The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1874-03-04
WALKING THE PLANK

The history of the West is one
long record of bloody aud attro,
cious deeds. Not the least in the
dark and interminable catalogue is
the little event we are now abo 1t to
lay before our kind readers We
heard the story from the lips of one
who professed-and we had no rea-
son to doubt his word-to have play
ed prominent part in the thrilling
occurrence, and we give it to the
readers just as We heard it.
Some years ago." said the nara
tor, "a friend and myself agreed to
take a tramp, hunter fashion, through
the great wilderness of the North
west. Having provided ourselves
with what things we thought actual
ly necessary, aud nothing more, we
started upon our perilous journey !;
Tor that II was perilOus we were full
~ aware, and every reader will ad-
nit.
After encountering innumerabld
hardShips and many dangers, we
fonnd ourselves in the widest kind
OF region, many miles distant from
the haunts of yilization.-Alreadv
we mad passed through enough to
have discouraged most men, but we
were young and full of blood, and
not easily put out or frightened.
This was particularly the case with
my companion, whose name was
Andrew Huff.
Both of US were perfectly healthy,
as strong as iron, and considerably
experienced in the use Of such arti-
cles as rifles, ,pisotls and bowie knives.
In all these respects we could hold
our own with the best !; had it been
otherwise, we should never have
lived to reach The point at which we
finally arrived
just about dark one evening in
the latter part of July, after q hard
days tramp, we halted for the nigh:
\ darker, deeper, lonlier solitude
than that which surrounded us, il
would be hard to imagine Silently
We built little FIRE and supper; ST.
leBtly we ate it. Worn out, and for
the time being slightly dispirited, we
Were in no humor for conversation.
For some time we sat bv our
camp fire without uttering a single
word, and almost without moving.
| was thinking of home and absent
friends. and il is only reasonable TO
suppose that Huff was similarly occu-
pied.
After the lapse Of some time, our
fire burnt low, and | arose to replen-
ish 1.-THE bark of wolfe startled
me, and ! voluntarily addressed my
companion.
Huff did not answer me, however,
but, without noticing the circum-
stance, | threw quantity of faggots
on the fire and addressed him.
Take few hours rest, Andy, and
I'll keep watch said | "and after
that you can do the same bv me-"
Still got no answer, and then |
began to notice my companions I'M
usual taciturniiy.
Anything the matter, Andy?"
said /, regarding him closely.
No answer again.
That's a little strange" | NUT
tered, moving over toward my COM
panion.
Huff was sitting facing the fire,
with bis head bent upon his knees.
| shook him without arousiBg him.
Finally, | raised his head, and at
once became conscious that be was
soundly, deeply asleep.
Laughing off the fears which had
for few moments oppressed ME, |
left HUFF to enjoy his nap, and settled
myself down as comfortably as the
would permit. /
II was dreadfully drowsy, and |
despite our perilous situation, despite
every effort | made TO the contrary, /
| could not entirely resist the over
influence of sleep. 0cca-
sionally | started up suddenly, and /
found that l had been dozing The /
last time | was aroused, | vas awoke /
by the bark of wolf Jumping TO
nv feet, | beheld the fierce animal
not dozen PAGES distant, his raven
Gus eyes glaring upon me from the
darkness. Selling up a brand, |
flung it at the rapacious monster
with all my strength. 1t struck him
full in the face, and with a terrible
howl be darted off into the forest.
Hut did not awake, did not even
stir, SO sound was his repose.
After that did not feel much in
clined TO sleep, though nothing more
was to be seen or heard | examin-
ed my rifle and pistols, piled more
faggots on the fire, and kept on the
move, my eyes and ears open for any
more nocturnal visitors.
Some time passed quietly, and |
began to grow insuiIerably weary
Every muscle relaxed, and drow-
sv stupor gradually stole over me-
My eyes closed unconsciously-my
knees bent beneath me, and | was
about dropping to the ground, when
| was suddenly aroused by the sound
Of mans voice.
"Hellow, fellers, how dyer do :"
We're the words which fell upon my /
ears, and aroused me to fnll conscious
ness
Il looked around in bewilderment. 1
Our little camping ground was en-
cireled by dozen or more brawny,
fierce looking desperadoes. 1t was Z
complete surprise, and on the spar Of
I he nlnmeni | yelled alnnd.