The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-01-29
Vol. II, No. 20. Whole No. 54S.

and TINT his whole countenance was lit mp
with look ofngenuousness and fidelity that
could not he mistaken. Wongah slowiyFe-
peated the substance of the words TO Dudley
in broken English. and the latter, with ex-
tended hands, rushed TO his young ally, aud
having begged pardon for his late unworthy
suspicionssat down to assist Him at his task.
Wongnl also lent his aid,and the work went
rapidly forward. The Lynx like many ofhis
race, had spice Of humor in his compost
ton that no danger could wholly suppress,
CHAPTER XIII.
To construct canoe ofany considerable
burthcn or capacity in so short time, and
under so many disadvantages, was Of course
impossible. To make irail mnchine for
the purposes Of strategy, yet capable of at
tanning some temporary speed, although
far easier undertaking, still required no smoh
amount oflabor. The sun went down before
the task was finished, although every hand
was employed upon il, not excepting those
of the gentle Ellen. If falling tears could
have cementcd the bark, the work rwonlH
have been sooner done. The project which
cngrOssed such general attention will he hest
described. ms yet, by the history Of its pro-
gress. When the boat was completed, even
TO its rude but effective oars, the ingenuity Of
the Indians was yet to lie more fully display
ed. Efiigies of every individual of the com
pulIyj tASplIllp'lUc Lynx, were lultneUlNleIV
formed, and with fidelity both astonishing
and ludcrouS. The hats and upper gar
ments of the men. and the bonnet and slIawf
Of Ellen, were of course made Use of, while
the absent bodies were supplied by sticks
and branches Of trees, artimly arranged Tie
slight and erect form Of Dudley, tile grace
full bust Of Ellen, the short and robust scr
gennt and the broad shoudered Wonguh,
with his scnnt mantle, were all there, and
the work of magic. In this boat, with these
his imaginary companions Lynx was to start
for the southern shore, with view to entce
the enemy 10 n distance from the island. II
he were successful in this nrtilice the remain
der Of tlle party were at once TO embark in
the gondoa, and hoped TO obtain sufficient.
start, before tic ruse was discovered, 10 effect
their escape. The Indian, when he gnined
tic shore, if he succeeded in doing so. would
make the best ofhis way through the wilder
ness 10 tie fort.
Where the general hazard was so imni-
ncnt, ii WINS useless perhaps,to calculate de-
crccs of danger; yet none could refrain from
feeling as il an extraordinary peril was devol-
we'd upon the generous savage. The chance
of his being overtaken before he could reach
The shore was so great, that it seemed as il
he was devoing himself TO immediate death
for his associates. He manifested, however
lions with a GOODNESS that displayed the Ut
mus; presence Of mind.
The Molawks will Chnso shadows he
said with IL low laug their braves will shoot
az blankets
Rogers, with well meant, but needless as
siduty, cautioned him as TO his trail in tho
forest, iihc was so fortunate as 10 reach it,
reminding him that detachment Of the enc
my might follow there. The Indian smiled
III lN- t,, l;pl
Let them track the swallows; the Lynx
leaves no irail.'
The night proyed,as had been anticipated,
still and starlight: and when the last ray'Of
twilight had disappeared, the boat with it's
phantom crew was silently launched, ready
for departure, Oh tic very first movement Of
The foe. The gondoln, in the mean time had
been transported across the isinnd 40 Il,o
northeastern shore, ard WAS also in readi-,
ness. They had not opg to watt Recum-
bent on the beach, lis eyes brought nearly
on level with the horizon,thc Lynx himself
was the first TO detect the motion Of the enc
my. Lingering for few minutes, that he
might make more certain of being discover
cd, lie lcapt into his boat and pulled quickly
from the shore. Tie flight of the prisoners
being anticipated, he was, Of course, almost
instantly. perceived. 4 long shril yeil an
nouncCd The discovery from one boat TO The
other, and the race Immediately commenced.
But although trcmbIingty anxious for the fate
of their companion, the remainder ofthe par
~ had but little time TO watch the chase. The
moment that the changed position of the en-
envy seemed 10 render il safe, they also en-
barked, and, taking at first norihefiy direc-
ton until they had olJtaincd Il considerable
offing, they changed their course and RULED
rapidly down the lake. The race was Err
liie,and the exertion was propcrtiona:e. Not
a word was spoken. All felt conscious that
in very short time the rusc would be discov-
cred. The distance to the eastern extremity
of tho lake was about eight miles, and from
that point to the fort about fifteen. Although
this latter course could he Chiefly accom-
plshed by means of the inlet, the navigation;
of that stream was difficult, and would give
vast advantage TO the pnrsucrs. A route
through the forest was therefore resolved up
on, from some point near The head Of the
lake, ifthey should succeed in safely reach,
ing that point. ..r
About ten minutes had elapsed in silence,
when Il loud and prolonged yell Of many vol
ccs was henrd from the direction OF the enc,
my. The oarsmen paused 10 listen, auda
monent0,y shuddcr pervaded every lreusr.
as the probable fate of their companion was
contemplated. '.'
'Tis the scalp holloo of the Mohawks'
said Rogers, solennly; our fiiend is tleaG'
All turned 10 Wopgah for his opinion; but
the Indian, with finger raised TO euioin silence,
stiti remained listening. 81 that toIuclit tia
well known war cry oftlle Qncdas rang ig
one long slirll note across the silent waters.
waking the slumbcrng echoes with tho
sound.
The Lytx is safe" said the cli innn, as I've
again bent cnergetcay 10 his task. A sir
gle shot was all the additional noise thnt was