The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1904-11-04

1
OF their approach be heard.
His household consisted OF his wife
five children, the eldest, my grand
mother, then twelve years old, Jamei
Smith, young man who worked f0
him. and himself
well, Mary" said Mr.. Woodlelgt
10 his wife. one twilight in June, care
you ready TO start for the garrison to
morrow? James and have finished
planting, and I think perhaps il nigh,
he best TO be on the safe side. Not
that I apprehend any immediate dan,
ger" he added quickly, as he noted his
wife's anxious face ms she glanced
quickly toward the children. who were
| playing about the floor. but In these
times 1t IL better TO be too soon than
too late in seeking safety, and red
skins are such 'pesky sly varmints,
as old Joe Wler says"
Before his wife could reply they
saw James Smith running rapidly to-
ward the house, evidently much ex-
cited
whats the matter, James" said
Mr.. Woodleigh, as the man drew near.
Indians" said Smith, breathleSsly.
Mrs. Woodleigh hurried her children
into the house, the door and window
were quickly barricaded, and while
Mr., Woodleigh was filling his powder
horn, Smith examined the filnts and at
The same time related his somewhat
startling experience.
He had gone some distance from the
house In search Of cow which had
strayed and in crossing n wet piece OF
ground, his quick eye had detected
trail where Indians had passed. how
many he could not tell. az they went
single tile, each stepping in the track
Of the one ahead. "But," said Smith.
earnestly, "thcy must be very near, for
the water had not settled in their
tracks"
There could be no question OF Mt
tempting to reach the garrison that
night with the willy foe so near, and
perhaps, at that very moment, watch
ing the house from the cover Of the
surrounding forest
II was lovely night, The moon was
near her full and the landscape was
flooded with light, every object was
distinctly visible in the little clearing,
each tree and shrub cast deep shadow
on the ground, and often some member
of the little garrison would imagine he
detected a CrouchinE foe; a profound
silence reigned, which was almost Op.
pressiyc to our anxious watchers.
1t was past midnight. and they were
cOngratulating themselves on their es-
cape, when the melancholy hoOt of an
owl attracted the attention Of Mr..
Woodleigh, Keep watch" he whis-
percd 10 his wife and Smith, Il am
afraid that is signal. The Indians
often use the notes Of birds and the
cries Of beasts to call each other"
In short time the hOOt was repeat
ed, but this time from the opposite
side of the clearing.
Il think can see dog or some ami
nal near the edge of the woods whis'
pcred Mrs WoodIeigh.
Her husband Immediately came to
her side, and, after n few seconds
scrutiny, he whispered, Indians"
They are coming on this side" whis-
pered Smith, who was watching
through a chink OH The opposite side
of the house.
Don't fire until they make some
demonstration" said Woodleigh, they
may think there is no one here and
pass on. If we don't molest them"
Just then stcalthy step was heard
at the door and creaking noise as
though n heavy weight pressed against
it: but the heavily barricaded door was
made for just such emergencies, and
would not yield.
Soon line of dark forms were seen
approaching the door, bearing some
thing in their midst.
1--WE shall have to fire now" said
smith, they have got n log which
they are going to use to batter in the
door"
Yes" said WoodleiGh quickly. you
fire at those on the right and | will
take those on the left. Mary Will re-
load the extra guns while we fire the
others, and so deceive them in regard
to our numbers; they are cowardly
ours and will not attack except they
think house is weakly guarded he
added bitterly.
The reports Of the two pieces were
almost simultaneous; this was followed
by furious yell, which swelled upon
the night air, arousing the sleeping
children, and thrilling through the
nerves of the little garrison like an
electric shock.
Again the two rifles rang out, and
when the smoke lifted IL was seen that
the Indians had retreated to the cover
of the forest, leaving the log and three
of their number stretched by IL, killed
by the discharges from the guns OF the
white men.
All remained quiet about the clearing
for so long time that the hope began
to be entertained that the savages had
retired from the attack, just then
Smiths rifle rang out. and he ex.
claimed:
They are on the roof: be ready for
them as they come" He was inter
rupted 10y n scratching and scramb-
ling In the chimney. followed 10y the
appearance OF huge savage. who fell,
shot through the heart by shot from
Woodleighs rifle. Almost before his
feet reached the floor. Mrs. Woodlcigh
Immediately piled up some light wood
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