Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1906-01-18

Nuntrymen. The savages always select
II for a surprise; and how many hun
dreds have been slain between sleeping
and waking"
Yes, my brave lads, this is the time
when we may naturally expect the onciv-
ilized critters" said Joel Logston, who
appeared at that moment, followed by
Vesuvius.
you ought not to go abroad in the
open air until you have recovered from
your recent wounds" observed Captain
Boone.
''The air'll do 'em good; 1 never was
afraid of the air; / amt one o. them
kind. L can't sleep where there's any
danger, or any reasonable prospect of a
fight. Isn't it so, VesuviusW
At this instant the singular uua6ruped
referred to began to give vent to low
and energetic growls, snuf1ng the air,
erecting the hair upon his back, and
walking dehantly about the enclosure
near the stOckades.
what does that meanT asked Flem-
ing.
ut means that he scents somethin' as
he don't like" replied Logston.
81 suspect that there are Indians
near, REMARKED lJdllel Boone.
IF you're alters as near the truth as
that, you won't have to answer for
much sin of that natur'," said Joel.
Perhaps we had better call out the
men," added Captain Boone.
Il think you had, by all means; for
| there'll be an uncommon uproar here
soon, 'cordin' to my notion of things"
replied Joel.
The settlers now began to leave their
cabins and gather about their leader in
| silence. Mr.. Aston appeared among
them with a melancholy and detected
| air, for he was doubtless thinking of
| his daughter.
Il cannot bear this torturing suspense
and inaction much longer" he remarked,
approaching Captain Boone. although
not very skillful in Indian tactics, and
unused to the trail, l shall, nevertheless
make some effort to recover my beloved
| Rosalthe."
II can appreciate your feelings, Mr.
| Aston. You feel as all fathers would
under the circumstances" said Boone
But rest assured that there are those
now in pursuit of your daughter who
are far more experienced than your
self, and who will never return without
some tidings of the lost one
Eyes, l must try to bear I'D like q
man." replied Aston, signing. rs there
any immediate danger of an attack"
Il am strongly inclined to think SOL
was the reply.
81 am differently persuaded I think
the danger has been greatly magniied
| AS you are aware, l have but little
| Go; ~ of
spiracy," rejoined Aston.
| Look yOnder, in the name of heaven.
and tell me what new mystery is that
! which l now behold"' exclaimed the for
ester, with startling emphasis.
Instantly all eyes were turned toward
the block house, where LIE Bland was
supposed to be yet in durance. Dusky
figures were seen on top of the structure.
disappearing one after another through
the roof. The hardy pioneers gazed at
this astonishing sight in mute wonder.
For moment they seemed like men ut
terly deprived of the powers of volition.
The danger had appeared in an unex-
pected quarter and in more dreaded
form than they had anticipated.
Captain Boone was the first to speak
and to act. I'VE must stop this" he
exclaimed, 'or we are little better than
dead men," and instantly discharged his
rifle at one of the dark forms. Three
or four of the settlers followed his ex-
ample. The fire was Immediately re-
turned from the block house with effect.
for one of the men fell.
Eve are to be shot down from our
own block houses and through the loop
holes pierced by our own hands," cried
the captain. "Mr. Logston," he added
take half a dozen men and take DOS
session of the other block house and
prevent any more from entering the
works, wnile | try to drive the enemy
from this
BrandiShing a Ratchet, the old pioneer
rushed toward the stronghold occupied
by the Indians. The little party was met
by a severe fire; Mr.. Aston, who was
among the foremost, received a wound
which prevented him from taking any
further part in the struggle.
The savages had the advantage, the
guns leveled from the several IoophoIes
completely covering Boone and his men.
A few of them reached the door of the
! block house; but it could not be forced
open, and even had they succeeded in
doing so it would have been rushing to
destruction. The consequence was. the
storming party was obliged to retreat.
Perceiving that nothing could be eff
| fected without more elaboration, order,
and concert of action. they proceeded to
superintend and protect the passage of
the women and the children from the
cabins to the block house in the other
angle of the works. This important
measure was effected without loss, al
though they were frequently fired upon.
While these movements were taking
place within the station, there was much
shouting and tumult without Several
attempts were made to mount the top of
the block house, which met with a
prompt repulse from the settlers. whose
position commanded the entire front of
the fort. As has been observed. the
block houses, projecting twenty inches
beyond the cabins, prevented effectually
the possibility of the enemy's making a
Judgment before them.
This" said Logston addressing Mr..
Aston. who was having his wounds
dressed, this is the work of your
Frenchman."
4 am still incredulous," replied Al
ston.
"Where is Andrew" inquired Boone.
Here. massa,' said Andrew
"Was lie Bland in the block house
when you went away from it?''
''Yes, massa."
Did he make any attempt to escape?''
continued Boone, sternly
He spoke about dat ar subject
did he offer you money, or hold out
any inducement for you to assist him to
escape?" added the forester. still mora
sternly.
Yes, massa." said Andrew, quailing
before the penetrating glances of Boone,
Unfortunately for him. in his perturba-
ten he thrust his hands into his pockets
so desperately that the jingle of silver
coin was distinctly heard.
What have you got in your jockets? p
asked Boone.
Muffin but nails, massa-not a single
ting" returned the negro, his manner
plainly giving the lie to his words.
Search his pocIets, said the captain
turning to Logston, who stood near.