Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-06-20
WHOLE NO. 1873.


song"
When he had ceased speaking, mur-
mur of appreciation ran through the
group. All rose and commenced prepa-
ra,ions for the sacrifice. Brush was pi-
led up in circle, in the centre Of which
the fatal stake was placed.
During all this time Roland manifested
no symptoms of fear. Alice was sitting
close by his side weeping most pi.eously.
His arms were pinioned behind him,
whilst thong passing around his ankles
bound him SO tight that he could scarce
ly move. But his veice was full of con-
ISOLATION.
.Weep not, dearest Alice, our friends
are not far off. l am convinced that
they will no; abandon us to our fate with
out desperate struggle David Thomp-
son and Daniel Browning would follow
us into the very heart of the Indian
country and rescue US at the expense
even Of their own lives. Cheer thee up,
dear Alice"
aOh! Roland, how can l be cheerful
without prospect of succor or escape
from the dark and terrible destiny that
seems 10 await us! Behold our funeral
pyre! Oh God, does that sight inspire
confidence! Roland, my dear, dear Ro-
land, are we indeed to perish thus. by a
death so terrible! Great God, save US
from such agony! Let this bitter cup
pass from US. Oh cruel, cruel destiny!"
In the low soothing whispers of love
Roland commenced reply, but his voice
was drowned in the long, fierce, wild
war-whoop that burst from the throats of
the savages. Before its echoes had died
away twenty gli.,ering .omahawks CLEAN
ed before his eyes, but he still remained
calm and collected. All their efforts
could not provoke one symptom of fear.
Hc was about to tell them that he defiled
their power to give pain, when the words
were sealed upon his lips by the loud
and distinct wall Of whip-poor-w
that came frsm the sop of the little hill
above referred to. Roland comprehend
ell its purport at once and his heart bound
ed with wild delight. He could scarce
ly suppress the shout that rose unbidden
to his lips. He knew. however, that il,
would be certain death if he did not re-
press it, and by violent effort succeed
ed. Alice was fearfully agitateG, but
Roland admonished her by all she held
sacred to keep quite. 1t was a moment
OF awful suspense. The captive expert
enced i. in all its intensity. Life and
death seemed compressed within the
limits of one brief moment.
The old hunters little band, one after
another, now noiselessly ascended the
brow of the hill and lay quietly conten-
plating the exciting scene beneath them.
The savages had wound themselves up
to high degree of excitement, and were
singing or rather bowling their savage
incaniaiions, whilst they danced with
grea. rapidity around his pile of brush.
Then in body they rushed upon Ro-
land, and bound him TO the stake. The
torch was then applied 10 the dry twigs,
which quickly igni,ed, the blaze shoot
ing up towards the top and rapidly clos
ing in circle around the doomed VIC
tim. Alice stood ,ransfxed with horror.
She could not move or give ut,erance to
a sentence.
snow, friends" whispered the old
hunter to his companions, snake ready
for battle. The times come. Let eye.
ry man single out his red-skin. Take
good aim and all fire at once, then rush
upon the warmints, and let 'em have it
right and lef:.''
"Ay, ay," responded all.
Then each gl:.tering tube was raised
to the eye, for moment they were held
there firm and steady, and then each
belched forth its contents with fatal pre-
cision upon the unsuspecting savages.-
The forest reverberated with prolonged
howls of rage and disappointment,
mingled with the shrieks ard groans of
the wounded and dying. If thousand
cannon had been exploded beneath their
feet they could not have been more sur
prised. For moment confusion reign
ed supreme. But the terrific war-cry of
Wash-kee-chai was heard above the din
Of battle. recalling his savage warriors
around him. There was no time for in
action. The little band of whites pre-
cipitsted themselves down upon the saw
ages like an avalanche. David Ihomp-
son rushed through the flames, severed
the thongs that bound Roland to the stake,
and placed a tomahawk in his hands;
then bounded into the conflict, followed
by Roland, dealing death at every blow.
But the battle was not yet terminated.
Success seemed doubtful on either side.
Once the whites were driven back with
loss. Then shout Of triumph, mingled
with the wild war-cry Of the savages, was
heard far above the noise of the conflict.
But quickly recovering themselves. the
heroic little band, in turn, compelled them
to give way. Then the voice of old Da-
vid Thompson was heard encouraging
his men.
"Give it to 'em, men. Pitch right in
TO 'em, the eternal rapscallions. Let
the red warmints have it right and left.
Victory's sure. Huzza!"
"Yes, plug it into 'em. the artful
wolves" shouted Daniel Browning, his
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