The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-11-18
THE HUNTERS PERILS.
FROM THE LEGENDS OF A LOG CAM,

FROM THE LEGENDS OF A LOG CABIN.
on The fourth day, about noon being then about
forty miles direct distance from H we came
upon the trail of large body of Indians, who had
passed there the day BEFORE and were going up the
nver. 1t was not war party, as the tracks of wo-
men and children were mingled with those of grown
men-We followed four or five miles, when, at n
soft piece of ground, caught sigh, of a footmark
knew very well. Twas the broad flat foot of the
INDIAN whom we called Broadfoot l showed it to
Johnson, who agreed that there could be no doubt
as to whom it'beonged. We traced it along till
at the top of ridge the party separed, Broadfoot
ana four others taking a course directly out from
the river; and the others, principally old men, wo-
men, and children still following up the stream.
Here johnson and | called halt, and consulted
whether we should follow Broadfoot and his gang,
or the larger party. Johnson was for the latter
pian saying, that where there were so many women
and children, they must needs move SLOWLY and we
shouid soon oveftake them, and like enough take n
scalp or two. l wanted to track Broadfoot still
both because longed to take the scoundres scalp,
and because could not but think we stood the best
cnance OF hndng the boy, by keeping on the trail
VI ue e"emy OF whom we were in search Finally,
Johnson gave in, and we followed the smaller, or
war party.
roor Jim grumbled a good deal at what he called
my wrong-headedness, "There were twenty or
thirty tracks, he said they were going slow. and
by night we could have overtaken item and taken
ascaip or TWO at least. Even squaws scalp would
nave peen some satisfaction; nay, a chld's would
have been better than nothing"
What on earth do you want with , so,ow,,
scalp, much more with a poor papoose's, Jim John
son 7" said I.
why, Gait, don't want squaw's scalp nor ,
Papooses, II l can get a warriors but surely hal
a ioaf is better than no bread. Here we have beer
on range four days, and have not had n shot at 9
req SKIN, man, woman, or child, though we all know
the woods are full of them. 1t is too bad; I vow
IL is disgrace to the settlement there has not &
single scalp been brought into Harmer in month.
Johnson went on grumbling and complaining, but
9'q not mind him, but kept sharp eye on the trail
we followed 1t steadily and pretty rapidly till night
fall we then camped, lighted our fire. cooked ,
bit OF bear steak, and went quietly to sleep. Mex
morning we were early on the trail, and followed
IL steadily TIL near noon then a new footmarl
loined 1t; gave but one glance twas Ham Cass
Ine sght OF the footmarks warmed my heart CAV,
glad shout, and followed the trail with renewe,
energy. did not lose the chance of Dragging owe
I'm; See. Jim, wansn't right after ali | knew
nc ooy was true breed, the genuine old hunter bloc,
IN n'n and for all his book learning, it will show
.'se'l iou see ne is on the right scent now, and
my WORD TOR 1t, he will tree the game" Jus, a
Johnson began some light and Joking reply. hear
'pe snarP crack, crack, crack-three rifles John
son, VINO was step or two in front of me, gave ON
poppq right up into the air. and fell dead at INV fee
al the same time felt a.numbness in my right leg
too, was hit. looked up the hill side, five In
dams were bounding down at great rate. Ther
was no time to lose, ran for life, Luckily the ba
had not touched the bone, In a moment they wer
all amer me at full speed. gave one glance owe
my shoulder, to ice how they were ceming; onI
one was very near me- and i'll could but escape hin
had no fears for the rest for, on level groun