Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-08-31

Come what may, however, 1 am resolved to
make the attempt"
Darkness had now set in, and the Indians
halted and built fire here, around which
they gathered circle They then brought
out their corn and venson and after properly
preparing their food, ate their supper Mean
while, Mrs. Davidson and her children had
been tied hands and feet, aud lashed to the
trunks 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
some such nOurshment. The children 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 most fiendish
character. With an anguish no pen could
describe, the mother was forced to look on.
"For Gods sake, my children, ask for
nothing" she trantically whispered. After
eating their supper, the Indians took smoke,
and then stretched themselves out on the
ground, with their feet turned towards the
fire, and went to sleep, one of their number
being delegated to watch the prisoners and
replenish the fire. "God help us all hope
OF escape is past-forever pastp mentally
calculated poor Mrs. Davidson. Bound and
guarded as they were, well might she give up
in despair
Time passed away, and at last even the
poor captive children sank into fitlul slumber.
The anxious mother, felt no inclination to
close her burning eyes. Her mind was too
busy and her nerves too excited. With strain.
ing eyes she watched the dusky sentinel, as
he kept his silent guard. AT length the fire
began to shoulder, and the redskn stepped
towards the edge of the forest-the camp was
little clearing-t0 gather some sticks. Mrs
Davidson watched him like cat.
Suddenly, as the savage stopped down to
the ground something sprang out from the
darkness among the trees, and quickly pounc-
ed upon his back. But the taintest noiae-a
slight scufilo, it might be-disturbed the still
ness for moment, and then all again was
deadly silent. "My God, what does it mean 90
cried the bewildered woman.
Mother, not word, or sound for your
life - suddenly came from behind her, In deep
ly whispered tones. Notwithstanding the eau
ton, Mrs Davidson, who instantly recognized
the voice, was about TO utter a sudden eXcam-
alton. The shock was almost too much for
her heart and brain, and the poor creature
came very near running everything. "Not a
sound, mother!' was again quickly whispered
from behind, though no one was to be seen,
anxiously as she peered into the darkness.
By a strong effort Mrs. Davidson checked
down her emotion.
80 Charley, is that you? z" she inquired, a
moment afterward, in a low, deep, and tremu
lous whisper. Mrs. Davidson turned her head
the other way, and in the light of the camp
ire 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 plain
ly. There were six of them, and they were
white men.
Oh! how that anxious woman watched the
scene before her Oh, how her heart thump
ed, and her brain throbbed at the unexpected
c,.,l,t Al
whites circled around the unconscious say.
ages. Then five of the number placed them
selves right above the sleeping redskins-who
stirred not limb, so little noise was there to
disturb their deep slumber-and pointed the
muZzles of their rifles directly at their breasts.
The next moment the sixth Of the party wills.
pered the word "fire, and the report OF the
five rifles broke simultaneously upon the still
air.
Not a redskin lived or breathed afterward
the reader may feel certain. The loud noise
woke the sleeping captiyes, and the glad crios
of the mntlor and her cnlIuren quickly follow
ed the deep detonaton OF the rifles AT the
same moment, Charley darted from his hiding
place, and rapidly severed the thongs which
bound the poor prisoners.
eve are saved thank God weare saved!''
cried Mrs Davidson, as she sank down on her
knees, and all three of her children to her
Wildly DeaunR neatt. OH! VINO Shai describe
the scene The first burst OF their 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 represent.
ed by the Indian, succeeded in making his
way TO the station to which. the captives were
afterwards taken, and from whence he had
started out with the party who had finally eff.
tected the deliverance OF Mrs. Davidson and
her children.
OF course the reader understands that it was
one OF the borderers who bounced so suddenly
upon the Indian sentinel, and by wellaimed
blow silenced his tongue, and prevented him
from alarming his companions. On the sue
cesstul accomplishment of that critical feat in
a great measure depended the rescue of the
captiyes. Subsequently, search was made for
the body OF Mr.. Davidson, but nothing was
discovered but few dry and feshess bones
the beasts of prey, without doubt, having
devoured all the rest.