Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1878-07-11

destination the tribes, which were six in mum
ber separated, each taking one of the white
prisoners. After that separation Raines new
er saw or heard from any OF his companions
except his uncle, whom he heard Of once Or
twice through the neighbOring tribe which
held him. For one year Raines was carefully
guarded and never permitted to go beyond
The limits of the village. He was stripped
and looked upon as the greatest curiosity and
wonder they mad ever beheld. Heis satisfied
from the geographical situation of the coun-
try that he Was IN the same region explored
by Livingstone and often heard the natives
speak of him Is being like the traveller who
had been there before. After being with the
tribe about four years and learning their Ian
guage, habits and customs, and most horrible
of all, learning that they were cannibals, he
began to lose all hope of ever escaping. But
at last opportunity offered. His tribe began
4 warfare upon an adjoining tribe, and he
was permitted ts go with them, armed with
his wooden spear and javelin and dressed IN
his suit Of camels hair. On the occasion of
this warfare, though not permitted to fight In
the front with the braves, he distinguished
himself in taking many prisoners, which was
almost as great an honor. After that, he held
the confidence of his capturers and Was allow
ed many liberties. He would go off hunting
and remain day and next time stay little
longer, until he could be absent three or four
days without exciting suspicion. Then was
his time to escape aud he knew it. Taking a
southern direction he started, hoping to reach
Cape Town. The first day he travelled on
camel, but so great was his anxiety, he urged
it forward with such speed that il expired
before the day was done. The rest OF the
journey he performed on foot and arrived at
was again free, after captivity of more than
seven long years among savage cannibais
He had lost al note of time, not even know
ing the year. He recollected however, the
date of his shipwreck and ascertaining the
date of his arrival at Cape Town correctly
computed the time. He still wore his camefs
hair suit, and his whiskers and hair reached
half way down his body, and were terribly
matted, not having been combed once during
seven years.
After being cared for for months by the
American consul at Cape TOwB, ships ar
rived and he was given passage to San Fran
cisco. Previous to his departure he sold his
camel's hair suit for $lS and bought second
hand suit of clothing for six dollars. He
made his escape just one year ago. At San
Francisco, the Government furnished him
transportation to Cincinnati, and from there
ne made MS way Win his Si2 IN money. he
now expects to make an effort to rescue bis
uncle and companions if they are still living.
The saddest part of the history is that his
wife supposing him to be long since dead
was again married three years after he left
home. A prominent citizen of st. Clairsville
is her present husband. Like true Enoch
Arden, Mr.. Raines intends to let her choose
which one she will have, and abide her de-
cision. He will not go to her, but will send
friends to break the news. He came here to
see t. II. Anderson, Esq, who knew him
well before he left home and is satisfied of
the truth of his narrative of adventures. He
went to st. Clairsville Monday evening when
his wife refused to see him or to leave her
present husband with whom she said she was
happy. Mr. Raines then turned his back on
old scenes and closed his heart to old memo
ries and went his way.