Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1906-03-01
CHAPTER XVIII.

brightly and clearly at length; anon a
few random shots from the enemy told
that they were also astir. Presently the
firing ceased, and Girty once more hailed
the fort. Captain Du Quesne, he went
on to state, had a few more words to
address to the infatuated people of
BoOnesborough. Some of the young wom-
en- belonging to the station. had, unfor-
tunately, fallen into the hands of his
friends. the Miamis; the names of these
captives as follows: ROsalthe Aston.
Matilda Fleming and Eliza Ballard:
all of whom would be put to death,
providing the station did not Immediately
surrender Internationally. Captain Du
Quesne had seen an intimate friend Of
Mr. Aston, whose name was lie Bland
who entreated him in most earnest man
ner to advise Captain Boone to yield
without delay.
These, Girty added, were the last of
fers Du Quesne would make, and he
would allow them half an hour to think
of them.
Captain Boone replied that they did
not wish to think Of such a proposition
for a moment, and Captain Du Ouesne
was at liberty to do his worst without
delay Moreover if he (Girty) appeared
before them again he would be instantly
shot down. if he stood under as many
flags as he could hold up.
This reply sent the notorious white
man off in a great rage, and the plo-
neers perceived by the unusual hustle
that preparations were being made for
Il grand assault.
Il wish to speak a few words 20 Du
Qupsne before the attack is mai.e," said
Aston.
You are at liberty to do so.' replied
the captain.
Mr. Aston Immediately availed him
self of the permission, and with the flag
which Reynolds had used, presented
himself to the enemy in conspicuous
place and significd his desire to commu-
nicate personally with Du Quesne, the
leader of the expedition. After some
demurring and a multitude of excuses
Du Quesne reluctantly appeared and de-
manded to know what was wanted.
since all his merciful overturcs had been
rejected.
Il wish to say that | know you. and
knowing you, hold you in the deepest
abhorrence," replied Aston. 'You came
under my roof like a villain as you are,
under an assumed name and in an as
sumed character. You won my conf
dence, and thereby had it in your power
to do me the greatest possible injury.
HencefOrth the name of lie Bland will
ever be associated with all that is in
famous. AS the only PREPARATION which
you can make to a deeply injured father,
| ask the restoration of my daughter and
those young women whose names have
already been mentioned"
Give your resentment to the winds
and attend to the safety of yourself and
family. Come over to me with your
wife, and instead of a dreadful scene of
slaughter, there shall ensue wedding.
Your daughter shall become Madame
Du Quesne, and you shall own half the
lands on the southern bank of the Ken
lucky River-all that portion included in
the purchase of Major Henderson," re-
turned Du Quesne.
Il would rather see my daughter slain
in the manner already threatened than
to witness such a cOnsummation as you
have the hardihood to speak Of"
Come in. come in" exclaimed Boone,
Let us waste no more timer'
Du Quesne now attended to the ar.
rangement of his forces without further
delay. The present disposition of his
army was most favorable for the use of
the two pieces of ordnance.
He is dividing his red rascals into two
large parties in order to attack us at two
points at the same time" said Colonel
Harrod
Il think it would be we'll to open fire
uDOO fhpr1 yy-liIn co
said Boone.
"Otter-Lifter. who is doubtless con-
cealed in the forest yonder will attack
them the moment he hears our fire" OBJ
served Allan.
Let me point one of those guns. if
YOU please; l belonged to an artillery
company once" said Aston.
He stands right at the head of the
column there" whispered Joel Logston
in his ear. Bring down the sight fair
and square upon him, as you would level
rifle"
Mr.. Aston looked deliberately along
the gun, and Joel, oheying the motions
of his hand, adjusted it to his salts
faction. Reynolds stood near. holding
blazing brand Aston stepped back
and gave him significant look. The
next instant the block-house shook and
tremhled to the thunder of the cannon,
and the head of the column sank down.
while yells of CONSERVATION arose from
! many savage throats
The pieces had been we'll aimed and
did terrible execution. Before the enc
my had time TO recover from their first
panic both of the cannon had been dis
| charged the second time, while the sound
of musketry on the left told that Otter
Litter had commenced the attack.
ITO the rescue of the maidensr' shout
ed Allan Norwood and. followed by thir-
| ty gallant Kentuckians. he rushed from
! the fort.
Du Ouesne had fallen at the first fire,
and Girty was trying to rally the In
| dams. The quick eyes of Joel Logston
| singled him out.
Here's for you cried Joel. and tha
| crack of his rife reverberated up and
| down the green banks of Old Kentucky.
/ The infamous renegade staggered and
| fell. to rise no more till the trump of
| doom summons all men to Judgment.
! The tall figure of Otter-Lifter with his
warriors was seen struggling for a brief
period IN the midst of the flying savages
and then, joined by the Kentuckians, the
enemy were routed in all directions.
The siege of Boonesborough was end
ed, and Otter-Lifrer announced in loud
voice that the maidens were rescued.
| The body of Du Quesne was found
among the slain. The victory was COM
| plete, and the joy consequent upon the