The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1928-07-13
CHAPTER v-Continued
p

--f2-
This sudden attack sent us half
mile back from the river. We made
a wide circuit and was still dis
gruntled at my poor shooting when
the Onondaga picked up a poultice OF
chewed sassafras leaves, such as In
dian and white man used for gunshot
wounds in an emergency My spirits
rebounded, for we now knew my small
ball had scored. We saw nothing Of
the fellow, however; nor did we be
lieve he could be badly wounded.
We camped early that night above
Stewards crossing, taking great care
to hide our trail. The Onondaga killed
a turkey with his ak and this we
heated, rather than cooked, over a
tiny fire and ate 1t half raw.
Still keeping back from the river we
crossed Great Swamp creek the next
day and suffered much from tiny black
flies that were as voracious as wolves
In February. Barely pausing to eat
handful of parched corn and what was
left of the turkey. we left the dis
agreeable area and pushed on to Salt
lick, or Jacobs creek.
AS Captain Jacobs town was eight
or nine miles back from the mouth of
this creek, we ventured to swing in
close to the Youghiogeny SO as to give
the place plenty of clearance. Hardy
had said the village was abandoned,
but savages have way of being
where you least expect them, and
Jacobs never had left his town be-
pcause Of fear. We covered thirty
miles that day, and were very weary
when we made camp and broiIed some
small game over a sheltered fire.
The journey to Sewickley creek was
uneventful. No Indians, so far as we
could observe, had passed up our side
Of the river. This was not as we had
wished. however, for If the scouting
party, which had logged us while we
were under Hardy's protection, should
keep to the other side Of the Youghio
geny it would necessitate its crossing
the river at or near Allaquippa's town.
Therefore, we we're much relieved, al
though instantly put on our guard.
when we discovered the remains of a
recent camp short distance below
the mouth of the Sewickley.
The number of fires, built since the
rainstorm, indicated the passing of at
least fifty warriors. The trail led
north toward Turtle creek. and as
there were no signs of scouts being
thrown out on the tanks II. was plain
the band feared no danger and were
avoiding Allaquippa's town, and were
making swift march to Duquesne.
We followed the trail for two miles,
to make sure no scouts were covering
the back-track, then cut back to the
Sewickley and traveledpup-stream as
far as Thicketty run. Changing our
course again, we made due west so as
to approach AllaQuippa's town as If
coming from Duquesne.
It was late afternoon and growing
dark in the woods when Round Paw
informed me:
"They can hear a gun now" After
more walking he announced, "They
can hear two whoops now" l
But we did not make our camp until
he said:
ssThey can hear one whoop now"
So we halted In hailing distance OF
the town. Not caring to enter the vii.
iage until positive none of the scout.
Ing party had swung back to pay It D
visit, we turned in for the night.
We were awake In good season but
took our time in breaking camp.
Round Paw used his bow and arrows
to good advantage and we dined ex-
cellently on small game. buried the
fire and waited while the Indian
secuted to the edge, of the woods and
reconnoitered the village. After some
time he stole back to me and said no
French Indians were there, and but
very few of the Delawares.
I told him to announce our arrival,
and be threw back his head to give a
loud halloo. demanded by Indian Ell
quette so that residents could come
from the village and lead the stranger
I'm. | clapped hand over his mouth
land he lowered his head and listened
lit was very faint at first, then became
more audible-the thuddlng Of swift