The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-01-09
THRILLING ADVENTURE OF A
SCOuTI W.
Perilous Escape from the Indians.

Summerfeld, by long and seemingly
cheerful obedience to the Medicine Wo-
mans veriest whims, succeeded in convinc-
inc ber that that he meditated no hope OF
escape. and was willing to reside with her
tribe for life. Several times she had limited
that there might be opportunity offere1,
but be stated that, as be had no friends
among the whites, he cared not TO avail
himself of it; and thus, as we have said,
she came to believe, in time, that he was
cOntented with his lot Thus he gained
considerable liberty for himself, and was ab-
sent long time from the village without
exciting any apprehensions on her part.
The other savages, however, were more
suspicious, When they saw Summerfeld
wandering away, one or two generally man
aged to keep their eyes on him until they
saw him safe back in the lodge The long
expected and hoped for time at last came.
Summerield was compelled to make the
attempt sooner than he anticipated. L..1
One morning le arose, and taking one OF
The rifles from the wigwam, told his pro-
tector that be believed he would spend the
day in hunting. She made no obj ction,
but admonished him to be on hand before
evening, as sue would then need his help
He promised obedience, and throwing the
gun over his shoulder, stepped lightly forth.
The hour was SO early, that as he gaztd
about him, he saw that the village was not
astir In fact be did not see a soul save
one solitary sSHaw, who did not notice him.
But Summer6eld was seen. There hap
pened, by merest chance, TO be a warrior
who observed him leaving the village, this
savage was his greatest enemy, and had In
suited and abused him upon more than one
occasion. Seizing his tonahawk he stealth
ily and silently followed the white man,
who dreamed of no pursuer. There was q
dem1niacal cleaning of the Indians eye
that boded no cool for the prisoner. He
seemed pleased and intensely gratjtied at
this opportunity TO carry out some cherish
ed plan of his, and it was with a triumph
ant air haIhe has-ened forwsr1 as he saw
he was trave iig very rapidly. Had Sum
merfeld seen him, he might have avoided
him; bat b. believed that no savage was
aware of his departure, and fastened on In
iancied security.
When be left the village, he had nc
thought Of attempting an escape, but IN
tended to gain still more Of the old woman'o
confidence by hi, pun;i lsl obedience. Bur
he had wandered but a miie or 50 when the
thought Suddenly flashed upon him that
the proper moment had arrived to make
the attempt? The wild hope thus sudden
ly awakened completely overcame him, and,
with heart throbbng painfully, he seated
himself upon the earth and gave way 10
his emotion. In a few moments he master
ed it, and began rejecting on the chances
that favored him He possessed good,
trusty rifle and was we'll supplied with am
munition. This was his only weapon, yet
it was sufficient to answer all purposes
And when would another more favorable
opportunity be given him? What was to
hinder him now? He would make the at'
tempt. He would have day and night
before there would be danger of pursuit,
and in that time he could place long dis
ranca between himself and his enemies. Yes,
and he would make the trial at all hazards.
He had Just formed this determination
and arisen to his feet, when he heard step
beside him, and gazing up, saw tie form OF
an Indian, whom he recognized as his dead
lest enemy. He affected no surprise, but
gazed at him as though his appearance at
this particular moment was matter oil
course He could not avoid, however, no
ticing the devilish grin that was on bis
face.
"Eh very brave, gone 10 run away! eh!'
said the savage, halting and gazing IN his
face.
Now that Symmetrical had formed the
determination, he mad also resolved that
nothing should stauj in the way OF the
attempt. Beside he remembered the
lndignities that he had received at the
hands Of this savage, ana he made up his
mind that they were at an end. tie would
suffer no more-
"Who said was going to run away {"
he demanded.
"Eh, you run away =
WHO said So, say 2
Me say so, me say so
"Then suppose | tell you, you lie"
"What's that ? what's that p demanded
the savage, not fully CO nprehending h'm'
Nothing only you lie"
''Give me gun give ME gun - said be,
reaching for Summertield's rifle.
NO, 1 thank you; ain't such fool as
that
The savage was growing furious. He saw
that his demands were refused, and he ra
ceiyed in turn insult for insult
.sYou run away ?" he asked.
We'll, yes, old copperhead that's my ln'
tention. Any objections 2 | find am
losing time palaverius with YOU, ard if yon
have got ANYTHING to say, why out with it
Snmmerfield leaned very grscieusly on his
gun, and grinned in the savage face.
"Give me gun give me gun - he again
demanded
"Well, take it then" said Sunmerisld,
reaching it toward hun.
The savage stepped forward but as hi;
band toncbed it /. was withdrawn, and
Summerfeld, to console him in his disaP-
nn;..,. nlaned his thumb on hls nose