The National tribune., 1882-09-16


inches thick. In lOosening the oar and
breaking the chain which secured the
canoe, much noise would be made. 1t
was necessary to have two or three rails
or poles. Smith and I went out some dis
tance from the river to procure them, and 10
see if any house was near. We found an
old orchard, enclosed by dilapidated fence.
On the southern borders of the orchard we
found two log huts, but they were old and
tenantless
We returned to the river, carrying with
us three or four stout rails. AS we were
satisfied we should not be heard we set to
work regardless Of the noise we made We
found the canoe was locked or fastened in a
large slab of ice, which extended beyond it
into the swift water. We first used our sheet
ironknives and sOmesharp pointed and sharp
cOrnered rocks, and lOosened the canoe from
its icy bed. A passage-way for the canoe
was next broken through the ice to the cur
rent of the stream. We then took our
stOutest rail and broke the chain by prying
on it. l took rail and placed myself in
the end of the canoe farthest out from the
shore. Our haversacks, coats, and blankets
were then placed in it, and Trippe and
Taylor came aboard. Trippe, with the oar
in hand, launched us out into the river We
found a swiftly-rushing current, and were
compelled to row up stream. We kept
bearing TO our right, however, and soon
came in contact with the ice. which extended
ont from the opposite bank. l took my rail
and began breaking the ice. Soon l had
broken narrow passage-way for the canoe,
into which we thrust it, and it became
steady. l kept on breaking the ice and
pushing the pieces aside. The canoe was
pushed nearer and nearer the bank Soon
l could reach the low branches of q tree,
which stood near the waters brink. l held
on to the boughs of the tree, and walked
ashore on the ice Taylor and 1 removed
our baggage and Trippe went back and
brought over our three comrades"
The second day out, they determined to
try the experiment Of procuring food at
farmhouse.
ANARROW ESCAPE.
"WhiIe examining the clubhouse Taylor
noticed stable or shed about sixty yards
distant. BY going to it he would be still
farther from the dwelling, and he would feel
safer while prosecuting his search. As
last resort before going to the dwelling he
visited the stable in the hope of finding some
corn, upon which we would have subsisted
in preference to running too great risk in
procuring more palatable food. He could
find no corn in the stable, nor grain of any
kind. There was some hay or straw, and a
lot of corn-blades tied in bundles. In shed
adjoining the stable were six or seven horses
feeding on cOrn-blades. Taylor was impressed
with the idea that they were cavalry
horses, and on further examination saddle
or rig for each of the horses was found. He
then determined not to visit the dwelling at
all, as it was certain there was half a dozen
OF more men, perhaps cavalrymen, inside of
it, sheltering for the night. He then quietly
reioined us st the roadside. We had run
great risk; our escape had been narrow.
Had Taylor gone half dozen steps nearer
the house he would have walked on some
plank or slabs in front of the door; his foot
falls might have been heard by those inside,
and his presence become known. It was
manifest that good fortune was still a COM
panion of our journey. Had the plan we
had devised been followed our recapture
would certainly have ensued. Our sense of
hunger had .subsided, or been overcome by
wearness. We left the road and went some
distancesouth of it into heavy forest. When
nearly a mile from the road we halted, and
quickly spread our bed upon the ground.
We then sank wearily to rest, and were sleep
ing soandly before sunrise.
1t was on the morning of February 22d
that We had thus sought repOse in the win
terry forest OF Virginia. We had got out of
Carolina soon after crossing Dan River, and
had travelled almost due northward until we
passed Martinsville, Henry county, Virginia.
We passed about two miles to the right of
MartinsYille, and then bore little west of
north. On February 22d we were hid not
many miles probably not more than
nights march-from the southern boundary
of Franklin county, Virginia. 1t was the
anniversary of Washington's birth. We re-
membered the fact, and revered the memory
of Washington, although his native State
had rendered US a very poor and meager
hospitality, and was treating us shabbily.
The forest of Virginia, however, protected us
from her own and our country's enemies.
ITO be contnued.l