The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1877-11-17
A Run for Life.

CNNi liNNt, NdS w lliidHl GNIildil, vi
Kentucky.
Some seventy or eighty years ago, st
Clair led a regularly organized army OF
two thousand men into the West, for the
purpose of Furnishing the numerous In
dians who had massacred Colonel Craw-
ford, almost annihilatcd the forces of
General Harmar, and committed innu-
merable outrages upon the frontier.
Through gross mismanagement this
campaign proved far more disastrous and
disgraceful TO our arms than either OF
its predecessors. The defeat of General
Braddock, forty years before, was made
at night. The long grass, bushes and
logs seemed abazc with the savages.
Instances of individual bravery were
not wanting, and the officers mingled in
the hottest of the fight in the effort TO
rally their men; but the army was
hopelessly "demoralized,n and they re-
treated turbulently before their unre-
lenting enemies, like panic-stricken
mob.
1t was on the day preceding this ac-
ton that KEENAN, met with the adven-
ture we propose to narrate. He was at
tached to the light corps, and was uni
versally admitted to be the feetcst run
ner in that body. On the march into
than one occasion; and by common con-
sent, he was looked upon as one of the
leading spirits of the company. Unmis-
taxable signs in the woods proved to the
advancing army that they were upon
the eve of battle; and in order to give
notice of the approach of the savages
the light corps was advanced to the front
of the first line of infantry. Its senti-
mel duty was performed so well, that no
demonstration was made by the Indians,
although subsequent events almost
proved that this was the time fixed upon
for the assault.
Just as the day was dawning, and OBJ
| jects were becoming dimly visible, Ken
nan turned to comrade beside him,
and whispered in an excited undertone:
81 tell you there are Injuns in those
bushes yonder, and they are creeping up
to usw
Let's crack away at 'em, and dig
dirtp' suggested his companion, show
ing some signs of trepidation. don't
like the looks of them copper-colored
imps."
There were some twenty rangers
standing beside KEENAN, at this time, the
rest being considerably in the rear.
! None except the one referred to ex-
pressed any desire to flee, but they were
all anxious to secure shelter for them
selves.
"They don't outnumber us much,
boys" added KEENAN, moment later
$50 let's all strike for kivcr and there's
a powerful chance for fun"
AS he spoke the ranger sprang for
ward several PAGES to n spot where the
grass was unusually luxuriant, and
taking quick aim, laid the foremost In
dian dead in his track. Then, dropping
fat upon his face, he commenced re-
loading his rifle with rapidity, not doubt
ing for a second that his comrades would
maintain their position Immediately be-
hind him and support him in the skirmish.
KEENAN,, however, was mistaken in
surprising that not more than twenty
five or thirty Indians were before him.
Fully ten times that number were adj
vancing, and they now poured forward
in such overwhelming force that his
companions only escaped with their
lives by precipitate fight. Not srs-
pecting this stampede, KEENAN, was
ramming the charge home in its place,
when one flying ranger called out:
"Run, KEENAN,, or you are a dead
manp
Springing TO his feet, the ranger saw
the savages within dozen PAGES of him,
while his comrades were over hundred
yards away, running at the top of their
speed.
Not second was to be lost. Turning
on his heel, he strained every muscle 20
its utmost, and ran as he had never run
before, knowing that his only safety lay
in reaching his companions. He made
directly for the fording place in the
creek which lay between him and the
camp; but aware of his intention, several
of the feetest made desperate attempts
"to head him off" But bounding for.
ward, several of his extraordinary leaps
carried him beyond this danger, and he
was rapidly approaching the creek
when several Indians who had passed
him while he was lying in the grass
sprang up directly in hisfront, feeling, ne
doubt that the bird was caught in the
snare beyond all possibility of escape.
Making an abrupt turn to one side
KEENAN, darted away like frightened
panther, the whole horde speeding aftel
him. His astonishing f1eetness threw al
his pursuers considerably in the rear
} excepting young chief, whose speed
was as remarkable as his own. In thu
, circuit which the ranger was compelled
to make, the race between this chief ant
himself was continued for fully quar-
! ter of mile. The distance between
, them at the start was about twenty feet
and the most powerful exertions of tn
fugitive could not widen it one inch
Both put forth their whole soul in tn
race, and it would have been thrilling
sight to have witnessed this wonderful
, trial of speed.
The chief held his tomahawk aloft, a
, if he were about to throw it, and Ken
5 nan kept glancing over his shoulder il
: order to be prepared for it. The terrif
! rate al which these two ran, carries
! them so far in advance of the others tina
) KEENAN, had resolved to turn and try tn
mettle of his enemy in a hand-to-han'
; conflict, being positive that he coul'
finish him before any Others could com
, to his assistance.
Feeling in his belt for his knife, h
found it was lostl KEENAN, said, in re
lating the incident afterward, tina
this sudden discovery fairly raised hi
hat from his head. He had uncor
, sciously ahated his speed for a momen
SO that the Indian was within reach