Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-05-22
a 5tor . of tbe }nest.
AN INDIAN ADVENTURE.
4 Thrilling Tale.


mother was kept in perpetual alarm bv NV
daring exploits; in fact, as the old trappers
said, was cut out for back woodlands
wife had two lovers then; one was Har-
~ Cheverly, and the other, Mark Ruthson.
Harry Cheyerly was splendid specimen of
an American back woodsmau. with a heart
true as steel; and. to my inexperienced eyes.
he was the very personifcation CT manly ex-
cellence.
Mark Ruthsor was contrary to him in eye-
ry respect Handsome he was. but on his
face was such hypocritical expression, that
1 perfectly detestsd him. He seemed aware
of my dislike, and assuming an air of injured
innocence, he pressed his suit with the utmost
zeal.
One evening, as was riding out, enjoy
ing the mountain scenery, | approached a lit
tie eminence CT which there was thick
growth OF underwood as 1 passed it, Mark
Ruthson rode out and joined me He pres
sed his suit with his usual fervor, his hypo-
critical face looking. if possible. more repul-
sive than ever. He finally offered NE his
hand and heart. Rising in my seat, said ::
Mark RuthsOn, no words can express the
disgust feel feT You; and if you insult me
again will cowhide you sir p
It would be impossible to depict the ex-
preston of rage that swept over his face.
Jane Mannering, mark ny words; 1 will
be revengedn
Casting him glance of inutterable con-
tempt, whipped up my horse and soon lest
sight of him,
The next day Mark Ruthson left the vii
lage and went 10 one knew where, 4 year
from that day, Harry Cheverly and l were
married and, with the blessings of nv moth
er, and the best wishes of my friends. started
for the Western wilderness.
will pass over period of ten years, du-
ring which a substantial log cabin had been
built rude though it was, love made it lit
tie palace. Our hearts were also gladdened
by our little Eddy, the image of his father,
and a noble lizzie fellow.
About tbs time we heard news of the de-
predations that the Indians were committing,
by some passing stragglers, which filed Us
with temporary uneasIness, bgt our fears soon
passed away, add we regarded these reports
as greatly exaggerated or totally untrue
One evening Eddy returned from his daily
ramble, bringing with him moccasin, which
he said be had found in TIE woods. This
filled me With alarm aud uneasiuess. felt
a presentiment of coming darger.
The next morning [ mentioned ny fears
to Harry, but be only laughed at my terror.
and playfully handing NE : little revolver,
babe me defend myself like man, and then
went to the woods to his daily work. l slip
pei the revolver in my pocket, playfulIy, but
could not wholly diyest myself of my fears.
For an hour I sat on my low rocking chair
with my child a. my side, counting the mi
mute as they few, when my attention was at
,raeted By noise IN the opposite side of the
room. Looking quickly around. TO my dis
may and terror, | saw dozen Indians, evil
IDENTIFY just from war, each bearing bis bloody
scalp. The foremost advanced, sud appeared
to be the chief of the party. He approached
and would have laid rough hands on me,
when my darling boy raised himself to his
full height, his blue eyes flashing, and dem-
anded what they meant by their intrusion,
and how they dare lay violent hands on mis-
mother.
The chief paid no attention to him, but
babe his warriors bind US, which was quickly
done. and. after few moments, the chiefs
retired for consultation when seizIng the
opportunity, scratched on the waE -
Harry, we are in the hands of the lndi-
ans
The chiefs soon returned, and we were
borne with rapid. but noiseless steps into the
depths of the wilderness. The chief who bad
bound us now attracted my attention. | was
sure had seen him before, but where, cou
not say.
Three days and nights Eithout stopping
we were born away from home aud the fourth
we stopped in a small hollow, which L found
strewed with bones and skulls. While eoE-
tenplatiDg this scene with horror, L looked
up. and the Indian chief stood before me-
With a sneer over his dark features be said
in good Euglish-
Though you have forgotten me Jane Man
uering, for so will L call you, have by nc
means forgotten you
who are your said [.
Il am Mark Ruthson,' the chief replied
and in those painted features, remembered
the hypocritical face of tie consumate vii
! lain.
There was no pity in his revengeful heart
and 7 read our doom in those hard features
Do YOU see yonder tree 2 said he in
euick sharp voice Before the night you
boy will be bound 70 that tree. and his yoani
scalp be clipped from his head by my savas
friends, and you will remain, and in tho NOR
ming share his fate
4 scornful silence was his answer. Oh
how quickly the day few and the night ap
preached and just as twilight was settin
in, ruthless savage seized my boy roughl
by the arm, and bound him to the tree
| First. he waved his tomahawk over his hea
to frighteu him. but the boys blue eyes look
ed steadily at the savage in scorn' and h
cheek never blanched. Enraged at bus u
| a. ..or, ,be Indian yeised his tomshaUk Il