The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-02-24

yer hands full ct yer after that sort Nv
game"
"Well, what do you want here. anyhow ?"
l demanded boldly, fully satisfied in my own
mind that if We got out ofour present scrape
We had to fight out.
"What do ye want har ?" was the rapid re-
ply. IL guess the forests as free to US as it
is to any one else. Don't kalkerlate that
you're boss here, stranger, do yer?"
"No!" vas Andy's reply, and he took the
words out of my mouth, "nor are you. But
that's not to the point" he added; "what do
you wnnt with US"
"Yer money an yer traps! Understand
that sort o talk, don't yer?'
"Yes, We understand that you're gang Of
thieves and cut-throats! !" responded Andy,
6ercely; but if you get anything from US.
you've got to fight for it, though we're but
two against dozen. Give EN- a shot, COM
rade :" added the fierce fellow, addressing
himself to me- I'VE can't make the matter
worse"
thought so, too, and raising my rifle, An
dy and myself fred simultaneously.
Immediately two of the outlaws fell dead
to the ground, and the rest uttered a concert
ed yell that sounded more fearfully than the
howl of the wolf had so recently driven a.
way.
Nov 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
discharging the loads in the faces of the out
laws. Six more of the brigands fell beneath
our aim, while We remained uninjured, no.
withstanding a number of scattering shots
whistled around our ears and over our heads.
"Now charge upon the thieves" yelled An
dy, in stentorian tones.
followed my comrades lead, and togeth-
er We charged upon the remaining five out
laws, for that number were left. A fierce and
bloody fight ensued. Andy performed mira
cles, and did double duty; but, as fate
would have it, We were both rendered hors
du combat, my comrade BY pistol wound in
the side, and BY bowie-knife cut in the
shoulder.
knew nothing more after that, for the
next moment became unconscious. When
l came to myself l found was in a cave,and
it was not long before discovered that the
cave was the haunt of the robbers. This
much l learned by listening, for could see
nothing, the bright light Of the day seemed
never to penetrate that dismal cavern. l,
was the gloomiest, chilliest place l was ever
in, and from the bottom OF my heart wish
ed myself out of it.
thought Of Andy. you may be sure. bu,
could see no way Of finding out what had be-
come of him.
After while, however, an old and outra-
geously ugly Indian squaw made her appear
ance. She brought NE food and medicine,
and temporary light. My wounds had re-
Gently been dressed. OF course was eager
to question her.
My good woman said l very pleasantly.
Il should like to know where anl-will you
tell me ?" She shook her head.
A week passed, and l was comparatively
well. About the expiration Of that time, the
old squaw came 10 me one day and beckoned
me to follow her. Having no reason to re-
fuse obedience, l complied with her drec
tion., and after ,raversing a number of dark
passages found myself in the open air. Ii
} was bright, sunny morning, and. despite my
situation, inhaled the pure atmosphere with
delight.
Assembled on the spot, beheld gang of
score or more Of the worst looking men
> had ever encountered, and in their midst my
> friend and comrade Andrew Huff. Andy
} looked frightfully pale and emaciated, aid
> appeared to have suffered much worse than
myself. We had had hardly time to greet
: each other and say God bless you, comrade."
, when We were suddenly and roughly seized
and gagged. At the same time one of the
} outlaws whom l at once recognized as the
: leader of the party which We had at first en-
countered, stepped forward and addressed
) US.
"Now, cuss yer" cried he passionately
we'll make yer pay for your handiwork 10th
} er night. Strip EN-"
. In few moments, We were stripped to the
, skin, and We had neither the power to resist
> or expostulate.
"Out with the plank, hosses." yelled the
> same fellow. "Fust show 'em the way they're
goin to travel"
; We were separately led to the brink Of a
chasm near, and made to look down into the
almost unfathomab lie depths A stream of
; water dashed along over the rocks at the bot.
. tom. 1t made me dizzy to look down. We
: were then stationed a few feet from the brink,
: with guard over US. l began to compre-
hend that some frightful death awaited US,
AID my feelings were dreadful.
: A plank, about dozen feet long and a
foot vide, was then brought forward and put
, half way over the precipice. My blood run
cold at the preparations.
On one end of the plank two men station