The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1875-12-17
MI isc lila N @ O us.
SMOKED OUT
A SCRAP OF HISTORY.

Nearly hundred years ago, when the
settlements on the eastern shores of the
Monongahela were yet quite fresh, the peo,
gang of robbers, who habitually stole their
horses, cattle, farm products, and who even
became so aggressive as to strike down a
solitary traveller in the lonely country
roads. and rob him of whatever articles OF
value he Glanced to have in his possession.
For several years, the frequent depreda-
tions of the bandits were u source of terror
to the industrious people who ielled the
heavy timber and titled the fertile soil
along the river shores. They were unseen
and unknown, and the secrecy of their
movements, together with their evident
knowledge of everything that transpired
in the settlements, increased the awe in
which they were held.
The Indians had barely departed-in.
deed, few friendly ones still remained
and the new enemies of the settlers denied
them the peace and security to which they
had looked forward. At the time of which
| write there lived near the mouth of Cats
Run, which empties into the Monongahela
about ninety miles from Pittsburg, an In
the shores of the "Falling-in- bank River"
as the name signifies in the Indian tongue,
and who was very friendly toward the
whites. But there were persons in those
days who "hated the sight Of an Indian"
and who in this case went so far, in the
exercise Of their prejudices, as to suggest
that Deerioot dwclt among the settlers as
a spy and informer, and that his own peo-
pie, directed by him, came from beyond
the river on maraudlng expeditions.
Popular feeling arose against the Indi-
an, and some of the more impulsive of the
settlers recommended that he should be put
to death. 1t was urged that his actions
were suspicious; that his manner was more
than usually reserved of late that he fire.
quently absented himself from the neigh
borhood for several days at II time, al
though liberal mind might have account.
indulge his native propensities of hunting
and fishing. 1t was also known that lie
owned canoe, which lie kept moored in
IL secluded place in the Run, little way
from the river, and it was limited that he
used it in making nocturnal visits to his
people on the western shore.
These things were secretly discussed for
some time, and one summer afternoon,
when Deerfoot visited little grocery or
trading-place by the river, about mile
above Cats Run, he found party of
young men collected there, who accused
him of completely in the frequent robbie
ries. He denied the charge, but evinced
no signs of surprise. Regarding this as q
significant circumstance, the young farm
ers seized the Indian, bound him with q
rope, and endeavored by threats of hang
ing, to extort confession from him.
"Deerfoot is not guilty." was his only
response.
He was held in custody for hours, and
subjected to various indigniti,s; but he
persisted in denying any participation in
the robberies. The older settlers, learning
of what was going on, began to collect at
the grocery, and they were disposed TO
proceed with less precipitation. At their
instance, Deerfoot was unbound, though
enjoined to remain awhile to be quest ION
ed.
This humane course incensed some of the
more impetuous of the young settlers, and
led to words that threatened bloodshed.
Among the most elamorous for the death
of Deerfoot was tall, muscular young
man, named Gibben. He was so cnraged
that he uuarreled bitterly with an old In
dian-f fighter, named Barton, who had faith
in the innocence of Deerfoot. SO bolster
Gus did he become in his vituperations,
that the others ceased their warm discus
sons to listen to him. He had his rifle,
which he fourished in threatening man.
ner to give force to his angry expressions,
and the calm demeanor of Barton, who was
also armed with rifle, only increased his
rage.
"It'sa shame!' vociferated Gibbcn-"it's
shame to let this robbing and plumber.
ing 60 on, when we have it in our power
to stop it, and all because of the interior,
ence of you old simpletons !"
"You have no proof that Deerloot has
anything to do with the stealing, and yor
shan't harm him till you have" replied
Barton.
81 won't ask you whether 1 may or not
If the rest won't help me, I'll kill him my
self"
"Oh, no! You won't do that" rejoinet
Barton, quietly.
II will p exclaimed Gibben, his fac,
dark with rage. "He shan't leave her
alive"
He cooked and leveled his rife at TIN
Indian, who stood unmoved q dozen fee
from him.
The scene was an exciting one. Severa
who stood near the Indian scattered quick
ly, lest they should receive the bullet b,
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