Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1889-04-04

the creek where they were now lying IN
wait for chance to shoot down the IN
mates of the cabin.
That the Indians had not killed her
when they had the opportunity was a
source of thankful wonder. 1t could not
be, she believed, that they had not seen
her, but they must have thought them
selves undiscovered. Thus she specu-
lated in fear and excitement.
Through an opening in the front WIN
dow her eve took in the broad eXpanse
of the Mississippi beyond the ambush OF
the sayages. Suddenly there came into
view, not mile distant, the well-knowD
sail of the Jdteau.
Her first feeling was one of delight;
but almost instantly the true situation
flashed upon her and she realized the
purpose Of the ambush. A deadly fear
for her trapper friends seized upon the
brave woman's mind.
She saw it all now The Indians had
discovered that sfil away down the river,
and knowing where the boat would land
they had, after their cunning and
treacherous fashion, stolen back to lie IN
ambush for the unsuspecting boatmen.
She had not been seen ON her excursion
to the SPRING because the Indians were
intent upon other victims.
She kept her eyes ON the boat; it was
coming slowly ON with a light breeze in
its favor; the boys seemed to be plying
the oars lazily.
What could be done to warn them
1t would be certain death 10 her to go
outside and make any movement likely
TO attract their attention. Even if they
saw or heard her, they might well
fancy her to be merely greeting their
return.
Then she thought Of the "Wild Goose
Bar" and plan of action came like an
inspiration. The Wild Goose Bar was
a drift of sand which extended into the
river from point several hundred yards
above the mouth of the creek. 1t con-
nected with a small island, or rather
peninsula, about hundred yards from
shore. The geese in their autumn fight
often alighted upon it at night in great
numbers, and this had given this sand
bar its name.
From the lay of the ground back of the
cabin-knoll Sallie knew that she could
reach point very near to the bar with
out being SEEN If she might but safely
run the gauntlet of the sand stretch |
to the covert of the willows upon the is
land, she would be able to warn the COM
ing boatmcn.
There was no time to lose. BY the |
time she could reach the island the bat |
eau would be close at hand She opened |
the back window and, gun in hand, |
crawled through and ran down the side |
Of the knoll into little "swale" which |
extended for some distance parallel with
the rivers bank. Once on this low ground
She bent forward so as TO keep her head
out of sight and hurried up to point
which she knew must be about opposite
the sand-bar. Then boldly rising up
right she ran swiftly across the interven-
ing ground to the river-bank and slid
Town its steep side to the foot of the
bar.
The keen eyes Of the Indians had seen
ler at last. They guessed her purpose
md set up a howl like the cry OF pack
Of wolves. Looking aside in her flight
llong the bar she saw them emerge, a
Yelling swarm, from the creek-bed and
yive quick chase up the bank of the river.
They shot arrows at her us she ran,
out the range Mt first was too great, and
he shafts fell in the water or stuck
lightly in the sand behind her. Oddly
,nough she thought of the scores of wild
reese that had been fired upon from the
,ank and killed upon the sands over
which she was fleeing.
That hundred yards seemed long
distance. The Indians gained swiftly
Ipon her and before she could reach the
Stand their arrows began to whiz spite
ully past. She would certainly have
ost her life had not the boatmen, who
we're rapidly drawing near, opened fire
t this critical moment. Their long,
ange rifles scattered the Indians and
ent them instantly flying.
Sallie had Just breath left to note that
here were more than two men in the
Iteau, and then she fell exhausted and
linting upon the wet sand at the edge
the island.
When she became conscious, Briggs
nd Ellery were kneeling by her, one on
ither side, tanning her with their hats.
Ter clothing and hair were drenched
18th the water they had thrown in her
ice to revive her.
Looking up, Sallie saw two tall strang- ,
RS leaning on their guns and looking
pom her with sympathy and interest. /,
hey now came forward and each in his !
,ugh way-for they, too, We're frontiers
Ien-uttered expressions of grateful ad
Iiration, mingled with not a little Won !
er at the feat she had performed.
When Gleason returned and the story
as repeated to him he said simply, but
it'll wet eyes, "Ye're a brave woman, |;
allie, but I'll never leave We alone agin
} longs thar's danger from 1njuns.
That night John Ellely set out for
rairie du Chen in canoe, and few
lys later squad of cavalry secured
le region in search of the Sioux. They
ID not find the Indians, who no doubt
new of their presence and mission, for
Ie settlers at Little Pinnicon saw no
ore hostile bands. :,
The strangers who had come with <
riggs and ElleTy were men with fami-
&c frr,a r,iopao,.c IN caoroh ,,f sraoI | II