Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-12-25
Chapter LII



\ little before midnight OF the SANG day oar story
opens party of eight persons four each sex were
slowly and silently moving across a small opening Ia
the right bank of the Naumee, where cum,ily but
barge of mddling size was fastened 10 the shore
Seven of this party o, eight were laden with different
household articles, which they Immediately dcpo,i-
ted among numerous others of similar charart, +.
which had been previously brought off to the boat
from their dwelling aud being all collected On
hoard aud having with them all they intended takine
from their deserted homes they forthwith loosed the
boat and pushed it into the middle OF the stream
where, for the time being it was allowed to loal qG-
city down ON the bosom Of ;he current.
This party, the render hA doubtless coniectnrcl
consisted of our young hero, Eden Stantorh. and his
father, mother. sister, uncle and aunt, and Mabel
Duncan, and Peleg White.
Having aoated n short distance down the stream,
Eden took counsel with his uu le and father, aud it
was decided the boat should be brought toan anchor
some little distance from the shore and that one
should remain the watch ill morning-Whcl,
should there he signs of The enemy warning mes
saee could be sent to the inhabitants above which,
in their haste to effect their safety, yoyagcrs
had neglected TO do Mt hrst.
= | take shame to myself" said Eden in a whisper
tor it not deemed prudent speak in loud tone
lest lurking enemy might hear the sound and so he
attracted Ia their place of coneealment " take
shame TO my self that did not ride to Mn or poori
end give him warning, SO that he might convey the
news to the next, aud thus spread the evil It'd ngs,
| ana put all on their guard.
" 1t ought to lave been done. Eden rapied his
father and if it be done without too great a
risk mustn't neglect it in the morning
If You think best, father | will attend 10 II To-
night"
No. my son, no you've done enough to need
rest Two days on horseback. aad only one night 4,
| ttfHl sleep the bare ground Go aud lie down Al
onee, aud trust Your uncle Amos to watch the boat
Eden did not require mnch urging to induce hin
to seek rest for the night, and speak few qnieoe
words to his mother sister aunt. and Nlhcl-al. o.
| whom were more or less nervous and eNcited--te
| threw himself down on loose pile OF bedding aud
| was soon fast asleep.
| Not so tue Others who were not fttigncd
! Eden and upon whom the exciting news had p,o-
ducc effect caicua ted to Danish sleep for 4evrraI
buur'. At the request of David Staniorth the father
| of Eden, who had ocen for Years an invalid AMI
| whose constitution was so broken ami impaired rs
to render Him unable to bear any great fatigue they
n repaired to their places OF rest where they con-
versed III whispers for long time conccurjas RS TO
the future and uarratng occurrences OF the past II
each WAS prepared to hear Indian in every souna
or see one IN every shadow or in everything hayu.
| motion.
Bat as the night wore slowly away, without prn-
Sentng in tangible shape the objects at their fears
they all atslast gradually Yielded to the requirement =
| ofGaiurc aud even pcIcg White the most frightened
one otthr parity tell into doze and began to dream
Suddenly he started up, with a wild terrified
shrek; and dropping down GA his knees a:d ria.p-
ing his head with his hands began TO beg tor IN, e
| in most pitittl manner lis sliek aroused All
parties. nnd was echoed by the females who. t.li,
believed the Indians were upon them; and for a f. "
minutes scene of the widest confusion prevailed
| "FoolF cried Amos Stantorlh, Pelecs pu4rli.,#
| who reached him hrst--snd who Selling him + The
collar o. his hu ting shir erktd him 10 his feet and
shook him till all the teeth in his head ratified Fol,