Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-10-19

ly two of the outlaws fell dead to the ground,
and the rest uttered concerted yell, that
sounded more fearfhliy than the howl of the
wolf had so recently driven away.
SHOW give 'em the pistols !" shouted Andy,
his whole soul in the deadly conflict.
Each of us carried brace of double bar
relied pistols, which gave us eight shots be-
tween us, and quick as lightning we were dis
charging the loads in the faces of the outlaws.
Six more of the brigands fell before our aim,
while We remained uninjured, Notwithstanding
number of scattering shots whstled around
our ears and over our heads.
ssNow charge upon the thieves 10 yelled
Andy, in Stentorian tones.
followed my comrades lead, and together
we charged upon the remaining five outlaws,
for that number were left. A fierce and bloody
fight ensued. Andy performed miracles, and
did double duty; but as fate would have it,
we were both rendered hors dn combat, my
comrade by pisto wound in the side, and
by a bowie cut in the right shoulder.
ssI knew nothing more after that, for the
next moment became unconscious. When
l came to myself, found 1 was in a cave, and
it was not long before l discovered that the
cave was the haunt of robbers. This much 1
learned by listening, for could see nothing,
the bright light of day seeming never to pen
citrate that dismal cavern. 1t was the gloom
lest, chiliest place was ever in and from the
bottom of my heart wished myself we'll out
OF it. / thought of Andy, you may be sure,
but could see no way of finding out what had
become of him. After while, however, an
outrageous ugly Indian squaw made her ap-
pearance. She brought me food and medicine,
and a temporary light. My wounds had al
ready been dressed. OF course l was eager
to question her.
ssMy good woman," said I, very pleasantly,
ssI should like to know where am-will you
tell me ?''
l. l.. -Irr
could say or do got no answer. l inquired
about Andy, and other matters, but received
no satisfaction. Finally,I gave up in despair,
and let the old hag go.
a week passed, and I was comparatively
well. About the expiration of that time, the
old squaw came to me one day, aud beckoned
me to follow her. Having no reason to refuse
obedience, complied with her directions, and
after trayersing number of dark passages,
found myself in the open air. 1t was bright,
sunny day, and despite my situation, 1 inhaled
the pure atmosphere with delight.
Assembled on the spot, beheld gang of
score or more of the worst looking men 1 had
ever encountered, and in the midst my friend
and comrade Andy Huff. Andy looked fright
fully pale and emaciated, and appeared to have
suffered much worse than myself. We had
barely time to greet each other, and say ssGod
bless you, comrade,'' when we were suddenly
and roughly seized and gagged. At the same
time one of the outlaws, whom l at once re-
cognized as the leader of the party which we
had first encountered, stepped forward and
addressed us.
CHOW, cuss yer |" cried he, passionately,
ssNe'll make you pay fur yer handywork 10th
er night. Strip 'em''
In few moments we were stripped to the
skin, and had neither the power to resist or
expostulate.
ssOut with the plank, hosses!'' yelled the
foil ssEt tba thars sra
goin' to travel.'
We were separately led to the brink of
chasm near, and made to look down into the
almost unfathomable depths. A stream of wa
ter dashed along over the rocks at the bottom.
1t made me dizzy to look down. We were
then stationed few feet from the brink, with
a guard over us. l began to comprehend that
some frightful death awaited US, and my feel
ings were dreadful A plank about a dozen
feet long and foot wide was then brought
forward and placed half way over the preci-
pice. Ny blood ran cold at the preparations.
On one end of the plank two men stationed
themselves.
SHOW, drive the chap for'ard.' - shouted the
leader. pointing to Andy. ssT'other fellow
shall see him drop, an then he follows arter
him. Drive him on thar, hosses !''
Every effort was made to move Andy, but
the poor fellow remained obstinate. The out
laws pricked him with their knives, and beat
'sCarry the man!'' shouted the leader madly.
Despite his struggles, Andy was picked up
and carried to the plank. As the outlaws let
him down they gave him violent push which
sent him forward to the end of the plank over
the precipce. Andy swayed from side to
side, and struggled wildly to regain his bal
auce. He failed, however, and fell over, in
his fall desperately clutching at the plank.
There he held with his finger nails buried in
the wood. 1t was a horrid scene, and my
blood runs cold at the bare recollection of it.
HLet him go 20 shouted the fiendish leader.
The men who were standing on the other
end of the plank jumped off, and plank and
Andy whirled down into the seething depths
below. Despite the gag in his mouth, the
poor fellow uttered loud and terrifying
shrek before he disappeared from sight for
ever. The cry rings in my ears now; though
years have passed since then, shall never for
get it. The outlaws sprang to the edge of the
cliff, and with savage exultation watched An
dy's descent.
"Now fur t'other'one 20 shouted the leader,
after the lapse of few minutes.
At that instant loud report of firearms sud-
denly reverberated far and near, and half OF
the bandits at least fell dead to the earth.
The balls whistled around me as thick as hail
| but l escaped ubhurt. Instantly afterwards a
party of trappers rushed upon the scene and
charged at the outlaws. The fight was short
but desperate. In the end not an outlaw OF
them all remained alive, though they fought
| like incarnate devils.
| In the few first moments OF the melee / got
| away out of the reach of harm. Pinioned and
gagged, 1 would have been of no use TO myself
| or nybody else. After the conflict was over
/ made my appearance and gave statement
of all that had transpired. From the trapper.
learned that the cry of Andy had directed
/ them to the spot; but, poor fellow. they came
| too late to save him. 1 thanked God and the
mounfaineers for my preservation, and quilted
the scene with sense of relief mingled witt
| a feeling of sadness.