Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1851-01-04

Win dIl the drOor oil y0utnlul dOmiratlOn, and
at once acknowledged his own inferiority
So charmed was he with Wetzel's frankness,
skill and fine personal appearance, that he
insisted upon his returning with him TO she
settlement on Dankard's creek, that he might
exhibit his talents to his own family, and to
the hardy backwoodsmen, his neighbors.
Nothing 10th to such an exhibition, ard
pleased with the energy of his new acquaiI--
tance, Wetzel consented to accompany him.
shortening the way with their mutual tales oi
hunting excursions, and hazardous contests
with the common enemy of their country.
Among other things, Netzel stated his man
ner of distinguishing the footstep of white
man from those of an Indian, although cover
ed with moccasins, and intermiyed with the
tracks of savages He had acquired this
tact from closely examining the manner of
placing the feet; the indian stepped with his
feet in parallel lines, and first bringing the
toe to the ground, while the white man al
most invariably places his feet at an angle
with the line of march, An opportunity they
little expected soon gave room to put his skiB
to the trial. On reaching the young mans
home, which they did that day, they found
the dwelling a smoking ruin. and all the
family lying murdered and scalPed except a
young woman who had been brought up in
the family and TO whom the young man was
ardently attached. She had been taken
away alive, as was ascertained by examin-
ing the trail of the savages. Wetzel dis
covered that the party consisted of three In
dians and renegade white man, fact not
uncommon in those early days, when for
crime or the love Of revenge, the white out
law fled to the savage, and was adopted, on
trial, into their tribe.
As il was past the middle of the day, the
nearest assistance still at some distance, and
as there was only foYr to contend with, they
decided on instant pursuit. As the deed had
very recently been done they hoped to over
take them in their camp that night, and per-
haps before they could cross the Ohio river,
to which the Indians always retreat after
successful incursion considering themselves
in a manner safe when they had crossed to its
right bank, at that time occupied wholly by
the Indian tribes.
Ardent and unwearied was the pursuit bv
the young huntsmen the one excited TO re-
cover his lost mistress, the other to assist his
new friend, and to take revenge for the
slaughter of his countrymen-slaugh:e and
revenge being the daily business of the bor-
derer at this portentous period. Wetzel fol-
lowed the trail with the unerring sagacity Of
the bloodhound; and just at dusk traced the
fugitives to a noted war path, nearly opposite
the mouth of the Captina creek, emptying
into the Ohio, which, much to their disap-
pointment, they found the Indians had cross
ed by forming a raft of logs and brush, their
usual manner when at a distance from their
villages.
By examining carefully the appearance of
the oppsite shore, they soon discovered the
fire of an Indian camp in hollow way, a
few rods from the river. Lest the noise of
constructing a raft should alarm the Indians,
and give notice Of the pursuit, the two hardy
adventures determined to swim the stream
a few rods below. This they easily accom-
plished being both of them excellent swim
mers; fastening their clothes and ammunition
in bundle on the top Of their heads, with
their rifles resting on their hips, they reach
ed the opposite shore in safety. After care
fully examining their arms, and putting every
article of attack or defence in its proper
place, they crawled to position which gave
them fair view Of their enemies, who think
ing themselves safe from pursuit, were care
Iessly reposing around the fire, thoughtless
of the fate that awaited them. They instant
ly discovered the young woman, apparently
unhurt, but making much moaning and Ia
while the white man was trying
to pacify and console her with the promise.
of kind usage, and an adoption with the tribe
The young man, hardly able to restrain his
rage, was for firing and gushing instantly up
on them. Wetzel, more cautious, told him
to wait till daylight, when they could make
the attack with a better chance of success,
and of also killing the whole party; but if
they attacked in the dark part would certain
ly escape.
As soon as daylight dawned, the Indians
arose and prepared to depart. The young
man selecting the white renegade, and Wet
eel an Indian, they both fired at the same
time, each killing his man. The young man
rushed forward knife in hand, TO relieve the
young woman, while Wetzel reloaded his
gun and pushed in pursuit of the two surviv-
ing Indians, who had taken to the wood, un-
til they cer|d ascertain the number Of their
enemies. Wetzel, as soon as he saw that he
was discovered, discharged his rifle at ran
dom in order to draw them from their covert.
Hearing the report, and finding themselves
unhurt, the Indians rushed upon him before
he could again reload. This was as he
wished. Taking 10 his heels Wetzel loaded
as he ran, and suddenly wheeling about, dis
charged his rife through the body Of his
nearest, but unsuspcctins enemy.
The remaining Indian, seeing the fate of
MS companion, and that his enemy's rifle
was unloaded, rushed forward with all bis
energy, the prospect of prompt gevenge be-
ng fairly before him. NVetzel led him on
lodging from tree to tree, until his rifle was
again ready when suddenly fasniDg he Shot
his remaining enemy who fell dead al his
eet- After taking their scalps, Wetzei and
his friend, with their rescued captive, return
ID in safety to the settlement
Like honest Joshua Fleehear, after the
,eace of 1895, Wetzel pushed for the from
iers Of the Mississippi, where he could trap
he beaver, hunt the buffalo and the deer,
md occasionally shoot an Indian, the object