Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1889-10-18
EARLY-DAY REMINIsCENCEs
A Close Call.

Business called me to Skookum bay,
to the logging camp of Capt. l.,
where l had just located some delin-
quent debtors, who had skipped to
that locality. left my store in charge
of the ever faithful Bob" and hurried
down to the beach to secure some con-
veyance. l was pretty well acquainted
with the Indian hangers-on about
town, but as was in hurry to reach
my destination l had no time to hunt
them up, so chartered the first canoe
/ came to. 1t was manned by three
tough-looking Indians, strangers to
me, and hired them for the round
trip for five dollars. did not fancy
their looks exactly, but as l was we'll
armed and full OF vim did not give
the matter much thought. Two OF
the Indians sat in the forward part OF
the canoe, the other in the stern, and
l sat down between them The day
was clear, the water smooth and we
made good progress down the bay for
four or five miles, had passed all clear
ings, and had reached the wilderness,
with no other human being near for
miles. was familiar with the Chi
nook jargon, and could readily con-
verse with my crew, but although /
could understand little of the Indian
dialect I could net speak word.
|; We were progressing finely when ]
noticed they were conversing in their
own tongue, and CHANGING to catch a
word that attracted my attention, I lis
tened intently until had taken in and
understood the whole business. They
had concluded to murder and rob me
and hide my body in the dense wood.
A nice little picnic, thought, if it
would. work. l was Mortified, mad
clear to my boots, and my first i'm
pulse was to draw my revolver and
shoot them on the spot, but my cooler
judgment prevailed. Here l was alone
in a small canoe with three armed In
dams against me. desperate, ugly vii
lains. What should l do? The chances
appeared TO be against me, and as I
thought the matter over thousand
thoughts rushed through my brain.
/ thought Of the loved zones, my wife
and child, in my far Eastern home
how they would mourn for me; of the
newer friendships I had formed in
Olympia, and last though not least OF
my ever faithful friend and companion
Bob -, and while these thoughts
shot through my brain like flash OF
lightning, became perfectly calm.
l did not fear them; such a a-thought
as that never entered my head. AsI
became calmer, plan after plan was
formed as to the best course to pursue
and l settled down to business basis
to watch and wait At this time we
were sailing along just beyond the
shadows of the forest, and they began
to gradually head the canoe towards
the shore. I kept silent for awhile,
then reused up pretending had just
noticed their movements.
Where are you going" I demand
ed in firm voice.
We are tired" they replied, eve
want to go ashore and rest little"
No you DON'T" said, "you just
keep on as you are; the first one that
steps ashore I'll kill"
They hesitated a moment resting on
their paddles. Just at this instant
large bald-headed eagle came sailing
gracefully along just above the tree
tops. Hastily drawing my revolver. I
took quick aim and fired. The bird
kept on for a moment, and l thought
l had missed him; but my shot had
been two woN aimed, he huttered q
moment, his wings dropped and he
plunged heavily into the timber. 1t
was a chance shot, but as the sequel
proved lucky one for me. My In
dians we're astounded, and shouted
their approval of my splendid shot. l
quietly remarked as reloaded the
empty barrel of my revolver, "That Is
the way can shoot. Now you had bet
Ter move along" Without further re-
mark, they resumed their paddles, sat
ished that Boston" man was too
good shot to be trified with, and In
oue time we re..cLeL Cur destination.
Arriving at the landing, whites and
Indians crowded around and was
greeted by many friends. I turned to
my boa"s crew, who had just landed,
saying, ION can git, don't want you