Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-12-18

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much more the Indians may murder you.
Only keep up your spirits, and make as little
noise and trouble as possible, and something
may turn up to save us yet. But don't cry 1t
makes the Indians whip you, and may make
them Kill you. Remember God is here as
everywhere, and he may befriend US YETI
For awhile the children would hush their
lamentations and hurry along. AT last the
shades Of night began to gather thick and fast.
"Night is coming on" mentally muttered
the poor woman, ssand then the savages must
stop and rest awhile. Then will 1 make an
effort to save myself and my children; and
may the Lord strengthen me for the trial, for
the effort is no easy one, and may preciptate
our fate. But We might as well die that way
as any other; and God knows, We may escape
the butchering knives of our captors. Come
what may, however, l am resolved to make
the attempt"
Darkness had now set in, and the Indians
halted and built fire, aronnd which they
gathered "a circle. They then bro't out their
corn and venison, and after properly preparing
the food, ate their supper. Meanwhile Mrs.
Davidson and her children had been Iashed
hands and feet, and tied to the trunk of trees
just outside the circle. Not a morsel of food,
however was given them ,and the poor creatures
were sick for the want OF nou rshment. They
bore it as long as they could, but at last began
to beg for something to eat, and received in
return blows and threats of the m ost fendish
character.
scribe, the mother was forced to look on.
ssFor God sake my children, ask for nothing !"
She frantically whispered to them.
After eating their supper, the Indians took
a smoke, and then stretched themselves out
on the ground with their feet towards the fire,
and went asleep, one of their numbers being
delegated to watch the prisoners and replenish
the fire during the night.
"God help us, all hope of escape is past,
forever past!" mentally calculated Mrs. Da-
wilson.
Bound and guarded as they were, well
might she give up in despair at the hope of
escape. Time passed away, and at last even
the poor captive children sank into dtful sIum-
Der. The anxious mother, however. felt no
inclination to close her burning eyes. Her
mind was too busy and her nerves too excited.
With straning eyes she watched the dusky
sentinel as he kept his silent guard.
At length the fire began to shoulder, and
the redskin stepped toward the edge of the
forest-the camp was little clearng-to get
some sticks. Mrs. Davidson watched him like
a tiger. Suddenly, the savage stopped
down to the ground, something sprang out
from the darkness among the trees and quick
ly pounced upon his back. But the faintest
noise-a slight scuffle, it might be-dslurbcd
the stiffness for a moment, and then all again
was silent ever.
sMy God, what does it mean ?'' cried the
bewildered woman.
ssMother, not a word, or sound, for your
life 20 suddenly came from behind her, in
deep but clearly whispered tones.
Notwithstanding the caution, Mrs. Davidson,
who instantly recognized the voice, was abont
to utter a sudden exclamation. The shock
was almost too much for her heart and brain,
and the poor creature came very near running
everything.
ssNot a sound, mother 20 was again quickly
whispered from behind, though no one was to
be seen anxiously as she peered into the dark
ness.
BY strong effort Mrs. Davidson choked
down her emotion.
go, Charley is that you l'' she inquired,
moment afterwards, in low, deep aud tremu-
lous whisper.
Mrs. Davidson turned her head the other
way, and in the light OF the camp fire beheld
several men creeping out from the edge of
the forest one after the other. In the red
light of the fire she could see them plainly.
There were six OF them and they were whites.
Oh how that anxious woman watched the
scene before her Oh how her heart thumped.
and her brain throbbed, at the unexpected
sight.
With cat like movements the cautious whites
circled around the unconscious SavageS. Then
five of the number placed themselves right
above the sleeping redskins-who stirred not
a limb, so little noise was there 10 disturb
their deep slum mber-and pointed the muzzles
of their rifles directly at their breasts. The
next moment the sixth of the party whispered
the word Hfire,' and the report of the five
rifles broke simultaneously upon the still air.
Not redskin breathed or lived afterward, the
reader may feel certain.
The loud noise woke the sleeping captives,
and the glad cries Of the mother and her
toll fol- ba dpa dap tat
of the rifles. At the same moment Charley
darted from his hiding place, and rapidly
severed the thongs which bound the poor pris-
oners.
.sWe are saved thank God we are saved 20
cried Mrs. Davidson, as she sank down on her
knees, and clasped all three of her children to
her wildly beating heart. Oh who shall de-
boundless Joy over, the whole party started
forward to retrace their steps to the nearest
settlement, where Mrs. Davidson and her
children ever after remained.
In conclusion, it is only necessary to say
that Charley, who was not killed as represen-
ted by the Indians, succeeded in making his
way to the station to which the captves were
afterwards taken, and from whence he had
started out with the party who had finally
effected the deliverance of Mrs. Davidson and
her children. OF course the reader under
stands that it was one of the borderers who
bounced so suddenly upon the Indian sentinel,
and by a we'll aimed blow ,silenccd his tongue,
and prevented him from alarming his compan-
IONS On the successful accomplishment OF
that critical feat in great measure depehueo
the rescue of the captives.
Subsequently, search was made for the body
of Mr.. Davidson, but nothing was discovered
but few dry and feshless bones, the beasts
of prey, without doubt, having devoured all
the rest.
The rapid accumulation of munitions OF war
at Cairo is Indicative of active Operations.