Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1890-11-27


breeds narrative of the expedition up
of his absence.
Il must start for the fort III the morn
ing said Jabe, ito warn them that the
French are coming on in force by land.
and the gun-boats from Fort Frontenac
will attack them from the lake"
IF the redskins left this place to
join their friends" said Renwick, they
must have destroyed their canoes or
hidden them"
They wouldn't destroy them" said
Jabe, quickly They must have hidden
them on the other side of the river, and
we must find them, for if they come
back they'll be creeping over hero in
the dark to pick up scalps."
The wisdom of this suggestion being
obvious, it was decided to act on it by
daylight, and, the necessary arrange
ments being made to relieve guard
through the night, the tired rangers
sought repose.
With the first pale light of morn
ing the camp was astir. To Brant
and his Mohawks was assigned the duty
of searching for the canoes, while
the rangers raised breastwork of logs
to protect the river bank. The Indians
had little difficulty in finding the
canoes, which were hidden under brush
wood near the river. Jabe selected one
and commenced his journey to the fort.
The work on The Notifications con-
sumed the forenoon, and Selwyn had
reason to congratulate himself on the
rapidity of the work, for Brant with
his scouts came in with the news that
the enemy were approaching in force,
the Hurons in front, and numbering
about three hundred. The red chief
volunteered to check the approach of
the hosGiles, and, having received per-
mission, disappeared. The afternoon
was spent in inspecting the surround
ings of the camp, terrifying weak places
and making all other preparations for
defense.
The excitement of the rangers was in
tense, for the wind bore to their ears
the sounds OF battle. At first the shots
were distant and scattering, but in
creased in frequency and volume as
they drew nearer, until it seemfd as II a
general engagement was in progress,
and Selwyn resolved to send party of
rangers to the assistance of the red
chief. Calling for twenty volunteers,
the entire force responded, and when he
had selected his men Renwick claimed
the right to lead them.
"You had your share of glory the
other day, Charley" he said, land now
it's my turn. Besides your presence is
needed here" So saying he stepped
into a canoe followed by the volunteers.
Guided by the firing and the yells OF
the savage combatants, he made a de-
tour through the dense timber in order
to gain the rear, and soon gained posi-
ton which revealed the fact that tho
Mohawks were slowly retreating,
while, judging by the heavy tramp, a
party of regulars was coming to the aid
of the Hurons. Quickly placing his men
in ambush, Renwick awaited the APP
proach of the latter On they came, I'M
suspecting danger until half their force
of fifty men had passed the ambush,
when the rangers opened fire.
Taken by surprise decimated and ig
norant of the number of their assailants,
the Frenchmen fell into confusion.
Their officers bravery endeavored to
rally them, and were picked off one by
one, until the panic-stricken survivors
threw down their arms and fled into the
forest. Tho Hurons, who were pressing
hard upon Brant and his braves, paused
when they heard the sounds of battle in
their rear, while the red chief, suspect
ing the cause, shouted the war-cry of
the Mohawks and pressed them in his
turn. The Frenchmen being disposed
of, Renwick advanced cautiously on tho
rear of the Hurons, who, instead of the
assistance they expected, finding them
selves between two fires. r. soa ted in
confusion. While the Mohawks were
engaged in scalping and plundering the
dead. tue rangers collected the arms and
ammunition of the French, the muskets
being furnished with bayonets which
Renwick thought might be made avail
able, and the entire force returned to
the camp.
When night came the Mohawks cele-
brated their victory by l1indling great
fire, around which they danced their
war-dance and chanted their deeds of
prowess until the scene resembled pam
demonium.
1--WE have only fought their skirnish
line as yet" observed Renwick, lazily
reclining between the roots of tree;
''the heavy battalions are behind"
Selwyn was pacing up and down in
thoughtful mood. The responsibility of
his situation was greater than his ex-
perience, and while he had the fullest
confidence in his friend and lieutenant,
Renwick, be felt that he was by no
means his superior in military skill.
But If Marden were by his side
"A strange boy, that Ariel, and fan
ciful name, said Renwick, breaking in
upon his reverie. Ibid you over notice
how shy he is and how eagerly he lis
tened when you spoke Of Marden? He
seems to be devoted TO him.
''Marden is a man oto gain the conf
dence and love Of all who come in con-
tact with him." replied Selwyn. "Be-