Maryland free press. [volume] (Hagerstown [Md.]) 1862-18??, 1867-02-21
A Thrilling Adventure.

Virginia, near the falls OF tue kanawha. Inc
country, at that time was an nnbroken wilder
ness. But few settlemer is had been made by the
whites and they were so far apart as to render
vain all hopes of assistance in case of attack from
hostile Indians, numbers of whom still infested
the nesghborhood. lived there alone with my
wife for several months uumolested, and by dint
of perseverance, then young and hardy, had sue
ceeded in making quite clearing in the forest,
which planted with corp and which promised
an abundant yield.
One morning, after we had dispatched our
humble meal, and just prepared to venture forth
upon my accustomed routine of labor. my atten-
tion was arrested by the tinkling of a.cew bell
in the corn field.
"There," said my wife, "the cow is in the
cornfield.'
But the ear of the backwoodsman become by
education very acute, especially so, from the fact
that his safety often depends upon the nice Guilt
vation of that sense. was not so easily de-
ceived. listened. The sound was repeated
'That," said I, in reply to my wifc's remark,
twas not the tnkle of bell on the neck of COW,
but decoy from some Indian, who wishes to
draw me into an ambtsh.'
Believing this to be the case, | took down my
old musket, and seeing that it was properly load
ed stole cautiously around the field toward the
spot from which the sound seemed TO proceed.
AS suspected, there in clump of bushes
crouched an Indian, waiting for me to appear in
answer to his decoy bell that he might send
fatal bullet TO my heart. approached without
discovering myself to him until within shooting
distance, then raised my piece and fired. The
bullet sped true to its mark and the Indian fell
dead.
Not knowing but that he was accompanied by
others. l returned with all speed to the cabin
and having firmly barricadcd the door, watched
al! day for the companions of the Infian had
killed. To add to the danger and seeming hope
essness of my situation, discovered that had
but one shot left, and if attacked by numbers, l
should be entirely in their power. Determined
to do the best with the POWDER put it into the
musket and then waited for the approach of night,
feeling sure fan attack.
Night came at last. A beautiful moonlight
it was too, and favored me greatly, as would
thereby be able to observe the movements of the
enemy as they approached the cabin.
1t was soon two hours after nightfall and yet
had neither heard nor seen sign of the In
dians, when suddenly was startled by the bay
ing of my dog at the stable. The stable stood a
little to the West of the cabin, and between the
two was patch of clear ground on which the
light of the moon fell unobstructed. Judging
from the noise at the stable that they would ad-
vance from that direction, posted myself at the
port hole on that side of the cabin.
had previously placed my wife on the cross
pole in the chimney, so that in case our enemies
effected an entrance into our cabin, she might
climb out through the lower chimney and effect
her escape. For myself I entertained no hope
but determined to sell my life dearly.
With brethess anxiety waited at the port
hole. At length saw them emerge from the
shadow of the stable, and advance across the
open ground toward my cabin. One-two-
three--great heaven six stalwart Indians
armed to the teeth, and urged on by the hope o
revenge, and alone to oppose them with on,
charge Of powder. My case was desperate, in
deed. With quick and stealthy steps, in close
single file, they approached, aud were already
within few yards Of the house when slgh
change in the movement of the forward Indial
changed the position Of the six, so that portion
of the side of each was uncovered.
They were in range and one aim would cove
ALL Quick as thought aimed and fried As tn
smoke cleared away could hardly credit what m,
senses showed me as the result of my shot, TIL
fifteen slugs with which had loaded the muske
had done the work well ; five of the six Indian
| lay dead upon the ground, and the sixth haC
disappeared.
| Although no enemies were now in sight, d il
not venture forth until morning. The re lay th
bodies of the five Indians undsturbed, togethe
with the rife of the other. Securing the arm
and ammunition of the fallen Indians followe
up the trail Of the missing one until reache,
the river, beyond which point could dscove
no trace whatever. From the amount of bloc
which marked his trail, together with an unmiS
taxable evidence that be had picked his way wit
difficulty, was led TO believe that he was MOI
tally wounded, and in order to prevent his bod.
falling into the hands Of the white fee he ha
CROPPED his way to the river and thrown himsel
in the current which had borne it away.
The Indians had killed my cow and that 20
may be assured, was no tri6ing loss, yet in m
gratitude for nay escape from the merciless saw
ages. would have made greater sacrifices.
was we'll provided by means of arms and ammu
niton taken from the six Indians, in case -
second attack, but this fortunately proved to
my last adventure with the savages. Not one
the band had escaped to tell the tale and Incl
his brethren to revenge the death of his con
rades.
"Ahr' exclaimed the old man, while the tea
gushed from his eyes at the memory of that even
full night, "that was glorious shot-the best
ever made ~
HAVE ORDERS NOT TO Go.-'Hhave order
positive ORDERS not to go there; orders that
dare not disobey," said youth who was bsin
tempted to smoking and gambling saloon.
''Come, don't be so womanish? come along lii
q man." shouted the youths
$40, can't break ORDERS" said John.
"What special orders have you got? Com
show them to us, ifyou can. Show us your o
darc