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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1ee0b38 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #66157 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66157) diff --git a/old/66157-0.txt b/old/66157-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 9040414..0000000 --- a/old/66157-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4061 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Joe Napyank; or, The River Rifles, by -Billex Muller - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Joe Napyank; or, The River Rifles - Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 56 - -Author: Billex Muller - -Release Date: August 28, 2021 [eBook #66157] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online - Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - (Northern Illinois University Digital Library) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOE NAPYANK; OR, THE RIVER -RIFLES *** - - - - - - Vol. V.] [No. 56. - AUGUST 19, 1876. - - - - - JOE NAPYANK; - OR, - THE RIVER RIFLES. - - - BY BILLEX MULLER. - - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, - 98 WILLIAM STREET. - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by - FRANK STARR & CO., -in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the - Southern District of New York. - - - - - CONTENTS - - - I. On the Ohio 9 - II. Night on the Ohio.—A Visitor.—An Original - Character.—Premonitions of Danger 19 - III. Teddy O’Donnell and His Love Adventure. Startling Catastrophe 28 - IV. On the Island.—Environed by Peril.—Sad Forebodings.—Young - Smith’s Desperate Adventure 33 - V. Sad News.—Recovery of a Rifle 45 - VI. A Reckless Adventure.—Capture of Teddy.—A Visit to the - Flat-boat.—Thoughts of Rescue 52 - VII. Death and Capture.—The Companions in Captivity 59 - VIII. A Night Voyage Down the River.—Singular Appearance.—The - Departure 65 - IX. In the Dark and Bloody Ground.—The Separation 74 - X. A Vain Hunt.—The Indian Camp.—Discovery.—Pursuit.—Desperate - Conflict.—A Meeting 81 - XI. Teddy O’Donnell and Ruth McGowan—Irish Shrewdness—A Pugilistic - Triumph—The Indian Fight—Liberation 90 - XII. The End 98 - - - - - JOE NAPYANK. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - ON THE OHIO. - - -“I’ve had a pretty good tramp to-day, that’s sartin!” Such was the -exclamation of a tall, gaunt, ungainly hunter,—Joe Napyank, as he -dropped the butt of his rifle upon the ground, and folding his arms over -the muzzle, looked out upon the broad Ohio, rolling by in quiet -grandeur. - -“I’ve tramped nigh unto twenty miles without once stopping; and, when a -fellow goes that distance through woods, cane-brakes, and thickets, -dodging the redskins and varmints, it’s no wonder if he’s a _leetle_ -blowed. Can’t be I’m too late after all.” - -The thought seemed to bring him some discomfort for a moment. - -“No; it can’t be, no need of thinking that. I’ve made pretty good time, -and have struck the river low ’nough down.” - -From his position, a view of the Ohio, for several miles below was -afforded him, but the prospect above was cut off by a sweeping bend in -the river. The hunter—for such he evidently was—took a long searching -scrutiny of the river below, as if in quest of some object. Suddenly he -started. - -“Yonder _is_ something that’s sartin, but it must be an Injin canoe. -Yes, I know it is.” - -The object referred to was simply a dark speck, gliding straight across -the stream. In a few moments, it struck the other shore and as speedily -disappeared. - -“Yes; that’s a canoe, that can be told by the way it acts. It’s plain -McGowan has not reached this point yet.” - -Thus satisfied beyond all conjecture, Joe took a seat upon a tree, -prepared to wait the appearance of some object. As we have already -remarked, he was very tall and remarkably attenuated,—his weight barely -a hundred pounds, while his height was fully six feet. His features were -sharp and angular, characteristic more of the New Englander than of his -native state of New York. His face seemed as devoid of beard as a -child’s; but he had a pleasant blue eye, and there was an expression of -good nature on his face, more prepossessing than otherwise. When he -talked or laughed he displayed a fine set of teeth, and a remarkably -musical voice. His hair was sandy and almost as long and straight as an -Indian’s. - -Joe Napyank sat some time in a reverie, when chancing to raise his head, -he saw in full sight, coming around the bend above, a goodly sized -flat-boat, such as were frequently seen upon the western waters, -three-quarters of a century since. The hunter’s eyes sparkled. - -“That’s McGowan! I knowed he couldn’t be far out of the way. I don’t see -any of ’em on the look out, which, howsomever, is a good sign, as it’s -one that ought to do the looking out,—that is such looking out as makes -me show myself.” - -Joe kept his seat for a few minutes longer, and then withdrawing into -the wood so as to conceal himself, he deliberately raised his gun and -discharged it in the direction of the flat-boat and then, dropping his -piece, looked to see the result. - -He caught a glimpse of two or three hats moving around near the stern of -the boat. Enough to satisfy him, that his friends were not asleep, nor -so reckless as to expose themselves, when no possible good could result -from it. The hunter now stepped forward, and called out, - -“Helloa there, you, can’t you take a poor fellow on board?” - -All this time, he was careful to keep his body concealed; and, -observing, that his call attracted no notice, he speedily repeated it, -still hiding his body, and disguising his voice as much as possible. - -“I say you, won’t you take a poor fellow on board, that’s been badly cut -up by the Injins, and can’t get off.” - -Still there was not the least sign that his words were heard, which -perhaps rather curiously did not seem to displease the hunter. By this -time, the flat-boat had approached a point directly opposite, so that he -was compelled to begin walking to keep pace with it. This he managed to -do, without exposing himself to the inquiring eyes, that he knew was -piercing out upon him. - -“I say, be you so cruel as to leave a poor wounded man of your own race -and blood to perish among these outrageous Injins?” - -Still no response, and the hunter tried it once more. - -“Can’t you let me know that your hear me?” - -A moment later, a huge red face appeared over the gunwale, - -“Git out! you can’t come that game over me.” - -Joe Napyank now stepped forth to view, and swung his hat with a loud -laugh. - -“That’s right, McGowan, belive every man in these parts an enemy till -he’s proved a friend.” - -The same rubicund face rose like the moon over the horizon of the high -gunwale, and a cheery laugh rolled over the water— - -“Ha! ha! ha! you can’t hide that voice of yours, Joe; I knowed you all -the time.” - -“You did, eh?” replied the hunter somewhat crestfallen, “why didn’t you -answer me then?” - -“You didn’t apply in the proper manner,—that’s it, ha! ha! ha! Now when -you show yourself like a man, I’ll notice you. I suppose you want to -come on board.” - -“If you’ve no objection, I should like to do so.” - -“How do you propose to do it?” - -“I ’pose you work your old pile of lumber into shore.” - -“No, you don’t. It would be a little better if you should work yourself -a little _out_ from shore.” - -The hunter could not avoid laughing at the good natured shrewdness -displayed by McGowan. - -“I’m glad to see you’ve larned something. ’Twouldn’t be safe to get -along the shore when there’s no current.” - -“What made you ask me to do it then?” - -“Just to see whether you had enough sense not to mind me. I tell you -what you can do though, McGowan,” added Napyank in a more serious voice. - -“What’s that?” - -“Work the boat a little toward this bank so that I can wade out to you. -A few yards will answer.” - -“I suppose there is no objection to that, but you will have to go down -stream a little further.” - -“Of course.” - -The long sweeping oars that were hung at either end of the flat-boat -were now called into requisition and applied by seemingly invisible -hands. Under their influence, the huge unwieldy mass of lumber began -sidling toward the bank, somewhat after the fashion of a cautious -turtle, that had not made up his mind as yet, whether he was doing an -exactly proper thing or not. The hunter kept pace with it, manifesting -considerable anxiety, and surveying both shores, as though he were not -satisfied with their appearance. One or two things had caught his eye -that gave him some uneasiness, and he was rather impatient to get upon -the boat. This perhaps made the movements of McGowan and his friends -unnecessarily tardy. - -“There! I think that will do!” exclaimed the man on the flat-boat. “Now -see whether you can walk out to us.” - -But Joe was already several yards out in the stream, carefully feeling -his way. The water slowly rose, so that he was to his arm-pits before he -had passed half the intervening distance. - -“Ay g-r-a-c-i-o-us!” he shivered out, as he tediously made his way -along. “This is awful cold, and is getting deeper and deeper.” - -“Keep along. You’re in the deepest part,” cheered McGowan. - -“I—I—don’t know about that.” - -“A few more yards and you will be here.” - -“I—oogh!” - -The last exclamation was forcibly ejected, as he suddenly dropped out of -view. Just as McGowan’s hearty laugh was ringing over the water, he shot -upward again and struck out vigorously for the flat-boat. - -“Confound it! Why didn’t you tell a feller?” - -“How could I know there was a hole there? Let your feet drop and see if -they don’t touch bottom.” - -The hunter did as was requested and was surprised to find that he was -again in five-foot water. - -“That’s better,” he added, as he rapidly neared the flat-boat. “In a -minute——” - -Joe Napyank suddenly paused, at the sharp crack of several rifles upon -the bank, and the whizz of the bullets in alarming proximity to his own -person. - -“Indians!” exclaimed McGowan, excitedly. “Quick Joe, for God’s sake; -you’ll be killed!” - -The hunter was fully impressed with the danger, and was making all haste -toward the flat-boat. He sank down so that nothing but the upper part of -his head was visible above water. The bullets rained like hail around -his head but still he was unharmed. - -“McGowan, can’t you give ’em a shot?” he called out. - -“I can try.” - -Saying which his gun was speedily raised and discharged among the -shouting savages, who took no pains to conceal their bodies. The shot -seemingly was a good one, for they scattered to cover like a flock of -frightened partridges. During the temporary lull the hunter reached the -flat-boat and with the assistance of two or three friendly hands was -received on board. - -The Indians disappeared with almost the suddenness of magic. Not another -yell was heard, not another gun fired. Five minutes after the discharge -of the first shot, a stillness deep and profound reigned over wood and -river. - -For a long time those in the flat-boat maintained an unremitting watch -upon both shores. More than once they were certain they saw some -redskins leaping stealthily from cover to cover—they were in momentary -expectation of another volley. But none came. It seemed as if the -savages had been controlled entirely by the desire to slay or obtain -possession of Napyank, and failing in this, they had quietly withdrawn. - -“They have left, I guess,” finally remarked Napyank. - -“I don’t know,” replied McGowan, “it seems to me that every rod of these -bordering woods, contain a dozen of the creatures, and it _does_ seem as -if they had all taken a great notion to watch us.” - -“No doubt about that, and they _will_ keep on watching us till we reach -the settlement. Haven’t they attacked you previous to this?” - -“I should think they had. There hasn’t been a night since we got fairly -into the West, that they haven’t tried to board us.” - -Joe Napyank, although an experienced hunter, seemed really surprised to -hear this. McGowan added by way of qualification. - -“I speak the literal truth when I say there hasn’t a night passed -without some hostile attempt upon their part; but I must say, that it -does seem to me that they didn’t try very hard.” - -“That is qu’ar. When Injins try such things, they’re apt to do the best -they can.” - -“Perhaps they had a good fear of the mettle of those on board this -boat,” smiled McGowan. - -“Per-h-a-p-s,” drawled the hunter, in a voice that was far more -significant than a simple denial could have been. - -“I don’t think any of them have learned how many we have on board,” -added McGowan. - -“It is well they didn’t.” - -But it is high time the inmates of the flat-boat should receive a more -special introduction to the reader. - -Theophilus McGowan, the author of this emigration scheme, was a middle -aged man of large frame, weighing considerably over two hundred pounds. -He came from Western Pennsylvania, where he was a prominent citizen, -greatly respected, having performed a very important part in the -Revolutionary war, now brought to a close. He procured a wife as obese -and genial-natured as himself, and a daughter as pretty and plump as it -is safe to imagine. This was their only child, and, at first, it may -seem hard to find a reason why he should leave his comfortable home and -emigrate to this great solitude, the abode of the deadly red man. But it -requires no prophetic eye, to see that this very region—the great -West—was destined speedily to become settled, civilized, and one of the -most important sections of the young nation. His experience in camp life -and the vicissitudes of the great contest, had nurtured a roving -disposition in him, and he had entered into the scheme with as much -zest, as if he were a young man, and was in quest of a bride and a new -home. - -Associated with him was Abram Smith, a man somewhat younger than -himself, who brought with him his two sons, Abram and Stoddard. Abram -was a quiet, reserved sort of man like his father, and nearly thirty -years of age. Both had the true mettle of the pioneer in them. Reticent -and undemonstrative, yet they possessed that noiseless, unwavering -determination, which could be checked by no obstacle that it was -possible for human will to overcome. Every trial and difficulty they -took as a matter of course, and it may be safely ventured that if father -and son ever knew that it was appointed to run a gauntlet of Indians, in -order to reach their destination, they would not have hesitated or -turned aside for an instant. - -Mrs. Smith was a cypher,—meek, uncomplaining, faithful, she went through -her routine of duties, greatly after the manner of a machine that is -regularly wound up and runs itself down. She would no more have dreamed -of questioning the authority and wisdom of her husband, than a slave -would have dared to dispute with a despot. - -Stoddard Smith, who was several years younger than his brother, (it may -as well be expressed at this point,) was prompted more by admiration of -Ruth McGowan, than a love for this outrageous solitude. Brought up in -the neighborhood, he had learned to look upon her with admiring eyes, -and came in due time to be accepted as her lover, in preference to -scores of others, who had cast longing looks in that direction. His -disposition was such that he would have been pronounced a son of -McGowan, far sooner than one of his rightful father. Free, open-hearted, -brave almost to recklessness, sometimes noisy in his exuberance of -spirits, he was the very antipode of his family. - -“Friend and companion! I greet you,” was his salutation, as Joe Napyank -came over the gunwale. “You seem rather anxious to see us.” - -“And so would you be,” answered the hunter, as he turned towards -McGowan, and the other two devoted themselves to the danger that had -sprung so suddenly upon them. A few more words which have been already -recorded, and the conversation was reduced to disjointed sentences, -principally occasioned by what was happening around them. Finally, when -it became certain there was no fear of further molestation from the -savages, they mingled more freely with each other. Mrs. McGowan and -Smith came above and greeted the hunter, who was a most welcome addition -to the party, and after remaining a few moments went below. Ruth, -however, staid on deck in converse with her father, lover and Napyank. -Abram Smith and father were at the bow, where they had abundant -opportunity for their favorite pastime—silence. - -“It seems to me you don’t look very much scart,” replied the hunter, -addressing Ruth McGowan. - -“I have been frightened for all that—but we are getting so accustomed to -these Indians, that I am in constant expectation of their guns.” - -“She was frightened enough when the first shot was fired the other day. -She believed it was certainly all over with us,” said her father. “She -ain’t so brave as you are trying to make out. I’ve no doubt she would -run into the cabin, if we should be boarded by a half hundred of the red -skins.” - -“I’ve no doubt of it either,” returned Ruth, not detecting the quiet -humor of her father, beneath the serious surface. - -“Yes; she is a regular coward; I don’t know what we shall do with her in -this western country. I almost wish we had left her at home.” - -“I am sure you can’t wish it any more than I do,” rejoined the daughter, -with some feeling. The father looked her quietly in the face a moment, -and then with a pleasant smile drew her affectionately to his heart. - -“No, my darling,” he said, as the tears came in his eyes. “I would not -have left you behind for the world.” - -Ruth covered her face, and for a few moments complete silence held -reign. Joe Napyank considered the tableau quite interesting. Stoddard -Smith was reflecting how truly he might appropriate the words just -uttered by McGowan, and how decidedly agreeable it would be if he were -her father for the time being. - -In the meantime, the keen eye of the hunter was scrutinizing the Ohio -and Kentucky shore in search of signs that it may be said were hardly -ever invisible. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - NIGHT ON THE OHIO.—A VISITOR.—AN ORIGINAL CHARACTER.—PREMONITIONS OF - DANGER. - - -The eagle eye of Napyank, the hunter, failed to detect anything -suspicious. He knew that they were journeying through the most dangerous -part of the great wilderness which at that day, stretched for hundreds -of miles west of the Alleghanies. As he reflected upon the unanimity -which his friends had enjoyed thus far, he could but wonder at the -cause. There had others attempted this same project, and bitterly rued -the day that the thought entered their heads. - -Only a few months before, Napyank himself had attempted to pilot a -flat-boat down the river. In the dead of night, when the whole crew were -on the watch, a large body of Indians stole upon them, and in a -twinkling had possession of the boat, and most of its inmates. What -became of the unfortunate captives, none could tell, for neither -Napyank, nor the two or three who escaped with him ever saw or heard of -them again. But imagination can easily decide their fate, in the face of -what was so well known to all those who had heard of the North Americans -Indians. - -The afternoon was far advanced, and still the flat-boat glided -uninterruptedly forward. As yet no further sign of their enemies were -visible. The vast forests lining the shores, were as quiet and -motionless as if no man or animal had disturbed the solitude. The river -flowed as placidly forward as it had for centuries. The sun had risen on -the same scene that day that it had thousands of times before, and was -about to set as it had for ages, when this sudden evidence of the -advancing white men made his appearance. - -Not another sign of life except the whirring of a flock of birds -overhead was seen. The flat-boat with its handfull of human beings, was -alone in that great solitude floating slowly and gently down the river, -in which hundreds of similar adventurers were yet to find their graves. - -In a few moments, the flat-boat swept around a bend in the river, and -came in view of another extended portion of the Ohio. Viewed from a -distance, it had much the appearance of a huge square box floating -aimlessly onward. At either end a lengthy oar was hung, which now and -then some hand dipped into the water, when, after surging a few moments, -it remained at rest. The box-like appearance of the boat, ended at the -prow and astern, where it took more the shape of a lawful boat. The -cabin ran the entire length, except at each end stern was left a space -of sufficient dimensions to contain a half-dozen men. Above these -spaces, the heavy bullet-proof planks rose for fully five feet. A small -narrow window was pierced in the side, opening and shutting from within, -while a trap-door above afforded still more secure means of obtaining -light, or of affording egress to those within. The spaces referred to at -the end communicated with the cabin, so that the entire length of the -flat-boat could be traversed, without being exposed to a shot from the -most vigilant enemy outside. This was McGowan’s arrangement, and he -deserved credit for the originality he had shown. Under his skilful -management the lumbering vessel had been constructed into a regular -floating fort. A hail-storm of bullets were as harmless as so many -pebbles. To this fact, perhaps, may be attributed the remarkable good -fortune that had attended our friends from the start. The ever-watchful -savages, seeing such a craft,—so different from that which had usually -met their gaze—naturally supposed there was a formidable force behind -it, and frequently were reluctant to attempt to board it. - -Still Napyank was too experienced and shrewd to believe this state of -things would last much longer. The prize was too tempting for the -savages to allow it to glide quietly through their grasp. - -The hunter informed McGowan, that he strongly suspected the real crisis -was to come that night. - -“Yes, sir, I do,” he exclaimed in a low and emphatic tone. “Look out for -night.” - -“If we get through that?” - -“Well enough; you ain’t got much furder to go.” - -“We’d better stay up to-night.” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Then, I’ll go below for awhile.” - -A moment later and Joe Napyank was left alone on the deck of the -flat-boat. - -As he stood with his right arm partly raised, resting upon the oar his -keen nervous eyes fixed upon the river beyond, he was a fine specimen of -the daring pioneer of the West. - -Gradually the day waned and the gloomy shadows lengthened over the -river. The great wilderness became darker and gloomier and the form of -the hunter gradually blended with the night. - -An hour later, the full moon rolled above the forest, and the river -glistened brightly in its rays. Silently the flat-boat glided onward, -its skilful pilot ever maintaining its position as near the centre of -the river as possible. - -The cabin, we may remark in this place, was divided into two -compartments of nearly the same size. The forward was the sleeping one -for the females, and was only occupied by them during the night. The -other was the general sitting-room in which all remained most of the -day, and in which the men spent the night. - -A dim light was burning, sending forth a heavy oily smoke, which found -vent through the trap-door above. The faces of all looked wan and -ghastly in the sickly yellow light. - -They, however, remained but a comparatively short time below. Their meal -finished and they all went above,—the two Smiths, including also the -wife, took their position at the bow of the boat, when they could look, -fight if necessary and—keep still. - -It was far from being the case at the bow, where were congregated -McGowan, Napyank, young Smith, and Mrs. McGowan and her daughter. They -were disposed to enjoy the scene as much as possible. - -“If we could feel safe,” remarked Ruth, “how happy we could be. This -scenery is splendid.” - -“Yes,” replied the father, who was somewhat impressed by the majestic -solemnity of his surroundings. “It’s enough to make any man feel -solemn.” - -“This would be a grand old night to go on a serenade,” said young Smith, -glancing at Ruth. - -“I’ve no doubt there are several Indian residences in the vicinity,” -said McGowan. “Suppose you sing a song in front of them. No doubt it -will be appreciated.” - -“I should like to sing the death-song of all of them.” - -“How soon before we reach our home?” inquired Ruth McGowan of the -hunter. - -“We ought to be there to-morrow afternoon, if we suffer no -interruption.” - -“And this is the last night we are to spend upon the river?” - -“I hope it is.” - -“How rejoiced I am!” exclaimed Ruth with a glowing face. - -“But,” said the hunter deeming it best to check her exuberance, “we -haven’t reached that point yet.” - -“Of course not, but we soon shall. How brightly the moon shines! It is -almost as light as day.” - -“It is not going to last,” said Napyank, “there are clouds coming up in -the sky, and it will not be long before we are in the darkness. Hello? -Smith there has discovered something. What is it, Smith?” - -“Look over the side of the boat,” said the elder, making a desperate -effort to break his reticence. - -The hunter did so, and instantly detected the head of a man on the -surface of the water, approaching the boat. - -“I ought to have seen that,” he said catching up his rifle. “There is a -man swimming out to us. I say, you,” he called, addressing the -individual in the river, “What is it you want?” - -The man puffing and blowing, continued rapidly to near the vessel, but -made no reply. The hunter raised his rifle in a significant manner. - -“Don’t shoot,” admonished McGowan, “one man can do no harm.” - -All were now crowding toward the gunwale, when Napyank requested them to -keep back. A moment later, the form in the water had reached the -flat-boat and now called out, - -“Would yees have the onspakable kindness to lower a rope jist, and -assist a gintleman on board?” - -What a revulsion the sound of that voice created! The cheery brogue, of -a humorous Irishman established a feeling of brotherhood on the moment. - -“Teddy O’Donnell, as certain as I’m alive,” exclaimed Napyank, as he -assisted him on board. - -The next moment a great, huge, strapping Irishman came floundering over -the gunwale, like a prodigious porpoise that had just been hooked. - -“The top of the morning to yees, barrin it isn’t morning but night,” -said he. “I graats yees with plisure.” - -“You are welcome, very welcome,” said McGowan. “We are glad of a friend -at any time. But you are very wet. Would it not be best to change your -clothes.” - -“Yas,” drawled the Irishman, with irresistible comicality, “there’s only -a slight objection to these same. This is the ownly suit I possesses, -and therefore if I should attimpt to change it, me costhume would be -rather too airy for the obsarvers.” - -There was such a dry humor in all that the man uttered, that he soon had -his listeners on a broad grin. The Irishman seemed totally unimpressed -by the gloom and threatening stillness of the woods, and could joke even -over his own descomfiture. The manner of his meeting with the hunter -showed that both were friends, though none of the others recollected -ever having seen him. Five minutes after his advent upon the deck, all -were as well acquainted, as if they had known each other for a lifetime. - -“I did not exactly mean that,” said McGowan, alluding to his last -remark. “We are well provided with clothes, and if you will go below -with Smith here, he will see that you are speedily adjusted in a -comfortable rig.” - -“Your obedient sarvant,” said Teddy, tipping his hat to young Smith, -with all the gallantry of a cavalier, and descending with him into the -cabin. - -“He is what I call an original genius,” remarked McGowan to Napyank, -when Teddy had departed. - -“He is a great fellow Teddy. He’s one of the best hearted Irishman I -ever met.” - -“I noticed you were acquainted.” - -“I’ve known him for a dozen years; he’s sort of a scout for the frontier -posts. I can’t say I’m really glad he has joined us.” - -“Why not?” inquired McGowan in astonishment. - -“’Cause he’s always been considered the onluckiest dog in these parts. I -never knowed him to go on a scent but what he had got into some -confounded scrape.” - -“I should consider him very fortunate then, that he has escaped with his -life, and lives to tell the tale,” said Ruth. - -“Perhaps he is,” answered the hunter, who did not wish to occasion any -alarm. “I didn’t think of that way of looking at it.” - -“Why does he continue such a life?” - -“It’s just his delight. That feller is covered with cuts and scars, and -hacks he’s got from the Injins. I couldn’t tell how many times he’s had -his skull cracked.” - -“What brings him here?” - -“He’s had the redskins after him, and has had to take to the river to -get away from ’em. If it hadn’t been for the flat-boat, it would’ve been -all over with him.” - -“He must be a brave man indeed.” - -“He’s all that; he’d rather fight any time than eat. If he can work it -to get into a scrimmage with the dogs, before we reach the settlement he -will do so.” - -“If he is so pugnacious as that, I trust you will be able to restrain -him. He has no right to run us into any danger to justify his -predilections.” - -“He won’t do that; it will be himself only that he will try to get into -trouble. Last summer, I went out in Kentucky with him. Afore we knowed -it, we got a whole batch after us, and had to take to the river to give -’em the slip. We managed to throw ’em off the scent, and being pretty -well worn out, hide under some bushes. We hadn’t been there long, when -another party came along and squatted down right by us. They staid -awhile and was going off without disturbing us, when this Teddy jumped -up with a yell, and went right among ’em, using his gun for a shillalah, -and whacking ’em over the head.” - -“Of course, I had to pitch in with him, and it was about the worst -scrimmage of my life. We gave some of the tallest kind of yelling, and I -s’pose it must have been that scart ’em, for it want long before they -left.” - -“It is strange he escapes with his life.” - -“Some of these days he will go under. His head is so hard that it seems -to me he never can get it hurt, and, as that’s where he does generally -get basted, that must be the reason he stands it so well.” - -At this juncture, the subject of their remarks reappeared on deck, in -such grotesque attire, that laughter was involuntary upon the part of -all who saw him. His pantaloons were too baggy and far too large, his -coat reached to his heels, and the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. -As for the shirt there can be nothing said regarding that, as there was -none at all; for shoes, he retained his moccasins. - -“That’s what I tarm a butiful shtyle of avening dress; also a choice -one, bein’ there is no other to take your choice from.” - -“You are comfortable at least,” remarked McGowan. - -“I faals so jist at praisent. I haven’t got exactly, sot to ’em but I -s’pose I will pretty soon.” - -“You remain with us, I hope.” - -“I hopes the same; I s’pose you’re bound for the settlement down the -river?” - -“Yes.” - -“I have an appointment to meet Simon Kenton there, so if yees doesn’t -object to my company, I’ll jine yees.” - -“With all pleasure. The sight of a white face in these parts does us -good.” - -Teddy laughed heartily. - -“It’s meseelf that doesn’t lay claim to being the same. When I had to -dodge me head to give the redskins the slip, it was the first washing I -had given my face since this saison set in—that’s the fact the first -time since this saison set in.” - -Ruth McGowan’s horror was unbounded, until her lover reminded her that -this was the first day of summer, so that Teddy perhaps was as tidy as -the generality of humanity. - -“You came on us rather unexpectedly,” said young Smith. - -“Yees did the same wid meself if you’ll allow to make the observation.” - -“Another scrimmage?” inquired Napyank. - -“Nothing hardly worth of mentioning. I undertook to crack the heads of a -half-dozen I found slaping, and would have done it, if it hadn’t been -for a thrifling thing.” - -“And what was that?” - -“They cracked mi own widout given me the chance to return the -compliment.” - -“You then took to the water?” - -“I did not. I tuk to the woods, with the intention of coming back and -given ’em a partin’ crack, when I cotched sight of this old barn -floating down shtream.” - -“Why didn’t you hail us?” inquired the hunter, with a peculiarly -significant intonation. - -“Arrah git out! din’t I try that last shpring, and you holding the -guiding oar in your hand all these times, and knowin’ it was meself, and -you bawling it was a decoy so as to keep me thramping till I had to -shwim out to yees and haul meself on boord? Git out wid yer nonsense.” - -Napyank laughed as if the recollection afforded him great pleasure. - -“Yees are an unfaaling creature,” continued Teddy. “Yees have sarved me -more that one ongintlemanly thrick.” - -“Why, what now, Teddy?” - -“Yees remimbers when ye wid not lit me tackle the ridskins out in -Kaintuck.” - -“But they were a dozen, and we were only two.” - -“What the odds! We had not cracked a head for a waak, and there was -emminent danger of me losing the scientific touch of the business.” - -“It’s plain to see when you are in your element,” commented McGowan, and -then addressing the ladies, - -“Come, it is time you went below; it is getting quite late.” - -The females took this palpable hint; and bidding their friends good -night descended into the cabin. Teddy tipped his hat and scraped his -foot, with all the politeness at his command and then turned to his new -made friends. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - TEDDY O’DONNELL AND HIS LOVE ADVENTURE. STARTLING CATASTROPHE. - - -For the last hour the sky had been rapidly becoming overcast, and a -thick fog was gathering over the river, which beyond doubt would enclose -our friends in impenetrable gloom. There was not much probability of a -storm, but it was certain regarding the obscuration of the moon and the -approaching darkness. - -Napyank, on the whole, was inclined to regret this. While it gave them a -greater chance of being discovered by their vigilant enemies along -shore, as they could proceed absolutely without noise, it still was -emphatically venturing in the dark. Whether they were drifting in toward -shore could not be known, until too late. Beside this the hunter called -to mind that there was a large island near the center of the river which -could be at no great distance from them, and it was his wish to avoid -running upon this. As all were opposed to lying to for the night, the -plan was not broached. - -The settling gloom around them finally attracted the notice of young -Smith who remarked, - -“It’s getting dark as sure as we live.” - -“I observe too, that a heavy mist is settling over the river,” added -McGowan. - -“In an hour you won’t be able to see tother end the boat,” replied -Napyank. “Smith there will have all he can do to manage to spy out the -Injins.” - -“Do you think they will trouble us?” - -“Not unless we run right into ’em.” - -“And how can we do that?” - -“We can’t very well unless we get into a powerful big island that is -somewhere in these parts.” - -“I am certain we ought to be able to steer clear of that.” - -“If we can only see it—there’s the trouble.” - -“Joe,” said McGowan, after a few minutes silence, “Why not run into the -shore and tie up for the night?” - -The hunter shook his head. - -“’Twouldn’t do; I seen that tried once, on jest such a night as this. -Them reds, it seems to me, can smell a flat-boat a mile off. They’d -swarm down on us like a lot of flies.” - -For some time Teddy had stood silent and thoughtful. His arms were -folded, and he was looking out upon the still surface of the river. - -“What is it you’re thinking about?” inquired Napyank. - -“I feels sorryful, by the same token,” he replied in a sad tone, heaving -a tremendous sigh. - -“What is the cause?” - -“I was jest thinkin of a wee bit of a girril that I had left at me home -in ould Ireland—God bless her.” - -“An affection of the heart, eh?” - -“It bees; and it’s sthrange—there’s a very sthrange sarcumstance -connected wid the same girril.” - -“What is it?” - -“It’s now good ten years since I last saw her, and I’ve niver once -brought her to mind till this same minute.” - -“You certainly could not have thought much of her.” - -“I sartinly did; I’ve just thought of what it was that brought her to -mind. It’s this ould coat.” - -“And how should that do it?” inquired young Smith, who seemed about the -only one who felt any interest in the matter. - -“The last time I saw her she had on jist the same article; Ah! but she -looked swate in it. She was diggin pataties at the time. It was the same -that had the sphlendid fut for yees—none ov yer little cramped up -nothin’—but a reg’lar stunner—as flat as a pancake. Ah! she was a -girril.” - -Another great sigh, showed how deep the Irishman’s feelings were -regarding his almost forgotten love. - -“And her ringlets—ah! if ye could but have seen them. They war’nt -twisted up like a nagur’s, but long and graceful with jist the slightest -twist to ’em, and as red as the fire in me own pipe.” - -“It is strange you left her Teddy, if you held her in such high -estimation.” - -“I didn’t hould her, she staid there widout the howlding. Ah! she was -the gal for me. I niver called on her but what we had a fight. We both -used a shillalah, and it was there I got the scientific touch of that -beautiful instrument. We always had black eyes after we left each other. -It was that what gave me the high respect for her, that I shall -entertain up to the day of my death.” - -“But you haven’t told me why it is you left her society?” - -“That was alas strange, but when I state the circumstances, you will see -how great should be my respect toward the young lady.” - -“I’m anxious to hear it, I’m sure.” - -“Wal!” proceeded Teddy, with another great sigh. “I called an her one -evening in the spring time of the year, when the flowers were in bloom -and the petaties were getting ready to be, I proposed that we should -have another set to, when we went at it right away. Begorrah but Bridget -got the best of me that time. She fetched me a whack over the eye afore -I knowed anything about what was comin’ and laid me out shtiff. When I -came to she was still lambasting me, and she kept at it, till I had to -lave the counthry to get away from her. Ah! me own swate jewil, if I but -had you here this minute,” sighed Teddy, after he had concluded the -narrative. - -“What was the name of your love?” inquired Smith. - -“Bridget Moghoghlmeoghan.” - -By this time the gloom had become so heavy, that the heads of the two -Smiths could scarcely be discovered, as they stood at the prow silent -and faithful to their duties. The obscurity became greater and greater -until the hunter’s prediction was literally fulfilled. The prow of the -boat was a dim, vague, shadowy representation, whose outlines could not -have been defined, had not one known its identity. The shores had long -since faded from vision, that our friends were drifting helplessly -forward—knowing that if danger lay in their path there was no -possibility of discovering it, until they were fairly upon it. - -Under these circumstances, the hunter considered the propriety of tying -to the shore until morning. If they could hit upon some retired spot, -where there was little probability of attracting attention, they ran far -less risk of being molested, than by continuing onward in this aimless -manner. - -“What I’m the most afeard of,” said Napyank, “is that they’ll hear the -creaking of the oars. The night is very still, and such a racket as they -would make, a noise you could hear a half mile.” - -“Be the same token don’t let ’em make any noise,” was the brilliant -suggestion of Teddy O’Donnell. - -“Easier said than done. Then the splashing wo’d make; that would be just -as bad.” - -“Can’t we work into shore gradually?” inquired or rather suggested -McGowan. “We can dip the oars very quietly and work them with great -care.” - -“I can’t hardly think what to do,” said the hunter in some perplexity. -“I think, howsumever, we’ll go ahead for the present.” - -“But the island.” - -“That is the only thing that troubles me.” - -“Most likely the current will drift us by that.” - -“I hope it will, but it is powerful onsartin.” - -After some further consideration, it was concluded that it would be best -to glide onward as they were doing at present, keeping in the meantime, -as close a watch as was possible under the circumstances for the island -that they all had so much reason to fear. - -“The poorest part of this boat is the bottom,” remarked McGowan. - -“We couldn’t get the proper timber, I remember we put in or two pieces -that I am anxious about.” - -“That makes it worse nor I thought,” replied Napyank, betraying his -anxiety in his words. “By gr-a-c-io-us! if we should run into the -island, it would be sure to punch a hole in the bottom.” - -“And what if we did, couldn’t we fill the same hool up agin?” asked -Teddy. - -“Hardly——” - -“Hello! what’s the matter with Smith?” interrupted the hunter. - -“Here’s the island!” exclaimed the old man. - -“Use your oar!” called Napyank, dipping his own deep in the water and -swaying it with all the force at his command. - -And here a most unfortunate mistake occurred. The two Smiths worked in -one direction, and the hunter, assisted by his friends, in the opposite. -Before the error was discovered, the flat-boat swung around, and the -next moment went broad-side upon the island. - -“By heavens! we have struck!” exclaimed McGowan. - -“Yes; and the boat is sinking,” added the hunter. “Git the women out and -be powerful quick about it!” - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - ON THE ISLAND.—ENVIRONED BY PERIL.—SAD FOREBODINGS.—YOUNG SMITH’S - DESPERATE ADVENTURE. - - -It was an appalling fact that the flat-boat had staved in its bottom and -was rapidly filling with water. With one bound McGowan sprang to the -cabin and aroused the inmates. Before they were fairly arisen, he -discovered they were in no immediate danger. The bow of the boat rested -on the sand, while the stern had swung around and was settling some five -or six feet—a depth sufficient to carry the rear entirely below the -surface. - -It was the work of a few moments, to land Mrs. Smith, McGowan and Ruth -upon the island. Napyank leaped down, and assisted them to the ground so -successfully that all landed dry shod. Their valuables (which being few -were indeed valuable) were speedily cast out and in fifteen minutes -after the flat-boat struck, its entire contents, both animate and -inanimate were upon the island. - -“This is a little too bad,” said McGowan gloomily. “Those few rotten -planks have played the mischief. The boat can never do us any more -good.” - -“Can’t yees repair it, as the cobbler axed the docthor after he’d -cracked his wife’s skull.” - -“Repair it? No, we should never have started with such an old hulk as -that.” - -“Perhaps now we’re near enough to the mainland to be able to wade over,” -suggested young Smith. - -“Can’t do it,” replied the hunter shaking his head. “We’ll have to make -a raft and paddle over.” - -“With the old hulk bulging up there, it will be sure to be seen in the -morning,” said McGowan gloomily surveying the dark mass of useless -lumber. “Can’t we shove it further back into the water, and let it sink -out of sight.” - -“We will try it.” - -The six men waded into the stream and pressed their shoulders against -the boat. Teddy’s first essay was accompanied by a slipping of the foot -which left him fall flat upon his face, where he floundered some time -before he regained his upright position. - -The united effort of the half-dozen men failed to budge the craft. It -was as heavy and had settled so firmly that it was absolutely immoveable -unless by more strength than our friends had at their command. As Teddy -remarked, the “owld critter had sat down to stay.” - -“We can’t do anything with it,” said McGowan, “and that being the case, -what shall we do with ourselves?” - -“Get off the island as soon as possible,” replied young Smith. - -“It is now so dark that I don’t suppose anything can be done before -morning,” added McGowan. - -“Take things easy,” said Teddy. “Don’t you see we’re safer here than we -was on that owld mud-scar. We could go to the bottom of river wid that -any time; but here we can sleep as sound as snorting tapple.” - -“We may as well make ourselves comfortable like till morning,” added -Napyank. “Fix up the women-folks, and we can take care of ourselves.” - -The island was found to be larger than they had at first supposed. It -was more than an eighth of a mile from one end to the other, thickly -wooded, and covered with rank grass and a dense undergrowth. It was oval -shaped, and very regular in its outline, being rather more than two -hundred feet broad in its widest part. - -“What a magnificent summer sate this would make for a gintleman like -meself,” said Teddy, as the two stood in the shadow of a tree, on the -lower part of the island. - -“So it would,” replied young Smith. “I shouldn’t be surprised if it was -used for that purpose before many years.” - -“Be the same token it’s the summer sate of a party of travellers at this -very minute, and it’s probable we’ll make quite a stay upon it.” - -“I hope there ain’t any Indians looking at us,” said McGowan with a -shudder, as he glanced toward the shore of the dark and bloody ground. -“I am afraid for the women.” - -“So does I,——but——” - -“Look there!” exclaimed McGowan fairly springing off his feet. - -“What? where? I don’t see anything.” - -“Here! here! this way!” said he pulling his companion around. “’Tain’t -there——_it’s on the island_, right below us! look, can’t you see it?” - -“I saas the traas and the fog and that’s all.” - -“It disappeared the very minute you looked. There it is again! Now it’s -gone! I wonder what makes it act that way.” - -“What is it, man, you’re making such a noise about?” - -“Why sir,” said McGowan solemnly, “as sure as you and I stand here, I -seen a light moving about on the island.” - -This being the case, McGowan and the two silent Smiths at once returned -to the women, while the others passed down the shore of the island. They -had gone a considerable distance in silence when young Smith suddenly -caught the arm of the Irishman like a vice, and without a word pointed -meaningly toward the trees where the alarming manifestations had first -been seen. There was no mistaking this time. Napyank saw a bright light -shining steadily through the trees—so brightly and steadily that he was -certain it could not be far from them. Moving back more closely under -the shadow of their own tree, he whispered, - -“We must find out what the dogs are doing.” - -“I say, there ought to be only one or two of us,” said young Smith. -“Suppose you let me and Joe go?” - -“I can, to be sure, but then what use would it be?” replied the hunter. -“I can go, while you stay here and keep watch.” - -“And where’s the naad of our keeping watch here?” - -“You know some of the Injins might slip onto the island while I’m gone, -and it wouldn’t take them long to play the mischief with the women -folks.” - -“Do yees do the same duty then, for I’m naaded ilsewhere, and here’s -good luck to yees,” said Teddy. - -“But——” - -But the Irishman and hunter disappeared. - -“I hope they won’t get us into trouble,” said young Smith when he found -he was alone. “I think the Irishman ought to know by this time that we -do not relish his madcap scheme. I would never have come into such a -country as this if we were to be ruined by him. I don’t know about that, -either,” he added, after a moment’s thought; “I _did_ hate to see Ruth -go, and I don’t believe I could have contented myself at home. The dear -sweet girl! What a pity she should be subjected to this danger and -suffering and that, too, when we are so near our journey’s end. -To-morrow we should have been able to reach our destination if it had -not been for this bad accident. We have already enough,” he added, after -a moment’s pause, “to let us know we are in danger this very minute. I -understood Joe to say that this part of the river was the most dangerous -of any that he knew, so, I can’t see how we are going to get safely -through. God watch over the poor beings that are dependent under thee, -upon us for safety. - -“I hope the Irishman has sense enough to keep his eyes about him,” he -continued. “That Joe was right in saying the crisis of the danger would -be reached to-night. We’re in the crisis I believe in this very minute.” - -Young Smith was standing in the attitude of acute attention, every -faculty absorbed in the one of listening, when his whole being was -thrilled by the explosion of two rifles, followed by a succession of -horrid yells that made his very blood curdle! It needed no thought to -tell him that these came from the throats of the savages, and that the -worst that he had feared, had taken place. - -His first impression was, that the two scouts had been discovered, and -fired upon, and that his own life was in peril. But, upon second -thought, he knew by the direction of the sounds, that they proceeded -from the lower part of the island, and that it was the friends whom he -had left behind, that were attacked. Believing then, that the scouts -were safe, for the present, he was debating whether to remain where he -was, until rejoined by them or to hasten at once to his friends. - -He had not yet come to a conclusion, when a slight grating noise upon -the shingle of the beach caught his ear, and turning his head, he saw -that a canoe had just landed within a few feet of him, and, at that very -moment, two painted savages were in the act of stepping ashore. With his -heart in his throat, he moved around to the opposite side of the tree, -and watched the motions of these Indians. - -They acted very deliberately, seeming to take no notice of the tumult, -which a moment before, had broken the profound stillness of stream and -wood. - -They first pulled the canoe high upon the land, each took a rifle from -it, and then strode directly toward the tree which concealed the -apprehensive man. As they passed so near that he could have touched them -with his hand, he absolutely believed they would hear his heart beat. -But such a thing has never occurred, no matter how wildly that organ has -throbbed, and then the Indians who would have detected the faintest -sound, passed on, and disappeared in the wood of the island, without -once suspecting how nigh they had been to one of the very persons for -whom they were searching. - -They had hardly gone when Smith stole cautiously forth to view, and -looking carefully about him detected Teddy stealing up to where he had -concealed himself. - -“What did you see?” he inquired of the Irishman. - -The latter looked carefully about him a moment before he made a reply. - -“May our howly mother presarve us, but the island is full of the -haythen.” - -“What is that light we saw?” - -“It was the camp fire of a whole pack of the divils. But, we’re in a bad -fix.” - -“Didn’t you hear rifles? They’re in a worse fix,” said young Smith, in -an under tone. “What’s to be done?” - -“That’s what I don’t know. We must get back if we can, and see what the -outlandish divils have been at. _Yapnank_ has left me out there and -maybe he’s gone back already.” - -They both started toward the upper end of the island, the Irishman not -disdaining to use the utmost caution. Every few yards he paused and -listened for the slightest warning of danger, and, so for Smith, he -expected in his excited condition each moment to see a whole horde of -screeching savages rush out from the trees. - -Although naturally brave he had not as yet acquired that familiarity -with this species of danger to make him cool and collected. - -The whole distance was passed without any further evidence of the -presence of the enemy. Upon reaching their friends they found them -vigilant and cool. They stated that a number of canoes had come from the -mainland, and after reconnoitering the flat-boat had discharged a couple -of rifles and then departed. - -No one had been injured by the shots although they came dangerously near -the elder Smith. Napyank had not yet returned, and the young man could -see on the faces of those around him the impress of the most depressed -and saddened forebodings. Some of them, especially his own cherished -Ruth, was endeavoring to keep up a brave spirit, but none of them could -conceal the discouragement they really felt in their hearts. Young Smith -conversed with them in an under tone for a few moments and then withdrew -to a retired spot. - -Scarcely knowing what he did he walked slowly out from the protection -which the tree afforded him, and stood on the moonlit beach. He placed -the stock of his rifle on the hard shingle, and leaning upon it gave way -to the most saddened meditations. - -Just before him, as motionless as a rock, rested the hulk of the sunken -flat-boat. The soft ripple of the Ohio against the sand at his feet, -that deep hollow murmur of the great wilderness were the only sounds -that reached his ear; and these from their monotonous continuity, seemed -silence itself. The moon was nearly over head, shining in that peculiar -manner, that the river seemed to reflect more light than it received. A -few straggling clouds as white as snow-drifts, now and then floated -before the moon, and huge grotesque shadows glided over the island, -across the stream and into the wood like phantoms. On either side the -frowning forest rose like a wall of blackness, and seemed to close the -whites in an impregnable prison. - -It was no wonder that the young adventurer felt gloomy and despairing. -It could not be otherwise than this, while within a dozen miles of the -settlement, and in the most dangerous portion of the river, an accident -should place himself and his friends in imminent peril, and make the -escape of all of them in it seemed to him, an utter impossibility. He -was in the midst of these gloomy forebodings, when the sound of a light -footstep startled him, and looking around, he turned to greet his -friends. - -“Well, what have you discovered?” he added. “Are we alone in the -island?” - -To his surprise he received no reply. - -“What are our prospects of getting over to the mainland?” - -As quick as lightning young Smith’s rifle was at his shoulder, and one -of the approaching Indians was shot through the breast. With a wild yell -he sprang high in the air and fell dead upon the sand. At the same -moment the white man saw something flash and heard a rushing sound close -to his face, followed by the splash of the tomahawk in the water behind -him. Clubbing his rifle he stood on the defensive, when he noted that -neither of the savages possessed a rifle, and conscious that he was more -than a match for the surviving one he made a rush at him. - -The Indian turned to flee, and Smith had hardly started in pursuit, when -the report of a second rifle was heard among the trees, followed by a -series of whoops and yells as if a legion of demons had suddenly been -loosed. With a rare presence of mind the young man comprehended his -critical situation in an instant. The wood was swarming with Indians. If -he went a rod further his own destruction would be inevitable. - -Wheeling around with such celerity that his momentum carried him nearly -off his feet, he flung his gun from him and ran for his life to the -flat-boat. Stepping one foot into the water he made a tremendous bound -and alighted upon the gunwale, the same as a bird would have done; and -then tearing his hat from his head, he concentrated all his energies in -the one effort and sprang full a dozen feet out into the river. - -The instant he came to the surface he gasped for breath and dove again, -swimming while beneath the surface, as far out toward the Kentucky shore -as possible, repeating the manoeuvre several times, until believing that -he was at a safe distance from the island, he swam sideways and -anxiously surveyed it. - -So prompt and rapid had been his movements, that he had not been seen, -and his own escape, if he chose to improve the opportunity given him, -was at least insured; but he would rather have been smitten by instant -annihilation rather than desert those he had left behind him. The -thought had never once entered his head. - -He continued off the island until the current had carried him nearly -half way to the lower end when he cautiously approached the shore. As he -walked in under the shadow, several forms followed him like phantoms, -while as many more closed around him from the wood. He had taken but a -few steps, when he was startled by hearing a suppressed exclamation. His -apprehension told him at once that it was the voice of an Indian, and he -was moving away from the point from which it came, when he caught a -glimpse of the shadow-like figures around him, and saw that the most -dangerous crisis of his life was upon him. - -The Indians had not yet surrounded him, and conscious that all depended -upon a quick and energetic decision, he made a dash toward the river. -The dense undergrowth at this portion of the island impeded the -movements of both pursuer and pursued; but the activity of the white man -was superior, and he was first at the beach, when making another -terrific leap, he bounded out into deep water and dove beneath the -surface. - -While beneath the water, young Smith heard distinctly the dull report of -the rifles, and the skipping of the bullets as they glanced over the -water. Being a skillful swimmer, he turned upon his back, and as he was -borne along upward, he allowed only his mouth and nose to be exposed, -when inhaling a sufficient quantity of air, he again dove, and repeated -precisely the same manoeuvre that we have described before. - -Finally believing he was once more safe, he allowed his head and -shoulders to come to view, and looked back toward the island. To his -dismay, an Indian canoe was within a dozen feet of him! Its occupants -descried him at the same moment that he discovered them, and now -commenced a most exciting race of life and death! - -One minute would have decided the contest in the middle of the river, -but fortunately indeed, Smith’s efforts had brought him within a few -rods of the shore. Fearful of being fired upon he repeated his stratagem -of diving, and when he came to the surface, struggled frantically to -gain the shore, with the canoe darting forward like a shadow. As soon as -he could gain a foothold, he tore through the foaming water and dashed -into the woods, while the canoe was scarcely twice its length behind -him. - -It was now only by the most skillful running, dodging and doubling, that -he succeeded in freeing himself from his agile pursuers. He had gone -fully half a mile in the forest before this was accomplished, but he -found himself at length entirely alone, and panting and exhausted he -seated himself upon the ground, to decide upon the next course to -pursue. - -He could not think of leaving the island when he had every reason to -believe that all he held dear on earth was upon it. She whom he -cherished above all others on earth was there and in imminent danger. -And although there were more skilful arms than his left behind, still he -knew his presence and aid were sorely needed. He resolved to return. - -With this determination he arose and retraced his steps. It is needless -to say he made his way as silently, stealthily and cautiously as he was -able to do, starting at every rustling wind and falling leaf. Upon -reaching the shore of the river, he found that he was above the island, -and wading it, swam out toward it. - -He wished if possible, to recover his rifle and gain a glimpse of the -band of Indians who had so well nigh slain him, and who beyond all -question were plotting further hurt. - -Steadying himself he allowed the current to carry him downward, and when -several rods distant, checked his motion, and took a survey of the -flat-boat and its surroundings. - -He saw his rifle lying upon the beach, its ornamented stock and barrel -shining in the moonlight. After carefully surveying every portion of the -island that came under his observation, he detected no sign of danger, -and was about to let himself float forward again, when the lifted head -of a savage rose above the gunwale, and remained in view for fully a -minute. - -As the moon shone fully upon the Indian he distinguished his features -plainly. He concluded at once that there were several others on the -flat-boat, and all waiting for his return. The savage gazed carefully -about him, and descrying nothing, his head disappeared from view. - -“Ah, my fine fellow,” thought Smith, as he noiselessly swam toward the -Ohio shore. “You may watch there quite a while before you can catch me -in any of your traps.” - -He now floated slowly down the river, keeping about midway between the -island and the Ohio bank, and so far as possible examined the former as -he passed the bank. Reaching its extremity he passed around it and -commenced ascending the opposite side, so as to complete his -reconnoissance. This was an extremely difficult task, and none but the -most powerful swimmer could have accomplished it. But he succeeded, and -finally “anchored” for a few moments, abreast of the flat-boat, while he -took another observation. He saw nothing more of the Indians, although -he believed they were still upon it. - -He was convinced that the majority of the Indians were still upon the -island, and after floating somewhat lower, he landed at precisely the -same spot where he came so near being captured before. Feeling confident -that he had not been seen, he unhesitatingly came ashore and passed -beneath the shadow of the trees. - -Upon coming from the water, his limbs were so heavy and felt so -exhausted that he threw himself upon the ground to gain a few moments’ -rest. Despite the exciting scenes in which he had just participated, and -the terrible ordeal through which he had passed, he fell asleep almost -immediately. - -It was in the midst of a fearful dream he was awakened by a grasp upon -his arm. Believing resistance to be useless, he lay motionless, waiting -for the command of his captors. - -“Begorrah but bees you goin’ for to shleep a month whin your friends are -in the greatest anxiety on yer account, barrin the little blue-eyed -maiden that is the most anxious of ’em all.” - -A moment later Napyank came from the trees and congratulated our hero on -his escape. He announced that their friends were withdrawn to a secluded -spot on the island, where they were to remain for the present, if -undisturbed by the Indians. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - SAD NEWS.—RECOVERY OF A RIFLE. - - -The dull gray light that now began to overspread the sky, gave token of -the coming day, and these whites withdrew further into the grove for -consultation. - -“This is a bad business,” remarked young Smith, after he had exchanged -experiences with his friends. “The fiends have outwitted us at last. God -knows what will become of the others.” - -As delicately as possible it was announced to young Smith that his -father had been slain. He was overcome for a few moments, but by a great -effort, he choked down his emotion. Finally he asked the particulars, -and said, - -“Let us hunt him up and give him a decent burial. Poor mother. We can -find some means to scoop out a grave for him.” - -The three moved away to the clearing, but, upon reaching it, nothing of -the body was to be seen. The Indians had carried it from the island. - -“Perhaps it is as well,” said the hunter. “He is beyond all pain, and -suffering, and the disposal of his body can make no difference to him, -although I would that we could have done our duty to him.” - -At this period the stricken man received the intelligence that at the -same time that his parent was slain, Ruth McGowan was captured. He -looked up with an expression of literal horror. - -For a few moments nothing was said, and then the hunter, anxious to -relieve the suspense, clamped his rifle down upon the ground as he came -to a halt, and folding his arm over it, “Here we are, and the question -before this assembly is, how we’re going to get away. What do you -propose to do Teddy?” - -“I advise that we ate breakfast.” - -“The only objection to that,” replied Napyank, “is that we have nothing -to eat; but we must first go over the island again and learn if there -are any of the demons left. If not we must get on their tracks, for as -true as the heaven is above me, I’ll never go to that settlement without -Ruth.” - -“I am certain—that is, as certain as I can be—that the last of the -Indians left the island a half hour ago. We saw their canoes going off.” - -“It is best be certain. We will go to the lower end of the island, and -proceed to the upper end, to learn whether any of the reds are left, and -if——” - -“And if—what then?” - -“You will see,” replied Napyank, shaking his head very significantly. - -At the extremity of the island the three separated, as had been -proposed, and commenced making their way back again. - -In doing this, it was necessary to avoid exposing themselves, and from -the great caution that was necessary, the work was an entirely difficult -and tedious one. - -It was not until full two hours had elapsed that three whites met on the -spot that had been designated as their rendezvous. - -Their search, or examination, as it might be termed, proved that the -savages had indeed left the island, not a sign of one having been -discovered. They had probably done this under the belief that the whites -had succeeded in reaching the mainland, so that the latter were -convinced that if they kept themselves concealed during the day, they -would not be disturbed, and could easily get away when night came again. -The ashes of their camp-fire had been discovered, and blood upon the -leaves and other evidences of their recent visit. - -“But, where’s your rifle?” asked Joe, who noticed that young Smith had -been unprovided with that weapon. - -The latter looked through the trees. - -“Yonder it lies this minute. Strange that they did not steal that also. -I will go and recover it.” - -He paused ere he had passed out from among the trees, for the very fact -that the rifle lay there undisturbed, sent a suspicious pang through -him. It seemed probable that such an occurrence could be a mere -accident. A true Indian, rarely, if ever, committed such an oversight. -The rifle was magnificently mounted and would have been a prize to any -one. - -There was another matter, which in Smith’s state of mind excited -suspicion and apprehension. He believed the gun did not lie on the -precise spot where he had thrown it. He recollected that he had flung it -with such force that it must have gone very nearly to the edge of the -beach, whereas it now lay either on the very spot that he had passed -over, or a few feet on the opposite side. - -This circumstance, which at any other time, would have attracted no -attention at all, caused our hero much uneasiness. He felt that it was -by no means certain that every thing was right upon the island, although -it had just been proven, that their enemies had left it. It looked to -him as though a trap had been laid to ensnare him, and this rifle of -his, lying but a few yards distant was the bait. - -Feeling very well convinced that there was some design in the presence -of the rifle, he set himself to work to discover the precise means by -which it was intended to entrap him. There being no Indians on the -island, of course he ran no risk of being taken prisoner, in case he -ventured out to secure the weapon. The distance from this point to -either shore was so slight, that it would have been the easiest matter -in the world for a concealed savage to pick him off. - -Ah! the flat-boat! Smith’s heart leaped at the thought. Strange that it -had not occurred to him before. There it lay just as it had during the -night, save, perhaps, that it had sunk a few inches lower. It was upon -that he had seen the heads of several Indians, and there, in all -probability, they still lay in wait, watching for his reappearance. - -What reason had the Indians to suppose that Smith would again return to -the island. The best of reasons. He had shown to them a desire to do so, -and as long as he believed that his friends were there, the savages well -knew he would linger in the vicinity. Once upon the island he would not -fail to recover his gun, provided he believed he incurred no additional -danger in doing so. - -That, then, was the solution of the question. Taking all matters into -consideration, Smith came to the conclusion that it was their desire to -take him prisoner, instead of shooting him, deeming most probably, the -latter death far too comfortable a mode for him to use of getting out of -the world. He knew enough of the bloodthirsty savages to understand what -a terrible fate would be his, in case he fell into their hands. They -would take a fearful vengeance, for the Indian he had killed in -self-defence. Well, indeed had it been for the elder Smith, that he was -so speedily slain. It brought him a quick death, instead of a lingering -torture. - -These reflections, which we recorded at some length occupied but a few -seconds. He saw everything with a hunter’s eye and with a shake of the -head, stepped back a pace or two, and resumed his position beside the -Irishman and hunter. - -“What’s the matter?” asked the latter. - -“It won’t do—it won’t do.” - -“What won’t do? Do you mean to go out there and pick up your rifle?” - -“Yes, that is what I mean.” - -“What is to hinder?” - -“I don’t like the looks of that flat-boat.” - -“Whew!” blew the hunter, surveying the object in question as though he -had never seen it before. - -“Why you don’t like it?” - -“I am afraid there are Indians concealed upon the boat. I saw them there -last night.” - -And now arose a dispute in which all three of the whites engaged. The -hunter, most certainly was the best qualified to judge, expressed it as -his firm conviction, that half a dozen Indians at least were at that -moment glaring out from the flat-boat, and waiting for their -reappearance. Teddy persistently maintained that there was but one -savage upon the raft, and that he lay in the cabin sound asleep! He -could give no satisfactory reasons to the others for this belief, but he -appeared sincerely to believe it himself. - -Like all excited debaters, the longer they argued, they more strenuously -did each affirm his belief in what he first stated. How long the dispute -would have lasted, it is impossible to tell, had not the Irishman -proposed to decide it at once. - -“Be jabers, it’s meself that ses there’s not more nor one haythen upon -the raft, and it’s meself that’ll prove it to yees.” - -“How are you going to do it?” asked Smith. - -“Why, like a gentleman, by walking out there and picking up the rifle -for yees.” - -“That would be folly upon your part. The weapon is not worth risking -your life for.” - -“I doesn’t intend riskin’ me life for it.” - -“Well, don’t go Teddy; there is no need of it. I will give up my side of -the question and agree with you, if you will stay with us.” - -“You will agree with me, will yees?” asked Teddy with a curious -expression of his fine blue eyes. - -“Yes, if that will satisfy you.” - -“It suits me to a tee. You agree with me then, when I say there isn’t -more nor one of the haythen within five miles. Begorra then, if that’s -what yees believes, what harrum can come to me in picking up yer gun for -yees alone! so here goes.” - -The hunter placed his hand on the shoulder of the Irishman and -interposed. - -“Don’t do it, Teddy; there is no need of it.” - -“There is every need in the world for the young gentleman to have his -gun, and there is every need of my getting it for him, being as he’s -afraid to get it himself.” - -“But it is too dangerous—it is too dangerous. I wouldn’t do it. - -“Don’t make a fool of yourself, Teddy.” - -“Why, by what token have ye any reason to object, bein’ that ye think -there is but one of the dogs on the boat and he sound asleep.” - -“He might wake up and shoot at you. You might stub your toe.” - -The Irishman was getting impatient. He waved them off, and stooping down -rolled up his pantaloons and put his cap on one side, so as to give -himself a saucy dare-devil air. Then, without any weapon at all in his -hand, and whistling “St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning,” he walked boldly -out on the beach and picked up the rifle of Smith. - -It would be difficult to portray the emotion of the two whites as they -watched the reckless Irishman. They scarcely breathed as he walked away -from them, and with painfully throbbing hearts they kept their eyes -fixed upon his every movement. While in the act of stooping to pick up -the piece, the hunter thought his ear caught a noise upon the flat-boat, -and he turned his head away, not wishing to see the venturesome man shot -down. But while his eyes were still closed, Teddy reappeared beside him, -and with an exulting look handed his rifle to young Smith. - -“What do yees think now?” he asked. - -“I still believe there are savages concealed in that flat-boat; and they -only refrained from shooting you, in the belief that an opportunity of -taking you a prisoner would soon be given them. - -“And as for me,” said the hunter, “I am morally convinced that a half -dozen rifles were ready cocked to blow your brains out; but they knowed -you’d come right into their hands, so they can afford to wait.” - -“Be jabers I’ll soon find out!” - -“How?” - -“I’m goin’ on the owld flat-boat itself.” - -If the two men had been earnest in the objections, to the venture he had -just made, they were nearly frantic in their efforts to restrain him -from this fool-hardy exposure. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - A RECKLESS ADVENTURE.—CAPTURE OF TEDDY.—A VISIT TO THE - FLAT-BOAT.—THOUGHTS OF RESCUE. - - -Teddy announced that he intended visiting the boat for the further -purpose of “detecting the apparance of things generally.” - -“You won’t do any such thing,” said Smith somewhat impatiently. “You -have already made a fool of yourself several times.” - -“Be the same token I must then remain one, I suppose.” - -“I object,” said the hunter, shaking his head, “it can’t do any good, -and it _may_ do a mighty sight of hurt.” - -“And haow?” - -“I will tell you. The redskins know that we three are bobbing round the -island, and so long as they know that, they will give us a wide berth. -They know that we’ve got some women with us, and a few more rifles too, -but it’s we three that are keeping them away. S’pose one of us gets tuk, -what’ll hinder ’em longer?” - -“’Spose one of ’em doesn’t get tuck.” - -“He will then be killed.” - -“But there are no Injins there.” - -It is a fact, that a man may commence with an assertion of absolute -falsehood and, conscious at the beginning that he is defending such, -argue himself in time, into the belief that it is truth. Then it was -that Teddy, as he stepped gaily out upon the beach, was greatly relieved -of anxiety by his own persistency in adhering to what he well knew was -error. He was well nigh convinced of what he had scarcely a hope before, -that there were no savages upon the flat-boat. - -Teddy had walked two-thirds of the distance to the hulk, and was within -a few feet of the water, when he paused. He had discovered a startling -thing! - -That which arrested the brave-hearted Irishman, was the sight of a tuft -of an Indian’s head, visible for one moment only just above the gunwale, -when it dropped suddenly from view again. - -Smith and Napyank, noticing his hesitation, called out in a whisper for -him to return. This very call was the means of sending him forward -again. He was resolved that they should never laugh at this adventure, -and with rather a quickened step, he strode forward, and grasping the -gunwale with one hand, he carried himself with one bound, over upon the -deck. - -He had left his rifle behind, and was armed only with his knife. His two -friends breathlessly watched him and listened. They saw his head and -shoulders gradually lower as he walked undauntedly toward the stern of -the boat, until the bow hid them from sight, and then all was still. - -The silence lasted for perhaps, a full minute, and then was broken by a -yell as startling and terrific as an explosion of thunder in the clear -summer sky. Instantly a half dozen tufted heads was seen dodging hither -and thither over the deck, all centering around one burly, bareheaded -figure, that was struggling like a lion amid a score of enemies which -had dogged him nigh to death. - -While the two men gazed transfixed with horror, a powerful-limbed Indian -shot up like a rocket in midair, and came down in the river. Ere he had -struck, another went spinning after him, falling flat on his face in the -water, with a concussion that cracked like a pistol. While they were -swimming with all speed, back to the boat, a heavy fall was heard, a -faint shuffling noise, and then all was still. - -As the foremost Indian was in the act of pulling himself over the -gunwale of the flat-boat, he let go with a horrid whoop, and fell back -dead, shot through the brain by a bullet from the rifle of the hunter. -The other attempted to swim behind the stern, but Smith shot him ere it -could be accomplished. - -There could be but one cause for the sudden cessation of the tumult upon -the flat-boat. Teddy had either been overcome or slain. The silence that -succeeded the fearful yell and struggle was equally painful to his two -friends. They waited long and impatiently for it to be broken. - -“It’s all up with him,” whispered Smith, as he primed his rifle. “I pity -him, but our hands are clear of his blood.” - -“Too bad, too bad,” muttered Joe, who had just loaded his rifle, “he was -a good fellow, my dear Teddy was indeed. I am sorry that he has come to -this bad end.” - -“We must look out for ourselves, now. The best thing we can do, is to -get off this infernal island, which has been the scene of so much -misfortune to us, I am afraid that if we remain much longer, you will -take it into your head to perform some such feat, and I shall be left -alone.” - -“No, indeed, I won’t; there is no danger of that,” replied Joe. “I’ve -lived long enough to larn common sense I think.” - -“It is yet early in the forenoon, and I suppose we shall be compelled to -remain here until night.” - -“Of course we shall! It won’t do to start out in the river in open -daylight. We’d be killed before we had gone a dozen yards.” - -“Hello! did you hear that?” exclaimed Smith, with a start. - -Several whoops were heard upon the Kentucky shore, apparently in answer -to those which had been uttered some minutes before, by the captors of -Teddy. Peering through the trees, Smith added, - -“There is a party coming off in a canoe. Get ready for hot work.” - -“There don’t seem to be any good chance to hide,” remarked Joe, glancing -around him, as though he cared little whether there was such place or -not. - -“No, we must stand our ground; they have just started.” - -The canoe which was approaching was a large Indian one, in which were -seated some three or four Indians, all busily plying their paddles. They -headed straight for the upper end of the island, while the whites stood -each behind a tree, with cocked rifles, waiting until they were -compelled to fire. - -Just as the canoe seemed about to touch, it sheered off and ran -alongside of the flat-boat, where it lay against and parallel to it. The -heads of four savages immediately appeared above, as though they were -staggering under the weight of some heavy load. The next second, Teddy, -bound hand and foot, was handed over and deposited in the bottom of the -canoe. His friends could hear him muttering dire threats of vengeance, -and daring his captors to loose him for a moment, all of which, it is -needless to say, attracted no notice whatever from them. - -The captive disposed of, the Indians followed, sinking the canoe to its -very gunwales. They paddled away toward the shore, and in a few moments, -disappeared from view. - -“Now, at least,” said Smith, “the island and boat are free from the -imps, and we can have a breathing spell. Let us go upon the old hulk.” - -“What in the world do you want to do that for?” - -“It is the safest place.” - -“I should like to inquire how it is.” - -“In the first place, there is no one upon it, and in the second place, -as its sides are bullet-proof, we can use it as a fort, and keep off any -number of foe until dark, when we can get off ourselves.” - -The hunter smiled grimly as if the conceit of the young man pleased him. -Adding that it was time they paid their friends a visit, he consented to -young Smith’s proposition. - -It was with some misgiving, slight enough, but still sufficient to -occasion uneasiness, that the young man once more approached the -flat-boat. When he reached the deck, he experienced an irresistible -desire to explore every portion of it; not that he suspected the -presence of any Indian, but that he could not feel positively assured, -until he had done so. The result was, that it was found to be entirely -destitute of any persons except themselves. The cabin was half full of -water, and it was here that the Indians had concealed themselves while -their victim was approaching. - -This proceeding of the two men, in taking possession of the old craft, -was the most prudent thing he could have done. Had the two remained upon -the island, they both would have been captured or shot, and the -destruction of the entire party completed; but, as one had remarked, -they had gained a fort where they could keep ten times their number at -bay. - -To the infinite joy of both, Joe stumbled upon a loaf of bread, which -had escaped the eyes of the Indians. He pounced upon it greedily, and to -the two famished adventurers, it was a perfect godsend. This devoured, -and their hunger appeased—for it was an old fashioned loaf—both felt -hopeful again. - -“If there were anything in the hulk,” said Smith, “we might stand a -regular siege, and bid defiance to the whole redskin nation.” - -“There ain’t a single bit more,” replied Joe, “except a few crumbs upon -that shelf there.” - -“Gather them up, gather them up; they may do us good.” - -“I have gathered them up. I thought they’d git wasted, so I jest rolled -my tongue about the cupboard, and finished ’em.” - -During this fragmentary conversation, Joe was constantly glancing about -the river to see that no foe approached them unaware. The sad experience -of the last few hours, had educated young Smith wonderfully. All this -time, the reader will have noticed, his actions were controlled simply -by necessity; he had taken no step except such as had been compelled by -a regard for his own personal safety. Now, that that was attended to, he -had leisure to look further into the future, and to reflect upon some -definite plan for the rescue of Ruth from the hands of the savages. - -This was the great question, and it was this which troubled him sorely. -He could not think of leaving the neighborhood while she was a prisoner; -and yet he could see nothing at all, that he was able to accomplish -against the formidable band of savages. Although he pitied Teddy from -the bottom of his heart, it could not be suspected that under the -present circumstances, he could do anything toward his rescue. - -Somehow or other, the thought constantly recurred to the young man, that -something important would result from the fact that the Irishman was a -fellow-captive with her. He was bold to recklessness, quick-witted, and -faithful, and more from the natural kindness of his disposition, than a -desire to return the interest shown in his own welfare, would he do all -in his power, to befriend the helpless captive. - -There were two schemes that Smith and the hunter thought long and -earnestly upon. The first was to leave the flat-boat as soon as the -darkness would permit, and accompanied by all the remaining fugitives -make all haste to the settlement, and rally a large party of the -frontiermen, who would be able to overcome the entire force of the -Indians. - -The main objection to the proceeding was, that it required too much time -for its execution. Ere the party could be raised the savages would have -penetrated so far into the labyrinths of the wilderness as to make -pursuit hopeless. If they chose they would have abundant time to reach -one of their towns, where it would require an army to dislodge them. - -The other plan and the one which the ardent adventurer most favored, -was, to attempt to regain her by stratagem—to cross over to the -mainland, and to hang constantly in the vicinity of the savages, keeping -a watch upon their movements, and trusting to his own quick perception -and promptness of action, when the all-important occasion arrived. - -The more he reflected, the more he was pleased with this project, and he -finally imparted it a final resolution to his friend. - -“It’s running a great risk,” replied the latter, scratching his head; -“but I don’t see any other way of getting the gal; I’m with you in -whatever you want to do. You’re considerable green I allow, but you’ve -larned a powerful lot in the last day or two, and I think could manage -it. But jist now I’m right hungry.” - -“We will find means to obtain that when we once get into the woods. For -the present we must bear our hunger patiently, and thank God we’re not -dependent upon the Indians for food.” - -“I should like to inquire what time you think it is?” - -“It must be considerably advanced in the afternoon,” replied Smith, -looking up at the sky. “The weather still remains clear, and there is no -evidence of an approaching storm. I am glad that there will be no moon -to-night. What we want is darkness—darkness.” - -The afternoon gradually wore away, the sun went down, and evening once -more settled upon wood and river. The same silence as profound as the -tomb, held reign, and cautiously and silently the two whites let -themselves down from the flat-boat, and made their preparations to leave -the island, which had been the scene of such woe and suffering to their -little party. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - DEATH AND CAPTURE.—THE COMPANIONS IN CAPTIVITY. - - -The reader will recollect, that a few hours after the flat-boat had -grounded, and when the moon had risen Napyank, Teddy and young Smith set -out to explore the island. McGowan and his family and the remaining -Smiths staid behind. The former had left the trees, and the two latter -were engaged in an affectionate earnest conversation, when some five or -six Indians appeared beside them. Before Ruth could recover her -self-possession, one of them raised his piece within a dozen feet of the -older Smith, and discharged it full at him, while several of the others -sprang forward and grasped her. - -Smith was severely wounded and blinded by pain; he sprang up with -supernatural strength, and made off at the top of his speed through the -wood. He was pursued to the edge of the clearing, when he was despatched -with alarming celerity. - -The savages who held the daughter prisoner, waited but a few seconds -when they embarked in their canoe, and crossed to the mainland. A -portion however remained upon the island, and we have recorded young -Smith’s adventures with them. - -The Indians fully conscious that the whites were alarmed for their own -safety, despaired of capturing them upon the island by stratagem, and -were on the point of making a bold attack upon them, when eight stole -out on the flat-boat, and concealed themselves upon it, in the belief -that the whites would visit it by the succeeding day, at least, when -they would fall an easy prey to them. - -We have shown how this stratagem partially succeeded. The head which -Teddy descried prepared him for danger, and he went over the side of the -flat-boat, in the full expectation of a “free fight.” He was somewhat -surprised on reaching the deck to see nothing of his enemies; but -rightly conjecturing that they were concealed in the cabin, he passed it -with the same impudent, swaggering air that he had left the island. He -was even whistling “St. Patrick’s Day” louder than ever. - -Right abreast of the cabin door, a powerful half-naked Indian sprang up -and made at him. The Irishman caught a glimpse of several other tufted -heads, and springing like a panther upon the one in question, he lifted -him from his feet, and by sheer animal strength flung him over the -gunwale into the water. By this time a second Indian was beside him, and -as quick as lightning he was served in the same manner. - -The bronzed heads were now coming up out of the cabin rather too rapidly -for the excited Irishman. Nevertheless it is by no means improbable, -that at the disadvantage which he had his enemies, he would have -successfully resisted them all, had not an accident turned the scales -against him. - -It has been stated that Teddy had no weapon but his knife, and in the -melee he had not once thought of it, fighting, Irishman-like with his -naked fists. The third face that appeared above the deck received a -tremendous blow square on the nose, that completely mashed it; and -another terrific right-hander gave the fourth savage a glimpse of more -stars than are generally visible, and sent him as limp as a rag, back -among his fellows. - -The fight now culminated in the most glorious fun that the Irishman -could have desired. He was striking out right and left his stunning -blows, when, concentrating all his strength in his right arm, he dashed -his fist at the savage who stood the tallest, intending to lay him -insensible, when the agile foe dodged him, and carried forward by the -momentum of his own blow, the Irishman went headlong right among the -redskins, where he was, pounced upon, and bound in a twinkling. - -“Thrate me gintlemanly,” he exclaimed, “ye can’t say but what I did -yees; and dont come any of your tricks over me.” - -The undaunted bravery and remarkable skill exhibited by the Irishman, -could but excite admiration in his captors; and actuated by that -chivalrous feeling existing in the breast of every brave-hearted being, -whether he be savage or civilized, they forebore heaping any insult upon -him, or offering him any indignity. - -Some time after, the canoe came alongside, and he was handed over and -deposited in it. - -“Handle me with care,” remarked Teddy, “for ye can’t say that I didn’t -handle yees in that manner. If ye don’t belave it look at them chaps’ -noses there! Begorrah, but them’s the ornaments ye might be proud to -wear!” - -Shortly after, the canoe touched shore, and the Irishman’s lower limbs -were unbound and he placed upon his feet. - -“Just sarve my arms in the same manner,” said he, “and let’s pitch in, -in thrue style. Be the powers but I wants a little exercise, and that’s -the kind I always fancied. That’s what I took to when I was a wee -childer.” - -It is not probable that the Indians would have heeded this request, even -had they understood it; but having no idea of the meaning of the words -addressed them, of course Teddy’s wish was not gratified. - -Securely guarded by his captors, Teddy walked several hundred yards -through the woods when he came to the encampment of the savages. Some -six or eight were here waiting for their companions, so that the entire -party numbered about twenty, all of whom were congregated together. - -Teddy’s great curiosity was to obtain a glimpse of his companion in -captivity, Ruth McGowan, and he was greatly disappointed and surprised -to see nothing of her. The Indians were gathered in an irregular circle -around the fire, some smoking, some chatting, and others apparently -asleep. While looking around him the Irishman’s eyes fell upon her, and -the cause of her escaping his notice was immediately manifest. - -The savages had thrown a brilliant crimson shawl over her shoulders, and -her hair being as jetty black as theirs, and her head bowed, he had -taken her for one of their number when he had first looked upon them. -Ruth sat, as we have said, with her head bowed, for her heart was -stricken with grief. The picture of the old man, Mr. Smith, springing up -with his wild look, and running through the trees, pursued by his -merciless enemies, was ever before her. She could not drive it from her, -and shudder after shudder ran through her frame, and the tears trickled -thick and fast between her fingers. - -How changed since yesterday! Suffering, misfortune and death had come -upon them, and separated her from him who was dearer than any relative -could be! All alone!—alone! - -No, she was not all alone! There was One who was ever nigh her—who never -lost sight of His stricken ones, and who only could comfort her in this -dark hour which had come upon her. To Him she turned, as the human heart -will turn, when bleeding and lacerated, and refusing to be comforted by -any sympathy the world can give. - -But it was hard to be separated from all kindred. The thought was -loathsome and full of abhorrence, that she, an unprotected woman, was -alone among a party of bloodthirsty savages. She hardly dared look upon -them, and yet looking through her tears, she ventured to steal a glance -at them. How her heart leaped as her gaze rested upon the broad, jovial -face of Teddy, the Irishman, his pitying blue eyes fixed upon herself. -Removing her hands, she looked up, and with a mournful smile returned -his nod of recognition. Comprehending the question her very looks -formed, the quick-witted Irishman replied, - -“Yes, I’m the only one beside yourself that the haythen have, and they -wouldn’t have got me if I hadn’t struck at one of ’em and missed ’em. Ye -just keep quiet me jewil and you’ll hear of Teddy agin.” - -A sort of consultation was now held among the Indians relating to the -prisoners, but to those who were not, the debate being as to what means -should be employed to capture them also. After a protracted discussion, -it was decided that the whole party, with the exception of enough to -guard the prisoners, should cross over to the island and boldly attack -them. - -This decided upon, the preparations were instantly completed, and the -warriors moved down to the bank, leaving Ruth and Teddy to the -guardianship of two of their number. At the very moment of reaching the -river, they descried the two whites as they climbed upon the flat-boat. - -This caused a halt and a further debate. Large as was the Indian party, -a majority were opposed on assaulting the stronghold. They had already -learned enough of their mettle to understand that this would be a -dangerous undertaking upon their part, and many more were convinced that -there was no hope at all, of success. - -It was finally decided to give up the hope of securing the remaining -whites by this means. The sagacious Indians suspecting the relation -which existed between one of them and one of the captives already in -their possession, believed a much better opportunity would be offered. -Love will play the _wild_ with any man, and lead him to attempt deeds, -which, in his cooler moments, he would pronounce madness. So they were -content to bide their time. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - A NIGHT VOYAGE DOWN THE RIVER.—SINGULAR APPEARANCE.—THE DEPARTURE. - - -Huddled together in the densest portion of the wood on the island, were -the little band of fugitives. While the fitful tumult of deadly strife -was going on around them, they had been compelled to sit still and not -raise a hand either on the defensive or offensive. - -To McGowan especially this was exceedingly galling. Strong, ambitious -and genuinely brave as he was, he longed to give the persecuting -redskins a taste of his temper, and more than once he clutched his rifle -with a resolve to go to the assistance of his friends. But there were -more helpless ones that it was his duty to guard. He had agreed to -remain by these unless called forth by imperative necessity. - -The death of his old comrade Smith was a severe trial to him as well as -to his family. He was stricken down so suddenly that he had scarcely -time to realize it until now, when he sat quiet and meditative. Mrs. -Smith had been bowed with grief ever since. Her smothered sobs now and -then reached the ears and hearts of those around her, as she vainly -endeavored to keep down her emotion. - -Abram Smith sat stern and silent, grasping his gun and looking around -him, as if longing for a chance to revenge the death of his parent. No -evidence of feeling escaped him, but “still waters run deep,” and there -can be no question but that the inmost recesses of his heart were deeply -stirred. - -As the night advanced and darkness increased, the fugitives gathered -more closely together. In addition to the distress of mind they were -exceedingly hungry, and their condition was therefore as uncomfortable -as could be well imagined. - -Suddenly a light footstep caught the ear of the two sentinels, and as -they looked up they distinguished two forms that glided insidiously -among them. The assuring voice of Napyank was immediately heard. - -“Don’t be skeart; it’s us.” - -“We are glad of your return; we’re beginning to get lonely.” - -“And hungry too, I make no doubt.” - -“You are right there, if you refer to myself, and there can be no doubt -but that the others are in the same condition.” - -“Well, I tried to get you a bite, and succeeded, I think. It won’t do to -start a fire, so I’ll hand it round.” - -“That is what you called a bundle of clothes?” remarked the young man. -“You were very prudent to say the least.” - -The thoughtful hunter had managed to secure and cook some game, which he -passed around to the distressed fugitives. It was partaken of with a -keen relish, despite their gloomy situation, and each was filled and -refreshed. - -“Now,” said McGowan, when they had finished, “it seems to me it is time -we began to think of getting from the island. God help poor Ruth! what -is to become of her?” - -“She’ll be rescued,” was the hearty response of the hunter. - -The agonized father caught at the words as a drowning man at a straw. - -“And how can that be done?” - -“In a great many ways; _it’s to be done_; that’s settled.” - -“I don’t see Teddy with you.” - -“He has gone after Ruth, and we are going to follow him in a few hours.” - -“God grant you success.” - -At this juncture Mrs. McGowan fell into such agonized lamentations that -all were compelled to quiet until she could recover. The hunter then -said, - -“The Injins have all left the island, but there is no telling when they -may come back again. So the best thing we can do is, to leave it while -we have the chance.” - -“But Ruth——” - -—“Will be attended to. We are just going to put you into a place of -safety, where you can stay until we come back. There’s a considerable -slice of meat left, and we don’t ’xpect to be gone more than a day or -two, and maybe not as long as that.” - -“How are we going to leave?” - -“On a raft.” - -“And have you it ready?” - -“No; but won’t take us long. As you have been setting here a good while. -Suppose I take you and Abe to help me and leave young Smith to stand -guard.” - -This was quite a relief to McGowan and Smith, and the proposal was -gladly accepted by them, while Stoddard, the younger, experienced a -mournful pleasure in remaining behind and attempting to comfort his -mother. - -“I have noticed,” said the hunter, as they made their way to the upper -portion of the island, “that there is a powerful lot of drift wood lying -around here.” - -“Can’t we get considerable material from the flat-boat?” - -“Sartinly—sartinly; I didn’t think of that.” - -“You have no fear of the Indians; have you?” - -“I’m purty sartin there ain’t one upon the island, but I think they’ll -be back some time afore morning.” - -“Then we can’t leave too soon.” - -“You’re right this time.” - -A few moments later and they reached the island’s margin, where the -great dark hulk of the flat-boat was seen grim and silent, as if it had -never looked upon the deadly affray between men. Cautioning his -companions to remain silent, the hunter made ready to board it. He -experienced some apprehension, as he cautiously walked toward it, and he -stepped a few feet in the water, placed his hand on the gunwale he -paused a moment and listened. - -All was still save the soft wash of the current against the side of the -flat-boat. - -Waiting but a moment, he leaped lightly over and came down upon the -deck. Even then he was somewhat apprehensive of danger. It was not until -he had traveled every portion of it, that he felt entirely free from a -shivering anticipation of a blow from behind. Firmly convinced at length -that he was alone upon the unlucky craft, he called his companions to -approach. By their united efforts they loosened the cumbersome roof of -the cabin, and let it into the water. It was their intention to let it -down easily, but its great weight precipitated it into a loud splash -that caused each to start with alarm. - -“We must be expeditious,” said McGowan, who seemed to be in a constant -dread of the return of the Indians. “They’ll begin to suspect something -is going on, and there’ll be half a hundred over here before we know -it.” - -“Don’t be too skeart,” said Napyank, who was ever cool and collected. - -All three busied themselves in collecting the driftwood. A large portion -of this consisted of goodly-sized trees, which had lain in the sun until -thoroughly dried, and was therefore as buoyant as cork. These were -secured together by withes until a goodly-sized craft was constructed. - -“It will take more wood than we can get to float all of us.” - -“What shall we do?” - -“We have enough to float the two women. The rest of us must keep in the -water and swim along with it.” - -To test the structure all three got upon it and floated downward by the -island. It bore them well, and gave them considerable confidence in it. -At the lower portion it was drawn upon the beach, and Smith remained to -watch it, while the others went into the wood in quest of their friends. - -The latter were found quiet and patient, waiting for the summons to take -them from the island. No time was lost by delay, and it seemed to the -silent Abram that his comrades had been gone scarcely five minutes, when -they all came silently out of the wood and stood beside him. - -The darkness by this time had so increased that the objects were -scarcely visible a dozen feet away. This was all the more favorable to -the fugitives who fully appreciated the importance of improving this -advantage that might not come to them again. - -Some delay was occasioned by the timidity of the females who were -fearful of trusting themselves upon the raft. It was not until the -hunter and McGowan had demonstrated their buoyancy, that they were -willing to trust themselves to the current. The rifles of the party were -placed upon the raft, and shoving it gently forth the entire party -commenced floating down stream. - -The four men clung to the raft with their hands, it being scarcely -disturbed by the additional weight. McGowan was the only man who was -unable to swim. As he was carried off his feet and appreciated that he -was really beyond his depth, a shiver of terror ran through him that -almost unmanned him. None around him saw it, as he regained his usual -self-possession in a few moments. - -For the space of twenty minutes the party glided forward in this -singular manner without a word being spoken, when suddenly Joe Napyank -whispered, “Sh! down! quick!” - -The females did not comprehend him, until he repeated his order more -energetically than before, and reached over the raft and twitched their -clothes. They then reclined upon logs, but their curiosity was -sufficient to tempt them to look around, and endeavor to learn the -meaning of this sudden command. - -Neither of the females nor those who had heard the word of caution, -comprehended the cause of it. Young Smith and McGowan especially were -puzzled. They peered into the surrounding darkness, but failed to detect -anything. Stoddard was on the point of questioning the hunter, when -through the deep gloom he discovered a bright point of light, slowly -passing over the surface of the water. It had not the twinkle, -glimmering glow, such as a lantern or a star would naturally have made; -but it burned with a mild steady light similar to that of an ember. - -What puzzled the whites was to tell the distance this was away. Stoddard -and Smith at first glimpse thought it within thirty feet, but -continually after it seemed fully a hundred yards. Regularly forward it -continued to glide, until finally it disappeared as if it had been the -ember of a torch suddenly thrust beneath the surface of the water. - -During all the time not the slightest ripple was heard as explanatory of -the singular occurrence. Smith turned toward the hunter, - -“What is the meaning of that?” - -“Some more of the blasted heathen.” - -“How, I don’t understand.” - -“In a canoe. Didn’t you see ’em?” - -“I saw nothing but the light.” - -“One of ’em was smoking—that was what you seen.” - -“How far away were they?” - -“Just make a guess.” - -“A hundred yards I should say.” - -“What do you think?” added the hunter addressing McGowan. - -“I should say fully that, if not more.” - -Joe indulged in a suppressed laugh before he made answer. - -“You’re both mistook. I could put out that pipe with a mouthful of -tobacco juice.” - -“Impossible! they must have been within a dozen feet of us—not a bit -more.” - -“And they wan’t neither. Didn’t you see the canoe?” - -“I never once caught sight of it!” - -“I seen it as it went by.” - -“What a narrow escape!” exclaimed McGowan, appreciating the great danger -which had passed them so closely. - -“How did you know they were coming?” inquired Stoddard. - -“I hear the noise of their paddles.” - -“You have sharper ears than any of us if that is the case.” - -“Not at all; I expected maybe there was something up, so I jest let my -ear drop below the surface, and then heard the paddles. You could have -done the same if you only thought of it.” - -“But we did not; which is generally the difference between us. They -might have run into us before. I should have seen them.” - -“Just let your ears drop under water, and tell me whether you can hear -anything,” said the hunter. - -Stoddard Smith did as was requested, and detected faintly but distinctly -the dip of a paddle. He spoke in considerable excitement, - -“They’re coming back again.” - -“Not quite, I guess; it is the same ones going away.” - -“God grant they may remain away,” exclaimed McGowan, in an under tone, -“They have caused us enough agony already.” - -At this juncture the hunter admonished silence, and for some time -nothing more was said. Soon, however, young Smith observed Joe -struggling as though he were endeavoring to change the position of the -raft. - -“Make for the Kentucky shore,” he whispered. “It is time we began to -hunt the land.” - -“Do you want to go in at any particular spot?” - -“No; you need not work very hard. Shove the thing gently and we’ll land -soon enough.” - -It was not long before the great wall of overhanging trees was -discernible, and simultaneously all three felt their feet touch bottom. -The water, however, was of sufficient depth to float the raft to shore, -and it was run directly under a morass of overhanging limbs and -undergrowth. This accomplished, the entire party landed. - -“Now, what is to be done?” queried McGowan. - -“Sleep? all of you.” - -They were tired and exhausted, and the females making themselves as -comfortable as possible, dropped off into a profound slumber. Abram -Smith shortly followed them, so that the two adventurers and McGowan -were the only ones who remained awake. - -“Now,” said the hunter, addressing McGowan, and speaking in a manner -that showed he was conscious that all looked to him for advice and -direction in this hour of danger, “there is no telling how long we may -be gone; so you must not be frightened if you do not see us for two -days. I have left you enough meat to last you, if you are saving. There -is plenty of game about you, but you must starve to death before you -risk a shot. If you can fix up any contrivance to fish you can do so, -but you mustn’t build any fire unless it’s during the day time, and then -be powerful careful about it.” - -“Joe, we are but a short distance off from the settlement; why not float -on. We would reach it by morning—would we not?” - -“I have been thinking of that. In the first place, you couldn’t reach it -by morning; it would take you well into to-morrow. You would be pretty -sure to be seen, and a single redskin would have you at his mercy.” - -“But we might go into shore, as we have just done, when we found day was -breaking.” - -“You might and you might not. Stay here until next night after to-morrow -night; if we don’t appear by that time, swing loose and do the best you -can to reach the settlement; but don’t go before that time.” - -“Good bye, and God be with you, and grant that you may be the means of -restoring my dear Ruth to me.” - -Exchanging farewells, Stoddard, Smith and Napyank, the hunter, plunged -into the woods and embarked upon their perilous undertaking. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - IN THE DARK AND BLOODY GROUND.—THE SEPARATION. - - -As the Indians had invariably come from, and returned to, the Kentucky -side of the river, our friends concluded that the entire war-party was -upon that shore, and it was therefore determined in leaving the island, -that they should cross over to the same bank. - -We have detailed the manner in which this was accomplished, and stated -how the fugitives securely sheltered themselves in the wood, while our -hero and the hunter started upon their undertaking, which, when all the -circumstances connected with it, are considered can be termed as nothing -more nor less than simply desperate. Two men, one of whom was almost -entirely unacquainted with woodcraft, were about to attempt to rescue a -captive from the grasp of a larger party of fierce and vengeful Indians. - -The night was of inky darkness; the most favorable that the two -adventurers could have desired. This fact, together with that of the -Irishman being a prisoner among the same redskins who held Ruth may be -said to have determined the two to make the attempt as they did. Teddy -was quick-witted, and had encountered savages until he knew them “like a -book.” - -Beside this, as we have hinted in another place, Stoddard Smith was led -by the controlling love toward Ruth McGowan. So long as she was a -captive in the hands of those who knew no mercy, so long would he be -unable to find rest for the soles of his feet. No; he fully resolved -that she should be rescued, or he should perish with her! - -The darkness being so intense, young Smith experienced considerable -difficulty in making his way through the wood. He bumped his head -several times, before he dare rise to a perfectly upright position, and -then could only discern the dim, shadowy form of his companion beside -him. - -“Whatever happens, or whatever you see,” whispered Joe, “don’t speak or -start.” - -“Drat that limb! it has nearly sawed my neck off!” he involuntarily -exclaimed, forgetting the caution he had just received. - -Knowing that the current must have carried them a considerable distance -down the river, the hunter used the bank as his guide, and ascended a -considerable distance, before he began to look about him for the -savages. After having progressed somewhat over a quarter of a mile, he -caught the glimmer of a light through the trees, and touched Smith upon -his arm, as a caution for him to be upon his guard. - -Making their way carefully through the tangled undergrowth, through -hollows and over fallen trees, across brooks and miry patches of earth, -they at length stood within a hundred yards of the Indian camp-fire. - -Napyank’s heart sank within him, for he understood at once, that the -war-party had divided, and that neither of the captives was before him. -When had the separation taken place? What direction had the other taken? -How could its trail be gained? - -There were questions which instantly presented themselves to the -hunter’s mind, and which, for a long time, he was unable to answer. Amid -the profound darkness which held reign, it was very obvious that nothing -could be done. Even the full, bright moon, was unable to penetrate with -its light, the solemn labyrinth of the Dark and Bloody Ground. Nothing -could be done until morning. - -As neither Joe nor Stoddard had enjoyed any sleep for many hours, they -both felt fatigued, despite the exciting situation in which they were -placed. Withdrawing a considerable distance farther into the forest, -they both lay down beside an uprooted tree, and were almost immediately -locked in slumber. - -The sleep of Smith was deep and dreamless. It was not until the sun had -been up several hours, that he opened his eyes. As soon as he recovered -from his temporary bewilderment, he arose, chagrined that he had lost so -much valuable time. To his surprise, upon looking around, nothing was -seen of Napyank. Thinking, however, he should not be far away, he seated -himself upon the tree, to wait for his return. - -An hour passed away, and still no sign of his missing companion. The -young man had whistled, and given utterance to all the signals he had at -his command, but had elicited no response. He was now alarmed and -greatly vexed; alarmed at the singular disappearance of his friend, and -vexed that now, when every minute was of the utmost value to him, he was -thus compelled to remain and accomplish nothing. At length his patience -became exhausted. - -“There is no use of remaining behind,” he muttered. “The Indians have -gone, and every minute places them further from me. I will follow them -alone, relying upon my own arm, and the kindness of Heaven, for -success.” - -Throwing his rifle over his shoulder, he moved resolutely off, resolved -never to turn his back upon his enemies, until he had learned something -of the fair captive they held. It was a desperate proceeding, indeed, -for a single man thus to pit himself against a whole party of redskins, -but our hero felt no hesitation in doing it. - -It was now, too, that Stoddard began to experience the pangs of hunger. -He had eaten very sparingly the night before, in order that the others -might not want, and was so famished, that he determined to secure some -food at all hazards. At the period of which we write, game was very -abundant in this portion of the West, and the decision had scarcely -entered his mind, when several wild turkeys, their wings outspread, and -their feet scarcely touching the ground, sped along within a stone throw -of him. As quick as thought, the foremost was shot and in his hand. - -The instant that Smith had secured his game, he regretted having -discharged his piece, for he felt certain he had exposed himself to -danger. Some of the Indians must certainly be within hearing, and would -be attracted thither, by a suspicion of a true state of the case. - -To guard against capture, he made all haste through the woods in the -direction of the camp-fire, which had been deserted by the savages, in -the belief that this would be the last place where his enemies would -seek him. Upon reaching it, he was gratified to find a large quantity of -live coals, and without hesitation, he plucked, dressed the turkey, and -proceeded to cook it. - -The bird afforded him a most needed and nourishing meal, beside -furnishing enough for future use; and now, that his immediate wants were -attended to he set to work in earnest upon the all important object that -has brought him thither. - -In the first place, it was necessary to discover the trails of the two -war-parties, and in the first place, he failed completely. Although -gifted with more than ordinary intelligence, shrewdness, and cunning, he -had not yet learned enough of wood-craft to follow the faint footsteps -of the wild Indians through its labyrinths, when the traces left, were -so faint that the human eye, unless trained by an experience of years, -could not detect the least signs of the passage of any one. - -Had the Indians proceeded with their usual caution, it would have been -absolutely impossible for our hero to have followed them a hundred yards -through the wilderness. But, believing that no enemy, that need cause -them the least uneasiness, was in their vicinity, they straggled forward -as carelessly as a party of school boys. This only, was the reason why -our hero was enabled to follow them. - -Smith, under the belief that they had penetrated further in Kentucky, -for a long time examined the ground only upon that side of the fire. His -efforts meeting with no success, he resorted to the opposite side, where -the trail was discovered at once. It being impossible to find any -further signs of the passage of the Indians in any other direction, he -concluded that both parties must have gone this way, which, somewhat to -his surprise, led toward the river. Keeping along on the trail, he -found, as he had feared, that they had embarked in their canoes, and -gone either up, down or across the stream. - -“And how am I to tell which way?” he muttered, “I must run the risk of -getting the wrong choice out of these three.” - -Smith, under ordinary circumstances, certainly would have been -discouraged at the formidable obstacles which now rose before him; but -one of his temperament, could never rest while the object of his choice -was captive in the hands of the savages, and he, therefore, did not -think of returning back. - -“They cannot have gone up the river,” he reflected, “because they have -come from that direction. And yet, what reason is that why they should -not have done so? Still it strikes me that they have not taken that -course. They could have gone much more rapidly overland. If their -destination is in Kentucky, it surely is not on the bank of the Ohio; it -must be a good distance back from the river, so that they would only -have lengthened their journey by taking to the water. From all that I -have heard or read of these Shawanoe Indians, I have been led to suppose -that although they range at will on both sides of the river, still their -towns and villages, and their homes, in fact, is in southern Ohio. And -what more natural, now, that they have secured their prisoner, than that -they should return to their home as rapidly as possible? Such, it seems -reasonable to believe, is the true state of the case, and I must cross -the river again.” - -Stoddard was upon the point of venturing into the river, when his -attention was arrested by a loud splash in the direction of the -flat-boat, and to his surprise, he descried several Indians upon it. -Finding that he was not observed, he drew back and watched their -actions. - -A glance convinced him that they belonged to the same war-party of -Indians, and were searching the craft for plunder. They had thrown over -a sort of bench, which was fastened—bottom upward—to the stern of the -canoe. There were some half dozen savages, who, a moment later, shoved -off, and paddled down stream. - -Their light craft shot rapidly forward, inclining neither to one shore -nor the other. From this, his belief that the main body had crossed the -river, was changed in the conviction that they had all gone down stream -in their canoes; and that all that remained for him to do, was to keep -these redskins in sight. - -This was a difficult task indeed. Under the skilful guidance of the -sinewy Indians, their canoe skimmed like a swallow over the water, and -it required the most strenuous efforts of Smith to keep it in sight. -Fortunately indeed, the wood, a few yards from the shore, was open, and -his footsteps were not much impeded. - -Hurrying thus forward, now and then darting to the river bank, he kept -up the pursuit for five or six miles, the canoe all the time gaining -upon him, until finally he lost sight of it behind a bend in the river. - -Our hero was panting and perspiring, and in no pleasant mood, that, -after all his efforts, he was compelled to fall behind; and he relaxed -into a sullen walk. - -“It seems as though everything is conspiring against me,” he muttered. -“I have done everything in my power, and here I am at last, left -entirely alone, without knowing whither a single one of my friends has -gone. It matters little what becomes of me. A curse upon the infernal -Indians that have persecuted me thus!” - -He walked moodily forward for an hour or so, by which time he had passed -the bend in the river, around which the canoe had disappeared. The river -at this point took a due southwest direction, running so nearly -straight, that a view of several miles was afforded. Nothing of the -canoe, however, had been seen. It had gone he knew not where. - -Wearied and dispirited, he threw himself upon the ground, and endeavored -to sleep. But he was too excited and nervous to rest; and devouring what -he could, of the remaining portion of the turkey, he threw the rest from -him, and leaned his hand, to reflect upon the best course for him to -pursue. - -He had lost all traces of the Indians and their captives. How he should -ever meet Ruth again, it was impossible for him to imagine. In the -impenetrable depths of the great wilderness which surrounded him, where -the merciless redmen wandered for miles, how could he, a single, -unaided, white man, follow them? And even should he chance upon them, -how could he wrest a captive from their jealous grasp? What would be her -fate? A drudge, a slave, but he hoped no worse unless she voluntarily -took to herself an Indian husband. They might tomahawk or scalp her, but -he believed they would do no more. But Smith believed that the honor of -his betrothed was safe in the hands of her deadliest enemies. This -knowledge afforded him unspeakable satisfaction. - -And then there was the mysterious disappearance of Joe. Where could he -have gone in the night? Could it be possible that he, too, had fallen -into the hands of his foes. Had they gained all of the whites except -himself? Had they——? - -The explosion of a rifle broke the stillness of the woods, and springing -to his feet, Stoddard hurried madly forward scarcely conscious of what -he was doing. After running a short distance, he paused, and parting the -bushes gazed upon a scene that thrilled his very being with the wildest -of thoughts. - - - - - CHAPTER X. -A VAIN HUNT.—THE INDIAN CAMP.—DISCOVERY.—PURSUIT.—DESPERATE CONFLICT.—A - MEETING. - - -Joe Napyank, the hunter, was a possessor of a peculiarity, which, with -those of his profession, is certainly rare. He was a somnambulist or -sleep-walker. This affliction—as it may perfectly be termed—had taken -him in extreme peril on several occasions. It once made him a prisoner -among the Indians and it once effected his escape. - -Joe was generally affected, when he had undergone some severe -deprivation such as hunger or thirst. He lay down with Smith, and for -several hours slumbered peacefully. But finally, while in a state of -coma, rose to his feet and made off. He awoke to find himself lying at -the foot of a tree, with a sensation of hunger, strong, gnawing hunger, -a craving that demanded instant satisfaction. - -He knew all at once that he had been indulging in one of his nocturnal -walks and he therefore lay still until morning, by which time he had -become so ravenous that he would have made a respectable cannibal, and -despite the imperative necessity of his immediately rejoining Smith, -everything else gave way to the necessity of food—food—food, was what he -must have. - -Impelled forward by this blind craving, he forgot his usual caution and -paid little heed to his footsteps. The truth was his mind was in a -morbid condition, and he was not prepared to act coolly and -deliberately. His sensation was that nothing could be done until he had -satisfied this greatness of his system. After that, he could rejoin his -young friend, and they two could carry out the objects of their -expedition. - -While thus wandering carelessly forward, his excited imagination -detected a faint gobble in the wood as if a turkey were lost and was -signalling to its companions; and proceeding stealthily onward, he -suddenly came upon a large gobbler that was wandering disconsolately -about as if utterly lost. Before it could get out of his reach, Joe had -forgotten his usual prudence, and discharged his piece, succeeding in -nothing more than wounding it. - -It started off on a rapid run, and fearful that it would escape him, if -he paused to load his piece, he dashed after it at the top of his speed, -and now began an exceedingly interesting chase or rather race. - -All things considered, perhaps in the condition of the gobbler, the -hunter could outrun it, that is when both possessed the same advantage; -but the bird had a way of slipping through the undergrowth, dodging -under bushes, and trotting over fallen trees as though they were not -there, that gave him a great advantage over his pursuer. - -The latter tore headlong through the bushes, sometimes a rod or two in -the rear, sometimes almost upon it, his hope constantly maintained at an -exciting point, by the hair-breath escapes it made from him. More than -once, he made a resolute leap forward, and, as he nearly stumbled, -caught perhaps the tail feather of the bird, while the creature itself -glided through his grasp, leaving a most vivid impression of its -tapering form upon his hands, which had slipped over it so nicely. Then -again perhaps he struck at it with his rifle and pinned another feather -to the ground. - -It is a fact, to which all hunters will testify, that, in the exciting -pursuit of their game, they can travel mile after mile with hardly any -sensible fatigue. It is not until the hunter comes to retrace his -footsteps that he comprehends how great a distance he has passed over. -The attendant, perhaps whose mind does not participate in the same -excitement, is exhausted even in following the hunter. - -Thus it happens that Joe, who would not have believed he had gone more -than three-quarters of a mile, chased the bird for fully a half-dozen -times that distance, at the end of which it did not manifest the least -fatigue, the wild turkey, as our readers are aware, being a noted -runner. With no thought of giving it up, Joe still pursued it at the top -of his speed, occasionally making a leap forward at it, and the bird as -often as cleverly eluding him as ever. - -Suddenly he caught the shimmer of something through the trees, and saw -that they were approaching the banks of a river. He was now sure of his -bird; he had fairly earned it, there was no escape for it; and his -torturing hunger was about to be satisfied. - -Gracefully and majestically, as the bird reached the river margin, it -spread out its wings, and, sailing through the air, landed upon the Ohio -side and disappeared in the woods. - -Considerably chagrined,—as who would not have been?—he turned back into -the woods to cogitate upon his future action. Then, as he looked about -him, he saw that he was lost. He might retrace his trail, but he now -comprehended that he had passed over too great a distance to make this -advisable. - -While thus debating with himself, he detected a peculiar smell in the -air, which he understood, at once, was caused by a camp-fire. Knowing -full well that he was in a hostile country, he kept a sharp look-out -upon his footsteps. - -It turned out as he had suspected. He was close upon an Indian -encampment. He caught a glimpse of the gaudy fantastic costumes of the -savages through the trees, and approaching as nigh as he could, he -concealed himself, and surveyed them as well as his position could -admit. - -It was with a singular emotion that the hunter recognized this party, as -the identical Shawanoes for whom he was searching, and who held Teddy -and Ruth as captives. The party seemed to have lost several of their -number—a half dozen or so—but there was no mistaking the others. The -keen eye of the hunter recognized them at once. What surprised him still -more, was that neither of the captives was visible. What had become of -them? Had they been sent in advance in charge of a smaller party? What -possible cause could the savages have for taking such a step? - -These questions ran rapidly through the mind of the hunter, but there -was another which unpleasantly protruded itself, and that was the one in -regard to obtaining food for which, if possible was growing greater. -There seemed to be but one course left for him and that was to take to -the woods again. He was on the point of doing so, when he detected an -unlooked for opportunity. - -More than once he was sure he detected the smell of burning meat and the -cause of it was soon explained. Some twenty rods or so away from the -encampment of the savages, was a smaller fire at which a single squaw -had momentarily abandoned her post, and the tempting prize was left -unguarded. - -The temptation was too great for the naturally cool-headed and cautious -hunter. Running back into the woods a few rods, and totally unmindful of -his imminent danger, he came in the rear of the fire, snatched the meat, -and seating himself upon the ground, commenced devouring it like a wolf. - -The first mouthful was dropped most suddenly, it being so hot that his -tongue was blistered. But he soon became used to, and in a few moments, -had swallowed the entire piece, and was in the act of wiping his fingers -upon his hair, when a shrill swoop broke the stillness of the woods, and -turning his startled gaze, he saw the wrathful squaw standing within a -few feet of him. - -With the ear-splitting screech of this creature, Joe Napyank, gained -like a flash of lightning, a true idea of the fool-hardy recklessness he -had displayed. Her outcries were continued and immediately attracted the -attention of the Shawanoes, who had caught a glimpse of the white man, -as he was rising to his feet, and their fleetest runner started in -pursuit. - -The hunter’s frame was gaunt and muscular, and he was sinewy and -fleet-footed. His Indian experience also had given him great endurance, -and he now darted off in the woods at a rate that excited the admiration -of his pursuers. The three separated, so as to make sure of the -fugitive, and called all their energies into play to overtake him. - -The forest for a considerable distance was open, and afforded a good -field for the runners. The distance between Joe and the savages remained -about the same for some five or ten minutes, when one of the latter -discharged his rifle, and the white sprang high in air with a loud yell. - -But he hadn’t been struck. It was only a habit he had gained years -before. The report of the gun gave an impetus to his flight which soon -carried him far ahead of the redskins. Dodging hither and thither, -flitting in and out among the trees, it was impossible for the latter to -gain anything like an accurate aim, and they did not repeat the attempt -to bring him down. - -All was now going well for the fugitive, and he would have escaped had -he understood the woods. But his ignorance was fatal. Directly ahead of -him was a deep gorge, or ravine toward which the Shawanoes had managed -to direct his footsteps, and unconsciously to himself he was running -directly into a trap. - -It was not until he was upon the very brink that Napyank comprehended -his peril. His hair fairly rose on his head, as he glanced about him. To -the right or left, stretched the deep yawning gorge, too broad to be -leaped over, and offering no means of access except a sheer precipice, -down which it would have been certain death for him to have gone. Escape -was cut off! There was no help for him! He was fairly at bay! - -“It’s all up!” he muttered, wheeling around and placing his back toward -the gorge. “Joe Napyank is fairly cornered and now there is going to be -a row!” - -The three Shawanoes, as we have already stated, had separated during the -pursuit and were now quite a ways apart. The center one being directly -in the rear, was the closest to the fugitive, and came up to him, -considerably in advance of the others. This was fortunate in one sense -for the hunter, as for the time, he had but a single opponent with which -to contend. - -The lithe, agile Indian was all eagerness to secure the white as his -capture, and forgetful of the axiom “a stag at bay is a dangerous foe,” -that is, if he had ever heard it, he halted not in the least, but came -at full speed toward him. When within a rod or two, he whirled his -tomahawk in a circle over his head, and hurled it with tremendous force -full at the breast of his dauntless adversary. The latter from the -motion of his arm comprehended what was coming, and dodging his head -with lightning-like quickness, the weapon flashed over him, and went -spinning end over end down the ravine. - -Both the combatants had dropped their rifles and drawn their knives. -With an exultant shout the warrior leaped forward, and swinging his -knife, sprang upon his adversary. In a twinkling both were disarmed in a -singular manner. - -It so happened that the two struck at each other at precisely the same -moment, the knives encountering with such force, that the Shawanoe’s -shot out of his hand, and followed his tomahawk down the ravine, while -the hunter’s was turned with such suddenness that it fell to the ground -several yards distant. Both were now entirely disarmed, and glancing at -each for a second like infuriate tigers, they closed in the struggle of -life and death. - -In point of strength the two were very nearly equally matched. Joe had -the advantage of being an expert wrestler, while the savage was a -perfect novice. The hunter had scarcely grasped him in his long arms, -when, with a peculiar thrill, he felt that the victory was his own. - -By a trick, or rather act, well known to skilful wrestlers, the white -man twisted the redskin off his feet, and throwing him with stunning -violence upon the ground fell heavily upon him. Permitting him to rise, -he repeated the thing again and again, until the savage became so -exhausted as to be perfectly helpless. - -The cunning Shawanoe had noticed where the knife of his adversary lay, -and each time that he went down, he managed to work himself nearer it. -The hunter did not notice his stratagem, until the savage clutched it, -and as if rejuvenated by his advantage sprang to his feet, and -confronted him with the weapon. - -Not the least daunted—for Joe was terribly excited—he closed again with -his adversary, receiving an ugly wound in his arm as he did so. At this -moment he heard the outcries of the other two Shawanoes, and driven to -fury by his imminent peril he gathered all his strength in one mighty -effort, and grasping the warrior around the waist, he lifted him clear -from his feet, and flung him like an infant over the precipice. - -Down like a meteor through the dizzy air, shot the Shawanoe, with his -arms clutching wildly at vacancy, spinning from crag to crag with his -awful cry coming up like the wail of some lost spirit! - -The struggle occupied scarcely a fifth of the time we have taken in -describing it. Impelled by the most implacable hate on each side, the -blows were quick and fierce, and the termination speedy and tragic. A -shriek when the two encountered, a few blows and stunnings, another -struggle more desperate than the others, and it was ended. - -Joe had secured his knife before throwing the savage into the ravine, -and with this single weapon he confronted his two foes. They were both -about the same distance from him and he was in doubt whether to expect -their united visit at the same moment, or whether they were going to -attack him singly. The latter proved to be the case. - -One of the Indians seemed to be a sort of chief, or, at least, superior -in authority, to the other; for waving his hand for him to keep his -distance, he advanced upon the white man, with the manifest resolve of -disposing of him without aid from any one else. - -The savage was a much more formidable foe than the other, and Joe -Napyank, being greatly exhausted from his recent terrible struggle, he -was in a poor condition to receive him. Nevertheless there was no -avoidance, and he showed an undaunted front. The Shawanoe halted a -moment, as if to decide upon the best methods of attack, and then with -the same yell, as his predecessor gave, he sprang forward. - -He had passed over half the intervening space, when he gave utterance to -another outcry, not of exultation, but of agony, and throwing up his -arms, fell dead! - -The hunter had caught the report of a rifle, and saw a red spot appear -on the forehead of the Indian, so that he understood instantly that he -had been shot. The remaining aborigine, having seen all, displayed his -common sense by turning on his heel, and fleeing at the top of his -speed. - -But whence had come this shot so opportunely? What friend had he in the -Dark and Bloody Ground? How came he to be here at the critical moment? - -Joe looked inquiringly around, and for the space of a few moments, his -question remained unanswered. But while still wondering, who should step -forth to view but Stoddard Smith? - -“Just in time, it seems!” he exclaimed cheerily as he came forward and -grasped his hand. - -“I never was so glad to see a man in my life. How came you to be here at -this time?” - -“Looking for you, and what made you leave me?” - -A few words explained all. - -“It was Providence that brought me here,” added Young Smith. “I think he -is smiling on our efforts to obtain Ruth.” - -“She isn’t far away. We’ll travel together after this.” - -“Hope so. You at least have found it rather dangerous to be alone. But -are there no other Indians in the neighborhood?” - -“Yes; and it’s time we left these parts. I’ve an idea, as I said, that -Ruth and Teddy ain’t far away; so let’s tramp.” - -And once more, our two friends set about accomplishing the direct object -of their expedition. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - TEDDY O’DONNELL AND RUTH McGOWAN—IRISH SHREWDNESS—A PUGILISTIC - TRIUMPH—THE INDIAN FIGHT—LIBERATION. - - -It was one of those singularly fortunate occurrences that rarely happen -more than once in a lifetime, that made Teddy the Irishman a prisoner in -the hands of a body of Indians, possessing some claims—although it must -be confessed rather slight—to chivalry. The identical chief of the party -had once been made a prisoner by Teddy and a celebrated scout, and on -that occasion was treated as a lawful prisoner of war, and formally -released. - -The leader being a genuine Indian never forgot the kindness. He was not -one of the original party that captured the Irishman upon the flat-boat, -but when he was brought ashore he recognized him at once. Teddy with all -his shrewdness, contended that every Indian looked precisely as did all -other Indians, and he therefore failed to suspect his identity. - -The party, as has been already hinted, divided about a dozen, among whom -was the chief just referred to, taking charge of the two captives and -starting on a direct line for the Indian towns in the valley of the -Piqua. - -To the surprise of both they were allowed to walk side by side and no -restraint was placed upon their conversation. No burdens or indignities -were imposed upon each, and the chief seemed to graduate the progress of -the party to the disposition and strength of the girl. - -“Why do they not kill us!” asked Ruth, after Teddy had related the -particulars of his capture, and the situation in which he had left his -friends upon the island. - -“Injins doesn’t always do things in that shtyle. It’s meself that has -been a presn’r among ’em afore this, and they didn’t kill me but once. -That time I broke me neck, but it was speedily set and mended agin.” - -“Will they not slay me?” - -“I hardly think so. How would ye like one of these copperskins for a -husband?” - -The look of detestation and horror which answered this, made the -Irishman regret his attempt at a joke. - -“Please don’t worry about this matter. It’s the habit of these same -gintlemen to ax for a wife afore they take her. But the way that chief -views yourself and me, he has taken a strong notion to one of us. -P’rhaps he has a bootiful daughter and mither at hum, and he is admirin’ -me as a future husband for one of ’em.” - -The genial, good-natured air of the Irishman had its effect upon Ruth, -who for the time may be said to have forgotten her captivity. - -“Why, Teddy, would you like one of those dusky beauties for a life -partner?” - -“I couldn’t tell very well till I tried, as the man said when he was -recommended to die by drowning; but one of ’em might do till I got tired -of——. Begorrah! but Miss Ruth, does ye obsarve how that chap keeps his -eye upon me? If I’m not as greatly mistook than I ever was in my life, -I’ve met him afore.” - -Teddy tried to recall the features. The more he looked at him the more -certain was he that the two had encountered previously. But he was -unable to place him in his memory; and the Indian, observing that he was -subject to remark and scrutiny, turned his face away, and henceforth -remained out of view as much as possible. - -“Oh!” said Ruth, relapsing into her former despondency, “Are we ever to -see our friends again?” - -“Of course we are although we may be subjected to slight delay in the -same. I expect to meet them considerable soon.” - -“But how—how shall we do it?” - -“Can’t exactly tell yet, but we’ll all larn in due season. They’d get -tired of keeping us perhaps after awhile and give us lave to walk away.” - -“Do they ever do such things?” - -“I can’t say they do,” laughed Teddy, who hardly expected the -earnestness manifested in the question. “But as my ould friend Patrick -Henry observes, there is no way of judging by the future but by the -past, and looking to the past, I axes what has been the conduct of the -haythen Injins for the last ten years to give me hope of keeping me for -any considerable time in their clutches. I’ve been there before and -never staid.” - -“But, how has it been with me?” - -“Yes, being with me makes the same rule apply to yer own government, so -be aisy and don’t worry and fret yourself which there is no good to come -from it.” - -But Ruth McGowan found it hard work to extract relief from the ingenious -sophistries of her companion. Look at it as she might, everything was -gloomy and cheerless. Her cherished friends left behind her, instead of -being able to come to her rescue, most probably were unable to provide -for their own safety. It was therefore vain to look for assistance from -that direction. - -Perhaps her father and mother were prisoners at that moment—perhaps -murdered. And her lover Stoddard Smith—where was he? Free, a captive, or -dead? If either of the former, were not his thoughts turned to her, and -was he wondering at her situation? Should they ever meet again on -earth—or were they now separated forever in this world! - -The thought was saddening, and the distressed girl covered her face and -wept. Teddy observing her sorrow remained silent awhile, but he was too -cheerful himself to allow any unnecessary grief around him. - -“If it was meself I wouldn’t shed a tear to plase ’em,” he said. “Some -of the haythen are just cruel enough to be pleased to see it, although -it doesn’t sthrike me that the chief is one of the number. He seems to -be more tender-hearted than the others.” - -“But how can I help it when I think of my friends?” - -“I s’pose it ain’t aisy, but then don’t think of ’em. Just think of the -situation we bees in this minute, and then larf.” - -“Ah! it’s hard work to see anything to laugh at—oh!” - -At this juncture, Teddy caught his toe in a root and stumbled to the -ground. His fall was so ridiculously grotesque, that several of the -stoical bronzed faces were relaxed, and Ruth could not forbear a smile -herself. Not one of them suspected it was a piece of strategy, got up -for the especial benefit of the female captive herself. Teddy took his -discomfiture good-humoredly. - -“You are not injured, I hope,” said Ruth; “you must pardon me, but I -could not keep from laughing, you seemed so much taken by surprise.” - -“I’d much rather see you laugh than cry; it’s more pleasant to all -concerned. But did you see the unmannerly dogs grin at me? That chap -seemed to enjoy it as much as yourself.” - -Teddy was going sideways, looking toward the savages as he spoke, when -he again stumbled so awkwardly as to bring a grin into the face of every -savage in the company. - -“What yes laughing at?” he demanded in either pretended or real fury. -“Have ye no more manners than to laugh at a fellow that stubs his toe? -Yer no christians but haythens, all of yes.” - -“Poor man!” said one of them in much sympathy, “much hurt pale -face—sorry—much hurt?” - -“Don’t get too far wid your tongue or, or ye’ll run agin the fist of Mr. -Teddy O’Donnell, who understands the noble art.” - -“Poor man—much hurt—sorry——” - -A terrific whack took the tantalizing Indian directly in the mouth and -he toppled over backward like a ten pin. As he went to the ground, the -spectators all manifested their enjoyment of the scene. The Indian was -stunned and bewildered for a moment, and then, as he rose up with his -mouth bleeding, his flashing eyes and wrathful demeanor showed that he -was fully bent on avenging the mortal insult. Drawing his knife, he was -about to spring upon him, when the chief advanced and disarmed him of -his knife and tomahawk, seeing which Teddy voluntarily resigned his, and -the two confronted each other with the arms only that nature had given -them. - -It is possible that in that moment, that the dusky pugilist was sensible -that he stood at a disadvantage but there was no retreat for him, and he -therefore advanced to the attack. - -Teddy “squared” in the most approved style, and danced around on his -feet as if anxious for the contest to begin. Pausing a moment, the -Indian made an awkward plunging blow, and received another shock in the -mouth that laid him as flat as before. - -Nothing daunted, he sprang to his feet and made at his antagonist more -resolutely than ever. Teddy now toyed awhile in order to give the savage -more confidence, and then getting him fairly at his mercy, he dealt him -a more tremendous blow than before—one that completely “knocked him out -of time,” and ended the contest triumphantly in favor of the Irishman. - -Upon rising to his feet, the Indian slunk among his comrades, who did -not hesitate to jeer at him unmercifully, and to admire the conqueror in -a proportionate degree. - -This incident would be scarcely worthy of narration, were it not that it -had an important bearing on the fate of the two captives themselves. -Brave men always admire skill and bravery. This is especially true of an -uncivilized people, who sometimes look upon a hero with a feeling of the -strongest admiration. - -It cannot be pretended that Teddy O’Donnell excited any such emotion as -this, but he did produce a sentiment, that under Heaven, eventually -proved the salvation of himself and Ruth McGowan. The leader, who -entertained none but the kindest feelings toward him, was still doubtful -whether it would do to allow him to go free, even with the explanation -he might make to his brother followers. But now when he had witnessed -his vanquishing of one of his best warriors he felt no hesitation in -claiming the greatest favor for him. - -In fact he was fully resolved that the man should be liberated but that -the girl should be retained! - -The chief now advanced straight to the Irishman and addressed him. - -“Glad see you—me Wahlangson.” - -“Mighty glad to see you,” responded Teddy, grasping his hand, and -identifying him the moment he heard his name pronounced. - -“Brave man,” added the chief admiringly. “Like much.” - -Teddy understood Indian ways well enough to understand what all this was -tending to. He felt that his case was safe and he did not hesitate to -manifest a little of his joviality. - -“Would yes like a thrial? If ye does, jist say the word, and I’ll do my -best to accommodate yes.” - -The Indian did not understand the precise meaning of this, at any rate -he concluded to take no offence at it. - -“Fight for Wahlangson?” - -“That depends on circumstances, as the cobbler—” - -An exclamation from one of the warriors arrested their attention. The -chief turned his head, and his immobile countenance for once betrayed -signs of emotion. The whole party manifested excitement, and it was not -long before Teddy understood that a hostile party of Indians had -appeared, and a conflict was inevitable. - -“Big fight—big fight!” said the chief. “Kill big fight—white man fight -for Wahlangson?” - -“Aye! that he will,” replied the chivalrous Irishman, going into the -trouble for the reason that he loved it, and because he believed it was -policy to do so. - -“Take her away,” said he, pointing to Ruth. - -“Yes—you take.” - -Teddy grasped her hand and led her some distance in the wood. - -“Now do you stay there till the fight is done wid. It won’t be long, and -I’ll soon be wid yes.” - -“God protect you.” - -Teddy hurried back, arriving just as the conflict began. Instead of -fighting behind trees, as is the general custom of Indians, they -“charged” on and the fight became hand-to-hand. This was just the thing -for Teddy, who laid about him in the same ecstatic manner that he did -before being captured on the flat-boat. While thus engaged he saw his -old friend Wahlangson upon the ground, and hard pressed by two huge -redskins. Springing forward he sent one turning flip flap, which so -relieved the chief that he regained the advantage he had lost, and soon -stood on the same footing with his warriors. - -The contest was short, sharp and decisive. Ten minutes after it was made -the attacking party fled in confusion, leaving two dead and several -badly wounded. - -If Wahlangson had experienced a deep admiration for the reckless -Irishman, he was now literally overflowing with it. Going up to him, he -took his hand, and undoubtedly, with great agitation, said, - -“Much like—heap like—big like—heap like—B-I-G like!” - -“Begorrah the same to yes. I intertain the most unbounded riverence to -yer honor, as the boy said to the snapping turtle.” - -“Want go home?” - -“Well, yes, yer honor, I should rather like to do the same, bein’ as the -ould woman will be out of praties, if I don’t help dig her some.” - -“Go—go—Wahlangson willing.” - -“Ye bees now—ye ain’t lying I hopes.” - -“Go—no me follow—trail no touch—Wahlangson say so—no Shawanoe follow.” - -“I axes only that condition—that none of yees attempt to foller me. Does -ye agree to that?” - -After considerable explanation, and by the help of pantomime, Teddy made -the chief understand his wishes. The latter gave his promise, and gaily -kissing him good-bye went off whistling St. Patrick’s Day in the -morning. - -Some considerable distance away he came up with Ruth, and gallantly -offered her his arm. It need not be said she gladly took it, and the two -speedily left the ground. - -When the chief discovered that Teddy had taken away his cherished -captive, he was somewhat chagrined, as this was more than he counted -upon. But he did not follow. He was too much of a true Indian to molest -one who had served him so well. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - THE END. - - -Napyank the hunter and Stoddard Smith stood consulting together. - -“We must now hunt the trail,” said the former; “and to do that we’ve got -to go some way back into the wood.” - -The two set out, and the greater part of the day was consumed in -traveling. Toward the middle of the afternoon they struck a trail, -which, after following for a mile or so, they became convinced was in -seeking, as there did not appear the least evidence of either Teddy or -Ruth forming one of the company. Finally when darkness closed around -them, they were still at a loss, and decided to encamp until morning. - -“Here seems to be as good a spot as any,” said the hunter, halting by -the side of a small brook. - -“Sh! there is some one ahead of us,” returned young Smith, pointing up -stream, where a trembling light could be discerned through the trees. - -“Let us see who they might be.” - -The two stole cautiously forward. When a few yards away, they gained a -glimpse of the party and heard some speaking. - -“As I was about to observe when yees interrupted me, we’re now at no -great distance from the river, and we’ll reach there in due time, that -is if we travel. I s’pose you’ve no ’bjection to seeing your parents -jist now.” - -“Indeed I can hardly content myself Teddy in remaining here until -morning.” - -“Yees wouldn’t be particularly angry if yees should meet that young man -they calls Smith, I suppose?” - -“Certainly not.” - -“Arrah! Miss Ruth: there is a great wild beast behind yees.” - -Ruth sprang to her feet, and glanced back, and instead of encountering -the angry front of some wild animal, she saw—Stoddard Smith and Joe -Napyank before her. - - * * * * * * * - -The next day as McGowan was beginning to grow desponding and hopeless, -and had made up his mind to cast the raft loose at nightfall, and risk -the attempt to reach the settlement, Joe Napyank and his three -companions made their appearance. The wonderful skill of the matchless -hunter had led them directly to the spot. - -The sacred joy of father and mother, and the restoration of their -daughter, of whose deliverance at one time there could scarcely seem the -least grounds of hope—was too sacred—too holy for pen like ours to -attempt to depict. - -The raft was strengthened by the addition of much more material, so that -it easily buoyed the entire company; and when it was fairly dark, it -came forth from its concealment, and the fugitives committed themselves -once more to the treacherous Ohio. - -There were yet dangers and perils to be encountered, and it was not -until the afternoon of the ensuing day, when the unsightly cabins of the -settlement appeared, that the little party breathed freely, and felt -that they were at last—_safe_. - -The surviving Smiths became identified with this portion of the West, -and there are found there their descendants at this day. Joe Napyank -fell during Wayne’s celebrated campaign against the western Indians. -Teddy O’Donnell lived a bachelor, and, as a matter of course, died at a -ripe old age. The grandchildren of Stoddard Smith were those who stood -by his bedside during his last moments. - - - THE END. - - - - - Frank Starr’s American Novels. - - - MAMMOTH OCTAVO, ILLUMINATED COVERS, 10 CTS. EACH! - -Frank Starr’s American Novels are so alive with spirit, interest, and -the power that springs from unconscious strength in authorship, that -they have become so popular as to lead in their sales all others in the -market—a success which will be greatly heightened by future issues, which -will embrace novels of incomparable merit. - - 138—Kid Kerley, the Trapper; or, Nattie of the Woods. By Dr. J. H. - Robinson. - 139—The Fighting Trapper; or, Kit Carson to the Rescue. - 140—Thayendanegea, the Terrible; or, The War Eagle the Mohawks. By Ned - Buntline. - 141—The Black Horse of the Prairies; or, Days of Peril. By James L. - Bowen. - 142—The Texan Spy; or, The Prairie Guide. By Newton M. Curtis. - 143—The Gulf Pirate; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By - Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. - 144—One-Eyed Sim; or, The Forest Home. By James L. Bowen. - 145—Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Capt. Hamilton - Holmes. - 146—Doblado, the Outlaw; or, The Oronoco Chief. By J. Thomas Warren. - 147—The Red Warrior; or, Stella Delorme’s Comanche Lover. By Ned - Buntline. - 148—The Son of the Sea; or, The Cutter’s Cruise. By Roger Starbuck. - 149—The Texan Herdsman; or, The Hermit of the Colorado Hills. By W. H. - Bushnell. - 150—Stung Serpent, the Last Chief of the Natchez. By Captain Hamilton - Holmes. - 151—Scouting Dave; or, The Winnebago Renegade. By James L. Bowen. - 152—The Arkansas Regulators; or, How Ned Studley Won His Wife. By - Edward Willett. - 153—The Slaver Captain; or, Scuttled at Sea. By Roger Starbuck. - 154—The Secret Shot; or, The Rivals of Misty Mount. By Herrick - Johnstone. - 155—Mike, the Guide; or, Lost upon the Plains. By James L. Bowen. - 156—Waving Plume; or, The Free Trappers’ Pass. By William R. Eyster, - M. A. - 157—Border Ben; or, The Fatal Treasure. By James L. Bowen. - 158—The Black Hunter; or, The Cave Secret. By Burton Saxe. - 159—The Young Ranger; or, The Frontier Scouts. By James L. Bowen. - 160—Tom Wiley, the North-west Scout. By I. M. Nichols. - 161—Loyal Heart, the Pale-face Hunter; or, The Trappers of Arkansas. - By Gustave Aimard. - 162—Old Nick Whiffles; or, The Trapper of the North-west. By Dr. J. H. - Robinson. - 163—The Gold Guide; or, Steel Arm, the Regulator. By Francis Johnson. - 164—The Death Track; or, The Outlaws of the Mountain. By the author of - “The Gold Guide.” - 165—The White Wizard; or, The Great Prophet of the Seminoles. By Ned - Buntline. - 166—Hirl, the Hunchback; or, The Swordmaker of the Santee. By Dr. J. - H. Robinson. - 167—Tiger-Slayer; or, Eagle Head to the Rescue. By Gustave Aimard. - 168—Alapaha, the Squaw; or, The Renegades of the Border. By Francis - Johnson. - 169—The Border Bandits; or, The Horse Thief’s Trail. By Francis - Johnson. - 170—Assowaum, the Avenger; or, The Doom of the Destroyers. By Francis - Johnson. - 171—Saul Sabberday, the Idiot Spy; or, Luliona, the Seminole. By Ned - Buntline. - 172—Prairie-Flower; or, The Baffled Chief. By Gustave Aimard. - 173—Mountain Max; or, Nick Whiffles on the Border. By Dr. J. H. - Robinson. - 174—The Silent Rifleman. A Tale of the Texan Trail. By Henry W. - Herbert. - 175—Long-armed Sampson; or, The Scout of the Silver Pond. By Newton M. - Curtis. - 176—Red Ralph, the Ranger; or, The Brother’s Revenge. By Ned Buntline. - 177—The Giant Trailer; or, The Lost Scalp. By Francis Johnson. - 178—The Doomed Guide; or, The Hunter’s Trail. By Francis Johnson. - 179—The Ranger’s Rifle; or, The Wolf of the War-path. By Francis - Johnson. - 180—War-Ax; or, The Trapper’s Revenge. By Francis Johnson. - 181—Redpath, the Avenger; or, The Fair Huntress of the - Trapping-grounds. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. - 182—The Blue Brotherhood; or, The Young Patroon’s Inheritance. By - Newton M. Curtis. - 183—The Smuggler; or, The Skipper’s Crime. By Ned Buntline. - 184—The Trail-Hunter; or, Red Cedar, the Prairie Outlaw. By Gustave - Aimard. - 185—The Pirates of the Prairies; or, The Bandit at Bay. By Gustave - Aimard. - 186—The Trapper’s Daughter; or, The Outlaw’s Fate. By Gustave Aimard. - 187—Old Tiger, the Patriot; or, The Heroine of the Mohawk. By Newton - M. Curtis. - 188—The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle. By Ned Buntline. - 189—The Bush Ranger; or, The Half-breed Brigade. By Francis Johnson. - 190—The Outlaw-Hunter; or, Red John, the Bush Ranger. By Francis - Johnson. - 191—Golden Feather, the Buccaneer’s Daughter. By Arthur M. Granger. - 192—California Joe; or, The Angel of the Wilderness. By Lieut.-Col. - Hazeltine. - 193—Bob Brant, Patriot Spy. 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By Paul Bibbs. - No. 43—The White Outlaw; or, The Bandit Brigand. By Harry Hazard. - No. 44—The Dog Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. - No. 45—The Elk King. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - No. 46—Adrian, the Pilot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. - No. 47—The Man-hunter. By Maro O. Rolfe. - No. 48—The Phantom Tracker. By Frederick Dewey. - No. 49—Moccasin Bill. By Paul Bibbs. - No. 50—The Wolf Queen. By Captain Charles Howard. - No. 51—Tom Hawk, the Trailer. By Lewis Jay Swift. - No. 52—The Mad Chief. By Captain Chas. Howard. Ready. - No. 53—The Black Wolf. By Edwin E. Ewing. Ready. - No. 54—Arkansas Jack. By Harry Hazard. Ready. - No. 55—Blackbeard. By Paul Bibbs. Ready. - No. 56—The River Rifles. By Billex Muller. Ready Aug. 15th. - No. 57—Hunter Ham. By J. Edgar Iliff. 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text-align:center; text-indent:0; } -dl.biblio dd { margin-top:.3em; margin-left:3em; text-align:justify; font-size:90%; } -p.biblio { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } -.clear { clear:both; } -p.book { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } -p.review { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; font-size:80%; } -p.pcap { margin-left:0em; text-indent:0; text-align:center; margin-top:0; font-size:110%; } -p.pcapc { margin-left:4.7em; text-indent:0em; text-align:justify; } -span.inside { font-size:80%; font-weight:bold; display:block; - float:left; margin-top:.5em; margin-bottom:.5em; - margin-right:1em; max-width:8em; } -span.attr { font-size:80%; font-family:sans-serif; } -span.pn { display:inline-block; width:4.7em; text-align:left; margin-left:0; text-indent:0; } -</style> -</head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Joe Napyank; or, The River Rifles, by Billex Muller</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Joe Napyank; or, The River Rifles</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 56</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Billex Muller</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: August 28, 2021 [eBook #66157]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David Edwards, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Northern Illinois University Digital Library)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOE NAPYANK; OR, THE RIVER RIFLES ***</div> -<div id="cover" class="img"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Joe Napyank; or, The River Rifles" width="630" height="1000" /> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<p class="center smaller"><span class="sc">Vol. V.</span>] <span class="hst">[<span class="sc">No. 56.</span></span> -<br />AUGUST 19, 1876.</p> -<hr class="dwide" /> -<h1>JOE NAPYANK; -<br /><span class="smallest"><span class="smallest">OR,</span> -<br />THE RIVER RIFLES.</span></h1> -<p class="tbcenter">BY BILLEX MULLER.</p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="smaller">NEW YORK:</span> -<br />BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, -<br /><span class="smaller">98 WILLIAM STREET.</span></p> -</div> -<p class="center smaller">Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by -<br />FRANK STARR & CO., -<br />in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.</p> -<h2 id="toc" class="center">CONTENTS</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt><a href="#c1">I. On the Ohio</a> 9</dt> -<dt><a href="#c2">II. Night on the Ohio.—A Visitor.—An Original Character.—Premonitions of Danger</a> 19</dt> -<dt><a href="#c3">III. Teddy O’Donnell and His Love Adventure. Startling Catastrophe</a> 28</dt> -<dt><a href="#c4">IV. On the Island.—Environed by Peril.—Sad Forebodings.—Young Smith’s Desperate Adventure</a> 33</dt> -<dt><a href="#c5">V. Sad News.—Recovery of a Rifle</a> 45</dt> -<dt><a href="#c6">VI. A Reckless Adventure.—Capture of Teddy.—A Visit to the Flat-boat.—Thoughts of Rescue</a> 52</dt> -<dt><a href="#c7">VII. Death and Capture.—The Companions in Captivity</a> 59</dt> -<dt><a href="#c8">VIII. A Night Voyage Down the River.—Singular Appearance.—The Departure</a> 65</dt> -<dt><a href="#c9">IX. In the Dark and Bloody Ground.—The Separation</a> 74</dt> -<dt><a href="#c10">X. A Vain Hunt.—The Indian Camp.—Discovery.—Pursuit.—Desperate Conflict.—A Meeting</a> 81</dt> -<dt><a href="#c11">XI. Teddy O’Donnell and Ruth McGowan—Irish Shrewdness—A Pugilistic Triumph—The Indian Fight—Liberation</a> 90</dt> -<dt><a href="#c12">XII. The End</a> 98</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div> -<h1 title="">JOE NAPYANK.</h1> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="small">CHAPTER I.</span> -<br />ON THE OHIO.</h2> -<p>“I’ve had a pretty good tramp to-day, that’s sartin!” -Such was the exclamation of a tall, gaunt, ungainly -hunter,—Joe Napyank, as he dropped the butt of his -rifle upon the ground, and folding his arms over the -muzzle, looked out upon the broad Ohio, rolling by -in quiet grandeur.</p> -<p>“I’ve tramped nigh unto twenty miles without once -stopping; and, when a fellow goes that distance -through woods, cane-brakes, and thickets, dodging -the redskins and varmints, it’s no wonder if he’s a -<i>leetle</i> blowed. Can’t be I’m too late after all.”</p> -<p>The thought seemed to bring him some discomfort -for a moment.</p> -<p>“No; it can’t be, no need of thinking that. I’ve -made pretty good time, and have struck the river low -’nough down.”</p> -<p>From his position, a view of the Ohio, for several -miles below was afforded him, but the prospect above -was cut off by a sweeping bend in the river. The -hunter—for such he evidently was—took a long searching -scrutiny of the river below, as if in quest of some -object. Suddenly he started.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_10">10</div> -<p>“Yonder <i>is</i> something that’s sartin, but it must be -an Injin canoe. Yes, I know it is.”</p> -<p>The object referred to was simply a dark speck, -gliding straight across the stream. In a few moments, -it struck the other shore and as speedily disappeared.</p> -<p>“Yes; that’s a canoe, that can be told by the way -it acts. It’s plain McGowan has not reached this -point yet.”</p> -<p>Thus satisfied beyond all conjecture, Joe took a seat -upon a tree, prepared to wait the appearance of some -object. As we have already remarked, he was very -tall and remarkably attenuated,—his weight barely a -hundred pounds, while his height was fully six feet. -His features were sharp and angular, characteristic -more of the New Englander than of his native state of -New York. His face seemed as devoid of beard as a -child’s; but he had a pleasant blue eye, and there was -an expression of good nature on his face, more prepossessing -than otherwise. When he talked or laughed -he displayed a fine set of teeth, and a remarkably -musical voice. His hair was sandy and almost as long -and straight as an Indian’s.</p> -<p>Joe Napyank sat some time in a reverie, when -chancing to raise his head, he saw in full sight, coming -around the bend above, a goodly sized flat-boat, such -as were frequently seen upon the western waters, -three-quarters of a century since. The hunter’s eyes -sparkled.</p> -<p>“That’s McGowan! I knowed he couldn’t be far -out of the way. I don’t see any of ’em on the look out, -which, howsomever, is a good sign, as it’s one that -ought to do the looking out,—that is such looking out -as makes me show myself.”</p> -<p>Joe kept his seat for a few minutes longer, and then -withdrawing into the wood so as to conceal himself, -he deliberately raised his gun and discharged it in the -direction of the flat-boat and then, dropping his piece, -looked to see the result.</p> -<p>He caught a glimpse of two or three hats moving -<span class="pb" id="Page_11">11</span> -around near the stern of the boat. Enough to satisfy -him, that his friends were not asleep, nor so reckless -as to expose themselves, when no possible good could -result from it. The hunter now stepped forward, and -called out,</p> -<p>“Helloa there, you, can’t you take a poor fellow on -board?”</p> -<p>All this time, he was careful to keep his body concealed; -and, observing, that his call attracted no notice, -he speedily repeated it, still hiding his body, and disguising -his voice as much as possible.</p> -<p>“I say you, won’t you take a poor fellow on board, -that’s been badly cut up by the Injins, and can’t get -off.”</p> -<p>Still there was not the least sign that his words were -heard, which perhaps rather curiously did not seem to -displease the hunter. By this time, the flat-boat had -approached a point directly opposite, so that he was -compelled to begin walking to keep pace with it. -This he managed to do, without exposing himself to -the inquiring eyes, that he knew was piercing out upon -him.</p> -<p>“I say, be you so cruel as to leave a poor wounded -man of your own race and blood to perish among these -outrageous Injins?”</p> -<p>Still no response, and the hunter tried it once more.</p> -<p>“Can’t you let me know that your hear me?”</p> -<p>A moment later, a huge red face appeared over the -gunwale,</p> -<p>“Git out! you can’t come that game over me.”</p> -<p>Joe Napyank now stepped forth to view, and -swung his hat with a loud laugh.</p> -<p>“That’s right, McGowan, belive every man in these -parts an enemy till he’s proved a friend.”</p> -<p>The same rubicund face rose like the moon over -the horizon of the high gunwale, and a cheery laugh -rolled over the water—</p> -<p>“Ha! ha! ha! you can’t hide that voice of yours, -Joe; I knowed you all the time.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div> -<p>“You did, eh?” replied the hunter somewhat crestfallen, -“why didn’t you answer me then?”</p> -<p>“You didn’t apply in the proper manner,—that’s it, -ha! ha! ha! Now when you show yourself like a -man, I’ll notice you. I suppose you want to come on -board.”</p> -<p>“If you’ve no objection, I should like to do so.”</p> -<p>“How do you propose to do it?”</p> -<p>“I ’pose you work your old pile of lumber into -shore.”</p> -<p>“No, you don’t. It would be a little better if you -should work yourself a little <i>out</i> from shore.”</p> -<p>The hunter could not avoid laughing at the good -natured shrewdness displayed by McGowan.</p> -<p>“I’m glad to see you’ve larned something. ’Twouldn’t -be safe to get along the shore when there’s no -current.”</p> -<p>“What made you ask me to do it then?”</p> -<p>“Just to see whether you had enough sense not to -mind me. I tell you what you can do though, McGowan,” -added Napyank in a more serious voice.</p> -<p>“What’s that?”</p> -<p>“Work the boat a little toward this bank so that I -can wade out to you. A few yards will answer.”</p> -<p>“I suppose there is no objection to that, but you will -have to go down stream a little further.”</p> -<p>“Of course.”</p> -<p>The long sweeping oars that were hung at either -end of the flat-boat were now called into requisition -and applied by seemingly invisible hands. Under their -influence, the huge unwieldy mass of lumber began -sidling toward the bank, somewhat after the fashion of -a cautious turtle, that had not made up his mind as -yet, whether he was doing an exactly proper thing or -not. The hunter kept pace with it, manifesting considerable -anxiety, and surveying both shores, as though -he were not satisfied with their appearance. One or -two things had caught his eye that gave him some uneasiness, -and he was rather impatient to get upon the -<span class="pb" id="Page_13">13</span> -boat. This perhaps made the movements of McGowan -and his friends unnecessarily tardy.</p> -<p>“There! I think that will do!” exclaimed the man -on the flat-boat. “Now see whether you can walk -out to us.”</p> -<p>But Joe was already several yards out in the stream, -carefully feeling his way. The water slowly rose, so -that he was to his arm-pits before he had passed half -the intervening distance.</p> -<p>“Ay g-r-a-c-i-o-us!” he shivered out, as he tediously -made his way along. “This is awful cold, and -is getting deeper and deeper.”</p> -<p>“Keep along. You’re in the deepest part,” cheered -McGowan.</p> -<p>“I—I—don’t know about that.”</p> -<p>“A few more yards and you will be here.”</p> -<p>“I—oogh!”</p> -<p>The last exclamation was forcibly ejected, as he suddenly -dropped out of view. Just as McGowan’s -hearty laugh was ringing over the water, he shot upward -again and struck out vigorously for the flat-boat.</p> -<p>“Confound it! Why didn’t you tell a feller?”</p> -<p>“How could I know there was a hole there? Let -your feet drop and see if they don’t touch bottom.”</p> -<p>The hunter did as was requested and was surprised -to find that he was again in five-foot water.</p> -<p>“That’s better,” he added, as he rapidly neared the -flat-boat. “In a minute——”</p> -<p>Joe Napyank suddenly paused, at the sharp crack -of several rifles upon the bank, and the whizz of the -bullets in alarming proximity to his own person.</p> -<p>“Indians!” exclaimed McGowan, excitedly. “Quick -Joe, for God’s sake; you’ll be killed!”</p> -<p>The hunter was fully impressed with the danger, -and was making all haste toward the flat-boat. He -sank down so that nothing but the upper part of his -head was visible above water. The bullets rained like -hail around his head but still he was unharmed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div> -<p>“McGowan, can’t you give ’em a shot?” he called -out.</p> -<p>“I can try.”</p> -<p>Saying which his gun was speedily raised and discharged -among the shouting savages, who took no -pains to conceal their bodies. The shot seemingly -was a good one, for they scattered to cover like a -flock of frightened partridges. During the temporary -lull the hunter reached the flat-boat and with the -assistance of two or three friendly hands was received -on board.</p> -<p>The Indians disappeared with almost the suddenness -of magic. Not another yell was heard, not another -gun fired. Five minutes after the discharge of the -first shot, a stillness deep and profound reigned over -wood and river.</p> -<p>For a long time those in the flat-boat maintained -an unremitting watch upon both shores. More than -once they were certain they saw some redskins leaping -stealthily from cover to cover—they were in momentary -expectation of another volley. But none -came. It seemed as if the savages had been controlled -entirely by the desire to slay or obtain possession -of Napyank, and failing in this, they had quietly -withdrawn.</p> -<p>“They have left, I guess,” finally remarked Napyank.</p> -<p>“I don’t know,” replied McGowan, “it seems to -me that every rod of these bordering woods, contain -a dozen of the creatures, and it <i>does</i> seem as if they -had all taken a great notion to watch us.”</p> -<p>“No doubt about that, and they <i>will</i> keep on watching -us till we reach the settlement. Haven’t they attacked -you previous to this?”</p> -<p>“I should think they had. There hasn’t been a -night since we got fairly into the West, that they -haven’t tried to board us.”</p> -<p>Joe Napyank, although an experienced hunter, -<span class="pb" id="Page_15">15</span> -seemed really surprised to hear this. McGowan added -by way of qualification.</p> -<p>“I speak the literal truth when I say there hasn’t a -night passed without some hostile attempt upon their -part; but I must say, that it does seem to me that -they didn’t try very hard.”</p> -<p>“That is qu’ar. When Injins try such things, -they’re apt to do the best they can.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps they had a good fear of the mettle of -those on board this boat,” smiled McGowan.</p> -<p>“Per-h-a-p-s,” drawled the hunter, in a voice that -was far more significant than a simple denial could -have been.</p> -<p>“I don’t think any of them have learned how many -we have on board,” added McGowan.</p> -<p>“It is well they didn’t.”</p> -<p>But it is high time the inmates of the flat-boat -should receive a more special introduction to the reader.</p> -<p>Theophilus McGowan, the author of this emigration -scheme, was a middle aged man of large frame, -weighing considerably over two hundred pounds. He -came from Western Pennsylvania, where he was a -prominent citizen, greatly respected, having performed -a very important part in the Revolutionary war, -now brought to a close. He procured a wife as obese -and genial-natured as himself, and a daughter as pretty -and plump as it is safe to imagine. This was their -only child, and, at first, it may seem hard to find a -reason why he should leave his comfortable home and -emigrate to this great solitude, the abode of the deadly -red man. But it requires no prophetic eye, to see that -this very region—the great West—was destined speedily -to become settled, civilized, and one of the most -important sections of the young nation. His experience -in camp life and the vicissitudes of the great -contest, had nurtured a roving disposition in him, and -he had entered into the scheme with as much zest, as -if he were a young man, and was in quest of a bride -and a new home.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<p>Associated with him was Abram Smith, a man -somewhat younger than himself, who brought with -him his two sons, Abram and Stoddard. Abram was -a quiet, reserved sort of man like his father, and nearly -thirty years of age. Both had the true mettle of -the pioneer in them. Reticent and undemonstrative, -yet they possessed that noiseless, unwavering determination, -which could be checked by no obstacle that -it was possible for human will to overcome. Every -trial and difficulty they took as a matter of course, and -it may be safely ventured that if father and son ever -knew that it was appointed to run a gauntlet of Indians, -in order to reach their destination, they would -not have hesitated or turned aside for an instant.</p> -<p>Mrs. Smith was a cypher,—meek, uncomplaining, -faithful, she went through her routine of duties, -greatly after the manner of a machine that is regularly -wound up and runs itself down. She would no more -have dreamed of questioning the authority and wisdom -of her husband, than a slave would have dared -to dispute with a despot.</p> -<p>Stoddard Smith, who was several years younger -than his brother, (it may as well be expressed at this -point,) was prompted more by admiration of Ruth -McGowan, than a love for this outrageous solitude. -Brought up in the neighborhood, he had learned to -look upon her with admiring eyes, and came in due -time to be accepted as her lover, in preference to -scores of others, who had cast longing looks in that -direction. His disposition was such that he would -have been pronounced a son of McGowan, far sooner -than one of his rightful father. Free, open-hearted, -brave almost to recklessness, sometimes noisy in his -exuberance of spirits, he was the very antipode of his -family.</p> -<p>“Friend and companion! I greet you,” was his salutation, -as Joe Napyank came over the gunwale. -“You seem rather anxious to see us.”</p> -<p>“And so would you be,” answered the hunter, as he -<span class="pb" id="Page_17">17</span> -turned towards McGowan, and the other two devoted -themselves to the danger that had sprung so suddenly -upon them. A few more words which have been already -recorded, and the conversation was reduced to -disjointed sentences, principally occasioned by what -was happening around them. Finally, when it became -certain there was no fear of further molestation -from the savages, they mingled more freely with -each other. Mrs. McGowan and Smith came above -and greeted the hunter, who was a most welcome addition -to the party, and after remaining a few moments -went below. Ruth, however, staid on deck in -converse with her father, lover and Napyank. Abram -Smith and father were at the bow, where they had -abundant opportunity for their favorite pastime—silence.</p> -<p>“It seems to me you don’t look very much scart,” -replied the hunter, addressing Ruth McGowan.</p> -<p>“I have been frightened for all that—but we are getting -so accustomed to these Indians, that I am in constant -expectation of their guns.”</p> -<p>“She was frightened enough when the first shot -was fired the other day. She believed it was certainly -all over with us,” said her father. “She ain’t so brave -as you are trying to make out. I’ve no doubt she -would run into the cabin, if we should be boarded by -a half hundred of the red skins.”</p> -<p>“I’ve no doubt of it either,” returned Ruth, not detecting -the quiet humor of her father, beneath the serious -surface.</p> -<p>“Yes; she is a regular coward; I don’t know what -we shall do with her in this western country. I almost -wish we had left her at home.”</p> -<p>“I am sure you can’t wish it any more than I do,” -rejoined the daughter, with some feeling. The father -looked her quietly in the face a moment, and then -with a pleasant smile drew her affectionately to his -heart.</p> -<p>“No, my darling,” he said, as the tears came in his -<span class="pb" id="Page_18">18</span> -eyes. “I would not have left you behind for the -world.”</p> -<p>Ruth covered her face, and for a few moments complete -silence held reign. Joe Napyank considered -the tableau quite interesting. Stoddard Smith was -reflecting how truly he might appropriate the words -just uttered by McGowan, and how decidedly agreeable -it would be if he were her father for the time being.</p> -<p>In the meantime, the keen eye of the hunter was -scrutinizing the Ohio and Kentucky shore in search of -signs that it may be said were hardly ever invisible.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="small">CHAPTER II.</span> -<br />NIGHT ON THE OHIO.—A VISITOR.—AN ORIGINAL CHARACTER.—PREMONITIONS OF DANGER.</h2> -<p>The eagle eye of Napyank, the hunter, failed to -detect anything suspicious. He knew that they were -journeying through the most dangerous part of the -great wilderness which at that day, stretched for hundreds -of miles west of the Alleghanies. As he reflected -upon the unanimity which his friends had enjoyed thus -far, he could but wonder at the cause. There had -others attempted this same project, and bitterly rued -the day that the thought entered their heads.</p> -<p>Only a few months before, Napyank himself had -attempted to pilot a flat-boat down the river. In the -dead of night, when the whole crew were on the -watch, a large body of Indians stole upon them, and -in a twinkling had possession of the boat, and most -of its inmates. What became of the unfortunate captives, -none could tell, for neither Napyank, nor the -two or three who escaped with him ever saw or heard -of them again. But imagination can easily decide -their fate, in the face of what was so well known to all -those who had heard of the North Americans Indians.</p> -<p>The afternoon was far advanced, and still the flat-boat -glided uninterruptedly forward. As yet no -further sign of their enemies were visible. The vast -forests lining the shores, were as quiet and motionless -as if no man or animal had disturbed the solitude. -The river flowed as placidly forward as it had for centuries. -The sun had risen on the same scene that day -<span class="pb" id="Page_20">20</span> -that it had thousands of times before, and was about -to set as it had for ages, when this sudden evidence of -the advancing white men made his appearance.</p> -<p>Not another sign of life except the whirring of a -flock of birds overhead was seen. The flat-boat with -its handfull of human beings, was alone in that great -solitude floating slowly and gently down the river, in -which hundreds of similar adventurers were yet to find -their graves.</p> -<p>In a few moments, the flat-boat swept around a bend -in the river, and came in view of another extended -portion of the Ohio. Viewed from a distance, it had -much the appearance of a huge square box floating -aimlessly onward. At either end a lengthy oar was -hung, which now and then some hand dipped into the -water, when, after surging a few moments, it remained -at rest. The box-like appearance of the boat, -ended at the prow and astern, where it took more -the shape of a lawful boat. The cabin ran the entire -length, except at each end stern was left a space of -sufficient dimensions to contain a half-dozen men. -Above these spaces, the heavy bullet-proof planks rose -for fully five feet. A small narrow window was -pierced in the side, opening and shutting from within, -while a trap-door above afforded still more secure -means of obtaining light, or of affording egress to -those within. The spaces referred to at the end communicated -with the cabin, so that the entire length of -the flat-boat could be traversed, without being exposed -to a shot from the most vigilant enemy outside. This -was McGowan’s arrangement, and he deserved credit -for the originality he had shown. Under his skilful -management the lumbering vessel had been constructed -into a regular floating fort. A hail-storm of bullets -were as harmless as so many pebbles. To this fact, -perhaps, may be attributed the remarkable good fortune -that had attended our friends from the start. -The ever-watchful savages, seeing such a craft,—so -different from that which had usually met their gaze—naturally -<span class="pb" id="Page_21">21</span> -supposed there was a formidable force behind -it, and frequently were reluctant to attempt to board -it.</p> -<p>Still Napyank was too experienced and shrewd to -believe this state of things would last much longer. -The prize was too tempting for the savages to allow it -to glide quietly through their grasp.</p> -<p>The hunter informed McGowan, that he strongly -suspected the real crisis was to come that night.</p> -<p>“Yes, sir, I do,” he exclaimed in a low and emphatic -tone. “Look out for night.”</p> -<p>“If we get through that?”</p> -<p>“Well enough; you ain’t got much furder to go.”</p> -<p>“We’d better stay up to-night.”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> -<p>“Then, I’ll go below for awhile.”</p> -<p>A moment later and Joe Napyank was left alone -on the deck of the flat-boat.</p> -<p>As he stood with his right arm partly raised, resting -upon the oar his keen nervous eyes fixed upon the -river beyond, he was a fine specimen of the daring -pioneer of the West.</p> -<p>Gradually the day waned and the gloomy shadows -lengthened over the river. The great wilderness became -darker and gloomier and the form of the hunter -gradually blended with the night.</p> -<p>An hour later, the full moon rolled above the forest, -and the river glistened brightly in its rays. Silently -the flat-boat glided onward, its skilful pilot ever -maintaining its position as near the centre of the river -as possible.</p> -<p>The cabin, we may remark in this place, was divided -into two compartments of nearly the same size. The -forward was the sleeping one for the females, and was -only occupied by them during the night. The other -was the general sitting-room in which all remained -most of the day, and in which the men spent the -night.</p> -<p>A dim light was burning, sending forth a heavy -<span class="pb" id="Page_22">22</span> -oily smoke, which found vent through the trap-door -above. The faces of all looked wan and ghastly in -the sickly yellow light.</p> -<p>They, however, remained but a comparatively short -time below. Their meal finished and they all went -above,—the two Smiths, including also the wife, took -their position at the bow of the boat, when they could -look, fight if necessary and—keep still.</p> -<p>It was far from being the case at the bow, where -were congregated McGowan, Napyank, young Smith, -and Mrs. McGowan and her daughter. They were -disposed to enjoy the scene as much as possible.</p> -<p>“If we could feel safe,” remarked Ruth, “how happy -we could be. This scenery is splendid.”</p> -<p>“Yes,” replied the father, who was somewhat impressed -by the majestic solemnity of his surroundings. -“It’s enough to make any man feel solemn.”</p> -<p>“This would be a grand old night to go on a -serenade,” said young Smith, glancing at Ruth.</p> -<p>“I’ve no doubt there are several Indian residences -in the vicinity,” said McGowan. “Suppose you sing -a song in front of them. No doubt it will be appreciated.”</p> -<p>“I should like to sing the death-song of all of -them.”</p> -<p>“How soon before we reach our home?” inquired -Ruth McGowan of the hunter.</p> -<p>“We ought to be there to-morrow afternoon, if we -suffer no interruption.”</p> -<p>“And this is the last night we are to spend upon -the river?”</p> -<p>“I hope it is.”</p> -<p>“How rejoiced I am!” exclaimed Ruth with a -glowing face.</p> -<p>“But,” said the hunter deeming it best to check her -exuberance, “we haven’t reached that point yet.”</p> -<p>“Of course not, but we soon shall. How brightly -the moon shines! It is almost as light as day.”</p> -<p>“It is not going to last,” said Napyank, “there are -<span class="pb" id="Page_23">23</span> -clouds coming up in the sky, and it will not be long -before we are in the darkness. Hello? Smith there -has discovered something. What is it, Smith?”</p> -<p>“Look over the side of the boat,” said the elder, -making a desperate effort to break his reticence.</p> -<p>The hunter did so, and instantly detected the head -of a man on the surface of the water, approaching the -boat.</p> -<p>“I ought to have seen that,” he said catching up his -rifle. “There is a man swimming out to us. I say, -you,” he called, addressing the individual in the river, -“What is it you want?”</p> -<p>The man puffing and blowing, continued rapidly to -near the vessel, but made no reply. The hunter raised -his rifle in a significant manner.</p> -<p>“Don’t shoot,” admonished McGowan, “one man -can do no harm.”</p> -<p>All were now crowding toward the gunwale, when -Napyank requested them to keep back. A moment -later, the form in the water had reached the flat-boat -and now called out,</p> -<p>“Would yees have the onspakable kindness to lower -a rope jist, and assist a gintleman on board?”</p> -<p>What a revulsion the sound of that voice created! -The cheery brogue, of a humorous Irishman established -a feeling of brotherhood on the moment.</p> -<p>“Teddy O’Donnell, as certain as I’m alive,” exclaimed -Napyank, as he assisted him on board.</p> -<p>The next moment a great, huge, strapping Irishman -came floundering over the gunwale, like a prodigious -porpoise that had just been hooked.</p> -<p>“The top of the morning to yees, barrin it isn’t -morning but night,” said he. “I graats yees with -plisure.”</p> -<p>“You are welcome, very welcome,” said McGowan. -“We are glad of a friend at any time. But you are -very wet. Would it not be best to change your -clothes.”</p> -<p>“Yas,” drawled the Irishman, with irresistible -<span class="pb" id="Page_24">24</span> -comicality, “there’s only a slight objection to these -same. This is the ownly suit I possesses, and therefore -if I should attimpt to change it, me costhume -would be rather too airy for the obsarvers.”</p> -<p>There was such a dry humor in all that the man -uttered, that he soon had his listeners on a broad grin. -The Irishman seemed totally unimpressed by the gloom -and threatening stillness of the woods, and could joke -even over his own descomfiture. The manner of his -meeting with the hunter showed that both were -friends, though none of the others recollected ever -having seen him. Five minutes after his advent upon -the deck, all were as well acquainted, as if they had -known each other for a lifetime.</p> -<p>“I did not exactly mean that,” said McGowan, -alluding to his last remark. “We are well provided -with clothes, and if you will go below with Smith here, -he will see that you are speedily adjusted in a comfortable -rig.”</p> -<p>“Your obedient sarvant,” said Teddy, tipping his -hat to young Smith, with all the gallantry of a cavalier, -and descending with him into the cabin.</p> -<p>“He is what I call an original genius,” remarked -McGowan to Napyank, when Teddy had departed.</p> -<p>“He is a great fellow Teddy. He’s one of the best -hearted Irishman I ever met.”</p> -<p>“I noticed you were acquainted.”</p> -<p>“I’ve known him for a dozen years; he’s sort of a -scout for the frontier posts. I can’t say I’m really -glad he has joined us.”</p> -<p>“Why not?” inquired McGowan in astonishment.</p> -<p>“’Cause he’s always been considered the onluckiest -dog in these parts. I never knowed him to go on a -scent but what he had got into some confounded -scrape.”</p> -<p>“I should consider him very fortunate then, that he -has escaped with his life, and lives to tell the tale,” -said Ruth.</p> -<p>“Perhaps he is,” answered the hunter, who did not -<span class="pb" id="Page_25">25</span> -wish to occasion any alarm. “I didn’t think of that -way of looking at it.”</p> -<p>“Why does he continue such a life?”</p> -<p>“It’s just his delight. That feller is covered with -cuts and scars, and hacks he’s got from the Injins. I -couldn’t tell how many times he’s had his skull -cracked.”</p> -<p>“What brings him here?”</p> -<p>“He’s had the redskins after him, and has had to -take to the river to get away from ’em. If it hadn’t been -for the flat-boat, it would’ve been all over with him.”</p> -<p>“He must be a brave man indeed.”</p> -<p>“He’s all that; he’d rather fight any time than eat. -If he can work it to get into a scrimmage with the -dogs, before we reach the settlement he will do so.”</p> -<p>“If he is so pugnacious as that, I trust you will be -able to restrain him. He has no right to run us into -any danger to justify his predilections.”</p> -<p>“He won’t do that; it will be himself only that he -will try to get into trouble. Last summer, I went out -in Kentucky with him. Afore we knowed it, we got -a whole batch after us, and had to take to the river to -give ’em the slip. We managed to throw ’em off the -scent, and being pretty well worn out, hide under -some bushes. We hadn’t been there long, when another -party came along and squatted down right by -us. They staid awhile and was going off without disturbing -us, when this Teddy jumped up with a yell, -and went right among ’em, using his gun for a shillalah, -and whacking ’em over the head.”</p> -<p>“Of course, I had to pitch in with him, and it was -about the worst scrimmage of my life. We gave some -of the tallest kind of yelling, and I s’pose it must have -been that scart ’em, for it want long before they left.”</p> -<p>“It is strange he escapes with his life.”</p> -<p>“Some of these days he will go under. His head is so -hard that it seems to me he never can get it hurt, and, -as that’s where he does generally get basted, that -must be the reason he stands it so well.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_26">26</div> -<p>At this juncture, the subject of their remarks reappeared -on deck, in such grotesque attire, that laughter -was involuntary upon the part of all who saw him. -His pantaloons were too baggy and far too large, his -coat reached to his heels, and the sleeves were rolled -up to his elbows. As for the shirt there can be -nothing said regarding that, as there was none at all; -for shoes, he retained his moccasins.</p> -<p>“That’s what I tarm a butiful shtyle of avening -dress; also a choice one, bein’ there is no other to -take your choice from.”</p> -<p>“You are comfortable at least,” remarked McGowan.</p> -<p>“I faals so jist at praisent. I haven’t got exactly, -sot to ’em but I s’pose I will pretty soon.”</p> -<p>“You remain with us, I hope.”</p> -<p>“I hopes the same; I s’pose you’re bound for the -settlement down the river?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“I have an appointment to meet Simon Kenton -there, so if yees doesn’t object to my company, I’ll -jine yees.”</p> -<p>“With all pleasure. The sight of a white face in -these parts does us good.”</p> -<p>Teddy laughed heartily.</p> -<p>“It’s meseelf that doesn’t lay claim to being the -same. When I had to dodge me head to give the -redskins the slip, it was the first washing I had given -my face since this saison set in—that’s the fact the -first time since this saison set in.”</p> -<p>Ruth McGowan’s horror was unbounded, until her -lover reminded her that this was the first day of summer, -so that Teddy perhaps was as tidy as the generality -of humanity.</p> -<p>“You came on us rather unexpectedly,” said young -Smith.</p> -<p>“Yees did the same wid meself if you’ll allow -to make the observation.”</p> -<p>“Another scrimmage?” inquired Napyank.</p> -<p>“Nothing hardly worth of mentioning. I undertook -<span class="pb" id="Page_27">27</span> -to crack the heads of a half-dozen I found -slaping, and would have done it, if it hadn’t been for -a thrifling thing.”</p> -<p>“And what was that?”</p> -<p>“They cracked mi own widout given me the chance -to return the compliment.”</p> -<p>“You then took to the water?”</p> -<p>“I did not. I tuk to the woods, with the intention -of coming back and given ’em a partin’ crack, when I -cotched sight of this old barn floating down shtream.”</p> -<p>“Why didn’t you hail us?” inquired the hunter, -with a peculiarly significant intonation.</p> -<p>“Arrah git out! din’t I try that last shpring, and -you holding the guiding oar in your hand all these -times, and knowin’ it was meself, and you bawling it -was a decoy so as to keep me thramping till I had to -shwim out to yees and haul meself on boord? Git out -wid yer nonsense.”</p> -<p>Napyank laughed as if the recollection afforded him -great pleasure.</p> -<p>“Yees are an unfaaling creature,” continued Teddy. -“Yees have sarved me more that one ongintlemanly -thrick.”</p> -<p>“Why, what now, Teddy?”</p> -<p>“Yees remimbers when ye wid not lit me tackle the -ridskins out in Kaintuck.”</p> -<p>“But they were a dozen, and we were only two.”</p> -<p>“What the odds! We had not cracked a head for -a waak, and there was emminent danger of me losing -the scientific touch of the business.”</p> -<p>“It’s plain to see when you are in your element,” -commented McGowan, and then addressing the ladies,</p> -<p>“Come, it is time you went below; it is getting -quite late.”</p> -<p>The females took this palpable hint; and bidding -their friends good night descended into the cabin. -Teddy tipped his hat and scraped his foot, with all -the politeness at his command and then turned to his -new made friends.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div> -<h2 id="c3"><span class="small">CHAPTER III.</span> -<br />TEDDY O’DONNELL AND HIS LOVE ADVENTURE. STARTLING CATASTROPHE.</h2> -<p>For the last hour the sky had been rapidly becoming -overcast, and a thick fog was gathering over the -river, which beyond doubt would enclose our friends -in impenetrable gloom. There was not much probability -of a storm, but it was certain regarding the obscuration -of the moon and the approaching darkness.</p> -<p>Napyank, on the whole, was inclined to regret this. -While it gave them a greater chance of being discovered -by their vigilant enemies along shore, as they -could proceed absolutely without noise, it still was -emphatically venturing in the dark. Whether they -were drifting in toward shore could not be known, -until too late. Beside this the hunter called to mind -that there was a large island near the center of the -river which could be at no great distance from them, -and it was his wish to avoid running upon this. As -all were opposed to lying to for the night, the plan -was not broached.</p> -<p>The settling gloom around them finally attracted -the notice of young Smith who remarked,</p> -<p>“It’s getting dark as sure as we live.”</p> -<p>“I observe too, that a heavy mist is settling over -the river,” added McGowan.</p> -<p>“In an hour you won’t be able to see tother end -the boat,” replied Napyank. “Smith there will have -all he can do to manage to spy out the Injins.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div> -<p>“Do you think they will trouble us?”</p> -<p>“Not unless we run right into ’em.”</p> -<p>“And how can we do that?”</p> -<p>“We can’t very well unless we get into a powerful -big island that is somewhere in these parts.”</p> -<p>“I am certain we ought to be able to steer clear of -that.”</p> -<p>“If we can only see it—there’s the trouble.”</p> -<p>“Joe,” said McGowan, after a few minutes silence, -“Why not run into the shore and tie up for the -night?”</p> -<p>The hunter shook his head.</p> -<p>“’Twouldn’t do; I seen that tried once, on jest such -a night as this. Them reds, it seems to me, can smell -a flat-boat a mile off. They’d swarm down on us like -a lot of flies.”</p> -<p>For some time Teddy had stood silent and thoughtful. -His arms were folded, and he was looking out -upon the still surface of the river.</p> -<p>“What is it you’re thinking about?” inquired Napyank.</p> -<p>“I feels sorryful, by the same token,” he replied in -a sad tone, heaving a tremendous sigh.</p> -<p>“What is the cause?”</p> -<p>“I was jest thinkin of a wee bit of a girril that I -had left at me home in ould Ireland—God bless -her.”</p> -<p>“An affection of the heart, eh?”</p> -<p>“It bees; and it’s sthrange—there’s a very sthrange -sarcumstance connected wid the same girril.”</p> -<p>“What is it?”</p> -<p>“It’s now good ten years since I last saw her, and -I’ve niver once brought her to mind till this same -minute.”</p> -<p>“You certainly could not have thought much of -her.”</p> -<p>“I sartinly did; I’ve just thought of what it was -that brought her to mind. It’s this ould coat.”</p> -<p>“And how should that do it?” inquired young -<span class="pb" id="Page_30">30</span> -Smith, who seemed about the only one who felt any -interest in the matter.</p> -<p>“The last time I saw her she had on jist the same -article; Ah! but she looked swate in it. She was -diggin pataties at the time. It was the same that -had the sphlendid fut for yees—none ov yer little -cramped up nothin’—but a reg’lar stunner—as flat as -a pancake. Ah! she was a girril.”</p> -<p>Another great sigh, showed how deep the Irishman’s -feelings were regarding his almost forgotten -love.</p> -<p>“And her ringlets—ah! if ye could but have seen -them. They war’nt twisted up like a nagur’s, but -long and graceful with jist the slightest twist to ’em, -and as red as the fire in me own pipe.”</p> -<p>“It is strange you left her Teddy, if you held her -in such high estimation.”</p> -<p>“I didn’t hould her, she staid there widout the -howlding. Ah! she was the gal for me. I niver -called on her but what we had a fight. We both used -a shillalah, and it was there I got the scientific touch -of that beautiful instrument. We always had black -eyes after we left each other. It was that what gave -me the high respect for her, that I shall entertain up -to the day of my death.”</p> -<p>“But you haven’t told me why it is you left her society?”</p> -<p>“That was alas strange, but when I state the circumstances, -you will see how great should be my respect -toward the young lady.”</p> -<p>“I’m anxious to hear it, I’m sure.”</p> -<p>“Wal!” proceeded Teddy, with another great sigh. -“I called an her one evening in the spring time of the -year, when the flowers were in bloom and the petaties -were getting ready to be, I proposed that we should -have another set to, when we went at it right away. -Begorrah but Bridget got the best of me that time. -She fetched me a whack over the eye afore I knowed -anything about what was comin’ and laid me out -<span class="pb" id="Page_31">31</span> -shtiff. When I came to she was still lambasting me, -and she kept at it, till I had to lave the counthry to -get away from her. Ah! me own swate jewil, if I -but had you here this minute,” sighed Teddy, after -he had concluded the narrative.</p> -<p>“What was the name of your love?” inquired -Smith.</p> -<p>“Bridget Moghoghlmeoghan.”</p> -<p>By this time the gloom had become so heavy, that -the heads of the two Smiths could scarcely be discovered, -as they stood at the prow silent and faithful to -their duties. The obscurity became greater and -greater until the hunter’s prediction was literally fulfilled. -The prow of the boat was a dim, vague, shadowy -representation, whose outlines could not have -been defined, had not one known its identity. The -shores had long since faded from vision, that our -friends were drifting helplessly forward—knowing that -if danger lay in their path there was no possibility of -discovering it, until they were fairly upon it.</p> -<p>Under these circumstances, the hunter considered -the propriety of tying to the shore until morning. -If they could hit upon some retired spot, where there -was little probability of attracting attention, they ran -far less risk of being molested, than by continuing onward -in this aimless manner.</p> -<p>“What I’m the most afeard of,” said Napyank, “is -that they’ll hear the creaking of the oars. The night -is very still, and such a racket as they would make, a -noise you could hear a half mile.”</p> -<p>“Be the same token don’t let ’em make any noise,” -was the brilliant suggestion of Teddy O’Donnell.</p> -<p>“Easier said than done. Then the splashing wo’d -make; that would be just as bad.”</p> -<p>“Can’t we work into shore gradually?” inquired -or rather suggested McGowan. “We can dip the -oars very quietly and work them with great care.”</p> -<p>“I can’t hardly think what to do,” said the hunter -<span class="pb" id="Page_32">32</span> -in some perplexity. “I think, howsumever, we’ll go -ahead for the present.”</p> -<p>“But the island.”</p> -<p>“That is the only thing that troubles me.”</p> -<p>“Most likely the current will drift us by that.”</p> -<p>“I hope it will, but it is powerful onsartin.”</p> -<p>After some further consideration, it was concluded -that it would be best to glide onward as they were -doing at present, keeping in the meantime, as close a -watch as was possible under the circumstances for the -island that they all had so much reason to fear.</p> -<p>“The poorest part of this boat is the bottom,” -remarked McGowan.</p> -<p>“We couldn’t get the proper timber, I remember -we put in or two pieces that I am anxious about.”</p> -<p>“That makes it worse nor I thought,” replied -Napyank, betraying his anxiety in his words. “By -gr-a-c-io-us! if we should run into the island, it would -be sure to punch a hole in the bottom.”</p> -<p>“And what if we did, couldn’t we fill the same hool -up agin?” asked Teddy.</p> -<p>“Hardly——”</p> -<p>“Hello! what’s the matter with Smith?” interrupted -the hunter.</p> -<p>“Here’s the island!” exclaimed the old man.</p> -<p>“Use your oar!” called Napyank, dipping his own -deep in the water and swaying it with all the force at -his command.</p> -<p>And here a most unfortunate mistake occurred. -The two Smiths worked in one direction, and the -hunter, assisted by his friends, in the opposite. Before -the error was discovered, the flat-boat swung around, -and the next moment went broad-side upon the island.</p> -<p>“By heavens! we have struck!” exclaimed McGowan.</p> -<p>“Yes; and the boat is sinking,” added the hunter. -“Git the women out and be powerful quick about it!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div> -<h2 id="c4"><span class="small">CHAPTER IV.</span> -<br />ON THE ISLAND.—ENVIRONED BY PERIL.—SAD FOREBODINGS.—YOUNG SMITH’S DESPERATE ADVENTURE.</h2> -<p>It was an appalling fact that the flat-boat had staved -in its bottom and was rapidly filling with water. -With one bound McGowan sprang to the cabin and -aroused the inmates. Before they were fairly arisen, -he discovered they were in no immediate danger. -The bow of the boat rested on the sand, while the -stern had swung around and was settling some five or -six feet—a depth sufficient to carry the rear entirely -below the surface.</p> -<p>It was the work of a few moments, to land Mrs. -Smith, McGowan and Ruth upon the island. Napyank -leaped down, and assisted them to the ground so successfully -that all landed dry shod. Their valuables -(which being few were indeed valuable) were speedily -cast out and in fifteen minutes after the flat-boat struck, -its entire contents, both animate and inanimate were -upon the island.</p> -<p>“This is a little too bad,” said McGowan gloomily. -“Those few rotten planks have played the mischief. -The boat can never do us any more good.”</p> -<p>“Can’t yees repair it, as the cobbler axed the -docthor after he’d cracked his wife’s skull.”</p> -<p>“Repair it? No, we should never have started with -such an old hulk as that.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps now we’re near enough to the mainland to -be able to wade over,” suggested young Smith.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div> -<p>“Can’t do it,” replied the hunter shaking his head. -“We’ll have to make a raft and paddle over.”</p> -<p>“With the old hulk bulging up there, it will be -sure to be seen in the morning,” said McGowan -gloomily surveying the dark mass of useless lumber. -“Can’t we shove it further back into the water, and -let it sink out of sight.”</p> -<p>“We will try it.”</p> -<p>The six men waded into the stream and pressed -their shoulders against the boat. Teddy’s first essay -was accompanied by a slipping of the foot which left -him fall flat upon his face, where he floundered some -time before he regained his upright position.</p> -<p>The united effort of the half-dozen men failed to -budge the craft. It was as heavy and had settled so -firmly that it was absolutely immoveable unless by more -strength than our friends had at their command. As -Teddy remarked, the “owld critter had sat down to -stay.”</p> -<p>“We can’t do anything with it,” said McGowan, -“and that being the case, what shall we do with ourselves?”</p> -<p>“Get off the island as soon as possible,” replied -young Smith.</p> -<p>“It is now so dark that I don’t suppose anything -can be done before morning,” added McGowan.</p> -<p>“Take things easy,” said Teddy. “Don’t you see -we’re safer here than we was on that owld mud-scar. -We could go to the bottom of river wid that any time; -but here we can sleep as sound as snorting tapple.”</p> -<p>“We may as well make ourselves comfortable like -till morning,” added Napyank. “Fix up the women-folks, -and we can take care of ourselves.”</p> -<p>The island was found to be larger than they had at -first supposed. It was more than an eighth of a mile -from one end to the other, thickly wooded, and covered -with rank grass and a dense undergrowth. It was -oval shaped, and very regular in its outline, being rather -more than two hundred feet broad in its widest part.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_35">35</div> -<p>“What a magnificent summer sate this would make -for a gintleman like meself,” said Teddy, as the two -stood in the shadow of a tree, on the lower part of the -island.</p> -<p>“So it would,” replied young Smith. “I shouldn’t -be surprised if it was used for that purpose before -many years.”</p> -<p>“Be the same token it’s the summer sate of a party -of travellers at this very minute, and it’s probable we’ll -make quite a stay upon it.”</p> -<p>“I hope there ain’t any Indians looking at us,” said -McGowan with a shudder, as he glanced toward the -shore of the dark and bloody ground. “I am afraid -for the women.”</p> -<p>“So does I,——but——”</p> -<p>“Look there!” exclaimed McGowan fairly springing -off his feet.</p> -<p>“What? where? I don’t see anything.”</p> -<p>“Here! here! this way!” said he pulling his companion -around. “’Tain’t there——<i>it’s on the island</i>, -right below us! look, can’t you see it?”</p> -<p>“I saas the traas and the fog and that’s all.”</p> -<p>“It disappeared the very minute you looked. -There it is again! Now it’s gone! I wonder what -makes it act that way.”</p> -<p>“What is it, man, you’re making such a noise -about?”</p> -<p>“Why sir,” said McGowan solemnly, “as sure as -you and I stand here, I seen a light moving about on -the island.”</p> -<p>This being the case, McGowan and the two silent -Smiths at once returned to the women, while the -others passed down the shore of the island. They had -gone a considerable distance in silence when young -Smith suddenly caught the arm of the Irishman -like a vice, and without a word pointed meaningly -toward the trees where the alarming manifestations -had first been seen. There was no mistaking this -time. Napyank saw a bright light shining steadily -<span class="pb" id="Page_36">36</span> -through the trees—so brightly and steadily that he was -certain it could not be far from them. Moving back -more closely under the shadow of their own tree, he -whispered,</p> -<p>“We must find out what the dogs are doing.”</p> -<p>“I say, there ought to be only one or two of us,” -said young Smith. “Suppose you let me and Joe -go?”</p> -<p>“I can, to be sure, but then what use would it be?” -replied the hunter. “I can go, while you stay here -and keep watch.”</p> -<p>“And where’s the naad of our keeping watch here?”</p> -<p>“You know some of the Injins might slip onto -the island while I’m gone, and it wouldn’t take them -long to play the mischief with the women folks.”</p> -<p>“Do yees do the same duty then, for I’m naaded -ilsewhere, and here’s good luck to yees,” said Teddy.</p> -<p>“But——”</p> -<p>But the Irishman and hunter disappeared.</p> -<p>“I hope they won’t get us into trouble,” said young -Smith when he found he was alone. “I think the Irishman -ought to know by this time that we do not relish -his madcap scheme. I would never have come into -such a country as this if we were to be ruined by him. -I don’t know about that, either,” he added, after a -moment’s thought; “I <i>did</i> hate to see Ruth go, and I -don’t believe I could have contented myself at home. -The dear sweet girl! What a pity she should be -subjected to this danger and suffering and that, too, -when we are so near our journey’s end. To-morrow -we should have been able to reach our destination if it -had not been for this bad accident. We have already -enough,” he added, after a moment’s pause, “to let us -know we are in danger this very minute. I understood -Joe to say that this part of the river was the most -dangerous of any that he knew, so, I can’t see how -we are going to get safely through. God watch over -the poor beings that are dependent under thee, upon -us for safety.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div> -<p>“I hope the Irishman has sense enough to keep his -eyes about him,” he continued. “That Joe was right -in saying the crisis of the danger would be reached to-night. -We’re in the crisis I believe in this very -minute.”</p> -<p>Young Smith was standing in the attitude of acute -attention, every faculty absorbed in the one of listening, -when his whole being was thrilled by the explosion of -two rifles, followed by a succession of horrid yells that -made his very blood curdle! It needed no thought to -tell him that these came from the throats of the savages, -and that the worst that he had feared, had taken place.</p> -<p>His first impression was, that the two scouts had -been discovered, and fired upon, and that his own life -was in peril. But, upon second thought, he knew by -the direction of the sounds, that they proceeded from -the lower part of the island, and that it was the friends -whom he had left behind, that were attacked. Believing -then, that the scouts were safe, for the present, he was -debating whether to remain where he was, until -rejoined by them or to hasten at once to his friends.</p> -<p>He had not yet come to a conclusion, when a slight -grating noise upon the shingle of the beach caught his -ear, and turning his head, he saw that a canoe had just -landed within a few feet of him, and, at that very -moment, two painted savages were in the act of stepping -ashore. With his heart in his throat, he moved -around to the opposite side of the tree, and watched -the motions of these Indians.</p> -<p>They acted very deliberately, seeming to take no -notice of the tumult, which a moment before, had -broken the profound stillness of stream and wood.</p> -<p>They first pulled the canoe high upon the land, each -took a rifle from it, and then strode directly toward -the tree which concealed the apprehensive man. As -they passed so near that he could have touched them -with his hand, he absolutely believed they would hear -his heart beat. But such a thing has never occurred, -no matter how wildly that organ has throbbed, and -<span class="pb" id="Page_38">38</span> -then the Indians who would have detected the faintest -sound, passed on, and disappeared in the wood of the -island, without once suspecting how nigh they had -been to one of the very persons for whom they were -searching.</p> -<p>They had hardly gone when Smith stole cautiously -forth to view, and looking carefully about him detected -Teddy stealing up to where he had concealed himself.</p> -<p>“What did you see?” he inquired of the Irishman.</p> -<p>The latter looked carefully about him a moment before -he made a reply.</p> -<p>“May our howly mother presarve us, but the island -is full of the haythen.”</p> -<p>“What is that light we saw?”</p> -<p>“It was the camp fire of a whole pack of the divils. -But, we’re in a bad fix.”</p> -<p>“Didn’t you hear rifles? They’re in a worse fix,” -said young Smith, in an under tone. “What’s to be -done?”</p> -<p>“That’s what I don’t know. We must get back if -we can, and see what the outlandish divils have been -at. <i>Yapnank</i> has left me out there and maybe he’s -gone back already.”</p> -<p>They both started toward the upper end of the -island, the Irishman not disdaining to use the utmost -caution. Every few yards he paused and listened for -the slightest warning of danger, and, so for Smith, he -expected in his excited condition each moment to see -a whole horde of screeching savages rush out from -the trees.</p> -<p>Although naturally brave he had not as yet acquired -that familiarity with this species of danger to make -him cool and collected.</p> -<p>The whole distance was passed without any further -evidence of the presence of the enemy. Upon reaching -their friends they found them vigilant and cool. -They stated that a number of canoes had come from -<span class="pb" id="Page_39">39</span> -the mainland, and after reconnoitering the flat-boat -had discharged a couple of rifles and then departed.</p> -<p>No one had been injured by the shots although they -came dangerously near the elder Smith. Napyank -had not yet returned, and the young man could see on -the faces of those around him the impress of the most -depressed and saddened forebodings. Some of them, -especially his own cherished Ruth, was endeavoring -to keep up a brave spirit, but none of them could -conceal the discouragement they really felt in their -hearts. Young Smith conversed with them in an under -tone for a few moments and then withdrew to a -retired spot.</p> -<p>Scarcely knowing what he did he walked slowly -out from the protection which the tree afforded him, -and stood on the moonlit beach. He placed the stock -of his rifle on the hard shingle, and leaning upon it -gave way to the most saddened meditations.</p> -<p>Just before him, as motionless as a rock, rested the -hulk of the sunken flat-boat. The soft ripple of the -Ohio against the sand at his feet, that deep hollow -murmur of the great wilderness were the only sounds -that reached his ear; and these from their monotonous -continuity, seemed silence itself. The moon -was nearly over head, shining in that peculiar manner, -that the river seemed to reflect more light than it received. -A few straggling clouds as white as snow-drifts, -now and then floated before the moon, and -huge grotesque shadows glided over the island, across -the stream and into the wood like phantoms. On -either side the frowning forest rose like a wall of -blackness, and seemed to close the whites in an impregnable -prison.</p> -<p>It was no wonder that the young adventurer felt -gloomy and despairing. It could not be otherwise -than this, while within a dozen miles of the settlement, -and in the most dangerous portion of the river, -an accident should place himself and his friends in -imminent peril, and make the escape of all of them in -<span class="pb" id="Page_40">40</span> -it seemed to him, an utter impossibility. He was in -the midst of these gloomy forebodings, when the sound -of a light footstep startled him, and looking around, -he turned to greet his friends.</p> -<p>“Well, what have you discovered?” he added. -“Are we alone in the island?”</p> -<p>To his surprise he received no reply.</p> -<p>“What are our prospects of getting over to the -mainland?”</p> -<p>As quick as lightning young Smith’s rifle was at his -shoulder, and one of the approaching Indians was -shot through the breast. With a wild yell he sprang -high in the air and fell dead upon the sand. At the -same moment the white man saw something flash and -heard a rushing sound close to his face, followed by -the splash of the tomahawk in the water behind him. -Clubbing his rifle he stood on the defensive, when he -noted that neither of the savages possessed a rifle, -and conscious that he was more than a match for the -surviving one he made a rush at him.</p> -<p>The Indian turned to flee, and Smith had hardly -started in pursuit, when the report of a second rifle -was heard among the trees, followed by a series of -whoops and yells as if a legion of demons had suddenly -been loosed. With a rare presence of mind the -young man comprehended his critical situation in an -instant. The wood was swarming with Indians. If -he went a rod further his own destruction would be -inevitable.</p> -<p>Wheeling around with such celerity that his momentum -carried him nearly off his feet, he flung his gun -from him and ran for his life to the flat-boat. Stepping -one foot into the water he made a tremendous bound -and alighted upon the gunwale, the same as a bird -would have done; and then tearing his hat from his -head, he concentrated all his energies in the one effort -and sprang full a dozen feet out into the river.</p> -<p>The instant he came to the surface he gasped for -breath and dove again, swimming while beneath the -<span class="pb" id="Page_41">41</span> -surface, as far out toward the Kentucky shore as possible, -repeating the manoeuvre several times, until believing -that he was at a safe distance from the island, -he swam sideways and anxiously surveyed it.</p> -<p>So prompt and rapid had been his movements, that -he had not been seen, and his own escape, if he chose -to improve the opportunity given him, was at least insured; -but he would rather have been smitten by instant -annihilation rather than desert those he had left -behind him. The thought had never once entered his -head.</p> -<p>He continued off the island until the current had -carried him nearly half way to the lower end when -he cautiously approached the shore. As he walked in -under the shadow, several forms followed him like -phantoms, while as many more closed around him -from the wood. He had taken but a few steps, when -he was startled by hearing a suppressed exclamation. -His apprehension told him at once that it was the -voice of an Indian, and he was moving away from -the point from which it came, when he caught a -glimpse of the shadow-like figures around him, and -saw that the most dangerous crisis of his life was upon -him.</p> -<p>The Indians had not yet surrounded him, and conscious -that all depended upon a quick and energetic -decision, he made a dash toward the river. The dense -undergrowth at this portion of the island impeded -the movements of both pursuer and pursued; but the -activity of the white man was superior, and he was -first at the beach, when making another terrific leap, -he bounded out into deep water and dove beneath the -surface.</p> -<p>While beneath the water, young Smith heard distinctly -the dull report of the rifles, and the skipping -of the bullets as they glanced over the water. Being -a skillful swimmer, he turned upon his back, and as -he was borne along upward, he allowed only his mouth -and nose to be exposed, when inhaling a sufficient -<span class="pb" id="Page_42">42</span> -quantity of air, he again dove, and repeated precisely -the same manoeuvre that we have described before.</p> -<p>Finally believing he was once more safe, he allowed -his head and shoulders to come to view, and looked -back toward the island. To his dismay, an Indian -canoe was within a dozen feet of him! Its occupants -descried him at the same moment that he discovered -them, and now commenced a most exciting -race of life and death!</p> -<p>One minute would have decided the contest in the -middle of the river, but fortunately indeed, Smith’s -efforts had brought him within a few rods of the shore. -Fearful of being fired upon he repeated his stratagem -of diving, and when he came to the surface, struggled -frantically to gain the shore, with the canoe darting -forward like a shadow. As soon as he could gain -a foothold, he tore through the foaming water and -dashed into the woods, while the canoe was scarcely -twice its length behind him.</p> -<p>It was now only by the most skillful running, dodging -and doubling, that he succeeded in freeing himself -from his agile pursuers. He had gone fully half a -mile in the forest before this was accomplished, but he -found himself at length entirely alone, and panting -and exhausted he seated himself upon the ground, to -decide upon the next course to pursue.</p> -<p>He could not think of leaving the island when he -had every reason to believe that all he held dear on -earth was upon it. She whom he cherished above all -others on earth was there and in imminent danger. -And although there were more skilful arms than his -left behind, still he knew his presence and aid were -sorely needed. He resolved to return.</p> -<p>With this determination he arose and retraced his -steps. It is needless to say he made his way as silently, -stealthily and cautiously as he was able to do, -starting at every rustling wind and falling leaf. Upon -reaching the shore of the river, he found that he was -above the island, and wading it, swam out toward it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_43">43</div> -<p>He wished if possible, to recover his rifle and gain -a glimpse of the band of Indians who had so well nigh -slain him, and who beyond all question were plotting -further hurt.</p> -<p>Steadying himself he allowed the current to carry -him downward, and when several rods distant, checked -his motion, and took a survey of the flat-boat and -its surroundings.</p> -<p>He saw his rifle lying upon the beach, its ornamented -stock and barrel shining in the moonlight. After -carefully surveying every portion of the island that -came under his observation, he detected no sign of -danger, and was about to let himself float forward -again, when the lifted head of a savage rose above the -gunwale, and remained in view for fully a minute.</p> -<p>As the moon shone fully upon the Indian he distinguished -his features plainly. He concluded at once -that there were several others on the flat-boat, and all -waiting for his return. The savage gazed carefully -about him, and descrying nothing, his head disappeared -from view.</p> -<p>“Ah, my fine fellow,” thought Smith, as he noiselessly -swam toward the Ohio shore. “You may watch -there quite a while before you can catch me in any of -your traps.”</p> -<p>He now floated slowly down the river, keeping -about midway between the island and the Ohio -bank, and so far as possible examined the former as he -passed the bank. Reaching its extremity he passed -around it and commenced ascending the opposite side, -so as to complete his reconnoissance. This was an extremely -difficult task, and none but the most powerful -swimmer could have accomplished it. But he succeeded, -and finally “anchored” for a few moments, -abreast of the flat-boat, while he took another observation. -He saw nothing more of the Indians, although -he believed they were still upon it.</p> -<p>He was convinced that the majority of the Indians -were still upon the island, and after floating somewhat -<span class="pb" id="Page_44">44</span> -lower, he landed at precisely the same spot where -he came so near being captured before. Feeling confident -that he had not been seen, he unhesitatingly -came ashore and passed beneath the shadow of the -trees.</p> -<p>Upon coming from the water, his limbs were so -heavy and felt so exhausted that he threw himself -upon the ground to gain a few moments’ rest. Despite -the exciting scenes in which he had just participated, -and the terrible ordeal through which he had -passed, he fell asleep almost immediately.</p> -<p>It was in the midst of a fearful dream he was awakened -by a grasp upon his arm. Believing resistance -to be useless, he lay motionless, waiting for the command -of his captors.</p> -<p>“Begorrah but bees you goin’ for to shleep a month -whin your friends are in the greatest anxiety on yer -account, barrin the little blue-eyed maiden that is the -most anxious of ’em all.”</p> -<p>A moment later Napyank came from the trees and -congratulated our hero on his escape. He announced -that their friends were withdrawn to a secluded spot -on the island, where they were to remain for the present, -if undisturbed by the Indians.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div> -<h2 id="c5"><span class="small">CHAPTER V.</span> -<br />SAD NEWS.—RECOVERY OF A RIFLE.</h2> -<p>The dull gray light that now began to overspread -the sky, gave token of the coming day, and these -whites withdrew further into the grove for consultation.</p> -<p>“This is a bad business,” remarked young Smith, after -he had exchanged experiences with his friends. -“The fiends have outwitted us at last. God knows -what will become of the others.”</p> -<p>As delicately as possible it was announced to young -Smith that his father had been slain. He was overcome -for a few moments, but by a great effort, he -choked down his emotion. Finally he asked the particulars, -and said,</p> -<p>“Let us hunt him up and give him a decent burial. -Poor mother. We can find some means to scoop out -a grave for him.”</p> -<p>The three moved away to the clearing, but, upon -reaching it, nothing of the body was to be seen. The -Indians had carried it from the island.</p> -<p>“Perhaps it is as well,” said the hunter. “He is -beyond all pain, and suffering, and the disposal of his -body can make no difference to him, although I would -that we could have done our duty to him.”</p> -<p>At this period the stricken man received the intelligence -that at the same time that his parent was slain, -Ruth McGowan was captured. He looked up with -an expression of literal horror.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_46">46</div> -<p>For a few moments nothing was said, and then the -hunter, anxious to relieve the suspense, clamped his -rifle down upon the ground as he came to a halt, and -folding his arm over it, “Here we are, and the question -before this assembly is, how we’re going to get -away. What do you propose to do Teddy?”</p> -<p>“I advise that we ate breakfast.”</p> -<p>“The only objection to that,” replied Napyank, -“is that we have nothing to eat; but we must first -go over the island again and learn if there are any of -the demons left. If not we must get on their tracks, -for as true as the heaven is above me, I’ll never go to -that settlement without Ruth.”</p> -<p>“I am certain—that is, as certain as I can be—that -the last of the Indians left the island a half hour ago. -We saw their canoes going off.”</p> -<p>“It is best be certain. We will go to the lower -end of the island, and proceed to the upper end, to -learn whether any of the reds are left, and if——”</p> -<p>“And if—what then?”</p> -<p>“You will see,” replied Napyank, shaking his head -very significantly.</p> -<p>At the extremity of the island the three separated, -as had been proposed, and commenced making their -way back again.</p> -<p>In doing this, it was necessary to avoid exposing -themselves, and from the great caution that was necessary, -the work was an entirely difficult and tedious -one.</p> -<p>It was not until full two hours had elapsed that -three whites met on the spot that had been designated -as their rendezvous.</p> -<p>Their search, or examination, as it might be termed, -proved that the savages had indeed left the island, not -a sign of one having been discovered. They had -probably done this under the belief that the whites -had succeeded in reaching the mainland, so that the -latter were convinced that if they kept themselves -concealed during the day, they would not be disturbed, -<span class="pb" id="Page_47">47</span> -and could easily get away when night came again. -The ashes of their camp-fire had been discovered, -and blood upon the leaves and other evidences -of their recent visit.</p> -<p>“But, where’s your rifle?” asked Joe, who noticed -that young Smith had been unprovided with that weapon.</p> -<p>The latter looked through the trees.</p> -<p>“Yonder it lies this minute. Strange that they did -not steal that also. I will go and recover it.”</p> -<p>He paused ere he had passed out from among the -trees, for the very fact that the rifle lay there undisturbed, -sent a suspicious pang through him. It seemed -probable that such an occurrence could be a mere -accident. A true Indian, rarely, if ever, committed -such an oversight. The rifle was magnificently mounted -and would have been a prize to any one.</p> -<p>There was another matter, which in Smith’s state of -mind excited suspicion and apprehension. He believed -the gun did not lie on the precise spot where -he had thrown it. He recollected that he had flung -it with such force that it must have gone very nearly -to the edge of the beach, whereas it now lay either -on the very spot that he had passed over, or a few -feet on the opposite side.</p> -<p>This circumstance, which at any other time, would -have attracted no attention at all, caused our hero -much uneasiness. He felt that it was by no means -certain that every thing was right upon the island, -although it had just been proven, that their enemies -had left it. It looked to him as though a trap had -been laid to ensnare him, and this rifle of his, lying -but a few yards distant was the bait.</p> -<p>Feeling very well convinced that there was some -design in the presence of the rifle, he set himself to -work to discover the precise means by which it was -intended to entrap him. There being no Indians on -the island, of course he ran no risk of being taken -prisoner, in case he ventured out to secure the weapon. -<span class="pb" id="Page_48">48</span> -The distance from this point to either shore -was so slight, that it would have been the easiest matter -in the world for a concealed savage to pick him -off.</p> -<p>Ah! the flat-boat! Smith’s heart leaped at the -thought. Strange that it had not occurred to him before. -There it lay just as it had during the night, -save, perhaps, that it had sunk a few inches lower. -It was upon that he had seen the heads of several Indians, -and there, in all probability, they still lay in -wait, watching for his reappearance.</p> -<p>What reason had the Indians to suppose that Smith -would again return to the island. The best of reasons. -He had shown to them a desire to do so, and -as long as he believed that his friends were there, the -savages well knew he would linger in the vicinity. -Once upon the island he would not fail to recover his -gun, provided he believed he incurred no additional -danger in doing so.</p> -<p>That, then, was the solution of the question. Taking -all matters into consideration, Smith came to the -conclusion that it was their desire to take him prisoner, -instead of shooting him, deeming most probably, -the latter death far too comfortable a mode for him to -use of getting out of the world. He knew enough -of the bloodthirsty savages to understand what a terrible -fate would be his, in case he fell into their hands. -They would take a fearful vengeance, for the Indian -he had killed in self-defence. Well, indeed had it -been for the elder Smith, that he was so speedily slain. -It brought him a quick death, instead of a lingering -torture.</p> -<p>These reflections, which we recorded at some length -occupied but a few seconds. He saw everything with -a hunter’s eye and with a shake of the head, stepped -back a pace or two, and resumed his position beside -the Irishman and hunter.</p> -<p>“What’s the matter?” asked the latter.</p> -<p>“It won’t do—it won’t do.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div> -<p>“What won’t do? Do you mean to go out there -and pick up your rifle?”</p> -<p>“Yes, that is what I mean.”</p> -<p>“What is to hinder?”</p> -<p>“I don’t like the looks of that flat-boat.”</p> -<p>“Whew!” blew the hunter, surveying the object in -question as though he had never seen it before.</p> -<p>“Why you don’t like it?”</p> -<p>“I am afraid there are Indians concealed upon the -boat. I saw them there last night.”</p> -<p>And now arose a dispute in which all three of the -whites engaged. The hunter, most certainly was the -best qualified to judge, expressed it as his firm conviction, -that half a dozen Indians at least were at that -moment glaring out from the flat-boat, and waiting -for their reappearance. Teddy persistently maintained -that there was but one savage upon the raft, and -that he lay in the cabin sound asleep! He could give -no satisfactory reasons to the others for this belief, but -he appeared sincerely to believe it himself.</p> -<p>Like all excited debaters, the longer they argued, -they more strenuously did each affirm his belief in -what he first stated. How long the dispute would -have lasted, it is impossible to tell, had not the Irishman -proposed to decide it at once.</p> -<p>“Be jabers, it’s meself that ses there’s not more nor -one haythen upon the raft, and it’s meself that’ll prove -it to yees.”</p> -<p>“How are you going to do it?” asked Smith.</p> -<p>“Why, like a gentleman, by walking out there and -picking up the rifle for yees.”</p> -<p>“That would be folly upon your part. The weapon -is not worth risking your life for.”</p> -<p>“I doesn’t intend riskin’ me life for it.”</p> -<p>“Well, don’t go Teddy; there is no need of it. I -will give up my side of the question and agree with -you, if you will stay with us.”</p> -<p>“You will agree with me, will yees?” asked Teddy -with a curious expression of his fine blue eyes.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_50">50</div> -<p>“Yes, if that will satisfy you.”</p> -<p>“It suits me to a tee. You agree with me then, -when I say there isn’t more nor one of the haythen -within five miles. Begorra then, if that’s what yees -believes, what harrum can come to me in picking up -yer gun for yees alone! so here goes.”</p> -<p>The hunter placed his hand on the shoulder of the -Irishman and interposed.</p> -<p>“Don’t do it, Teddy; there is no need of it.”</p> -<p>“There is every need in the world for the young -gentleman to have his gun, and there is every need of -my getting it for him, being as he’s afraid to get it -himself.”</p> -<p>“But it is too dangerous—it is too dangerous. I -wouldn’t do it.</p> -<p>“Don’t make a fool of yourself, Teddy.”</p> -<p>“Why, by what token have ye any reason to object, -bein’ that ye think there is but one of the dogs on -the boat and he sound asleep.”</p> -<p>“He might wake up and shoot at you. You might -stub your toe.”</p> -<p>The Irishman was getting impatient. He waved -them off, and stooping down rolled up his pantaloons -and put his cap on one side, so as to give himself a -saucy dare-devil air. Then, without any weapon at -all in his hand, and whistling “St. Patrick’s Day in -the Morning,” he walked boldly out on the beach and -picked up the rifle of Smith.</p> -<p>It would be difficult to portray the emotion of the -two whites as they watched the reckless Irishman. -They scarcely breathed as he walked away from them, -and with painfully throbbing hearts they kept their -eyes fixed upon his every movement. While in the -act of stooping to pick up the piece, the hunter -thought his ear caught a noise upon the flat-boat, and -he turned his head away, not wishing to see the venturesome -man shot down. But while his eyes were -still closed, Teddy reappeared beside him, and with -an exulting look handed his rifle to young Smith.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_51">51</div> -<p>“What do yees think now?” he asked.</p> -<p>“I still believe there are savages concealed in that -flat-boat; and they only refrained from shooting you, -in the belief that an opportunity of taking you a prisoner -would soon be given them.</p> -<p>“And as for me,” said the hunter, “I am morally -convinced that a half dozen rifles were ready cocked -to blow your brains out; but they knowed you’d -come right into their hands, so they can afford to -wait.”</p> -<p>“Be jabers I’ll soon find out!”</p> -<p>“How?”</p> -<p>“I’m goin’ on the owld flat-boat itself.”</p> -<p>If the two men had been earnest in the objections, -to the venture he had just made, they were nearly -frantic in their efforts to restrain him from this fool-hardy -exposure.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<h2 id="c6"><span class="small">CHAPTER VI.</span> -<br />A RECKLESS ADVENTURE.—CAPTURE OF TEDDY.—A VISIT TO THE FLAT-BOAT.—THOUGHTS OF RESCUE.</h2> -<p>Teddy announced that he intended visiting the boat -for the further purpose of “detecting the apparance of -things generally.”</p> -<p>“You won’t do any such thing,” said Smith somewhat -impatiently. “You have already made a fool of -yourself several times.”</p> -<p>“Be the same token I must then remain one, I -suppose.”</p> -<p>“I object,” said the hunter, shaking his head, “it -can’t do any good, and it <i>may</i> do a mighty sight of -hurt.”</p> -<p>“And haow?”</p> -<p>“I will tell you. The redskins know that we three -are bobbing round the island, and so long as they know -that, they will give us a wide berth. They know that -we’ve got some women with us, and a few more rifles -too, but it’s we three that are keeping them away. -S’pose one of us gets tuk, what’ll hinder ’em longer?”</p> -<p>“’Spose one of ’em doesn’t get tuck.”</p> -<p>“He will then be killed.”</p> -<p>“But there are no Injins there.”</p> -<p>It is a fact, that a man may commence with an -assertion of absolute falsehood and, conscious at the -beginning that he is defending such, argue himself in -time, into the belief that it is truth. Then it was that -Teddy, as he stepped gaily out upon the beach, was -greatly relieved of anxiety by his own persistency in -<span class="pb" id="Page_53">53</span> -adhering to what he well knew was error. He was -well nigh convinced of what he had scarcely a hope -before, that there were no savages upon the flat-boat.</p> -<p>Teddy had walked two-thirds of the distance to the -hulk, and was within a few feet of the water, when he -paused. He had discovered a startling thing!</p> -<p>That which arrested the brave-hearted Irishman, was -the sight of a tuft of an Indian’s head, visible for one -moment only just above the gunwale, when it dropped -suddenly from view again.</p> -<p>Smith and Napyank, noticing his hesitation, called -out in a whisper for him to return. This very call was -the means of sending him forward again. He was -resolved that they should never laugh at this adventure, -and with rather a quickened step, he strode forward, -and grasping the gunwale with one hand, he carried -himself with one bound, over upon the deck.</p> -<p>He had left his rifle behind, and was armed -only with his knife. His two friends breathlessly -watched him and listened. They saw his head and -shoulders gradually lower as he walked undauntedly -toward the stern of the boat, until the bow hid them -from sight, and then all was still.</p> -<p>The silence lasted for perhaps, a full minute, and -then was broken by a yell as startling and terrific as -an explosion of thunder in the clear summer sky. -Instantly a half dozen tufted heads was seen dodging -hither and thither over the deck, all centering around -one burly, bareheaded figure, that was struggling like -a lion amid a score of enemies which had dogged him -nigh to death.</p> -<p>While the two men gazed transfixed with horror, a -powerful-limbed Indian shot up like a rocket in midair, -and came down in the river. Ere he had struck, -another went spinning after him, falling flat on his face -in the water, with a concussion that cracked like a -pistol. While they were swimming with all speed, -back to the boat, a heavy fall was heard, a faint -shuffling noise, and then all was still.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div> -<p>As the foremost Indian was in the act of pulling -himself over the gunwale of the flat-boat, he let go -with a horrid whoop, and fell back dead, shot through -the brain by a bullet from the rifle of the hunter. The -other attempted to swim behind the stern, but Smith -shot him ere it could be accomplished.</p> -<p>There could be but one cause for the sudden cessation -of the tumult upon the flat-boat. Teddy had -either been overcome or slain. The silence that succeeded -the fearful yell and struggle was equally painful -to his two friends. They waited long and impatiently -for it to be broken.</p> -<p>“It’s all up with him,” whispered Smith, as he -primed his rifle. “I pity him, but our hands are clear -of his blood.”</p> -<p>“Too bad, too bad,” muttered Joe, who had just -loaded his rifle, “he was a good fellow, my dear Teddy -was indeed. I am sorry that he has come to this bad -end.”</p> -<p>“We must look out for ourselves, now. The best -thing we can do, is to get off this infernal island, -which has been the scene of so much misfortune to us, -I am afraid that if we remain much longer, you will -take it into your head to perform some such feat, and -I shall be left alone.”</p> -<p>“No, indeed, I won’t; there is no danger of that,” -replied Joe. “I’ve lived long enough to larn common -sense I think.”</p> -<p>“It is yet early in the forenoon, and I suppose we -shall be compelled to remain here until night.”</p> -<p>“Of course we shall! It won’t do to start out in -the river in open daylight. We’d be killed before we -had gone a dozen yards.”</p> -<p>“Hello! did you hear that?” exclaimed Smith, with -a start.</p> -<p>Several whoops were heard upon the Kentucky -shore, apparently in answer to those which had been -uttered some minutes before, by the captors of Teddy. -Peering through the trees, Smith added,</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div> -<p>“There is a party coming off in a canoe. Get ready -for hot work.”</p> -<p>“There don’t seem to be any good chance to hide,” -remarked Joe, glancing around him, as though he cared -little whether there was such place or not.</p> -<p>“No, we must stand our ground; they have just -started.”</p> -<p>The canoe which was approaching was a large -Indian one, in which were seated some three or four -Indians, all busily plying their paddles. They headed -straight for the upper end of the island, while the -whites stood each behind a tree, with cocked rifles, -waiting until they were compelled to fire.</p> -<p>Just as the canoe seemed about to touch, it sheered -off and ran alongside of the flat-boat, where it lay -against and parallel to it. The heads of four savages -immediately appeared above, as though they were -staggering under the weight of some heavy load. The -next second, Teddy, bound hand and foot, was handed -over and deposited in the bottom of the canoe. His -friends could hear him muttering dire threats of vengeance, -and daring his captors to loose him for a -moment, all of which, it is needless to say, attracted -no notice whatever from them.</p> -<p>The captive disposed of, the Indians followed, sinking -the canoe to its very gunwales. They paddled -away toward the shore, and in a few moments, disappeared -from view.</p> -<p>“Now, at least,” said Smith, “the island and boat are -free from the imps, and we can have a breathing spell. -Let us go upon the old hulk.”</p> -<p>“What in the world do you want to do that for?”</p> -<p>“It is the safest place.”</p> -<p>“I should like to inquire how it is.”</p> -<p>“In the first place, there is no one upon it, and in -the second place, as its sides are bullet-proof, we can use -it as a fort, and keep off any number of foe until dark, -when we can get off ourselves.”</p> -<p>The hunter smiled grimly as if the conceit of the -<span class="pb" id="Page_56">56</span> -young man pleased him. Adding that it was time -they paid their friends a visit, he consented to young -Smith’s proposition.</p> -<p>It was with some misgiving, slight enough, but still -sufficient to occasion uneasiness, that the young man -once more approached the flat-boat. When he reached -the deck, he experienced an irresistible desire to -explore every portion of it; not that he suspected the -presence of any Indian, but that he could not feel -positively assured, until he had done so. The result -was, that it was found to be entirely destitute of any -persons except themselves. The cabin was half full -of water, and it was here that the Indians had concealed -themselves while their victim was approaching.</p> -<p>This proceeding of the two men, in taking possession -of the old craft, was the most prudent thing he -could have done. Had the two remained upon the -island, they both would have been captured or shot, -and the destruction of the entire party completed; -but, as one had remarked, they had gained a fort -where they could keep ten times their number at -bay.</p> -<p>To the infinite joy of both, Joe stumbled upon a -loaf of bread, which had escaped the eyes of the -Indians. He pounced upon it greedily, and to the two -famished adventurers, it was a perfect godsend. This -devoured, and their hunger appeased—for it was an -old fashioned loaf—both felt hopeful again.</p> -<p>“If there were anything in the hulk,” said Smith, -“we might stand a regular siege, and bid defiance to -the whole redskin nation.”</p> -<p>“There ain’t a single bit more,” replied Joe, “except -a few crumbs upon that shelf there.”</p> -<p>“Gather them up, gather them up; they may do us -good.”</p> -<p>“I have gathered them up. I thought they’d git -wasted, so I jest rolled my tongue about the cupboard, -and finished ’em.”</p> -<p>During this fragmentary conversation, Joe was -<span class="pb" id="Page_57">57</span> -constantly glancing about the river to see that no foe -approached them unaware. The sad experience of the -last few hours, had educated young Smith wonderfully. -All this time, the reader will have noticed, his actions -were controlled simply by necessity; he had taken no -step except such as had been compelled by a regard for -his own personal safety. Now, that that was attended -to, he had leisure to look further into the future, and -to reflect upon some definite plan for the rescue of -Ruth from the hands of the savages.</p> -<p>This was the great question, and it was this which -troubled him sorely. He could not think of leaving -the neighborhood while she was a prisoner; and yet -he could see nothing at all, that he was able to accomplish -against the formidable band of savages. Although -he pitied Teddy from the bottom of his heart, -it could not be suspected that under the present circumstances, -he could do anything toward his rescue.</p> -<p>Somehow or other, the thought constantly recurred -to the young man, that something important would -result from the fact that the Irishman was a fellow-captive -with her. He was bold to recklessness, quick-witted, -and faithful, and more from the natural kindness -of his disposition, than a desire to return the interest -shown in his own welfare, would he do all in his -power, to befriend the helpless captive.</p> -<p>There were two schemes that Smith and the hunter -thought long and earnestly upon. The first was to -leave the flat-boat as soon as the darkness would permit, -and accompanied by all the remaining fugitives -make all haste to the settlement, and rally a large -party of the frontiermen, who would be able to overcome -the entire force of the Indians.</p> -<p>The main objection to the proceeding was, that it -required too much time for its execution. Ere the -party could be raised the savages would have penetrated -so far into the labyrinths of the wilderness as to -make pursuit hopeless. If they chose they would -<span class="pb" id="Page_58">58</span> -have abundant time to reach one of their towns, where -it would require an army to dislodge them.</p> -<p>The other plan and the one which the ardent adventurer -most favored, was, to attempt to regain her -by stratagem—to cross over to the mainland, and to -hang constantly in the vicinity of the savages, keeping -a watch upon their movements, and trusting to his -own quick perception and promptness of action, when -the all-important occasion arrived.</p> -<p>The more he reflected, the more he was pleased with -this project, and he finally imparted it a final resolution -to his friend.</p> -<p>“It’s running a great risk,” replied the latter, -scratching his head; “but I don’t see any other way -of getting the gal; I’m with you in whatever you -want to do. You’re considerable green I allow, but -you’ve larned a powerful lot in the last day or two, -and I think could manage it. But jist now I’m right -hungry.”</p> -<p>“We will find means to obtain that when we once -get into the woods. For the present we must bear -our hunger patiently, and thank God we’re not dependent -upon the Indians for food.”</p> -<p>“I should like to inquire what time you think it is?”</p> -<p>“It must be considerably advanced in the afternoon,” -replied Smith, looking up at the sky. “The -weather still remains clear, and there is no evidence -of an approaching storm. I am glad that there will -be no moon to-night. What we want is darkness—darkness.”</p> -<p>The afternoon gradually wore away, the sun went -down, and evening once more settled upon wood and -river. The same silence as profound as the tomb, held -reign, and cautiously and silently the two whites let -themselves down from the flat-boat, and made their -preparations to leave the island, which had been the -scene of such woe and suffering to their little party.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div> -<h2 id="c7"><span class="small">CHAPTER VII.</span> -<br />DEATH AND CAPTURE.—THE COMPANIONS IN CAPTIVITY.</h2> -<p>The reader will recollect, that a few hours after the -flat-boat had grounded, and when the moon had risen -Napyank, Teddy and young Smith set out to explore -the island. McGowan and his family and the remaining -Smiths staid behind. The former had left the -trees, and the two latter were engaged in an affectionate -earnest conversation, when some five or six -Indians appeared beside them. Before Ruth could recover -her self-possession, one of them raised his piece -within a dozen feet of the older Smith, and discharged -it full at him, while several of the others sprang forward -and grasped her.</p> -<p>Smith was severely wounded and blinded by pain; -he sprang up with supernatural strength, and made off -at the top of his speed through the wood. He was pursued -to the edge of the clearing, when he was despatched -with alarming celerity.</p> -<p>The savages who held the daughter prisoner, waited -but a few seconds when they embarked in their canoe, -and crossed to the mainland. A portion however remained -upon the island, and we have recorded young -Smith’s adventures with them.</p> -<p>The Indians fully conscious that the whites were -alarmed for their own safety, despaired of capturing -them upon the island by stratagem, and were on the -point of making a bold attack upon them, when eight -stole out on the flat-boat, and concealed themselves -<span class="pb" id="Page_60">60</span> -upon it, in the belief that the whites would visit it by -the succeeding day, at least, when they would fall an -easy prey to them.</p> -<p>We have shown how this stratagem partially succeeded. -The head which Teddy descried prepared -him for danger, and he went over the side of the flat-boat, -in the full expectation of a “free fight.” He -was somewhat surprised on reaching the deck to see -nothing of his enemies; but rightly conjecturing that -they were concealed in the cabin, he passed it with -the same impudent, swaggering air that he had left -the island. He was even whistling “St. Patrick’s -Day” louder than ever.</p> -<p>Right abreast of the cabin door, a powerful half-naked -Indian sprang up and made at him. The Irishman -caught a glimpse of several other tufted heads, -and springing like a panther upon the one in question, -he lifted him from his feet, and by sheer animal -strength flung him over the gunwale into the water. -By this time a second Indian was beside him, and as -quick as lightning he was served in the same manner.</p> -<p>The bronzed heads were now coming up out of the -cabin rather too rapidly for the excited Irishman. -Nevertheless it is by no means improbable, that at the -disadvantage which he had his enemies, he would -have successfully resisted them all, had not an accident -turned the scales against him.</p> -<p>It has been stated that Teddy had no weapon but -his knife, and in the melee he had not once thought of -it, fighting, Irishman-like with his naked fists. The -third face that appeared above the deck received a -tremendous blow square on the nose, that completely -mashed it; and another terrific right-hander gave the -fourth savage a glimpse of more stars than are generally -visible, and sent him as limp as a rag, back -among his fellows.</p> -<p>The fight now culminated in the most glorious fun -<span class="pb" id="Page_61">61</span> -that the Irishman could have desired. He was striking -out right and left his stunning blows, when, concentrating -all his strength in his right arm, he dashed -his fist at the savage who stood the tallest, intending -to lay him insensible, when the agile foe dodged him, -and carried forward by the momentum of his own -blow, the Irishman went headlong right among the -redskins, where he was, pounced upon, and bound in -a twinkling.</p> -<p>“Thrate me gintlemanly,” he exclaimed, “ye can’t say -but what I did yees; and dont come any of your tricks -over me.”</p> -<p>The undaunted bravery and remarkable skill exhibited -by the Irishman, could but excite admiration in -his captors; and actuated by that chivalrous feeling -existing in the breast of every brave-hearted being, -whether he be savage or civilized, they forebore heaping -any insult upon him, or offering him any indignity.</p> -<p>Some time after, the canoe came alongside, and he -was handed over and deposited in it.</p> -<p>“Handle me with care,” remarked Teddy, “for ye -can’t say that I didn’t handle yees in that manner. If -ye don’t belave it look at them chaps’ noses there! -Begorrah, but them’s the ornaments ye might be proud -to wear!”</p> -<p>Shortly after, the canoe touched shore, and the Irishman’s -lower limbs were unbound and he placed upon -his feet.</p> -<p>“Just sarve my arms in the same manner,” said he, -“and let’s pitch in, in thrue style. Be the powers but -I wants a little exercise, and that’s the kind I always -fancied. That’s what I took to when I was a wee -childer.”</p> -<p>It is not probable that the Indians would have heeded -this request, even had they understood it; but having -no idea of the meaning of the words addressed -them, of course Teddy’s wish was not gratified.</p> -<p>Securely guarded by his captors, Teddy walked several -<span class="pb" id="Page_62">62</span> -hundred yards through the woods when he came -to the encampment of the savages. Some six or -eight were here waiting for their companions, so that -the entire party numbered about twenty, all of whom -were congregated together.</p> -<p>Teddy’s great curiosity was to obtain a glimpse of -his companion in captivity, Ruth McGowan, and he -was greatly disappointed and surprised to see nothing -of her. The Indians were gathered in an irregular -circle around the fire, some smoking, some chatting, -and others apparently asleep. While looking around -him the Irishman’s eyes fell upon her, and the cause -of her escaping his notice was immediately manifest.</p> -<p>The savages had thrown a brilliant crimson shawl -over her shoulders, and her hair being as jetty black -as theirs, and her head bowed, he had taken her for -one of their number when he had first looked upon -them. Ruth sat, as we have said, with her head bowed, -for her heart was stricken with grief. The picture -of the old man, Mr. Smith, springing up with his -wild look, and running through the trees, pursued by -his merciless enemies, was ever before her. She could -not drive it from her, and shudder after shudder ran -through her frame, and the tears trickled thick and fast -between her fingers.</p> -<p>How changed since yesterday! Suffering, misfortune -and death had come upon them, and separated -her from him who was dearer than any relative could -be! All alone!—alone!</p> -<p>No, she was not all alone! There was One who -was ever nigh her—who never lost sight of His stricken -ones, and who only could comfort her in this dark -hour which had come upon her. To Him she turned, -as the human heart will turn, when bleeding and lacerated, -and refusing to be comforted by any sympathy -the world can give.</p> -<p>But it was hard to be separated from all kindred. -<span class="pb" id="Page_63">63</span> -The thought was loathsome and full of abhorrence, -that she, an unprotected woman, was alone among a -party of bloodthirsty savages. She hardly dared look -upon them, and yet looking through her tears, she -ventured to steal a glance at them. How her heart -leaped as her gaze rested upon the broad, jovial face -of Teddy, the Irishman, his pitying blue eyes fixed -upon herself. Removing her hands, she looked up, -and with a mournful smile returned his nod of recognition. -Comprehending the question her very looks -formed, the quick-witted Irishman replied,</p> -<p>“Yes, I’m the only one beside yourself that the -haythen have, and they wouldn’t have got me if I -hadn’t struck at one of ’em and missed ’em. Ye just -keep quiet me jewil and you’ll hear of Teddy -agin.”</p> -<p>A sort of consultation was now held among the Indians -relating to the prisoners, but to those who were -not, the debate being as to what means should be employed -to capture them also. After a protracted discussion, -it was decided that the whole party, with the -exception of enough to guard the prisoners, should -cross over to the island and boldly attack them.</p> -<p>This decided upon, the preparations were instantly -completed, and the warriors moved down to the bank, -leaving Ruth and Teddy to the guardianship of two of -their number. At the very moment of reaching the -river, they descried the two whites as they climbed -upon the flat-boat.</p> -<p>This caused a halt and a further debate. Large as -was the Indian party, a majority were opposed on -assaulting the stronghold. They had already learned -enough of their mettle to understand that this would -be a dangerous undertaking upon their part, and many -more were convinced that there was no hope at all, of -success.</p> -<p>It was finally decided to give up the hope of securing -the remaining whites by this means. The sagacious -Indians suspecting the relation which existed -<span class="pb" id="Page_64">64</span> -between one of them and one of the captives already -in their possession, believed a much better opportunity -would be offered. Love will play the <i>wild</i> with any -man, and lead him to attempt deeds, which, in his -cooler moments, he would pronounce madness. So -they were content to bide their time.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_65">65</div> -<h2 id="c8"><span class="small">CHAPTER VIII.</span> -<br />A NIGHT VOYAGE DOWN THE RIVER.—SINGULAR APPEARANCE.—THE DEPARTURE.</h2> -<p>Huddled together in the densest portion of the -wood on the island, were the little band of fugitives. -While the fitful tumult of deadly strife was going on -around them, they had been compelled to sit still and -not raise a hand either on the defensive or offensive.</p> -<p>To McGowan especially this was exceedingly galling. -Strong, ambitious and genuinely brave as he was, -he longed to give the persecuting redskins a taste -of his temper, and more than once he clutched his -rifle with a resolve to go to the assistance of his friends. -But there were more helpless ones that it was his duty -to guard. He had agreed to remain by these unless -called forth by imperative necessity.</p> -<p>The death of his old comrade Smith was a severe -trial to him as well as to his family. He was stricken -down so suddenly that he had scarcely time to realize -it until now, when he sat quiet and meditative. -Mrs. Smith had been bowed with grief ever since. -Her smothered sobs now and then reached the ears -and hearts of those around her, as she vainly endeavored -to keep down her emotion.</p> -<p>Abram Smith sat stern and silent, grasping his gun -and looking around him, as if longing for a chance to -revenge the death of his parent. No evidence of feeling -escaped him, but “still waters run deep,” and -there can be no question but that the inmost recesses -of his heart were deeply stirred.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div> -<p>As the night advanced and darkness increased, the -fugitives gathered more closely together. In addition -to the distress of mind they were exceedingly hungry, -and their condition was therefore as uncomfortable -as could be well imagined.</p> -<p>Suddenly a light footstep caught the ear of the two -sentinels, and as they looked up they distinguished -two forms that glided insidiously among them. The -assuring voice of Napyank was immediately heard.</p> -<p>“Don’t be skeart; it’s us.”</p> -<p>“We are glad of your return; we’re beginning to -get lonely.”</p> -<p>“And hungry too, I make no doubt.”</p> -<p>“You are right there, if you refer to myself, and -there can be no doubt but that the others are in the -same condition.”</p> -<p>“Well, I tried to get you a bite, and succeeded, I -think. It won’t do to start a fire, so I’ll hand it -round.”</p> -<p>“That is what you called a bundle of clothes?” remarked -the young man. “You were very prudent -to say the least.”</p> -<p>The thoughtful hunter had managed to secure and -cook some game, which he passed around to the distressed -fugitives. It was partaken of with a keen relish, -despite their gloomy situation, and each was filled -and refreshed.</p> -<p>“Now,” said McGowan, when they had finished, -“it seems to me it is time we began to think of getting -from the island. God help poor Ruth! what is -to become of her?”</p> -<p>“She’ll be rescued,” was the hearty response of the -hunter.</p> -<p>The agonized father caught at the words as a drowning -man at a straw.</p> -<p>“And how can that be done?”</p> -<p>“In a great many ways; <i>it’s to be done</i>; that’s settled.”</p> -<p>“I don’t see Teddy with you.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div> -<p>“He has gone after Ruth, and we are going to follow -him in a few hours.”</p> -<p>“God grant you success.”</p> -<p>At this juncture Mrs. McGowan fell into such agonized -lamentations that all were compelled to quiet until -she could recover. The hunter then said,</p> -<p>“The Injins have all left the island, but there is no -telling when they may come back again. So the best -thing we can do is, to leave it while we have the -chance.”</p> -<p>“But Ruth——”</p> -<p>—“Will be attended to. We are just going to put -you into a place of safety, where you can stay until -we come back. There’s a considerable slice of meat -left, and we don’t ’xpect to be gone more than a day -or two, and maybe not as long as that.”</p> -<p>“How are we going to leave?”</p> -<p>“On a raft.”</p> -<p>“And have you it ready?”</p> -<p>“No; but won’t take us long. As you have been -setting here a good while. Suppose I take you and -Abe to help me and leave young Smith to stand -guard.”</p> -<p>This was quite a relief to McGowan and Smith, and -the proposal was gladly accepted by them, while -Stoddard, the younger, experienced a mournful pleasure -in remaining behind and attempting to comfort -his mother.</p> -<p>“I have noticed,” said the hunter, as they made their -way to the upper portion of the island, “that there is -a powerful lot of drift wood lying around here.”</p> -<p>“Can’t we get considerable material from the flat-boat?”</p> -<p>“Sartinly—sartinly; I didn’t think of that.”</p> -<p>“You have no fear of the Indians; have you?”</p> -<p>“I’m purty sartin there ain’t one upon the island, -but I think they’ll be back some time afore morning.”</p> -<p>“Then we can’t leave too soon.”</p> -<p>“You’re right this time.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div> -<p>A few moments later and they reached the island’s -margin, where the great dark hulk of the flat-boat -was seen grim and silent, as if it had never looked upon -the deadly affray between men. Cautioning his -companions to remain silent, the hunter made ready -to board it. He experienced some apprehension, as he -cautiously walked toward it, and he stepped a few feet -in the water, placed his hand on the gunwale he paused -a moment and listened.</p> -<p>All was still save the soft wash of the current -against the side of the flat-boat.</p> -<p>Waiting but a moment, he leaped lightly over and -came down upon the deck. Even then he was somewhat -apprehensive of danger. It was not until he -had traveled every portion of it, that he felt entirely -free from a shivering anticipation of a blow from behind. -Firmly convinced at length that he was alone -upon the unlucky craft, he called his companions to -approach. By their united efforts they loosened the -cumbersome roof of the cabin, and let it into the water. -It was their intention to let it down easily, but -its great weight precipitated it into a loud splash that -caused each to start with alarm.</p> -<p>“We must be expeditious,” said McGowan, who -seemed to be in a constant dread of the return of the -Indians. “They’ll begin to suspect something is going -on, and there’ll be half a hundred over here before -we know it.”</p> -<p>“Don’t be too skeart,” said Napyank, who was -ever cool and collected.</p> -<p>All three busied themselves in collecting the driftwood. -A large portion of this consisted of goodly-sized -trees, which had lain in the sun until thoroughly -dried, and was therefore as buoyant as cork. These -were secured together by withes until a goodly-sized -craft was constructed.</p> -<p>“It will take more wood than we can get to float -all of us.”</p> -<p>“What shall we do?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div> -<p>“We have enough to float the two women. The -rest of us must keep in the water and swim along -with it.”</p> -<p>To test the structure all three got upon it and -floated downward by the island. It bore them well, -and gave them considerable confidence in it. At the -lower portion it was drawn upon the beach, and -Smith remained to watch it, while the others went -into the wood in quest of their friends.</p> -<p>The latter were found quiet and patient, waiting for -the summons to take them from the island. No time -was lost by delay, and it seemed to the silent Abram -that his comrades had been gone scarcely five minutes, -when they all came silently out of the wood and -stood beside him.</p> -<p>The darkness by this time had so increased that the -objects were scarcely visible a dozen feet away. This -was all the more favorable to the fugitives who fully -appreciated the importance of improving this advantage -that might not come to them again.</p> -<p>Some delay was occasioned by the timidity of the -females who were fearful of trusting themselves upon -the raft. It was not until the hunter and McGowan -had demonstrated their buoyancy, that they were -willing to trust themselves to the current. The rifles -of the party were placed upon the raft, and shoving it -gently forth the entire party commenced floating -down stream.</p> -<p>The four men clung to the raft with their hands, it -being scarcely disturbed by the additional weight. -McGowan was the only man who was unable to swim. -As he was carried off his feet and appreciated that he -was really beyond his depth, a shiver of terror ran -through him that almost unmanned him. None -around him saw it, as he regained his usual self-possession -in a few moments.</p> -<p>For the space of twenty minutes the party glided -forward in this singular manner without a word being -<span class="pb" id="Page_70">70</span> -spoken, when suddenly Joe Napyank whispered, -“Sh! down! quick!”</p> -<p>The females did not comprehend him, until he repeated -his order more energetically than before, and -reached over the raft and twitched their clothes. They -then reclined upon logs, but their curiosity was sufficient -to tempt them to look around, and endeavor to -learn the meaning of this sudden command.</p> -<p>Neither of the females nor those who had heard the -word of caution, comprehended the cause of it. -Young Smith and McGowan especially were puzzled. -They peered into the surrounding darkness, but failed -to detect anything. Stoddard was on the point of -questioning the hunter, when through the deep -gloom he discovered a bright point of light, slowly -passing over the surface of the water. It had not the -twinkle, glimmering glow, such as a lantern or a star -would naturally have made; but it burned with a mild -steady light similar to that of an ember.</p> -<p>What puzzled the whites was to tell the distance -this was away. Stoddard and Smith at first glimpse -thought it within thirty feet, but continually after it -seemed fully a hundred yards. Regularly forward it -continued to glide, until finally it disappeared as if it -had been the ember of a torch suddenly thrust beneath -the surface of the water.</p> -<p>During all the time not the slightest ripple was -heard as explanatory of the singular occurrence. Smith -turned toward the hunter,</p> -<p>“What is the meaning of that?”</p> -<p>“Some more of the blasted heathen.”</p> -<p>“How, I don’t understand.”</p> -<p>“In a canoe. Didn’t you see ’em?”</p> -<p>“I saw nothing but the light.”</p> -<p>“One of ’em was smoking—that was what you -seen.”</p> -<p>“How far away were they?”</p> -<p>“Just make a guess.”</p> -<p>“A hundred yards I should say.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div> -<p>“What do you think?” added the hunter addressing -McGowan.</p> -<p>“I should say fully that, if not more.”</p> -<p>Joe indulged in a suppressed laugh before he made -answer.</p> -<p>“You’re both mistook. I could put out that pipe -with a mouthful of tobacco juice.”</p> -<p>“Impossible! they must have been within a dozen -feet of us—not a bit more.”</p> -<p>“And they wan’t neither. Didn’t you see the -canoe?”</p> -<p>“I never once caught sight of it!”</p> -<p>“I seen it as it went by.”</p> -<p>“What a narrow escape!” exclaimed McGowan, -appreciating the great danger which had passed them -so closely.</p> -<p>“How did you know they were coming?” inquired -Stoddard.</p> -<p>“I hear the noise of their paddles.”</p> -<p>“You have sharper ears than any of us if that is -the case.”</p> -<p>“Not at all; I expected maybe there was something -up, so I jest let my ear drop below the surface, -and then heard the paddles. You could have done -the same if you only thought of it.”</p> -<p>“But we did not; which is generally the difference -between us. They might have run into us before. I -should have seen them.”</p> -<p>“Just let your ears drop under water, and tell me -whether you can hear anything,” said the hunter.</p> -<p>Stoddard Smith did as was requested, and detected -faintly but distinctly the dip of a paddle. He spoke -in considerable excitement,</p> -<p>“They’re coming back again.”</p> -<p>“Not quite, I guess; it is the same ones going -away.”</p> -<p>“God grant they may remain away,” exclaimed -McGowan, in an under tone, “They have caused us -enough agony already.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_72">72</div> -<p>At this juncture the hunter admonished silence, and -for some time nothing more was said. Soon, however, -young Smith observed Joe struggling as though -he were endeavoring to change the position of the -raft.</p> -<p>“Make for the Kentucky shore,” he whispered. -“It is time we began to hunt the land.”</p> -<p>“Do you want to go in at any particular spot?”</p> -<p>“No; you need not work very hard. Shove the -thing gently and we’ll land soon enough.”</p> -<p>It was not long before the great wall of overhanging -trees was discernible, and simultaneously all three -felt their feet touch bottom. The water, however, was -of sufficient depth to float the raft to shore, and it was -run directly under a morass of overhanging limbs and -undergrowth. This accomplished, the entire party -landed.</p> -<p>“Now, what is to be done?” queried McGowan.</p> -<p>“Sleep? all of you.”</p> -<p>They were tired and exhausted, and the females -making themselves as comfortable as possible, dropped -off into a profound slumber. Abram Smith -shortly followed them, so that the two adventurers -and McGowan were the only ones who remained -awake.</p> -<p>“Now,” said the hunter, addressing McGowan, and -speaking in a manner that showed he was conscious -that all looked to him for advice and direction in this -hour of danger, “there is no telling how long we may -be gone; so you must not be frightened if you do not -see us for two days. I have left you enough meat to -last you, if you are saving. There is plenty of game -about you, but you must starve to death before you -risk a shot. If you can fix up any contrivance to fish -you can do so, but you mustn’t build any fire unless -it’s during the day time, and then be powerful careful -about it.”</p> -<p>“Joe, we are but a short distance off from the settlement; -<span class="pb" id="Page_73">73</span> -why not float on. We would reach it by -morning—would we not?”</p> -<p>“I have been thinking of that. In the first place, -you couldn’t reach it by morning; it would take you -well into to-morrow. You would be pretty sure to be -seen, and a single redskin would have you at his mercy.”</p> -<p>“But we might go into shore, as we have just done, -when we found day was breaking.”</p> -<p>“You might and you might not. Stay here until -next night after to-morrow night; if we don’t appear -by that time, swing loose and do the best you can to -reach the settlement; but don’t go before that time.”</p> -<p>“Good bye, and God be with you, and grant that -you may be the means of restoring my dear Ruth to -me.”</p> -<p>Exchanging farewells, Stoddard, Smith and Napyank, -the hunter, plunged into the woods and embarked -upon their perilous undertaking.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_74">74</div> -<h2 id="c9"><span class="small">CHAPTER IX.</span> -<br />IN THE DARK AND BLOODY GROUND.—THE SEPARATION.</h2> -<p>As the Indians had invariably come from, and returned -to, the Kentucky side of the river, our friends -concluded that the entire war-party was upon that -shore, and it was therefore determined in leaving the -island, that they should cross over to the same bank.</p> -<p>We have detailed the manner in which this was -accomplished, and stated how the fugitives securely -sheltered themselves in the wood, while our hero and -the hunter started upon their undertaking, which, -when all the circumstances connected with it, are considered -can be termed as nothing more nor less than -simply desperate. Two men, one of whom was almost -entirely unacquainted with woodcraft, were about to -attempt to rescue a captive from the grasp of a larger -party of fierce and vengeful Indians.</p> -<p>The night was of inky darkness; the most favorable -that the two adventurers could have desired. This -fact, together with that of the Irishman being a prisoner -among the same redskins who held Ruth may -be said to have determined the two to make the -attempt as they did. Teddy was quick-witted, and had -encountered savages until he knew them “like a book.”</p> -<p>Beside this, as we have hinted in another place, -Stoddard Smith was led by the controlling love toward -Ruth McGowan. So long as she was a captive in the -hands of those who knew no mercy, so long would he -be unable to find rest for the soles of his feet. No; he -fully resolved that she should be rescued, or he should -perish with her!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_75">75</div> -<p>The darkness being so intense, young Smith experienced -considerable difficulty in making his way -through the wood. He bumped his head several -times, before he dare rise to a perfectly upright position, -and then could only discern the dim, shadowy -form of his companion beside him.</p> -<p>“Whatever happens, or whatever you see,” whispered -Joe, “don’t speak or start.”</p> -<p>“Drat that limb! it has nearly sawed my neck off!” -he involuntarily exclaimed, forgetting the caution he -had just received.</p> -<p>Knowing that the current must have carried them a -considerable distance down the river, the hunter used -the bank as his guide, and ascended a considerable -distance, before he began to look about him for the -savages. After having progressed somewhat over a -quarter of a mile, he caught the glimmer of a light -through the trees, and touched Smith upon his arm, -as a caution for him to be upon his guard.</p> -<p>Making their way carefully through the tangled -undergrowth, through hollows and over fallen trees, -across brooks and miry patches of earth, they at length -stood within a hundred yards of the Indian camp-fire.</p> -<p>Napyank’s heart sank within him, for he understood -at once, that the war-party had divided, and that -neither of the captives was before him. When had the -separation taken place? What direction had the other -taken? How could its trail be gained?</p> -<p>There were questions which instantly presented -themselves to the hunter’s mind, and which, for a long -time, he was unable to answer. Amid the profound -darkness which held reign, it was very obvious that -nothing could be done. Even the full, bright moon, -was unable to penetrate with its light, the solemn -labyrinth of the Dark and Bloody Ground. Nothing -could be done until morning.</p> -<p>As neither Joe nor Stoddard had enjoyed any sleep -for many hours, they both felt fatigued, despite the -exciting situation in which they were placed. Withdrawing -<span class="pb" id="Page_76">76</span> -a considerable distance farther into the forest, -they both lay down beside an uprooted tree, and were -almost immediately locked in slumber.</p> -<p>The sleep of Smith was deep and dreamless. It was -not until the sun had been up several hours, that he -opened his eyes. As soon as he recovered from his -temporary bewilderment, he arose, chagrined that he -had lost so much valuable time. To his surprise, upon -looking around, nothing was seen of Napyank. -Thinking, however, he should not be far away, he -seated himself upon the tree, to wait for his return.</p> -<p>An hour passed away, and still no sign of his missing -companion. The young man had whistled, and given -utterance to all the signals he had at his command, but -had elicited no response. He was now alarmed and -greatly vexed; alarmed at the singular disappearance -of his friend, and vexed that now, when every minute -was of the utmost value to him, he was thus compelled -to remain and accomplish nothing. At length his -patience became exhausted.</p> -<p>“There is no use of remaining behind,” he muttered. -“The Indians have gone, and every minute places -them further from me. I will follow them alone, -relying upon my own arm, and the kindness of Heaven, -for success.”</p> -<p>Throwing his rifle over his shoulder, he moved -resolutely off, resolved never to turn his back upon his -enemies, until he had learned something of the fair -captive they held. It was a desperate proceeding, indeed, -for a single man thus to pit himself against a -whole party of redskins, but our hero felt no hesitation -in doing it.</p> -<p>It was now, too, that Stoddard began to experience -the pangs of hunger. He had eaten very sparingly -the night before, in order that the others might not -want, and was so famished, that he determined to -secure some food at all hazards. At the period of -which we write, game was very abundant in this portion -of the West, and the decision had scarcely entered his -<span class="pb" id="Page_77">77</span> -mind, when several wild turkeys, their wings outspread, -and their feet scarcely touching the ground, -sped along within a stone throw of him. As quick as -thought, the foremost was shot and in his hand.</p> -<p>The instant that Smith had secured his game, he -regretted having discharged his piece, for he felt certain -he had exposed himself to danger. Some of the -Indians must certainly be within hearing, and would -be attracted thither, by a suspicion of a true state of -the case.</p> -<p>To guard against capture, he made all haste through -the woods in the direction of the camp-fire, which had -been deserted by the savages, in the belief that this -would be the last place where his enemies would seek -him. Upon reaching it, he was gratified to find a -large quantity of live coals, and without hesitation, he -plucked, dressed the turkey, and proceeded to cook it.</p> -<p>The bird afforded him a most needed and nourishing -meal, beside furnishing enough for future use; and -now, that his immediate wants were attended to he -set to work in earnest upon the all important object -that has brought him thither.</p> -<p>In the first place, it was necessary to discover the -trails of the two war-parties, and in the first place, he -failed completely. Although gifted with more than -ordinary intelligence, shrewdness, and cunning, he had -not yet learned enough of wood-craft to follow the faint -footsteps of the wild Indians through its labyrinths, -when the traces left, were so faint that the human eye, -unless trained by an experience of years, could not -detect the least signs of the passage of any one.</p> -<p>Had the Indians proceeded with their usual caution, -it would have been absolutely impossible for our hero -to have followed them a hundred yards through the -wilderness. But, believing that no enemy, that need -cause them the least uneasiness, was in their vicinity, -they straggled forward as carelessly as a party of school -boys. This only, was the reason why our hero was -enabled to follow them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div> -<p>Smith, under the belief that they had penetrated -further in Kentucky, for a long time examined the -ground only upon that side of the fire. His efforts -meeting with no success, he resorted to the opposite -side, where the trail was discovered at once. It being -impossible to find any further signs of the passage of -the Indians in any other direction, he concluded that -both parties must have gone this way, which, somewhat -to his surprise, led toward the river. Keeping -along on the trail, he found, as he had feared, that -they had embarked in their canoes, and gone either up, -down or across the stream.</p> -<p>“And how am I to tell which way?” he muttered, -“I must run the risk of getting the wrong choice out -of these three.”</p> -<p>Smith, under ordinary circumstances, certainly would -have been discouraged at the formidable obstacles -which now rose before him; but one of his temperament, -could never rest while the object of his choice -was captive in the hands of the savages, and he, therefore, -did not think of returning back.</p> -<p>“They cannot have gone up the river,” he reflected, -“because they have come from that direction. And -yet, what reason is that why they should not have -done so? Still it strikes me that they have not taken -that course. They could have gone much more rapidly -overland. If their destination is in Kentucky, -it surely is not on the bank of the Ohio; it must be a -good distance back from the river, so that they would -only have lengthened their journey by taking to the -water. From all that I have heard or read of these -Shawanoe Indians, I have been led to suppose that -although they range at will on both sides of the river, -still their towns and villages, and their homes, in fact, -is in southern Ohio. And what more natural, now, -that they have secured their prisoner, than that they -should return to their home as rapidly as possible? -Such, it seems reasonable to believe, is the true state -of the case, and I must cross the river again.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div> -<p>Stoddard was upon the point of venturing into the -river, when his attention was arrested by a loud splash -in the direction of the flat-boat, and to his surprise, he -descried several Indians upon it. Finding that he was -not observed, he drew back and watched their actions.</p> -<p>A glance convinced him that they belonged to the -same war-party of Indians, and were searching the -craft for plunder. They had thrown over a sort -of bench, which was fastened—bottom upward—to the -stern of the canoe. There were some half dozen -savages, who, a moment later, shoved off, and paddled -down stream.</p> -<p>Their light craft shot rapidly forward, inclining -neither to one shore nor the other. From this, his -belief that the main body had crossed the river, was -changed in the conviction that they had all gone down -stream in their canoes; and that all that remained for -him to do, was to keep these redskins in sight.</p> -<p>This was a difficult task indeed. Under the skilful -guidance of the sinewy Indians, their canoe skimmed -like a swallow over the water, and it required the most -strenuous efforts of Smith to keep it in sight. Fortunately -indeed, the wood, a few yards from the shore, -was open, and his footsteps were not much impeded.</p> -<p>Hurrying thus forward, now and then darting to the -river bank, he kept up the pursuit for five or six miles, -the canoe all the time gaining upon him, until finally -he lost sight of it behind a bend in the river.</p> -<p>Our hero was panting and perspiring, and in no -pleasant mood, that, after all his efforts, he was compelled -to fall behind; and he relaxed into a sullen walk.</p> -<p>“It seems as though everything is conspiring against -me,” he muttered. “I have done everything in my -power, and here I am at last, left entirely alone, without -knowing whither a single one of my friends has -gone. It matters little what becomes of me. A curse -upon the infernal Indians that have persecuted me -thus!”</p> -<p>He walked moodily forward for an hour or so, by -<span class="pb" id="Page_80">80</span> -which time he had passed the bend in the river, around -which the canoe had disappeared. The river at this -point took a due southwest direction, running so nearly -straight, that a view of several miles was afforded. -Nothing of the canoe, however, had been seen. It had -gone he knew not where.</p> -<p>Wearied and dispirited, he threw himself upon the -ground, and endeavored to sleep. But he was too -excited and nervous to rest; and devouring what he -could, of the remaining portion of the turkey, he -threw the rest from him, and leaned his hand, to reflect -upon the best course for him to pursue.</p> -<p>He had lost all traces of the Indians and their captives. -How he should ever meet Ruth again, it was -impossible for him to imagine. In the impenetrable -depths of the great wilderness which surrounded him, -where the merciless redmen wandered for miles, how -could he, a single, unaided, white man, follow them? -And even should he chance upon them, how could he -wrest a captive from their jealous grasp? What would -be her fate? A drudge, a slave, but he hoped no -worse unless she voluntarily took to herself an Indian -husband. They might tomahawk or scalp her, but he -believed they would do no more. But Smith believed -that the honor of his betrothed was safe in the hands -of her deadliest enemies. This knowledge afforded -him unspeakable satisfaction.</p> -<p>And then there was the mysterious disappearance -of Joe. Where could he have gone in the night? -Could it be possible that he, too, had fallen into the -hands of his foes. Had they gained all of the whites -except himself? Had they——?</p> -<p>The explosion of a rifle broke the stillness of the -woods, and springing to his feet, Stoddard hurried -madly forward scarcely conscious of what he was -doing. After running a short distance, he paused, and -parting the bushes gazed upon a scene that thrilled -his very being with the wildest of thoughts.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div> -<h2 id="c10"><span class="small">CHAPTER X.</span> -<br />A VAIN HUNT.—THE INDIAN CAMP.—DISCOVERY.—PURSUIT.—DESPERATE CONFLICT.—A MEETING.</h2> -<p>Joe Napyank, the hunter, was a possessor of a peculiarity, -which, with those of his profession, is certainly -rare. He was a somnambulist or sleep-walker. -This affliction—as it may perfectly be termed—had -taken him in extreme peril on several occasions. It -once made him a prisoner among the Indians and it -once effected his escape.</p> -<p>Joe was generally affected, when he had undergone -some severe deprivation such as hunger or thirst. He -lay down with Smith, and for several hours slumbered -peacefully. But finally, while in a state of coma, rose -to his feet and made off. He awoke to find himself -lying at the foot of a tree, with a sensation of hunger, -strong, gnawing hunger, a craving that demanded -instant satisfaction.</p> -<p>He knew all at once that he had been indulging in -one of his nocturnal walks and he therefore lay still until -morning, by which time he had become so ravenous -that he would have made a respectable cannibal, and -despite the imperative necessity of his immediately -rejoining Smith, everything else gave way to the -necessity of food—food—food, was what he must have.</p> -<p>Impelled forward by this blind craving, he forgot -his usual caution and paid little heed to his footsteps. -The truth was his mind was in a morbid condition, and -he was not prepared to act coolly and deliberately. -His sensation was that nothing could be done until he -<span class="pb" id="Page_82">82</span> -had satisfied this greatness of his system. After that, -he could rejoin his young friend, and they two could -carry out the objects of their expedition.</p> -<p>While thus wandering carelessly forward, his excited -imagination detected a faint gobble in the wood as if -a turkey were lost and was signalling to its companions; -and proceeding stealthily onward, he suddenly -came upon a large gobbler that was wandering disconsolately -about as if utterly lost. Before it could get out -of his reach, Joe had forgotten his usual prudence, and -discharged his piece, succeeding in nothing more than -wounding it.</p> -<p>It started off on a rapid run, and fearful that it would -escape him, if he paused to load his piece, he dashed -after it at the top of his speed, and now began an -exceedingly interesting chase or rather race.</p> -<p>All things considered, perhaps in the condition of -the gobbler, the hunter could outrun it, that is when -both possessed the same advantage; but the bird had -a way of slipping through the undergrowth, dodging -under bushes, and trotting over fallen trees as though -they were not there, that gave him a great advantage -over his pursuer.</p> -<p>The latter tore headlong through the bushes, sometimes -a rod or two in the rear, sometimes almost upon -it, his hope constantly maintained at an exciting point, -by the hair-breath escapes it made from him. More -than once, he made a resolute leap forward, and, as he -nearly stumbled, caught perhaps the tail feather of the -bird, while the creature itself glided through his grasp, -leaving a most vivid impression of its tapering form -upon his hands, which had slipped over it so nicely. -Then again perhaps he struck at it with his rifle and -pinned another feather to the ground.</p> -<p>It is a fact, to which all hunters will testify, that, in -the exciting pursuit of their game, they can travel mile -after mile with hardly any sensible fatigue. It is not -until the hunter comes to retrace his footsteps that he -comprehends how great a distance he has passed over. -<span class="pb" id="Page_83">83</span> -The attendant, perhaps whose mind does not participate -in the same excitement, is exhausted even in -following the hunter.</p> -<p>Thus it happens that Joe, who would not have -believed he had gone more than three-quarters of a -mile, chased the bird for fully a half-dozen times that -distance, at the end of which it did not manifest the -least fatigue, the wild turkey, as our readers are aware, -being a noted runner. With no thought of giving it -up, Joe still pursued it at the top of his speed, occasionally -making a leap forward at it, and the bird as -often as cleverly eluding him as ever.</p> -<p>Suddenly he caught the shimmer of something -through the trees, and saw that they were approaching -the banks of a river. He was now sure of his bird; -he had fairly earned it, there was no escape for it; and -his torturing hunger was about to be satisfied.</p> -<p>Gracefully and majestically, as the bird reached the -river margin, it spread out its wings, and, sailing -through the air, landed upon the Ohio side and disappeared -in the woods.</p> -<p>Considerably chagrined,—as who would not have -been?—he turned back into the woods to cogitate upon -his future action. Then, as he looked about him, he -saw that he was lost. He might retrace his trail, but -he now comprehended that he had passed over too -great a distance to make this advisable.</p> -<p>While thus debating with himself, he detected a -peculiar smell in the air, which he understood, at once, -was caused by a camp-fire. Knowing full well that he -was in a hostile country, he kept a sharp look-out upon -his footsteps.</p> -<p>It turned out as he had suspected. He was close -upon an Indian encampment. He caught a glimpse of -the gaudy fantastic costumes of the savages through -the trees, and approaching as nigh as he could, he -concealed himself, and surveyed them as well as his -position could admit.</p> -<p>It was with a singular emotion that the hunter recognized -<span class="pb" id="Page_84">84</span> -this party, as the identical Shawanoes for -whom he was searching, and who held Teddy and -Ruth as captives. The party seemed to have lost -several of their number—a half dozen or so—but there -was no mistaking the others. The keen eye of the -hunter recognized them at once. What surprised him -still more, was that neither of the captives was visible. -What had become of them? Had they been sent in -advance in charge of a smaller party? What possible -cause could the savages have for taking such a step?</p> -<p>These questions ran rapidly through the mind of the -hunter, but there was another which unpleasantly protruded -itself, and that was the one in regard to obtaining -food for which, if possible was growing greater. -There seemed to be but one course left for him and -that was to take to the woods again. He was on the -point of doing so, when he detected an unlooked for -opportunity.</p> -<p>More than once he was sure he detected the smell -of burning meat and the cause of it was soon explained. -Some twenty rods or so away from the encampment -of the savages, was a smaller fire at which a single -squaw had momentarily abandoned her post, and the -tempting prize was left unguarded.</p> -<p>The temptation was too great for the naturally cool-headed -and cautious hunter. Running back into the -woods a few rods, and totally unmindful of his imminent -danger, he came in the rear of the fire, snatched -the meat, and seating himself upon the ground, commenced -devouring it like a wolf.</p> -<p>The first mouthful was dropped most suddenly, it -being so hot that his tongue was blistered. But he -soon became used to, and in a few moments, had -swallowed the entire piece, and was in the act of -wiping his fingers upon his hair, when a shrill swoop -broke the stillness of the woods, and turning his startled -gaze, he saw the wrathful squaw standing within a few -feet of him.</p> -<p>With the ear-splitting screech of this creature, Joe -<span class="pb" id="Page_85">85</span> -Napyank, gained like a flash of lightning, a true idea -of the fool-hardy recklessness he had displayed. Her -outcries were continued and immediately attracted the -attention of the Shawanoes, who had caught a glimpse -of the white man, as he was rising to his feet, and -their fleetest runner started in pursuit.</p> -<p>The hunter’s frame was gaunt and muscular, and he -was sinewy and fleet-footed. His Indian experience -also had given him great endurance, and he now darted -off in the woods at a rate that excited the admiration -of his pursuers. The three separated, so as to make -sure of the fugitive, and called all their energies into -play to overtake him.</p> -<p>The forest for a considerable distance was open, and -afforded a good field for the runners. The distance -between Joe and the savages remained about the same -for some five or ten minutes, when one of the latter -discharged his rifle, and the white sprang high in air -with a loud yell.</p> -<p>But he hadn’t been struck. It was only a habit he -had gained years before. The report of the gun gave -an impetus to his flight which soon carried him far -ahead of the redskins. Dodging hither and thither, -flitting in and out among the trees, it was impossible -for the latter to gain anything like an accurate aim, -and they did not repeat the attempt to bring him -down.</p> -<p>All was now going well for the fugitive, and he -would have escaped had he understood the woods. -But his ignorance was fatal. Directly ahead of him -was a deep gorge, or ravine toward which the Shawanoes -had managed to direct his footsteps, and unconsciously -to himself he was running directly into a trap.</p> -<p>It was not until he was upon the very brink that -Napyank comprehended his peril. His hair fairly rose -on his head, as he glanced about him. To the right -or left, stretched the deep yawning gorge, too broad -to be leaped over, and offering no means of access -except a sheer precipice, down which it would have -<span class="pb" id="Page_86">86</span> -been certain death for him to have gone. Escape was -cut off! There was no help for him! He was fairly -at bay!</p> -<p>“It’s all up!” he muttered, wheeling around and -placing his back toward the gorge. “Joe Napyank -is fairly cornered and now there is going to be a -row!”</p> -<p>The three Shawanoes, as we have already stated, had -separated during the pursuit and were now quite a -ways apart. The center one being directly in the rear, -was the closest to the fugitive, and came up to him, -considerably in advance of the others. This was -fortunate in one sense for the hunter, as for the time, -he had but a single opponent with which to contend.</p> -<p>The lithe, agile Indian was all eagerness to secure -the white as his capture, and forgetful of the axiom -“a stag at bay is a dangerous foe,” that is, if he had -ever heard it, he halted not in the least, but came at -full speed toward him. When within a rod or two, -he whirled his tomahawk in a circle over his head, and -hurled it with tremendous force full at the breast of his -dauntless adversary. The latter from the motion of -his arm comprehended what was coming, and dodging -his head with lightning-like quickness, the weapon -flashed over him, and went spinning end over end -down the ravine.</p> -<p>Both the combatants had dropped their rifles and -drawn their knives. With an exultant shout the warrior -leaped forward, and swinging his knife, sprang -upon his adversary. In a twinkling both were disarmed -in a singular manner.</p> -<p>It so happened that the two struck at each other at -precisely the same moment, the knives encountering -with such force, that the Shawanoe’s shot out of his -hand, and followed his tomahawk down the ravine, -while the hunter’s was turned with such suddenness that -it fell to the ground several yards distant. Both were -now entirely disarmed, and glancing at each for a -<span class="pb" id="Page_87">87</span> -second like infuriate tigers, they closed in the struggle -of life and death.</p> -<p>In point of strength the two were very nearly equally -matched. Joe had the advantage of being an expert -wrestler, while the savage was a perfect novice. The -hunter had scarcely grasped him in his long arms, when, -with a peculiar thrill, he felt that the victory was his -own.</p> -<p>By a trick, or rather act, well known to skilful -wrestlers, the white man twisted the redskin off his -feet, and throwing him with stunning violence upon -the ground fell heavily upon him. Permitting him to -rise, he repeated the thing again and again, until the -savage became so exhausted as to be perfectly helpless.</p> -<p>The cunning Shawanoe had noticed where the knife -of his adversary lay, and each time that he went down, -he managed to work himself nearer it. The hunter -did not notice his stratagem, until the savage clutched -it, and as if rejuvenated by his advantage sprang to -his feet, and confronted him with the weapon.</p> -<p>Not the least daunted—for Joe was terribly excited—he -closed again with his adversary, receiving an ugly -wound in his arm as he did so. At this moment he -heard the outcries of the other two Shawanoes, and -driven to fury by his imminent peril he gathered all -his strength in one mighty effort, and grasping the -warrior around the waist, he lifted him clear from his -feet, and flung him like an infant over the precipice.</p> -<p>Down like a meteor through the dizzy air, shot the -Shawanoe, with his arms clutching wildly at vacancy, -spinning from crag to crag with his awful cry coming -up like the wail of some lost spirit!</p> -<p>The struggle occupied scarcely a fifth of the time we -have taken in describing it. Impelled by the most -implacable hate on each side, the blows were quick and -fierce, and the termination speedy and tragic. A -shriek when the two encountered, a few blows and -stunnings, another struggle more desperate than the -others, and it was ended.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div> -<p>Joe had secured his knife before throwing the savage -into the ravine, and with this single weapon he confronted -his two foes. They were both about the same -distance from him and he was in doubt whether to -expect their united visit at the same moment, or -whether they were going to attack him singly. The -latter proved to be the case.</p> -<p>One of the Indians seemed to be a sort of chief, or, -at least, superior in authority, to the other; for waving -his hand for him to keep his distance, he advanced -upon the white man, with the manifest resolve of disposing -of him without aid from any one else.</p> -<p>The savage was a much more formidable foe than -the other, and Joe Napyank, being greatly exhausted -from his recent terrible struggle, he was in a poor -condition to receive him. Nevertheless there was no -avoidance, and he showed an undaunted front. The -Shawanoe halted a moment, as if to decide upon the -best methods of attack, and then with the same yell, as -his predecessor gave, he sprang forward.</p> -<p>He had passed over half the intervening space, when -he gave utterance to another outcry, not of exultation, -but of agony, and throwing up his arms, fell dead!</p> -<p>The hunter had caught the report of a rifle, and saw -a red spot appear on the forehead of the Indian, so -that he understood instantly that he had been shot. -The remaining aborigine, having seen all, displayed -his common sense by turning on his heel, and fleeing -at the top of his speed.</p> -<p>But whence had come this shot so opportunely? -What friend had he in the Dark and Bloody Ground? -How came he to be here at the critical moment?</p> -<p>Joe looked inquiringly around, and for the space of -a few moments, his question remained unanswered. -But while still wondering, who should step forth to -view but Stoddard Smith?</p> -<p>“Just in time, it seems!” he exclaimed cheerily as -he came forward and grasped his hand.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_89">89</div> -<p>“I never was so glad to see a man in my life. How -came you to be here at this time?”</p> -<p>“Looking for you, and what made you leave me?”</p> -<p>A few words explained all.</p> -<p>“It was Providence that brought me here,” added -Young Smith. “I think he is smiling on our efforts -to obtain Ruth.”</p> -<p>“She isn’t far away. We’ll travel together after -this.”</p> -<p>“Hope so. You at least have found it rather dangerous -to be alone. But are there no other Indians in -the neighborhood?”</p> -<p>“Yes; and it’s time we left these parts. I’ve an -idea, as I said, that Ruth and Teddy ain’t far away; so -let’s tramp.”</p> -<p>And once more, our two friends set about accomplishing -the direct object of their expedition.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_90">90</div> -<h2 id="c11"><span class="small">CHAPTER XI.</span> -<br />TEDDY O’DONNELL AND RUTH McGOWAN—IRISH SHREWDNESS—A PUGILISTIC TRIUMPH—THE INDIAN FIGHT—LIBERATION.</h2> -<p>It was one of those singularly fortunate occurrences -that rarely happen more than once in a lifetime, -that made Teddy the Irishman a prisoner in the hands -of a body of Indians, possessing some claims—although -it must be confessed rather slight—to chivalry. -The identical chief of the party had once been made -a prisoner by Teddy and a celebrated scout, and on -that occasion was treated as a lawful prisoner of war, -and formally released.</p> -<p>The leader being a genuine Indian never forgot the -kindness. He was not one of the original party that -captured the Irishman upon the flat-boat, but when he -was brought ashore he recognized him at once. Teddy -with all his shrewdness, contended that every Indian -looked precisely as did all other Indians, and he therefore -failed to suspect his identity.</p> -<p>The party, as has been already hinted, divided -about a dozen, among whom was the chief just referred -to, taking charge of the two captives and starting -on a direct line for the Indian towns in the valley of -the Piqua.</p> -<p>To the surprise of both they were allowed to walk -side by side and no restraint was placed upon their -conversation. No burdens or indignities were imposed -upon each, and the chief seemed to graduate the progress -<span class="pb" id="Page_91">91</span> -of the party to the disposition and strength of -the girl.</p> -<p>“Why do they not kill us!” asked Ruth, after -Teddy had related the particulars of his capture, and -the situation in which he had left his friends upon the -island.</p> -<p>“Injins doesn’t always do things in that shtyle. -It’s meself that has been a presn’r among ’em afore -this, and they didn’t kill me but once. That time I -broke me neck, but it was speedily set and mended -agin.”</p> -<p>“Will they not slay me?”</p> -<p>“I hardly think so. How would ye like one of -these copperskins for a husband?”</p> -<p>The look of detestation and horror which answered -this, made the Irishman regret his attempt at a -joke.</p> -<p>“Please don’t worry about this matter. It’s the -habit of these same gintlemen to ax for a wife afore -they take her. But the way that chief views yourself -and me, he has taken a strong notion to one of us. -P’rhaps he has a bootiful daughter and mither at hum, -and he is admirin’ me as a future husband for one of -’em.”</p> -<p>The genial, good-natured air of the Irishman had -its effect upon Ruth, who for the time may be said to -have forgotten her captivity.</p> -<p>“Why, Teddy, would you like one of those dusky -beauties for a life partner?”</p> -<p>“I couldn’t tell very well till I tried, as the man -said when he was recommended to die by drowning; -but one of ’em might do till I got tired of——. Begorrah! -but Miss Ruth, does ye obsarve how that -chap keeps his eye upon me? If I’m not as greatly -mistook than I ever was in my life, I’ve met him -afore.”</p> -<p>Teddy tried to recall the features. The more he -looked at him the more certain was he that the two -had encountered previously. But he was unable to -<span class="pb" id="Page_92">92</span> -place him in his memory; and the Indian, observing -that he was subject to remark and scrutiny, turned his -face away, and henceforth remained out of view as -much as possible.</p> -<p>“Oh!” said Ruth, relapsing into her former despondency, -“Are we ever to see our friends again?”</p> -<p>“Of course we are although we may be subjected -to slight delay in the same. I expect to meet them -considerable soon.”</p> -<p>“But how—how shall we do it?”</p> -<p>“Can’t exactly tell yet, but we’ll all larn in due season. -They’d get tired of keeping us perhaps after -awhile and give us lave to walk away.”</p> -<p>“Do they ever do such things?”</p> -<p>“I can’t say they do,” laughed Teddy, who hardly -expected the earnestness manifested in the question. -“But as my ould friend Patrick Henry observes, there -is no way of judging by the future but by the past, and -looking to the past, I axes what has been the conduct -of the haythen Injins for the last ten years to give me -hope of keeping me for any considerable time in their -clutches. I’ve been there before and never staid.”</p> -<p>“But, how has it been with me?”</p> -<p>“Yes, being with me makes the same rule apply to -yer own government, so be aisy and don’t worry and -fret yourself which there is no good to come from it.”</p> -<p>But Ruth McGowan found it hard work to extract -relief from the ingenious sophistries of her companion. -Look at it as she might, everything was gloomy and -cheerless. Her cherished friends left behind her, instead -of being able to come to her rescue, most probably -were unable to provide for their own safety. It -was therefore vain to look for assistance from that direction.</p> -<p>Perhaps her father and mother were prisoners at -that moment—perhaps murdered. And her lover -Stoddard Smith—where was he? Free, a captive, or -dead? If either of the former, were not his thoughts -turned to her, and was he wondering at her situation? -<span class="pb" id="Page_93">93</span> -Should they ever meet again on earth—or were they -now separated forever in this world!</p> -<p>The thought was saddening, and the distressed girl -covered her face and wept. Teddy observing her sorrow -remained silent awhile, but he was too cheerful -himself to allow any unnecessary grief around him.</p> -<p>“If it was meself I wouldn’t shed a tear to plase -’em,” he said. “Some of the haythen are just cruel -enough to be pleased to see it, although it doesn’t -sthrike me that the chief is one of the number. He -seems to be more tender-hearted than the others.”</p> -<p>“But how can I help it when I think of my -friends?”</p> -<p>“I s’pose it ain’t aisy, but then don’t think of ’em. -Just think of the situation we bees in this minute, -and then larf.”</p> -<p>“Ah! it’s hard work to see anything to laugh at—oh!”</p> -<p>At this juncture, Teddy caught his toe in a root -and stumbled to the ground. His fall was so ridiculously -grotesque, that several of the stoical bronzed -faces were relaxed, and Ruth could not forbear a smile -herself. Not one of them suspected it was a piece of -strategy, got up for the especial benefit of the female -captive herself. Teddy took his discomfiture good-humoredly.</p> -<p>“You are not injured, I hope,” said Ruth; “you -must pardon me, but I could not keep from laughing, -you seemed so much taken by surprise.”</p> -<p>“I’d much rather see you laugh than cry; it’s more -pleasant to all concerned. But did you see the unmannerly -dogs grin at me? That chap seemed to enjoy -it as much as yourself.”</p> -<p>Teddy was going sideways, looking toward the -savages as he spoke, when he again stumbled so awkwardly -as to bring a grin into the face of every savage -in the company.</p> -<p>“What yes laughing at?” he demanded in either -<span class="pb" id="Page_94">94</span> -pretended or real fury. “Have ye no more manners -than to laugh at a fellow that stubs his toe? Yer no -christians but haythens, all of yes.”</p> -<p>“Poor man!” said one of them in much sympathy, -“much hurt pale face—sorry—much hurt?”</p> -<p>“Don’t get too far wid your tongue or, or ye’ll run -agin the fist of Mr. Teddy O’Donnell, who understands -the noble art.”</p> -<p>“Poor man—much hurt—sorry——”</p> -<p>A terrific whack took the tantalizing Indian directly -in the mouth and he toppled over backward like a ten -pin. As he went to the ground, the spectators all -manifested their enjoyment of the scene. The Indian -was stunned and bewildered for a moment, and -then, as he rose up with his mouth bleeding, his flashing -eyes and wrathful demeanor showed that he was -fully bent on avenging the mortal insult. Drawing -his knife, he was about to spring upon him, when the -chief advanced and disarmed him of his knife and -tomahawk, seeing which Teddy voluntarily resigned -his, and the two confronted each other with the -arms only that nature had given them.</p> -<p>It is possible that in that moment, that the dusky -pugilist was sensible that he stood at a disadvantage -but there was no retreat for him, and he therefore advanced -to the attack.</p> -<p>Teddy “squared” in the most approved style, and -danced around on his feet as if anxious for the contest -to begin. Pausing a moment, the Indian made -an awkward plunging blow, and received another -shock in the mouth that laid him as flat as before.</p> -<p>Nothing daunted, he sprang to his feet and made -at his antagonist more resolutely than ever. Teddy -now toyed awhile in order to give the savage more -confidence, and then getting him fairly at his mercy, -he dealt him a more tremendous blow than before—one -that completely “knocked him out of time,” and -ended the contest triumphantly in favor of the Irishman.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_95">95</div> -<p>Upon rising to his feet, the Indian slunk among his -comrades, who did not hesitate to jeer at him unmercifully, -and to admire the conqueror in a proportionate -degree.</p> -<p>This incident would be scarcely worthy of narration, -were it not that it had an important bearing on -the fate of the two captives themselves. Brave men -always admire skill and bravery. This is especially -true of an uncivilized people, who sometimes look -upon a hero with a feeling of the strongest admiration.</p> -<p>It cannot be pretended that Teddy O’Donnell excited -any such emotion as this, but he did produce a -sentiment, that under Heaven, eventually proved the -salvation of himself and Ruth McGowan. The leader, -who entertained none but the kindest feelings toward -him, was still doubtful whether it would do to allow -him to go free, even with the explanation he might -make to his brother followers. But now when he had -witnessed his vanquishing of one of his best warriors -he felt no hesitation in claiming the greatest favor -for him.</p> -<p>In fact he was fully resolved that the man should be -liberated but that the girl should be retained!</p> -<p>The chief now advanced straight to the Irishman -and addressed him.</p> -<p>“Glad see you—me Wahlangson.”</p> -<p>“Mighty glad to see you,” responded Teddy, grasping -his hand, and identifying him the moment he -heard his name pronounced.</p> -<p>“Brave man,” added the chief admiringly. “Like -much.”</p> -<p>Teddy understood Indian ways well enough to understand -what all this was tending to. He felt that -his case was safe and he did not hesitate to manifest a -little of his joviality.</p> -<p>“Would yes like a thrial? If ye does, jist say the -word, and I’ll do my best to accommodate yes.”</p> -<p>The Indian did not understand the precise meaning -<span class="pb" id="Page_96">96</span> -of this, at any rate he concluded to take no offence -at it.</p> -<p>“Fight for Wahlangson?”</p> -<p>“That depends on circumstances, as the cobbler—”</p> -<p>An exclamation from one of the warriors arrested -their attention. The chief turned his head, and his -immobile countenance for once betrayed signs of emotion. -The whole party manifested excitement, and it -was not long before Teddy understood that a hostile -party of Indians had appeared, and a conflict was inevitable.</p> -<p>“Big fight—big fight!” said the chief. “Kill big -fight—white man fight for Wahlangson?”</p> -<p>“Aye! that he will,” replied the chivalrous Irishman, -going into the trouble for the reason that he loved it, -and because he believed it was policy to do so.</p> -<p>“Take her away,” said he, pointing to Ruth.</p> -<p>“Yes—you take.”</p> -<p>Teddy grasped her hand and led her some distance -in the wood.</p> -<p>“Now do you stay there till the fight is done wid. -It won’t be long, and I’ll soon be wid yes.”</p> -<p>“God protect you.”</p> -<p>Teddy hurried back, arriving just as the conflict began. -Instead of fighting behind trees, as is the general -custom of Indians, they “charged” on and the -fight became hand-to-hand. This was just the thing -for Teddy, who laid about him in the same ecstatic -manner that he did before being captured on the flat-boat. -While thus engaged he saw his old friend Wahlangson -upon the ground, and hard pressed by two -huge redskins. Springing forward he sent one turning -flip flap, which so relieved the chief that he regained -the advantage he had lost, and soon stood on -the same footing with his warriors.</p> -<p>The contest was short, sharp and decisive. Ten -minutes after it was made the attacking party fled in -confusion, leaving two dead and several badly wounded.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_97">97</div> -<p>If Wahlangson had experienced a deep admiration -for the reckless Irishman, he was now literally overflowing -with it. Going up to him, he took his hand, -and undoubtedly, with great agitation, said,</p> -<p>“Much like—heap like—big like—heap like—<span class="smaller">B-I-G</span> -like!”</p> -<p>“Begorrah the same to yes. I intertain the most -unbounded riverence to yer honor, as the boy said to -the snapping turtle.”</p> -<p>“Want go home?”</p> -<p>“Well, yes, yer honor, I should rather like to do -the same, bein’ as the ould woman will be out of praties, -if I don’t help dig her some.”</p> -<p>“Go—go—Wahlangson willing.”</p> -<p>“Ye bees now—ye ain’t lying I hopes.”</p> -<p>“Go—no me follow—trail no touch—Wahlangson -say so—no Shawanoe follow.”</p> -<p>“I axes only that condition—that none of yees attempt -to foller me. Does ye agree to that?”</p> -<p>After considerable explanation, and by the help of -pantomime, Teddy made the chief understand his -wishes. The latter gave his promise, and gaily kissing -him good-bye went off whistling St. Patrick’s Day -in the morning.</p> -<p>Some considerable distance away he came up with -Ruth, and gallantly offered her his arm. It need not -be said she gladly took it, and the two speedily left -the ground.</p> -<p>When the chief discovered that Teddy had taken -away his cherished captive, he was somewhat chagrined, -as this was more than he counted upon. But -he did not follow. He was too much of a true Indian -to molest one who had served him so well.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_98">98</div> -<h2 id="c12"><span class="small">CHAPTER XII.</span> -<br />THE END.</h2> -<p>Napyank the hunter and Stoddard Smith stood consulting -together.</p> -<p>“We must now hunt the trail,” said the former; -“and to do that we’ve got to go some way back into -the wood.”</p> -<p>The two set out, and the greater part of the day -was consumed in traveling. Toward the middle of the -afternoon they struck a trail, which, after following -for a mile or so, they became convinced was in seeking, -as there did not appear the least evidence of either -Teddy or Ruth forming one of the company. Finally -when darkness closed around them, they were still at -a loss, and decided to encamp until morning.</p> -<p>“Here seems to be as good a spot as any,” said -the hunter, halting by the side of a small brook.</p> -<p>“Sh! there is some one ahead of us,” returned -young Smith, pointing up stream, where a trembling -light could be discerned through the trees.</p> -<p>“Let us see who they might be.”</p> -<p>The two stole cautiously forward. When a few -yards away, they gained a glimpse of the party and -heard some speaking.</p> -<p>“As I was about to observe when yees interrupted -me, we’re now at no great distance from the river, -and we’ll reach there in due time, that is if we -<span class="pb" id="Page_99">99</span> -travel. I s’pose you’ve no ’bjection to seeing your parents -jist now.”</p> -<p>“Indeed I can hardly content myself Teddy in remaining -here until morning.”</p> -<p>“Yees wouldn’t be particularly angry if yees -should meet that young man they calls Smith, I suppose?”</p> -<p>“Certainly not.”</p> -<p>“Arrah! Miss Ruth: there is a great wild beast -behind yees.”</p> -<p>Ruth sprang to her feet, and glanced back, and instead -of encountering the angry front of some wild -animal, she saw—Stoddard Smith and Joe Napyank -before her.</p> -<p class="center"><span class="gs">* * * * * * *</span></p> -<p>The next day as McGowan was beginning to grow -desponding and hopeless, and had made up his mind -to cast the raft loose at nightfall, and risk the attempt -to reach the settlement, Joe Napyank and his three -companions made their appearance. The wonderful -skill of the matchless hunter had led them directly to -the spot.</p> -<p>The sacred joy of father and mother, and the restoration -of their daughter, of whose deliverance at one -time there could scarcely seem the least grounds of -hope—was too sacred—too holy for pen like ours to -attempt to depict.</p> -<p>The raft was strengthened by the addition of much -more material, so that it easily buoyed the entire company; -and when it was fairly dark, it came forth from -its concealment, and the fugitives committed themselves -once more to the treacherous Ohio.</p> -<p>There were yet dangers and perils to be encountered, -and it was not until the afternoon of the ensuing -day, when the unsightly cabins of the settlement -appeared, that the little party breathed freely, and felt -that they were at last—<i>safe</i>.</p> -<p>The surviving Smiths became identified with this -<span class="pb" id="Page_100">100</span> -portion of the West, and there are found there their -descendants at this day. Joe Napyank fell during -Wayne’s celebrated campaign against the western Indians. -Teddy O’Donnell lived a bachelor, and, as a -matter of course, died at a ripe old age. The grandchildren -of Stoddard Smith were those who stood by -his bedside during his last moments.</p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="smaller">THE END.</span></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_101">101</div> -<h2 id="c13"><span class="small">Frank Starr’s American Novels.</span></h2> -<p class="center small"><b>MAMMOTH OCTAVO, ILLUMINATED COVERS, 10 CTS. EACH!</b></p> -<p><span class="sc">Frank Starr’s American Novels</span> are so alive with spirit, interest, and the power that springs -from unconscious strength in authorship, that they have become so popular as to lead in their sales -all others in the market—a success which will be greatly heightened by future issues, which will -embrace novels of incomparable merit.</p> -<dl class="undent"><dt><b>138</b>—<b>Kid Kerley, the Trapper</b>; or, -Nattie of the Woods. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.</dt> -<dt><b>139</b>—<b>The Fighting Trapper</b>; or, Kit -Carson to the Rescue.</dt> -<dt><b>140</b>—<b>Thayendanegea, the Terrible</b>; -or, The War Eagle the Mohawks. By Ned Buntline.</dt> -<dt><b>141</b>—<b>The Black Horse of the Prairies</b>; -or, Days of Peril. By James L. Bowen.</dt> -<dt><b>142</b>—<b>The Texan Spy</b>; or, The Prairie -Guide. By Newton M. Curtis.</dt> -<dt><b>143</b>—<b>The Gulf Pirate</b>; or, The Freebooters -of the Mississippi. By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine.</dt> -<dt><b>144</b>—<b>One-Eyed Sim</b>; or, The Forest Home. -By James L. Bowen.</dt> -<dt><b>145</b>—<b>Old Rube, the Hunter</b>; or, The -Crow Captive. By Capt. Hamilton Holmes.</dt> -<dt><b>146</b>—<b>Doblado, the Outlaw</b>; or, The Oronoco -Chief. By J. Thomas Warren.</dt> -<dt><b>147</b>—<b>The Red Warrior</b>; or, Stella Delorme’s -Comanche Lover. By Ned Buntline.</dt> -<dt><b>148</b>—<b>The Son of the Sea</b>; or, The Cutter’s -Cruise. By Roger Starbuck.</dt> -<dt><b>149</b>—<b>The Texan Herdsman</b>; or, The -Hermit of the Colorado Hills. By W. H. -Bushnell.</dt> -<dt><b>150</b>—<b>Stung Serpent</b>, the Last Chief of the -Natchez. By Captain Hamilton Holmes.</dt> -<dt><b>151</b>—<b>Scouting Dave</b>; or, The Winnebago -Renegade. By James L. Bowen.</dt> -<dt><b>152</b>—<b>The Arkansas Regulators</b>; or, -How Ned Studley Won His Wife. By Edward -Willett.</dt> -<dt><b>153</b>—<b>The Slaver Captain</b>; or, Scuttled -at Sea. By Roger Starbuck.</dt> -<dt><b>154</b>—<b>The Secret Shot</b>; or, The Rivals of -Misty Mount. By Herrick Johnstone.</dt> -<dt><b>155</b>—<b>Mike, the Guide</b>; or, Lost upon the -Plains. By James L. Bowen.</dt> -<dt><b>156</b>—<b>Waving Plume</b>; or, The Free Trappers’ -Pass. By William R. Eyster, M. A.</dt> -<dt><b>157</b>—<b>Border Ben</b>; or, The Fatal Treasure. -By James L. Bowen.</dt> -<dt><b>158</b>—<b>The Black Hunter</b>; or, The Cave -Secret. By Burton Saxe.</dt> -<dt><b>159</b>—<b>The Young Ranger</b>; or, The Frontier -Scouts. By James L. Bowen.</dt> -<dt><b>160</b>—<b>Tom Wiley</b>, the North-west Scout. -By I. M. Nichols.</dt> -<dt><b>161</b>—<b>Loyal Heart, the Pale-face Hunter</b>; -or, The Trappers of Arkansas. By -Gustave Aimard.</dt> -<dt><b>162</b>—<b>Old Nick Whiffles</b>; or, The Trapper -of the North-west. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.</dt> -<dt><b>163</b>—<b>The Gold Guide</b>; or, Steel Arm, the -Regulator. By Francis Johnson.</dt> -<dt><b>164</b>—<b>The Death Track</b>; or, The Outlaws -of the Mountain. By the author of “The -Gold Guide.”</dt> -<dt><b>165</b>—<b>The White Wizard</b>; or, The Great -Prophet of the Seminoles. By Ned Buntline.</dt> -<dt><b>166</b>—<b>Hirl, the Hunchback</b>; or, The -Swordmaker of the Santee. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.</dt> -<dt><b>167</b>—<b>Tiger-Slayer</b>; or, Eagle Head to the -Rescue. By Gustave Aimard.</dt> -<dt><b>168</b>—<b>Alapaha, the Squaw</b>; or, The Renegades -of the Border. By Francis Johnson.</dt> -<dt><b>169</b>—<b>The Border Bandits</b>; or, The -Horse Thief’s Trail. By Francis Johnson.</dt> -<dt><b>170</b>—<b>Assowaum, the Avenger</b>; or, The -Doom of the Destroyers. By Francis Johnson.</dt> -<dt><b>171</b>—<b>Saul Sabberday, the Idiot Spy</b>; -or, Luliona, the Seminole. By Ned Buntline.</dt> -<dt><b>172</b>—<b>Prairie-Flower</b>; or, The Baffled -Chief. By Gustave Aimard.</dt> -<dt><b>173</b>—<b>Mountain Max</b>; or, Nick Whiffles on -the Border. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.</dt> -<dt><b>174</b>—<b>The Silent Rifleman.</b> A Tale of the -Texan Trail. By Henry W. Herbert.</dt> -<dt><b>175</b>—<b>Long-armed Sampson</b>; or, The -Scout of the Silver Pond. By Newton M. Curtis.</dt> -<dt><b>176</b>—<b>Red Ralph, the Ranger</b>; or, The -Brother’s Revenge. By Ned Buntline.</dt> -<dt><b>177</b>—<b>The Giant Trailer</b>; or, The Lost -Scalp. By Francis Johnson.</dt> -<dt><b>178</b>—<b>The Doomed Guide</b>; or, The Hunter’s -Trail. By Francis Johnson.</dt> -<dt><b>179</b>—<b>The Ranger’s Rifle</b>; or, The Wolf -of the War-path. By Francis Johnson.</dt> -<dt><b>180</b>—<b>War-Ax</b>; or, The Trapper’s Revenge. -By Francis Johnson.</dt> -<dt><b>181</b>—<b>Redpath, the Avenger</b>; or, The Fair -Huntress of the Trapping-grounds. By Dr. J. -H. Robinson.</dt> -<dt><b>182</b>—<b>The Blue Brotherhood</b>; or, The -Young Patroon’s Inheritance. By Newton -M. Curtis.</dt> -<dt><b>183</b>—<b>The Smuggler</b>; or, The Skipper’s -Crime. By Ned Buntline.</dt> -<dt><b>184</b>—<b>The Trail-Hunter</b>; or, Red Cedar, -the Prairie Outlaw. By Gustave Aimard.</dt> -<dt><b>185</b>—<b>The Pirates of the Prairies</b>; or, -The Bandit at Bay. By Gustave Aimard.</dt> -<dt><b>186</b>—<b>The Trapper’s Daughter</b>; or, The -Outlaw’s Fate. By Gustave Aimard.</dt> -<dt><b>187</b>—<b>Old Tiger, the Patriot</b>; or, The -Heroine of the Mohawk. By Newton M. Curtis.</dt> -<dt><b>188</b>—<b>The Sea Bandit</b>; or, The Queen of -the Isle. By Ned Buntline.</dt> -<dt><b>189</b>—<b>The Bush Ranger</b>; or, The Half-breed -Brigade. By Francis Johnson.</dt> -<dt><b>190</b>—<b>The Outlaw-Hunter</b>; or, Red John, -the Bush Ranger. By Francis Johnson.</dt> -<dt><b>191</b>—<b>Golden Feather</b>, the Buccaneer’s -Daughter. By Arthur M. Granger.</dt> -<dt><b>192</b>—<b>California Joe</b>; or, The Angel of the -Wilderness. By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine.</dt> -<dt><b>193</b>—<b>Bob Brant</b>, Patriot Spy. By Edward -Willett.</dt> -<dt><b>194</b>—<b>The Border Spy.</b> By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine.</dt> -<dt><b>195</b>—<b>Old Hal Williams</b>; or, The Spy of -Atlanta. By J. Thomas Warren.</dt> -<dt><b>196</b>—<b>The Bushwhacker’s Daughter.</b> -By Edward Willett.</dt> -<dt><b>197</b>—<b>Sergeant Slasher.</b> By Herrick Johnstone.</dt> -<dt><b>198</b>—<b>Old Guess Markham.</b> By J. Thomas -Warren.</dt> -<dt><b>199</b>—<b>Crazy Dan.</b> By Edward Willett.</dt> -<dt><b>200</b>—<b>Old Ben Manx.</b> By J. Thomas Warren.</dt> -<dt><b>201</b>—<b>Old Bill Woodworth.</b> By Edward Willett.</dt> -</dl> -<p><span class="sc">Frank Starr’s American Novels</span> are always kept in print, and all back numbers can usually -be supplied by news agents; but where any given number cannot be found on the news stands, it -will be sent to any address by mail, prepaid, on receipt of price—<span class="smaller">TEN CENTS</span>, six months (13 Nos.) -<b>$1.25</b>; one year, (26 Nos.) <b>$2.50</b>. Address FRANK STARR & CO., Publishers, 41 Platt -Street, New York.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_102">102</div> -<p class="tbcenter">THE STAR WEEKLY! -<br /><b class="larger">The Saturday Journal!</b></p> -<p class="center">THE BEST SERIALS, BEST STORIES, BEST MATTER, -<br /><span class="large">By the Best Living American Writers!</span></p> -<p>Leads all the Popular Weeklies in the maintained interest and entertaining -character of each issue; in the wide-awake and fresh spirit that pervades all its -departments; in the captivating variety of its contributions; in the decided influence -which it exerts on every reader, old or young—characteristics which have -won for it the enviable title of</p> -<p class="center"><b>THE FAVORITE HOME AND FIRESIDE WEEKLY!</b></p> -<p>presenting more elements of interest, entertainment and useful knowledge than -any other weekly in America can boast of: and its unparalleled success and widespread -popularity are solely due to its merits as a family journal, as a reader’s -companion, as a personal friend. It embraces:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0"><b>Brilliant Serials by Brilliant Writers,</b></p> -<p class="t2"><b>Splendid Stories by Enchanting Story-tellers,</b></p> -<p class="t4"><b>Sparkling Essays by Incomparable Essayists,</b></p> -<p class="t6"><b>Irresistible Humor by Noted Humorists,</b></p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0"><b>Notes of Travel, Adventure and Experience,</b></p> -<p class="t2"><b>Unique Answers to Correspondents,</b></p> -<p class="t4"><b>Sunshine Papers, Topics of the Time,</b></p> -<p class="t6"><b>Poetry, Items of Current Interest, etc., etc.</b></p> -</div> -<p>Each issue is, literally, a happy thought, a welcome guest, an Argosy of Literary -Novelties, which, once introduced to a reader’s notice, becomes an accepted -favorite.</p> -<p>The <span class="sc">New York Saturday Journal</span> is beautifully printed from clear, open, -easily-read type, on fine white paper, and gives, with each leading serial, a beautiful -illustration—features which have gained for it the title of Fairest of all the -weeklies.</p> -<p>It is furnished at the following rates, viz.: $3.00 per year; $1.50 for six months; -$1 for four months; two copies for one year, or one copy for two years, $5.</p> -<p>Specimen copy forwarded on application.</p> -<p class="center">BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, -<br /><span class="smaller">98 William Street, New York.</span></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_104">104</div> -<p class="tbcenter"><b><span class="smaller">THE ILLUMINATED DIME</span> -<br /><span class="larger">POCKET NOVELS!</span></b> -<br /><span class="smaller">PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY.</span></p> -<p>Comprising the best works only of the most popular living writers in the field -of American Romance. Each issue a complete novel, with illuminated cover, -rivaling in effect the popular chromo, yet sold at the standard price, <span class="smaller">TEN CENTS</span>.</p> -<p class="center"><span class="ss">NOW READY, AND IN PRESS.</span></p> -<dl class="undent"><dt><b>No. 1</b>—<b>Hawkeye Harry, the Young -Trapper Ranger.</b> By Oll Coomes.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 2</b>—<b>Dead Shot</b>; or, The White Vulture. -By Albert W. Aiken.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 3</b>—<b>The Boy Miners</b>; or, The Enchanted -Island. By Edward S. Ellis.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 4</b>—<b>Blue Dick</b>; or, The Yellow Chief’s -Vengeance. By Capt. Mayne Reid.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 5</b>—<b>Nat Wolfe</b>; or, The Gold-Hunters. -By Mrs. M. V. Victor.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 6</b>—<b>The White Tracker</b>; or, The -Panther of the Plains. By Edward S. Ellis.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 7</b>—<b>The Outlaw’s Wife</b>; or, The Valley -Ranche. By Mrs. Ann S. Stephens.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 8</b>—<b>The Tall Trapper</b>; or, The Flower -of the Blackfeet. By Albert W. Aiken.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 9</b>—<b>Lightning Jo, the Terror of -the Santa Fe Trail.</b> By Capt. Adams.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 10</b>—<b>The Island Pirate.</b> A Tale of -the Mississippi. By Captain Mayne Reid.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 11</b>—<b>The Boy Ranger</b>; or, The Heiress -of the Golden Horn. By Oll Coomes.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 12</b>—<b>Bess, the Trapper.</b> A Tale of -the Far South-west. By Edward S. Ellis.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 13</b>—<b>The French Spy</b>; or, The Fall -of Montreal. By W. J. Hamilton.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 14</b>—<b>Long Shot</b>; or, The Dwarf Guide. -By Capt. Comstock.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 15</b>—<b>The Gunmaker of the Border.</b> -By James L. Bowen.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 16</b>—<b>Red Hand</b>; or, The Channel -Scourge. By A. G. Piper.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 17</b>—<b>Ben, the Trapper</b>; or, The -Mountain Demon. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 18</b>—<b>Wild Raven, the Ranger</b>; or, -The Missing Guide. By Oll Coomes.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 19</b>—<b>The Specter Chief</b>; or, The Indian’s -Revenge. By Seelin Robins.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 20</b>—<b>The B’ar-Killer</b>; or, The Long -Trail. By Capt. Comstock.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 21</b>—<b>Wild Nat</b>; or, The Cedar Swamp -Brigade. By Wm. R. Eyster.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 22</b>—<b>Indian Jo, the Guide.</b> By -Lewis W. Carson.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 23</b>—<b>Old Kent, the Ranger.</b> By -Edward S. Ellis.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 24</b>—<b>The One-Eyed Trapper.</b> By -Capt. Comstock.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 25</b>—<b>Godbold, the Spy.</b> A Tale of -Arnold’s Treason. By N. C. Iron.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 26</b>—<b>The Black Ship.</b> By John S. -Warner.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 27</b>—<b>Single Eye, the Scourge.</b> By -Warren St. John.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 28</b>—<b>Indian Jim.</b> A Tale of the Minnesota -Massacre. By Edward S. Ellis.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 29</b>—<b>The Scout.</b> By Warren St. John.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 30</b>—<b>Eagle Eye.</b> By W. J. Hamilton.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 31</b>—<b>The Mystic Canoe.</b> A Romance -of a Hundred Years Ago. By Edward S. Ellis.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 32</b>—<b>The Golden Harpoon</b>; or, Lost -Among the Floes. By Roger Starbuck.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 33</b>—<b>The Scalp King.</b> By Lieut. Ned -Hunter.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 34</b>—<b>Old Lute, the Indian-fighter</b>; -or, The Den in the Hills. By E. W. Archer.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 35</b>—<b>Rainbolt, the Ranger</b>; or, The -Ærial Demon of the Mountain. By Oll -Coomes.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 36</b>—<b>The Boy Pioneer.</b> By Edward -S. Ellis.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 37</b>—<b>Carson, the Guide</b>; or, the Perils -of the Frontier. By Lieut. J. H. Randolph.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 38</b>—<b>The Heart Eater</b>; or, The Prophet -of the Hollow Hill. By Harry Hazard.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 39</b>—<b>Wetzel, the Scout</b>; or, The Captive -of the Wilderness. By Boynton Belknap, -M. D.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 40</b>—<b>The Huge Hunter</b>; or, The -Steam Man of the Prairies. By Edward S. -Ellis.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 41</b>—<b>Wild Nat, the Trapper.</b> By -Paul Prescott.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 42</b>—<b>Lynx-cap</b>; or, The Sioux Track. -By Paul Bibbs.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 43</b>—<b>The White Outlaw</b>; or, The -Bandit Brigand. By Harry Hazard.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 44</b>—<b>The Dog Trailer.</b> By Frederick -Dewey.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 45</b>—<b>The Elk King.</b> By Capt. Chas. -Howard.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 46</b>—<b>Adrian, the Pilot.</b> By Col. -Prentiss Ingraham.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 47</b>—<b>The Man-hunter.</b> By Maro O. -Rolfe.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 48</b>—<b>The Phantom Tracker.</b> By -Frederick Dewey.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 49</b>—<b>Moccasin Bill.</b> By Paul Bibbs.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 50</b>—<b>The Wolf Queen.</b> By Captain -Charles Howard.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 51</b>—<b>Tom Hawk, the Trailer.</b> By -Lewis Jay Swift.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 52</b>—<b>The Mad Chief.</b> By Captain -Chas. Howard. Ready.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 53</b>—<b>The Black Wolf.</b> By Edwin E. -Ewing. Ready.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 54</b>—<b>Arkansas Jack.</b> By Harry -Hazard. Ready.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 55</b>—<b>Blackbeard.</b> By Paul Bibbs. -Ready.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 56</b>—<b>The River Rifles.</b> By Billex -Muller. Ready Aug. 15th.</dt> -<dt><b>No. 57</b>—<b>Hunter Ham.</b> By J. Edgar -Iliff. 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