Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-09-24
A FUR TRADE ADVENTURE.
By WASHINGTON IRVING.

BY WASHINGTON IRVING
Golfer, with the hardihood of regular ira.
der, had cast himself loose from the party OF
Lewis and Clark, in the very heart of the will
derness,an had remained to trap beaver alone
on the head waters of the Missouri. Here he
fell in with another lonely trapper, like him.
self, named Potts, and they agreed to keep to-
gether. They were in the very region of the
terrible Blackfeet, at that time thirsting TO re-
Tenge the death of their companions, and
knew they had to expect 10 mercy at their
hands. They were obliged to keep concealed
all day in the woody margins of the rivers,
setting their traps at nightfall, and taking them
mp before daybreak. 1t was fearful risk for
the sake of a few beaver skins, but snch is the
life of trapper.
They were on a branch of the Missouri cali
ed Jefierson's Fork, and had set their traps a.
night, about six miles from small river that
emptied itself into the forks. Early in the
morning they ascended the river in canoe
to examine the traps. The banks on each
side were high and perpendicular, and cast
shade over the stream. As they were softly
padding along, they heard the tramping of
lmIleui-
ately gave the alarm Of "Iudians!'' and was
for instant retreat. Potts scofIed at him for
being frightened at the trampling of herd Of
buffaloes. Golfer checked his uneasiness and
padded forward. They had not gone much
further when frightful whoops and yelis burst
forth from each side of the river, and several
hundred Indians appeared on either bank
Signs were made TO the unfortunate trappcrs
to come on shore. They were obliged to COM
ply. Before they could get out of their ca
noe, savage seized the rife of Potts. Golfer
sprang on shore. wrested the weapon from the
hand of the Indian, and restored it to his com
panion, who was still in the canoe and imme
diately pushed into the stream. There was n
sharp twang of a bow, and Potts cried out that
he was wounded. Golfer urged him to come
on shore and submit, as his only chance of
life But the other knew that there was no
prospect of mercy, and determined 10 die
game. Levelling his rife, he shot one of the
s1vages dead on the spot. The naxt moment
he fell himself, pierced with numerous arrows.
The vengeance of the savages was now turn
ed upon Golfer. He was stripped naked, and
having some knowledge OF the Blackfeet Ian
guagc, overheard n consultation as TO the mode
of dispatching him, SO as to derive the great
est amusement from his death. Some were
for setting him up as a mark, and having
trial of skill at his expense. The chief, how
ever was for nobler sport. He seized Golfer
by the collar, and demanded il he could run
fast. The unfortunate trapper was too well
acquainted with the Indian customs not to
comprehend the drift CT the question. He
was to run for life, to furnish kind of human
hunt for his prosecutors. Though in reality
he was noted by his brother hunters for swift
ness on foot, he assured the chief he was
very bad runner. His stratagem gained some
vantage ground. He was led by the chief in
to the prairie, about four hundred yards from
the main body of savages, and turned loose,
to save himself if he could.
A tremendous yell let him know that the
whole pack of boodhounds were in full cry.
Golfer flew rather than run; he was astonshed
at his own speed but he had six miles to ira
vel before he could reach Jefferson Fork of the
Missouri; how could he hope to hold out such
a distance with the odds of seven hundred to
one against him 2 The plain, too, abounded
with prickly pear, which wounded his naked
feet. Still lie fed on, dreading each moment
to hear the twang of bow, and feel an arrow
quivering at his heart. He did not even dare
to look round, lest he should lose an inch of
that distance on which his life depended. He
had run nearly across the plain.w when the sound
of pursuit grew fainter, and he ventured TO
turn his head. The main body of his pursuers
were considerable distance behim him. sew
eral Of the fastest runners were scattered in
the distance, while swift-footed warrior,
armed with a spear, was not more than hun
cred yards behind him.
Inspired with new hope, Golfer redoubled
ms exertions, but strained himself to such a
aegree that the blood gushed from his mouth
ana nostrls, and streamed down his breast.
he arrived within mile of the river. The
hoand OF footsteps gathered upon him.
glance behind him showed his pursuer within
twenty yards, and preparing to launch his
spear. stopping short, he turned round and
spread out ms arms. The savage confounded
~ 'he sudden action. attempted to stop and