The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-03-14

u
our supper; silently we ate it. Worn out,
and for the time being, slightly dispirit-
ed, we were in no humor for converse
ton.
For some time we sat by cur camp fire
without uttering a single word, and almost
without moving. I was thinking Of home
and absent friends, aud it is only reasona-
BILE to suppose that Andrew Huff was SIM
ilarly occupied.
After lapse of some time our fire burnt
low and as rose to replenish it the bark
of wolf started me, and involuntarily
addressed my companion.
Huff, did not answer me, however, but
without noticing the circumstance, l
threw quantity of fagots on the fire and
addressed him
"Take few hours rest Andy, and I'll
keep watch,' said I, and after that you
can do the same by me-
Still got no answer, and began to
notice my companions unusual tacitu-
rity. .....
Anything the matter, Andy?' said L,
regading him closely.
/ No answer.
That's little strange I muttered,
moving towards my companion.
Huff was sitting facing the FIRE, with his
head bent down upon his knees. l shook
him without arousing him. Finally l
raised his head. and q. once became con-
scious that he was soundly asleep.
Laughing off the fears that had for a
few moments oppressed me, left Huff to
enjoy his nap. and settled down as COM
Portable as the circumstances would per-
nit.
was very drowsy, and despite of our
perilous situation, despite every effort l
made to the contrary, could not en-
tirely resist the overpowering influence of
sleep. Occasionally started up sudden.
lily. and found had been doing.
The last time / was aroused, was
awakened by the barking ofa wolf Jump
ling to my feet. I beheld the fierce an
imal not dozen PAGES distant, his raven
Gus eyes glaring upon me from the dark
ness. Seizing upa brand, flung it at the
rapacious monster with all my strength.
: 1t struck him full in the face, and with a
terrible howl he darted off into the woods.
HUFF did not awake-did not even stir, so
sound was his repose.
After that did cot feel much inclined
to sleep, though nothing more was seen
or heard. l examined my rife and pistol
piled more fagots on the fire, and kept or
;. the move. my eyes and ears open for any
more nocturnal visitors.
Some time passed quietly, and begar
to grow insufferably weary. Every mus
i Gle relaxed and a browse gradually stol
over me. NY eyes closed unconsciousl.
my knees bent beneath me, and wa
almost falling to the ground, when wa
y suddenly aroused by the sound of a man.
voice:
= Hello, fellers, how dyer do?' were tn
!. :. words that fell upon my ears. and arouse
me to full consciousness.
looked around in bewilderment. Gu
little camping ground was encircled by
W dozen or more brawny, fierce lookin
, desperadoes. It was a complete surprise
and on the spur of the moment yelled 6
loud ,l
vi! ANDY, wake upl'
Yes, wake up, Andy!' echoed the ou
er laws loudly.
Aroused at last, my comrade sprang
his feet. and at the next moment was stan(
ing by nay side.
Instantly a, dozen or more rifles wei
leveled at us with deadly aim.
Yer amt goin to show fight are ye
demanded one of the outlaws, brut,
looking wretch, and the leader of the par
as it afterwards appeared.
e. That depends on circumstances!' r
OF sponded Andy unhesitatingly. We al
It. two good men, afraid of neither man NJ
to beast, and if your intentions are hostile,
he they appear to be, you may take my wor
We for it, that we will give you all the troub
. we can. ai.f
be Yer won't now, will yer?' rejoined Il
be desperate, tauntingly Guess yell ha,
yer hands full eff ye try that kind Nv gan
q with u.s.
10, We'll what do you want here any how
,r- I demanded boldly, fully satisfied in n
ed own mind, that if we were to gel out
ht this scrape we had to fight out of it.
we What do we want harp was the rap
Tor reply. i guess the forests as free to
re, as to any one else. Don't kalkelate tn
you're boss here, stranger, do yer?'
ID MOI was Andy's quick reply, and
lr> took the words out of my mouth. nor q
IN, you. But that's not to the pointl' he a
iv- ded; what do you want with us?'
gh Yer money an yer traps, do you q
en-, derstand that sort o. talk, or don't yer?
md Yes, we understand that you're ga
his of thieves and cut throats!' responded I
m. companion 6ercely: but if you get an
thing from US you've got to fight for
ing though were but two to dozen. Gi
in 'em shot, comradeP added the fiery f
ols, low, addressing himself to me; we ca
It's, make the matter worse.'
it I thought SO too, and raised my riff
red Andy and myself fred simultaneously.