Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-06-09
SHEPHERSTOWN JEFFERSON COUNTY, VIRGINIA. SATURDAY, JUNE

eSS TIC uSdiil iO'Su pal 'hOA Va "'S JO'
and sorrows, or ever again fondle the
second edition Of himself.
1t was curious sight, certainly, the
like of which the mammoth trees about
them never before witnessed.
The dozen of hideously painted Indians
were gathered about the fire, whose red
flames lined the dark shadows of the night
with a crimson glow, and transmuted
ovsr-hanging foliage seemingly into the
cunning work Of the silver or goldsmith.
Towering over the trees and glistening
in the moonlight, one might have seen
"a few baby-specks that were peeping
From under their bed-Clothes OF snow"
The Balsamo Brothers had performed
before many an audience in tho East, but
never were they so anxious to excel as on
this occasion. Pride In their skill, the
wish to astonish the blood-thirsty aud
iencc, and the thought OF the woman and
child they would save eonspired 10 stlm-
ulate them.
As they sprang from the bushes before
the crowd murmur Of surprise and ad-
miration came from the braves. For n
moment the acrobats stood like marble
statues, saving alone the embroidered
skirt about their waist and the little
bracelets which ornamented the wrist.
In the red mans eye they looked like
gods-like beings from another world.
Both men were models OF physical beauty
and the light from the blazing Aame-
wreaths added TO the glamour. The half
audible expression OF wondering appro-
baton reached their ears and nervcd them
TO the task Billy cast fond look III the
direction OF his wife and child. A shiyer
ran through his heart rs he said;
"Shall ! ever see them again 7"
lie looked again, resolving to make 1t
the last. He feared to repeat 1t, for the
sight and his thoughts might unman him
at some critical moment. He turned
away, choking down his agony.
Hand In hand the brothers advanced
until directly beneath the trape2e. With
a bow as graceful and profound as they
would have bestowed on Fifth avenue
audience, they took their places on the
bar.
Lucy and tho child were seated In tho
shadow not far distant, and in full view
of the trapcze. The savages reclined on
tho ground between her and the fire. She
was tortured between the salvation OF her
child and the desertion of her dearly-loved
husband. She could not decide tho ques-
ton: strive us she would she could not
summon resolution enough 70 leave Billy
TO his fate. WhoI. she thought of that
which was more cruel than death she
dared not stay. II she could but yield her
own life and save her husband and her
Child, how willingly, she thought, she
would 90 to her death.
The performance began. AS the broth
ers passed from the simpler feats to those
more astonishing, the applause grew more
and more vehement among the savages.
A sensation the like of this they had
never known. Feats of activity and
strength appeal with irresistible force to
the wilC. men and create n respect and
veneration where the higher qualities OF
mind would fail entirely.
Most eagerly they devoured the swift
contortions of tho agile aCrobats, as their
shapely white limbs flashed IN and out the
ropes, now hanging from the bar or swing
ing through the air.
1t was wonderful! amazing! The vo-
cabulary of Indian gutterals was exhausted
in the vain effort to do justice to the per-
formance.
Conscious Of the sensation they created
the brothers, during briefintervals Of rest,
were busily employed in devising some
plan to take advantage Of 1t.
Billy hoped that Lucy and the boy, ere
this, had found a propitious moment to
steal unobserved from the camp, but 1t
was impossible to bo sure of it.
lie expected every minute to hear the
shout which woald follow the announce
ment of her escape. lie knew they could
not continue their exertions much longer.
Already they felt the strain and fatigue
which must soon be followed BY utter eI-
haustion.
"Shall we cut and run for 1t, Rilly? 1
cannot keep the mill going much longer"
whispered Dave.
There was no answer TO the question for
the next instant the Indians were upon
their feet, scrambling like mad men to-
wards their ponies, and giving ven. to ex-
carnations OF fear.
Heaven, it aeemed, interposed to rescue
the prisoners. Lurid balls OF green and
of red fire fell dying amoug the retreating
host.
Was 1t some curious electrical phenOm-
onon, with q special vengeance for their
cruel foes? for the flaming balls follow
ed them alone.
Several times they flashed quite near
tho dismayed braves, and succeeded In fill
iny their souls with infinite terror, and
the air with agonlzing yells.
Il seemed but an instant before the hoof
beats began to sound more like echoes
than realities, telling how rapidly the
discomfited red men were putting grass
between them and the haunted camp.
The acrobats themselves were startled,
and knew not what to make Of it until q
woman's laugh was heard.
Mrs. Lucy sprang into her husbands
arms. and with a woman's inconsistency
exchanged the laugh for sobbing expla-
nation.