Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-04-23
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER IL
Il was fortunate for the young men that they |
had been overtaken by the scout, for, as we have |
said, their search in discovering the direct route
Of the sayages had been vain. As it happened
however, they had not deviated far from the
course the enemy had taken. Before meeting
with the scoulthey had been consulting about Civ.
ing up the pursuit and returning home, but his
presence gave them fresh ardor, and they now a.
vowed their determination to continue on until
they had rescued the capGves or wreaked their
vengeance on the captors.
Following the directions given they proceeded
on their way passing gsilently and cautiously along,
keeping the sun on their right cheek until it had
disappeared from sight, and the woods began TO
grow dim in the coming shadows of night, when
they came to halt, anxiously awaiting the reap
pearance Of the sagacous leader. The wary
movements Of the scout had impressed them
more thoroughly with the danger that surrounded
them, and rendered them doubly watchful.
Keeping their weapons in readiness for imme-
dae use, they scrutinized every thicket and rising
knoll, fearful that they might conceal foe, while
every sound was listened 10 with breathess aIten-
ton, sgivingwarnng of the approaching savage.
There was no lack of courage betrayed by Ell
therof the young men; theywere naturally brave
and resoute, and would have met an open foe
without shrinking. ltwas the sense of hidden,
unknown danger impending, which aroused their
apprehension. The fast increasing darkness, the
gathering gloom Of the forest, heightened by the
low, melancholy moan of the pines, with the oc-
casional crashing of the fallen branches, caused
probably by the passage of some denizen of the
wilderness, frequently thrilled their hearts with
vague sense of fear, and made them long for the
presence Of one, whose sagacty and experience
was to them an assurance of safety.
As the dusk Of twilight deepened into the dark
ness Of night and objects al little distance one
after another disappeared from sight. they began
10 fear that the scout would be unabeto find them
| in the labyrinth Of the forest. This conviction
growing every moment more strong, they thought
| il time 10 make some opposition for passing the
night in comfort and safety. As they were NOV
| ing about for this purpose, they were alarmed by
the sudden appearance Of man in their vicinity,
whose noseless approach-coming ghost-like
from the obscurily Of the wilderness-nduced
them 10 spring simultaneously TO where they had
deposited their arms, in the full expectation Of
having TO grapple with deadly enemy. The
long rife and gaunt figure, which asecond glance
enabled them 10 recognize, as quickly undeceiv-
ed them, and hearty was The welcome with which
they greeted their ally.
1--WE were afraid you had missed u.s." said one
Of the young men, land were about preparing a
place for rest"
"Whistl whist! speak low;" said the scout in
q subdued voice, "lls an hour when sound trav.
els fast and far, and there may be those within
earshot-Ha! look 10 your arms youngsters" he
exclaimed in a more energetic lone, without rails
ing his voice, at the same time kneeling behind
tho trunk of fallen tree.
The cause Of the alarm was sudden rustling
and cracking of dry leaves in the distance, as by
the approach of some one. The young men fol-
lowed the example of their leader, crouching be-
side him ready for action. The noise grew loud
: er and louder as the disurberdrew near, who ap-
parcptly brokethroush The bushes and underbrush
violently, and with no attempt at concealment.
"Tis some pesky yvarmint," whispered the old
, man, "the red skins are TOO cunning to make
such arumpus asthis. lveseen 'em atall times, u
he continued suffering his rifle 10 rest care.
lessy on the tree, as if satisfied that no danger
was to be pprohended-"l've been with 'em in
peace and in war-when their blood was up and
when coo-and they're always the same-creep.
ing along with the same desateuI, sarpentike mo.
S ton. They're wary crtturs, and dreadful oath
: 10 leave trail even for friends to follow. Hist
+ there it comes. IT'S she painter-about the
e wckodest think to be found in the woods, Of the
: four(ooted kind"
As the scoutspoke, one of those formidable an
imals-a huge panther, with eyes gIarng like
J balls Of fire, passed by an opening short dis
tance on their right, OH half trot, half leap
crushing through the obstacles in its path, as
7 they offered no mpediment to its speed
+ "If twant for the enemy Id stop the tarne
criturs frisking," said the scout gazing in the di
rection it had taken, "for | owe 'em grudge.-
> They've no more marcy than a rcd skin, and
shall carry the marks Of their claws to my gravt
If so be find one."
q "Have you any doubts in regard to that scoutl'
Q asked one Of his companions"
,, "Saranly have, boy. Where theree grow
there it falls and rots-and so it is with most peo
: pie burrowed in towns; there they are rooted an
i die, and the church yard grows fat; but when
," marcful Providence sees fit 10 call me, there's n
saying where may be found. I've strange Ii
. king for the woods, and should wish to rest i
~ their solitude with the thick boughs waving thei
u . green arms over me, and the leaves rustling an
n playing near. 1t would seem more nal'raI like
7 | do not hate my kind, the Lord above know
that; but have always fancied being alone, o
r the chase or trail, and when die if so be it Hi
- will, | would rather my dust should not mingl
~ with the church.yard folks. But this is subjeC
Il 10 be thought of in secret, and not babbed idl
- about. is time we should be thinking Of sleeT
" My mind misgives me that we have long ira
% before us, and we must be astir 'arly."
y So saying, the three disposed of themselves fo
the night, taking care efectualy 10 guard them
Is selves against surprise, either from the prowI
!, ing beast Of the forest or the lurking savage.
. CHAPTER III.
,f By the first glmmer of day the old scout wa
u on the move. Without disturbing his still sleep
~ inn cnnn,,n,innr hn nlanced cantinnsv arnnn