Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1853-11-26

and pinioned his arms behind him. The
next moment, ere the remainder of the
sayages could follow, the strong arms of
one of the settlers had forced the door
shut, and Notwithstanding the furious on
set made by the savages, succeeded in ef-
fectually barring the door, and all sprang
10 their arms.
CHAPTER 1.-THE PeScue.
Strange things will often follow an abrupt
surprise
After short but fierce struggle, Mr..
Birch succeeded in securing the savage
who had entered, and now the stubborn
captive lay painting on the floor, All was
confusion among the women and children;
but in a few moments, by a little effort on
the part of the pastor, quiet was restored.
The Indian captive was placed in safe
place, and measures were taken by the
settlers to render the place more secure
They were well armed, all having taken
their weapons TO church with them. and
there was store of ammunition and pro-
visions in vault beneath the church.
The savages, after having been defeated
in their efforts TO enter the church had
drawn off toa short distance. Ondega
was much chagrined at the failure, and was
very active in his endeavors to plan some
thing that would effect his purpose.
Directly after the first assault, Mr..
Birch and his son George, fine lad of
eighteen years, had descended into the
vault of the church, when Mr.. Birch re-
moved door, disclosing dark passage.
George, SAID Mr., Birch, 'you know
where this leads to-the old oak by the
creek. 1t is but few rods, and when
you get there, wait till you hear the crack
of the rifle, and then raise the sod under
the large root, and when you get out, run
as fast as you can. and with as little noise
as possible till you get out Of reach of the
Indians, and then you know what TO do,
Now 60 George, and may God speed
you, aud grant that you may be the inslru-
ment of saving all Of our lives. Keep
good courage
Yes, father, will = said the noble boy,
and pressing his fathers hand he entered
the passage.
Mr.. Birch ascended to the church and
stepping to the middle Of the room said;
Listen l-George is in the passage be-
low, and we must do something to divert
the attention of the Indians from the oak,
so that ne may get out and 90 to Edwin.
we can fire volley into them, said a
settler.
Yes that would be a very good plan,
said Mr.. Bircn. Let me get look ;hro'
the window.
You had better take loophole Mr.. B.
or some of the red skins will shoot you,
said Mr.. Pierson, laying his hand on Mir.
Brch's shoulders, he being about to mount
bench to look through a window.
Thank yon, Mr.. Pierson, | forgot my,
SELF and Mr.. Birch stood for moment
looking through one of the loop~holes.-
'Th,Ie is an Indian standing right by the
oak, but all the rest are on the right of it,
and if we can put that one out Of the way,
George can get through said Mr.. Birch,
turning around to the settlers who were
awaiting the result of his scrutiny.
We'll, leave that to me = said a hardy
backwoodsman When you fire volley
to call the attention of the other Indians,
] will fire my volley and Call his attention.
This was agreed TO, and at the moment
Of the simultaneous reports, the savage by
the oak was seen TO fall without utterlng a
cry, and instantaneously George issued
forth from the passage, and disappeared up
the creek, without being noticed by the
saYageS.
The night came on, and the indians now
set fire to the deserted dwellings of the
settlers, who were obliged to witness the
destruction of their property without the
power to preventit; but the sharp crack
of rife ever and anon, would tell that
they were on the watch, and whenever a
dusky form was seen sufficiently exposed
TO present fair mark, it was sure TO be IN
sfantly used as such, and seldom did the
marksman fail. The Indians, too, had
guns furnished them by the British agents
but they could not be brought into use, as
the settlers were secure behind The heavy
walls Of the church.
And where was Jenny Birch all the
time, and what was she doing! At the
first moment of the attack, she haG, with
wonderful presence of mind, assisted in
soothing the fears ofthe females, and from
that time till dark had not taken mo-
ment's rest. Most Of the time she was
engaged in moulding bullets. preparing re-
freshment for the hungry ones, and doing
sundry other little matters for the convent,
ence of all.
After the fears of the women had some,
what subsidized, thew assisted Jenny in hei