West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1882-03-03

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foot hurried him of to General Harmar's
headquarters. There he was loaded with
letters and chains, and placed in close
confinement.
For q short time he endured this igno-
miny without murmar; but it soon grew
too intolerAhle to be longer borne by a man
of such restless and unfettered sPirits.
He sent to General nsrmsr and requested
a visit. When the General went, Wetzel
told him that he had shot the Indian. but
did not want TO be hung, as that would be
too confining, and would be attended with
something OF disgrace. He then asked as
a favor that General Harmar would deliv-
er him up TO the Indians, where he might
die like a man. lie said that the Indians
might form in a hollow ring, and place
him with a t%omahawk. Then let him aud
them fight ii out the best way they could.
The General looked at him o moment in
mingled wonder and admiration, for he
saw that Wetzel meant what he said, and
would willingly fght the whole North
Western C~ODfederscy of Indians rather
NAAh AAo III II hbbbhCog Nbh-
fined in a smothery room. Il am HI OH
Ger appointed by the law" said General
Harmar, "and | must be governed bJ the
law. The law does not authorize me to
make such a compromise; therefore, j
cannot grant your request" The General
then took his leave, and the restless man
was left chained down to the floor of his
cell.
He endured it a few days longer, and
again sent for General Harmar, and told
him that he was used TO a life of freedom,
and told him that he could not live much
longer in coninement-that If he were
not unclaimed aud allowed some room to
walk about in, he would be dead in a few
days.
The General, probably ashamed OF him
self, ordered Wetzel unbound, all but his
handouts; and allowed him to walk about
the grounds nnder the keeping of strong
guard.
No sooner had Wetzel gotten into the
open air than he began 10 dance and run
about in a gleefu! manner, playing and
tantalizing his guards. He would start ufT
as though trying to escape, and when the
guards started In pursuit, he would turn, !
walk back, teasing and laughing at them.
No sooner would they become settled than
another dash in the direction of the woods
would induce them TO follow, thinking
that he was surely Try ing TO escape. He
would stop and leisurely walk back. Thus
he annoyed and worried them till they re-
fused to pay any more attention to him.
He continued the sport, and it was begin
ming to grow monotonous, when be sur
denly started at full speed for the woods.
His guards did Lot notice this change In
bis tactics till he had well nigh reached
The thicket. rhey then caught up their
guns and hred at him. All missed, and
he reached the woods. a motley pack of
Indians and Hsrnar's myrmadous were
bowling at his heels.
He knew the country well, and could he
ave gotten free from his nehacles he
would lave great advantage over his pur-
suers. AS it was he got out of sight of
them end ran into the denest forest be
could find. He concesled himself under
a log and awaited results.
AS coon as Ha.mar knew of MS fight
he set nearly all the soldiers and indians
OF the iert aud camp qpon his track.
They travelled the wood in every direction,
and no could hear them yelling and bel
lowing on all sides. Nor, WIS this all.
lie had scarcely become settled in his
cOncealment when two Indians made their
appearance. They Teie following his
trail. They stood on the log over him.
He heard them, but could not see them.
They talked Of how they would drsg him
back TO camp. lie expected nothing but
discovery. Had he been unbound he
would have made his Own terms with tie
Indians. But he was entirely defenseless
and could ,nly wait and hope. The 10
dams moved on. He again breathed free.
His pursuers 6ere several times in sight.
and be could see them securing the thick.
ct, frequently passing near him.
As darkness cane o., the woods became
quiet, ana he resumed his fight. But
where to 90 was the question. He did not
apply for assistance to any person on the
Ohio side of tAe river; for be snew not
whether they would be friends or enc
mics. he had plenty Of friends on the
Virginia side, but to Gloss the river, bound
and lroned, was the difficulty. He was a
good swimmer, but was afraid 10 risk the
water without the use Of bis hands. He
was aware that guards would be placed Al
every point where he might obtain a ca
noe, and, therefore, be carefully avoided
such places. BY q circuitous route he
reached the Ohio three or foue miles be-
low The fort,
On the opposite shore he had a friend
named Wiseman, in whom be could con
ode. When be reached the river he OIL
served his friend listing on me other bank.
Fearing TO call, lest be should alarm hjs
enemies, who might be, he knew not how
near-ho attracted Wiseman's attention
BY splashi6g The water and waving bis bat.
His friend came 10 bic rescue, aud carried
him across the river. BY the ei5 Of a file
and BANNER The handouts we're removed.
wE1zEL R~EcAYruRgD BY GIN HARHAE.
ne remained ,hst night with Wiseman,