Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-08-16


hunting, with their master. These were pro-
ceeding as quietly as himself, when suddenly
they stopped, snuffed the air moment, and
with their noses fairly plowing the loose
leaves, dashed forward and were soon out of
sight.
Hooking had called them back, and was
beginning to examine the grounds, when
report of firearms made faint by distance,
was just audible, and shortly after another
was heard.
Something's going on in that quarter, for
sartin,'' said the trapper, for the want of
companion speaking to himself. seI will just
look arter these skins a bit, and then see what
it means.''
A few miles distant from the cabin, a scene
of altogether different character was occur
ring. A young man was defending himself
against small party of Indians, slowly re-
treating all the while in the direction marked
out by the open trail, which he managed to
keep in sight of, although he did not walk in
it, for in many places it was so open that it
would have left him exposed to the arrows of
the savages.
He had never trod upon that trail, but his
knowledge of hunting satisfied him from its
appearance, that it led to the lodge of some
white man. Bounding from tree to tree, be-
hind which he sought momentary shelter, he
managed for long time to keep in advance of
his foes, some of whom had been trying hard
to get in his rear, by which means he would
at once be at their mercy. Fully aware of
their intentions, he exerted himself to the ut
l. liz H.
During his movements he managed to load
his rifle from time to time, and if limb or
the slightest part of the body of one Of his willy
foes were exposed, an unerring ball sure
to mark it. In this manner he had already
killed, or fatally wounded three, while several
others had received flesh wounds which made
them cautious of exposing themselves after
ward.
Nor had he wholly escaped cir shafts, for
his dress was stained by blood in several pla-
ces. where the arrows of his foes had also
made their mark. For several hours had he
been thus engaged. and he felt his strength
gradually giving way to over-exertion and in
creasing fatigue. Still he continued his de-
fensive and retreating movement. straining
every muscle to the utmost.
Feeling that his life was at stake, or what
was worse than simple death, lingering tor
ture, such only savage could invent,
would be his portion if taken, he was deter
mined to defend himself to the last moment,
prived him of life.
At length, completely exhausted, and find
ing that he could proceed no further without
some rest, he hastily chose a spot which afford
ed the best available protection, and resolved,
whatever might be the result, to pause for
few m oments. Leaning against the trunk of
an immense tree, and still upon the lookout,
he was surprised to see the forms of six sava-
ges suddenly spring from their lurking places
with yell Of dismay.
In moment his rifle was to his shoulder
and his foes numbered one the less. Scarce
ly waiting to observe the effect of his shot, he
hastily loaded his piece without leaving his
cover. This accomplished, and he now saw
the reason of the unexpected movement on
the part of the Indians. A single form of
grotesque appearance was opposed to the
whole force and stood alone defying them.-
His limbs were enveloped with thick coverings
of raw hide, while his head and features were
completely masked with tight fitting envel-
ope of deer skin, and and sleeveless shirt of
the same material hung loosely about his
body.
What most astonished the young man, was,
to observe that the arrows which were directed
towards him, when they struck, seemed to
bound back without giving the slightest
wound, or disturbing him in the least A
rifle was slung upon his shoulder, but his IA
vorite weapon appeared to be huge bar of
iron, which he handled like a playthine, ma
king the air whistle as he f1ourished it above
his head.
The observation of the young man occupied
only moment, and with new courage and re-
vived strength, he rushed to the assistance of
his ally. But the moment he appeared pow
erful voice shouted
''Baek to your cover, young man, You have
had hot work this morning will take care
of these chaps.''
The young hunter hesitated, when the other
exclaimed impatiently-
s.To your cover, [ say, as you value the
friendship of Cleve Hooking. Back, or wash
my hands of you.''
Just then an arrow whizzed close to the
head of the young man,
sSThere, your imprudence will spoil ALL"
again shouted Hooking. 81 tell you I will
manage the critters, and its agin my prinei-
plies to fight less than fosr, for don't like to
take an onhandsome advantage, even of red
skin. Just keep sharp lookout, and if any
of 'em turn deer, bore 'em, that's ali.'