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

CHAPTER VII.
an hour, perhaps, passed by, although 10 the
parry in waiting il appeared an uge, during which
they listened eagerly, dreading every moment
they should hear tho savage yell Of triumph
Moljonless and silent they SAT, filed with that
sickIy apprehension which sprung from the con-
scousness Of an impending though unknown
dauger--rnors lryingio the nerve than the bold
confronting The evil. Every thing conspired
10 hsghten their g.oom--siIeEce and the dark.
ness Of the tomb-doubts and fears and racking
suspense.
Suing thus in detected rcvcry, n slight jar
from some object striking their frail bark sent u
thrill Of alarm through each breast.
Ere they recovered from the sudden shock,
the scout lcapng lightly from his own canoe
stood among them.
"Seize your paddles, boys" he whispered
hurriedly, "the moon is up, and this is no place
for us. I've sarcumyented the varmnis this
,ime." and he gave utlerauce 10 peculiar chuck.
ls with mich he vas wont TO express graiifca-
ton.
Without further remark b. forced the canoe
from its conceamert and following down the
banks, in a short lime arrived near the outlet,
where he struck ont Oh the lake for the opposite
shore. BY this time The moon had got above the
+ trees and threw pillar Of lght along the lakes
tranquil bosom.
Now dip in your paddles, lads, for your
lives" said the scout as be applied himself to the
same task. dip easy and don't splash the wa
ter about; if We can reach the opposite bank we
shall stand a smart chance Of getting out Of their
ciulches. Keep up your sprils. gals, mercful
providence will deliver YOU out Of the hands Of
the spoilers! tried hard,' ne continued, '',o
ret TO you before the moon was up, but the rep
lilies dodgod me so close-ha! they have discov.
cred US
As he spoke 4 loud whooP rang over the still
waters from up the lake, and in the distance,
where the rays Of the moon gmmcrcd on the
surface the canoe Oilhe sagages was seen in hot
pursuit.
..."Don't be nuslcrad, Youngsters" exclaimed
the old man in loud encouraging tone-"Put
in all YOU know-a long sweep and strong
one. and we will distance Them YETI and exert
ing all his skill aHi Strength the canoe literally
lcaped over the water.
But ou-and on came the pursucrs evidently
gaining fast upon them, and uuerng wells of
triumph as the distance between them lessened.
/ "Ha!" calculated the scout as his quick eve
this. Don't lag, boys" he added as he drew in
his paddle, "we'l see if there's any virtue in
smooth h-bore" and Seizng his long rifle he turned
carecsslv in his seat, raised the weapon to his
shoulder and drew the trigger. The flame leap
ed forth-a wreath of smoke hoated astcrn-the
surrounding banks gave back echoes of the loud
report and high above them arose u trightiul
shrek from the canoe in chase, which fully indi.
L = Il. -
"Now we are on more equal terms," was his
cool reply as he exchanged his rife, after care.
fully reoading ii, for the paddle.
Burning to revenge their comrades death, the
Indians seemed endowed with additional strength,
and their light canoe flew over the lake with the
swiness Of swallow. Had the distance TO the
shore been greater, or had not The death Of one
of their party thrown them into a momentary
confusion, the fuglye5 would inevitably have
been overtaken and have encountered the fatal
struggle in a situation in which the foe would
have had them at a great advantage. Fortunate
" the lake at this place was narrow and, painting
with exertion, the pursued reached the land some
f rods in advance of the savages.
"Smith, look TO the gasl" shouted the scout,
leaping to the shore rihein hand followed by Sands
-.'get 'em out of harms way-Sands and me
will take care of these water snakes!"
Yelling with rage as they saw them land, the
. savages swept mady on-blind to every thing
1 thinking of nothing but to wreak vengeance
S deep and deadly vengeance On the pale faces
2 The scout and his young companion were on tho
bank. which arose gradually from the waters
edge, the weapon Of the latter resting on the trunk
of a fallen tree, behind which he kneeled.
"Mind your aim, ,youngster-wait for the word.
Take the Gor'ard one, you can bring him down
easier. Don't be skeared at their bellowing It's
} the critur's natur'."
J, Raising his rifle slowly, as if on an ordinary
occasion, the scout gave the signal and the report
of the Two pieces were almost simultaneous.
S When the smoke cleared away, the Indian in
! the bow of the canoe was seen standing with up
2 lifted paddle, brandishing it with wild gestures in
? the air like a war cIub-then giving piercing
$ howl he sprang in the direction of the Shore
There was heavy splash--a momentary strug-
: cIe--a groan--and the bright water closed over
i the sinking savage. Asecond glance showed the
form of another in the stern Of thecance, the head
: lying over the gunwale, motonless and ghastly.
"1'hat finishes twoof the varmints, exclaimed
the scout, bringing The butt of his piece 10 tho
; ground in the act Of reloading it--"now for the
!, olher."
But beioro the words were fairly out Of his
mouth shot from behind tree, a lirle distance
TO the Jeff and nearer theshore, where Smith had
s!atianed himself, had finished the work of des.
truction. and the little light bark rocked violent
Iy for while on the agitaied waters, disturbed By
the struggles of its surviving occupant as he fell
; headong into the lake.
For some time the party on shore stood gazing