Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-04-03

Bounding over broad and level space
OF ground, which led 10 small valley
lined on either sido by rough, jagged
rocks, the gallant animal struck sparks
OF fre as his hoofs spurned the light
gravelly bottom OF the gulch.
A shout of triumph, feroc'ous cry
of Joy burst from the throats of the war
riors as they somewhat leisurely fol-
lowed the broad trail.
Paul Welch did not understand the
meaning OF that hoarse indication of
satisfaction which was waited TO his ears
by the light, cool breath Of the morning.
He thought IL strange that no at
tempt was made TO pick him off with
their rifles, with which the Indians were
all armed, and turning the matter over
in his mind as he plunged deeper and
deeper into a country 10 which he was
an utter stranger, he asked himself the
question how it was all TO end.
The path grew sleeper with every
bound OF his painting steed; tho aspect
of the country had undergone dc.
cided change, and in place Of verdure
and shrubbery, rocks, gravel and over
hanging powders had taken their
places.
The rush and sullen muttering Of
deep mountain stream fell suddenly
upon his ear, mingling with the yells OF
triumph which now burst necessarily
from the warriors as they urged their
ponies forward, rapidly narrowing the
circle.
Hating for q moment on a smooth,
level ledge of limestone, Paul took q
rapid survey Of the dangers which sur
rounded him on all sides. His stout
heart all but failed him as he realized
the trap into which he had run,
On three sides OF him the painted
Sioux were rapidly advancing, while be-
fore him yawned precipice fully sixty
feet in height, at the bottom Of which
flowed the dark waters OF the stream
whose mutterings he had heard.
Now he understood the meaning OF
those yells OF triumph, realized why
they had forebore from using their
rifles. They anticipated an easy cap
ture, and victim was wanted to tor
ture, whose ashes might be offered up
as sacrifice to the spirits who were
supposed TO reside amid the hills.
This was 10 die thousand deaths, in
preference to which he determined 10
run tho risk OF being dashed 10 pieces.
On came the warriors. eager TO pluck
the fruits of their triumph, while the
officer, with hnsty prayer, plunged his
spurs into the smoking hanks of his
charger, guiding him to the edge OF the
precipice.
The warriors paused in wonder and
amazement as they saw the act. They
had calculated on the prccipice proving
an insurmountable obstacle TO the escape
OF their intended victim, and they could
not believe il to be the intention of the
white man 10 attempt the awful leap,
which to all appearance was certain
death.
With his long hair streaming over his
shoulders, feet firmly pressed in the
stirrups, his left hand waving defiance
to his foe, Paul urged the noble animal
forward, encouraging him by his voice.
until they reached the edge OF the bank,
when again applying the spur, they
made the fearful leap.
Down, down they went with terrible
velocity, without resistance or impedi-
ment. A plunge, a Hhiver, and meeting
the full force OF the torrent, the steed
was swept away, while Paul despite his
efforts was carried down the stream as IL
he had been feather.
His horse had disappeared amid the
foaming rapids, the steep precipitous
sides of the rocky cliff debarrcd him
from all hopes Of effectine a landing.
and floating on his back Paul held his
strength in reserve.
Tho Indians had disappeared; the
rough sides OF the rocky gorge and a
strip Of the blue heavens above were all
1 L. a T.
him he knew not whittier. He thought
OF his distant home, his parents, the
many friends Of his youth, his brother
officers, the soldiers under his command,
the old scout, and the murdered miners
daughter in the power Of the eavagcs.
Long forgotten facts and "reminiscences
Of the past crowded through his brain,
and he could not believe that he was to
perish in the unknown depths Of the
Black hills, his fate enveloped in mys-
tery.
A Sudden sharp shock recalled him
TO himself, A whirling eddy had thrown
him roughly against the sharp project
ing side of the cliff, and catching at
crevice. he succeeded in gaining a foot
hold. Slowly and cautiously he drew
himself up from point 20 point. scaling
the smooth sides of the gorge, until
his head was on 4 level with the edge
'kof the bank.
Cautiously he reconnoitercd before
drawing himself over the brink, but
he saw nothing that gave evidence Of
an enemy, and snce more he found him.
self in an unknown region Of the Black
bills, minus his horse. with only his
saber and one revolver upon which TO
rely.
Tho high ground where Paul found
himself gradually sloped toward the
broad and rolling prairie, forming q
succession OF ridges skirting The steep
sides of hill. A confused hum, q Low
hoarse cry reached his ears, and with
faculties sharpened by the danger
through which he bad passed, The army
officer reconnoitered the depths below,
tsnNx I'll. 4 Ill a. -