True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-01-06

was slanding npOn the bridge, watch-'
ing the chase. and more novel and ex-
citing scene | never beheld. II seemad
scarce possible that 90 many, and so ac.
tive Pursuers should be loiled but twas
even SO for after these modern Orsons
had led the whole company ashol race Of
hall an hour, they mysIsriOusly disAppearl'
e1.* ~
"LOud and deep1 were the curses,
when, It vas found that they had again
escaped and exceedingly great was the
wonder as to tchere they could have gone.
The first Impression seemed to be that
there was near by, secret cave, in which
they had taken refuge.
The crowd slowly retired, from the
bridge. but few, among them, tarried
behind, to await the return Of the " hun.
ters." Among the first whom met, de-
scending the bill, was Graham, engaged
in warm dispute with swarthy young
townsman, IS toiPho had 60. within the
shortest distance Of the wild men. Gra-
ham stoutly asserted that, during the
whole time, he had been nearer them than
any one else which the other as slonlly
denied, and claimed that honor for him,
self. OF course no one could decide who
was right, as in the darkness, and confn.
sion of The race, there had been but little
opportunity ofjudging. The majority Of
the company, however seemed to side
with Graham. much TO his delight, and to
the chsgrin Of his opponent, -
A meeting was held At the foot oi the
hill, and another searching party organi-
zed for the following day. j, Il was also
resolved to carry fire arms; and il it
were found impossible to secure the OBJ
ject of their pursuit otherwise, they were
10 be disabled by gun.shot wounds. and
their further fight thus prevented. The
assembly then adjourned with three
cheers, 10 meet at the old mill next morn.
ing at 10 o'clock. p '''.. q. i't. "@
Before the appointed hour the whole
town was astir; and the country people
, TOO. were coming in in crowds. John
, made his appearance in military coat.
armed with rusty sword and brace Of
, horse pistols while Graham was bust.
ling about with three cornered hat and
cockade, and an ancient musket, minus
the lock, but surmounted by crooked
. bayonet. He evidently expected to come
E 10 close quarters. p sDA42
e The search that day was thorough
f No place that man could possibly have
: concealed himself was left unexplored.-
n Yet no trace of the wild men was seen;
r and after many hours of fruitless exertIon
e the pursuit was abandoned, and the party
n returned, weary and disappointed, to their
e homes. 'a. ,'.t ".H- .+ ""'1
The "wild men" never aflerward ap.
IS peared Their reception had been little
e too Warm, and they left those grand old
hills to visit them I" no more forever."---
" For many days they continued TO be the
/. subjects Of wonder and gossip throughout
y the county; but soon the excitement sub
y sided the villagers returned TO their ac-
IF customed employments, the village 10 its
II wonIed repose, and old Scheltzer TO his
e favorite fishing ground. ~
6 Il was years before the mystery Of the
ID 4" voild mensh" was unfolded; and I
g doub. whether. even yet, all those who
al were engagedin that wild goose chase"
over the Little Beaver Hills, have learn
Ie ed the true story. s'9 '1
g A few years ago visited the town
.. in which my youth bad been so happily
spent, and among other friends Of my
p boyhood, | was privileged to grasp once
1T more the hands OF my old cronies, John
m and Graham. On Sabbath morn, atten-
r. ded church. John was there too. 1 saw
ID him entering, hObbiing upon erutches.
III and supported by friend. This was
I'd his first visit to church for many months,
v. having been long confined by an injured
q, limb, but to day his old associate GRA'
il. HAM. ,Ods TO preach, and he came 70 lis.
he ten to his sermon. sui .n a' "Eaa
es "Ah John I" said the preacher after
m service; ''yOu almost spoiled my sermon
o, to. day. 70" o |Hi t.a +"
It. How SO p 81. a" ..s .'ti s1a
n GAS | sat in the pulpit. and saw
a you entering the house upon crufches
n. my thoughts few back to the mad prank'
as which once we played on yonder hill, AMI
+. so strangely and ludcrously did the rec
d collection Of those scenes contrast with Oul
present conditions, that could scarce re
IN frain from laughing outright And YET
ut felt sad. TOO. What changes have occur
nd red since then How wonderful are th'
a ways Of Providence Z" 'aoH .tH'h
lid STEUBENvILLE, D. H' 30 hH' 90 1ifA