Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1860-02-10

Il looked around in bewilderment. Oui
little camping ground was encircled by 1
dozen or more brawny, fierce looking des
peradoes. 1t was complete surprise
and on the spur of the moment I yelled
aloud:
Andy, Andy, wake up :
Yes, wake up, Andy 7 echoed the out.
laws loudly and derisively.
Aroused at last, my comrade sprang to
his feet and the next moment was stand
ing by my side.
Instantly a dozen or more rifles were
leveled at us with deadly aim.
Yer amt goin to show fight, ar ye 2
demanded one of the outlaws, brutal
looking wretch, and the leader Of the band
as it afterwards appeared.
That depends on circumstances : res
ponded Andy, unhesitatingly. Were
two good men, afraid of neither man or
besst-and if your intentions are hostile
as they appear to be, you may take my
word for it that we'll give you all the
trouble we can
Yer won't now will yer2' rejoined the
desperado, tauntingly. Guess yell have
yer hands full if yer try that sort Nv a
game
well, what do you want here, anyhow
l demanded boldly, fully satisfied in my
own mind that if we were to get out of our
present scrape we had to fight out of it.
What do we want harp was the rapid
reply i guess the forests as free to us
as any one else. Don't kalkelate that
you're boss here, stranger, do yor2'
NO! was Andy's quick reply, and he
took the words out of my mouth, NOR are
you. But that's not to the point I he
added; what do you want with us 7
Yer money an yer traps. Understand
that sort O. talk, don't yer?'
Yes, we understand that you are gang
of thieves and cut-throats responded
Andy, fercely; but if you get anything
from us you've got to fight for it, though
we are but two against a dozen. Give 'em
shot, comrader added the fiery fellow,
addressing himself to me. we can't
make the matter worse
Il thought so too, and raising my rife,
Andy and myself fred simultaneously.
Immediately two of the outlaws fell
dead to the ground, and the rest uttered
concerted yell, that sounded more fear
fully than the howl of the wolf, had so
recently driven away.
Now give 'em> the pistols' shouted
Andy, his whole soul in the deadly con-
hict.
Each of us carried brace of double
barreled pistols, which gave us eight
shots between us, and quick as lightning
we were dischargng the loads in the face
of the outlaws. Six more of the brigands
fell before our aim, while we remained un-
injured, Notwithstanding a number of
scattering shots whistled around our ears
and over our heads.
'Now charge upon the thieves! yelled
Andy, in stentorian tones.
Il followed my comrades lead, and to-
gether 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 du combat, my comrade by
pistol wound in the side, and l by a
bowie cut in the right shoulder.
Il knew nothing more after that, for the
next moment 1 became unconscious
When came to myself, l was in a cave,
and it was not long before | discovered
that the cave was the haunt of robbers
This much | learned by listening, for
could see nothing, the bright light of day
seeming never to penetrate that dismal
cavern 1t was the gloomiest, chilliest
place | was ever in and from the bottom
of my heart wished myself well out of it.
Il thought of Andy, you may be sure,
but could see no way of finding out what
had become of him.
After awhile however, an outragcously
ugly Indian squaw made her appearance
She brought me food and medicine, and
temporary light. My wounds had already
been dressed Of course | was eager to
question her.
My good woman, said |, very pleas
antly, Il should like to know where am
will you tell me?'
'She shook her head negatively, and to
all could say or do l got no answer 1
inquired about Andy, and other matters,
but received no satisfaction. Finally, l
gave up in despair, and let the old hag go.
a week passed. and l was comparative
ly we'll About the expiration of that
time, the old squaw came to me one day,
and beckoned me to follow her. Having
no reason to refuse obedience, l complied
with her directions, and after traversing
number of dark passages, found myself
in the open air. 1t was bright, sunny
day, 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 the
midst my friend and comrade Andy Huff.
Andy looked frightfully pale and emaciat-
ed, and appeared to have suffered much
worse than myself. We had barely 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 at
once recognized as the leader of the party