Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-08-08

WOulu !Oau tno long nine, cram III IuIi OF
grape and canister, and let drive at the
half-naked, tawny rascals on the beach,
who were now running wildly to and
fro brandishing their weapons; but
Judge of my rage and disappointment
when beheld the cowardly scoundrel
cast the briggs head off shore with all
sail set. He did not offer to strike
blow in our defence, but like the coward
ly dog that he was, left us 10 fate that
was too horrible TO contemplate.
Jumping into 8 long boat, the Indians
pulled after her. but the brig bad good
headway, her canvas was drawing, and
she soon left her pursuors lar aslern.
This event seemed TO irritate one OF
my guards, who had been particularly
active in strapping me to a girt.line
He had taken possession OF my pistols.
one of which he bad cooked, presenting
it full at my head.
Shipmate. thou ght the number OF my
mess was lost, sure. ] closed my eyes,
breathed few words for mercy. but a
sharp click tod me tho weapon had
missed fire. With a savage yell, he
threw the weapon at me; the heavy
butt struck my head, and sank to the
earth insensiblc.
When consciousness returned. the sun
had set, and several large fires had been
kindled along the beach. the very sight
OF which made my blood run cold as
thought over the horrible tales OF canni
bAlism had hesrd regarding them.
My bonds had been cut while | was
unconscious. but my head ached SO that
made no effort TO rise from tho spot
where had fallen
An old squaw graciousy allowed me
to bathe my bruised head in Il vessel Of
water, which relieved me so much that
was soon able TO stand ON my feet.
At that moment the Indian who had
acted as decoy approached me with
malicious smile, and, pointing to the
fires, informed me that we were all TO be /.
roasted and eaten. | was 10 be the first |
victim, and for that purpose had been
allowed my liberty until summoned to
dangle head downward over the brush |
fire.
What further Information the malig |
nant scoundrel might have given me,
know not, for at that moment he was
interrupted by u ferocious yell from the
majority OF the tribe who were grouped
round the fires.
With a bound the Indian disappeared,
and at a glance l saw what was the
matter.
While | had been unconscious, the
Indians had boarded the deserted bark
aud secured large quantities OF brandy
liquor which they would barter their
souls 10 possess. They were already
under the influence OF the potent draughts
they had INDUCED in, and my heart COVE
leap OF JOY as noted the relaxed vigi-
lance OF the treacherous scoundrels.
Gradually | worked my way toward
the dark spo: where my seven comrades
were bound, their wrists secured to pegs
driven deep in the ground.
A second lerocious yell escaped from
the Indians, whose dark, naked bodies
cleaned in the ruddy blaze of the fires,
until TO my excited gaze they looked but
little less than so many demons escaped
from the internal regions.
The liquor had mounted to their brains,
the eyes of the Indians snapped in wild
and unrestrained fury, word was sufli
cient to provoke blow, and yelling like
so many tiends. they rose simultaneously
to their feet.
Knives, hatchets and clubs were used
indiscriminately. and the angry yell died
away the next moment with last moan.
Engaged in a deadly and drunken row.l
knew that no better opportunity would
be afforded for flight. 1t was neck or
nothing with us, shipmate, and we
would gain life and liberty.
did not know what moment the lndi-
ans might turn upon their hapless cap
tives, and you may depend | lost no
time in gaining their side.
In ten minutes they were free, their
hearts beating with renewed hope, and
determined not to yield up their lives
without struggle.
Crawling forward through the grass.
avoiding the fitful blaze of the fires.
covering in some deep shadow as q
stray Indian reeled by. we finally gained
the beach.
II was but the work of moment to
launch the boat. The roar OF the surf
effectually prevented any noise from
reaching the ears OF the savages, and.
shipmate, imagine if you can. the jog OF
the poor wretches who had been so nigh
TO death, but who now found themselves
free, gliding swiftly away from the
,rescherous shore, where the shouts oi
The com batants still rose above the
grinding of the suri.
Again we boarded the bark, despera-
tion nerved MS on. for the glare OF the
cannibal fires glttered and wavered far
out and beyond the vessel.