The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-09-23


felt safe for they were subject every moment
10 II sudden attack.
The neighborhood of Casco Bay was pc
culiurly exposed. Ambuscades were spread
everywhere, and every day brought fresh nc
counts Ofthe destruction olhouses--of men,
women aud children being shot down in OPP
en- day, or carried into hopeless captivity
Scouts were kept continually on the march
from different settlements in search of and 10
guard against the common foe. But the wi
~ red men almost always conIrived To elude
them; and in an unguHrded moment they
would start up, as if by enchantment, before
the terror stricken seItler-tire his dwelling,
and murder or carry off its inmates.
Though the dwelling of Mr. Greedy was pc
culiarly exposed being romole from The 9th
or hubilntions and close on the edge of the
forest, yer, hitherto, it had been unlnolesied.
"A good Providence seems to watch over
us" said Mr. Greedy Us he snt in his room
one evening, in The spring of TAG, resting
himself, after the fatigHes of tho day; for he
hue been prowliug through the woods since
daylight, on the lookout for the dreaded foe
blessed be God who hath protected us thus
fart"
oh, when will this cruel war ceusep said
Mrs. Greedy, whose care worn counIenance
gave evidence ofunXious days and slecplcss
nights. .......
An unusual cause of alarm had lately
| trauspired But few days previous, one of
the settlers named Sweat, was shot down in
the dusk Of the evening, even in his very
door-way; and neighboring settlement at
lacked and partly burnt Upon whom the
next visitation might fall none could TELL
The males Oft the families slept with their fire
arms by their sides, while the females were
ready 10 flee at moments warning. But
Z al
terrible war whoop often burst upon their
ears, and the merciless tomahawk flashed
upon them when the presence of the enemy
was the least expected.
Il think, we have nothing to fear tonight,
father said young Greedy, who had arrived
Mt the age OF early manhood. we secured
the woods far qnd near today, and saw no
sign of the bloodhounds.'
NO, Think there can be no danger tonight
for Cap;. Mayo, with his company from Fal-
mouth, are in the neighborhood, said young
man by the name of humphrey, who Ind
/ lived down Oh the Fore Side hut who had
often dOmesicUted at the Gree ys-whether
from friendship for his companion, young
! Greedy, or from warmer interest in his love-
! ~ sister, we must leave 10 the sag0city Of the
reader to determine.
Il met the Captain today,' he continued,
and he told me lie should remain out dur
! ing the night so think you may rest secure
/ " for the present Ut least. BESIDES if Robert
/ is wIling,i am ready to keep watch Tonight
! During this conversation Adela hud been
sitting silently by the window, listlessly
counting over the beautiful shells suspended
from her neck, of which the wampum was
composed. From constant wutchiulmess
and ngituion, the lily had supplunied the rose
:" hrr cheal,s although when she cast IL
stolen glance on the manly form of the coui-
pnnion Other brother, the latter bloomed
with all its original lustre. As the conversa-
ton continued aud the dusk oftwilight deep
cucd into lhe darkness of night, rendered
more dense by the thick clouds yelling the
light of tie stars, Adela, uuobscrved by the
rest,--for it was ut IL season, when fire was
not necessary, and fear kept the settlers from
showing lights, unless when absolutely re-
quired-lelt the room and the house.
AT The proposal nfyonng Humphrey, Mrs.
Greely's ewes frightened Mr. Greedy made
some objections TO DIMINISHING on perform
ing the duty himself but WINS ovcrrued by
the young men. II was AT last settled that
ihcy should keep gunr'l, and the little circle
were congralulaTing themselves on their brief
season Of safety, when Il sudden OK
clamation from Adela, as she abruptly enter
ed the room, drew their attention towards
her.
'Hushn said she in suppressed tone.
The whole party held their breath in pain
full suspense, while Adela turned and wish IL
nospless step proceeded again to the outer
door. Partly opening it, size bout herself
nearly to the threshold, in the attitude OfUue
intensely listening. The nj ght was so eX-
ceedingIy dark, that objects bur few feet
from the door were invisible. Not breath
was drawn during this movement of Adelu's.
After listening short time she gently closed
The door--boted it, and then in Il firm tho
hurried tone, exclaimed: ..
'Arn yourselves quckIy-they are upou
us!' ....-....
'What do you mean my child 2 said her
father, us he spranG to tue corner and grasp
ed his gun, in which act he was followed Ivy
the young men.
The Indians!-the savagUs!' said she,
drawing n long breath, they are proving
about the house, .......... ....
See 10 the door, said Mr. Greedy, with
startling energy. . .s.. .. ....
But are you not mistaken, my daughter
They surely would not venture here now
mo, father, distinctly heard them in the
Forest 40 ....g..
in the forest--how my child i? ....
Adela then briefly informed them, that
while sitting at the window, her attention
had been attracted by what appeared the cry
of some animal ut II distance. This would
not have caused more than passing thought
had not similar cry In another direction, as
if in answer, aroused her attention. These
cries were repeated Il nuthber oil times ana
well knowing that the savages frequently
resorted to them as signals, she LETT the house
upperceived TO ascertain it her fears were
correct. not wishing 10 excite her over-unX-
ions mother bv,a false alarm. Behold almost
to n fault, she had crept in the darkness of
the night, to the edge of the forest, short
distance, and from the observations she there
made. she was convinced thai the Indians