The Shreveport weekly news., 1861-04-29

cRfrence Ike this would have banlsh-
ed sleep for the rest of the night; but
in spite Of what felt, and of the
mastering thoughts that began to
throng into my mind, the fatigue of
the days journey sat too heavily upon
me to let me keep awake. In the
very midst of unauiet and feverish
meditations. I fell asleep. How long
continued in that state l cannot
say; but it must have been three or
four hours, for when ! awoke, my
night fire was nearly burnt out, and
the moon was vciled by black and
tempestuous clouds, which had gath
cred in the sky. threatening storm.
The first object that met my eyes, as ]
looked around, was the Indian! He
was seated in the same attitude as
before, but his figure was now only
dimly and partially visible from the
long flashes of red dusky light thrown
upon it at intervals, by the expiring
embers. I started up, grasping my
pistols, which lay half-cocked by my
side. He arose and slowly advanced
towards me. was on my feet in an
instant, and as he came near, | pre-
sented my pistol; but with one blow
Of his tomnhawk, given with the ra-
pidity of lightning. he struck it from
my hand so violently, that the piece
discharged itself as it fell to the
ground. The report echoed and re-
echoed. peal upon peal. through the
surrounding forest. endeavored to
possess myself of the other, when he
sprung upon me, seized me by the
throat, and with his right hand held
aioft his murderous weapon. Expect
ing the fatal blow to fall, l made signs
of submission, and both by my ges-
lures and looks implored his mercy.
He surveyed me for an instant without
speaking, and then quilted his hold,
and stopping down took up my remain
ing pistol. which he discharged in the
air. l saw, by the quick glances of
his eyes, that he was looking about to
ascertain whether l had any other
weapon of defense. and I signifod
that | had not He now lighted the
pipe of his toinahawk by the cui,ers,
gave two or three putfs himself, and
passed it to me; l did the sans; and
from that moment | knew l was safe
in his hands. The symbol Of peace
and hospitality had been reciprocated;
the pledge of good faith had been
given which no Indian ever violated.
Hitherto not word had been spo-
ken. / knew none of the Indian
dialects, and / was aware that each
nation had a language or vocabulary
of its own, which, though possessing
some common attinities in nei@hboring
/ tribes, was often so dissiInilar, that
| they We're frequently obliged to carry
on communication with each other
through the medium Of interpreters
While, however / was considering
/ how / should make myself understood
or comprehend the intentions Of my
mysterious visitor, l was both sur,
prised and delighted to hear him ad,
dress me in very good English.
The storm clouds are collected il
their strength" said he looking 70,
wards the sky Get ready. Fol
! low me-
You speak my language l ex
claimed.
You hear 1 do, Ge, ready, ant
follow"
"Whithcrr
He made no answer, bu. walked
some PAGES off, in the direction h'
would go, and then stopped as if wait
ing for me. l obeyed. In few
minutes my travelling ugnecessaries Were
collected, my horse saddled, and l o.
his back ready to proceed, whicl
when he saw, he immediatel Y "ntercc
narrow hunters path that led int
the thickest par; Of the wood. |
, soon became so dark that | could no
See my guide. and he turned back t.
t take the bride Of my horse in hi
t hand. With an unerring and rapi
step hr kept the path, and with I'll
eyes OF lynx he discerned its cours
3 through the intricate windings of til
5 forest. He did not speak; and wa
: too much absorbed in conjectures a
e to what might be the issue of thi
d singular adventure, to seek frivolou
/ discourse, while | knew that any al
:, tempt to anticipate the Issue by iue'
:. tions would be futile. Besides, Il
i fear for my personal safety being a
: layed, could hardly say that / no.
n felt wish TO forego the conclusion {
r business which had commenced :
It romantically. We had proceeded
= this manner about two miles, whel
Il the Indian suddenly stopped; and ii
s. next moment | was startled by ii
V report of his musket, which was 70
/ lowed by loud howl or yell. b
a fore l could enquire the cause
e what l heard, l was thrown to II
d ground by the violent rearing al
J. plunging of my horse; but soon +
d covered my feet, and was then enabl,
,r to perceive by the faint glimmerir
e of the dawn which now began to pen