The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1878-08-15

but from the moment he heard the
words Of the old hunter he mentally
vowed that he would adopt the child il
her parents were not discovered.
Seventeen years later, Madge Ran
dolph, as the founding was denomin.
ated, had become the reigning belle Of
the town of L-.
Mr.. Randolph had occasion to make a
trip to the State of Durango in Mexico,
and for that purpose Joined party OF
traders who were starting from indie.
pendence. ALI the men went well
armed, and hadmuch experience in In
dian fighting; so they felt pretty much
at ease on that score.
After two weeks travel beyond Smoky
Hill Fork, they came upen camp Of
Sioux Indians who had white woman in
bondage. Several of the traders offered
to purchase her freedom, but she was
the wife of chief who refused to hear
any propositions involving her leaving
him. The poor creature seemed partic-
ularly desirous of entering into CONVEX
sation with her countrymen, but the In
dians rudely thrust her back when
she implored to be taken back to civilized
life.
That afternoon the Indians broke up
their camp and went away westward.
! The traders had doubled their offers to
the Indians, but they would not release
their captive. The same night when
the traders were in camp, they were
suddenly aroused by the sound of ap-
,o,oooIs,,c a. Lorx,a hnaf, ~ ~ a
gallop. A few moments later and the
woman whose freedom they had been
trying to obtain, sprang from a pony,
exclaiming,-
For Heavens sake, my countrymen,
do not give me up. / have escaped but
they will soon be after me-
Z The traders instantly held council
The savages Outnumbered them twenty
to one; there was no hope of making a
successful resistance.
"Some one must fly with the woman
back to Independence-and there's not
an instant to be lost" cried several
voices. "Who'll do itT' inquired the
leader.
No one spoke; the men all had goods
upon the train and could not desert
them.
"I have no property to risk, 'lsaid Mr..
Randolph, after a few minutes rehec-
tion; emy business is urgent, it's true,
but FL take her back or perish in theat-
tempt.
A few minutes later, and Randolph
and the woman were flying as fast as
horses could carry them back 10 Mis-
souri,.
Just before the break of day the In
dians appeared at the traders camp and
demanded the woman. They were as
sured she was not present, neither did
they know where she was. 1t was not
until the savages made strict search of
the wagons that they were convinced
they were on the wrong trail; but their
disappointment was so great that they
made an attack upon the traders. A
smart fight revealed.to them that they
would have to obtain reinforcements If
they desired to capture the train, so
they withdrew and left the traders in
peace. - -
After two Gays hard riding, Mr.. Ran
-dolph and the woman reached post of
dragoon soldiers, and were given an es-
cort, who saw them safely to Leaven-
worth. The following is the story the
poor woman told Mr.. Randolph:
al was born of respectable parents,
my father being farmer in Western
Missouri. I was married at an early
age, and after the birth of a daughter,
my husband started to go to Indepen-
Jo, ~ Co. @ba y,,,ry,oco &c ar,farspor into
business, taking the child and myself
with him. After, travelling some days
we entered great forest, and before we
were'aware of it, we found ourselves sur
rounded by a dozen of Indians, who had
crossed the line on stealing expedition.
They shot my husband before my eyes,
and were going to kill my babe, when 1
begged for its life. One of the savages,
who seemed to have some authority,
prevented my child from being muir
dered, but refused to let me have it, and
it was left upon the ground to die,
while they hurried away, bearing me of
captive. The sufferings I have en-
dured would not relate if could. ]
was often tempted to destroy myself, but
the thought of rcgaining my freedom,
and hope that my child might have been
providentially found, stayed my hand
when 1 would have taken my own life.' y
Such, in brief, was the history given
by the poor woman, whose name was
Baker.
Mr.. Randolph listened with breath
less interest to her narrative, and when
she had concluded he asked her if she
remembered on what day of the month
and year her misfortune occurred. Hel
reply was prompt. She named the year
and stated that it was upon the 18th Of
July, the day being Sunday.
al shall never forget it while I live,
she continued. :" Life has only been &
burden to me SINCE"
Mr.. Randolph was satisfied that tht
mother of his adopted daughter was be
fore him.
| With some little circumlocution b,
gave an account of his adventure in tn,
forest, and stated the manner in which
the infant he found was dressed. Whel
the poor woman heard this she threy
herself at Mr.. Rand0lph's feet and wep
tears of gratitude and joy, while sh
kissed his hands.
! Madge Randolph married we'll, ant
continued through life to honor and loy
her adopted father, while she became
| comfort and solace to her uhfortunat
mother.
| Man ond Wnn,or