Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1886-07-08
A PLuckY GIRL.
BY CAPTAIN JAMES MoNTronD.


"Relate your experience as q prisoner,
Colonel" said the worthy's wife, as he de-
clared his inability to furnish q story for
that evening.
"You have already heard that, which is
no adventure of mine, by the way, or ut
least played very unimportant part"
"It's so long since heard it that the cir
cumstance has escaped my memory" re-
turned the lady.
The Colonel acquiesced and said:
at is pretty story enough; but the hero
inc did not consider me in the least, can
promise you. Did You never think how
seldom an adventure crosses the path of n
married man? They are either shot dead,
and there is nothing to tell, Or"
Perhaps the actors keep the story to
themselves" l suggested, "for fear of more
adventures at home"
"Well, / was party in the affair, if not a
principal, and the matter is rs follows:
"There was young man, whom / will
call Frank Tooke, in my regiment. He
was the nephew of farmer dwelling in
Missouri near the place where / was To-
Gated at that time.
Frank had entered the service without
his uncle's consent, and, indeed, against his
inclination; for the old gentleman had
'leanings' in the contrary direction.
"His distaste was not so strong, however,
but that he invited the story-teller TO ac-
company Frank to the farm house to tea.
II refused twice or thrice; but as the
farmer continued his solicitations, at last
appointed day, and accompanied by
= -fruusxy- rosao-o~Ss-tDtL tLe fssra0ss hapsa--
"We were we'll received, and everything
done 10 make the visit pleasant; but as it
contains nothing remarkable shall pass it.
"But one object of my observation was
the young woman who displayed so much
energy few hours later.
"She was the daughter of q neighbor, and
as l soon supected from several glances
/ witnessed between Frank and herself, she
had been invited by Mr.. Tookes daughters
to meet their cousin.
"She was pretty girl, with dark hair and
eyes, bright and good-natured. AS / sat
alone with Frank for fow minutes just
before sundown, he told mo all about her,
and something that seemed to interest him
above the rest-she was his promised wife.
$50 far the visit was fair as could be de-
scril,ed; but misfortune was gathering, and
soon after night set in it descended.
ut was warm evening, and the windows
of the sitting-room, opening ont upon a
long veranda, had been raised to admit the
air.
ave were seated quietly, listening, be-
leve, TO the mistresI of Franks affections
while she played a rollcking war tune upon
the antiquated organ. when l happened 10
turn toward the windows, and saw sight
that brought me upon my feet immed-
lately.
"a largo, bearded man stood upon the
veranda looking into the room. He held a
long rifle in his hands, and as rose pre-
sented it at my head.
"No resistance" he said, harshly, and
stepping in through the window, was fol-
lowed by half dozen men.
"All was excitement and alarm. The
women screamed, and old Mr.. Tooke
swore; but it was all of no use.
II had been warned before coming 10 the
farm house that n detachment of Hide
brands hushwhackers were lurking in the
neighborhood, and ut once concluded that
had fallen into their power.
They had surrounded the house, and es-
cape was impossible. Frank and myself
were soon bound to our chairs at the mercy
of the rascals
They did not attempt to plunder the
house. Perhaps they had some respect for
Mr.. Tooke's principles, but nothing he
could say prevailed upon the fellows to re-
lease their prisoners.
81 heard that after the first burst of ex-
element was over Miss Brady, Franks be-
trothed, seemed to become strangely COM
posed.
"She whispered few words in the car OF
Mr.. Tooke, and then left the room.
"The old man came up 10 the leader OF
the gang and invited him to pariake of a
cold collation. and some liquor he had that
dav procured.
"This offer was accepted mt once. and the
outlaws were very merry for half an hour
so long as the liquor lasted-but they were
careful to have guard upon us, and nc
opportunity presented itself for our escape
"At last they prepared 10 leave the house
and we were led into the yard and mounted
upon n pair of poor horses behind two pow
erful ruffians.
"The band rode off at good pace, which
was kept up until we arrived mt thicl
wood upon the bank of n river, five miles
from Mr.. Tooke's residence.
"This seemed to be the rendezvous of tho
gang, for fires were Emoldering and q few
camp utensils were scattered about upor
the ground.
"Dismounting, the horses were pickoted
and the marauders prepared to turn in foi
the night.
Blankets were furnished us, but we were
not in condition TO court sleep with any
success.
"Mercy was an article TO be expected
from the gang only so long as it suited thei
incinations; they we're liable to drag us u
execution ut the least alarm.
"Guards were st around the camp, an6
soon all was quiet.
"An hour or more dragged away. Yo,
may imagine how pleasant / felt with th,
prospect OF meeting miserable death il
| The morning.
'"Disgrace was certain al least, for woult
be carried away into tho mountains, far of