something wrong here — the man is dead ! Ha, murdered, as I live !" he 31 3()2 COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. quickly added, with a visible shudder, as, bending more closely over him, he discovered traces of blood upon his garments. There was a small hole through his vest ; and hastily baring his breast, our traveler discovered that he had been Bhot through the heart, and had probabiy died almost instantly. But who had done the deed ? and for what purpose? He felt in his pockets., which were empty, and reasoned that the man had been murdered for his money. Such murders were too common in Texas at that day to excite any great surprise ; our hero had been accustomed to just such scenes through his whole eventful career; but he felt highly indignant at what he considered the bar- barity of murdering and robbing a man, and leaving him to decompose above ground, in a place where it was not unlikely he would prove an annoyance to respectable travelers. In connection with this murder, he thought of his own narrow escape of the preceding day, and argued that his stopping-place might be the temporary quarters of a gang of desperadoes ; in which case prudence would seem to advise him to be upon the road as quick as possible. Accordingly, he turned away from the murdered stranger, after pushing the straw somewhat over the body, and made a step toward his horse ; but just as he did so, his eye, glancing through a fissure in the old ruin, fell upon two COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. 363 men coming up the road, whose appearance gave no token that they would prove any very agreeable companions. Both carried rifles, and it was reasonable to suppose they weie otherwise armed; and the first thought of our hero was to mount his horse and dash away. But he was no coward ; he had been through many a desperate struggle, with heavy odds against him ; and there was a kind of bitter satisfaction in thinking that one of these men might be his amiable friend of the ambush. With the rapid decision for which he was remarkable, he resolved to remain, and conceal himself behind a portion of the wall, from whence he could have a view of whatever might occur within, should the ruffians, as he believed them to be, see proper to enter. To locate himself in the desired position was but the work of a moment ; and from there he found he could both see the road and the interior of the building, and yet not himself be exposed to a casual glance. As his horse continued at intervals to whinny, he knew he must soon be heard by the approaching party, and he was anxious to see what effect this would produce upon ttiem. He had not long to wait ; for the lien were advancing with rapid strides, and a louder whinny than usual seemed to reach their ears; when, stopping suddenly, and looking hastily around them, one of the two, after an apparently brief consultation with the other, pointed his linger toward the bu'lding With this they turned at once 361 COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. from the road, and, gliding among some bushes, approached the place at a quick, stealthy pace. From the change in their position, the stranger was now in some danger of being discovered ; but as it was not yet light enough to distinguish objects at any considerable distance, he threw himself flat upon the ground, to await the result ; and this rather as a man inclined to a.ct boldly, than as one actuated by any feeling of fear. It was perhaps a couple of minutes from this time, ere the two men, issuing from a near cluster of bushes, glided up to the main entrance and looked cautiously in. " I say, Bill," whispered one, but loud enough for the listener to hear, " I knows all about it now; that thar's the hoss of a feller as I tuk a shot at yesterday ; and ef he's got any rocks, they're our'n." "Hush, Joe!" returned the second, in the same cautious whisper; "he's sleeping thar, and there's no use o' our waking him for nothing. Let's go in and do for him, and talk arter we git his pile." " Halves, you know !" said the other. <: 0f course— honor bright — you know that's me, Joe; but I don't see no use o' our calling in the rest to share." " Nary once, Bill — this here's my game. I had the first shot, aud I've a right to it ; and ef the other hounds wants ary persimmons, let 'era find the tree and climb for 'em " It was apparent to our hero, from their remarks, that COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSA3. 3<)5 these ruffians had had nothing to do individually with the killing of the man within ; but as it was evidently their intention to murder him, he felt none the less hostile to them on that account. With the last remark of the one addressed as Joe, the two men, leaning their rifles against the wall, and drawing their knives, glided up to what they supposed to be the sleeper. Owing to the light being yet dim, and the body mostly concealed in the straw, tluey were unable to discern that the man was dead ; and determining to make their work sure, and their share equal, they sprung upon him simultaneously, and both plunged their knives up to their hilts in his body. "Why, hello, Joe," cried Bill, with an oath, "this here's a dead man !" "Why, so it is!" exclaimed the other, adding a tre- mendous oath, which we will not repeat. " This must be the feller as Tom shot — you know he was bragging as he had done for one on 'em — but I didn't think as how the ugly hound had left him here to trap us with. But whar's the man as owns the boss ?" " Here !" said the traveler, in a tone that seemed to freeze the blood of his hearers ; and as the two ruffians started up and looked around, they beheld him standing in the doorway, with one of their rifles brought to a deadly aim. 31* 366 COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. Tie had seen them put aside their rifles, for the purpose ol deliberate butchery; and with a stealthy pace he had gl ded around and seized them, and now had the villains at his mercy. 11 See here, stranger, don't fire ! We cave — we owns up beat at our own game — and ef you'll jest let us off, you ken take what tin we has about us." "Fools !" returned the traveler; "do you take me for a common thief and robber like yourselves ? Which of you fired at me yesterday? Speak! quick! or, by the living God ! I will shoot you both where you stand !" It is impossible to convey to the reader the peculiar sound of the voice of the speaker. It cannot be described as either loud, fierce, or harsh, but rather as something cold and freezing, expressive of an inflexible will, an unal- terable determination. His eye, too — that naturally small, quiet, almost calm blue eye — now seemed to gleam with a latent fire ; while his thin lips compressed, and his whole face expressed a calm but unalterable and deadly reso- lution. " That was Joe, here," replied one of the startled ruffians; "but he didn't mean to shoot at you !" "No," chimed in Joe, "I was lest firing at a bird, as you rid along." " Liar I" hissed the other — "and that lie shall be yonr last 1" COLONEL BOWIE OF ARXAXS S. 367 Scarcely were the words spoken, when crack went the rifle, and Joe fell back upon the dead man, shot through the brain. Throwing down the piece, the stranger caughi np the other, and quietly saying, "You will please follow your companion," he had already brought it to an aim, and his finger was just pressing the trigger, when, with a " For God's sake, spare me ! I have a wife and children !" (lie other threw himself down upon his knees, and held up his hands imploringly. "And would you have spared me ?" demanded the traveler. " No ! justice claims her due — your hour has come — you must die ! Your wife and children, if you have any, will be better off without you. Too many such sneak- ing, cowardly villains encumber the soil of Texas ! Had you the courage of a man, I would give you a chance for your life ; but a paltry coward, above all things, I despise !" "I'm no coward 1" cried the other, leaping to his feet; 11 and the man lies as says I is 1 So fire away and be to you!" "Who are you?" inquired our hero, touched with some little feeling of admiration for the villain, for courage always inspired him with a certain degree of respect. "I'm Bill Harvey, of Arkansas." " Enough !" was the answer : " I know you now, though jau do not remember me. You shall have a ohaiic* 368 COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. for your life — but you can only live through my death What arms have you about you ?" "I've got nothing now 'cept this knife, or else I'd not stood here doing nothing while you was taking sight. But ef you knows me, as you say, I'd like to know what you knows about me ! and ef it's all the same to you, I'd like to know who you ar\ " " Your foe 1" returned the other, in the same cold, indescribable tone. " Do you ask what I know of you ? I know you to be a liar, a gambler, a thief, a robber, and a murderer, with the courage of a bull-dog, which is your only redeeming trait. Nay, sir, no words ! I have no time to waste — I have been delayed too long already. This is your chance for life : I will discharge this rifle in the air (suiting the action to the word,) and with this knife, (drawing the singular weapon we have before described,^ I will meet you in single combat — now — here — and may God have mercy on your miserable soul !" "S'pose, then, we fight outside, whar we can see better ?" s^id the other. "Do you want a chance to run ?" sneered the stranger. "Ef you knows Bill Harvey, you knows he never runs whar thar's a fair fight. I did knuckle down a minute ago, and that was the meanest thing I ever done in my life ; but I was tuk kinder by surprise hke ; and ef ever I doe§ COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. 369 it agin, to white man or nigger, may I never see me inside of heaven 1" •'' Quick, then, take your position I" said the other ; and he turned and walked back a few paces, in front of the old ruin. Harvey came out, with his knife firmly clenched in his hand, and a look of fierce determination upon his rough, bronzed features. He was a large, powerfully built fellow, with black eyes, black hair, and bushy whiskers ; and as he stook facing his small, slender, almost effeminate antago- nist, a spectator would have argued that the lattei could have no chance to cope with him by mere physical force The two took their positions about ten paces apart, and each fixed his eyes with stern, wily caution upon the otb< r, like two beasts of the forest preparing for an encounter. " Are you ready ?" asked the traveler. "Yes, ready to cut your little heart out !" rejoined Bill ; and added, with a tremendous oath : "I'll do it too, ef you don't get skeered and use your barkers." Scarcely were the words uttered, when our hero darted toward his adversary, with a sort of running bound, not unlike that of a panther when about to leap upon its prey. As he neared his foe, he made a feint as if to strike him ; when the latter, throwing out a quick guard, returned a blow, which, if it had reached its mark, wouM have ended the contest in his favor 370 COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. But it did not reach its mark. With a suppleness and agility rarely seen even among the border fighters, our hero sprung aside, and, fairly turning the flank of his enemy, buried his own knife to the hilt in his back. Harvey staggered, and tried to recover himself; but quick as lightning the knife was withdrawn and buried in his breast ; and he fell bleeding to the ground, exclaiming : "My God! I'm done for !" Here the stranger coolly wiped the blood from his knife, and, bending over his wounded foe, said, in that same cold, freezing tone : " Harvey, you asked my name — I now see proper to give it." And as the wounded man fixed his eyes upon him, with an expression of mingled pain and curiosity, while the blood, streaming from his wounds, assured the other that his life was fast ebbing away, he added : " I am Colonel James Bowie of Arkansas!" " Rather say the devil !" groaned Harvey ; and with a Budden gleam of baffled malice, he added : " Ef I'd a know'd your name before, I'd been better prepared for the fight. You've kill'd me, and may my curse go with you I n and shutting his teeth hard, and fetching a long, gasping breath, he turned his head aside and soon lay still in death. Colonel Bowie walked quietly back for his horse, COLONEL BOWIE OF ARKANSAS. 371 mounted the animal, and rode away as if nothing remark- able had, occurred, leaving the different bodies where they had fallen. This was his last duel. He was then on his way to join that band of gallant spirits who so desperately fought for the liberties of Texas ; and at the Alamo he fell, covered with wounds, and with what the world calls glory. llw WMkmii&mm f & It was during the eary settlement of the northern counties of Virginia, a few years anterior to the American Revolution, that a young oian — perhaps we should rather say boy, for his age was scarcely turned of sixteen — stood leaning against a large, o#l tree, in front of a dwelling of better exterior than was common at that day in that section of country. It was a clear, ofold, b^t pleasant autumnal night; and the fair moon, riding hi^h in the heavens, poured down her silvery light through the clear, frosty air, casting deep shadows here and there, and giving to the bold scenery around a picturesque vacation. The youth was not warmly clad, but he seemed not to feel the cold, as he stood, with folded arms, loaning against the tree, his eye riveted upon a lighted window of tb- dwelling before him, whence a low- sound of voices;, occasi nally mingled with a merry, ringing laugh, reached his pt.ger ear. Could his face at thai moment have been < early seen, it would have shown a contracted brow, cow pressed lips, and a somewhat wild (372) THE BACKWOODSMAN'S FIRST LOVE. 373 and fiery fierceness of the eye, which would seem to bode no good to whatever object had roused his vindictive hate. The evening wore away, the hour grew late, but still the jouth stood in the self-same attitude, having for hours scarcely changed his position, or moved a single muscle of his stern features. At length the outer door of the dwelling opened, and two figures appeared — a youth and a maiden — both dimly perceived by the light behind. For a few moments they stood conversing in low tones ; when the clear, musical voice of the maiden was heard to say : " Good night, Henry, and let it not be long ere I see you again." " Good night, my dear Rose," was the rejoinder, " aud happy dreams to you." There was another low, "good night," from the one addressed as Rose ; and then the speaker retired, the door closed, and the young man walked leisurely away, in an apparently meditative mood. As he was about to disappear among the surrounding trees, the youth, who had been so long upon the watch, suddenly started from his listless attitude, and, clinching his hands nervously, as if he had some hated object already within his grasp, took two or three hasty strides toward the retreating figure, apparently with the intention of over- taking aud calling him to a strict account; but suddenly, as if actuated by another thought, he stopped turned 32 374 the backwoodsman's first love. quickly on his heel, and the next moment reached the door of the dwelling, upon which he rapped with a kind of nervous impatience. His summons was answered by a colored domestic, who, on seeing him, exclaimed : " Why, Marse Simon, dat you ?" "I want to see Rose Walton," said the young man sternly. The black seemed to hesitate for a moment, and the other added : " Go and tell her so ! and be quick about it, if you don't want to get yourself into trouble I" As the black was turning away to communicate her message, the person inquired for made her appearance. She was a fine, comely lass of seventeen, with fair face and bright eyes, and a general appearance exceedingly capti- vating. "Why. Simon," she said, in a tone of surprise, "methinks your visit is rather late !" " I'm aware," replied the youth, in a tone of bitterness, " that Rose Walton would rather I'd stay away altogether." " Then why do you come at all ?" was the quiet rejoinder. " That's my business," answered Simon, in a gruff, surly tone. "Certainly," returned the maiden, rather haughtily j "that is your business, unquestionably; and as it don't concern me, I will leave you to transact it with yourself." She was about to turn back, and pi^ke b« words good, THE BACKWOODSMAN'S FIRST LOVE. 375 when the youth suddenly, and somewhat fiercely, grasped her by the arm, and rejoined : " Not so fast, my beauty ! I've got a word to say to you!" " Unhand me, sir !" cried Rose, indignantly — " or I will call for help !" " You'd better call on your new love," sneered Simon. " I will call on some one that will chastise your inso- lence !"- she retorted. " No threats, Rose !" returned the youth ; " I'm not jast in the mood to bear 'em. I feel, just now, as if the devil was in me ; and if anybody was to interfere now between us, I don't know what mought come on't. Rose," he pur- sued, in a low, hurried, passionate tone, " I know I'm a big, ugly, awkward, uneducated youth ; but I've got feeling as well as others — I've got passions as well as others — and^ (interjecting a wncked oath) I'll tell you what it is, Rose, whoever trifles with 'em had better take care ! Rose, you know I love you — love you to madness; you know you encouraged me in it ; you know you gin me to expect that some day you'd be ray wife ; but lately, from some cause, you've treated me coldly — you've hardly spoke to me civil . — you haven't met me as you used to do— you've seemed as if my company wasn't pleasant to you." " I think you must be mistaken, Simon," returned the other, in a softened tone. $76 "No, I'm not mistaken, Rose !" he vehemently replied ; " I know — I've seen for myself. I'll tell you what the cause is of this change in you. You've got your fancy fixed upon another that you like better. You always had a liking for Harry Leitchman ; and now that you think you've got him safe, you're ready to drop me. But it won't do, Rose — I tell you it won't do. The man that dares to step between me and you has got to answer for't ! Yes, Rose, (with another wicked oath,) afore he shall get you away from me, I'll have his heart's blood !" " Why, Simon, don't speak in such a manner !" said the girl, in considerable alarm — " you terrify me I" " Can't help it, Rose — you'll find it just as I say. Boy if I am, I've got the strength and passions of a man ; and *t I find the last is trifled with, the other shall serve me for ^ revenge that shall ring along the borders when you and me are dead and gone !" ''Why, Simon, what do you mean ?" cried Rose Walton, growing more and more terrified at the wild passions of the other ; which she, for mere pastime — to gratify a foolish vanity — had carelessly and thoughtlessly fanned into a flame that might now destroy her. " I never heard you talk so strangely before." " Because I was never so certain I had cause," replied he. " For some time back I've suspicioned that some- thing was wrong ; I've kind o' thought that Heur? THE BACKWOODSMAN'S FIRST LOVE. 877 Leitchman was taking my place in your favor ; and only yesterday I overheard him say as much to one of his friends. To-night I met him, and suspicioning that ho was coming here, I drew back out of sight and followed him. Rose, fo? many a long hour I've been standing by that there old sycamore, watching the room where I knew you and Harry was. I could hear you talk, but I couldn't hear what you said ; and I could hear you laugh, and that said plain enough that you was happy. I saw you both come to the door, and heard your tender ' good night ;' and, Rose, some dreadful wicked thoughts came over me then, and I started after Harry. If I had a followed him, I don't know what mought have came on't — but I thought I'd come back and hear what you had to say first. Now tell me, Rose, and tell me the truth — Do you prefer Leitchman to me ?" "Why, how can you ask such a question, Simon?" answered the girl, evasively, and slightly changing color. " But I do ask it, Rose, and I want you to answer me !" " Well, come in, then, a few minutes, and let us talk tho matter over." " No, Rose, I'll not come in to-night — you can answer that question where you are." " Why, do you want me to flatter you to your face, and tell you that I like you the best ?" "No, I don't want any flattery — I've had enough of that 32* 378 THE backwoodsman's first love. — I've had too much of that. I just want you to be sincere, for once in your life — you've trifled with me enough, Rose. You either like me best, or you don't— you either prefer me to Harry, or you don't — and I want to know which ?" " And can you for a moment suppose," said the girl, in a soft, insinuating tone, "that I prefer him to you ?" " I judge more by your actions than your words, Rose." " What ! do you accuse me of prevarication ?" she replied, with some spirit. " And if I did, I reckon I'd hit pretty near the truth," he rejoined. " Now answer me, straightforward — are you ready to dismiss Leitchman, and have no more to say to him ?" "Sir!" cried Rose, with a flush of indignation — "I think you forget that you are talking to the daughter of Colonel Walton. I will allow no one to question me as to whom I like or dislike ! If my manners are displeasing to you, you certainly have the privilege of remaining away." "But I can't remain away, Rose — you know that." " Then take me as you find me, Simon, and be con- tented. Do not forget that I am something older than vou — that I have a spirit which will not be dictated to by any one — and, least of all, by one younger than myself." For some ten minutes longer, the conversation was con- tinued in much the snme strain — the girl, with the cunning THE BACKWOODSMAN'S FIRST LOVE. 379 and skill of an accomplished coquette — the quick percep- tions of one master of the human heart — alternately ex- citing and tranquilizing the spirit of her rough, impetuous, but ardent admirer ; playing upon his feelings as one plays upon the strings of an instrument of music ; now with soft blandishments taming down his rough, fiery jealousies to gentle words; now rousing him from a too tender strain to expressions harsh, wild, threatening and fearf il. At length the interview closed, and the youth retired from the unequal combat scarcely wiser than he came. He was not satisfied, but he scarcely knew with what he had to find fault. That the girl was intellectually his superior, he secretly admitted, and the conviction was not a pleasing one ; that she was a coquette, he was convinced ; that she had been playing upon his feelings, he half believed ; that she she was worthy of a true and honest affection, he seriously doubted ; but that he loved her — ardently, wildly madly — he was too certain for his own peace of mind. With a thousand strange fancies crowding upon his brain, not one of which he then felt himself competent tc analyze, he hastened his steps down a winding walk, and soon entered a rough, narrow road, which at that day ran through a thinly populated country from one settlement to another. Mechanically he turned to the right, and. in a thoughtful, abstracted mood, for some quarter of an hour, pursued his way through a thick, dark wood, barely able 330 THE BACKWOOPSMAN'S FIRST LOVE. to seo his course by the light of the moon, which here and there seemed to struggle through the interlacing branches of the gigantic trees that lined his pathway on either side. At length he entered a holldw, where an opening, made by a broad but shallow stream, let in the light of the moon more clearly ; and there, seated upon a stone, he espied a human figure. A single glance assured him that it was his rival, and the sight roused into activity all his jealous and vindictive passions. The same wicked intentions which he had experienced when first setting out to follow Leitchman, after his interview with Rose, now came over the youth with redoubled force, and he felt that the earth was too small to contain them both. Henry seemed not to hear the approach of Simon, but sat buried in a reverie, evidently induced by the soothing murmurs of the purling stream, and the sentiment awakened by the fascinating witchery of the fair girl with whom he had so recently parted. For a few moments the youth seemed to hesitate ; and then advancing straight to the other, he said, in a surly tone : " What are you doing here ?" The young man started, looked around, and ascertaining who was his interrogator, replied — " What is that to you, Simon ? You are not my keeper n THE BACKWOODSMAN'S FIRST LOVE. 381 "It's a good deal to me, Leitchman, as I'm able to make you understand, keeper or no keeper." " Why, how now, Simon ! You appear to be getting rather insolent for a boy !" Henry was two years the senior of Simon, and, though not so tall, was more gracefully built, and more comely in person. " Don't call me boy, Henry Leitchman !" cried Simon, in a furious tone, striding up to the other with clinched hands, his whole sinewy frame fairly trembling with passion. " Don't call me boy ag'in, or, by heavens ! I'll strike you as you sit !" " Nay," said Henry, rising, " if that is your game, you'll find there are two that can play at it." " Yes, much better than at t'other game," sneered Simon; "for two can't play at that, and me be one of 'em !" " What do you mean ?" demanded Leitchman. " Well, s'pose you try to guess," replied the youth ; "and if you can't guess — if you haven't got wit enough to guess, and it's my opinion you haven't — you'd better go back to Rose Walton, where you've wasted too much of your time already, and ask her." "Aha!" said the other; "I begin to understand you now. If I am not mistaken, you are getting somewhat jealous." bo2 THE BACKWOODSMAN'S FIRST LOVE. * w Have your stupid brains been able to get all that there into 'em ?" returned Simon. " Well, then, let me tell you, I'd be very sorry to get jealous of you! but I don't want you to waste any more time in that there quarter. Rose don't like it, and I don't like it, and that settles the matter." " See here, Simon," said the young man, slowly and ieliberately, "you had better go your way, and let me attend to my own business. This looks as if you had Allowed me to fix a quarrel upon me ; but it strikes me you are making a fool of yourself." "Well, its my opinion," retorted Simon, "you'll find something else strike you harder than that ;" and suiting whe action to the word, he drew back his arm, and planted ►• heavy, almost stunning blow, full upon the face of him he now considered his deadly foe. Leitchinan staggered, but quickly recovered himself, and sprung at his antagonist with the fury of a wild beast. The next moment the two combatants were locked in a fierce embrace ; and both came heavily to the ground, and rolled over and over in the struggle of life and death. But the itoi:, muscular strength of Simon soon proved more than a match for that of his older opponent, who found to his dismay that he was rapidly yielding to the grasp which the youth had obtained upon his throat. Determined not to THE BACKWOODSMAN'S FIRST LOVE. 883 ask quarter from one he had always regarded as his infe- rior, he made a last, despairing effort, and, drawing a small clasp-knife from his pocket, and forcing open the blade, struck the youth in his side — though, being weak from the contest, he inflicted a light, rather than a dangerous, wound. Simon, roused to fiendish fury by the pain, and what he considered an underhand attempt upon his life, suddenly released his hold upon the throat of his adversary, and, wrenching the knife from his hand, plunged it furiously several times into the breast of the latter, exclaiming, with with an oath : " Take that ! and that 1 and that I" " You've kill'd me !" said Henry, in a low, feeble tone. " Oh, my God ! you've killed me !" Simon started to his feet, and felt a strange, indescrib- able sensation of awe and terror creep through his iron frame Had he done a murder ? — had he committed that great deed which would make him amenable to the highest penalty of the law ? It was a terrible thought — a though! that seemed to freeze his before heated blood, and send it coldly and shiveringly to his very heart. Was he indeed a murderer ? — a being to be branded with that awful crime ? a being to be hunted down by his fellows as some wild beast ? He was himself a poor and almost friendless boy ; but he who lay before him— who had fallen by his hand— 884 THE backwoodsman's first love. had rich and powerful connections; and he knew enough of the world to be certain that justice, in his case, would not be stayed in her course by any influence which he or his indigent family could bring to bear. ''Barry, are you dead ?" he said, in a voice of agony, as he bent over the insensible form of his late rival, whom he would now have given the world to restore to life. " Speak to me, Harry — one word, just one single word — and tell me you're going to live ; and I'll give up all — I'll give up Rose, who's more to me than all the rest — and I'll go far away, and never trouble you nor her any more !" But there was no answer ; the wounded man lay still, weltering in his blood ; and after looking at him a moment or two longer, as he lay there, pale and ghastly, in the soft, silvery light of the watching moon, Simon turned and fled, muttering as he ran : " He's dead ! he's dead ! I've killed him ! and now I've got to fly where none can reach me. Good-bye, Rose. If it hadn't been for you, I'd never have done this deed ; but now it's done, I've got to fly where I shall never look upon your face again." With the speed of a murderer running from justice, he flew to his humble cabin in the woods, and, wj.king his parents, told them, with rapid utterance, and with tears hi bis eyes — the last tears he ever shed through tender emotion — THE BACKWOODSMAN'S FIRST LOVE. 385 what he had done, and all for his passionate love of the beautiful Rose Walton. Then seizing his rifle, and such few necessary articles as he could conveniently carry, he took a hurried farewell of his afflicted friends ; and alone, in the very bloom of youth, Bet out for the untrodden wilds of the then far distant West, never to return. The wounded man recovered, and subsequently married the object of his choice ; but for many long years the wandering youth was harrowed with the thought that the brand of the murderer was upon him. Years still rolled on, and the name of that boy grew famous upon the borders, and became a terror to the red men of the forest, who found in him their most bitter, vindictive, relentless and invincible foe. His career, begun in blood, was traced in blood through a long period of time ; and only ceased when the foes of his race had retreated from before the conquering march of their white invaders, or had found their final rest in the happy hunting-grounds of the Great Spirit. Who that is familiar with the history of the early settlements of the Great West, is now ignorant of the heroic deeds, the daring exploits, and hair-breadth escapes of* the great border hero, General Simon Kenton ? And yet how few have ever knowr the cause which first led 33 386 the backwoodsman's first love. hiin to the wilderness, and made him so reckless of an unhappy life ? For he was the man of the youth whose first wild passion and its almost tragical "onsequenoes we have here recorded A discussion having sprung up between some gentlemen who had met in a social circle, as to whether it was most proper to consider every man honest till he proved himself to be a rogue, or to consider every one a rogue till he proved himself to be an honest man, one of the party, who had aforetime been a traveling bank agent, said he would narrate an incident of his own experience, which, if it amounted to nothing more, he thought would at least prove pretty conclusively that it is never safe to judge of a stranger by his appearance. "The Spring of 18 — ," he began, "found me a traveler through a certain portion of the West, on business connec- ted with the bank of which I was at that time the agent, and for the transaction of which business I carried with me a considerable sum of money. At the town of £,****, in the State of Kentucky, where I chanced to remain some three or four days, putting up at one of the principal hotels, I became acquainted with a gentleman who arrived in the place the day after myself, and whom, from his appearance (387) 888 A WOLF IN sheep's clothing. and representations, I believed to be a clergyman from the eastward, traveling partly for his health and partly on a visit to some distant friends. " We became acquainted somewhat incidentally, and from the very first I was much taken by his appearance. He was some thirty years of age, of a slight, genteel figure, had pale and somewhat ascetic features, was dressed in a plain suit of black, and wore a white neckcloth and gold spectacles. " In the course of conversation he gave me considerable information concerning himself; and in return I acquainted him with my business, and informed him that I should shortly set out en route for the city of N****** in the adjoining State of Tennessee. " 'Why, then, sir,' he said, 'if it be agreeable to you, we will become fellow-travelers, for that is also one of the places I wish to visit myself.' " ' I should be most happy of your company,' I replied ; • but, unfortunately, my business will require me to lay over at some two or three different towns on the way.' "'It will not make any material difference to me/ he rejoined ; ' and merely for the sake of your company, I will suit my time to yours. Traveling as I am for health and pleasure, and not business, I am in no haste — a long stage \h always irksome and fatiguing — and I am satisfied I shall A WOLF IN" SHEEP'S CLOTHING. *^'> enjoy the trip much better by keeping myself with « coo- genial a companion.' " This arrangement having finally been agreed \ jon, the Rev. Mr. Kinney stated that he had a friend som*--vhere in the vicinity whom he wished to visit; but thoigh this would require his absence for the present, he woild return punctually at the time appointed for my departure. " Shortly after this he left the hotel, and I a»w nothing more of him till near the hour agreed u,on ; but he returned according to promise, and we bon set off to- gether — the stage, which conveyed us fronr the town of L****, being crowded with passengers. " At the village of S*****, where I ma<}<» my first halt, Mr. Kinney also made his, and we both, at before, put up at the principal public house. I proceeded to transact the business which called me thither, and he *o amuse himself by sauntering through the place, and ao airing the rather romantic scenery in the vicinity. Threr hours sufficed to arrange all my affairs for a fresh start : but as the stage only passed through the village once in twenty-four hours, 1 supposed I should have to remain over ti < the following day. " In this respect I was agreeabb disappointed ; for shortly after returning to tl*e hotel, my clerical friend appeared, and inquired what time I stv-ald be ready to set for ward. 33* 890 " ' I am ready now, for that matter,' I replied, ' but there is no stage till to morrow.' " ' Fortunately, my friend,' he rejoined, ' I have just met with an old acquaintance, who, with a team of his own, is on his way from a village a few miles back of here to the town of p******^ where I believe you mentioned it was your intention to make another halt ; and if agreeable to you, we can gain one stage by going through with him ; so that when the next regular conveyance comes along, you will probably be ready to take it and save at least one day's delay.' " ' The idea,' I replied, ' is a very agreeable one to me — for in these small places, after business is over, time always hangs heavily upon my hands ; but I do not wish to be intrusive, and your friend may not care to be encumbered with a stranger.' " ' Oh, I will settle that 1' he rejoined ; ' in fact I have already done so ; for thinking that you, like myself, would like to resume your journey at the earliest practical mo- ment, I have spoken to Mr. Worrell to that effect, and he has expressed himself as being highly pleased at having us for companions.' "Not to prolong my story with needless detail, I will merely state that the matter was soon arranged to the satis- faction of all parties — my reverend companion seeking his friend, and the latter bringing him back to our hotel in a 391 eove/ed, one-horse vehicle, to which was speedily transferred myself and baggage. " Wnen we set out from S "*****, it wanted about an hour and a half of sunset ; and it was calculated that, by good driving, we could reach P**** a little past midnight, which would give me the whole of the morning in advance of the regular stage, and enable me to be ready to take it when it should pass that way. " For some three or four hours every thing went on very pleasantly — the road being a good one, and leading through a fine but rather sparsely settled country, and Mr. Kinney relieving the tedium of travel by congenial conversation. 11 During our intercourse I had become much attached to him. He was a man of no little intellectual capacity, of manners the most pleasing, and apparently possessed a rare refinement of thought and speech. He had studied much, read much, traveled much, and had been at all times a deep and practical thinker— at least such seemed evident from his conversation. There was scarcely a subject that he did not seem familiar with, and he could at all times express his ideas clearly and concisely. Though contend- ing for the highest morality, he was not, so far as I could judge, wanting in that true benevolence which excludes bigotry, and affirms a conviction that there are good men among all classes and denominations. In short, by one 892 A WOLF IN sheep's clothing. means and another, he made himself so agreeable, that 1 more than once thanked fortune for our acquaintance, and secretly regretted that our arrival in the city of N****** * ould probably bring about a final separation. " Night having set in as we journeyed onward — and o ir route, owing to the deep darkness of the heavy wood through which the road mostly lay, being too uncertain! for any thing like speed — and Mr. Worrell also becoming deeply interested in the remarks of his clerical friend, who just at this time had become more than usually entertain- ing — our horse was allowed to pick his way forward at a gait most pleasing to himself. " When it was, therefore, that we left the main road, I do not know; but at length my attention was called off from the absorbing narration of the Rev. Mr. Kinney, by discovering, from the motion of our vehicle, that we were actually plunging into deep ruts or gullies, and jolting over stumps or stones, in a manner inconsistent with the idea of being upon a regularly traveled stage-route. " ' Excuse me for interrupting you,' said I to my clerical friend, ' but have we not got off the main road V " ' Upon my faith, it would seem so !' he replied. ' Eh 1 friend Worrell — how about this? Surely no stage passes over ground like this V '• 'There must have been a heavy rain here, and gullir < A WOLF IN SIIEEP'S CLOTHING. 393 the road,' answered Worrell; 'for my horse has been along here too often to mistake the way.' " ' I think it will all come right presently, Mr. Withers/ eaid the clergyman, addressing me. ' The road is some- what rough, it is true ; but I believe it is the main road, nevertheless. Let me see 1 where was I ? Oh, yes — 1 remember 1' and forthwith he resumed his story, and went on to its conclusion, occupying some fifteen minutes more, and we all this time jolting, rocking, and pitching as badly as ever. 11 ' Well, upon my word, friend Worrell, ' he said, as soon as he had finished his narration, ' I am seriously inclined to believe you have got out of the main road indeed !' " ' I do not see how that can be,' replied the other ; ' for certainly the instinct of my horse would not permit him to turn aside from a route which he must know leads to good quarters.' "'Still,' said I, 'there is a possibility of our having turned off from the main route ; and I think, before we go any further, a careful examination should be made.' " ' So think I,' coincided the Rev. Mr. Kinney. "'Well, gentlemen, ' rejoined Worrell, 'I will wager half-a-dozen bottles of wine that we are right; but to satisfy you, I will agree to make an examination in five minutes, if we do not come to smooth traveling before that time.' 894 " We rode on, slowly but roughly, our way being very dark and running through a heavy wood ; but after a lapse of more than the time specified, finding our road had not improved, I insisted upon a halt and a careful examination of the locality. " ' Certainly,' said Mr. Kinney, ' an examination must be made here, for I think myself there is some mistake. Do not disturb yourself, however, Mr. Withers/ he added, as he left the vehicle with his friend, ' but remain quietly where you are, and we will soon have the matter set right. J "After leaving the carriage, my two companions walked away together a few paces, as if to make an examination of the surrounding scene, and I heard them conversing together in low, cautious tones. " And then it was, I scarcely know how nor why, that a strange feeling of distrust and suspicion began to creep over me. Who were these men ? Pshaw ! one of them was a clergyman — and could I suspect a man of his sacred calling ? and the other was his friend. Ha ! but did I know him to be a minister of the gospel ? Might he not bo a wolf in sheep's clothing ? I then remembered having heard of noted desperadoes and robbers assuming a clerical appearance for the purpose of carrying out some Binister design ; and my suspicions being now fully aroused, I thought rapidly and even painfully, arid recalled a hundred little incidents, nothing as it were in them- A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. 3»5 selves, but now seeming to form a chain of evidence that should be duly weighed and considered. " Who was this Mr. Kinney ? I had met him as a stranger in a strange place ; he had in a manner pressed himself upon my acquaintance ; he had proposed accom- panying me, and had done so, notwithstanding such obstacles as would have deterred most travelers from a like proceeding ; he had absented himself, perhaps to find a confederate ; he had unexpectedly, and somewhat myste- riously, found a friend on the route, and persuaded me to accept of a private conveyance instead of the regular coach ; and we had apparently got lost on a plain road, or else turned into some by-path in a manuer that seemed to prove some design rather than accident ! 11 What could all this mean ? It might mean much, 01 it might mean nothing. But I was not a poor traveler ; I had a large sum of money in my possession ; a large sum of money might be a temptation to men of reputed integrity, to say nothing of its effect upon professional robbers or highwaymen ; and under the circumstances, was it not best for me to look out for myself ? 1 thought so. Could there be any harm in my being upon my guard ? Certainly not. If they were honest men, I should do them no wrong ; if they were dishonest men, I should but do justice to them and myself. "All thfse thoughts flashed through my brain, seemingly 896 A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. in a moment of time ; and the first thing I did was to feel for my pistols, a loaded pair of which I always carried concealed about my person. I drew them forth, and examined them with my ram-rod. To my utter amazement and alarm, I found they were capped, but empty ! " Then it was that my suspicions became confirmed ; and I remembered of once having left them in my room, to which my clerical friend had access. Instantly I felt the hot blood rush to my temples, and beads of cold perspira- tion seemed to start from every pore. " Gracious heavens 1 perhaps 1 was on the point of being murdered ! " Quickly, but quietly, I reloaded my weapons, and capped them anew. Then stealing softly and silently from the covered vehicle, I found myself in a deep hollow, with a heavy wood on either side of the narrow by-road. My companions were still conversing in low tones at a short distance. Stealthily I crept up to within a few feet of them, just in time to hear the voice of the reverend gentle- man say : " ' Yes, Charley, I tell you it can be done in that way. We will announce that we have made a mistake ; and then, in our apparent endeavor to turn the carriage, we will manage to cramp and upset it. Then, as you pretend to assist Withers to get out, you can seize him in such a manner as to pitch him forward upon the ground, ao that A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. 3 ( J7 we can both spring upon him at the same time, drag hira into the bushes, and put an end to him where his blood will not show upon the path.' " I heard this, and, without waiting for a reply, stole round to the back of the carriage, to await the result. I could have escaped, but a large portion of my money was contained in my traveling trunk, and 1 was resolved that that should not fall into the hands of the villains, even if they escaped themselves. " I had scarcely got myself into the position intended, when Mr. Worrell came up to the carriage ; and addressing me, whom he supposed to be still inside, he said, with a laugh, that he believed he had lost the wine, for by some means or other we had got upon a by-road, but himself and friend would soon turn the carriage about and regain the main route. He then advised me to keep perfectly quiet, that he would manage the matter in a moment or two, and bo forth and so on : to which I replied — speaking through the back portion of the vehicle, so that my voice souuded within — that, having an easy seat, I was not disposed to leave it unless he required more help. " The two then commenced turning the vehicle, and so managed matters as to upset it as they intended. I still carried out my part and uttered a groan as if from within. "'Good Lord, sir, are you much hurt?' exclaimeu Worrell, in a sympathetic and anxious tone. 398 A WOLF IN sheep's clothing. " I groaned again. " 'Ah ! sir, what a blundering accident !-let me assist yon i 1 " And as he began to feel carefully forward for that pur- pose, I slipped quietly round to the side where he stood and, seizing him from behind, fiercely hurled him to the ground, where his head, fortunately for me, struck against rock and deprived him of consciousness. '" Villain !' cried I, cocking my pistols and turning upon Kinney, whom in the faint light I discovered in the act of springing forward, 'you are caught in your own vile snare, and shall not escape. Take that, thou doubly-dammed monster, and return to thy master !' "I pulled one trigger as I spoke, but the cap only exploded and the pistol remained undischarged. The next moment, along with a bitter curse, there came a flash, a report, and a seeming blow upon my forehead ; and by a strange feeling of dizziness which immediately followed, I comprehended that I was shot myself, and believed that my hour had come Staggering backward, I fell to the ground ; but did not lose my consciousness, nor my presence of mind; and as the ruffian sprung forward to finish his work, I raised my other pistol, just as he was in the act of bending over tne, and providentially sent its contents so directly through his heart that he fell back dead, almost without a groan. "Gentlemen, I need not prolong my story. I was wounded by Kinney's shot, but not seriously — the ball A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. 39'J h«ving glanced from the frontal bone witnout fracturing it, — producing dizziness and confusion without depriving me at any moment of consciousness. I therefore was enabled to get up in time to bind Worrell before he recovered from the effects of his fall; and righting the vehicle, and placing him and his dead companion within it, I led the horse back to the main road, and drove on tc the nearest village, some two or three miles distant, where I roused the inn-keeper and several of the inhabitants, told my story, and placed both the living and the dead in the hands of the proper authorities. " Subsequently I appeared at the trial of Worrell, and had the satisfaction of seeing him convicted and sentenced to a long period of imprisonment. During that trial it came out that both he and Kinney were well known rob- bers, belonging to an organized band of desperadoes ; and that even before the appearance of the pseudo clergyman at L****, there had been concocted a design to waylay and murder me for my money. Unsuspecting myself, I bad fallen into their easiest trap, and by a kind Providence had barely been saved from a fearful doom. '* But I assure you, gentlemen, the lesson was one which I have never forgotten, and shall ever remember; and I think no one can blame me for henceforth insisting upon every man proving himself worthy of confidence before I put faith in him." Horse-stealing, during the early settling of the Great West, was one of the means, if not of border warfare, at least of border annoyance, to both the whites and Indians. The Indians stole from the whites whenever they could, and in retaliation the whites frequently formed themselves into small parties and penetrated through the dense forests to the Indian towns for a like purpose. Sometimes these predatory parties were successful, and got off with their booty without molestation ; but it frequently happened that they were pursued by the party wronged ; and when over- taken, a fierce and bloody conflict was generally the result. About the year 1791, or 1*792, the settlers along the Ohio river being sufferers in a great degree from the incursions of their forest neighbors, a small, intrepid band of hunters, or scouts, resolved to act upon the aggressive ; and as their numbers were too few for venturing an attack upon the savages at their towns, they decided upon the next best thing — the stealing and running off of as many horses as they could manage. (400) ON THE SCOUT. 401 This party was composed of the best men that could be got together for such a daring, lawless purpose, but num- bered only seven all told. And yet these seven were all experienced hunters, trained from their very youth to a perfect familiarity with all the mysteries and perils of the forest — from the finding of their way to a given quarter, for a hundred miles, by signs only known to the practiced woodsman, to the rousing and killing of all the wild animals, and even more savage men — and regarded them- selves as a company sufficiently strong for the purpose they had in view. In fine spirits, therefore, they set out on their latest- planned expedition ; and crossing the Ohio from the Vir- ginia shore, they proceeded, with strong determination and due caution, to push their way through the almost unex- plored forest, which stretched away for many a goodly league from the right bank of the river named Always keeping a subdued fire, if any, in their camp at night, and at least two of their number watching by turns, they penetrated far into the Indian country without meet- ing with any mishap, and at last found themselves in the vicinity of an Indian town, somewhere near the dividing ridge between the head-waters of the Muskingum and San- dusky rivers. The Indians, being so far inland from the settlements of tlit whites, were not of course expecting such visitors, and 34* 402 ON THE SCOUT. were in consequence entirely off their guard ; and t. ..ight following their arrival in the vicinity, our little band of adventurers stele cautiously around the outskirts of the town, and, getting in among the horses, succeeded in securing fourteen of the best, each man bridltag and mount- ing one and leading another. These they managed to get away with little or no noise, and without attracting the notice of their enemies ; and when they found themselves a couple of miles from the village, with neither sign of pursuit nor of their proximity having been discovered, it required all the caution and prudence which they had acquired in their long years of stern experience, to prevent them from congratulating themselves on their success by a series of hilarious shouts and yells. They did not ride fast through the night, for their present safety would not admit of it, however much a goodly distance from their enemies might have increased their security ; but they kept their horses steadily in motion, in a southern direction, and anxiously watched for the coming dawn. Just before the break of day they halted, and hastily prepared their morning's meal ; and then, with the return of light, they remounted and dashed away, believing that the Indians would now discover Ihrr loss, and probably set off in hot pursuit. \11 through that anxious day they urged their animals through the thick, dark wood, at the utmost speed that could be accomplished, and only halted for their camp at ON TIIK SCOUT. 403 night when they found, from the jaded condition of their horses it would not be judicious to take them further with out food and rest. Selecting a pleasant little dingle, through which flowed a tiny stream of pure water, and where luxurious grass and wild flowers proclaimed the fer- tility of the soil, they hoppled their horses and picketed them ; and then, starting a fire, they cooked their own supper, and ate it with the relish of hardy and hungry men Knowing that a goodly stretch of country now lay between them and the village where they had committed their depredations, our borderers had little fear of moles- tation ; but they were not disposed to neglect all propel precautions, and two of their number remained on guard through the night, which passed off without disturbance. At an early hour the next morning, they again set for- ward, in fine spirits, and rode hard all day, reaching about nightfall an excellent camping-ground on the right of Will's Creek, in the present county of Guernsey, Ohio, and near the site of the present town of Cambridge. Here one of the most active of the party, one William Linn, complained of violent pains and cramps in his stomach, and declared himself unable to ride another mile. A halt for the night was accordingly decided on*; but for some cause, which not a man of the company could rationally explain, all regarded this camp as more dangerous than the one of the uight preceding ; and the extra preci itions were taken <>l 404 OS THE SCOUT. placing three sentinels at different intervals on the back trail, tc keep a sharp look-out for pursuers ; while the other three, who were well, were to prepare their evening meal and minister to the sick man as best lay in their power. Such simple remedies as they chanced to have with them were given to Mr. Linn, but without producing any favorable result ; in fact, he gradually grew worse instead of better ; and his pains at times became so excrutiating as to compel him to screech out in tones that could be heard afar through the dreary solitude of the gloomy forest. Rough, hardened, and unrefined ; as were the companions of the sick man, they were men of heart, and not devoid of sympathy for a suffering fellow-being, and they did what they could to aid, cheer, and console him, cautioning him at the same time to suppress if possible his cries of agony, lest the sounds should reach pursuing or out-lying foes and bring destruction upon all. The three at the camp having refreshed themselves by a frugal but hearty meal, they immediately relieved the three sentinels, who proceeded to do the same ; after which, towards midnight, the whole party collected together, and held a consultation upon the supposed danger. As they had seen no Indians since quitting their village, some forty-eight hours previously, and no signs of any during their present watch, and as it was now waxing late into tbp ON THE SCOUT. 405 night, and no trail could be easily followed after dark, it was thought that no apprehension of an attack need be felt ; and that with one man to stand guard and wait upon the suffering Mr. Linn, the rest might camp down in safety and get a few hours of needful rest. The party to act as sentinel was decided by lot, and fell upon one William McCollough — a cool, brave, intrepid Indian hunter, who subsequently rose to the command of a company in the war of 1812, and fell at the battle of Brownstown in Hull's campaign. The immediate camp of our adventurers was on a small branch of Will's creek ; and around the cheerful fire there kindled, five weary men lay down to snatch a few hours of repose, and were soon fast asleep — Linn and McCollough only remaining awake — the former wrapped in his blanket and stretched on the ground between the fire and water, rolling and groaning with pain — and the latter stationed on the edge of a thicket, just beyond the reach of the fire-light, where he could best see about him, and be ready to give instant alarm at the first approach of danger. In this position of affairs some three or four hours passed a»vay; the only sounds that broke the solemn stillness being the slight movement of some of the horses picketed near, the dismal hooting of an owl, the distant howling of a wolf, and the occasional groaning of the sufferer, with 406 ON THE SCOUT. perhaps the exchange of a few words between him and the sentinel — the fire, meantime, burning gradually down, and, in its dying flickers, throwing strange, fantastic shadows over the quiet scene. A.t length, Mr. Linn, with a louder groan than usual, and a sharp cry of pain, raised himself upon his elbow, and exclaimed : " Oh, my God ! my God ! I can't stand this no longer — every breath I draw is killing me. Here, Bill— quick ! let me try one thing more—some hot salt and water — and if that thar don't help me, may Heaveu have mercy on my poor, sinful soul ! Take my cup here," he added, some- what gaspingly, as McCollough stepped hastily forward, " and heat me some water, with a handful of salt in't, and let me try that. Quick ! quick 1 for God's sake 1 for I'm in the agonies of death !" McCollough seized the cup alluded to, and running to the water, only a few feet distant, filled it, and hastened back to the dying fire ; but as he stooped down and raked some coals together, for the purpose of heating it, he suddenly discovered, with a feeling of considerable uneasiness, if not alarm, that the water in the vessel was unusually muddy. " Excuse me, Linn V he said, starting hastily to his feet, and glancing quickly and suspiciously around him; " bui I'm afeard all the rest o' us is in danger as well as you." ON THE SCOUT. 407 " Ha ! what's tie matter V asked Linn " So'thing's muddied this water, by fitting into it; and that so'thing, I'm afeard, is Injuns!" "Better call up the boys, and git their opinions, and, if tliar's danger, have 'em ready for it !" returned Linn, with a groan of blended fear and pain. Linn had not ceased speaking, ere McCollough was actively carrying out his suggestion ; and the five heavy sleepers were suddenly roused, each wit'a a vigorous shake and the single word " danger," which was communicated in a low but ominous tone to the sense of hearing As one after another they started up, with expressions of alarm, and instinctively grasped their weapons, McCollough ex- humed, with a warning gesture : "Hist! boys — keep quiet — don't make a noise! It's eyther nothing, or thar's trouble about ; but don't let's draw it on to us by child's play." He then went on to state what he had discovered, and what were his suspicions; and as soon as he had finished, the opinion of his comrades was quickly and unanimously given, that the "sign" justified a belief in danger, and that he had done right in waking and putting them on their guard, and that prudence demanded a careful search, which they forthwith proceeded to make. Separating themselves, and quickly gliding away bt/v>nd the fire-light, they stealthily approached the bank ot toe 408 ON THE SCOUT. little stream, and passed up and down it for several rod* , listening to the faintest sound, and peering cautiously into the darkness; but, unfortunately for them, as the sequel will show, nei:hcr hearing nor perceiving aught to justify a belief in the proximity of savage foes. When they had all again collected together, one of the party said, address- ing McCollough: t( Bill, you're ginerally purty sure on Injun sign , but I'll lay one of my captur'd hosses agin yourn, that you've made a mistake this time." "Bill did right in waking us, though," said another, " for there mought have been Injuns about, and we lost all our top-knots." "And thar may be yit, for what you know, Tom," rejoined McCollough; "for so'thing above has riled the water, and it's jest as like to be Injuns as any thing else ; and the fact that we hain't found 'em, don't prove they arn't thar even now; eh ! Joe Hedges, what say you ?" " Well, it's my opine, Bill, that the water's eyther been riled from raccoons, ducks, or some other animal, and that we mcught as well turn down agin and sleep till daylight I'll guarantee the camp for a quart of whiskey." This reply was greeted by a laugh from all save McCol- lough and Linn ; and after a few words with the latter, expressive of a kind of rude sympathy for his sufferings, the five men, who had been so suddenly roused by the ON THE SCOUT. 409 guard, again stretched themselves around the fire — McCol- lough, meantime, proceeding to heat the salt and water and administer it to the sufferer — who, immediately after driuk ing it, said he felt a little easier, and thought he should bo able to get some rest at last. An hour later, as McCullough stood at his former post, somewhat abstractedly gazing at the few red embers, which were all that now remained of the smouldeiing fire, a slight, a very slight noise, on the bank of the little stream, attracted his attention. He looked up suddenly and with a start; but before he had time for action, there flashed upon his astonished vision a line of fire, followed instantly by a dozen sharp reports, by groans and cries of pain from his companions, and by loud, fierce whoops and yells from a large body of savages, who had silently stolen down the bed of the stream and now came bounding forward to the destruction of their enemies. McCollough was himself untouched by the fire of the Indians ; but he saw that some of his companions, includ- ing poor Linn, were badly wounded ; and knowing that his own life would solely depend upon his successful flight into and through the forest, he instantly turned and bounded away with ail his might, several of the savages perceiving and bounding after him with wild and fearful yells. Now it so happened that the party who gave chase to 410 ON THE SCOUT. McCollough had not yet discharged their pieces; and finding he was likeiy to escape them in the darkness, they suddenly drew up in a line and poured a close volley after him. But at the very instant they fired, his foot struck the bog of a quagmire, and he pitched headlong upon the soft morass ; whereupon his enemies, seeing him suddenly disappear, and believing him dead or mortally wounded, gave a few whoops of triumph, and turned off in pursuit of the others, three of whom were also making good their flight. As soon as his enemies were out of hearing, McCollough cautiously worked his way out of the treacherous morass, and then set off, afoot and alone, to make his way through the dreary wilderness to the nearest station, thankful that even his life was spared. In his first flight he had thrown away his gun, and had now only his hunting-knife ; and beiug without provisions and the means of procuring any, he foresaw much suffering for himself, even if he escaped with life. But suffering through privation was seldom a matter to be treatel seriously by the bold borderer ; and McCullough, even when compelled to hunt for roots and berries, to keep himself from perishing by starvation, did so with a light heart, thinking only how happy he was at his wonderful escape from his savage foes. The next day, to his great surprise, for he believed all ON THE SCOUT. 411 the others killed, he fell in with John Hough, one of his companions, and the two continued their journey together, and reached Wheeling in safety, where they reported their misfortunes and the loss of their companions. But even yet they were destined to an agreeable surprise : for tho day following their owl arrival, two more of their com rades, Kinzie Dickerson and John Wketzel, made their appearance, naked and nearly famished. These two had also met on their retreat, and had struggled through the fearful journey together. * r,v ~ ^uexpected meeting of these four, for a time led them to nope that, in some almost miraculous manner, some of the others might have escaped also — but they hoped in vain. William Linn, Thomas Biggs, and Joseph Hedges, were all killed in and near the fatal camp ; and here their horribly mutilated bodies were found and decently buried, by a party from Wheeling who went out in search of them. The four who escaped lived many years to tell the tale we have recorded, and take an active part in other wild border scenes and tragedies; but all aie now dead— all went long since through the Dark VaPcy to the so-called Land of Shadows. The End. 14 DAY USE I RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. RENEWALS ONLY — TEL. NO. 642-3405 This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. 1 RECEIVED 1 FEBKV69-9.PM 1 LOAN DFPT. LD 21A-38m-5,'68 M401slO)476B General Library University of California Berkeley - . ' x , 4. 1890 iw£04178 £* ' THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY o>;->x;:.' x v: : -'