The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-06-10

| NHhiI ~ vas tOO lO dfOiU II. HOW II
was surmounted DaR could never tell, he
only knew it was so when he found him
self bounding down the opposite side with
tremendous leaps; some of the negroes
following across the ''bergasse." These
he distanced, but the greater number kept
on around the base, and as Dan crossed
the summit and began to descend, they
redoubled their savage yells, thinking they
had him sure. When within twenty feet
OF the bottom he sank SO deep into the
'bergasse" that he lost his balance, pitch
ed forward, and rolled to the ground a
tall Lucumi some distance in the advance
! struck at him with his machete, but missed
his blow, and stumbling over Dams pros
trate body, pitched far beyond him, and
long before the negro could recover Dan
was up and away.
Before him was an open space of some
two hundred yards to the standing cane,
through which ran the narrow lane lead
ing to the open road, and about a mile
below the railroad crossing This was
the point for which Dan was aiming he
had no fears of the blacks following be-
yond the railroad. The open space was
soon passed, and entering the lane, he sped
rapidly along. The grass grew rank some
two feet deep, but his long legs were a
| decided advantage, and he widcned the
| distance between him and his pursuers
very materially, who, as they saw their
anticipated victim slipping from them,
broke out into the most savage cries,
which Dan returned with a loud yell of
! defiance.
Emerging from the tall cane, Dan
| glanced forward and around, and a quick,
sharp cry of despair escaped him. Com
! ing down diagonal path, cutting him OFT
/ from the main road, were two mounted
| Lucumis, the horses at full jump, bare
backed, without halter or bride; with
one hand clutching their horses names,
they swung their bright machetes above
their heads, and gave wild scream of
delight as Dan came out into the bright
moonlight.
The Scotchman's breath grew short
and quick-a great globe rose up in his
throat-thoughts of the home far away in
tranquil Scotland moistened his eyes-his
strength failed, and he seemed sinking to
the ground; but it was only for an instant,
and it was gone his resolve was quickly
formed he would take his chances with
the two titcy once passed, he had no fear
of the painting mob behind.
The race was now between Dan and
the two horsemen, he striving to gain the
high road ; they coming down the diago-
nal, trying to head him off Dan soor
| Ia Gzl4 "a
and he slackened his speed TO collect his
thoughts and strength for the unequal
combat. The Lueumis came sweeping
like whirlwind, wheeling their horses or
the road, one on each side of the lane
and awaited his coming. Suddenly in,
creasing his speed as though about tc
break between them, Dan drew almos
within striking distance and STOPPING
quickly, picked up a heavy rock ant
hurled it with desperate energy at one Of
the negroes, striking him full in the ches
and knocking him senseless to the ground
To avoid the cut aimed at him by tht
other by diving under his horse, come ou
on the other side, seize him by the shoul
der, drag him to the ground, wrest hi
machete and cleave him to the chin, wa
but the work Of a few seconds, and Dar
was out on the main road making for tn,
railway crossing in 2:40 time.
1t was about three in the morning wher
a countryman galloped into Bemba will
the news that the negroes had risen OF
the 'Louisa," and killed all the whites OF
the place. The town was soon in com
motion; drums beat, church bells rang
. and all hands got ready to repel an attack
the slaves of three or four plantation
having attempted to plunder the tow
several years before. There was but on
locomotive laid over at night, and tn
engineer was ordered by the Captain O
the Partido' to get bis engine out on tn
track ready for use if called fo-.
The morning dawned slowly throuel
heavy mist, and the engineer was Oh
the platform of the locomotive, with steam
up, ready to move, and, leaning on tn
railing, was looking up the road in tn
direction of the Louisa" when a tai
apparition loomed up through the fog
|, coming toward the engine at full speed
Rushing up with a last effort, it bounde
,, upon the platform, and catching the epgin
eer around The waist, 1t exclaimed 'Ah
Matt, mon, but I've had a run for it,,
, and sank exhausted at his feet.
1t was poor Dan, in most pitiabl
condition, his scanty clothing in tatters
the water dripping from his hair an
beard, his feet cut and bleeding, but n
serious wounds upon his body. He wa
at once taken care of, and in few day
was oat as strong, hearty and jolly as ever
, Dan, satisfied with one race of thS
: kind, never went back to the "Louisa,
and when he would get warmed up wit
: drop of the Scotchman's comfort,
: was good thing to hear him tell in hi
Scotch how he beat the Lucumis in b
race for life.