Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-04-08

distance, he was surprised to find that some
person had struck the same trail and was fol-
lowing it ahead of him. For moment he
could scarcely believe it could be SO, for no
other person from the settlement below was
out, and il was thought that no Indians were
within hundred miles, yet the leaves that had
been misplaced, together with the twigs and
occasionally a spear of grass that had been
bent in that direction, were proof positive to
hunters mind. With bold heart he resolv-
ed to solve the mystery, with cautious steps
he proceeded onward 1t was afternoon when
he reached the bluff bank of the river, some
ten or twelve miles above the settlement and
after taking careful survey of the bottom and
seeing nothing, he proceeded towards the
stream. In the sand that lines the water's
edge he saw the tracks of the buck as he en-
tered the river, and close by, the well known
prints of pair of mocasns. The deer had
SWAN the river, while the Indian had gone on
up to cross at a ford some two miles above.
After revolving the matter in his mind for
some time, Waugh concluded TO give up the
chase for the present, and returning to the
bluff bank, he sat down at the foot of a large
Oah " iCSts L VI u lew luluuIeS Dc lUOuHDt OF
the strange adventure, and many were the
conjectures he formed as to what tribe the In
dian could belong to, and why he should be
here apparently alone. Being, however of a
romantic turn of mind, he was soon absorbed
in contemplating the scene by which he was
surrounded. Afar off he could discern the
hazy atmosphere, seeming like light cloud
that lai daSrpnIad from tha oh fo MIA au,ib
the tree tops, and the rays of the noon day sun
fell through it with dreamy sort of light
which caused the mind to wander away in the
vacancy of nothingness.
The birds had ceased their songs and sat on
the thickest leaved branches, seeming to par
take OF the same dreamy nature that pervaded
all things around, and only here and there a
solitary squirrel could be seen leaping among
the branches. The little rill that flowed through
a ravnc a few yards distant, alone seemed fl
led with life and animation, and it coursed gai-
| ly along leaping over a stone or a root with a
murmuring sound that seemed more like arti-
fetal music the longer We listen. The luling
influence of the rivulet, the lazy motions of
the squirrels, and the sleepy attitude of the
birds, were too much for the weary hunter 10
Withstand, and ere long his eyes were closed
in sleep, his head dropped forward on his
breast, while his breathing became heavier
! and more steady.
! As this change came over his physical ma
! ture, a change also took place in his mental
| faculties, and different scene was presented
before him. The ravinc by his side, the tall
| forest around him, and the river in the distance
passed away while he seemed to be in the cab
| in of the brothers Chodte. They were all sea-
ted around the rough table, engaged in their
evening meal, and Francis Choate was telling
of his days adventures in the forests when
the words were frozen to his tongue as the hor-
rid Indian war-whoop broke the stiffness with
| out. Selling his rife, Waugh ran for the riv-
! er and there saw party Of Indians surround
| ing the block house. AS there was no chnlS-
! ing between the logs, he could plainly sec
! their forms by the light of the huge fire blaz-
| ing within, and by the aid of starlight, he took
aim at one and fired. Great was his joy at
seeing his victim fall to the earth, and loading
again as soon as possible, he again fired, and
again his faithful rife had done its duty. At
this moment two rifles in the hands Of indians
were discharged, and a white mans voice in
the agonies of dispair, cried, ''Oh God, have
mercy on me !"
He awoke, with sudden start, while the
cry for mercy still sounded in his ear. Gaz-
ing around him, it was several minutes ere he
could collect his scattered thoughts sufficient
! to remember where he was and how he came
there. Getting up he looked on all sides, but
could see no living thing moving, but a focb
of turkies that were passing slowly at the foot
of the hill. So great an effect however, did
his dream have upon his mind that he feared
to shoot at them, and keeping on the higf
hill, so as to have extended view on either
side he started for the settlement.
1t was just dark when he reached it, and cal
ling all in the block house, he related his day!
adventure, together vi his fearful dream.
In expressing his fears for the safety of tn,
settlement, he was laughed at for superstition
whims, as they termed them. That night ht
slept in the block house, and again he dream
ed the same dream Choate was telling his ad
ventures they heard the same yell he killed
the two Indians, as before and the same sw
full cry of mercy awakened him. The mex
morning they we're told of the remarkable co
Incidence in the two dreams, and were agaiI
warned to beware of the threatening danger
while he was again laughed at by a majority o
the settlers. 1t was, however too much TO
him, and after two or three days unsuccessful
hunting, he left for Marietta, after begging
them to be prepared for better defence
should they be attacked.
few days afterward, trader, on his wal