Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-02-12

ana renOWn. Many opinions were given OUT noul- /
ing less than surprising whole Puwnee village, !
the inhabitants, and returning to their
homes loaded with scalps, appeared to the heated
of the youths sufficiently glorious
enterprise to satisfy their ambition. AT length the
atigues the day overpowered them, and the three
friends fell into deep sleep.
The sun had just tipped with gold the submits
of the trees the wild cocks Growing in the
woods, the thousands of the forest were pealing in
rich harmony, when the Usage warriors awoke.-
They smiled grmly on one another and then start
ed, each man mechanically placing his hand upon
the back and the crown of his head. Their scalp
locks helmet crcsts, and eagles pumes had all dis
appeared Petrfed with astonishment, they start
cd to their feet. Who could have done so daring
deed Not an enemy surely, or they would have
taken the lives thus placed within their power. -
The friends wasted their thought in vain coniec-
ture, and then, burning witt Indignation, turned to
seek their horses The long sweeping tails of these
animals had also been cut off That il was the Paw
nee Picts, they no longer doubted; and fearful was
the ire of the Osages at the contempt with which
they had been treated The train of their night
visitors was plainly Marked and led towards copse,
where they had evidently left their horses 1t then
turned to the river bank, and was lost. Nah COM
e-shee, however, glancing his eye over the oppo-
site plain, gave a cry of delight, and pointed out to
his companions the flashing OF spears in the morn
ing SUM-
puURc lIlO lllb IlNtT W TedCl illC SiplC,
and 10 ride mady over the plain in chase of their
audacious foes, the work Of an instant. In
vain, however, they strained their eyes to catch
another glimpse of the retreating party until again
the flashing Of the spcar-heads was seen near at
hand, and pungng over the next hillock the friends
found themselves in presence three lanccs
stuck in the ground If the Indians boiled with
passion before, their rage now knew no bounds ;
they vowed, with little consideration for the posi-
bity or probability of the matter, to exterminate
every Pawnee Pict from the face of the earth.-
This resolution being unanimous, halt was made,
and n council of war held. Some ten minutes
were passed in discussion, and then away went
the Osages on the trail Of their foes, Just they
caught sight, in the rear, Of u perfect cloud of
horsemen pouring over the plain in the distance.
1t was a war party of the Pawnee Picts, about
twenty of whom came riding fast in pursuit Of the
three friends. A thckly wooded ravne lay about
a mile distant Towards this the Osages fastened
for refuge, their souls bounding with delight at the
prospect which now opened before them.
The ravine was soon reached. 1t was narrow,
and on both sides thickly wooded, while several
clumps of timber lay near its mouth. The Osages
saw that the only hope of coping with superior
force was by defending the entrances and, accord
ingly, dlsmounting from their steeds, turned them
! loose and strung their bows. On came the Pawnee
Pcts, ri.ing furously over the prairie. The in
tcniions of the Osages were too plain to be mista-
ken, and none of their pursuers ventured to brave
the discharge of arrows which ready for their
reception; but initiating the example set them
cast loose their horses and sought the shelter Of a
cOpse. The unequal struggle now commenced
and loud war whoops rung through the valley. Ar
rows flew constantly from foe to foe. The Paw
nees, having great superiority in numbers, sue
ceeded oftenest in wounding their adversaries.-
Still they gained not upon them; the Osages
though soon severely hurt, preserved the same un
druntod font, ana returned tlcii missiles with uI
abated go.
At leueth, however, their arrows were spent
and clutching their tomakawks, the friends, casting
glance of stern but undying affection on each
Other prepared to die like men. On came the
Pawnees, yelling the fearful war whoop, and wa
wing their hatchets on high Already were doz-
en- of them within few yards of the devoted trio
when their yell was echoed from the forest, and
three Of their foremost warriors lay low slain by
flight of arrows from the top of the rayine. Back
!, turned the Pawnees to their shelter, while the y
sages, taking advantage of the confusion snatcheJ
the usual trophy Of victory from their fallen foes
, and then, catching their steeds, mounted and fled
Guided by the tramplimg of horses, they rushed il
pursuit Of those to whose timely assistance the,
, owed their lives. In vain, however, did they urge
their steeds; their unknown assistants were not t.
be ovcrtaken. For about an hour the three friend
E continued their ride and then halted to bind u
their wounds, and conceal themselves for the res
, of the day.
, The spot selected was admirably adapted for tn
purpose, being an open glade in the forest, sur
rounded on all sides by trees. Here they turne
2 their horses loose once more, and lay down upo
=. the grass, weary and faint To find herbs, an
: with them to form kind Of poultce, fastened o
y with bark by means Of ligature OF grass, was the
i first duty, and then the inner man was considered
$ None of them had tasted food since the prevlor
l. night, and there none in their possession.
X Nah com e-shep, being the warrior who was lea
l. severely wounded, and having picked up sever
@ Pawnee arrows, started into the forest in search
1t game. With the keen perception Of an Indian, !
re selected that side which appeared little incline
II to descend, as it naturally excited his suspicic
OF that a stream lay in that direction This was Il
of more probable, that little purng spring that bu
n bled up in the green open glade tended thlther.
ne Nor was the warriors sagacy at fault, for sma
s. walk brought him to the banks of narrow, al
slowly running river. Within sight of this Ma
er com-e-shee concealed himself, and prepared to VIZ
st even for hours the passage of deer or elk. ii
in patience was not, however put to so severe te
n as, ere long, a rustling in the bushes opposite
re traced his attention. Raising his eyes from the
ch fixed position, he the anters Of buck rearll
d. themselves over a thicket of bushes, and the ne
ed moment noble deer bounded to the bank to drr
mt An arrow pierced its heart from the Indians unC
,at ring bow ere its lips had touched the water,
II. Nah conl-e-shee rushed eagerly towards the sp
cir while he sought cover captured and bore away t
EST prize.
IA The Usage knew that it was useless to rema
of on the watch any longer and pursuit being NADINE
ar, turned back and sought his companions, who we
cir more Indignant than ever at this new outrage. X
ar pose was, however, absolutely necessary, and "
St now sought, all trusting the keenness of their st
to SEES to awake they could be surprised. 1t "
ye- dark night ere they awoke, and then the TIN
rn- friends groaned with rage that was absolute
,ed frightful. Each felt himself ornanented by
in. squuw's petticoat, thrown loosely over him. Blu
Zee ing with passion they gasped one another's han
and vowed terrible vengeance.
the At this instant dim light was seen through
ly trees, blazing up at considerable distance in
W. forest. 1t the fire Of camp, and the hea
rse of the Oslge warriors were at last glad III
ron had been SO often outwtted that the utmost CT
CHI ton was used Each Invested himself of ev
all unnecessary article of clothing while their tor
- hawks were the only arms they preserved. Clut