The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-11-26

his master secured him.
Tying together the broken reins as vel
as he could, he vaulted into the saddle and
dashed off down the ravine at full speed
The horse frequently started at some OBJ
ject upon the wayside. and the free US. Of
the spur became necessary TO urge him
rapidly forward. When he reached the
point at which he expected to find his fair
charge. she was gone!
The feelings Of the youth at this june
ture were peculiarly painful. The smile
of delight which had but few moments
before illuminated his countenance was
now exchanged for an expression of min.
gled melancholy, notification and an
guish 1t was impossible for him to con-
lecture what had become of Rose; but he
had too much evidence before him to doubt
that some serious event had transpired
during the time that he was absent. He
shouted aloud, but no response was made
to his call. The more he reflected the
deeper appeared the mystery; and it was
difficult to determine what course to adopt.
He resigned himself 10 despair; and scarce
ly aware Of what he was doing. gslloped
on the bride path with the hope OF detect
ing traces Of horses feet: but the density
of the leaves which covered the ground
effecually defeated the object. When he
had nearly surmounted the hill, the sharp
report of rifle saluted his ears, while he
distinctly heard bullet whiz past his head
The horse, seized with renewed alarm,
plunged precipitately down the hl-pass-
ing turiously over the brush and fallen tim
Der, and calling into requisition all the
GOODNESS and equestrian skill Elliot posses
sed. to enable him 10 maintain his seat.
Presently another shot was fired from a
different quarter. which lodged itself in
the withers Of the horse, whose headlong
speed now became redoubled.
1t was apparent to the youth that he was
beset with Indians. A moments reflec-
ton enabled him to repair with all posi-
BILE expedition to the fort, and have d de.
tachment of men sent in pursuit of the
enemy. He felt convinced that Rose had
been captured by them; and inwardly re.
preaching himself as the cause of her
calamity, he uttered solemn vow to res
cue her or die in the attempt.
Within FIVE minutes after the arrival Of
Elliot every living being in the settlement
was collected in the stockade fort at Wheel.
| ing. The story of the youth was told in
few words.
"This is distressing affair."" said COL
Zane, the commander of the garrison. "It
is fortunate, however, that Maj. McCol-
loch is with US to-day. Twelve mounted
men under his command will capture the
copper. colored rascals before sunset and
restore the dear child to us unharmed
What say you, Maj. McColloch?
81 am always ready Tor any thing in the
shape of an Indian fight" replied the in
trepid hunter.
"Then selec.twelve men-myself among
the number-mount us on the fleetest
horses we can find. and-but | need not
tell you more, time is precious. You pick
the men, and | go now to get the horses
in readiness"
at shall be done" answered Nee Coloch,
sand quickly, too! Lewis Wetzel!"
"Here!" replied Lewis, as he elbowed
his way through the group of persons that
had collected around the Major.
"Major Mac" said Wetzel. 81 don't
like Colonel's plan, any way can siit it
through. I s'pose we all want to have
the child fotch back safe and sound, but |
know very well the thing cant be done
'cording to the Colonel's plan"
"Why not!" respectfully inquired Nc.
Colloch, who reposed almost unbounded
confidence in the skill and judgment of
Lewis Wetzel.
because the very minute Old Cross.
Fire finds himself
"Old Cross Fire!' exclaimed a dozen
voices at once.
"Old Cross, Fire!'' repeated Weizel
with rather sneering emphasis, she's at
the top and bottom OF this business; and
the very minute he fuds himself hunted
down by horsemen, he will scalp poor
Rose, and then take good care to put him
self and his cursed redskins out of harms
way"
"But how do you know the Indian gang
to be Old Cross Fire's?" asked McColoch.
"Why, you see, Maj. Mac, | just took
the trouble, a-bit ago, to pick out the bull
let that was lodged in Ellt's horse, Here
it is. know the cut of the old rascal's
balls too well to be mistaken"
perhaps you are right" said McCol.
loch. after he had examined the shapeless
piece Of lead.
"There's nary doubt about it." return
ed Wetzel.
"Upon reflection" remarked McCol-
loch, "I agree with you. that it is not pru-
dent to 60 mounted. We will all 80 on
foot"
ii don't like that, neither" said Wetzel.
"If we ALL 60, there will be too many of
us to do any good"
"How many do you think will be suiii-
cient for the purpose?" inquired the Major