The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1872-03-23
both earth and sky, gave assurance that


but his brother objected to- this move.
They had come long distance, and il
would not be much longer before they
would be rewarded by sight of game, in
The common run of luck, and food was SO
much needed at home when, as if to
give them encouragement, at this moment
they sspied deer just out of rife shot.
Ihls gave them new courage, and raised
their hopes of soon being able to set their
! faces homeward laden with az much ven>
isoa as they could carry and they started
OF IN pursuit at the top of their speed,
which was not very swift, for the snow
had thawed 80 much that they broke
through the crust at almost every step.
The forest through which they were
passing was very open; and, as a conss-
quence, in spite of all their caution in ap-
preaching within rife shot, the deer got
wind of their approach, and throwing
back its head, dashed off at full speed
Though the hunters were disappointed in
securing their game as easily as they had
hoped, they had no idea of giving up the
chase; and SO they set off at full speed in
pursuit, hoping soon to come within range.
This they at last succeeded in doing, but
not until two good hours more had been
spent and at least three miles more put be-
tween themselves and home.
James at last succeeded in bringing his
rife to bear upon the painting animal,
which had paused for a moment to recover
Its breath. Though usually sure shot,
he did not this time kill, and the deer
merely wounded turned again to fly. It's
strength lasted long enough to lead them
onward for half mile further, when ii
sank down, and the hunters soon put an
end to its misery.
To flay the animal, and to cut it up into
quarters was but slight task for them
and by the time it was concluded the rain
began to fall. By this time they began to
scraped away, fire hastily kindled, and
in a little time a nice steak was broilsd.
BY the time their repast was concluded
the rain was pouring down in torrents.
There was no time to be lost and so they
at once set their faces home ward. Be-
sides the rain which was falling, they
had another cause for uneasiness. BY
the signs, which they had seen for an
hour past, they knew that there were
enemies near at hand Once or twice, in
their pursuit of the deer, they had crossed
the recently made trail of the savages
and they knew we'll that if they once got
upon their track that to escape would be
next to impossible. The redskins, thirst.
ing for their blood, would follow them
like bloodhounds.
Owing 10 the warmth of the weather
and the fast-falling rain, coupled with the
additional weight of venison they bore
the crust of snow would no longer sustain
them, and they sank through it at every
step. This made their progress slow and
painful and, almost before they were
aware of it, the night came down, and a
darkness, so dense that they could hardly
see yard before their faces, sncs smpassed
them about.
For while they toiled on but at las
they saw. what had been evident from the
first, that they would not be able to reacl
home that night. So they came to hall
beneath the wide>spreading branches of 6
large hemlock, where they decided to en-
camp for the night.
At first they thought they would try
and do without a fire, fearing that th,
! savages might be attracted to them there
| py Dus AZ leoL cd dismal and bscam,
| so uncomfortable, that they at last dsci
ded to run the risk. After considerable,
trouble one was kindlsd, and they seated
themselves about it, enjoying the cheerful
warmth which it impaired to them.
| -, a..
and then they made preparations to get
little sleep. Some boughs were cut from
the hemlock. and the water shaken from
them and then dried by the fire and o
these couch was made, upon which
Walter threw himself, whils his brothe
kept the watch until midnight, when h,
was to arouse himself and take his turI
at standing guard.
Slowly the hours passed away, and a
length midnight came. James had no
closed his eyes but no signs or sounds o
danger had reached him.
1t was now his turn to rest, and, arous
ing his brother, he threw himself in hi
place, and was sson sleeping heavily
| He could have remained in this state but
short tims-to him it seemed but few
minutes-when he was awakened by hi.
brother, bending over him and shaking
him by the shoulder.
"What is it he asked, starting uE
and springing to his feet.
"Hark There are savages near us
they have seen eur light and are about t.
give Us call, There did you not hea
them breaking through the snows"
'sI heard something, but it may be {
wild beast instead of = redskin. Blu
what makes it so light? It can't b,
morning yeti''
sNo. The moon is up. There !
are those beasts or savages. can swsa
that the redskins are upon US, and NOR,
| than a score In number |"
''You are right, Walt, and ws mus
remain here no longer if we wish to keev
our scalps upon our heads. Good hea
~an1~rI Th.-