The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-19

followed quickly. Luckily the boys found
a resting place for their toes between the
logs of the prison
Now. just as soon as he gets under u.s.,
whispered Pierre swing and drop.
The sentry was in no hurry and OCCASION
ally stopped to listen to the spasmodic firing
on the town side of the fort. He now
lounged along with his head down. and just
as he reached the spot Immediately under
the two lads the ordnance of the fort let
go again. He paused-a luckless pause for
him. Two human beings fell upon him as
If out of the very heavens. and he keeled
over backwards with his arms imprisoned
under his cloak. In flash Pierre and Tom
We're upon him. In the darkness the fright
ened sentry could not guess that his assail-
ants were only boys lie struggled fercely
to regain his feet, and was ABOUT to cry
out when Pierre raised his rife, which he
had caught up instantly and brought the
heavy butt down smartly on the red coats
head. Already Toms hands were in the fell
lows pockets.
This is all for nothing if we can't find
the key" he whispered excitedly, while
Pierre sat on the unconscious Britain's
stomach to insure safety
But the key to the paddock was speedily
found. Tom stood over the prisoner with
the sentry's own musket while Pierre un-
fastened the paddock He gave the door a
kick
Father! Victor Dejean." he cried softly.
brawny man in deerskin grasped him.
Little Pierre! Mon Dieu! what is this?"
Two other prisoners crowded confusedly to
the door.
3 There are but two of us! We must go
In l7o
the situation, and the position of the Amer
leans. One of the released men tied the still
senseless Briton, hand and foot, with
Pierre's thong. The men and boys clamb-
cred over the stockade at the side Of the
shed, fastening their movements as again
the besieger and besiegers exchanged COM
pliments. A few American bullests battered
unpleasantly near the heads of the escaping
party. Victor Dejean was the last man
over and as he perched ready to jump, an
officer, making a hurried inspection, could
be heard hurrying across the parade ground
toward the prison. Dejean fired at random
in the dark, and a howl of pain indicated
that his shot had not gone amiss. Leaplng
to the ground Dejean and the rest scamp
cred off, Tom leading the way. The cries
of the injured officer had reached the block
houses and a great commotion could be
heard in the fort
Colonel Clark, passing in the rear of his
line, was amazed to find two boys and three
men charging down the street toward his
little army
Here lay hold of these fellowsr' he
shouted in alarm.
Pierre, who was now well to the fore. was
seized by the collar.
What on earth?" began Colonel Clark,
holding him at arms length.
Your excellency' cried Pierre, trium-
phantly, Juggling at his cap, while his COM
panions were brought forward in the grasp
of sturdy Americans. II have the honor to
bring such reinforcements to the American
army!"
The next day. after great deal of parley-
ing, General Hamilton surrendered and the
American flag fioated over the fort so
Pierre's exploit had only made it possible
for his father to anticipate his freedom by
a few hours. But it was in this way that
Pierre Dejean had a part in the movement
against Vincennes, which secured to the
Americans a vast area in the Ohio and
Wabash valleys. First ruled from Yer
sailles, then from London, this region was
henceforth to be free from kings.