Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1896-04-09

the whites. From these expedi.
tions they often returned with pris-
ouers whom they tortured to death.
At these times Aaron would Green
away, and. throwing himself on the
ground, shut his ears to the means
and cries Of the poor victims.
Sometimes, at night, he would be
placed with other Indians TO watch
over the prisoners, and how intense
ly he longed to cut the bonds and
set the poor victims free. But his
fellow-watchers we're too vigilant.
Three years passed away. Aaron
was q big, strong fellow of seven
teen, an expert huntsman, and
high in favor with the entire tribe.
One dap the Indians all gathered
round their chief in consultation.
aaron vztcnea tn1m WITH slcksas
ing heart. He knew only too we'll
that these consultations meant some
against the whites.
He thoroughly understood the
language Of the tribe by this time,
and he stood near and listened to
them with an aching heart. They
were planning raid upon q white
settlement, and Aaron's pain deep.
ened into infinite horror as it dawn
ed upon him that, from the situa-
tion Of the settlement, it must be
the very one where his parents lived.
He prayed silently that Heaven
would help him to save them from
the awful fate with which they were
threatened.
The band of Indians chosen for
the expedition were to set out that
night, and, by signs. Aaron signi-
fed his desire to accompany them.
The permission was readily granted.
for the Indians had no suspicion
that the boys they had captured
three years before belonged to the
they intended to raid.
1t was toward evening of the second
day that they reached their destina-
ton. They hid themselves on the
Of the settlement in a
thick wood, there to wait until
night came, when they would steal
down upon the unsuspecting people
and perhaps murder them as they
slept.
Aaron looked with miserable,
yearning eyes from the shelter of
the wood toward the settlement.
1t had grown in those three years,
but he could plainly distinguish his
fathers house, and the tears filled
his eyes while he prayed Heavens
help to save the family. After 4
little, he saw two young girls com-
ing toward the wood. He watched
Them and saw they were going for
some cattle which we're in field
On the other side of the wood. A
sudden hope leaped in bis heart.
IL he could only manage to be seen
BY the girls, they would give the
alarm and put the men of the set
element on their guard.
He went back, got his bow and
arrow, and signed to the Indians
hat he was going to look for game.
They made no objection. Aaron
hurried of in the direction taken
BY the girls. They we're returning
with the cows. He crouched down
and waited. They came along talk
ing and laughing gayly to each 9TH
er. Aaron suddenly sprang mp and
into their spath. The girls shrek
ed and clung to each other. Aaron
turned and dashed back into the
wood aud joined his companions.
The Indians were busily engaged in
their food and had heard
nothing. Aaron breathed a ferv-
ent prayer of thanksgiving, and
then looked anxiously toward the
settlement, but it had grown too
dark for him to distinguish any
thing save the lights which had be-
gun to glow in the windows.
The hours passed; some Of the
Indians watched while the others
slept. When the last light had gone
out ir the settlement, the sleepers
were aroused and the entire band
began to creep on all-fours toward
it. Aaron crept in their midst,
in every limb with agony
and suspense. The entire settle
ment appeared wrapped in profound
slumber. Had they failed to take
ala-n and unnaf ha ana h;a au. -.