The eastern clarion. [volume] (Paulding, Miss.) 1837-1863, 1860-04-25
WALKING THE FLANK.

panion. whose name was Andrew Huff.
Both of US were perfectly healthy, rs
strong as iron. and considerably expe-
rienced in the use Of such article as rifles,
pistols and bowie knives. In all these re-
spects we could hold our own with the
best: had it been otherwise we should
never have lived to reach the point at
which we finally arrived.
just about dark, one evening in the lat
ter part Of July, after hard dav's tramp
we halted for the night darker deep
er. lonelier solitude than that which sur
rounded rs, would be hard to imagine.
Silently we built "A little fire. and made
supper: silently ate it. Worn out. and
for the time being slightly dispirited. we
We're in no humor for conversation.
For some time we sat by cur camp fire
without uttering word, and almost with
out moving. ] was thinking Of home and
absent friends. and il is only reasonable to
suppose that Huff was similarly occupied.
After the lapse of some time our fire
burned low and | arose to replenish it. The
bark of a wolf startled me, and involun-
tarially addressed my companion.
Huff did not answer me, however, but
without noticing the circumstance, |
threw a quantity Of faggots on the fire
and addressed him.
Take a few hours rest. Andy, and III
keep watch" said !, "and after that you
can do the same by me-"
Still got no answer and then ! began
to notice my companions unusual taci-
turnity.
Anything the matter Andy?" said l,
regarding him closely.
No answer vet.
That's a little strange" / muttered,
moving over towards my companion.
Huff was sitting facing the fire. with
| his head bent upon his knees. | shook
| him without arousing him. Finally !
| raised his head. and at once became con
| scious that he was soundly, deeply asleep.
Laughing off the fears which had for
] a few moments oppressed me, ] left Huff
| to enjoy his nap, and settled myself down
a. comfortably as circumstances would
| permit.
was dreadful drowsy. and despite our
/ perilous situation, despite every effort
| made to the contrary. | could not entire
| " resist the overpowering influence of
! sleep. Occasionally ! started up sudden
! ", and found had been doing. The last
time was aroused by the fierce animal not
| a dozen PAGES distant, his ravenous ewes
glaring upon me from the darkness Seiz-
ing up fire brand | flung 1t at the rapa
ciouS monster with all my strength.
| struck him full in the face, and with q
terrible howl he darted off into the for
est. Hum did not awake did not even
STR, SO sound was his repose.
After that did not feel much inclined
10 sleep though nothing more wa, to be
seen or heard. examined my rifle and pi>
toll piled more taggots on the fire, and
kept my ear, and eyes open for any more
nocturnal visitors.
Some tine passed quietly, and begal,
- Erosy lnsuifera5ly weary. Every muscl,
I relaxed. and q droWsv torper stole gradu
.lly over me. Ny eye, closed unconciou,
ly-my knees bent beneath me. and Wa
about to drop r. the ground. when ! va
suddenly aroused by the sound OF a man 5
voice:
Hello. tellers. how do Yer do?" wer,
the words which fell upon my ears. ana
aroused me to full consciousness.
! looked around in bewlderment Gu,
little camping ground was encircled by a
dozen or more brawny. fierce hooking
desperddoes. II was complete surprise
and on the spur Of the moment, ! yelled
aloud:
Andy, Andy, wake upw
e, wake up, Andy :" echoed the
outlaw, loudly and dersivelv.
Aroused at last. my comrade sprang to
his feet and the next moment was stand
ing by my side
A dozen or more rifles were leveled at
US with deadly aim
Yer amt goin to show fight are We 2
demanded one of the outlaws. brutal
looking wretch, and the leader of the band
as it afterwards appeared.
That depends on circumstances - re
sponded Andy, unhesitatingly. We are
two good men, afraid Of neither man Oh
beast-and if your intentions are hostile
as they appear to be, you may take my
word for it that well give you all the
trouble we can
Yer won't now, will yer?" reioined
the desperate, tauntingly. Guess vel
have yer hands full eff yer after that sort
uy game.
We'll, what dovou want here anyhow p
] demanded boldly, fully satisfied in my
own mind that if we got out Of our pres
ent scrape, we had TO fight out.
What do ye want har ?" was the rapid
reply.
II guess the forests as free to us as il
to any one else. Don't kalzelate that
you're boss here, stranger, do yer ?'
mot" was 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 want with Us ?"
"Yer money an yer traps Under
stand that sort o'talk. don't yer?"
"Yes, we understand that you're a gang
of thieves and cut-throats p responded
Andy, fiercely; but if you get anythina
from u.s. you're got to fight for it. though
we are but two against dozen. Give EN-
a shot, comrade, added the fierce fellow
addressing himself to me. We cam
make the matter worse"
! thought so. too, and raising nv rife
Andy, and myself fired simultaneously.
Immediately two of the outlaws fel
dead to the ground, and the rest uttered
a concerted yell that sounded more fear
fully than the howl of the wolf | had $,
recently driven away.
Now give 'em the pistols" shouted
Andy, his whole soul in the deadly con
iiict
Each Of us carried brace of douhl,
barrelled pistols, which gave us eigh
shots between US, and quick as lightnin,
we were discharging the loads in the face
OF the outlaws. Six more of the brigand
lell before our aim, while we remained un
injured, Notwithstanding a number O
scattering shots whistled around our ear
and over our heads.
Now charge upon the thieves, yelle,
Andy. in stentorian tones.
followed my comrades lead, and to
gether we charged upou the remaining
hye outlaws, for that number was left. !
/ fierce and bloody fight ensued And
{ performed miracles. and did nv doubl
duty but as fate would have it, we wer
both rendered k0rs dc combat, my conrad
10y pistol wound in the side. and by
bowie knife cut in the right shoulders
/ knew nothing more after that, for tn
, ! next moment ! became UNCONSCIOUS
When | came to myself | found was II
a cave, and it was not long before l dls
covered that the cave was the haunt O
the robbers. This much ] learned .,
listening for | could see nothing Tn
r bright light OF the day seemed never L
/ penetrate that dismal cavern. 1t was tn
gloomiest, chilliest place was ever IN
and from the bottom of my heart wish
i ed myself out OF It,
| thought of Andy, you may be sure
but could see no way of finding out wha
had become of him.
After a while. an old and outrageous
ugly Indian squaw made her appearance
She brought me food and medicine and
H temporary light. OF course Twas eager t
question her.
My good woman, said | very plea.
antly, Il should like to know where | am
win you not tell'me?"
I She shook her head negatively, and I
all could say or do got no other answer
| inquired about Andy and other matter
but reached no satisfaction. Finally,
. gave up in despair, and let the old hag g
e A week passed, and was comparative
ly well
\ About the expiration of that time, tn
old squaw came to me and beckoned me I
;. follow her. Having no reason to retuS
!. obedience, | complied with her directions
y and after traversing a number of dar
llSS passages, found myself in the open al
Of Ii was a bright sunny morning, and d.
If spite my situation, inhaled the pure a