The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1872-03-23

dis Orotner glanced In the direction
frem whence the sound came, and behels
but short distance away, a number of
shadowy forms gliding amid the tree.
towards them. There was not moment
to lose, for to attempt to oppose them
would be worse than useless 90. hastily
binding on their snsw- shoes, they fed
away, leaving their hard>earned venison
behind them.
1he rain was still pouring down in tor
rents, and the walking was much worse
than 1t had been when they had laid
down bnt they were somewhat refreshed
by the rest they had had; and urged on
by the danger which threatened them,
they had put considerable distance be-
tween them and their camp when the
savages reached it. They knew when
they reached The spot by the howl of dis
appointment which came to their ears
when the redskins found that their prey
had scented their approach and fed. A
backward glance and second shout told
them that the savages were not lingering
about the fire. but were coming on in
fierce pursuit.
The brothers knew that the race before
them was one for life or death. So they
strained every nerve in the fearful ordeal
before them, and with such success that
they were enabled to maintain the distance
between them and their pursusrs, and at
one time to increase it. And SO the race
went on, uutil, at length, the night was
past, and the gray light of dawn began to
light up the east, and lessen the shadows
about them.
"We must be near the river, James,
and L don't think the savages will care to
follsw Us beyond" exclaimed Walter,
who was slightly in advance, as he paused
for moment for his brother to come up.
"Heaven knows, hope not cannot
keep up this pace for great while longer -
Courage, Walter, courage! We have
done too much to fail now, and fall be-
meath the red hands of those bowling sav~
ages. Just beyond the hill yonder is the
river, and once on the other side, / think
we shall be safe''
'sBut what is that, James? Imean
that roaring sound which fills the air :"
"Only the wind and rain, l think
Quick! quick The red skins are gaining
upon us."
With every nerve strained to the ut-
most tension, the tws men sprang up the
hill. The roaring sound increased in vio-
lence until it was almsst deafening The
summit of the hiI was gained at last : and
the fugitives paused spell-bound with her
ror and dismay.
James was the first to speak.
I.G Al =.
breaking up!'
He was right. With mighty and re.
sistless force, the great mass of water and
ice came plungins along, with sound al.
most as deafening as that of thunder
The warm rain had caused the river sud
denly to rise and break the armor of ice
with which it was bound
Blankly the brothers gazed in eact
others faces. Death, before and behind
threatened them. TLey were between
the upper and neither milestone, either o
which would grind them to powder.
''Water is more merciful than the saw
ages. We had better trust ourselves t.
it than to them.' said Walter.
They sprang down the hill to the banl
of the river. Just as they reached it
shout of triumph came from the throat
of the savages. They had reached tn
summit of the hill, and beheld the wilc
rushing of the river, and felt assured tina
their pray must now fall into their hands
''There is but one chance for us, Val
ter. said James. gazing ints his brother
race land that is TO trust ourselves tc
one OF those floating cakes Of ice, hoping
that 1t may carry us to the other shore
There is good one for our purpose pass
ing now. Follow me. 1t is our onl,
| chance"
1t was fearful leap, but his feet struck
the spot be intended them TO. and in mo.
nent his brother was by his side. Th.
melton they gave the cake sent it far on
into the stream, where ii joined others
and they were whirled along with resist
less force by the current, which, to theil
great joy, they found set towards the op
posite shore. Several times they were ir
great danger of slipping into the boiling
food, but at last they reached in safety
the point desired, despite their insecur.
fosting, and the numerous shots which
were fired at them by the disappointed
and enraged savages.
Thankful for their almost miraculous
escape, the brothers sent back an answer
ing shout of defiance, and then hasteneG
On to thoir settlement, which they reached
without further adventure.
The people of Nashville are amazed al