The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1844-04-19
An Exciting Story.

up the Kenebeck River, in the pursuit Of
their savage enemies. -Four hours they
toied diligently at the oar--,he last trace
of civilization was left behind, and the
long shadows of the striking forests met
and blended in the middle of the broad
stream that wound darkly through them
At every sound from the adjacent shores
the ratllng OF some night bird, or the
quick foolslep of some wild beas--lhe
dash of the Oar suspended. and the Ran
gers grasp tighlened on his rife. All
knew the enterprise; and that silence
which is natural to men who feel them
selves in extreme jeopardy settled upon
the midnight adventures. ..
'llush-soflly men, said the watchful
Harmon, in voice that scarcely rose
above horse whisper, as his canoe
swept around promonlory, there's a
light ahead ! All eyes were bent to-
wards the shore. A tall Indian fire
CLEANED up amidst the great oaks, casting
red and strong light upon the dark wat
ers. For single and brea,hcss mo-
ment the operation of the oar was suspen-
ded, and every ear listened with painful
carueslncss to catch the we'll known
sounds which seldom failed 10 indicate the
proximity Of the savage.
All was now silent. With the slow
and faint movements of the oar, the ca
noes gradually approached The suspected
spot. The landing was effected in ST.
lcnce--alier moving cautiously for con-
siderable distance in dark shadow, the
party at length veniured within The broad
circle of the ligh. which at frs! attracted
their attention. Harmon was at the head,
with an eye and hand as quick as those of
the savage enemy whom he sought.
The body OLA fallen tree lay across
the path. AS lhe Rangers were on the
point of leapinE over, the hoarse whisper
Of Harmon again broke the silence. See
here he exclaimed, pointing TO the tree
its the work oflhe red skin
Snio,hered wrath glowed on The lips Of
the Rangers, as they bent grimly forward
an Me direction pointed out by their COM
mander. Blood was split on the rank
grass, and human hand-the hand of
white man--lay on the log
There was not word spoken, but
every cOuntenance worked with terrible
emotion. Had the rangers followed their
desperate inclination, they would have
hurried recklcssly on to the work Of ven
.geance, but the example of their leader
who had regained his usual caImncss and
self:command, prepared them for 4 less
speedy but more certain triumph. Can
,iously passing over the fearful obstacle
in the pathway, and closely followed by
his companions he advanced sleal,hiIy
and Cautiously to the light, hiding him
self and his party as much as possible
behind the thick trees. In few mo-
ments they obtained full view Of the
object Of their search. Stretched at their
length, around huge fire, ba, at con.
venient distance from it lay the painted
forms of twenty savages. 1t was evident
from their appearance, that they had pass
ed the day in one of their horrld revels,
and that they were now suffering under
abe effects Of inloxiration. Occasionally
grim war,ier among them started half
upright grasping his lomaIiawk, as if TO
combat some vision of his disordered
brain; but unable to shake off the stupor
from9his senses, uniformly fell into his
former position. r., S.H.f
The Rangers crept nearer. As they
bent their keen.eyes along their well
tried rifles, each felt sure Of his aifl
They waited for the signal Of Harmon,
who, was endeavoring TO bring his long
niusket TO bear upon the head of one Of
the most distant savages. .,|" .
Fire : he at length exclaimed. as the
sight Of his piece interposed fuli distinct,
between his eye and the wild scalp Of
the Indian. Fire and rush on L e
The sharp voice Of thirty rifles thrilled
through the heart Of The forest. There is
sgroan.-a smothered cry-a wild convul-
sive movement among the sleeping In
dams. and all was again silent.
The Rangers sprang forwad with their
>>clubbed rifles and hunting knives, bu,
their work was done. The red men had
gone TO the last audit before the Great
Spirit, and TO sound was heard among
them save the gursling Of hot blood from
their lifeless bodies. I.a..
a sensible Man.-A person by the