Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-03-20
trail, and we went into the bush in In

trail, and we went into the bush in In
dian file. Our progress was necessa-
rily slow, but we were quite certain of
coming up with the rangers at last.
We followed tine blacks for a couple of
hours, then one of them suddenly set
up warning cry, and we rushed for
ward. In the centre of an open glade,
We saw the body of man laid upon
the ground. Scattered around were
bits of canvas, and grains Of gold gilt
tering in the grass. Examining the
body We recognized it to be person
some Of us had seen hanging about the
camp few days previous to the start
ing of the escort. A small blue hole in
his forehead told what had happened
Evidently dispute had arised among
the rangers, and this poor fellow had
been shot for his obstinacy. We again
took up the trail and proceeded. The
made greater progress. About a mile
further on, one of the blacks, who was
some hundred yards ahead, suddenly
dropped fiat on the grass, and gave us a
warning signal. Advancing cautiously
to his side, We peered through the
bushes. Down in a hollow were six
bush-rangers, seated around small
fire. Their horses were tethered near
them, and various packages were seat
tered about. Our plans were soon
laid. We made detour and completely
surrounded them. | crept quietly
through the underwood, intending to
reach a tree, which grew about twenty
yards from the fire of the bush-rangers.
Suddenly hand was laid on my shoul-
der. l hastily turned, and saw a tall
ranger close by my side. He gasped
me by the collar, and presented a re-
volver to my forehead.
"'One sound, and I'll blow your
brains out, he hissed.
Resistance was useless, so submit
ted. He disarmed me, flung me on the
ground, and fastened my hands behind
me with a cord he pulled from his
pocket. He then went a few yards
away, to warn the rangers, l suppose.
| heard ringing cheer, shots, oaths,
and all the usual noise of a hand-to
hand encounter. Giving short and
sudden wrench, 1 got loose and rushed
forward to see tie result of the fight.
just as advanced, heard two shots
fired almost simultaneously, and bull
let shaved past my head. clapped my
hand to my left ear. Heaven. the lobe
wos shot away. Another inch, and 1
should have been killed.
".Rather a narrow shave, that said
one of the troopers, coming forward.
Il just saw the fellow drawing bead
on you when l dropped him."
Il went forward and found the vic
gers had been shot down, one of them
being Mapping Bill. Two were wound
ed, and lay on the ground, whilst one
had escaped. Judge Lynch soon set
lltu the Two pIl>oiltTs-
"We recovered all of our gold, and
made preparations for our return.
We gave the dead hasty burial, easing
them, of course. of all valuables, etc.
found pocket-book on the body Of
nv would-be slayer, and from it
CLEANED a full account of the gang.
From information therein contained,
Sandy and L, some weeks later, made a
little expedition of our own to place |
in the bush, where we found quite a
large collection of nuggets and dust
the result of many months of BUSH |
rangers life. As it was impossible to
restore the treasure TO its lawful own
ers, we were obliged to keep it. We
returned to camp; and in consideration
of our successful efforts, We received a
share of the gold. Some months later
| left the diggings, and returned home
married Mary, and settled down here.
| ought to add that l gave the trooper
who so bravely saved my life, an old
silver ring, to wear for my sake. l
have never seen him since; but if ever
| do, he shall be welcomed as a king. |
Such, gentlemen, is the story of the
''Lncky Shot"
The hearty thanks of the company
were voted to Mr.. White, for his storv,
and the company drank the troopers
health.
"You never saw him after?" asked
Mr.. White.
"Never, sir"
"Could you recognize him if you
were to see him?'' l asked.
81 can't say; he may have altered
but l should recognize
the ring Immediately"
''Then is that it?" said l, putting out
my right hand, on the little finger of
which was the Identical ring.
sit is; and you are Jack Fox"
81 am; and 1 am exceedingly glad to
meet an old friend once more"
Loud were the exclamatiOns of joy |
at this disclosure. We had fresh bump |
ers. and we caroused until the small
hours, fighting our old battles over
again.
/ accepted Mr.. Whites invitation to |
stay with him for short time, and |
must admit that spent some very hap |
py hours i'm 1.-The Travellers Rest"