Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1867-06-13

il began to grow dark, and keep the rifle
in the corner, where we might seize it on
the first alarm.
One morning father went away upon
some business, expecting to be gone longer
than usual. The day passed quietly and
pleasantly enough, but Jennie and I had
only just drawn back from our six O'Clock
tea, when the door opened, and an Indian
entered.
lie was tall, muscular fellow, and
looked as if he might possess the strength
OF giant in his stalwart frame. He wore
hunting shirt of some dark stuff, belted at
the waist, and the borders fancifully en-
broidered with white beads, deerskin leg
gings flaming in all the colors of the rain
bow, and pair of wrought moccasins
AT first he stood quite still, and surveyed
us in silence.
Jennie had arisen. Her face was quite
pale, but otherwise she failed to show the
least sign of fear. She only stepped for
ward and asked
What do you wish. Can do anything
for you?"
ME want fire water" returned the
savage, looking at her steadily with
his great evil eyes.
Il have no firewater to give you," said
Jennie, ''but you can have a draught OF
milk if you like"
She placed some upon the table and a
fresh plate, and babe him help himself
This he did quite freely, making hearty
supper oft but still keeping his eyes upon
us while he ate. When he had finished
his repast he came and stood by the win
dow.
ME stay here tonight" he said; "sleep
by the fire.
mo" returned Jennie firmly, "you can
not remain
Me stay" repeated the savage this time
a little angrily. "White squaw all alone
can't help herself"
Il am not quite so defcnsless as you
Think" said my sister in an unfalterlng
manner. you have eaten and drank and
now you must CO."
The Indian brow darkened and he rails
ed his hand, but let it fall without word
and rushed out Of the house Jennie
comprehended his object in a moment
He had left his rifle without and had gone
TO bring it. With quick movement she
closed the door and fastened it.
The savage came back raging and furi-
Gus at finding himself outwitted. He
tugged and pushed at the door filling every
pause with horrid Oaths and threats, but
it was true to its trust, and did not give an
inch.
All was quiet at last Jennie took me
in her arms and crcpt closely to the wall.
on the same side of the room with the
window, so that the Indian could not fire
at us from that. / could feel her heart
beat very fast, but she whispered quietly
"Don't be frightened, Frank. All will
come right at last He will go soon"
BY this time it had grown quite dark.
Raising our heads little, we could see
the stars come out one by one. We dared
not light a candle, so we sat down still in
the gloom. After long time Jennie got
up.
81 am going to look for the Indian" she
said. "Don't stir until / come back"
She crept away through the darkness.
After she was gone all was still for a few
moments, and then heard slight noise
close at hand. | looked up and saw dark
form at the window. KNEW il was fastcn-
ed, and SO thought very little about it.
BY and by, however there was q cracking
of springs, and the window went slowly
up. hardly knew what to do. Jennie
mi sht or might not be where she could see
all that was going on. knew not where
to seek her, and dared not call so | lay
still and trembling, and watched every
motion.
The Indian put his head through the
opening first, and then slowly drew his
body after 1t. There was a rustling at the
other end of the room, and the moment his
feet touched the floor Jennie struck alight.
She had been in another apartment when
he attempted to enter, and had returned
too late to prevent it.
"Why, are you here again?" she asked
with assumed anger as the light flared up
and dispersed the gloom.
The savage looked at her a moment In
surprise. Evidently her GOODNESS and calm
ness perplexed him.
ME want fre-water," said he, after a
pause.
Il have already told you we have none -
white squaw lies. What this, them"
and he seized bottle which stood upon O
shelf, and raised it to his lips.
The bottle was full of OIL Jennie Ii ted
her hand to stop him but it was too late.
He had already received goodly portion
in his mouth, and was splitting and cough
ing at great rate.
In spite of her situation, Jennie could
not help but smile at his ridiculous mis-
take ~
"White squaw laugh another way soon, -
muttered the Indian angrily. "Pealsweep
take scalp hers and another one!" and he
pointed toward me.
HJennie was sobered instantly
do with me as you WISH" she said
earnestly, shut, oh, do not harm my broth
er. He has never done you injury, and l
am sure you cannot be so cruel."
1t was an unwise speech, for it betrayed
her weakest point. 1t told the savage
how he could best work upon her feeling
and he was not slow to take advantage of
the discovery. He Immediately drew his
knife and approached me.
"Take your scalp first" he said Selling
tuft of hair.
Jennie sprang forward with a cry of
anguish, and placed both arms tightly
around my neck She almost choked me
with her firm, convulsive hold.
"Oh, you must not Stay him. she ex-
claimed in agony ~ can die, If must be,
without a murmur, but / beseech pou have
mercy on him and consider his tender
years"
felt the hot tears dropping fast upon
my forehead. Somehow she seemed to
give fresh courage and resolution. / grew
stronger at the sight of her despair.
DO not weep, dear Jennie" said. 81
| viii die like man! Ifyou ever see my
father again give my love to him and ten
him how l diedl"
She uttered long gasping sigh. Then
as II sudden thought had come to her
she sprang to the nearest corner, seized the
loaded rifle which always stood there, and
raised it just in time to stay the shining
blade which, in another moment, would
have been down upon my defenceless
head.
''Put up your knife" she said in low,
calm determined tone. LET 1t come one
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