Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-03-05

contemplated under the arrangement just
proposed.
"If Miss Holmes, the Hermit continued
twill change dresses with me. she can be
removed to secure spot near by, and left
in charge Of Wilmer, whilst the General
Mike and myself commence retreat tha;
will lead off our pursuers on the wrong
track"
"Why not leave me with my daughter p
Asked the General
because, sir, you know nothing about
the country, and might not find your way
to the appointed rendezvous. Represent
ing your daughter, can guide you safely
to my cave, and once there, we have moth
ing to fear. In the mean time, Miss
Holmes can rest till morning, and then,
at her leizure, and under safe guidance,
rejoin us by different route"
Wilmer observed the blush that Grim.
soned Ida's cheek, and fastened to saw
that though the plan might prove success
full, he was sure it would be more un.
pleasant to the lady than the short strug
gle that must ensue provided they stood
their ground. Ida thanked him with a
smile and look expressive of gratitude !;
and Gen. Holmes concurring with him, it
was decided that they would await the
attack on that spot.
This being settled, the Hermit hastened
to administer the medicine which was to
prepare Ida for renewed labor on the fol-
lowing day, and making up as comfortable
bed as their material would afford, per-
suaded her to lie down, and have no fears
for her safety, or that of her friends. The
rifles were then closely inspected and ap-
portioned, the position of each designated
and the FIRE covered up so that not ray
of light escaped to betray them.
1t sometimes happens, however, that
the best arranged plans are defeated by
very trivial circumstances. Now, Mike
Sloan, though a man of habitual crime,
had one virtue, at least, that of sticking
to hisfriend and resolved, as he was, to pay
his debt ofgratitude to Wilmer, he thought
it might be possible to do so, and yet not
endanger the life of Joe Sullivan to whom
he was strongly attached through mutual
services and long association. His scheme
was hazardous one, not only to himself,
but to those now with him; but relying
upon his sagacity, he determined to exc
cute it, and before the rising of the moon.
AS soon, therefore, as each man had taken
his appointed station, Mikes being fur
thestin advance-he placed his rifle against
the tree, threw himself upon the ground
and crawled down the hill, as noiselessly Y
as an Indian.
Having gained sufficient distance to
ensure him against being observed, he
rose to his feet and with speed, scarcely
to have been expected from one of his
clumsy appearance, made off towards the
spot where he had left Fritz and his party
When near enough to make the precaution
: necessary, he again resumed the recumbent
posture, and crept to the side of Sullivan
whom he awakened with touch, so light
was his sleep. A whispered conference
ensued, very earnest on the part of Mike,
who finally carried his point, and both
arose to their feet, and, with stealthy tread
moved from point to point, and in few
| moments glided off in the direction whence
Mike had just come. Having proceeded
a short distance, Mike asked in whisper
oar you sartin, Joe, we've got all the
rifles? I've got four"
"And I've got FIVE, Mike, includin my
own, which makes bout the whole mum.
Der"
"Good p Mike grunted "And ef you'll
take all the rifles, I'll jist finish the jot
by leadin off all the horses"
ono! No! Mike; that's carryin the
Joke leetle too fur. It's bad enough to
be 'thout arms so near the red skins
Give the fellers a chance-they can't mis-
lest yer friends, and that's all I'll agree to
do agin EN-"
Mike had to yield, and they made the
E best speed compatible with the weight
they carried-their energies not a little
stimulated by hearing some one of the
, robbed party ask-"who's theroP"
Some time after Mike left his post
Wilmer, eager to keep all on the watch
and to advise with his party, stepped from
one to the other, and thus learned that Mike
had abandoned his post. Alarmed at a
dasprtion so uueynactad and Nhich milo ht