The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1896-05-28
THE pE0NEE'S ESCAPE.

which had just sunk behind the
far forest line lit up with his de-
| cinimng rays one Of those homely
scenes Of comfort and happiness
which make the hearts Of kings ache
with envy, and appeal to the warmest
sympathies Of the most stOcia' philos-
/ opher.
At the door Of a rude and humble
log cabin in the midst Of the primeval
forests Of Kentucky sat man whose
4 personal appearance at the pres
ent day might challenge the atten-
| ton Of the most casual observer,
although such men were abundant in
the western country seventy years
ago He stood upward of six feet in
Lis mOccasins, and strong and rO-
bust in proportion, With head such
as a sculptor would admire, which was
covered with a profusicn Of jet black
hair, falling inmasses over his temples
and mingling with heavy whiskers of
the same raven hue. which covered
his throat and extended downward
till hid underneath the collar Of his
hnsey-woolsey hunting shirt. His
strong and sinewy arms gave further
evidences Of the strength acquired IN
welding the wOodman's AK. while his
lower limbs. tapering from the thigh
to tic ankle. combined strength and
agility. Ia the fOnf ensemble he was
a perfect specimen Of that noble race
which Providence ordained To clear
the path Of civilization, and redeem
the glorious region Of Kentucky from
the savage red man, and the no less
savage beasts Of the fields
Reader, we haze introduced to you
James Morgan, a settler on the Elk
horn, near Bryant's Station. He had
moved to kentucky soon after his
marriage, had built a plain bnt com
Portable log cabin, cleared the rich
lands. planted the golden corn, and
WAS rejoicing in the prospect of an
abundant harvest as a reward for his
"NertlOns, when he Is presented to
yOw notice
\ portion Of the afternoon had been
passed III reading to his wife and
commenting upon package of letters
which had passed between them prev
ious to their marriage, and the pleas
ant "reminiscences which their perusal
had called up had left their impress
IN a joyful smile upon his face as he
sat at the door dandIing his infart
child upon his knee, while his wife
was busy preparing the evening meal,
her clear voice ringing forth d merry
household ditty of other days
Perfectly unconscious of the prox
unity Of a foe, the happy parents
begmled Of cme for the present or
future 10y the recollection of the past
knew not their dream of happiness
was destined to be SO short and fleet
ing; that the storm cloud was already
gathering which should delugc their
hearts in misery, and change the pres
ent scene of comfort and contentment
to one Of desolation and despair.
The crack Of three OF four rifles, fired
almost simultaneously, rang out on the
evening air, and the father sprang to
his feet casting for an instant an in
nulring glance toward the neighboring
woods; not to inform himself as to the
source Of the sounds-the peculiar
thug Of the balls as they entered the
logs of his cabin in close proximity
to his head had already warned him
Of the approach Of enemies but to
discover the number of the foe.
The evening breeze gradually dissi-
pated the thin wreaths of smoke
which had followed the reports, and he
discovered the paint besmeared faces
of five warriors on the edge of the
clearing, rapidly approaching.
As he entered the door, the single
word Indiansn replied to the inquir-
ing look OF his wife. who met him on
the thresold, and informed her of the
danger Of their situation. There was
no time for words: quick, decisive act
!onw was necessary; and with instructive
impulse the door was closed and barred
the rifle and shot pouch snatched from
their pegs, and the father stood ready
to defend his wife, his child and his
tireside 4 moments thought. how
ever, satisfied him that he could not
defend his cabin successfully. and
some other course must be adopted.
Cool headed, and quick in eXpedi-
ents, he decided to hide his wife under
the puncheon floor. while he attempt
ed to escape with the child by the
rear. as the enemy should enter hy the
front of the house. The slab was
raised. and his wife had crowded her
self into the space beneath, as the
footsteps of the Indians were heard in
the yard but the mothers heart yearn-
ed for one long, last embrace of her
child; and Selling il She pressed it to
her bosom with desperate energy. as
though she would unite its little being
with her own.
Agonized at the idea If parting
with her little one, she begged that
she might retain it, but the cries of
tho little one, who had become alarm
ed at the scene which it could not
comprehend, warned her of the danger
to herself, and she saw that it might
not be: yet how could she part with it
perhaps forever, The thought was
anguish. and she clung to it, until her
husband was compelled TO take it
from her by force, and urge her to
conceal herself. as the rapid and heavy
blows of the Indians tomahawks upon
the door admonishel him that time
was precious.
Placing the infant in a bag. which
he lashed TO his back. he hastily as
cended to the loft above by means of
the ladder. which be carefully drew
up after him BE- this time the door
began to yield under the repeated
blows. and III moment more it gave
way. and the savageS rushed in. toma-
hawk In hand
This was the propitious moment.
and quickly throwing off a portion OF
the roof, Morgan passed through the
opening and slipped to the ground.
His movement had been anticipated,
however, and he no sooner reached the
earth than he was attacked by two OF
the swarthy warriors, who had passed