Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-04-05

The little phaloux stood firm to Its post until
they saw the women had sufficient start TO reach
the woods before they could be ovortaken; and
then. messed by superior numbers, thoy slowly
fell back TO the same door, and the few that sur
vived made rush, and drew the door close after
Them II overtaken before reaching the woods
they were inevitably lost If they could gain them
they might escape. The delay caused by the
closing of ihc door was short and the enemy
were now scarcely fifteen yards in the rear. Fear
moved the one party almost to the speed of light
ming thirst for revenge gave additional strength
TO tho other. The Indian, fresher than his chase
gained upon them rapidly. AS they heard the
savages close upon them, every nerve was eXcIt-
ed, every nerve strained to the utmost. For o
short distance indeed they maintained the space
between them but, alas the strength OF the
whites failed, and TOO many Of them ovortaken
fell Beneath the clubs of the savages. CASTOR, who
was equal in activity to any of his pursuers, had
soon gained the lead, and with the speed of an
arrow had increased the distance between him and
the Indians.
He knew that his wife would make for the riv-
err, and in all probability would be able TO reach
It, and it was his object TO get there al so, II posi-,
bic, in time TO assist her the rocky ana rapu
current, at least TO that she was safe beyond
pursuit The river was not far, and MS he bound
cd down the rough hill sides, lie could distinctly
hear the rolling of its waters over the rocky bed
He took the nearest course ID the landing, and the
wells of the Indians, scattered in every direction
through the woods strained him to the greatest
cXerlions. lie reached the rivcr-hs canoe was
there--his wife was not-despair ovGrcame his
soul.
She must be taken, and too will die" he
exclaimed in bitter agony.
AT that moment, high and bounding step, like
that of startled fawn, drew his attention TO the
top Of the bank and his wife whom he had CIV
Ell up for lost, his darling Kate, bounded into ms
embrace. This was no time for love. lie took
but one embrace and hurlied her into his canoe
for The Indians were but few yards behind. 1t
was hut the work OF moment to cut loose the
line that held his bark but before he could spring
into it, three stout Indians were upon HIM
"Shove off, Kate, and trust to fortune to reach
the other shore,' cried Castor, distracedly, as he
turned To engage the Indians, while his bride es-
capped. The devoted girl seemed doubtful wheth-
er to fly, or stay and die with her husband. Ga s.
ion, seeing her hesitation, again called irantlcaly
10 her to escape IL fore the Indians were upon
upon them. She now attempted 10 push her
boat of, but she had remained minute too long
"a braWny and athletic savage seized the boat,
and sprang into it, within few feet of the alarm
ed maiden She quickly retreaed TO the other
end, and faced about, despair painted in every
lineament of her face. The indian Involuntary
stopped to gaze upon the beautiful being be-
fore him.. That pause was fatal to him. Rates
self possession instantly returned, and rs the
savage sprang toward her she Ieveled her hus.
bands pistol and fired. The bullet entered the
snvagt's brain he fell over the side of the boat
and disappeared beneath the bubbng waters
while instantly sezing the oar which had dropped
from her hand Oh the first alarm Kate turned the
bow Of her boat in the direction Of the opposite
shore, and began to stem the rapid current.
During the few seconds that had thus elapsed
the canoe had shot below the place where hei
husband struggled with the remaining Indians
and she was now ont Of hearing OF the combat
ants. Standing erect in her boat her long haii
hanging loosely on her uncovered neck, her white
dress moving gently to the soft breeze, and hei
little bark avoiding the many rocks jutting then
heads above the rushing waters it gave TO u be-
holder the idea of some fairy skff, kept up ano
guided by the superior power Of its mistress
Steadily she moved on, until near the middle o.
the river, when she heard splash, followed by q
voice. some distance behind her. At first, she
thought il another Indian in pursuit, but soon tie
chilling thought was dispeed. Her own name
breahcd in accents that had often thrilled her tC
to the soul, was heard sounding thousand times
more swectly Than ever on he ear She quickly
turned the head oil her boat, and although sh'
could not propGl it against the stream she kept i
stationary, until Castor, who had overcome hi:
pursuers reached 1t. His great exertions in Tho
unequal struggle on the bank, his efforts TO rcacl
the boat, and The loss Ct blood from deep cut on
his arm, had left so little Of the powers Of life, that
he ialnted lew moments alter lie fegalned his
wife. Kate knew the peril of permitting The boat
10 float with the current, and with all that courage
aid cOolness which woman possesses in times oil
danger, she did NOT stop TO weep over him, but
again siozing the oar, directed her bark to the OPP
pose bank. Guided 10y The careful had of love,
how could the fragile skii1 be lost even amid the
rushing whirpooIs it had to pass. They safely
reached the bank, and Castor, having returned 10
consciousness, supported by the arm OF his wife,
slowly wendell his way TO his farm.
Their anxiety however, was los some time, al
most intolerabe to learn the fate of their friends
whom they had left on the other side Of the river
Whether the Indians had triumphed completely,
whether successful stand had been made by any
of those they pursued, or whether all had been
alike murdered by the relentless savages, were
unknown to Kate and CASTOR, and filled iheii
minds with uneasy fears. While, however, they
were thus in doubt to the fate Of their friends
Il hurried iootsep was heard approaching, ant
Mr.. Lee the next moment, was in his daughters
arms With about half of his visitors, he had es
capped, and in u few days, rallying around then
their remaining border neghbors, they succeeded
finally, in driving the hostile savages from thei
vicinity.
If any one will visit the hospitabe mansion. o
the present proprietor Of the estate, which has lie
seconded from our Kate, they may hear her story
with increased interest, from the lips of some o
her fair descendants and upon taking view 0
the place. where she crossed amid suclf perils
they will not be surprised to learn that the cir
cTnstance should have given 10 it the name Of th
MADEN's ADVENTURE" S.
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