The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-03-12
WOODSFIELD, OHIO, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1851

whose skin clothing was mile too big for
, him. and whose hands. (stretched forth to
} welcome us,) resembed the talons Of a
} huge bird, more than the digitals of NOR
tai.
J "Hallo!'' cried he, "whar from, stran-
gers?"
"From nowhere in particular" an
swered
"Whar for?"
"Dd intend to 90 trading in another di.
rection, but the Indians we're rather trou-
blesome, and we changed our route.'
SCOT anything the rcd-skin like?" he in
quired, eyeing our packs as nqusiively as
a dog views bone before him.
mot that know of
"Oh!"
By this time the whole number were
around! They comprised exactly ba-
ker's dozen, and must declare that, born
and bred as was among squa,ters and
trappers, | had never beheld such iero-
cious and unseemly appearing body OF
men in the whole course of my life. My
friend. Jim Bowers, q should have given
his name be'ore.) suggested that we had
better continue our journey, as we would
be late and miss the accomplishment Of the
purpose Tor which we had started, but
knew that if our new acquaintances pos
sessed any disposition to injure us they
would introduce us 10 their tender mercies
the moment we made tracks from their
vicinity. | therefore affected a social
recklessness | was far from feeling, and
replied that wouldn't bulge yard from
good company, that night at least.
This speech was received with cheer,
and was Immediately offered a cup of
spirits. Truth to say, | required the
draught. 1t not only restored what
strength had lost, but fortified my cour
age. Jim swallowed his share with the
same good effect. We were then asked
to eat, and upon accepting the invitation
were shown to fiat rock, upon which
stood an iron pot filed with an indescrib-
able mess, which some people, at loss
for term. might have denominated stew
Our entertainers ate with US. and very
convivial repast they made OF it. was
surprised that they did not invite US 10 en-
ter the cabin, aud that they made no al
luson to It. observed thar four of them,
1 however, kept watch at its door and about
4, and that every Hian uaS7.-....~i - is
were to the teeth.
The shrivelled little note OF, interroga-
lion kept his eyes so earnestly and con-
stanlly fixed upon the movable properties
in our possession, that had my doubts of
his honesty, at least Notwithstanding
my hunger, which had gained remarkable
head. way during the forty-eght hours pre-
vious. | could not relish the meal. Half
the men were under the influence of strong
drink. obtained. no one could scarcely
imagine how,) and the other half were in
semi .jocose mood, which was ever sug-
costing to their fancies such pleasant and
| humane recreations as throat-cutling and
Draining.
One of these facitiously related an an
ecdote Of a combat he had, year or two
before. in remote corner OF kentucky.
After he had gouged an eye out Of his ad-
versary-kicked halc-a-dozen Of his upper
teeth down his throat, and broken his
nose. he got his ear between his teeth, and
then expected him to "sive in" 10 al
ford him the opportunity, he paused ere he
forced his grinders together, but the fel-
low was "clear grit" and only cried out
to ego ahead can hear just as well
without it, The narrator concluded by
declaring with visible self-congratulation,
that he did not 60 ahead as commanded;
but that he so admired the beigerent's
bravery, that he yielded the fight and
:.treated." | do not pretend TO say that |
never heard OF, or Witnessed scenes relat-
ed by this merry personage-l had; but
the time, the place and the men made it
appear like new thing to me. and ] was
thrilled by an indescribable sensation Of
disgust and wonder Alas! in the course
Of my life have seen too many crueltes:
and undergone hardships almost beyond
credence. Retrospection, with me. EN-.
braces as many wonders as the history
of Sinbad the sailor.
After the meal was dispatched provo.
king and rksome silence prevailed. was
extremely desirous Of penetrating to the
bottom of the mysterious nature OF this
matter, but could not bring myself to the
point. As often as opened my mouth to
ask what they were doing there, SO often |
shut it without uttering word. The wea-
sci seldom removed his eyes from Jim or
myself The party began to break up and
move away in couples, but he remained q
fixture. At last he was left alone with US;
that's, his companions, although in sight,
were incapable Of hearing our conversa-
ton, if it were carried on in low tone.
We endeavored to appear at ease-to
be resting from our fatgue-and to care
nothing about what was going on.
Finally the little man gave signs OF being
weary OF inspecting us. He drew closer
towards us. At length he spoke:
| "You don't ask any question:"
"No," said we, "we've none to ask"
"Don't you wonder what we're doing
4 .....L r -..-