Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-02-23

uhCh dt ieHgIQ, he 1ell from eAnduSLOH OF his VI
tai powers. In few moments more the triumph
ant young hunter, to secure his prize from the
beasts of prey until he could have him brought in
to the fort, had the lifeless buck swinging on the
top of hickory sapling.
Elliot was full of pleasurable excitement. He
had now killed his first deer, and he could not
help smiling at the idea of telling Lewis Wetzel
that his predictions about the buck fever had prov
ed by the event erroneous. He lost no time in
retracing his steps towards the place at which he
had left Rose; and he derived renewed pleasure
from the reflection that he had borne out her own
last injunction.
He had not performed but short distance of
his retrogade march, when he discovered his horse
galopiBg towards him, with his. bride broken and
fapping against his breast. A familiar word spo-
ken to the afrighted steed, caused him to stop,
and his master secured him. Tying together the
broken rein we'll as he could, vaulted upon the
saddle and dashed down the ravine at full speed.
The horse frequently started at some object at the
way-side, and the free use 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 juncture were
peculiarly painful. The smile of delight which
had but few moments before Illuminated his
countenance, was exhanged for an expression of
mingled melancholy, modification and anguish.
1t was impossible for him to conjecture 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 ap-
peared the mystery; and it was difficult to deter
mine what course he shou Id adopt. He resigned
himself to despair; and unconscious of what he
was. doing, galloped off in the bride path which
he and Rose intended to pursue. Occasionally
he would rein in his steed to enable him to exam
inc the path, with the hope of detecting the ira
ces Of the horses feet but the density of leaves
which covered the ground effectually defeated the
object. When he had surmounted the hill, the
report of rifle saluted his ear, whilst he distinct
ly heard bullet whiz past his head. The horse
seized with renewed alarm, plunged precipitatey
down the hill-passing furiously over the brush
and fallen timber, and calling into requsition all
the coolness and equestrian skill of Elliot to ena-
Bile him to keep his seat. Presently another shot
was fred from different quarter, which lodged
speed now became redoubled
1t was apparent to the youth that he was beset
by party of Indians. A moments reflection de-
termined him to repair, with all possible expedi-
ton to the fort, and have detachment of men
sent in pursuit of the enemy. He felt convinced
that Rose had been captured by them; and inward
ly reproachng himself as the cause of her calam-
ity, he uttered VOW to rescue her or die in the
attempt.
Within five minutes after the arrival of Elliot,
every living being in the settlement was collected
within the sto ckade fort at Wheeling. The story
of the youth was told in few words.
'sThis is distressing affair." said Col. Kade
the commandant of the garrison. cit is fortunate
however that Major M Colloch is with us to-day.
Twelve mounted men under his command will
capture the coppercolored rascals before sun set,
and restore the dear child to US unframed. What
say you, Major M'Colloch %
II am always ready for anything in the shape
of an Indian fight" replied the intrepid hunter.
"Then select twelve men-myself among the
number-mount us on the feetest horses we can
find, and, but l need not tell you more. Time is
precious. You pick the men, and l 60 now to
get the horses in readiness
ssIt shall be done,'' answered MColloch, "and
quickly too Lewis Wetzel! !''
s'Here !'' replied Lewis, as he elbowed his way
through the group of persons which had collected
round the Major.
81 put you at the head of the list, and will ex-
pect much from you.'
"Major Mac,'' said Wetzel, 81 don't like the
Colonel's plan, any way I can sift it through. I
'spose we all want the child brought back safe
and sound, but I know very we'll the thing can't
be done 'cording to the ColonePs plan.''
s'Why not 90 respectfully inquired M'Colloch,
who reposed almost unbounded confidence in the
Judgment and skill of Wehel.
sBecause the very minute Old Cross-Fire finds
cold Cross-Fire % exclaimed half dozen vol
ces at once.
"Aye, Old Cross-Fire - repeated Wetzel with
rather a sneering emphasis, "he's at the top and
bottom of this business; and the very minute he
finds himself hunted down by the horseman, he
will scalp poor Rose, and then take good care to
put himself and his cursed red skin gang out of
the way.''
ssBut how do you know the Indian gang to be
Old Cross-Fire's 7"
.s'Why you see, Major Mac, jest tuck the trou-
BILE to pick out the bullet that was lodged in FL
lots horse. Here it is. know the size of the
old rascaPs balls too well to be mistaken"
ssPerhaps you are right" said M'Colloch, after
he had examined the shapeless piece of lead.
"There's nary doubt about it," replied Wet
eel.
ssUpon reflection" remarked M'Colloch, 81