Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-05-04
ed one as a bandaged round his horse's eyes, and

anu dHotnef 80 dS u enpeioPe tie dAiilaiS uioutu
and nostrils; then he GOV cred his own face in a
Esimilar manner. This was the work of few mo-
lments--precieus moments, for the yells of the
advancing Indians became fearfully distinct. His
preparation made, Ferguson remounted, and fac
ing his horse toward the fire, spurred him on with
the energy ofdespair. The noble beast bounded
onward, the fierce flames enveloping him and his
Irider;. but the arm of the latter was of iron
strength; he held up his horse and impelled him
through the fire. A few desperate bounds, and
the torture was over.
! The fresh, cool air how delicious it was! Fer
guson tore off the bandages which covered his
horses eyes and threw himself on the ground He
! is saved! He has accomp lished anunparalled ex-
lploit But, above the roaring and cracking of
the flames, he heard the triumphant cries of his
pursuers who think they have precpitated him
into an ocean of flame. He made an effort to
give back a defying shout, but his voice died on
his lips.
Half sufocated, both horse and man had scarce
| ly strength to move across the blaekened plain;
yet Ferguson knew that without water they must
inevitably perish. . He therefore summoned his
remaining strength, and crept on, leading his
horse by the bride. All the poor creatures hair
was singed off, and large pieces of his hide came
away at the slightest touch.
Tormented by raging thirst, Ferguson drag
ged himself toward the farthest extremity of the
plain, and when there, he perceived a band of
wolves advancing with savage howls This new
peril reused both the horse and his rider.
A clear, fresh stream was flowing by, into it
| he plunged the animal, and Ferguson also dipped
his head into the delicious bath. Its restorative
effect was magical. He recollected that the
wolves in these vast deserts are accustomed to
flock toward prairie on fire, in order to prey
the animals escaping from the flames. The
Captain examined his horse, and found, with
pleasure, that the poor creature was much recov
erred, and even neghed in reply to the wolves
bowling. More moved by this plaintive neigh
than he had ever been by human cry Ferguson
gently caressed the head of his steed, and then
mounting, urged him toward the forest. The
wolves meanwhile were crossing the stream in
hot pursuit, their hoarse yells sounding thou
sand times more terrible than the whstling of
beliefs on the battle field. i
A cold shudder seized Ferguson. "If my horse
should fall!'' he thought. But thanks to his vig-
lance and the feverish energy of the ANIMAL
they gradually gained on their pursuers; for the
speed of the prairie wolf is much less than that
of fleet horse.
But the powers Of the noble animal were near
ly spent, his breathing became rapid, and his
head dropped Yet he made wonderous effort
to gain the forest, for, with the instinct of his
kind, h e seemed to know that safety would be
among the trees
At length the wood was gained. Ferguson
gave joyous shout for now he could take refuge
in tree. Tying his horse to a lower branch our
hero climbed one quickly and loaded his carbine
and pistols. with hope Of defending the poor an
imal from the wolves attack.
From the lofty branch On which he had taken
up his position, Ferguson watched the monsters
approach; they were ofthe fercest species, white,
with glowing red eyes, and he saw that all was
over with his faithful horse. They rushed on their
victim; Fergusonfred among them, but in mo-
ment the animal was devoured and the empty bri-
die left hanging on the branch.
The wolves, with gaping throats, and their
white tusks grnnng horribly, remained round the
tree, for the horse had scarcely furnished each
with single mouthful. On the Captains slight
est movement, they jumped up as if to seize him
before he could touch the ground. Ferguson en-
joyed sort offeverish pleasure in killing num-
Der of them with his carbine. But night was
closing in, and quite exhausted, unable even to
reload his arms, he was forced to close his eyes,
lest he should tall from his green fortress.
Then deep roaring was heard in the neigh
boring prairie. At the sound, the wolves pricked
up their ears, and darted off simultaneously in
! search ola new prey. In short time Furguson
opened his eyes, and deserted in the plain, on the
border of the wood, an enormous buffalo, surround
ed by the ravenous wolves who were tearing him
to pieces, despite his furious efforts to escape.
The captain, profting by this fortunate diver
sion, descended from his tree and fastened to kin
die the dried branches scatter the ground.
1 He shortly succeeded in surrounding himself with
rampant offre.
Feeling then in comparative safety, be roasted
one of the dead wolves, and ate a small portion
of the flesh, notwithstanding the natural repug-
nance inspired by such nnclean food. Being
somewhat strengthened by his strange repast, he
collector supply of wood for the night.
In abeut an hour afterwards, the wolves return
ed to the charge, but Ferguson, thanks to his fame
fortfcation was in such safety, that despite their
continued bowling, he slept profoundly until morn
Ing.
i On awaking, he found that the wolves were
gone, in pursuit, doubtless, ofsom easier prey;
and the Captain was able to resume his journey
on foot, carrying with him his pistols, his eutlass
) and his carbine.
5 After week of incredible fatigue and priva
Etioz, he arr;,.od in safety at the American camn