Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1890-08-21

rapidly. lie mad been taught the sign
language of the deaf mutes by a priest
| in Montreal, and Narden had become
proficient in it too. He reported that
there were ct least two hundred In
dams with two or three FrenchmeD in
uniform. and that a strict watch was
kept along the river bank
Marden at once decided to send JaJe
back TO the fort with the news Of the In
dian encampment, while he and Ariel
remain where they were and en-
deavor by daylight to fin3 some path
or creek by which to transport the canoe
to point on the river above the encamp D
nent. With this purpose they crossed
the stream, and while Marden and the
boy plunged into the forest, Jabe re-
traced his way in the canoe, with orders
to return to the same spot on the fol-
| lowing night.
Wrapped in their blankets the ad-
venturcrs stepped among the moscow
cred roots of tree, and with the dawn
OF day proceeded TO take observations Of
the enemy. but they found the opposite
bank obscured by fog, which the bon
fires failed to penetrate. Marden was
about to repro2ch himself for his hasty
action in sending back the canoe with
which they might have passed the hos
tile camp unobServed, when he saw a
shadowy line spanning the river, which.
as the light increased, resolved itself
into a Gordon of canoes, fastened end to
end, and effectually blocking the way.
Slowly the fog lifted. the Indian boat
men cut loose their barks and padded
TO the opposite shore.
The barricade was complete. The day
was spent in vain search for some path
or creek by which the canoe could be
carried or floated TO point Of safety,
and when the night closed in and the
red glare of the watch fire made the
smallest objects visible, Marden began
to think the task a desperate one.
I'VE must give it up, Ariel" he whis-
pered, sadly, they have outwitted US.
There is nothing left but TO abandon
the canoe and make our way through
the forest"
The boy shook his head and began to
talk with his fingers. There was bare
" light enough 10 follow the rapid mo-
tions, but when he concluded, his mas
ter gazed at him with admiration.
1T might be done" he unused. 1T
shall be done if the fog serves US well.
And now rest thee, boy. l love thee,
faithful friend, and haply at some future
day we will share a peaceful home to-
gether."
Revolving in his mind plans for the
furtherance Of his mission and the re-
moval Of the present obstacle, Marden
kept watch for the ranger and his canoe,
and Ariel slept at his feet-the light
but refreshing slumber which nature
snatches from fatigue and danger. At
last the sentinel hears the expected sig
nal, a spectral shape looms up in the OBJ
SECURITY, and Jabe steps upon the bank.
All safe, Captain?"
Thus far; and what says the COM
mandant?"
He thanks you heartily for the n.
formation you sent, and tell him. SAYS
he, TO take no risks that he can avoid
and then he says very low: 4 wish him
to be prudent as he is brave and faith
full"
Jabe had brought some fresh pro-
visions along, which he shared with his
officer, and after a long whispered con-
versation, they arranged to watch and
sleep turn-about. Then Marden went
on guard. Resolved to let his com
panions sleep until the time for action
should arrive. he employed the idle
hours in watching the enemy's camp,
with a vague hope that accident would
show him the means of passing their
guard without detection. Few of the
redskins were to be seen, for even the
sentinels along the bank, with in
stinctive caution, crouched behind logs
and hummocks of earth, while occasion
ally the fire was replenishei with res
inous branches which sent forth
showers of sparks and tongues of
flame that gave a demoniac ex-
preston 10 the features of the savage
fireman. No hope but in the coming Of
the foe-and if it should not come?
Marden knew by the increasing chilli
ness that daylight Was approaching, yet
the stars shone undimmed and the
stream showed no mist upon its bosom.
He leaned against a tree, the high
pressure of excitement reacting on his
tired frame; he lost consciousness for a
time. Then he awoke with the con-
sciousness that something was about to
occur. y thin vail interposed itself be-
tween him and the opposite shore;
the fire was growing dim; there was
stir among the Indians; canoes were
being pushed into the water. The time
of action had arrived. He was about
TO arouse his companions when he found
Ariel at his side, and Jabe appeared
later. As the fog deepened
the canoe was launched and the adj
venturers boldly pushed it in among the
enemy. the white men taking the pre-
caution to wrap their blankets around
them.
a few strokes would take them be-
yond the line which was rapidly form
ing across the river. Marden observed
that there was only one man to each
fact which might draw sus-
picion to their own.
Nor was this an idle fear, for at the
the thought occurred TO him,
hand was laid on the gunwale of the
bark and hideously painted face
thrust itself almost into his own. That
glance satisfied the savage, and he
thrw back his head TO give utterance to
the war-whoop, when Jabe grasped his
throat with his iron fingers and effectu-
ally stifed the sound. The redskin
and felt for his knife, but ere
be could use it Marden wrenched it from
his hand and thrust it into his bosom. !
Then Ariel drove his Ratchet through
the bottom of the canoe and it sank
With its luckless owner to the bottom !