Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-04-23
CARROLLTON, OHIO~,FRDAY, APRIL %, 1z

crag which cfiectUally concealed them from the
opposite shore, they halted. and in u subdUed
tone the scout related his discoveries.
81 have been among the sarpenis, and had il
not been for the gals safety would have crush.
ed one of the reptiles. for had him al my mercy.
ltwas sore temptation, tell We. There ore
but five Of thom, the rest had not arrived, or have
gone of on some other diviltry. ] saw the gals,
TOO, and they seemed 10 be in pretty good case.
All that Kate is bright onel"
"Dld you speak 10 her 2" asked Sands, with
feeling and tone Of deep interest.
"Speak TO her!-ihat would have been no ca.
sy matter, youngser, with Two Of the varpints
within earshot. Nc, no, Hunting Joe is not q
gosspping old woman-he is 100 old to run his
head in such a irapl"
"But you contryed to let her know that friends
were at hsndl" rejoined Smith.
"Speak low, boy, the red skins have quick
ears, and sound travels pesky far and fast in
still night like this. Deaf in the world and
dumb in the woods is maxim lanrt 'arly in
life. Yes, let 'em know thar the old scout was
on their trail"
"HOw did you manage III" asked Smith.
"Wal, if you must know and as We have a lit.
lie time 10 spare, III tell ye." He then went on
to state, that, after creeping through the woods
and finding out that the Indians were there, and
the position oflhe captives, he stole round 10
clump Of bushes directly behind a small knoll on
which they we're seated. "When got there"
said he, 81 was within few feet Of them; but
twas a dangerous job 10 attract their attention,
for could see the dark reptiles coiled round in
the open space in front, ready for a spring
The shaking ola limb or the swapping of a twig
would have aroused them. had the comb you
found. with me, and by slight throw tossed il
into Kate's lap. ltslruck the gals hand, and !
expected her surprise would give the alarm, but
excepta slight start, she showed not the least con-
sarn. Bending down her head she whispered q
word or two 10 her sister, and then secreiely
made u sign, giving me to understand that all was
right. All, she is quick wiued criuur, that gal,
added the scout in conclusion, "and III save her
Iif die fort"
"Well, what plan have you fixed uponl" ask
ed one of the young men, as he concluded hi:
narration.
The old man remained silent for a while, as if
revolving the matter in his mind.
at is a resky business-butI don't see as we
can do BETTER" he at last said, as if speaking 10
himself "If you were as we'll acquainted with
the woods as | am" he continued addressing his
companions, 1--WE might creep among the enemy
and take them by surprise, for they seem TO be
unsuspicious oran attack. But there's TOO much
at stake, for if they should be alarmed the gals
would be tomahawked to deadsarunty. 1t is
my opinion that they will stay where they be TO-
night, and start 'orly in the mornngup the lake
as detected three canoes hid among the bushes
Now, what think on is ths-to get possession
Of their canoes-deslroy one, lei you have tht
second to bring off the young women in, and
will take the other TO act as circumstances may
turn up"
"When shall we START" asked Sands.
"lt's about time to be moving, s'posc," SAID
the scout, "the moon will be up in two or three
hours, and we must get them out of their clutch.
es before them"
So saying, he commenced stripping off his gar.
ments, adding-"To save long tramp, mus
take TO the water. You will stay here till
come back. Don't move about, and ifyou mus
talk, speak in whispers, for the slightest noise
might berray u.s."
With this caution, having laid aside his gar
ments, he entered the water, and in momen
was lost to sight, as he rapidly but noiselessly
moved away, leaving scarcely a ripple in hi
wake.