Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-02-01
.C4IApTFsTOWN. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY /, 1866 .
I" Injins About"

About the year 1882 and '3S there lived q
family of some note on the Gaudaloupe river,
in Western Texas Among them were several
young ladies Of. the upper-tendom Of those days
sensible looking creatures, happy as larks,
and always full of fun and mischief. 1t hap
pcned that among fifteen or twenty young men
residing in that section there was one by the
name Of Miller, surly faced, grizzly haired,
chufy and moon eyed chap, who became wo-
fully smitten with tAc most charming Of the
aforesaid young ladies-who, of all the buck
skins in the wilds Of Texas was most unlikely
to be successful diplomatist in matters where
the gentle sex were to be consulted, won and
wed.
His visits became less like those Of Angels
first once a month, then doubling to twice
month, and once a week-"and soon" said the
old man, (" this amber splitting, deer killing lel-
low was almost everyday forcing his company
on poor Betty"
Many jokes at herexpense followed, of course,
and she resolved, after suffering under them
for a time to get clear Of her admirer or quit the
rancho herself.
An opportunity offered on the following
Sabbath. 1t being watermelon season, and
Betty's father having fine supply, all the
youngsters for miles around assembled there
on the holiday to feast on melons. NJ. was
prominent in the circle until afternoon. Betty
had private interview with the young men
and arranged that NJ. should be decoyed from
the house and frightened by the cry of 'In-
dians," from some of his comrades, which would
wound his pride and drive him away. a swim
in the river, some three hundred yards distant,
was proposed by one and seconded by several,
of course poor NJ. was in. aE
They went to the ford near the melon patch,
and began undressing. In the meantime eight
or ten others, with guns, had gone down under
cover of the bank, and secreted themselves a.
long the path from the bathing place to the
house. The company with Miller were in fine
glee, and in going down spoke of the recent
outrages of the Indians, their increased bold
ness, &C., thus exciting the anti-combative
bumps of Miller to the highest pitch.
"Now boys" said one, "who'll jump into
the river frst?"
"I'll bet I'm first in" said Miller, by Josh
Tn first with the gals--in course I'm first
here"
OFF went coat pants, shoes, socks, &C. Just
as Miller had dohed evrything, but his short
red flannel shirt-bangi bang bang! why-o-
wo-yal bang! went two, three and four more
guns-loud and more shrill rose the terrible
warhoop in the dense brush under the bank.
"Oh, Lord I'm dead man, groancd James
Simpson.
My leg is brokenl Oh, save mel" shrieked
George Williams.
"Ru1rf for lie, men run, for mercys sake,
run !" cried Jack Parson, one of my eyes are
out, and both legs broken"
All was said in an instant-do you see that
red blaze along the path? Look moment
what velocity That jagged hair all straight
out behind-that is Miller streaking for the
house. shirt and all--see him turn the corner
of the field, by the ethicket-bang bang went
half dozen pieces and louder than ever rose
the bideous war cry.
ooh, Lord grunted Miller redoubling his
speed, the red blaze getting larger, and punches
of his bushy hair dropping out as he spread
himself-see him leap the yard fence, high in
air, red shirt and I'll;
The porch was full of ladies--off went two
or three more guns-M.> glanced at the ladies
and then at his short flannel shirt.
"Run for your life, NJ! screamed Betty "the
house is full of Indians father is dead and
brother Sam is wounded. Run speed |"
In the twinkling of an eye NJ. was out of the
yard, and supposing the premises surrounded ;
off he shot-the red blaze more brilliant than
overland striking directly for the thick,
tbornv bottom, he reached and swan the river,
and although it was nearly sunset, NJ. got into
a settlement fifty miles distant to breakfast
next morning, still retaining the sleeves and
collar of his red shirt, and reported all the fam
lily, visitors, &C., among the slain. AS for
himself he said he had fought as long as fight
ing would do any good
1t is unnecessary to inform you whether OF
not Betty was ever troubled with NJ. after that
snap.
IT., It-o,.is NIrrr A. Co,-etous nponle often