Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1859-09-02
THE SGALPED FRAPPER.
BY EDWARD $. ELLIS.


When the fact became known that gold ex
! isted in fabulous quantiIiss within the wilds o
California, the greatcst excitement probably
that has ever taken place 10 modern times con.
F, vulsed the world Thousands from the reno
test corners os the civilized world, FASTENED
to the El Dorado TO delve for tue preciou.
metal. The wild, romantic valleys OF the
Sierra Nevada aud Cascade Range, which has
never been trodden By the foot of white mau,
we're now thronged with hundreds, eager and
excited; the streams which had flowed undis-
turted for ages were turned from their natural
courses, aud their beds aualyzed, and the ada
mautine ribs of the great mountains we're fofc-
ed asunder by the one impelling desire. The
overland route was alive with human beings.
and, for iime, it seemed that new era bad
dawned upon the world.
Some months after the wild reports had been
confirmed beyond doubt, there entered the
city of independence two trappers who bad
Just returned from their sniourn at the head
waters of the tributaries of the Missouri
Suapper Jack, as be was termed, and Steve
Hale, at first treated these rumors with indif-
ference, and even contempt. Not eveu the at
irmatons OF their own companions could con-
vince them; and they started upon their next
trapping journey, fully believing that the null
titudes that had left ths States we're sadly de-
ceiyed. When few DAYS distant from the
Mississippi, they met trappers who was an old
friend, and who, in the short time that he had
been in California had made bis s'pie.D This
fact was convincing argument, aud did really
convince Snapper jack that thsre was for
tune to be made iu that country. Hale, how
ever, was immovable Even the most earnest
declarations had no effect and he sneered ut
Jacks credulity.
The three trappers speat the night together,
and the conversation thai then took place fixed
the determination of cash. la the morning,
The trapper from the West continued his Jour
ney towards the States, Snapper Jack kept on
towards California, aud Hale started in a uortn
west direction towards the trapping grounds. |"
asssssaBg sEss feransFA tbe iatser ID ttsaeu-
selves, we will follow the strange fortunes Of
Snapper Jack, as he proceeded hopefully and
cheeriully on bis way.
Jack, although be mentioned it to no one,
had entertained belief that gold existed in
any quantity in the Wahsatch Mountains, aud
it was his determination 10 visit them alone,
and satisfy himself in regard to it For the
purpose OF greater safety, however, he joined
company OF emigrants, aud remained with
them until shey had nearly proceeded as far
westward as Pixies Peak. While he was with
these travellers, he was the means Of saving the
company from wholesale slaughter BY the In
diaDs. AS is generally the case, they placed
too great reliance upon their numbers, and
paid no attention to the suspicious apps sr6nee
of several savages hoTeriug In the distance
during the daytime. Jack announced 10 them
the startling fact that they we're watched by
large nunter of savages, who meditated an
attack the coming night; and, as conse-
queuce, they were fully prepared. The predic-
ton was true, and the whites, about midnight,
we're set upon by an overwhelming number Of
Indians, who, after short bat terrible strng-
gle, were repulsed and scattered by the deadly
discharges OF the rifles of the emigrants.-
This occurrence vas lesson to the company,
and no Hghr after that was spent upon the
prairie without sufficient guard.
Jack, as We said, accompanied them for some
distance further, when bidding them adieu, be
alone, with bis horse, struck boldly south
ward toward the lVahsatch Mountains. He
was too experienced hunter to be needless or
careless of the danger which he knew be Rad
incurred BY this proceeding; and when he en-
camped upon the prairie, 1t was not until he
was assured OF his safety. More than cnce he
spent the whole twenty-four hours without
moments sleep, and proceeded cautiously aud
slowly through the day, watching anxiously,
and avoiding the slightest appearance of dau-
ger. At length, however, he reached the
mountains; one afternoon, and spent the night
at the base. The grass here was rich aud lux
urlant, and choosing secluded s. OF, be turned
bis horse to Craze, intending to not disturb
him again until he lett the mountains. Then.
taking bis straps and ixins," and marking the
spot, he deposited them III a sort o: half cave,
where he judged there was no danger of their
being disturbed by intermeddliug Indians
Here, in this cave, he spent tbs first night in
the Wahaatch Mountains.
At morn, be nscended the mountain, and
was somewhat startled when be discovered that
there had been Indians very recently in the Vi
cihlty. He was, however, confident that with
due caution, he could avoid an encounter with
them, aud had really little to fear irom an at
tack.
lie was, however, disappointed. Al noon,
weary with wandering over the rugged wilds of
the mountain, he stopped at small, crystal
stream TO sake hls thirst. While drinking, he
noticed quantity Of yellow shining particles
Of sand, and 1e believed at once that he had
discovered the gold. Delighted with bis sue
cess, he gathered few grains in his hand, and
holding them between his thumb aud finger,
hold rhern up TO the light to eurvey them, As
he did so, several rites cracked from behind
the surrounding rocTs aud trees, and bullet
~ and taD
scattering the grains to the winds. At he
same instant, score Of yells reverberated
through she forest, and as many dusky savages
sprung ezu!linsly toward him. The lrapperr