Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-04-07
Again was that terrific cry repeated.

'sAh, they near US. Well, we must turn up
on them. | have it-you must start at once
for the cabin. You can find it, can you not
Tell your mother to bring the gun and all the
ammunition to this spot. will stay and keep
the villains at bay.''
Amy started of as directed, while her faith
er placed himself behind tree to watch for
the approach of the enemy.
The night was coming on, apace, the thick
foliage of the trees making it still darker.
Soon at his very side, stood one of the dark
skinned thieves. Gardeners knife was in his
heart in moment-not moan or sigh escap-
ed they victim. The only sound was that
caused by the heavy falling OF the dead man.
But even this was heard by his companions,
who now advanced and perceived the white
man and his victim at his feet. Quicker than
thought tomahawk was thrown at him, which,
had he not lodged, it would have cleft his
brain. The steady aim of Gardiner sent a bull
let through the heart of the red man. Now
had arrived the time for action. He could
not reload his weapon. His asSailants were
pressing too closely upon him for that. The
only way he could was to club his rife and
keep them at bay as best he might, until his
wiie's arrival might create some diversion.
In this way he managed to retreat short dis
tance. Unfortunately bis heel caught upon a
fallen limb, and he was thrown forcibly upon
his back.
at the moment, and before he could recov
or. huge body fen upon him Now came
the struggle Two powerful men graspiug
each other with the might Of madness, know
ing that life or death would be the result !
They rolled over together-they tore at each
others flesh with nails and teeth, more resem-
bling the fight of wild animals than that OF
human beings. 1t was q matter OF doubt who
would be the conquerorl In one of the short
pauses of the struggle, Gardinel's quick ear
detected the sound OF appI oaching step.
He turned and saw his wife with the musket
in its rest. The Indians also saw her, and
fearing that number OF the white mans
friends had arrived, those who could, turned
and fled. The one with whom Gardiner was
struggling now endeavored to free himself,
but in vain. He was held in vice-lke en-
brace
ssQuick, wife fire. Hit this villain 20
Amy carefully approached her father. and
drawing his knife from his belt placed it in
his hand.
The contest now became a short one. Fill
led with wounds and bleeding profusely, the
savage relaxed his hold, and fell lifeess be-
side him. 1t has taken some moments to
describe, but the battle lasted hardly as long.
Relieved of their last foe, the farmer and
his wife. with the child that had so fortunately
been rescued from fate worse than death ,
returned to their humble home grateful and
joyful. They were not again interrupted by
the Camanchcs. In Il few years, at the pres
ent day, thriving town occupies the site OF
Mr.. GARDENERS hut, and his son and daughter,
married and happy, are respected citizens of
that place. Mr.. and Mrs. Gardiner are still
residents of the town, and upon my recent
! visit there entertained me with true hoSpitali-
| ty. From them l obtained the events above
! given.