The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1870-04-21
A WINTER VHGKL.

to investigate one of the most touching
stories OF white mans endurance and an
Indians vengeance ever came across in
the whole history of the Northwest. AS
some of the more curious portions of the
official notebook of an Indian agent
transcribe the memoranda relating TO it.
Albert Black was an honest gentleman
whose adventures in search of fortune led
him away from Regent street to wander
in western wilds, and this is the way he
''put through a portion Of the winter of
that year. !
He was residing, with single compan-
ion, IN little log cabin at the Indian
village of Bella Cooda, on the coast of
British Columbia. There was no white
man nearer than one hundred miles, but
the villages of many Indian tribes were
situated in the immediate vicinity. The
winter was only half through few ma
tives came trading about the post, and AS
time lay heavily on their hands, Black
and his companion resolved to go hunting
for few days. A canoeewas according
ly fitted out with stock of provisions
and ammunition, and with an Indian as
steersman and pilot they proceeded TO
cruise about among the islands, now and
then landing and stalking deer, or shoot
ing the ducks and wild geese which assem-
ble in countless tlocks by the mouths of
the northwestern rivers IN winter The
season was mild, with but a thin coating
Of snow on the ground, so that each night
they encamped in the open air, and slept,
well wrapped up in their blankets, round
blazing log fire. Few old explorers in
these countries ever think of carrying
tent with them, and our hunters were not
! possessed of one, even if they had cared
TO possess themselves Of lis shelter. They
had been cruising abou. IN this manner
for several days, when, as usual, they en-
camped one night on an island, with the
canoe drawn up on the beach Their
provisions they built up around them, to
! guard them from the attacks Of any prowl-
I ing Indian, or other mishaps. Their In
dian pilot had informed them be was iusi
out of powder and bullets, at the same
time begging to be supplied with some,
exhibiting his pouch, which contained but
! two charges. The hunters were too tired
to open their packages, and, notwith-
standing his solicitations, they out him off
until morning. They then, as usual,
] loaded their rifles the Indian doing So
also and all three men lay down to sleep,
and all slept save one,
How long they slept Black could not
! say, but all that he remembered was be-
ing awoke by the report Of rifle A
low scream, and then a moan by his side,
/ told him that all was over with his COM
panion. The Indians place was vacant );
and before Black could become fully con
scious of his situation, he was fired at
from the dark, and u bullet struck his
thigh. He attempted to rise, but was
unable /; his leg was fractured. Instantly
he grasped his revolver, and he had scarce
ly done SO before he was conscious of a
figure crouching towards him ih tue dark
/ ness.
He Immediately fired, bat the shot did
not take effect, and his would-be murder
er rctrealed behind some rocks. He now
staunched the blood flowing from his
wound as well as circumstances would
permit, tying a handkerchief around it.
| All doubt was now at an end that the In
dian guide, tempted by the property, had
murdered his companion, and was only
prevented by the want of ammunitior
from despatching him too. All night
long-it seemed a year-he kept awake,
too excited TO sleep, though he was faint
from loss of blood. Sometimes he woulC
relapse into an uneasy sleep, from which
he would be startled by the barking of hi
little dog, when he woald grasp his revol
yer, only TO see figure again sknlk inl
into the darkness. Day light as last came
and he had now time to contemplate hi
situation. Helpless, badly wounded, "a
from white or even friendly Indian, b
was alone, with an enemy watching ever
moment TO destroy him, as lie had don
his com panion, whose CLASSY eyes glare
up at him. Provisions enough were ly
ing scattered around but none were ac
cessible as food, save the bag of sugar
and on this his chief chance of subsistence
lay. He knew enough of science to kno,
that Magendie's dogs when fed ON suga
soon grew emaciated, but he also kne,
that it supported lie for long time. :
Before night snow fell, and covered ii
dead body out of sight Sometimes |
would relapse into haIf-waking seeI
when again the ever faithful dog, wi
seemed almost conscious how matte
stood, would warn him of the a1proaC
of his enemy. 1t was in vain that Blat
j. attempted TO get shot at him and hs
it not been for the watchsulness of b
!. dog friend, the wretch must soon ha
= been able to despatch witt his knife Il
guardian whose revolver intervened b
= tween him and the coveted property.
And so they kept their dreary VIGIL
% and the snow fell heavily ard though
= !, legs panied him exceedingly. he manage
=" to keep warm in his blanket lined burro'
The Indian would sometimes disappe
= for hours and even day. apparently loo