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

The early history OF the West Is one long
record of bloody and atrocious deeds. Nut
the least in the dark and interminable cata.
logue is the little event we are about to lay
before our kind readers. We heard the sto.
ry from the lips Of one who professed (and
We have no reason to doubt his w"rd)to have
played prominent part in the thrilling oc-
currence, and We give it to our readers just
as We heard it.
Some years ago, said the narrator, friend
and myself agreed to make a tramp, hunter
fashion, through the grea, wilderness Of the
Northwest. Having provided ourselves with
what things We thought actually necessary,
and nothing more, We started upon our peril
Gus journey for that it was perilous We we're
fully aware, and every reader will admit.
After encounterins innumerable hardships
and many dangers, We found ourselves in the
widest kind Of region, many miles distant
from the haunts of civilization. Already we
had passed through enough to have discour-
aged most Of men, but We were young and
full Of blood, and not easily put out or fright
ened. This was particularly the case with
my companion, whose name was Andrew
Huff.
Both Of US were perfectly healthy, as
strong as iron, pnd considerably experienced
in the use Of such articles as rifles, pistols
and bowie-knives. In all these respects we
could hold our own with the best; had it
been otherwise we never should nave lived
to reach the point at which We finally arriv-
ed.
Just about dark, one evening in the latter
part Of July, after hard days tramp, We
halted for the night. A darker, deeper, Ion
lier solitude than that which surrounded US,
would be hard to imagine. Silently we built
a little fire and made supper; silently We ate
it. Worn out, and for the time being slight
ly dispirited, We were in no humor for con-
versation.
For some time We sat by our campfire
without uttering single word, and almost
without moving. was thinking Of home
and absent friends, and it is only reasonable
to suppose that my friend was similarly occu.
pied.
After lapse of some time the fire burn,
low. and l rose to replenish it, when the bark
Of wolf startled me, and arose to addres.
my companion.
Huff did not answer me, however tut no,
motto ing the circumstance, threw quantity
of faseots on the fire, and addressed him,
take few hours rest, Andy, and III keep
watch" said /, land after that you can do the
same BY me-"
Still 60: no answer, and then though,
to notice my companions taciturnity.
Anything the matter, Andy9" said I, re.
garding him closely.
No answer yet.
That's little strange" muttered, NOV
over toward my companion.
Huff was sitting facing the fire, with hi:
head bent upon lis knees. shook him with
out arousing him. Finally raised his head
and at once became conscious that he va.
soundly. deeply asleep.
Laughing off the fears which had for few
moments oppressed me, l left HUFF to enjo!
his nap, and settled my self down as comfort
ably as the circumstances would permit.
was dreadful drowsy, and despite our per
ilous situation, despite every effort made t
the contrary, l could not easily resist the o
verwhelming influence Of sleep. Occasional
ly l started up suddenly, ard found that
had been doing. The last time l was arous
ed, l was awoke by fierce animal not doz
en- PAGES distant, with bis ravenous eyes glar
ing upon me from the darkness. Seizing u
fire-brand, l flung it at the rapacious mon
ster with all my strength. 1t struck him ful
in the face, and with terrible howl he dart
ed off into the forest. Huff did not awake
did not even stir, SO sound was his repose.
After that did not feel much inclined t
sleep, though nothing more was to be seen o
heard. ! examined my rifle and pistols,pile'
more faggots on the fire, and kept my ear
and eyes open for any more nocturnal visi
tors.
Some time passed quietly, and began t.
grow insufferably weary. Every muscle re
laxed. and drowsy torpor gradually stol
over me. My eyes closed unconsciously-
my knees bent beneath me, and was abou
dropping to the ground. when was sudden
ly aroused by the sound Of mans voice.
"Hello, fellers, how dyer do?" were tn
words which fell upon my ears, and aroused
me to full consciousness.
looked around in bewilderment. Ou
little camping-ground was encircled by a doz
en- or more brawny, 6erce-looking despera
does. 1t was complete surprise. On tn
spur of the moment, l yelled aloud:
"Andy, Andy, wake up"
ayes, wake up, Andy" echoed the ou,
laws, loudly and derisively.
Aroused at last, my comrade sprang to hi
feet. and the next moment was standing b.
my side.
A dozen or more rifles were leveled at u
with deadly aim.
"Yer amt goin' 10 show fight, are ye !?
demanded one of the outlaws, a brutal look