Montgomery County sentinel., 1891-12-25
MisceIlaneoas.
JOHN ROACH.
A Christmas Night in Turkey Creek
Canyon.

| recruited him in '61. Twenty years
of age, six feet one inch long, and the
thinnest, loosest-jointed, big-boned spe-
cimen of humanity / ever did see.
In our zouave uniform he was truly a
"holy show" )" the gaudy dress had at
tracted him and, being hard and sound
as pine-knot, be mustered in
Color-Sergeant John Roach twice
shook goodbye" with me in '65. He
had hurried home to Maine, after mus
ter-out, was hardly missed until he was
back again, more quiet than ever
seemingly saddened.
He flowed he'd go West; and he
went Nearly thirty years later learn
ed more Of Johnny Roach's life and
fortunes
I'll try to tell it story-wiSe.
1t was Christmas eve, at Saw-Mill
Gulch. Johnny lived near there. lie
had gone West to be shecp-raiser, so
he pre- -empted a claim in Turkey creek
canyon, built cabin, and settled him
self to "hold down" three hundred and
twenty acres.
Here he lived with Tab as his only
companion Tab was cat. He had
taken her in one stormy night, poor,
starved creature now she was fat and
lazy.
1t was Christmas eve, and Johnny
was lonesome. Tab was asleep, 30 she
was no company to speak Of.
TAB" said John, at last, "it takes
thunderin' lot of sleep to do you-but |
don't know but as you're right"
just then, above the roaring Of the
storm, arose fearful cry, as of one call
ing for help Once, twice, it rang out
with awful clcarness and then died away,
as if in an agony Of despair.
The cat walked, jumped toward her
master and mewcd as she looked up into
his face.
John took down the old musket and
fingered the lock, listening intently all
the while.
Again that shrill. imperative yet i'm
ploring cry. 1t was human voice.
The man swore as he thought how he
had been deceived into thinking that
call for help the shrek of a wild beast.
lie drew on his fur cap and great coat,
lighted his lantern and strobe forth into
the dreadful night. "You stay here,
Tab, and keep house," he said, sooth-
ingly, to the cat, as he shut the door of
his cabin. = g J
Down the mountain he spraDg, sure
footed as chamois. The storm in
creased 10 intensity every moment, and
it was very cold. He kept on doggedly
like himself-untl he came to mar
row point in the canyon, where the
wagon track was crowded into the creek
and there was only room for wagon to
pass by closest driving. t8f
He looked upon strange scene.
A "buck- board" was there, turned
over, the horse attached to it lay, har-
ness tangled, 10 the water, and woman
sat bolt upright on bowlder near by.
afraid to move for fear Of plunging into
the creek aud doing the only thing she
could--usiDg her lungs.
John put down his lantern, waded to
the rock, lifted the woman in his strong
arms and carried her back across the
torrent to the narrow path.
IL reckon | can walk now" she then
said, sharply.
Don't be too sure about that John
answered, but he put her down, for she
was tall and heavy, and besides it was
very embarrassing to have woman so
near him.
Don't fear me-" she said. ''If [ slip
III catch hold your coat. Go on !"
So John rescued the horse and lead
ing the animal, with the woman close
behind him, went on until the light OF
bis window streaned out upon them.
"La, me that looks comfortable"
she said
He flung the door open and she en-
tered and stood before the FIRE. She
was wholesome. healthy, tall woman,
with round. rosy face, and sparkling,
shrewd, yet kindly black eyes, aud her
dress, when outer wrappings were re-
moved, was neat almost to primness.
John was speechless with admiration
II stood like a school-boy. blushing aud
y wk ward.
The woman turned aud smiled