Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1853-06-30

claimed, 'or we are iittle better than dead
men, and instantly discharged his rife at
one of the dark forms. Three or four of
the settlers followed his example. The
fire was Immediately returned from the
block-house with effect, for one of the men
fell.
we are to be shot down from our own
block house, and through the loop-holes
our own hands have pierced ? cried the
captain. Mr.. Logston,' he added, take
half dozen men and take possession of
the other block house, and prevent any
more from entering the works, while try
to drive the enemy from this
Brandishing hatchet, the bold pioneer
rushed towards the stronghold occupied
by the Indians The little party was met
by a severe fire; Mr.. Alston, who was
among the foremost, received a wound
which prevented him from taking any fur
ther part in the struggle
The savages had the advantage the
guns leveled from the several loOp-holes
completely covered Boone and his men
A few of the more determined reached
the door of the block house but 1t could
not be forced open, and even had they
succeeded in doing so, it would have been
rushing to certain destruction. The con-
sequence was, that the storming party was
obliged TO retreat.
Perceiving that nothing could be effect
ed without more deliberation, order, and
concert of action. they proceeded to su-
perintend and protect the passage of the
women and children from the cabins to
the block house in the other angle of the
works. This important measure was eff
fected without loss, although they were
frequently fired upon.
While these movements were taking
place within the station, there was much
shouting and tumult without. Several at
tempts were made to mount TO the top Of
the block-house, which met a prompt re
pulse from the settlers, whose position
the entire front of the fort
As has been observed, the block-houses
projecting twenty inches beyond the cab
ins, prevented effectually the possibility
of the enemy's making a Judgement be-
fore them.
This said Logston, addressing Mr.
Aston, who was having his wound dress
ed, "this is the work of your French
man.
I am still incredulous,' replied Aston,
Where is Andrew 2 inquired Captain
Boone.
Here massa,' answered Andrew.
was lie Bland in the block house when
you left it?
Yes, massa'
Are you sure p
Berry sure, massa Boone; 'kase he spoke
to dis chile
What did he say p
He axed if de moon am riz,' replied
the colored man, little confused.
Did he make any attempt to escape 2
continued Boone, sternly.
He spoke bout dat ar subjeck'
what did you say to himP
Dat Is berry tired and could MT t'ink
to listen to no low remarks
Are you sure you said that?'
OATS de natur oh de observation
Did he offer you money, or hold out
any inducement for you to assist him to
escape? added the forester, still more
sterhly.
Yes, massa, said Andrew, quailing be
fore the penetrating glances of Boone =
Unfortunately for him in his purturbation,
he thrust his hands into his pockets so
desperately, that the iingling of silver
coin was distinctly heard
What have you got in your pockets g
asked Boone
Muffin but nails. massa,-nOt single
ting, returned the negro, his manner
plainly giving the lie to bis words
Search his pockets added the captain,
turning to Logston, who stood near,
Joel, ever ready to do the bidding of
his superior, laid his hands upon the trem-
bling Andrew, which Vesuvius observing,
concluded that it was the signal for some
demonstration on his part.
and instantly displayed all his sharp teeth,
and approached him with intentions most
sinister and alarming.
Andrew, overcome by the sense of so
many dangers, fell upon his knees, and
declared he would confess all that he knew
about the matter, which he did, with but
a few trifing prevarications protesting
most strenuously that he had no inten-
ton whatever of assisting the French
man to escape, and the means employed,
Andrew, as the reader is well aware. knew
nothing, and could give his master no in
at all upon the subject.
Ebony was next questioned; but en-
boldened by the presence of Mr., Aston,
fearlessly asserted that he was wholly ig-
norant Of the transaction, and that the
first intimation which he had received
that anything was going wrong, was the
report of Captain Boone's rife.
Although perfectly assured in his own
mind that Ebony knew more than he chose
to divulge. the forester ceased to press
MS questions further, for the imminence,
IF the danger required prompt action
A hurried consultation was now held
among the veteran woodsmen, to deter
mine what should be done Some sug-
yested that a party of picked men should
advance with axes, burst in the door, and
meet the savages face to face. But
young man By the name of Reynolds,
plan which appeared the most
practicable, and was most favorbly receiv-
ed It was this one party was to re
main in the building where they were, an