Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1853-01-27

and his daughter. "There is not one
chance that the warning will reach them
at Moore's Fort" !" -......, ,............
you're right, I'm afraid. But never
mind, girl added old Mark, turning TO
Villa; ave have done our duty in the
sight of God and man; and whatever
happens, we have nothing to blame our
selves WITH .....-.- ..s.-....s.y
"No,hing, indeed!'' echoed Stephen
son. al have wife and children N.Y.
self, thank God! they are in Deiroi,!--
But had been freer and younger man,
Miss VILLAS words would have sent me
aye. into the Indians very torture
fires"
But Villa, who had already risen and
gone TO the window, heard nothing Of
this compliment, for such it was in all
sincerity intended. She was watching
the moon beams struggling with the fad
ing daylight, and thinking how soon a
redder glow might come to flush the
sky.
"As soon as the moon SETS" was :he
time mentioned in the intercepted letter.
Long before that hour, many ewes were
gazing from the fiat roof Of Thorncas-
ties blockhouse, in the direction of the
Fort. As time went on. and the moon
sank below the horizon, and her light
passed from the earth and sky, the sus-
pense grew more and more painful.
Villa Thorncasile leaned over the
parapet, her hands folded. her gaze fixed
intently on the woods: but time still
went on, and the countless stars alone
frightened the deep blue heavens; yet at
moments she could almost fancy that
faint, distant cry, as of savage triumph
or mortal agony. came through the death
like stiffness to her ear.
But who, so listening. has not fancied
they hear voices of the night! Villa
knew it must be but cheat of her own
senses, yet shudder came over her at
every imagined sound.
At length red light flashed suddenly
from the distant woods. A cry of hor-
ror burst from VILLAS lips as she shu,
the sight out with her hands. and sank
upon her knees. But in another minute
cheer from those around her was ech-
oed from the platform below, and made
her start in wonder to her feet.
Courage, W;llan' cried her father.
''those are but gun flashes yonder.-
Our countrymen are fighting calamity
There it is again! Fire on, my boys
give it to them WE'LL Oh. what would |
not give that old Mark Thorncastle was
there to help you!' And the veteran
rubbed his hands with delight as he saw
the only faint indications of the progress
of the struggle.
Again and again. for many time, the
distant flashes shot forth like sparks, and
died on the midnight air. Then they
were seen no longer. Who could tell
Why they ceased! Every one began to
talk together, but all were unanimous in
declaring that the garrison had conquer
ed. Villa alone was silent. She was
wondering whether any one had convey
ed warning to the fort, and if so, did
he yet live.
A few minutes only had passed be-
fore Stevenson exclaimed-.'Here is
something new, by George!' and they
all looked instantly TO see broad light,
not in fitful flashes as before, but burn
ing steadily.
That sight checked ali their proud as
sump,ions of victory. Rapidly i, grew
and widened. II was impossible to
doubt the truth TO which Villas sweet,
sad voice was the first to give utter
ance-- s......
"They have fired the village!"
"May God pardon them!--I canno,!"
was the brief and bitter response Of Sie-
phenson.
No more was said. unless we include
the muttered curses which broke at times
from many lip. There was noughs to
tell what scene those flames were light
ing; but the spectators knew far too
much of Indian warfare 10 doubt. And
men ground their teeth, and grasped their
rifles tightly, as they gazed on The fire
reddening and casting up its glow into
the calm blue sky. At length it sank.
and faded into dull spot in the distance.
Then il became too faint for notice. and
and every sign of strife disappeared from
the starlit woods.
Tnen men stood together, breathing
OF vengeance which they could not plan;
and Villa went to her room, to shudder
and 10 weep.
We must now follow one of the mes.
sengers whom the previous night saw
set out from the Blockhouse. as Thorn.
castles Fort was always called. He
was the first to start. and choosing a
bright star for his guide, had iraversed,
with ligh, firm step, many miles before
his guiding-s,ar paled in warning that
the night was done. Daylight was now
come, and with il the worst portion of
his journey; for the woods here were
full of foes. and he scarce knew where
to set his foot, lest i, might light on one
lurking, like snake, under the dry
leaves.
But Norman Reed had hunted for
many months with the friendly Shaw.
nese, and was better skilled than most
men of his years In Indian wiles and
forest lore. So, by watching atteniively
the slight trace of the red mems passage
and course, which few hat Indian ey es