Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1922-09-14

of the meat along. The ever-varying
surroundings and happenings beguiled
their way until at last they reached
the summit, and saw in the distance
another ridge which the captives were
told they would also have to cross.
Night overlook them when they had
descended the mountain and they
camped in picturesque little dell on
the eastern side.
There was a full moon in cloudless
sky and it was almost as light as day.
The effect of the bright moonlight on
the landscape was supremacy beauti-
full. The heights they had just cross
ed. and the ridge before them were il
Illuminated so that their outlines were
sharply defined and gave tone Of ex-
allied grandeur to the view, while the
contrasting shadows in the various de-
pressions lent the charm of mystery to
the scene. The valley before them
and the dell in which they had camped
were flooded with the silvery beams of
the moon as she assembled the sublime
vault of the heavens, like some peer
less queen or radiant goddess on her
triumphal car.
Noon of the next day found them at
Raystown where there was fort,
some years later named Fort Bedford
on the site of the present town of Bed
ford, which gives name to the county.
There were few small log houses
near the fort, occupied by pioneer set
tiers who were clearing land in the vi
cinity and had located there to ensure
the safety of their families. The cap
tives went to one of these houses and
were glad to meet some of their own
race, who received them kindly and in
vited them to partake of their mid
day meal. Though very plain fare, it
was treat to the captives to eat and
speak with some of their own kind
and their hosts were much interested
in their story, briefly given during the
repast.
Johann announcing that all were
ready to start, the captives took leave
of their hosts and were soon on their
way to another mountain ridge few
miles distant. Having crossed the
ridge they camped in the valley be-
ysnd, and the next day passed through
the valley, and on towards another
range of mountains, not far from
which they came to block-house, in
which they concluded to take shelter
for the night as it had commenced to
rain.
Pursuing their way in the morning,
the rain having ceased, they met a
party of Indian hunters who had just
come down the mountains. A halt
was made while the hunters talked
with the Sachem and the other Indians
and shared with them some game
which they had, telling them also that
they had been after big, old bear in
The mountains, but had failed to get
him, and they should look out for him.
The hunters of the Sachem's party at
once resolved that they would try to
get the BEAR, and, when they reached
the mountains separated in order to
find his trail. The rest continued up
the road to the summit, and down the
other side, and just as they were near
ing the foot of the mountains, heard
the cracking of twigs on one side of
the road, and saw large black bear
approaching them. The Sachem and
the other riders had their guns ready,
and first one, and then another, fired
at the bear. 1t was wounded, but con-
tinued to approach, growing angrily,
when Dannie, resting his gun against
a tree, took good aim, fired, and the
bear fell. 1t took several more shots,
however to put an end to his growl-
ing and struggling, and then the huge
carcass lay still. Some of the hunters
who had found his trail now. came up
stripped him of his hide, and taking
some of the meat along, hung up the
rest for some other hunter or some
wild animal to dispose of.