Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1853-06-16
VOL. VINO. 80.


Allan now proposed that they should
60 ashore, leave the boat, and strike into
the forest
Not yet replied his brave comrade
'let us see what they will do
Several of them are at work in the wa
ter; | wonder what they are doing q said
Allan.
They have doubtless sunk a canoe
there, and are now raising it; they intend
to follow u.s.
You are right; they are dragging a
birehen vessel from the water
If there is more than one of them, we
are lost resumed Kentor
Fortunately for US, there is but one.
and it viii contain but four or five at the
most. l think we can manage that num-
ber'
I'VE must sink the canoe for if we al
low them to cross, our chance of escape
will be small one indeed So keep cool.
and let US see whether they intend to pur-
sue US or 90 directly across
i hope they don't intend to cross, for
then we shall have enemies on both sides
of the river, in which case they can riddle
US with their balls
There they come pull away added
Kenton, who had just finished loading his
rifle
The canoe had left the opposite bank,
was now rapidly approaching, propelled
by four savages.
They are Miamis,' observed Kenton,
we must sink them
But how Rifle balls make but small
holes we might perforate the bark in a
dozen places below the water line, and not
effect our purpose
'We have been trying some experiments
at Boonesborough, lately, with balls link
ed together in this MANNER replied Ken
ton, holding up two bullets fastened to-
gether by 9 small chain about eight inches
long. These balls when projected from
the rifle, separate the length of the chain,
and at the distance of one hundred and
fifty yards, will pass through a board an
inch in thickness. So you perceive that it
will not take many such shots to sink one
of those canoes, for they are not much
thicker than brown paper
'An excellent device, my friend, return,
ed our hero.
4 hope you have driven home one Of
those kind of missiles, and have one or
two to spare
I am ready said Allan a moment or
two afterwards.
The Miamis swept toward our friends
with loud cries, thinking to terrify them,
and render resistance less effectuaL
i don't care so much about destroying
the poor wretches. as | do about sinking
the canoe added Kenton, in a suppressed
voice. Let us get the first fire if we can.
Do you fear them q
1 never was afraid in my life,' said Al
Ian, coolly.
The words had scarcely left Norwood's
lips, when a shot from the savages cut
button from his hunting -frock
That was very well DONE remarked
Kenton.
Perhaps they will improve on it. re
piled Allan, with smile
I hope not Heaven forbid = exclaim-
ed Kenton, earnestly. This wont do he
added, as another shot passed through
Nor1Ood's cap, and third lodged in the
paddle he was holding. They are near
enough let us have shot-it's our turn
now Fire at the canoe and you can't
neip DONG damage.
Both took steady aim and the Indians.
anticipating their intentions, endeavoted
to screen themselves by dodging their
heads down into the canoe.
That will only make it worse for them
said Kenton; and then both fred.
The result fully equalled their oxpeota-
tions the fragile vessel was so badly cut
that it Immediately filed, and the Indians
leaped into the water, some of them Sc
verely, if not mortally wounded.
In a few seconds the canoe sank. Then
the terrified Miamis made great splash
ing in the water, while those on che bank
yelled with rage. The. two young men
grasped the paddles and used them with
such effect that in half an hour not an en-
emy was to be seen or heard
What shall be done now p asked Nor
wood
L think we had better land and sink
the boat
That is ny own opinion; for on shore
we may find trail but the water keeps
its secrets, and effaces at once the track
Of the voyagers it has borne OF its bosom,
said Allan.
Having landed. they filed the boat with
large stones, and sunk il. The sun had
gone down, and darkness pervaded the
mighty forests of Kentucky.
Come said Allan, let us 60.
60 where g asked his companion.
Anywhere, replied Norwood hesitating-
y, 'to find ROsalthe Aston
Kenton, who had seated himself upon
-he bank, arose and attempted to follow
Allan, but staggered few steps and fell.
My dear Kenton, you are wounded
his companion, running to the
heroic Woodsman, and raising bis head
from the ground but the gallant fellow
made no reply he had tainted from loss
IF blood
CHAPTERIX
THE INDIAN yILLAGt-