The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-03-14
Andy his whole soul in the deadly con.

Eacn or US carried Orace OF QOuOIe
barreled pistols, which gave us eight shots
between US, and quick as lightning were
discharging the loads in the faces of the
outlaws. Six more of the brigands fell
before our aim, while we remained unin-
jured, Notwithstanding a number of scat
tering shots whistled around our ears and
over our heads.
Now charge upon the thieves!' yelled
Andy in stentorian tones.
followed my comrades lead. and to.
gether we charged on the remaining five
outlaws, for that number were left, A
6erce and bloody fight ensued Andy
performed miracles, AMI did double du>
ty but as fate would have it, we were
both rendered hors du combat, my com,
rade by pistil wound in the side, and l
by bowie cut in the right shoulder.
knew nothing more after that, for
the next moment became unconscious.
When came to myself, found I was
in cave, and it was not long before I
discovered that the cave was the haunt
of robbers. This much learned by list.
ening, for I 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 we'll
out of it.
I thought of Andy, you may be sure,
but could see no way of finding out what
had become of him.
After a while, however, an outrageous
ly ugly squaw made her appearance.
She brought me food and medicine, ard q
temporary light. Ny wounds had al
ready been dressed. Of course was
eager to question her.
My good woman, said very pleasant
ly. L should like to know where am
will you tell me?'
She shook her head negatively, and to
all could say or do I got no answer. l
inquired about Andy and other matters,
but received no satisfaction. Finally I
gave up in despair, and let the old bag
go.
A week passed, and I was compare.
lively well. 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, ]
complied with her directions. and after
.raversing number Of dark passages, I
found myself in the open air. 1t was a
bright, sunny day, and despite my situa'
tion l Inhaled the pure atmosphere witE
delight.
Assembled on the spot beheld a gang
of a score or more of the worst looking
men had ever encountered, and in tn,
: midst my friend and comrade Andy Huff
He looked frightfully pale and emaciated
and appeared to have suffered mucl
$ worse than myself. We had barely tim
s to greet each other and say "God bles
8 you, contradict when we were suddenl,
and roughly seized and gagged. At tn
e same time one of the outlaws, whom a
q once recognized as the leader of the pal
ty which we had first encountered, step
r ped forward and addressed US.
q Now, cuss YER cried he passionatel
g Well make yer pay for yer handiwor
3, t'other night. Strip 'em hosses!'
y In few moments we were stripped
the skin and neither had the power to re
sist or expostulate.
T. Out with the plank!' yelled the sam
fellow. 'Fust show 'em the way they al
% going to travel
l. We were separately led to the brink
chasm near, and made to look down il
re to the most unfathomable gulf. A strea
of water was dashing along over the rocl
Z at the bottom. 1t made me dizzy to loo
al down We were then stationed fe
~ feet from the brink, with guard over 4
- and my feelings we're dreadful.
e. A plank about dozen feet long and
re foot wide, was then brought forward az
or laid upon the precipice. My blood rs
as cold at the preparations.
"a On one end of the plank two men ST.
le toned themselves.
Now drive the chap for'd!' shoute
be the leader, pointing to Andy. 10th
7e fellow shall see him drop, and then
ne follows arter him. Drive him on ths
:. hosses.' t....
= Every effort was made to move And
~ but the poor fellow continued obstiDat
VI The outlaws pricked him with their kniv
a, and beat him with their rifles, bat he I
~ fused to stir.
at Garry the man. shouted the lead
madly.
he Despite his struggles, Andy was lift
re up and carried to the plank. As the OF
d. laws led him down, they gave him vi
lent push, which sent him forward to
IN. end of the plank over the precipi'
) Andy saayed from side to side, and stru
ng gled wildly to regain his balance.
ny failed, however. and fell desperately clute
". ing at the plank. There he held vi
it: his finger nails buried in the wood.
i've was horrid scene, and my blood ru
ei. cold at the bare recollection of it.
Mt Let him go!' shouted the fend
leader. -.........
le. The men who were standing on
other end of the plank jumped off, q