Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-06-12

themselves in thicket in the dense wood
whence they could observe the Indians as
they passed. He found they considerably
outnumbered his own force. AS they evil
IDENTIFY had no suspicion of the presence OF
an enemy, he determined TO follow them
cautiously, wait until weary with reveling
they should fall asleep, and then surprise
them after their own mode of warfare. He
deployed his men, and held them i'll Teadi-
| ness. Toward day dawn, when the Indians
had sunk into profound slumber, he or
dered the attack
The English advanced stealthily, and
were almost in the camp before they were
discovered by the sentinel, who gave the
alarm.
This came too late. The English rushed
forward with cheers, and were among the
surprised Indians before they were fairly
awake. The latter hurriedly seized their
weapons and made what resistance they
could; but this was Intellectual The stru5-
gle was sharp and brief Many of the best
warriors were soon killed, and the rest fled
precipitately, following the women and
children who escaped into the woods when
the combat began.
Merwin, as soon as he saw that his men
were fairly engaged with the Indians, called
few trusty fellows and went in search oi
Millicent Not finding her at the wigwam,
he plunged into the wood, following luck
lily the path tax II by Ninigret.
After dragging the girl ruthlessly with
him. until she tainted with fright, Ninigret
laid her down on the ground for moment
in order to arrange his weapons, so that he
might bear her away in his arms. While
doing this he espied Merwin advancing,
and, taking hasty aim at him with his rifle,
fired The ball missed his mark and struck
one of Merwin's companions. As the In
dian bounded off Merwin raised his rifle
and fired in return, with deadly effect.
Ninigret, leaping high in the air, fell dead,
pierced through the heart. The English
bore his body short distance into the for
est, and, leaving it to such burial as ma
ture might grant, hurried back to Millicent,
who still lay in swoon. They then car
ried her to the scene of battle and placed
her in one of the wigwams lately occupied
by the Indians.
For week Captain Merwin and his men
remained in the vicinity to intercept any
band of Indians that might be passing west
ward. Merwin, although often away upon
scouting expeditions, found ample time to
improve his acquaintance with his rescued
charge, in whom he was fast becoming
deeply interested. 1t was the evening be-
fore their departure for Boston. The air
was soft and laden with the fragrance OF
flowers; the lake, its surface unruffied by a
ripple, lay spread like a great mirror, re-
fiecting the luster of the full moon. Two
persons stood near the waters edge con-
templating the beauty of the scene. The
quiet harmony of nature seemed to possess
their souls, aud for time neither sp, Ike.
Millicent was the first to break the silence.
"What serenity after the strife of last
week ~
1T is, indeed, contra st this night. Let
us sit here awhile and enjoy its beauty,
said Mer vim; and, assisting Millicent to a
seat upun the trunk of fallen tree, he
placed himself at her feet
How strange it all seems Here | am
in the forest, as was a week ago, yet un-
der such different circumstances-free from
my enemies and surrounded by only true
friends"
And another week will change your
surroundings entirely and thenew friends
made now will, like the Indians, be present
but in memory. You know tomorrow We
are to leave here
81 can hardly realize it. All, Captain
Merwin can it be that shall so soon leave
Wigwam Hill, the scene of my trying life
of captivity, behind me?"
Yes: by tomorrow at this time, ] trust
you will be far from this spot where YOU
have suffered so much. This beautiful lake
will always recall unpleasant associations
to your mind, fear, while to mine it will
recall some of the pleasantest hours of my
life"
No; |. too. shall have pleasant recollec
tons of these shores The memory of your
noble kindness to me will not be eiiaced
But tell me, where do we go them Milf
cent asked, rather seriously.
1t cannot matter to you where and icy
men go but you / hope to take to youi
sister,
ITO Marina, Captain Merwin? Is my
dear sister then alive: Is there no doub
of it,
None"
as it possible? What happiness
; breathed Millicent. with tears in her eyes
+" cannot believe IT, ] cannot believe thai
l shall again see my dear sister, whom
have so long supposed dead. How did yor
| know she was alive; and why have you no
told me this before?"
because wished to surprise you JUS
before our departure. You will not de
prive me of that last pleasure. would your
asked the Captain in low voice, smiling
family. " / made all possible inquiry wher
in Boston, and, just about to depart will
the troops received accurate news of he
whereabouts"
| AZ see; and so she is safe. and we shall
meet before many days. Where is she
please" asked N1illicent, smiling divinel,
upon Merwin.
| Drinking in the sweetness of the smile
! the Captain gave her an account of he
sisters fortune and of her surroundings.
The Stantons, with. whom she is, ar,
! friends of mine" he observed rather gloom
lily.
"Ah, indeed; then it will be pleasan
| meeting all around ~ and she clapped he
hands with joy Then, noticing the Capt
aims gravity, she said. Why are you 81
sad. Captain Ne. VIM"
"Oh, don't know. l did not mean t,
be-" and he tried to smile. g Yes, thinl
l do appear rather glum-don't mind tn,
word. it is so expressive of my feelings
! You see, this last week has been so pleas
ant, we have become such good friends. anc
| learned to know each others tastes so well
and | have enjoyed SO intensely giving vol
your freedom and sharing it with you, tha
the thought that it must all end, that
must take you back to interests which
can know nothing of and have no share in
is Just little hard to bear at present. Yol
will think me selfish; forgive me, did no
mean to mention it, but you asked me-
She held out her hand to him and said
You are my trusted friend. and will b,
my SISTERS when she knows what you hay,
done for me; so do not say you will hav,
no share in our interests"
You are very kind he replied, press
ing her hand tightly in his, then droppin,
it suddenly.
captain Merwin,n said Millicent, il
turn looking grave, the past year hav
lived in an atmosphere of treachery an,
revenge; the minds of those with whom
have been associated were filled with any
thing but Christian thoughts. Unkindnes
and ill-feeling hayefsp.nd a fertile soil upo
which to thrive in their hearts bnt dee
in my OVID ever kept spot green, wher
the plant of gratitude could again gro'