diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/68482-0.txt | 4272 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/68482-0.zip | bin | 75062 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/68482-h.zip | bin | 1086962 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/68482-h/68482-h.htm | 4604 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/68482-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 1007026 -> 0 bytes |
8 files changed, 17 insertions, 8876 deletions
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..c714b7c --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #68482 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68482) diff --git a/old/68482-0.txt b/old/68482-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 1d75072..0000000 --- a/old/68482-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4272 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Mad Anthony’s scouts; or, The -rangers of Kentucky, by Emerson Rodman - -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: Mad Anthony’s scouts; or, The rangers of Kentucky - Beadle’s pocket novels No. 61 - -Author: Emerson Rodman - -Release Date: July 9, 2022 [eBook #68482] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, Graeme Mackreth and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Northern - Illinois University Digital Library) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAD ANTHONY’S SCOUTS; OR, -THE RANGERS OF KENTUCKY *** - - - - - MAD ANTHONY'S SCOUTS; - - OR, - - THE RANGERS OF KENTUCKY. - - BY EMERSON RODMAN. - - 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 office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - - - - -MAD ANTHONY'S SCOUTS; - -OR, - -THE RANGERS OF KENTUCKY. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -COMRADES OF THE FOREST. - - -"Haow dew yeou dew, cap.?" - -"Fine, yer honor; and how is yerself?" - -A tall, spare specimen of the backwoodsman, who was sitting by -a smouldering camp-fire, had arisen and grasped the hand of a -genial-faced Irishman, who was also clad in the habiliments of the -forest. - -"My name is Smith, Hezekiah Smith," said the former, "What is yours?" - -"Pat Mulroony, lately from Tipperary, Ireland, may it plase yer honor." - -"Haow did you--how was it you came to find me, if I may be allowed to -inquire?" asked Smith, peering round in his face. - -"I was jist thraveling through the forest, when I spied the shmoke -of fire, and says I to meself, says I, 'There's ayther some graan -youngster, or a band of haythen, as doesn't care who saas their -camp-fire,' and with that, I pokes around in the wood till I spies you -cookin' your legs over the blaze, when I knows by the swate expression -of yer countenance, that ye was a gintleman, and, bedad, I finds I was -right." - -"What might you be doing? What's your business?" pursued Smith, -laboring under a great curiosity. - -"Faith, I'm an _adventoorer_, as the convict said. I've been wanderin' -in these parts for siveral wakes, without catchin' glimpse of a white -skin, till I came upon you." - -"That ain't what I mean. What brought you out here in the first place?" - -"Me legs," replied the Irishman, decidedly. - -"Just so, just so; if you've no objection, I'd like to know your -_motive_, not meaning any offence at all." - -"Begorrah, but ye're axin' too much," replied Pat, with a shake of his -head. "Niver ye mind the _indoocement_ that I has for taking to the -woods. If I may be so bold, what was the same motive that brought -yerself here?" - -"Nothing in particular--nothing in particular," replied Smith, as if -the subject was distasteful to him. - -It was plain that both of these characters had a secret history--a -history which each was determined should remain a secret with himself. -The short conversation recorded above had been sufficient for this -fact to become evident to both, and as if by mutual consent, neither -made any further reference to it. It sufficed that they were white, -civilized beings, wanderers in a dangerous territory, where neither, -for an hour, could be assured of his own safety, and where both lacked -the great safeguard of experience. This was enough to make them firm -and fast friends at once. - -"Are you baound up or down the river," queried Hezekiah Smith, refering -to the Ohio, which was but a few hundred yards distant. - -"Faith, it's little difference where I'm bound, as the man said when -then the haythen Injuns bound him to the stake. How is it wid yerself?" - -"I'm goin' daown." - -"So is meself, if ye's willin' to accept of me company." - -"I'm right glad to have you, for I care mighty little abaout goin' -much further in this all-fired country, without some one to keep me -company. It's the _ornerest_ piece of country I ever seed in all my -born days." - -"As we agraas so well on the principles, be the same token, we'll agraa -on the partic'lars. I'm thinkin' I've seen more of this country pra'ps, -than ye has yerself, but it's a mighty little I've seen, after all. -But, be the howly powers, it's meself knows enough not to kindle a fire -in broad daylight, in these parts." - -"But, Pat, s'pose you fall in the creek, and get wet, as I did--how in -the name of human nature are you to dry yourself?" - -"Dry yourself, is it?" repeated the Irishman, surveying his friend from -head to foot; "and what is it ye wishes to dry yerself fur? Bedad, -you'll find, if you're long in these parts, you'll have to go wet and -hungry more than once." - -"About what time do you suppose it might be?" asked Hezekiah Smith, -after a moment's pause. - -Pat Mulroony squinted one eye up to the sky, as if he was looking at -the face of a clock, and answered: - -"It lacks an hour or so yet of noon. Are ye cravin' something to ate?" - -"O ginger, no! S'pose we set out upon our journey, as I don't exactly -see how we're goin' to gain anything by standing here." - -"Who laids the way?" - -"I'll follow you, as you know more of the woods than I do." - -Pat Mulroony struck out toward the Ohio River, closely followed by -Hezekiah Smith. Each took long, regular strides, frequently snapping -the twigs beneath their feet in spite of the care and caution exercised -by each. They were two noticeable personages as they thus pressed -forward, each with a long, beautiful rifle slung over his shoulder, and -each attired in a demi-savage dress. The New Englander being some five -or six inches the taller, was constantly peering over the shoulders of -his leader, his curiosity being almost sufficient several times to make -him take the lead himself. - -They had walked some distance, when Hezekiah caught the shimmer of -water through the trees, and knew they were approaching the Ohio. -Moving several yards further, they were almost upon the bank, when Pat -Mulroony fell flat upon his face as suddenly as if his feet had been -tripped from beneath, and Smith, perfectly dum-founded at this curious -movement, gazed bewildered at him for a second. Then thinking he had -fallen and injured himself, he stooped to assist him to his feet. -Motioning him off, Pat spoke rapidly in a ghostly whisper: - -"Drop down on yer face! hide quick! down wid ye! quick! quick! the -devil himself is coming down the river." - -This overwhelming intelligence caused Hezekiah also to "come down," -as suddenly as the Irishman, and for a moment nothing but the deep -breathing of each could have been heard. But at the end of that time, -the curiosity of Smith began to show itself. - -"What does he look like, Pat?" - -"Did you ever set eyes on a tappin-snarkle?" - -"Yes; one of them once bit half of my big toe off, when I was wadin' in -a mill-pond." - -"Well, bedad, when I cotched the glimpse of him, he looked like a -tappin-snarkle, as big as a house." - -The curiosity of Hezekiah Smith was roused to its highest pitch. Such a -dreadful monster as had been seen by the Irishman, if coming down the -river, must soon pass before his view also; and he accordingly lifted -his head slowly, until he had raised it and his shoulders perhaps a -couple of feet, when he suddenly dropped it again, as if a thousand -pound weight had fallen upon his head. - -"Did ye see it?" inquired Pat, not daring to lift his own head. - -"No; but I was afraid it might see me," replied Hezekiah, slowly -raising his head again. - -Taking courage from his immunity, Pat Mulroony gradually straightened -his arm until he had brought his head nearly on a level with his -companion's, when they both looked long and searchingly through the -trees, but without discovering the Satanic personage that had been -announced. - -While gazing thus, a sudden rushing sound was heard, and the heads -of our two friends dropped so suddenly that Hezekiah bit his tongue -sorely, and the chin of the Irishman dented far into the earth. - -"Jerusalem! he hadn't wings, had he?" asked Hezekiah, turning his face -around so as to speak to the Irishman. - -"He was paddlin' when I saw him, and was too big to flit among the -trees here--howly mother! there he comes agin!" - -As he spoke, several quails sped overhead with that whirring noise -peculiar to the bird. This explained the cause of their fright. - -Familiarity with danger breeds contempt, and our two friends, gathering -courage every moment, again raised their heads, and looked steadily -and unflinchingly out among the trees upon the river. And while thus -engaged, they saw what at first appeared to be a small house floating -down the river. As it drifted slowly past, the two rose to their feet, -and ventured nearer the shore. - -"O thunder!" exclaimed Hezekiah Smith, with a sigh of relief, "that's -what they call a flat-boat." - -"How do you know?" asked Pat; "ye says ye have never been in these -parts, and how do you know what one is?" - -"When I was at Pittsburgh, I seen two set out down the river, and they -looked just like that." - -"Be jabers! if it's a flat-boat there must be some one aboard of it," -added Pat, his countenance lighting up; "and if there's some one aboard -of it, be the same token, there's a chance of our getting down the -river." - -Hopeful and joyous, both scrambled headlong down the bank with the -brilliant idea in their heads. The flat-boat was in the centre of the -current, and, had the appearance of a square box; or, perhaps, a better -idea of it could be given by comparing it to a cabin resting upon a -scow, whose gunwales run higher than usual on every side. A long, -sweeping oar was hung at either end, for the purpose of keeping the -vessel in the channel, and guiding it through eddies and dangerous -passages in the river. Not a living soul upon it was visible. - -"Drat the luck!" exclaimed Hezekiah Smith, after stumbling along the -shore for several minutes. - -"Be the powers, but we'll _boord_ the craft, and take possession!" - -Hezekiah caught at the idea, and had already stepped into the water to -carry it into execution, when Pat, with an exclamation of astonishment -and alarm, caught him by the shoulder and drew him back. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -BOARDING THE FLAT-BOAT. - - -The cause of Pat's alarm was immediately manifest to Hezekiah. The head -and shoulders of a man were visible on the flat-boat, as was also the -muzzle of a rifle he held in his hand. Thinking he was about to speak -or fire, our two friends drew back and waited for his words. To their -surprise, however, his head almost immediately disappeared, and their -most urgent calls and entreaties could not induce him to show himself -again. - -By this time, the flat-boat had drifted some distance below them, and -they ran down the bank so as to recover their lost ground. - -"We've got to _boord_ it," said Pat, as they took their station. - -"How is it to be done?" - -"Why, you jist wade out and climb up the side." - -"And what are you going to do?" - -"I'll stay on the bank to cover your retrate if you gits licked." - -"Cover my retreat," repeated Hezekiah, as if he found it difficult to -understand the exact meaning of his friend. - -"Suppose that man fires at me and kills me?" - -"Be that token, Pat Mulroony will consider that it's dangerous for him -to follow yees, and will retrate, like a wise gineral, into the woods." - -Hezekiah still debated whether it was his duty to run such a risk for -the benefit of his companion or not, but finally compromised the matter -by offering to carry him upon his back. - -"The water ain't very deep," said he, "and as my legs are a yard or two -the longest, I'll keep you dry, and you'll run the same chance of being -struck that I will." - -"It's a bargain," said Pat, immediately mounting the back of Hezekiah. - -For the convenience of the latter, the Irishman took the guns of -both, and with his heavy load upon his back, Hezekiah Smith stepped -cautiously into the river. He had entered it some distance below the -flat-boat, so that he would have no trouble in intercepting it, and he -now strided as rapidly as possible through the water. - -He had gone, perhaps, two-thirds of the distance, and the water reached -almost to his waist, when the head of the man on the flat-boat again -appeared, and pointing his rifle over it, he called out: - -"You infernal decoys, what do you mean by coming out here? I'll give -you just two seconds to reach the shore again, and if you come a foot -nearer, I'll blow daylight through you." - -Instead of turning round and retreating, Hezekiah ducked his head at -this sudden command, so as to bring the Irishman as a sort of shield -before him. Throwing him too far forward, the consequence was, that -Pat went completely over his head into the water. At sight of this -discomfiture of both, the man in the flat-boat evidently concluded -their presence could be of little danger to him, and accordingly called -out. - -"Come out to the boat, and I'll help you on board." - -"Murther! Can't ye pick us up?" cried Pat, floundering through -the water. It being very manifest that such a feat, under the -circumstances, was impossible, our two friends made the best of their -way forward, and upon reaching the side of the boat were assisted on -board by the man who, a few minutes before, had ordered them away so -peremptorily. - -"Who are you?" he demanded, as soon as they had recovered breath. - -"Patrick Mulroony, from Tipperary, Ireland, at your service, sir." - -"Hezekiah Smith, also." - -"Isn't there any one else ashore?" - -"Not that we knows of. Are you the only one on these premises?" - -"No, sir, you will see my companions shortly." - -The speaker was a young man of rather prepossessing address, one who, -to judge from appearances, was as much a stranger in these wilds, as -our two friends, who have been already introduced to the reader. - -He was attired in a plain, homespun dress, such as, at the period of -which we write, were more often seen in civilized communities, than as -far west as this portion of the Ohio. He had a keen, black eye, dark, -flowing hair, a pleasant face, considerably embrowned, and bearing -the unmistakeable impress of a firm will, and iron determination. He -scanned his visitors as they came aboard, and seemed to gather from a -glance their character. - -"If you've no objection, what might be your name?" asked Hezekiah, in -his gentle, insinuating voice. - -"Luther Waring." - -"Eh, yes, just so; glad to hear. Ain't married, now, I dare say?" - -"No, sir." - -"Might be engaged, perhaps?" - -"Yes; to tell the truth, I am," replied Waring, "and, if I ever get -safely through this infernal Indian country, down to the settlements, -I'll be married." - -"Where might the--where might the lady be now?" pursued Hezekiah, -evidently determined to get all he could out of Waring. - -"She and her father are in the cabin, and, I suppose, will soon show -themselves." - -"What might be her name, now--that is, if you have no objection to -telling me." - -"Certainly not," laughed Waring. "She is from the same village that I -have left; and her name is Virginia: daughter of Mr. George Lander. -Anything else that I can impart?" - -"You are bound to the settlement, down the river, I suppose?" - -"I have hinted as much; yes, that is our destination." - -Hezekiah paused at this point, as he seemed to have run out of -questions, seeing which, Pat Mulroony whispered-- - -"Begorrah, ye isn't going to sthop in this place, be yees?" - -The querulous New Englander placed the stock of his rifle a few inches -from his feet, and holding his arms over the muzzle, seemed to be -engaged in a deep study for a few moments. Suddenly, slinging his right -leg around the other, so that it rested upon the tip of the foot, he -turned his beaming face toward Waring, and continued-- - -"Is the gal good-looking, now?" - -Waring laughed outright. - -"You shall be the judge, if you only wait a few minutes." - -"Of course--of course--I only asked to--that is, I just asked----" - -"To find out," put in Pat, with a comical expression, as he looked down -and surveyed his clinging garments. - -"Do you wish to change your clothes?" asked Waring, who had noticed the -furtive glance of the Irishman. - -"There bein' ladies in the neighborhood, p'rhaps they might 'bjact, as, -be the token that we have no clouthes to put on, our costume would be -rather picturesque, as the man said when he came out from the river, -and found a cow had ate up his garments." - -"We can furnish you with something I think." - -"It's entirely unnecessary, entirely unnecessary," said Hezekiah, with -a graceful wave of his hand. "The water is not cold at all, and the -bathing was quite pleasant. But, I was going to ask whether the Indians -had troubled you yet?" - -"If you had examined the side of the boat as you came up, you would -have seen several bullets imbedded in it. They were fired by Indians." - -"Deu tell!" gasped Hezekiah. - -"We paid no heed to them at first, in the hopes that they would leave -us, when they found we were aware of their motives; but, as they kept -following us, Mr. Lander and myself sent several shots among them, that -made them howl, and send volley after volley after us in return." - -"They didn't kill yer?" - -"They did no damage, as our boats were constructed with a knowledge of -all the exigencies that might arise. How is it with yourselves?" - -"I haven't seen an Indian in a long time," replied Hezekiah; "but I -have smelt their camp-fires several times." - -"I've saan plenty of the haythen," added Pat, "but have given them a -wide barth, and so I'm plased to state, I've suffered no harm up to -this point in the prosadings." - -"I have never been in this part of the country before," said Waring, -speaking in a more serious tone than he had used thus far; "but I -am aware of the perils and dangers that encompass us. Our immunity -from danger thus far, leads me to hope for the best, as, from the -knowledge that I gained before starting, the settlement, which is our -destination, cannot be more than twenty miles distant, near enough -for us to reach it to-morrow, if nothing unexpected occurs. I must -say, however, I am filled with considerable misgivings. We are in the -most dangerous point of the river; and I cannot help thinking that the -crisis will come to-night. I am indeed glad that you two have come on -board." - -"Thunder! so am I," said Hezekiah, "for I was lost in the woods, and -was beginning to get scart. We are bound with you for the settlement. -Hello!" - -At this juncture the cabin-door opened, and a man, some sixty years of -age, made his appearance. He was very grey, with a feeble, attenuated -frame, and the air of one who, for years, had not seen a day of perfect -health. - -Waring immediately introduced him to the Irishman and New Englander, -the former grasping him heartily by the hands, and the latter scraping -his feet very elaborately, as he returned his pressure. - -The face of the elderly personage was careworn, and he spoke but a few -words, merely expressing his pleasure at meeting his two friends, when -he returned to the cabin. - -Hezekiah Smith was just on the point of asking a question concerning -him, when the cabin-door again opened, and Virginia Lander made her -appearance. She had the same black eyes and hair as her lover--a -bright, hopeful expression of countenance, singularly in contrast -with that of her parent, and a nervous restlessness of manner, such -as is often seen in the mere child. She was not beautiful, but she -was handsome, and inspired every one in her favor. Waring immediately -introduced her, as he had her father. Hezekiah retreated a step or two, -lifted his hat from his head, and was just in the act of making another -sweeping scrape with his foot, when she brought these preparations to -an end by taking his hand, speaking her pleasure, and turning to the -Irishman, and doing the same. - -"Extremely happy to meet you," said Hezekiah. "If you've no objection, -I would like to know----" - -"Be the powers! but look yonder jist!" interrupted Pat, pointing down -the river. "What does that mane?" - -Waring had already caught sight of the suspicious object, and turned to -Hezekiah. - -"What do you make of it?" - -"A lot of Indians, as sure as thunder." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE SHADOW OF DANGER. - - -"It's a canoe--one of them infernal Indian ones," added Hezekiah. "I -know enough of 'em to be sure of it." - -The object in question was close under the Ohio shore, and at the -distance when first seen, might have been mistaken for a common log; -but Waring, who had learned to regard every such manifestation with -suspicion in the Indian country, was convinced that it was something -more the instant he caught a glimpse of it. Besides, Hezekiah was -positive, and if any individual was competent to judge in regard to -the identity of such a vessel, his experience, as related at the -commencement of this tale, should certainly have pointed him out as -that man. - -If there were any lingering doubts in the minds of the whites, they -were instantly set at rest by seeing the canoe put out from the -shore, and head across toward the Kentucky bank. The tufted heads of -three Indians were visible, and their paddles flashed brightly in the -sunlight, as the frail vessel shot swiftly over the surface of the -water. - -"I didn't mane to alarm yees, but maning no offince to the iligant lady -present, might I vinture to suggest in the mildest terms possible, -there'd bist be none but _men_ on deck jist now." - -"He is right," said Waring, in a lower tone to our heroine, "it is best -that you go below." - -"I will do so, if you think I should," she replied, suiting her action -to her word. "Do you wish father to come up?" - -"There is no need of it." - -The girl closed the door, and Waring turned toward his friends. - -By this time the canoe had nearly crossed the stream. A few moments -later, it glided under the Kentucky banks, and three Indians sprang out. - -It was with peculiar emotions that the inmates of the flat-boat -gradually came opposite this canoe. They had just seen three of their -deadly enemies withdraw under the protection of the shrubbery and -undergrowth of the shore, and they had every reason to believe that -there were others in the vicinity. - -"It can't be that they are friendly," suggested Waring, who was all but -certain that such could not be the case. - -"Friendly divils!" repeated Pat Mulroony. "Every mother's son of 'em -is in the war paint, and they'd sooner scalp all of us, not barring -the lady--God bless her. Talk of friendly Injins in this part of the -wurruld!" - -By this time, the flat-boat was opposite the canoe, whose stern could -be distinctly seen underneath the dense shrubbery that lined the bank. -The conversation ceased of its own accord, and the three men carefully -lowered their heads, so that no stray shot could reach them. In the -sides of the boat were one or two small orifices, which Waring had had -perforated for the purpose of gazing out, just at such times as these, -and our friends used them on this occasion. - -Looking out, Hezekiah discerned through the interstices of the -undergrowth the forms of two crouching Indians, their eyes glowing, -their faces all agleam with ferocity, and their bedaubed visages ten -times more horrid in appearance than he could have dreamed it possible -for a human being to be. - -When just fairly abreast of them, a jet of fire was seen to flash among -the shrubbery, and as the sharp report of a rifle broke the stillness -of the woods, a bullet grated over the top of the flat-boat, and was -plainly heard by all, as it plainly cut its way through the leaves on -the opposite side of the river, with that peculiar _zip-zip_ made by -the rapid passage of a stone or other object through the trees of a -forest. - -"By the Howly Virgin! take that!" exclaimed Pat, springing up and -discharging his rifle at the spot where he saw the faint wreath of -smoke curling upward. "How does that faal?" - -"They haven't felt it at all," whispered Waring. "Be careful and keep -your head out of sight, or you'll be struck." - -"How do you know he wasn't struck?" demanded Pat in high dudgeon. "Did -you see the passage of the bullet?" - -"A wild Indian always yells when a bullet hits him, and they haven't -made the least noise." - -"Begorrah! but you're right. I've struck a redskin afore to-day, and -he always screamed like a painter. It was an uncomfortably close rub, -faith, for all that." - -Both shores were closely scanned, but nothing more of the savages was -seen; and after drifting half a mile or so down stream, our three -friends ventured occasionally to show their heads to any who might be -lingering along the banks. This, however, was a dangerous proceeding -almost at any time, and as there was no necessity for it, it was not -often done by any of the three. The reason why Waring was not visible -when Hezekiah and Pat first hailed the flat-boat, was not because he -did not see or hear them, but because he had prudence enough to keep -himself out of sight. - -By this time the afternoon was considerably advanced, and Waring -invited his two friends to descend into the cabin and partake of the -dinner, which Virginia Lander had just announced. - -"And who stays above, if I may be allowed to ask?" inquired Hezekiah, -with an anxious expression of countenance. - -"I do myself; have no apprehension upon that score." - -His alarm thus quieted, Hezekiah hesitated no longer. - -In the cabin he found a plain, substantial meal prepared, to which -he, Pat, Mr. Lander, and our heroine seated themselves. The elderly -personage besought the blessing of God upon the food spread before -them, and spoke not a another word during the meal. - -Great as was Hezekiah's hunger, his curiosity was equally great, -and, accordingly, as he masticated the food, he kept his eyes rolling -continually about him in search of knowledge. He noticed that the cabin -was divided into two compartments, one of which he naturally concluded -was devoted to the exclusive use of the young lady who presided at the -table. Several times he was on the point of asking permission to take -a look into this. But his sense of propriety prevented him, and he -devoured his victuals in silence. - -As for Pat, he was hungry--that was sufficient. Excepting the food -itself, nothing presented the least attraction to him, and he devoured -this with a gusto that put to shame the achievements of the others. - -The meal finished, the two returned to the deck, and took the place -of Waring, while he partook of his dinner. As our two friends looked -out upon the still, solemn forest, and the placid, unruffled river, -down which they were so noiselessly gliding, they could hardly realize -that the profound silence that then held reign was as treacherous as -the calm which precedes the marshaling of the storm king's forces -upon the ocean. And yet they well knew that within the depths of this -wilderness lurked the Indian, whose life was devoted to the one object -of exterminating the white race: that he was as cunning and crafty as -years of war and bloodshed could make him, and that no means would be -left untried to encompass the death of themselves and those with them. - -"Hezekiah," said Pat, upon whom this impressive scene had not been -entirely lost, "have you ever been in these parts before?" - -"Never in all my born days, and I wish to Heaven I wasn't here now." - -"What's the trouble now? Begorrah, ye isn't scart, be yees?" - -"Yes, Pat, I ain't ashamed to own it--I am scart. I tell you, 'twixt -you and me, there's danger hangin' over this craft. I can smell it -in the air, I can feel it in my bones. If we don't see trouble afore -to-morrow morning, then I'm most mightily mistaken." - -"I incline to the same opinion, though I wouldn't be saying it afore -the lady down there, and frightenin' the wits out of her. I'd like to -know, be the same token, what that old curmudgeon is doin' on this -boat?" - -"You mean the old man? I should think it would be the last place for -him. Never mind, Pat, let come what will, you and I stick together, -don't we?" - -"Of course we do." - -There is nothing that will make friends as soon as a sense of impending -danger hanging over both. Let two entire strangers meet under -circumstances like these, and in ten minutes they will be on as good -terms, and devoted to each other, as though they had been bosom friends -for a dozen years. The cause of this is very plain--it is the interest -of both to be so. - -Hezekiah thought he had never met so fine a fellow as Pat Mulroony; -one, whose kindness of heart was so great, and whose friendship was as -disinterested; and as for the Celt, although he did not express himself -thus, his opinion of the New Englander was very nearly the same. - -"You asked awhile ago," said Hezekiah, after a moment's pause, "whether -I had ever been in these parts. If you have no objection, I should like -to know whether _you_ have been here?" - -"Yes, I was about this place last summer with a party, but we didn't go -any farther down the river." - -"I understood that you were further west than you had ever been before; -but then I might have been mistaken. If you have no objection, I should -like to hear the particulars of your visit." - -"Can't tell it now," replied the Irishman, as though the subject were -distasteful to him. - -At this moment Waring made his appearance, and was shortly followed -by Mr. Lander, who, taking a seat near the cabin, maintained a strict -silence during the conversation of the others. - -Hezekiah merely glanced at the young man, and saw, as if by instinct, -that the same sense of impending danger that so troubled himself, -was shared by him also. There was an anxious expression upon his -countenance that he had not seen there before; a certain restless -nervousness in his manner, which he sought in vain to conceal. - -"We are going to have a dark night of it," said he, looking up to the -sky. - -"As dark as Egypt," added Hezekiah. "I recollect that I nearly battered -my brains out, last night, in trying to walk through the woods." - -"The moon will not be up till three o'clock in the morning, and, I -might as well be plain with you, friends, it will be life and death -with us before that time." - -"Just what we're thinkin'. Drat the Indians," exclaimed Hezekiah. "I -can feel it in my bones that I am going to get into a scrape to-night." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE NIGHT ATTACK. - - -The night gradually closed down upon the flat-boat. Upon inquiry, -Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of -being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance. A confirmed invalid, -he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, -and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the -settlement and die. - -He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for -years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it -may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a -proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable. - -As Waring had predicted, the night proved of intense darkness. - -In a few hours, both shores became entirely invisible, and shortly -after, it was almost impossible to see the length of the boat. Under -these circumstances, it was proposed to work the flat-boat into -shore, and tie up for the night. All were totally unacquainted with -the windings of the river, and they were fearful that they might run -aground in the darkness, and be unable to get the craft afloat again. -They were pretty certain, too, that they had been constantly watched -from the banks, and that it would not be long before the Indian canoes -would be ranging up and down the river in search of them. - -If this were the case, their only plans of escaping them would be by -sweeping into shore, and remaining there until the moon arose. On the -other hand, it was hardly probable that the flat-boat could approach -nigh enough to the shore, to gain any protection from it. - -The water was so shallow, that it was likely to ground when several -rods distant, in which case, the situation of the fugitives would be -far worse than if attacked while in the midst of the channel. And -beside this, they also ran the chance of being discovered, even if they -should reach the bank without grounding. - -The savages would be passing up and down the shore; and as it would -require considerable effort and some noise to work the lumbering -concern out of the course it was pursuing, the trained ears of the -redskins could hardly fail to detect it. - -All these considerations being taken into account, it was decided that, -for an hour or two at least, they would keep their position in the -midst of the channel. - -The greatest cause for alarm, as we have before hinted, lay in the fact -that not one of the whites in the flat-boat was acquainted with the -river. - -They were drifting aimlessly downward, only conscious of their general -direction. The Ohio River abounds, as all our readers are aware, with -numerous islands, and many of these lying directly in the middle of the -stream--our friends had good cause to apprehend running upon one of -them. - -The flat-boat had a long oar swung at either end, by which its motions -were controlled, much in the same manner that the rafts which descend -our rivers at this day are managed. - -To guard as much as possible against the calamity mentioned, Hezekiah -Smith and Pat Mulroony passed to the forward part of the boat, so as -to be ready, not only to sheer the boat off, when "breakers" were -discovered, but to be prepared for any venturesome Shawanoes that might -choose this as their point of attack. - -Mr. Lander and his daughter remained below, as both well knew their -presence would be of no assistance to those above; and the whites were -thus disposed when the incident we are about to describe took place. - -Hezekiah stood leaning over the prow, listening intently for the least -evidence of the approach of their enemies. The only sound as yet -heard, was what might be characterized as the _audible silence_ of the -forest--that deep, solemn roar, like the distant voice of the ocean, -that is as eternal as the great sea itself. - -Now and then, the melancholy night wind moaned through the tree tops, -with a dismal and lonely voice, in consonance with the feelings of the -three listeners; and once or twice the far off scream of some denizen -of the forest was borne faintly forward to their ear. - -Then, again, the silence became so profound, that the soft ripple of -the current could be heard against some projecting root, or dipping -branch. But these sounds were all natural to the wilderness, and -excited no emotions, except to add to the dreary loneliness of the -scene. - -The New Englander had stood in the attitude of attention for more than -an hour, when he detected the cautious dip of a paddle. He instantly -raised his head and peered out in the direction from which it came, -but in the Stygian darkness could detect nothing at all. He maintained -the same attitude for full an hour, during which he heard the sound -repeated twice. Fully satisfied that strangers were in the vicinity, he -gave utterance to a suppressed whistle, to place Waring on the guard, -and leaning toward Pat, he asked in a whisper whether, if he had no -objection to tell, he had detected any suspicious sound. - -"There's a haythen canoe that has been following us for the last hour -or more, or my name isn't Pat Mulroony." - -"Hist! there it is again!" admonished Hezekiah, arching his neck, and -gazing out in the darkness. Both listened, but Pat failed to hear that -which had startled his companion. - -"They're mighty oncareful is them same Injins," added the Irishman. -"Whisht! but look! there's the divils this minute!" - -As he spoke, Pat sprang up in great excitement, and pointed out on the -river. Looking in the same direction Hezekiah caught the outlines of a -long Indian canoe, filled with shadowy figures, which glided under the -prow of the flat-boat, and came to rest as noiselessly as a phantom. -Almost at the same instant a tufted head appeared above the gunwale, -but it was crushed like an eggshell by a tremendous blow from the -clubbed rifle of the Irishman. This was scarce done when the head and -shoulders of another rose within a foot of where Hezekiah stood. - -"Take that, you thundering redskin!" he exclaimed, striking him a -terrible blow square in the face, that sent the dusky savage spinning -out in mid-air, with the blood spouting from his nostrils. "Dern your -picter! what business you got poking your head up here? I say, Waring, -the Indians have come--look out for them." - -In his excitement, Hezekiah Smith dropped his rifle, and springing up -and down, as though the deck had suddenly become red hot, he delivered -his fearful blows indiscriminately, while Pat kept his rifle swinging -like the arms of a windmill. - -"Begorrah! but the shillaleh comes natural to the Tipperary boys!" he -exclaimed, between his set teeth, "and Pat Mulroony was born with one -in his hand, and has been trained up to the illigant profession of -breaking heads. Some of ye will go home to-night with bootiful faces, -barrin' yer won't have any faces at all to go home with." - -The Indians had evidently counted upon a surprise, and were not -prepared for the furious courage with which they were received. -They had followed the flat-boat until they judged the inmates were -either asleep or off their guard, when they had come upon them in the -stealthy manner narrated. The consequence was that in less than five -minutes after the attack, the canoe had disappeared with the surviving -Shawanoes, and nothing was heard save the slapping of Hezekiah's feet -as he still sprang up and down the deck, and swung his arms around him -ready for the next bronzed head that might offer. It required Pat some -time to convince him that the danger for the present had passed, and -there were no more enemies to contend against. By degrees he became -quieted, and was able to converse rationally when Waring made his -appearance among them. - -During all this tumult, Lander had not shown himself, nor even so much -as given evidence that he felt the least concern at the conflict going -on. His daughter, when the firing had subsided, cautiously opened -the door, and called the name of her lover. He instantly assured her -that the savages had fled, and besought her to return to her room. -First receiving a hurried but fervent kiss upon her blanched cheek, -she complied, imploring him to be careful and not expose himself -unnecessarily to danger. - -A silence as profound as that of the tomb, succeeded the onslaught of -the savages. Some minutes later, the noise of paddles was again heard; -but, as Hezekiah had, by this time, gained his equilibrium of mind, and -convinced that the Shawanoes could not immediately attempt the same -stratagem in which they had so signally failed, he returned to his -place beside Waring, leaving the Irishman alone at the bow of the boat. - -"If you have no objection to tell me," said Hezekiah in his usual -insinuating voice, "what do you propose to do, now that we are in the -midst of danger? How, in thunder, are we to get out?" - -"I am afraid," replied Waring, "that the Indians are constantly ranging -up and down the river, and so long as we remain in the channel we are -not safe." - -"How do you propose to get out of the channel?" - -"Let us work the craft into shore, and wait till the moon rises before -starting. Thinking that we are in the middle of the current, they will -not look along the bank for us, and we shall thus be safe until we can -see where we are." - -It was Waring who first proposed to run in under the protection of -the bank, and he had never once doubted its expediency. He advocated -it now so earnestly that neither Hezekiah nor Pat made any objection. -Accordingly, the long, sweeping oars were dipped deeply and silently -into the water, and under the powerful impulse of the sturdy-armed men -it began gradually veering off toward the Ohio shore. The greatest -caution was exercised, as the creaking of one of the sweeps might tell -any savages in the vicinity what the whites were doing. This was a -delicate task, but our friends believed they were succeeding as well -they could wish. All at once, the dark line of trees were discovered -through the darkness, and ceasing their efforts, the boat continued -approaching, until the branches brushed over their heads, and the -bottom, striking the mud of the stream, the forward motion of the craft -was checked. - -The whites had every reason to be pleased with their situation had -not a slight accident caused them a little anxiety. As Pat Mulroony -attempted to shove a limb from before him, it broke with a cracking -noise that could have been heard across the river. This caused so much -apprehension, that for a time, Waring was on the point of working the -boat out into the current again; but, finally, his fears subsided, -and he concluded to remain in his present position until the rising -of the moon. The flat-boat lay about ten feet from the mainland, and -had grounded so slightly that had it not been secured by tying it to -one of the branches ahead, it would have floated off again. This was -the precise situation in which Waring had been anxious to get it; and, -excepting the slight accident alluded to above, he had every reason to -be satisfied with the state of affairs. The darkness was so great, and -the peculiar position in which the craft lay so favorable, that no -Shawanoe would have discovered it in passing within a dozen feet of it -had not his suspicion been first attracted to it. - -The three whites remained on deck, now and then whispering to each -other, and passing on tiptoe from one portion to another, but nothing -more of their enemies was seen or heard for a long time. - -Pat Mulroony was leaning over the prow, as he had been leaning for the -last hour, and was looking down in the water, when he discerned a dark, -ball-like object moving along on the surface. At first, he took it to -be a piece of floating wood; but, as it passed around the prow, in a -manner that the motion of the current could not have caused, he was not -long in identifying it. It was the head of an Indian. - -Communicating this fact to Waring and Hezekiah, the hold upon the -branch was loosened, and under the additional impulse of the oars, the -flat bottom was once more floating down the Ohio. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -GROUND. - - -The whites on the flat-boat had committed a mistake natural to persons -in their situation. - -As they waited along shore, in the most painful suspense, the hours -wore slowly away, and seemed double their usual length. Thus it -happened that at the moment of sweeping out into the current, each -believed it to be about three o'clock in the morning, and were looking -for the appearance of the moon, when, in reality, it was barely -midnight. - -Waring and Pat experienced some peculiar sensations, as they toiled -at the oar. Knowing that one Indian, at least, had discovered their -hiding-place, they had every reason to believe that a whole war-party -were aware of it, and so long as the shadowy outline of the shore was -discernible, they were in constant expectation of receiving a volley -from their invisible foes. - -But, as the dark mass of trees blended with the night, and at length -faded from their view altogether, they ceased their efforts, and -breathed freer. - -"Now," said Waring, "I don't care how soon the moon shows itself. With -all the windings and islands, we need light to see the way." - -"If you have no objection, I should like to inquire how soon do you -expect the moon to rise?" - -"Why, right away--that is, within a few minutes." - -"So it seems it ought to do: but, Waring, don't you know how much -longer time seems to persons in our circumstances, than it does as -other times. I know when I used to court Jemima Hopkins, after ten -o'clock, the hour didn't seem more than ten minutes long; and then -again, when I had to sit up in the winter, and keep the wolves out of -the sheep-pen, every hour seemed a month long. Now, Waring, I don't -want to hurt your feelings--it may be three o'clock in the morning, but -I don't believe it." - -"I know how apt we are to miscalculate time on such occasions, and I -have tried to make allowance for it. With all that allowance made, it -strikes me that the moon must be in the horizon by this time." - -"I hope it is so; but the best thing we can do, is to calk'late as -how it ain't agwine to be there for some hours yet and making our -arrangements accordingly. Eh, Waring?" - -"You are right, I admit. In fact, we can do nothing else. We are going -it blind now--knowing only that we are going down the Ohio." - -"Do you think, that is, if you have no objection to tell, do you think -that these Indians will try the same method of attacking us?" - -"It is not to be supposed they will, unless their party is large enough -to insure them victory. Nevertheless, we must be on the lookout for -their devilments. I say, Pat, ahead there, don't forget to keep a -sharp lookout for mischief." - -"Aye, aye, that I will, barring it isn't possible to look out at all. -Be the Hooly Virgin! I see something now, sure." - -Hezekiah was at his side in an instant. Looking ahead, he saw a dark -mass looming up in the darkness directly before them, as if it was -approaching. - -"It's one of them islands," he exclaimed. "The all-fired thing is -afloat, and is running into us. Quick, Waring, the oar." - -As he spoke, he and Pat seized the sweep of the oar, and commenced -using it with all their energy. Close as they were upon the land, they -would have cleared it, had they not, in their hurry and excitement, -committed the blunder of working against each other; that is, while Pat -and Hezekiah did their utmost to veer the boat toward the Ohio shore, -Waring struggled to clear the island by going on the Kentucky side. -The consequence of these efforts was, that ere they had taken a dozen -strokes, the flat-boat grated upon the gravelly bottom, and went broad -side upon the island. - -As the current was quite rapid at this portion of the river the raft -was driven with such force upon the beach that Waring saw at once that -it would be impossible to get it off again, unless it was lighted of -its entire load. Springing down upon the island, he took a hasty survey -of its situation, so far as the darkness would permit, and as Hezekiah -and Pat joined him, mentioning the plan that we have stated, he said-- - -"There is no other help for it, and we must make quick work of it. The -moon at the very farthest will be up in twenty minutes, and it won't -do for any of the savages to discover us, but, to get off, it will be -necessary for your father to come ashore. Is he awake?" - -"Yes," said Virginia, who arose upon hearing the bottom of the boat -grating upon the gravel, "and will be here in a moment." - -Virginia was assisted to descend by her lover, and a moment later her -father followed her. The other three men instantly set to work, and in -ten minutes the boat was sufficiently lightened to make the attempt to -get it afloat again. By the united efforts of the three it was shoved -out into deep water, where, to their dismay, they saw it commence -settling down, as though it were sinking. - -"Begorrah! but what does that mane?" cried Pat, in astonishment. - -"Hark! if I ain't mistaken, I hear the water rushing in its bottom." - -With one bound, Waring sprang upon the gunwale, and descended into the -cabin. One glance was sufficient. An immense hole had been stove in -by the concussion, and a foot of water was already in the cabin. The -flat-boat was now going down, and there was no hope of saving it. - -With rare presence of mind, Waring leaped back into the water, and -attempted to shove the boat far enough away to make it sink out of -sight when it did go down, it being his wish that the Indians should -discover nothing of their mishap when the moon arose, or in the -morning. But in this he did not succeed. He had hardly touched his -shoulder to it when he felt that it had already touched bottom, the -water being scarcely eighteen inches deep--so low, in fact, that no one -viewing it from the shore, would suspect its true condition. - -"This is a little more than I suspected," said Waring, gloomily, as he -stepped ashore. "That rotten old flat-boat will never do us one bit of -good, with such a hole smashed in it." - -"Can it not be repaired in the morning?" asked Mr. Lander, who seemed -affected as little by adverse as by favorable circumstances. - -"Repaired? no, we should never have ventured out on the river, in such -an old hulk as that. But it can't be helped now; we must make the -best of a bad bargain. When the moon rises, we'll get an idea of our -situation." - -"It _may_ be," said Hezekiah, hoping to encourage Virginia, "that this -island is near enough for us to wade to the main land." - -"Suppose it is, what good will it do us?" asked Waring. - -"Why, as the settlement can't be more than a dozen miles distant, if -you have no objection, we might walk the rest of the way through the -woods." - -"If we could only get the boat afloat again, or make it sink out of -sight; but there's the trouble. However, there's no use of crying for -spilt milk. Can you propose nothing for us to do, Pat?" - -"I propowses to wait till we get some more light, and then we'll take a -luk at things." - -"And in the meantime let us make ourselves as comfortable as the -circumstances will permit," added Mr. Lander, philosophically. - -It being a warm summer night, the whites suffered little or no personal -inconvenience from their exposed situation. It was found that this -portion of the island, at least, was covered with trees and rank -undergrowth, which protected them from the night wind, slight as it -was. To make matters in that respect sure, however, Mr. Lander proposed -that a fire should be started, but when he found what a storm of -objection he had raised, he said no more upon that subject. - -There being nothing else for them to do, then, the whites withdrew -within the trees, and seating themselves upon the ground, waited the -advent of the moon, which from some unaccountable cause to them, was so -long delayed. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -RECONNOITERING THE ISLAND--A STARTLING OCCURRENCE. - - -As the moon rose above the forest, and shone down upon the river, the -whites began to gather some idea of their situation. They found that -the island upon which they had been stranded was about in the centre of -the stream, and that, as a consequence, it would require considerable -wading to reach the mainland on either side. - -The wooded bank of the Kentucky shore being thrown into deep shadow by -overhanging branches, it was impossible for them to discern whether any -canoes were lying under it or not. The hearts of all beat painfully as -they looked upon the flat-boat, now of no further earthly use to them, -standing out like a beacon to inform all where the whites had taken -refuge. It seemed to them impossible that the Shawanoes could fail to -see it. - -The island was found to be more considerable in extent than had been -first supposed. It was over an eighth of a mile from one extremity -to another, thickly wooded, and covered with rank grass and a dense -undergrowth. It was oval-shaped, and remarkably regular in its contour, -being somewhat over two hundred feet broad in its widest portion. - -"What a splendid summer sate this would make fur a gintleman like -meself," said Pat, as the two stood under the shadow of a tree, on the -lowermost portion of the island. - -"It really would," replied Hezekiah. "Now I shouldn't wonder if it -should be used for that very purpose in a few years." - -The speaker was right in his prophecy. These very lines are being -written upon that very island--one of the most beautiful of all the -isles of the beautiful river. - -"Be the same token, it's the summer sate of a party of travelers at -this minute, and it's likely that we'll make quite a stay upon it." - -"I hope there ain't any Indians watching us," said Hezekiah, as he -shiveringly looked toward the shore of the dark and bloody ground. - -"So does Pat Mulroony, but"---- - -"Jerusalem! jest look there!" exclaimed Hezekiah, springing clean off -his feet. - -"Whisht! where? I see nothing." - -"Here! here! this way!" whispered Hezekiah, pulling his shoulder -around. "It ain't there--_it's on the island_, right above us! -Look--don't you see it?" - -"I see the traas, and the darkness, and that's all." - -"It was gone the minute you looked. There it is again! There, it's -gone! What makes it act that way?" - -"What is it, man, you're making such a hullabaloo about?" - -"Why, sir," said Smith, solemnly, "as sure as you and I are living, I -seen a light moving around on the island!" - -"It's Pat Mulroony that"---- - -Smith suddenly caught the Irishman's shoulder as with a grip of iron, -and without whispering a word pointed meaningly toward the trees where -he had first seen the alarming manifestation. There was no mistaking -this time. Pat Mulroony saw a bright light shining steadily through the -trees, so brightly and steadily that he knew it could not be many rods -from them. Withdrawing more closely under the dark shadow of their own -tree, Pat whispered: - -"We must craap up and see what the haythens are doing." - -"I say, Pat, I say--that is--you've no objection to go alone, have you?" - -"Why can't yees go with me?" - -"I can, of course I can, but then what's the use? I'll stay here, and -keep watch." - -"And what's the naad of your kaaping watch at this poortion?" - -"You know some of the Indians might slip onto the island while we are -gone, or," added Hezekiah, catching at the thought, "these same Indians -might try to slip off. Jerusalem! that wouldn't do, you know." - -"Doesn't yees wish to go with me?" persisted Pat. - -"I would _prefer_ remaining here, my dear Patrick." - -"Well, then, kaap quiet and sthill like, and I'll soon be back wid -yees. Don't stir if you hear a noise." - -"I say, Patrick"---- - -But the Irishman was gone. - -"I hope he doesn't think I'm afraid," soliloquized Hezekiah when he -found he was alone. "I think I have proved by this time that I am not. -If I was scairt any I would never have come out into this outlandish -country. I don't know about that though," he added, after a moment's -thought; "I did hate to come into this wilderness most terribly, but I -had to do it, and I might as well own up, when there's no one to hear -me, that I was most thunderingly scairt, and am this minute. What do I -want to go crawling around this cussed island for? I wish I had never -seen it. I've a great notion to wade over to the Kentucky shore, and go -home." - -We must do Smith the credit, however, of stating that he did not even -attempt to act upon this thought. When a moment's reflection showed -him how contemptible and cowardly such a course would be, he felt like -butting his head against a tree, that he should have allowed himself to -entertain such an idea for a moment. - -"I hope the Irishman knows enough to keep his eyes about him," he -continued. "That young Waring was right in saying the crisis of the -danger would be reached to-night. We're in the crisis now, and a derned -ticklish affair it is, too." - -Hezekiah 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 series of horrid yells that -made his blood curdle. It needed no thought to tell him that these came -from the throats of the Shawanoes, and that the most that he had feared -had taken place. - -His first impression was that Pat Mulroony had been discovered, and -fired upon, and that his own safety was in imminent danger; but, when -he came to reflect more quietly, he knew by the distance of the sounds, -that they came from the upper portion of the island, and that it was -the friends who had been left behind that were attacked. Believing, -then, that Pat was safe for the present, he decided to remain in his -present position until he was rejoined by him. - -Hezekiah had hardly come to this 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 twenty feet of him, and, at -that very moment, two painted Indians were in the act of stepping -ashore. With his heart in his throat, he shivered around to the -opposite side of the tree, and tremblingly watched the actions of these -savages. - -They were very deliberate in their movements, seeming to take notice of -the tumult which, a moment before, had broken the profound stillness of -stream and wood. - -First pulling the canoe high upon the land, each took a rifle from it, -and then strode directly toward the tree which concealed the frightened -man. As they passed so near, that he could have touched him with his -own rifle, he absolutely believed they would hear his heart beat. But -such a thing has never taken place, 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 beings for -whom they were searching. - -They had hardly gone, when Pat Mulroony stole cautiously forth into -view, and looking carefully about him to satisfy himself that he had -not lost his reckoning, ran on tiptoe to where Hezekiah stood. - -"What did you see?" breathlessly inquired the latter. - -"May our howly mother presarve us, but the island is full of the -haythen!" - -"What was that light we seen?" - -"It was the camp-fire of a whole pack of the divils! But we're in a bad -fix." - -"Didn't you hear them rifles? They're in a worse fix," said Hezekiah, -in an undertone. "What's to be done?" - -"That's what puzzles me. We must get back if we can, and see what the -outlandish divils have been at." - -The two started toward the upper end of the island, the Irishman not -disdaining to use the utmost caution. Every dozen yards or so, he -paused and listened for the slightest warning of danger; and, as for -Hezekiah, he expected each moment to see a whole horde of screeching -Shawanoes rush out from the trees and annihilate them. - -Some two-thirds of the distance was thus accomplished without any -further evidence of the presence of their foes, when the Irishman, -who was only a few feet in advance, again halted with a whispered -exclamation. - -Following the direction of his finger, Hezekiah saw several dark -objects moving away from the island, which he made out to be canoes. - -Fearful of being seen, the two whites withdrew further from the shore. - -They had gone but a few feet, when they found themselves in a sort of -natural clearing, some twenty yards in diameter, seemingly made by some -terrific whirlwind. And here, in the centre of this clearing they saw a -sight that made their blood run cold with horror! - -The moon by this time was high in the heavens, and the centre of the -clearing was lit up as if at noon day; and directly under the full -tide of light, was stretched the lifeless form of Mr. Lander. He lay -on his back, all his limbs outstretched, with his skull cloven by a -tomahawk! He seemed to have made no resistance when the awful blow was -given, but had fallen back, and instantly expired. His features were so -disfigured that, had it not been for his clothes, our friends could not -have recognized him. Spell-bound, and horror-struck, they gazed at the -heart-sickening sight for a long time! - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -ADVENTURE ON THE ISLAND. - - -For some time after the departure of Hezekiah and Pat Mulroony, Waring -and Virginia Lander stood silent and thoughtful. Several feet away, -they could see the form of her father, seated upon the ground, his head -bowed forward, and his whole soul seemingly stricken with despair. - -"He appears to feel our sorrow more than we do," whispered Waring, -whose heart bled for the suffering man. - -"It is not that," replied Virginia; "it is his bodily sufferings that -trouble him. Poor father! how I wish to brush the hair from his clammy -brow. I will go to him in a minute--he is praying now." - -A soft, murmuring monotone was audible, and young Waring knew that -he was engaged with his Maker. The scene was too impressive, their -surroundings too solemn, for them to indulge in conversation, and they -preserved a respectful silence; the maiden leaning upon her betrothed, -and waiting until her parent was through before she should go to him. - -After the lapse of several more minutes, she saw him raise his head, -and walking hastily toward him, threw her arms around his neck, and -gave way to her tears of sorrow. Her whole soul was in agony, and -her grief could not be restrained. Waring, who was accustomed to the -suffering of the father, witnessed the emotion of the loving daughter, -and was so overcome that he suddenly turned his head, and moved away. -It was too much for him. - -Hardly conscious of what he was doing, he walked slowly out from the -protection of the trees, 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 gloomy meditations. - -Directly 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 him; and these, from their monotonous continuity, -seemed silence itself. The moon was nearly overhead, 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 thus, while within a dozen miles of the -settlement, and in the most dangerous portion of the river, an accident -should place him and his friends in the most imminent peril, and make -the escape of all of them, as it seemed to him, an utter impossibility. - -Waring was in the midst of these gloomy forebodings, when the noise 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 on the -island?" - -To his surprise he received no reply. - -"What are the prospects of our getting over the mainland"---- - -As quick as lightning Waring's rifle was at his shoulder, and one of -the approaching Shawanoes 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 cleave the air, 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 had 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 Waring 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 that presence of mind which ever characterized the -young man, he comprehended his critical peril in an instant. The trees -were swarming with Shawanoes. If he went a rod further, his 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 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 fifteen 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 it was possible, repeating the manœuver several -times, until believing he was at a safe distance from the island, he -swam sideways, and anxiously surveyed the island. - -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 Luther Waring would have rather been smitten -by instant annihilation, rather than desert the two beings that he had -left behind him. The thought had never once entered his head. - -He continued off the island until the current had nearly carried him -half way to the water's edge, so that he believed he had run little -risk of discovery. As he walked in under the shadows, several forms -followed him like phantoms, while as many more closed around him from -the wood. Waring had taken but a few steps, when he was startled by -hearing a deep groan. His apprehension told him at once that it was the -voice of Lander, and he was moving toward 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 Shawanoes had not yet surrounded him, and conscious that all -depended upon a quick and energetic decision, Waring made a dash to -regain 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 the foremost at the beach, when, -making another terrific leap, he bounded out into deep water, and dove -beneath the surface. - -While submerged, Waring heard distinctly the dull report of the -rifles, and the skipping of the bullets, as they glanced over the -water. Being a skilful swimmer, he turned upon his back, and as he was -borne slowly 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 manœuver that we have described before. - -Finally, believing he was again 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, Waring'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 only by the most skilful running, dodging, and doubling, that -Waring 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. Virginia was a -captive in the hands of the merciless Shawanoes, and even if he could -afford her no assistance, he could certainly learn something of her -fate, and form some plan for her rescue. - -With this determination he arose, and retraced his steps. It is hardly -necessary to say that he made his way as silently, stealthily and -cautiously as it was his ability to do; starting at every rustling -wind, or falling leaf. Upon reaching the shore of the river, he found -that he was above the island, and again wading it, swam out toward it. - -Waring wished, if possible, to recover his rifle, and gain a glimpse -of the band of Indians who had slain Lander, and who held his daughter -captive. 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 the surroundings. - -He saw his rifle lying on 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 the Shawanoe rose above the gunwale, and remained in -view for fully a minute. - -As the moon shone fully upon the savage, Waring distinguished the -features plainly. He concluded at once that there was several others -upon 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 Waring, as he noiselessly swam toward the -Ohio shore, "you may watch there quite a while, before you catch me in -any of your traps. You have had enough blood for to-night." - -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 -reconnoisance. - -This was an extremely difficult task, and none but the most powerful -swimmer could have accomplished it. But Waring succeeded, and finally -"anchored" for a few moments abreast of the flat-boat, while he took -another observation of it. He saw nothing more of the Indians, although -he firmly believed they were still upon it. - -He was convinced that the major portion of the Shawanoes were still -upon the island, and after floating somewhat lower, he landed at -precisely the same spot where he came so nigh 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 he felt so -exhausted, that he threw himself down upon the ground, to gain a few -moments rest. Despite the exciting scenes through which he had just -participated, and the terrible ordeal through which he had just passed, -he fell asleep almost immediately. - -It was in the midst of a fearful dream of tomahawks, scalping-knives, -Indians and murders, that he was awakened by a grasp upon his arm. -Believing resistance to be useless, he lay motionless, waiting for the -command of his captors. - -"If you've no objection, I should like to inquire whether you are not -about through with your nap?" inquired the well-known voice of Hezekiah -Smith. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -STILL ON THE ISLAND. - - -The dull, grey light that now began to overspread the sky, gave token -of the coming day, and the three whites withdrew further into the grove -for consultation. - -"This is a bad business," remarked Waring, after he had exchanged -experiences with his friends. "The infernal devils have outwitted us -at last. God knows what will become of Virginia. Her poor father is -already dead!" - -"Yes, we have seen him," said Hezekiah, with a shudder at the -remembrance of the awful scene. "He isn't a dozen rods away from us." - -"Let us give him a decent burial," added Waring. "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 Shawanoes had carried it from the island. - -"Perhaps it is as well," said Waring. "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 performed the last sad rites for -him." - -"Wall," said Hezekiah, clamping his rifle down upon the ground, as -he came to a halt, and folding his arm over it, "here we is, and the -question afore this assembly is how we're going to get away. What do -you propose to do, my dear Patrick?" - -"I advise that we ate breakfast." - -"The only objection to that," replied Waring, "is that we have none to -eat; but, badinage aside, we must first go over this island again, and -learn whether there are any of the demons left. If not, we must get on -their track, for, as true as the heaven is above me, I never go to that -settlement without Virginia." - -"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 seen their canoes going -off." - -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 to any who -might be on either shore of the mainland, and, from the great caution -that was necessary, the work was an extremely difficult and tedious one. - -It was not until full two hours had elapsed that the three whites met -on the spot where Virginia Lander had been taken prisoner. - -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 through 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, if you have no objection to tell, where's your rifle?" asked -Hezekiah, who had noticed that Waring was unprovided with that weapon. - -The latter looked through the trees. - -"Yonder it lies this very 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 improbable that such an occurrence could be 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 Waring'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 upon the opposite side. - -This circumstance, which, at any other time, would have attracted no -attention at all, caused Waring great uneasiness. He felt that it was -by no means certain that everything was right upon the island, even -though it had been proven that their enemies had just 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 pretty well convinced that there was some design in the -presence of this 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 recover 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. The gun could not -be recovered without exposing himself to this peril. - -Ah! the flat-boat! Waring's heart leapt 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 these Shawanoes to suppose that Waring could 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 Virginia Lander was -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, he concluded, was the solution of the question. Taking -other matters into consideration, Waring 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 in getting out of the world. He knew enough of the blood-thirsty -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 -Shawanoe he had killed in self-defence. Well, indeed, had it been for -the feeble Mr. Lander that he was so enfeebled and weakened. It brought -him a speedy death, instead of a lingering torture. - -These reflections, which we have recorded at some length, occupied -Waring but a few seconds. He saw everything with a hunter's eye, and, -with a shake of his head, stepped back a pace or two, and resumed his -position beside the Irishman and Hezekiah. - -"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 your rifle?" - -"Yes, that is what I mean." - -"What is to hinder?" - -"I don't like the looks of that flat-boat." - -"Whew!" blew Hezekiah, surveying the object in question as though he -had never seen it. "If you've no objection, might I inquire why you -don't like it?" - -"I am afraid there are Indians concealed upon it. I saw them there last -night." - -And now arose a dispute in which all three of the whites engaged. -Waring, who most certainly was the best qualified to judge, expressed -it as his firm conviction that a half dozen Shawanoes, at least, were -at that moment glaring out from the flat-boat, and waiting for their -reappearance. Hezekiah dissented, and persistently maintained that -there was but one savage upon the craft, and that he lay in the cabin -sound asleep! He could give no satisfactory reason to the others for -this belief, but he appeared sincerely to believe it himself. Pat -Mulroony, on the contrary, was ready to swear that there wasn't a -redskin on the island, flat-boat, either bank, or within five miles of -them! - -"Be jabers! I'll soon find out." - -"How?" - -"I am going on the owld flat-boat itself." - -Pat's companions begged, entreated, and implored, but all to no -purpose. He had resolved to prove what he had argued, and he now -prepared to do it. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -A FEARFUL ADVENTURE. - - -It is not to be supposed that Pat Mulroony was entirely free from -fear, when he resolved upon the venture of which we have spoken. -The strenuous assertions of Waring, the equally positive belief of -Hezekiah, and their united protestations convinced him that they were -at least sincere and honest in their efforts to preserve him from -harm. Nevertheless, like a genuine Irishman, he sturdily combated -them, determined to demonstrate his sincerity by actual experiment. - -It is a fact that a man may commence with the assertion of an absolute -falsehood, and conscious, at the beginning, that he is defending such, -argues himself in time into the belief that it is genuine truth. - -Pat Mulroony 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 -fearful and startling thing! - -That which arrested the brave-hearted Irishman, was the sight of a -human eye. At a small augur-like orifice at the mouth of the boat he -suddenly distinguished the glowing eye-ball of a Shawanoe Indian! It -was glaring like a demon's, and a cannon-ball would not have stopped -him sooner. - -Waring and Hezekiah, 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 catching the -gunwale by 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 broad 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, bare-headed -figure that was struggling like a lion amid a score of enemies which -had dogged him nigh to death. - -While Waring and Hezekiah gazed transfixed with horror, a -powerful-limbed Indian shot up like a rocket in mid-air, 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, killed by the bullet from Waring's rifle. The other attempted to -swim behind the stern, but Hezekiah shot him through the brain ere it -could be accomplished. - -There could be but one cause for the sudden cessation of the tumult -upon the flat-boat. Pat had either been overcome or slain. The silence -that succeeded the fearful yell and the struggle was equally painful -and impressive to his two friends. They waited long and impatiently for -it to be broken. - -"It's all up with him!" whispered Waring, as he primed his rifle. "I -pity him, but our hands are clear of his blood." - -"Too bad, too bad," muttered Hezekiah, who had just loaded his rifle, -"he was a good fellow, my dear Patrick 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 such misfortune -to us. I am afraid that if we remain much longer, you will take it into -your head to perform some such a feat, and I shall be left alone." - -"No, indeed, I won't, there's no danger of that," added Hezekiah, so -eagerly and earnestly that it brought a smile to the face of Waring. - -"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 inches." - -"Hello! did you hear that?" exclaimed Waring. - -Several whoops were heard upon the Kentucky shore, apparently in answer -to these which had been uttered some minutes before by the captors of -Pat Mulroony. Peering through the trees, Waring added: - -"There is a party of the thieves, coming off from the mainland in a -canoe. Get ready for hot work." - -"Drat the things--can't we hide?" anxiously asked Hezekiah, looking -around him for any place that might offer. - -"No; we must stand our ground; they have just started." - -The canoe which was approaching was a large Indian one, in which were -seated three or four Shawanoes, 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, -Pat Mulroony, 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. - -The captive disposed of, the Shawanoes 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 Waring, "the island and boat are free of 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." - -"If you've no objection, I should like to inquire how it can be the -safest place?" - -"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 foes until dark, when we can get off ourselves." - -"Let's go upon it, then, before they come back." - -It was with some misgiving, slight enough, but still sufficient to -occasion uneasiness, that Waring 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 empty of any -persons except themselves. The cabin was half full of water, and it -was here that the Shawanoes must have concealed themselves while their -victim was approaching. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -COMPANIONS IN CAPTIVITY. - - -With his usual recklessness, Pat Mulroony, after arriving upon the hulk -of the flat-boat, descended into the cabin. He had just reached the -base, when he espied several Indians, and he immediately retreated to -the deck again. - -Knowing that he was "in for it," he turned, and catching the foremost -Indian in his arms, threw him bodily into the water. The second he -served in the same manner, when he found the redskins were coming -up rather too fast for convenience. However, he gave the third a -tremendous blow in the face, and commenced laying about him in regular -Donnybrook style, when his foot slipped, and ere he could rise he was -seized and bound. - -"Trate me gintlemanly," said he, "for yese can't deny but what I sarved -yese in the same manner." - -The Indians could but respect the bravery he had shown, and they -offered him no violence. He was then passed over the side into the -canoe, and transported to the shore. Shortly after, his captors joined -the main body, where he met Virginia Lander, in the same helpless -situation as himself. - -The Shawanoes were gathered in an irregular circle around the fire, -some smoking, others chatting, and others apparently asleep. - -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 first looked upon them. -Virginia sat with her head bowed, for her heart was stricken with -grief. The picture of her cherished father 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--had swept her only relative upon earth from her, 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 blood-thirsty savages. She hardly dare 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 Pat Mulroony, 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 yerself that the haythen have, and they -wouldn't have got me if I hadn't struck at 'em too hard, and missed -'em. Ye jist keep quiet, my jewel, and ye'll hear of Pat Mulroony agin." - -A sort of consultation was now held among the Shawanoes, relating not -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 Virginia and Pat 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 to assaulting the whites in their stronghold. -They had already learned enough of their mettle to understand that this -would be a most dangerous undertaking upon their part, and many more -were convinced that there was no hope at all of success, even with the -loss of two-thirds of their number. - -It was actually decided to give up the hope of securing the two -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 XI. - - -As the Shawanoes had invariably come from and returned to the Kentucky -side of the river, Waring 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. - -"It will bother us somewhat to manage our rifles," said he, "and as -we may need them the instant we touch land, we must keep them and our -ammunition out of the water." - -"Rip off a piece of this old hulk, and float them over on that." - -"A good idea." - -The suggestion of Hezekiah was adopted at once. A portion of the cabin -was loosened and placed in the water, and upon it was laid their two -rifles and powder horns. The raft thus formed was so buoyant as to -afford them material assistance in swimming. - -The night was of inky darkness; the most favorable that the two -adventurers could have wished. Yet, fearing that the savages might -suspect some such stratagem as this, they allowed themselves to drift -downward with the raft until they had passed the lowermost portion of -the island, when they shoved out into deep water, and commenced working -their way cautiously over toward the Dark and Bloody Ground. - -"Be careful and keep your limbs under water," admonished Waring; "a -single splash may betray us." - -"Yes, I understand," whispered Hezekiah, kicking around like a frantic -frog. "It appears to me that we're going down stream faster than across -it." - -Such was the case, as Waring found that his efforts alone tended -to carry them across, Hezekiah's being as much in one direction as -another, amounted to nothing. - -"Drat it," muttered the latter, "it's something like that canoe I got -into the other night. Never mind, we'll come out somewhere." - -A few minutes later the two touched bottom, and pushing their craft -carefully before them, came out in the woods, where the blackness was -of Egyptian intensity. Hezekiah bumped his head several limes before -he dare rise to a perfectly upright position, and then he could only -discern the shadowy form of his companion beside him. - -"Whatever happens, or whatever you see," whispered Waring, "don't speak -or start." - -"I know better than to do that--drat that limb! it has nearly sawed my -neck off!" - -Knowing that the current must have carried them a considerable distance -down the river, Waring 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 Hezekiah -upon the arm, as a caution for him to be on 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 Shawanoe camp-fire. - -Waring's heart sank within him, for he understood at once that the -Shawanoe 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? - -These were questions which instantly presented themselves to the young -adventurer'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 labyrinths of the Dark and Bloody -Ground. Nothing could be done until morning. - -As neither Waring nor Hezekiah had enjoyed any sleep for many hours -they both felt fatigued, despite the exciting situation in which they -were placed. Withdrawing a considerable distance further into the -forest, they both lay down beside an uprooted tree, and were almost -immediately locked in slumber. - -The sleep of Waring 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 Hezekiah Smith. Thinking, however, he could not be -far away, Waring seated himself upon the tree and waited for his return. - -An hour passed away, and still no sign of his missing companion. The -young man had whistled, and gave utterance to all the signals 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 insupportable. - -"There is no use of remaining behind," he muttered. "The Shawanoes 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 Waring began to experience the pangs of hunger. -He had fasted a long time, 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 earth, sped along within -a stone's throw of him. As quick as thought the foremost was shot and -in his hands. - -The instant that Waring 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 the true state of the case. - -To guard against capture Waring 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 for him. Upon reaching it he was gratified to find a large -quantity of live coals, and, without hesitation, he plucked and dressed -the turkey, and proceeded to cook it. - -The bird afforded him a most needed and nourishing meal, besides -furnishing enough for future use; and now that his immediate wants -were attended to, Waring set to work in earnest upon the all important -object that had brought him thither. - -In the first place, it was necessary to discover the trails of the two -war parties, and in trying this he failed completely. Although gifted -with more than ordinary intelligence, shrewdness, and cunning, he had -not yet learned enough of the woods 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 Shawanoes proceeded with their usual caution, it would have -been absolutely impossible for Waring to have followed them a hundred -yards through the wilderness. But, fully conscious that no enemy that -need cause them the least uneasiness, was in their vicinity, they -straggled forward as carelessly as a party of schoolboys. This only was -the reason why our hero was enabled to follow them. - -Waring, under the belief that they had penetrated further into -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 -Shawanoes 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." Waring, under ordinary -circumstances, 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 a captive in the hands of the -savages, and he, therefore, did not once think of turning 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? Yet 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 banks 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 ever heard or read of the Shawanoes Indians--to whom this -war party surely belongs--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 home, 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." - -Waring was on 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 -Shawanoes, and were searching the craft for plunder. They had thrown -over a sort of bench, which was fastened, bottom upward, to the stern -of a canoe. They 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, Waring's belief that the main body had -crossed the river was changed into the conviction that they had all -gone down the 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 Indian, their canoe skimmed like a swallow over the water, and -it required the most strenuous efforts of Waring 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. - -Waring 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, Waring 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 head on 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 Virginia again it was impossible for him to imagine. -In the impenetrable depths of the great wilderness which surrounded -him, where the merciless red men wandered for miles, how could he, a -single, unaided white man, follow them? How----? - -The explosion of a rifle broke the stillness of the woods, and -springing to his feet, Waring 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 XII. - -AN EXPLOIT OF HEZEKIAH SMITH'S. - - -Hezekiah Smith awoke two full hours before Waring. Looking toward him, -and noticing that he was still slumbering, he concluded not to disturb -him, as he well knew how exhausted his frame must be. Feeling perfectly -wakeful himself, he arose to his feet and looked around him. The first -sensation experienced by the New Englander was that of hunger--a -craving for food immediately. The sun had just risen, and although he -was well aware of the abundance of game in the wood, he dare not fire -his gun on account of the proximity of his enemies. - -"I guess I'll take a tramp down the river," he concluded, "and when I -get out of their hearing I'll knock something over, and eat enough to -last me a week." - -He looked down upon the tranquil face of Waring. - -"He appears to sleep very sound, and I guess it's hardly worth while to -disturb him. He'll be there when I come back, and all the better for -the extra rest he has received." - -With this philosophical conclusion, Hezekiah wandered off in the woods. -It was his intention to take a southerly direction, penetrating further -into Kentucky, and such was his course at first. But, unconsciously to -himself, he deviated to the right, parallel with the Ohio. - -With no sensation, but that of hunger, with the resolve to attend -to that immediately, and at all hazards, Hezekiah hurried forward -without once noticing the course he was pursuing, or reflecting that -it was more than probable he would be entirely lost in the trackless -wilderness. - -While still hurrying forward, his excited ear detected a faint gobble -in the woods, as if a lost turkey were calling its companions; and -proceeding stealthily onward, he suddenly came upon a gobbler, that was -wandering about disconsolately, as if indeed lost. Before it could get -out of his reach, Hezekiah discharged his piece, but only wounded it. - -It started off on a rapid run, and, fearful that it would escape him -if he paused to load his rifle, he dashed after it at the top of his -speed, and now commenced a most interesting race. - -All things considered, perhaps, in the condition of the gobbler, -Hezekiah could outrun it, that is, where both were given the same -chance; but the bird had a way of slipping through the undergrowth, -jumping under the bushes, and trotting over fallen trees, as though -they were not there, that gave him an immense 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 kept up to -a most exciting point, by the hairbreadth escapes it made from him. -More than once, he made a frenzied leap forward, and, as he fell on -his face, caught perhaps the tail feather of the bird, while the bird -itself glided through his grasp, leaving a most vivid impression of -its tapering form upon his hands, which had slipped over it so neatly. -Then, again, he would strike at it with his rifle, and perhaps pin -another feather to the ground. - -"Drat it," exclaimed Hezekiah, after one of those fruitless attempts. -"It's enough to make me swear. I'll chase him as long as I can stand, -but what I shall get him." - -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 they come to retrace their -steps, that they realize how great a distance they have passed over. -The attendant, perhaps, whose mind does not participate in the same -excitement, is exhausted even in following the hunter. - -Thus it happened that Hezekiah Smith, who would not have believed he -had gone more than half a mile, chased the gobbler for fully ten times -that distance, at the end of which it did not seem fatigued in the -least, the wild turkey, as our readers are aware, being a noted runner. -With no thought of giving it up, Hezekiah still pursued it at the top -of his speed, occasionally making a leap forward at it, and the bird as -often eluding him, as cleverly as ever. - -Suddenly he caught the glimmer of something through the trees, and -to his joy, saw that they were approaching the banks of a river. He -was now sure of the bird; he had fairly earned it; and his tormenting -hunger was about to be satisfied. - -Gracefully, and majestically, as the bird reached the edge of the -river, it spread out its wings, and, sailing through the air, landed -upon the Ohio side, and disappeared in the woods. - -"That is unpleasant. If my rifle had only been loaded, I would have -finished him." - -In chasing the gobbler, with all his turnings and doublings, Hezekiah -had become "turned around," himself, so that it seemed to him the -Ohio River was running in the wrong direction, and that he was on the -other side of it. Concluding however, that such a phenomena would be -a miracle, he kept on down the river, having decided that it would be -useless to retrace his steps, in the hope of finding Waring. - -He was walking slowly forward, panting and fatigued, when it struck -him that there was a peculiar smell in the air. It seemed as though -something were burning, and, knowing that he was in the midst of an -Indian country, he guarded his steps, and kept a more watchful eye -upon his surroundings. - -It turned out as he had expected. 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, as well as his position would admit. - -It was with singular emotions, that Hezekiah recognized this party as -the identical Shawanoes who had attacked his party, and who held Pat -Mulroony and Virginia Lander as captives. The fact that they must have -been here some time, proved that they had broken their last night's -encampment at an early hour, and departed even before he himself had -awakened. - -The party seemed to have lost several of their number--some four or -five--but there was no mistaking the others. Hezekiah recognized them -at once. What surprised him still more, was that none of the captives -were visible. What had become of them? Had they been sent in advance, -in chance of a smaller party? What possible cause could the Shawanoes -possess for taking such a step? - -These questions ran rapidly through the mind of the New Englander, but -there was another which constantly presented itself, and that was the -one in regard to obtaining food, for satisfying his hunger, which was -constantly growing greater. There seemed but one course left for him, -and that was to take to the woods again. He was on the point of doing -so, when his heart leaped at what appeared a most fortunate occurrence -to him. - -Several times he thought he had detected the smell of burning meat, and -the cause of it was now explained. Some twenty rods to the right of the -encampment of the savages, was a smaller fire, at which a single squaw -was cooking. At the moment that Hezekiah caught sight of it, this squaw -had left it, and the meat was entirely unguarded. - -The temptation was too great; Hezekiah was only sensible of his -intolerable hunger. Running back into the woods a few rods, he came -in the rear of the fire, and totally unmindful of his imminent danger, -snatched the meat, and seating himself upon the ground, commenced -devouring it like a wolf. - -The first mouthful was dropped suddenly upon the lawn, being so hot -that his tongue was blistered. But he soon became used to it, and in a -few moments had swallowed the entire piece of meat, and was wiping his -fingers upon his hair. - -"Just as much as I could possibly get down me," he muttered. "I -couldn't possibly swallow another mouthful, and--" - -A shrill whoop suddenly broke the stillness of the woods, and turning -his alarmed gaze behind him, he saw the squaw, standing within a dozen -feet of him. She was fairly blue with fury, and was screaming as if to -split her lungs. - -"Heavens!" exclaimed Hezekiah, who now saw how foolhardy he had been, -"the old woman is riled considerably, and if I ain't mistaken them -Indians are likewise." - -The outcries of the infuriated squaw had attracted the instant -attention of the Shawanoes, who had caught a sight of the white man as -he was rising to his feet, and three of their fleetest runners started -in pursuit. - -Hezekiah Smith's frame was gaunt and attenuated, and he was sinewy and -muscular. He was not only very fleet, but possessed bottom, and was -capable of holding his own against any one, and he now darted into 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 Hezekiah and the Shawanoe -remained about the same for five or ten minutes, when one of the latter -discharged his rifle, and the white sprang high in the air with a loud -yell. - -But he hadn't been struck. It was only fright. The report of the gun -gave an impetus to his flight, and 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 turn his face without much difficulty, and unconsciously to himself -he was running directly into a trap. - -It was not until he was on the very brink that Hezekiah realized his -peril. His hair fairly rose on his head, then, as he glanced about him. -To the right and left, stretched the deed 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 no use of talking," he exclaimed, wheeling round, and placing his -back toward the gorge. "I'm cornered this time, and there's going to be -a row!" - -So saying, he clubbed his rifle, and awaited the onset of the Shawanoes! - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -A STRUGGLE OF LIFE AND DEATH. - - -The Shawanoes, as we have before stated, had separated during the -pursuit, and were now some distance 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 Hezekiah Smith, as he then had but a single opponent with -which to contend. - -The lithe, agile Indian was all eagerness to secure the white as his -captive and forgetful of the axiom, "a stag at bay is a dangerous foe," -he halted not in the least, but came at full speed toward him. When -within a rod or so, 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 quickness, the weapon -flashed over him, and went spinning end over end down the steep ravine. - -Both of the combatants had dropped their rifles and drawn their knives. -With a demoniac yell of triumph the painted Indian leaped high in air, -and swinging his knife, sprang upon his foe. 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 encountered with such force that the Shawanoe's -shot out of his hand and followed the tomahawk down the ravine, while -Hezekiah's was turned so suddenly that it fell to the ground several -yards distant. Both were now entirely unarmed, and glaring at each -other for a second, like baffled tigers, they closed in the struggle of -life and death. - -In point of strength the two were very nearly equally matched. In -activity the redskin had decidedly the advantage, but the white man -being an expert wrestler, and the savage a perfect novice, the former -was in a fair way to end the contest in his own favor. The instant he -grappled with his dusky adversary, he felt that he was at his power. - -By a trick, or rather art, well known to wrestlers, Hezekiah twisted -the savage off his feet, and threw him with stunning violence upon the -ground, falling heavily upon him. Allowing him to rise, he repeated the -performance several times, the redskin becoming more and more exhausted -each moment, until it was manifest to himself that he had not the -shadow of a chance in such warfare as this. - -The cunning Shawanoe had noticed where the knife of his adversary fell, -and each time that he went down he managed to work himself nearer to -it. Hezekiah did not comprehend what he was at, until the savage -clutched it with the quickness of thought, and rising again to his -feet, confronted him with the weapon. - -Not the least daunted, for he was now terribly excited--he closed again -with the Indian, receiving an ugly cut in his arm as he did so. At this -moment he heard the yells of the other two Shawanoes, and driven to -fury by his imminent peril, he concentrated all his strength in the one -mighty effort, and grasping his adversary around the waist, he lifted -him clear off 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 space, spinning from crag to crag, with his -awful cry coming up like the wail of some spirit! - -The struggle occupied scarcely a fifth of the time 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 shock when -the two encountered, a few blows and strivings, another struggle, more -determined than the others, and it was ended. - -Hezekiah 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 onset 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, higher in -authority than the other; for waving his hand for him to keep his -distance, he advanced upon the white man, with the determination of -disposing of him without assistance from any one else. - -This savage was a much more formidable foe than the other, and Hezekiah -being considerably exhausted from his recent efforts, he was in a poor -condition to receive him. Nevertheless, there was no help for him, -and he showed an undaunted front. The Shawanoe halted a moment, as if -to decide upon the best method of attack, and then, with a yell as -demoniac as the other, sprang forward. - -He had passed over half the space intervening between him and his -adversary, when he uttered another yell--a short, frenzied, agonized -one, and throwing his arms aloft, fell dead! - -Hezekiah had caught the report of a rifle, and saw a red spot suddenly -appear on the forehead of the Shawanoe, so that he understood at once -that he had been shot. But who had come up and fired his piece so -opportunely? What friend had he in the Dark and Bloody Ground? Why did -his friend remain concealed? - -The remaining redskin had halted upon seeing his companion fall by -the mysterious shot, but he evinced no disposition to flee. On the -contrary, he continued to approach, fully resolved that the foe should -not escape him. - -"By thunder! you're the only one left, and I reckon as how I can -dispose of you," exclaimed Hezekiah, preparing to receive him. "Though -if there should happen to be another rifle around, it would be mighty -welcome just now." - -The Shawanoe had learned caution from what he had witnessed, and -although as brave as a mortal could possibly be, he deemed it best to -use prudence in the case. His mode of attack was peculiar. He commenced -slowly circling around his adversary, his black, snake-like eye fixed -upon him while the latter kept turning, as if on a pivot, so as to -confront him. - -In going in this circular manner, the Indian came to the very brink -of the precipice, so that his form stood out in relief upon it. More -than once when he was in this position, Hezekiah was upon the point of -springing forward and shoving him over. His heart throbbed painfully, -as he balanced himself for the leap, lest the risk was too great -for him to attempt it. He more than half suspected the Indian was -manœuvering for that purpose, and would succeed in throwing him over -instead. - -All at once, with the inevitable whoop, the redskin bounded forward, -and struck at Hezekiah with his drawn knife. Singular as it may seem, -the two weapons encountered in precisely the same manner as did those -of the first two combatants, and both were as suddenly deprived of all -arms, except such as nature gave them. - -As the two closed in with each other, it seemed to Hezekiah that this -Indian was much more powerful and difficult to manage than the other, -or possibly his own strength was failing. Remembering, however, that -he was the only foe which it was necessary to overcome, and that a -prolonged contest might bring some of his companions to the scene, he -summoned all his strength to this last conflict. - -He succeeded in throwing the Shawanoe, and falling heavily upon him, -but it required such an expenditure of strength that he doubted -whether this means of exhausting him would not first "use up" himself. -Furthermore, he found it impossible to hold his foe. Whether his body -was greased or not, he could not tell, but the redskin kept up such a -twisting and squirming that he glided from his grasp as easily as an -eel could have escaped him. - -Concluding that it was vain to hope for any success by means of -wrestling, Hezekiah now bent his efforts toward drawing him to the edge -of the cliff with the determination of throwing him over. The savage -comprehended his intention, and probably believing he could do the same -thing with the white man, favored his efforts, and in a few seconds -both were upon the very brink of the precipice. - -And now commenced the awful struggle. With sinews strained to their -utmost tension, with limbs braced and pressed against each other, their -chests heaving, with teeth set, and their eyes gleaming with the most -implacable hate, the combatants strove together! - -In reaching the edge of the ravine, the Shawanoe was on the -inside--that is, he was the nearest to it--and Hezekiah succeeded in -keeping him there. Gradually working him nigher and nigher to the dread -chasm, until he felt his strength going, the New Englander gathered his -knee to his breast, and summoning all his power, with one mighty effort -he kicked the savage from him and over the cliff! - -But horror of horrors! in going over, the Shawanoe caught him with both -hands by the ankle, and Hezekiah felt himself following! He clutched -with the twigs and stones within his grasp, but they all yielded and -came with him, and he could not shake off the dreadful incubus that was -drawing him on to death. He screamed and shouted, and blistered his -hands in his efforts to stay himself, but it was all useless. - -Further, further, further--the Shawanoe's weight seems to increase -each second--the white man's outspread hands slide over the earth and -rock!--he is going, going, going!--his head slips over! and now down -like a meteor, through the dizzying air, with wild, ecstatic thrills -shooting through his brain--a second's delirium--an awful, stunning -shock--and all was dark! The lifeless forms of Hezekiah Smith and the -Shawanoe Indian lay side by side at the bottom of the gorge! - -The reader will recollect that Luther Waring, in wandering through the -woods, suddenly came upon an unexpected scene, and rushed forward in -a state of great excitement. The sight that met his gaze was Hezekiah -Smith and the second Indian struggling together. Without a moment's -reflection he discharged his piece, killing the savage as before -related. He was about to rush forward to the rescue of his friend, when -he caught sight of the third Indian; and believing that a party had -just arrived, and that he could afford him no assistance, and that he -was in imminent danger of his own capture, he turned and fled. - -Running some distance, he was considerably surprised to find that he -was not pursued, and suspecting that, after all, he might have been -mistaken, he cautiously retraced his steps. He arrived at the spot of -the tragic scene we have just described, and looking over the brink, -descried the two inanimate forms lying below. - -With a painfully throbbing heart he hurried through the forest, and by -a circuitous route entered the gorge. In a short time he came upon the -two Indians and his friend. All three were bruised and bleeding, and -as Waring looked above him at the height of the precipice, he took a -melancholy consolation in the thought that the death of Hezekiah Smith -had been speedy and almost painless. - -"Would that I could give him a decent burial," he murmured; "but I -cannot. He shall not remain here, however, to rot beside those fiendish -savages. I will do what I can for him." - -Taking him in his arms he carried him some distance to where there was -a mass of debris and stones at the side of the ravine. Here depositing -him carefully upon the ground, he first covered him over with brush, -and then stones, until his body was entirely hidden from sight. The -principal object in doing this was to secure his remains against -outrage from the savages. - -"Farewell," said Waring, as he turned away. "I have known you but a -short time, and have learned but little of you, but I have learned -enough to know that you were a FRIEND; and now, a last adieu to you, my -FRIEND!" - -With a saddened, mournful heart he turned away and walked slowly -through the ravine. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. - - -Waring's meditations, as he walked through the gorge, were gloomy -and melancholy enough. Now, indeed, he felt he was alone. Two of his -companions had been slain, and the other two captured; and what could -he, single and unaided, accomplish against these inhuman denizens of -the wilderness? Absolutely nothing. - -And yet he could not persuade himself to give up the hope of a final -rescue of Virginia Lander. That hope gone, life looked dark and -gloomy to him. Rather than never see her again, he felt that he could -willingly share captivity and death with her. - -The plan which Waring at length decided upon, was to make his way to -the settlement, and seek the aid of the settlers. He could be no great -distance from it; and, as the Shawanoes seemed to linger in the forest, -there could be little difficulty in finding and following their trail. - -With his head bent, and with feelings saddened and thoughtful, from the -frightful scenes he had just witnessed, Waring walked slowly forward -until he had emerged from the gorge, and was again threading the -shadowy woods. At length he entered a portion where the undergrowth -became more tangled and dense, and where from necessity he was -compelled to recall his mind from its reverie, and occupy it with his -immediate duties. - -He had penetrated, perhaps, a third of a mile into this undergrowth, -when, becoming exhausted, he threw himself upon the ground for a few -minutes' rest. He had scarcely seated himself when he was fairly -startled out of his senses by hearing the hum of voices! Listening -carefully, he soon distinguished the words: - -"Begorrah, it's meself that's thinking this is the most delightful -retrate of my life, barring that it was a retrate from necessity. What -do you think of it, my leddy?" - -"Oh! I am so thankful to be free from those loathsome Indians that have -persecuted us so long!" - -"If we only had that long-legged Hezekiah Smith, and the handsome young -felly that ye calls Waring, how much more pleasant the retrate would -seem! Eh, wouldn't it now?" - -"I do indeed pray that they may rejoin us. Since my poor father has -fallen, I am lonely enough with him also gone. Who knows but that he, -too, is in their hands?" - -"It's meself that understands yer feelings. I mind the time that I lost -Molly McMooney at the Tipperary fair, me heart was broken intirely till -I found her agin." - -Could Waring believe his ears! Those surely were the voices of Pat -Mulroony and Virginia Lander, and, from their words they were alone. -Could it be they had escaped? Have the Shawanoes voluntarily freed -them? What could it all mean? - -He arose and looked around him. Yes; but a few rods away he saw the -two seated by a small fire, as comfortably as if on some pleasure -excursion. The genial face of the Irishman was wreathed in smiles, -as he blinked through the smoke at the girl upon the opposite side. -The face of the latter was pale, and she wore a saddened, thoughtful -expression, for it was hard for her to smile at the witticisms of her -good-natured companion, when her terrible bereavement was so recent. - -Hardly able to restrain his emotions, Waring approached the two. As he -did so, the back of Virginia was turned toward him, while the Irishman -faced him. The latter immediately caught sight of him, and signalling -him to stop, said to Virginia: - -"Did you ever hear, my leddy, that Pat Mulroony was a magician?" - -She looked up as if she did not comprehend his question. - -"A magician? What do you mean?" returned Virginia. - -"A man who on account of his superior vartues is gifted with more than -mortal powers. One who can do anything." - -Thinking the words of the Irishman to be nothing more than some jest, -intended to divert her attention from her grief, Virginia made no reply. - -"Whisht now! ye doesn't belave me, I see. S'pose I should call up that -young Waring that belongs to yees out of the ground, would you then -belave it?" - -"I am in no mood for such trifling," said she, with a reproving look. -"I would prefer you not to disturb me." - -"Whisht now, jist look." - -Pat Mulroony's incantations to convince his fair companion of his -supernatural powers were as singular as they were characteristic. -Pitching forward, he came down upon his hands so as to invert himself, -where balancing himself for a moment, he kicked his feet in the air -several times with such vigor that one of his shoes flew off. This -accomplished, he came down again, replaced his shoe, and danced what -he termed the "Tipperary Reel," after which he suddenly became rigid, -and exclaimed: - -"Look behind yees! Mr. Waring, appair!" - -Virginia would not have obeyed him, had she not detected the laugh of -her lover as the Irishman spoke. Starting up and turning around, she -was the next instant clasped in his arms. - -"Thank God! thank God!" exclaimed the young adventurer, fervently. -"Found at last! Oh! how rejoiced I am!" - -Virginia could not speak; her joy was too great for words. - -During this affecting scene, the Irishman pretended to be busily -occupied with the fire. He did not replenish it, but kept displacing -the embers, as if to make them burn better. The air being quite warm -and genial, it seemed strange that he should have kindled it; but the -cause was his excessive politeness and consideration for the fair -charge in his hands. Noticing that Waring's actions seemed somewhat -restrained, he said, encouragingly: - -"Don't be scart, don't be scart. I isn't watching yees. It's point -of honor with Pat Mulroony niver to disturb a couple when engaged in -courting. Plase proceed." - -"We have no disposition to do anything of the kind at present," replied -Waring. "I am surprised, Pat, that you should have escaped from the -Indians with Virginia here, when, a short time since, you were both -prisoners in their hands. Pray, how came it to happen?" - -"It didn't happen at all jist. Pat Mulroony is the boy that is up -to them same tricks. He is the one that understands the blackguard -haythen--he is." - -"I do not doubt that; but let me hear the account of this exploit of -yours." - -"Begorrah! where is the long-legged chap, Hizikiah, that ye had with -yees?" - -Waring, in a few words, related what is already known to the reader; -and then repeated his request to the Irishman for an account of his -escape from the Shawanoes. - -"Wal, ye saas, the way that it happened was this. I s'pose you know -how I was took on that ould flat-boat?" - -"Yes; your own foolishness was the cause of it. You need not relate -that. Give us what happened subsequently." - -"Wal, ye saas, the haythen had us pretty fast, and it was mighty -onsartain the way things looked. Whisht! what is that?" - -The near report of a rifle suddenly broke the stillness of the woods, -and the two speakers instantly sat down where they were better -protected by the undergrowth from observation. All interest was -immediately centred upon the one thought of safety. - -"I am afraid that we are still in imminent peril," whispered Waring. -"Those Shawanoes, without doubt, are upon your trail." - -"No, be the powers! they ain't." - -"Don't be too sure, my friend. Those lynx-eyed savages will follow the -lightest footsteps." - -"Not if they're made in the water--eh, boy?" - -Waring began to comprehend matters. Still he replied: - -"You are some distance from the river, remember, and neither you nor -Virginia could get to this spot without leaving a trail which these -Indians could follow without the least difficulty." - -"S'powse they didn't know where to look for the same." - -"That may all be," replied Waring, somewhat petulantly, "and yet what I -say is true. They are constantly ranging through the wood, and it is by -no means improbable that the traces of your passage is discovered. But -let us cease talking for the present." - -The two listened for several moments, when hearing nothing further, the -Irishman cautiously arose, and commenced peering around him. Ere he had -half turned his head, he suddenly dropped to the ground again, with a -suppressed exclamation: - -"He's right out there!" he whispered. - -"Where? Who is there? What do you mean?" - -"A bloody big Shawanoe, in his war paint, leaning against a tree out -there." - -Imitating the motion of Pat Mulroony, Waring descried the savage in -question, standing as he had remarked. His back was turned toward the -whites, so that it was impossible to discern his features. He was -rather tall in stature, and appeared to have his arms folded, as if he -were exhausted. - -"Wait till I show yees a specimen of Pat Mulroony's shooting," said the -Irishman, reaching out for the gun of Waring. But the latter refused it. - -"It looks too much like murder." - -"It's mighty little like murder their dailings with us luks, be the -same token." - -"His death can do us no good," added Waring. "The report of our rifle -would attract the attention of the savages in the vicinity, and we -could not again escape their clutches." - -"Ye talks now like a raisonable person," said the Irishman, somewhat -mollified at the explanation. "Hist a moment till I takes another look -at the gintleman." - -Pat Mulroony's head commenced slowly rising, while, as his knees -gradually straightened, his arms were elbowed, and his hands kept -flapping like the flippers of a turtle--the instinctive admonition to -the lookers on to maintain a profound silence. - -As his head rose to its full height, Waring saw, from the sudden light -that filled his eyes, that he had discovered something further. Without -removing his gaze, he motioned for his companion to look. The latter -did so, and descried the Shawanoe walking away in the woods. In a few -moments he had disappeared, and the three were left alone. - -Waring turned to Virginia, and assured her that the danger had passed, -and that she need feel no further alarm. They would not move from their -present position until nightfall, when the chance of escape would -amount almost to a certainty. After this, the young adventurer again -demanded of the Irishman an account of his flight from the Shawanoes, -and he, nothing loth, proceeded to give it. - -We choose to relate it in our own words. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -AN EXPLOIT OF PAT MULROONY'S. - - -During the captivity of Pat Mulroony and Virginia Lander, the Shawanoes -kept them sedulously apart. Although Pat ventured to address her -several times, he was compelled to do it in tones loud enough for all -to hear him, though whether they understood him or not was altogether a -different matter. - -The Indians remained at their camp, where Waring had seen them through -the night. As he had supposed, the party had divided, one division -taking both the captives with them. The cause of this was, the -Shawanoes were upon the war-path, and the whole company, numbering -over twenty warriors, had set out to attack a small village belonging -to a hostile tribe. Having inflicted about all the injury that it was -possible for them to inflict against the whites, they were now anxious -to proceed with their expedition. As their prisoners could be nothing -more than an incumbrance to them, eight of their number were detailed -to conduct them to one of the Shawanoe towns in southern Ohio. - -The separation of the Shawanoes was made early in the evening, and -before it was fairly light, the two parties were proceeding in the -direction of their respective destinations. The main party proceeded -down the river on the Kentucky side, while the eight Indians embarked -in separate canoes with their captives. - -Six Indians were in one of the boats, and two in the other, excluding -the captives. It was intended that the two parties should keep company -to prevent any chance of escape by the burly Irishman, although in his -present helpless condition, bound and secured as he was, a boy could -have taken care of him without assistance. - -The grey morning mist was just lifting from the Ohio, as the two canoes -shot out from the Kentucky shore, and sped swiftly down the river. The -point at which they intended to land upon the other side, was several -miles further down, bringing them considerably nearer their town than -a direct passage across the stream would have done. The Irishman, who -understood a few words of the Shawanoe tongue, had gathered this much -from the conversation of the savages before starting. - -The two Indians who used the paddles were seated in the stern of the -canoe, scarcely a foot apart, while Virginia was near the centre, and -Pat Mulroony in the bow, his back being turned down stream, and his -face toward his captors. In this position, the captives were constantly -under the gaze of the lynx-eyed Shawanoes, and could not converse, even -in whispers, without being seen. Nevertheless, the Irishman had no -hesitation in attempting it. - -"Miss Virginny, how is it ye faals jist now?" - -"Sadly enough," she replied. "Our only hope is in Providence." - -"If I only had my hands loose," whispered Pat, "I would smash them two -copper skins there in the stern, and run into shore, in spite of the -haythen in the other vissel." - -"Perhaps they would loosen your hands if you requested them to do so." - -"Begorrah! but they won't though." - -"You might try it, Pat; make believe your bonds hurt you, and I have no -doubt they will loosen them." - -After a moment's thought, Pat determined to try the artifice which -his fair companion had recommended. Accordingly he began groaning and -twisting his face into all manner of contortions, in order to enlist -their sympathy for his suffering. It was little sympathy the savages -felt for him, but his moans and struggles were so persistent and -annoying that the foremost Indian, with one blow of his knife, freed -his arms, refusing, however, all his entreaties to do the same thing -for his feet. - -"Ugh! keep still--kill with knife--don't," said he, threateningly. - -Pat Mulroony had succeeded far better than he had dared to hope. He -felt considerably elated thereby, and, rising up in his seat, commenced -"joking" with his grim captors. - -"Ye handles them paddles as if yees was used to 'em. Be the same token, -maybe ye is. How is it?" - -But the stoical Shawanoes deigned not to notice him, and Pat continued: - -"Begorrah, but yer mothers must be proud of sich boys as yees, that is -if ye has ary mothers. Do you mind that haythen there in the starn, -Virginny? Wal, now, ef I had to make a guess about him, I should say he -was a cross between an Irish chimney swaap and a monkey from the South -Saas. It must be swate for a gal to be hugged by yees." - -The canoes were now rather close to the Kentucky shore, and constantly -approaching nigher, although Pat Mulroony, who had his eyes about him, -was at a loss to conjecture the cause of this movement. The other canoe -was considerably in advance--its inmates finding it difficult to time -their velocity to the tardy movements of their two companions. - -Of course the remarks of the Irishman were not comprehended by either -of the Shawanoes, although they now and then caught a word. But it was -easy to see from his pleasant eye, his broad grin, and the rollicking -expression of his face, that he was in the best of spirits. Despite -the stern, gloomy exterior of the foremost savage, there was a spice -of waggery in his composition, and his black, snake-like eyes softened -somewhat in expression as he looked upon the jovial Irishman. - -"Paddle 'um canoe!" suddenly remarked this Indian, handing his paddle -to him. - -"Of course I will," replied Pat, eagerly taking the proffered paddle. - -He dipped it deep into the water, and attempted to make a powerful -sweep with it; but it turned in his hand, cutting through the water -like a knife, and with such velocity as nearly to throw him overboard. -Both savages laughed at his awkward movements, while the Irishman -worked all the harder. - -"Get in the bow of the boat," he whispered to Virginia, as he kept hard -at work. The girl arose and exchanged places with him, the savages -looking upon her movement as a voluntary one upon her part, to be safe -from the erratic blows of the toiling captive. By and by these became -so amusing, that the remaining Shawanoe ceased working in order to -watch him. - -There were three noticeable facts which entirely escaped the -observation of the savages. The first was that the other canoe was -a considerable distance in advance of them--much further than they -would have been willing to allow, had their attention been called -to it. The second was that a few hundred yards down stream, a large -creek put in from the Kentucky shore; and the last, and certainly most -important one, was that in spite of the awkward, vimless efforts of -the Irishman, the canoe was approaching slowly but surely the mouth of -this creek. The latter fact might possibly have been merely accidental, -but a suspicious observer would not have believed thus. Virginia, too, -noticed an expression in the eyes of Pat Mulroony, that made her heart -beat faster. - -Nearer and nearer approached the canoe to the eddying mouth of the -creek. The Indians, grinning and unsuspicious, did not notice it until -they were fairly within it. Then one of them reached forward to take -the oar. - -"Ugh! turn back!" - -The Shawanoe suddenly dropped back, having received a stunning blow -upon the head from the heaviest end of the oar. So violent was it, -that, striking the edge of the canoe, he rolled over as helplessly as a -log. - -"Begorrah, but I axes yer pardon!" exclaimed Pat, to the struggling -savage. "But I handles the paddle so awkwardly, that--holy virgin! if -I haven't hit the other haythen a crack, too, and he's gone overboard! -What's got into me paws?" - -The second savage had sprang up, as his companion went into the water, -but, as quick as lightning, he dropped back in his seat, catching -the sides of the canoe so firmly, that he did not go out of it. The -Irishman's blows being "sidewinders,"--that is, on the side of the -head, their natural result was to send the recipients overboard, and -the Shawanoe in question saved himself so narrowly, that Pat was -mistaken in supposing that he was following his comrade. - -"That was another awkward piece of business. Let me tip ye another -iligant whack with me shillaleh, in the true style of Pat Mulroony, -from Tipperary." - -Ere the second blow caught the savage, he gave vent to a screeching -yell, loud enough to wake the dead. But it did not save him from -whisking over the canoe like a frog, and going down out of sight. - -The first Indian had by this time arisen, and was endeavoring to climb -into the canoe. His hideous face, painted and agleam with the most -deadly ferocity, had appeared over the gunwale, and the frail vessel -was in momentary danger of coming apart or sinking. - -"Go round to the starn, if ye wants to come in!" exclaimed Pat, -striking him a tremendous blow in the face with his fist, that quickly -loosened his hold. Dipping the paddle into the water, the Irishman now -plied it with a skill fully equal to that of the Shawanoes themselves, -sending it with a wonderful velocity directly up the creek. - -But the second canoe had seen that something was wrong before the yell -of their unfortunate comrade had reached their ears, and they were -now fairly flying over the water, toward the captives. The Irishman, -with a coolness, and presence of mind that was remarkable under the -circumstances, seated himself in the stern, and keeping a sharp eye -upon either bank, sent his canoe swiftly up the creek, approaching -closely to neither shore. - -He had calculated to a second almost, the instant when the pursuing -Indians would arrive at the mouth of the creek, and consequently, how -long he might ascend it without danger of discovery. Virginia, who kept -her gaze fixed toward the river, announced that the two Indians had -swam to the mainland, and were evidently awaiting the approach of their -companions. - -It was the intention of the Irishman, when he had ascended as far as he -durst, to sheer the canoe under the right bank, which, fortunately for -him, was protected by dense, overhanging undergrowth, and concealing -his vessel as well as circumstances would permit, to hurry into the -woods; but at the moment he dipped his paddle for the purpose of doing -so, he made a discovery which induced him to change his mind. - -But a comparatively short distance from the Ohio, the creek divided -into four narrow branches, scarcely more than three or four yards in -width. Believing that the Indians would have no means of learning the -course he had followed, he shot the canoe into the lower one of these, -and the next minute had disappeared from view. - -The fugitives ascended this branch of the creek for a furlong, when it -became so narrow and rapid, that the expenditure of labor was too great -to pay them for going further by this means of locomotion. Touching the -shore, Virginia sprang out, the Irishman followed, pulling the canoe -after him, and rearranging the bushes behind, so as to disarm their -pursuers of any suspicion, should they follow as high up the branch as -this point. - -Determined that the canoe, if discovered, should afford them no good, -Pat Mulroony turned it over, and springing upon the bottom, inflicted -an irreparable injury, by staving it in. - -"Come on, me leddy," said he to Virginia, "and when ye mates Mister -Waring, ye can tell him that Pat Mulroony hails from Tipperary, and can -taach him how to use the shillaleh." - -An hour or so later, they reached a spot in the forest, which, pleasing -the fancy of the Irishman, he ordered a halt, for the purpose of -resting themselves. Declaring that Virginia must be cold, in spite -of her protestations to the contrary, he persisted in kindling a -fire, which had been burning but a short time, when Waring made his -appearance, as we have already related. - -"And now, about how far off is that settlement?" asked Pat Mulroony, at -the conclusion of his narration. - -"It cannot certainly be over eight or ten miles, at the most, as we -have been proceeding toward it all the while. We surely ought to be -able to reach it in a few hours." - -"And what is there to hinder us from starting this minute? The owld man -is dead--hoping the leddy will excuse me--and that long-legged Hezekiah -has give up the ghost, and we're all that is left of the party which -was on the flat-boat a few days since. Bein' we're all here, I makes -the move that we starts at once, and have this blatherin' matter done -wid at once." - -"There is only one thing that troubles me," said Waring. "I am afraid -that a number of those Shawanoes are in the vicinity, and if we venture -out, we run too great a risk of being seen." - -"Begorrah, but how are we going to manage it after all?" queried the -Irishman, with great surprise. - -"Wait until darkness, when we will run little chance of being seen by -those who are evidently watching for us." - -"And how will we find the way to the village, if you've no objection -to tell, as that long-legged Hezekiah used to say, when he asked a -question of us." - -"Easily enough by following the river. As the settlement is upon the -banks of the Ohio, we surely shall discover it if we do not stray off -into the woods." - -"Begorrah, but that's the plan fur yees." - -It was decided that the best course was for them to be on the move -at once, provided they could do so without incurring any additional -danger. The way to the river appeared to be the least frequented by -their foes and his plan was to approach this as near as convenient, -and follow closely its bank, keeping carefully under the cover of the -shrubbery and dense undergrowth. - -The river could be reached in half an hour at least, provided no -unexpected obstacle should present itself, and, with Waring taking the -lead, the three set out. - -The gallant guide could not restrain his misgivings, as he cautiously -stole through the woods, and, more than once, he debated with himself -whether it was not best to turn back, and wait for the cover of -darkness before attempting to reach the settlement. - -They had gone scarcely half the distance, when a paint-bedaubed -Shawanoe was discerned coming toward them. Signalling to those behind -him, Waring sank down to the ground, and, clutching the handle of his -knife, breathlessly awaited his approach. - -The head of the savage was bent, as though he was searching the ground -for something, and he was walking slowly, little dreaming that the very -ones he was so anxious to discover, were so nigh him. As fortunately, -indeed for himself, as for the whites, he changed his direction, and, -in a few moments, was out of sight. - -The fugitives resumed their painfully laborious flight, and finally -reached the river bank, rejoiced enough that, as yet, their enemies -had learned nothing of their whereabouts. Here, underneath the almost -impervious undergrowth, they felt more at ease than they had since they -had been joined by Waring. - -"What time might it be?" asked the Irishman. - -"Near the middle of the afternoon--if not later." - -"We'll stay here then until night. What say ye?" - -The proposal of Pat Mulroony coincided with what Waring deemed best -for the party, and accordingly, it was determined to remain in their -present position until night closed around them. - -The few hours that yet remained ere the protecting darkness could come, -were hours of the most painful suspense to the fugitives. Neither -of them hardly dared to stir from his hiding-place, and when they -conversed, it was only in the whispered words of fear. - -It may well be a question, whether the Shawanoes were really searching -for the whites, for it seemed barely possible that if such were the -case, they could have helped finding the trail. It was more probable -that the Indians had moved to this portion of the wood, and, those of -their number who had been seen, were only wandering hither and thither, -without any ostensible object. - -Be that as it may, the sun was still in the heavens, when the sharp -ears of Virginia Lander caught the sound of a footstep near them. -Touching Waring on the shoulder, she communicated the startling fact to -him, and he admonished the Irishman to maintain a strict silence. - -It was soon evident that an Indian was close at hand, and that he was -between the fugitives and the river--a position in which it was barely -possible for him to pass them, without both parties discovering each -other. It was manifest too, from the carelessness with which he was -proceeding, that he had no suspicion of the proximity of the whites. - -Soon, the form of the Shawanoe was discerned through the intricacies -of the bushes, and the fugitives, sinking down to the earth, kept -their eyes intently fixed upon him. From his manner, it was plain he -was searching for something, although whether that something was our -friends or some other object, they had no means of determining. He kept -his head down most of the time, occasionally looking up with a puzzled, -curious expression, at which time, so close was he, that the black -pupils of his basilisk eyes were plainly visible to the whites. - -A remarkable fact in regard to this Indian was, that he had no rifle -with him, and nothing except a knife carried in his girdle. This, -however, did not make him a less dangerous personage to the fugitives, -should they be discovered. A single yell from him would bring a horde -of the redskins upon them before even they could extricate themselves -from the bushes which sheltered them. - -What pen shall describe the emotions of the fugitives as they saw the -Shawanoe lower his eyes, and gaze straight through the bushes at -them--so straight, in fact, that Waring, who was nearest the river, -felt confident that he was looking directly at him. - -Still, he uttered no sound, and gave no evidence that he had discovered -anything unusual in the undergrowth before him, although Waring could -not comprehend how such could be the case, for the gaze of the Indian -was fixed steady and penetrating. - -Suddenly, the young man heard a movement behind him. He dared not turn -his head, but he suspected the meaning of it. It was soon explained by -the barrel of the Irishman's rifle appearing beside him. "Whist, till I -blow the haythen to the divil!" he whispered, as he cocked it. Waring -would not run the risk of reply; his words might be heard by other ears -than those for which they were intended. He placed the muzzle of the -gun against his side, and held it there firmly, so that it could not -be discharged without killing him. Pat Mulroony understood this mute -appeal, and relinquished his intention of shooting the savage. - -All at once, the Shawanoe gave forth a guttural "Ugh!" and approached -the fugitives. Pat tugged at the rifle, but Waring would not loosen -his grasp. Just as he was about to do so, under the belief that the -critical moment had arrived, the Indian stopped and drew something from -the bushes. Relief unspeakable! it was a canoe, and the whites still -remained undiscovered. - -Picking the frail vessel bodily from the ground, the Shawanoe carried -it to the water's edge, when, depositing it in the water, he seated -himself in it, and paddled away. - -"That Indian had the narrowest escape of his life!" remarked Waring, -when he had gone. - -"Ye spake the truth there," added Pat Mulroony, "and be the same token, -ye had the same narry 'scape yerself. I was on the p'int of aiming at -the haythen several times _through you_, and letting daylight through -ye both." - -Virginia looked horror-struck at the words of the Irishman, noticing -which, he whispered to her, (so loud, however, that Waring also caught -the words:) - -"It's only a joke, me leddy; I wouldn't hit the spalpeen, to save his -neck." - -In the course of an hour or so, it began to grow dark, and the -fugitives impatiently awaited the time when they could move from their -hiding-place. With the exception of the Indian mentioned, they saw -nothing of their enemies, although they occasionally heard a whoop or -halloo in the woods from them. - -The sky, which, up to noon had been clear and propitious, had become, -since then, darkened and overcast, and gave every sign of a coming -storm. Black, threatening clouds were sweeping tumultuously across the -heavens, and piling up in huge masses in the far-off horizon, where -they towered like the walls of some old unbattled castle, around whose -ramparts the serpentine lightning quivered like streams of blood. Faint -murmurings of thunder were constantly borne upon the air, and the -roaring of the wind in the forest sounded like the distant ocean. - -The darkness came on earlier than usual, thus hastened by the -marshaling of the storm-king's forces, and the three fugitives stole -from the bushes, and commenced their journey toward the settlement. - -The progress of the whites was necessarily slow, from the caution -exercised. For a considerable distance Waring led the way, when he -yielded to the earnest solicitation of Pat Mulroony, and allowed him to -take the advance, while he fell behind, and joined Virginia. - -"Keep up courage," he whispered to her. "We will soon be where we shall -have fewer obstacles to oppose us." - -"I am not tired," she replied. "Do not feel any anxiety upon my -account." - -The darkness had increased rapidly, and the whites began to take less -care as they moved along. Quite a strong wind came up the river, and -now and then, the flashes of lightning were vivid enough to reveal the -shore and stream to them, so that they were guided in a great measure -by this means. - -Waring was moving along, holding the hand of Virginia in his own, when -he suddenly encountered the Irishman, who had stopped walking. He was -about to demand the meaning of his acting thus, when he turned his -head, and whispered-- - -"Whist! I saan something then." - -"In what form did it appear?" - -"Look straight over me shoulder, and when the lightning shows itself -agin, tell me what ye saas." - -Waring did as requested. The lightning was incessant, but not sharp -enough to reveal the object that had attracted the notice of his -companion. All at once, however, a bright flame blazed out, and he saw, -but a rod or two away, an Indian seated in a canoe. The canoe lay close -under the bank, and the savage was seated in the stern, with his back -toward the whites, and, from his appearance, was evidently waiting for -some one. - -Waring felt sure that he was the Shawanoe that had caused them so much -alarm, and that, from his presence in this quarter, it was pretty -certain his companions were not far distant. While debating with -himself upon the best course for him safely to pass him, he felt the -Irishman moving away from him. - -"What do you intend to do?" he asked, as he arrested him. - -"Get that same canoe." - -"Get that canoe? What do you mean? How are you going to do it?" - -"Let me alone for that. I'll upset the haythen." - -"His friends may be closer at hand than you think." - -"Divil a bit does I care how close they be. I'll settle this matter -with him." - -"Well, go on, but be careful." - -The great convenience and advantage the canoe would be to the whites, -decided Waring to let the Irishman make an effort to gain possession of -it. - -Having warned him of the danger he ran, he trusted he had sense enough -to use all caution possible in the case. Nevertheless, it was with some -misgivings that he saw him glide away and disappear in the darkness. - -The flash of lightning which had revealed the solitary Indian to the -Irishman, had brought his appearance and situation so vividly to his -sight, that he could constantly see him, and felt as much assurance in -moving toward him as if it were broad daylight. - -Step by step he approached, literally feeling every inch of the way, -for a single misstep would prove fatal. The snapping of a twig, a slip -of his foot in the water, and the vigilant Indian would be on his guard. - -Closer and closer approached the Irishman, until he had gained the -proper point. Then straightening himself up, he drew back his ponderous -fist, and concentrating all his strength, gave him a blow that sent him -heels over head out into the water. - -"That's what I call a gentle hint fur yees to l'ave." - -A few moments later, the party were in the boat, and gliding rapidly -with the current. - -After floating a few moments in silence, Waring said-- - -"You and Hezekiah never knew each other until a few days since, I -believe." - -"No; nor we don't know each other yit." - -"He was a singular character, too--odd and eccentric; but as true and -faithful as steel. He made a terrible fight before he gave up to those -savages. It seems as though I am partly responsible for his death." - -"Hallo!" exclaimed the Irishman. "Look yonder jist!" - -As he spoke, he pointed down stream. The canoe had just rounded a bend -in the river, and a large camp-fire was visible upon the Kentucky side. -It was so large and vigorous, that its light was thrown clear across -upon the other bank, the surface of the water glistening like silver. -Through this broad band of light, it was necessary, of course, that the -fugitives pass, and run a second risk of discovery. - -The lightning had almost ceased, but a strong wind was blowing, and -the huge flame of the camp-fire could be seen surging to and fro, like -the waves of a tempest-tossed sea. Dark figures now and then passed -between it and the river, and their huge, grotesque shadows quivered on -the surface, like monstrous phantoms. - -Slowly and noiselessly, the canoe drifted into the broad belt of light, -and the fugitives almost held their breath. - -The eyes of Waring and Pat Mulroony were naturally fixed upon the -camp-fire and its surroundings, but, from some cause which she could -never explain, Virginia felt an apprehension, which amounted to a -certainty, that all was not right upon the bank which was so near to -them, and she kept her gaze fixed in that direction. - -And while thus looking, she discovered, plainly and distinctly, the -form of a tall Indian, standing upon the very edge of the river, -seemingly intent upon watching the canoe. He did not move, or make any -demonstration toward its occupants, and remained perfectly motionless -until he had faded out of sight in the darkness. - -As the fugitives reached the protecting darkness again, confident that -they had not been discovered, Waring drew a sigh of relief, and said: - -"We need have no fear now. That fire has never been started by the -Shawanoes with the intention of receiving any assistance from it in -recapturing us. I think I may safely say we are out of all danger." - -"I feel so relieved," said Virginia. "It seems as though I had suffered -a hundred deaths since that dreadful night. How soon may we expect to -reach the settlement, Luther?" - -"I cannot tell you precisely, but in three hours, I should say, at the -furthest. What do you think, Pat?" - -"Never having been in this region, I find it rather difficult to answer -your question, as the minister said, when the old woman axed him how -Jonah felt in the whale's belly." - -"I forgot; you told me that before. However, I cannot be far out of the -way in my guess." - -"Is it not singular, Luther, that, if we are so close to the village, -these Indians also should be?" - -"Not at all. I have no doubt that there are hundreds within half a mile -of it. On an exposed frontier it is always thus. Without good defences, -brave hearts, and trusty rifles, such a place would not be safe from -destruction for a single hour." - -"Whisht!" interrupted the Irishman. "If I didn't hear the tramp of one -of the haythens on shore, I'll never tip another shillaleh!" - -"I heard it, too--the snapping of a twig," added Virginia. - -"The same, jist--one of the dogs is follying us." - -"That is not probable. What could he gain by such a course?" - -"Larn the way to that sittlement of which yees were spaking." - -"I should not wonder if Pat were right," said Virginia. "I have heard -evidence of his presence several times." - -"Let us listen. The wind may have made all the sounds you have heard." - -For the space of fifteen or twenty minutes, the whites maintained -silence, but there was nothing heard farther, and they fell to -conversing again. - -The situation of our friends, although not without the grand comforter, -hope, was still gloomy and impressive. On either hand, the dark, -frowning forests loomed up and the wind sighing through them, made -wildly-mournful music--now roaring like a hurricane, and then dying -away in a hollow, desolate moaning. Occasionally the sharp scream of -some wild animal was borne forward upon the night wind, and once or -twice the reports of rifles showed that the Indian, the far wilder -animal of the two, was "abroad upon the night." - -The wind raised small waves upon the surface of the river, and they -rippled along the shore, and around the projecting roots of the trees -that grew upon the banks. Even their own voices sounded differently -upon this wild night. But they were sustained by the prospect of -speedy deliverance and shelter, and were more hopeful than they had -been since their first memorable disaster. - -In the course of half an hour the river made another bend, and the wind -now blew directly up stream. The onward motion of the canoe grew less -and less, and finally it stopped altogether. - -"This will never do," said Waring, when he had satisfied himself how -matters stood. "It will be a long while before we reach the settlement -at this rate." - -"Let's put into shore, and scare up some kind of paddle for each of us -to go to work with." - -"I am afraid that we could not accomplish much, Pat; the only course is -for us to land, and make the rest of the journey on foot? Do you feel -able to walk a mile or two, Virginia?" - -"Walk a mile or two?" she repeated, "if necessary, a dozen of them, -when cheered by the hope that animates us!" - -"A noble girl! Help me in with the canoe, then, Pat." - -Using their hands vigorously, as they had done once or twice before, -the boat gradually approached the shore, until it had run in under the -limb of a tree, which was seized by Pat, and held while the other two -disembarked. Then kicking the canoe from beneath him, the Irishman also -sprang to land, and stood among his friends. - -"Shall we kape close in the wather, or off from it always?" he asked. - -"The undergrowth seems to be the densest by the river, and as I see no -need of remaining by it, we will go further into the woods, where it -will be less difficult to walk." - -Accordingly the three moved further away, where the wood was more -open, and for some time they encountered little obstruction in their -journeying. The Irishman, as usual, brought up the rear, now and then -giving vent to some original remark, and occasionally indulging in -snatches of song. - -Waring was about to speak to his companion, when he felt her grasp his -arm with incredible power, and startled nearly out of his senses, he -turned toward her: - -"What's the matter, Virginia?" he asked. - -"Oh!" she gasped in a tremor "I saw that Indian just now." - -"Where?" - -"Here, right beside me." - -"Did you see him, Pat?" asked Waring, grasping his rifle, and peering -round in the darkness. - -"No, but I heard the hay----" - -"There! there he is again!" she interrupted, pointing in front of them. - -Waring caught a glimpse of a dark form, and ere he could precisely -locate it, he saw Pal Mulroony bound forward like a ball, and the next -instant the two were grappled together in a hand-to-hand struggle. - -The impetuous onslaught of the Irishman was irresistible, and he bore -his opponent to the ground, and seated himself astride of him. Whipping -out his knife, he fairly shrieked: - -"Say yer prayers quick, for you've got only a second and a half to say -'em in!" - -"If you've no objection, I should like to know why ye can't give a -little longer time?" asked the familiar, whining voice of Hezekiah -Smith! - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -CONCLUSION. - - -There was no mistaking the voice. It was Hezekiah Smith himself, beyond -a doubt. Stooping down so as to obtain a glimpse of his features, the -Irishman peered into his face for a moment, and then releasing him, -said: - -"It's that long-legged chap as was killed, or else I ain't Pat -Mulroony!" - -"Is it possible that that is you?" asked Waring, placing his hand upon -his shoulder, and feeling of his face and arms. - -"I've a strong suspicion now that I'm the identical, and precisely the -same personage that you took so much pain to kiver up in that same -gorge," replied Hezekiah. - -"Let us strike a fire, and sit down and have a talk," said Waring. -"This is too good fortune, indeed." - -Branches and twigs were soon collected, and a fire started. Seating -themselves by it, the reunited friends gazed into each other's faces. -To the surprise of all, Hezekiah Smith was attired in the dress of a -Shawanoe Indian. - -"What is the meaning of this?" asked Waring, pointing at his costume. - -"A stroke of my genius," replied the New Englander; "considered as an -idea original with myself, I think it reflects credit upon me." - -"But let us hear the particulars of your escape." - -"They don't amount to much," said Hezekiah. "The p'int is just here. -You know I had an all-fired row on that precipice. Drat me, if that -wan't the greatest scrape I ever got into in all my life. I dug, and -kicked, and pulled, and twisted, and gouged, and bit, and rolled with -that last Injun, but it wan't no use. When he went over, I had to go -over, too. Well, there! it was _sublime_, spinning down through the -dizzy air with that Shawanoe fast to me! I had more ecstacy in them one -or two seconds, then I've had in all the rest of my life. - -"As it happened, the Injin fell under me, and was knocked into a jelly, -though, for that matter, I had settled his hash for him before he went -over. I'd advise you to believe now that I was bruised slightly, and -for a few minutes I seen nothing but stars, and heard nothing but the -queerest kind of music in my head. - -"When I came to myself somebody was drawing me along the ground. -Thinking as how it must be one of the dratted imps, I just kept my eyes -shet, and let him pull away. Bimeby he let me drap, and piled me over -with dirt and stones. I heard him mutter something, but I kept my eyes -closed up all the time; he never thought I was playing possum. - -"Arter he'd been gone some time, it struck me all at once that that -had been you who had taken sich pains with me. You'd better believe I -opened my eyes then, and crawled out of that place in a hurry. The way -the stones and dirt flew, you'd have thought a barrel of powder had -been tetched off. - -"But you'd been gone too long fur me to find you, though I tried hard -enough to do it. I follered you a good ways into the woods, and had to -give it up at last. I leaned up agin a tree, and was thinking about -it----" - -"That was you, then, Pat and I saw, and he wanted to shoot so bad. You -had a narrow escape." - -"I s'pose it was me. I soon found the redskins was too thick in them -parts, so I crept down by the river, and waited fur night. Some time -after dark, I heerd one of the scamps screech, followed by the crack of -their rifles. I knowed you must be in some scrape, so I hurried down -the river, but couldn't see anything of you. Walking down the bank some -minutes arter, I thought I heard somebody speak on the river, so I kept -going down the shore, and listenin' like. - -"Opposite where that big fire was, I seen the canoe, but there was -three persons in it. I couldn't understand how that could be, and was -afraid to show myself." - -"I saw you," said Virginia, smiling, "but I told no one of it." - -"I kept along by you, howsumever, and at last seen you land." - -"You must have known us, then, surely." - -"Yes, I did; but just for a little fun, I thought I'd scare you a bit, -and, by thunder, I reckon it was me that got the most scart, when Pat -pounced upon me out there." - -"But you have not told us about this Indian dress." - -"I forgot that. It struck me that, being there was so many Injins -about, it would be a good idea to put on one of their dresses. It -might come handy, you know. One of the dead redskins was just my size, -and I changed costumes with him, leaving him, of course, to put the -clothes on for himself, as I did with them I got. I believe they have -kept me out of danger several times since I put them on. But how about -this fire burning here? Ain't there some danger of its being seen?" - -"I took pains to screen it from observation, and I have no fears," -replied Waring. "I tell you what I propose," he added. "The woods -are so dark, and as none of us know the way, it is more likely that -we shall be entirely lost if we keep on in this manner. Suppose, -therefore, we spend the night here?" - -This proposal being agreed to by all, the preparations were made for -carrying it out. A couch of boughs and leaves were made near the fire -for Virginia, upon which a blanket or two were spread, and upon which, -a few minutes later, the wearied and exhausted girl was sound asleep. -The others seated themselves around the fire, to spend several hours in -chatting and conversation. - -"A few hours ago," said Waring, addressing Pat Mulroony, "you were upon -the point of explaining something in regard to yourself, when you were -interrupted by the discovery of a new danger. Perhaps, while we are -seated here, you'll give us the reason that induced you to come into -this wild country." - -The Irishman smiled: - -"It's little I have to tell, as the deaf and dumb man said. It's thrue -I niver have been out in these parts before; but I've thraveled over -considerable of the wilderness in the last few years. You know there be -signs of another Injin war, and I've been sint here as a private agent -of Mad Anthony, to larn what is to be larned." - -"_That's what I am!_" exclaimed Hezekiah Smith. - -Seeing that his hearers appealed incredulous, Smith added: - -"Such is the fact. I had a love adventure at home, which sent me out -here, and that's why I'm rather green. I was sent in these parts at my -special request." - -"Begorrah, but we goes togither after this," said Pat Mulroony. - -The two grasped hands. - -"It strikes me," said Hezekiah Smith, "that while we've larned -considerable of these redskins, it ain't quite enough to suit the -General. I propose, therefore, we start out agin." - -Despite Waring's protestations, these two eccentric individuals -insisted upon departing at once. Although much bruised, Hezekiah would -not consent to go to the settlement, until he could fully recover, nor -would he allow Virginia Lander to be awakened, in order to bid him -good-by. Assuring him whom they left behind, that he should hear from -them again, the two worthies arose, and passed out in the darkness -together. - -At the earliest sign of day, our hero and heroine were again _en -route_, and in the course of an hour, came in sight of the settlement. -Their destination--the long wished and prayed for goal--was reached. -Painful and terrible had been their sufferings on the way, but they -had been rewarded at last. Arm-and-arm the two entered this village of -the wilderness, as hand-in-hand they entered upon the great journey of -life, and went up the hill-side, and, finally, down through the Dark -Valley into the eternal life beyond. - - -THE END. - - - - -DIME POCKET NOVELS. - -PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY, AT TEN CENTS EACH. - - - 1--Hawkeye Harry. By Oll Coomes. - 2--Dead Shot. By Albert W. Aiken. - 3--The Boy Miners. By Edward S. Ellis. - 4--Blue Dick. By Capt. Mayne Reid. - 5--Nat Wolfe. By Mrs. M.V. Victor. - 6--The White Tracker. Edward S. Ellis. - 7--The Outlaw's Wife. Mrs. Ann S. Stephens. - 8--The Tall Trapper. By Albert W. Aiken. - 9--Lightning Jo. By Capt. Adams. - 10--The Island Pirate. By Capt. Mayne Reid. - 11--The Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes. - 12--Bess, the Trapper. By E.S. Ellis. - 13--The French Spy. By W.J. Hamilton. - 14--Long Shot. By Capt. Comstock. - 15--The Gunmaker. By James L. Bowen. - 16--Red Hand. By A.G. Piper. - 17--Ben, the Trapper. By Lewis W. Carson. - 18--Wild Raven. By Oll Coomes. - 19--The Specter Chief. By Seelin Robins. - 20--The B'ar-Killer. By Capt. Comstock. - 21--Wild Nat. By Wm. R. Eyster. - 22--Indian Jo. By Lewis W. Carson. - 23--Old Kent, the Ranger. Edward S. Ellis. - 24--The One-Eyed Trapper. Capt. Comstock. - 25--Godbold, the Spy. By N.C. Iron. - 26--The Black Ship. By John S. Warner. - 27--Single Eye. By Warren St. John. - 28--Indian Jim. By Edward S. Ellis. - 29--The Scout. By Warren St. John. - 30--Eagle Eye. By W.J. Hamilton. - 31--The Mystic Canoe. By Edward S. Ellis. - 32--The Golden Harpoon. By R. Starbuck. - 33--The Scalp King. By Lieut. Ned Hunter. - 34--Old Lute. By E.W. Archer. - 35--Rainbolt, Ranger. By Oll Coomes. - 36--The Boy Pioneer. By Edward S. Ellis. - 37--Carson, the Guide. By J.H. Randolph. - 38--The Heart Eater. By Harry Hazard. - 39--Wetzel, the Scout. By Boynton Belknap. - 40--The Huge Hunter. By Ed. S. Ellis. - 41--Wild Nat, the Trapper. Paul Prescott. - 42--Lynx-cap. By Paul Bibbs. - 43--The White Outlaw. By Harry Hazard. - 44--The Dog Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. - 45--The Elk King. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 46--Adrian, the Pilot. By Col. P. Ingraham. - 47--The Man-hunter. By Maro O. Rolfe. - 48--The Phantom Tracker. By F. Dewey. - 49--Moccasin Bill. By Paul Bibbs. - 50--The Wolf Queen. By Charles Howard. - 51--Tom Hawk, the Trailer. - 52--The Mad Chief. By Chas. Howard. - 53--The Black Wolf. By Edwin E. Ewing. - 54--Arkansas Jack. By Harry Hazard. - 55--Blackbeard. By Paul Bibbs. - 56--The River Rifles. By Billex Muller. - 57--Hunter Ham. By J. Edgar Iliff. - 58--Cloudwood. By J.M. Merrill. - 59--The Texas Hawks. By Jos. E. Bager, Jr. - 60--Merciless Mat. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 61--Mad Anthony's Scouts. By E. Rodman. - 62--The Luckless Trapper. W.R. Eyster. - 63--The Florida Scout. Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 64--The Island Trapper. Chas. Howard. - 65--Wolf-Cap. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 66--Rattling Dick. By Harry Hazard. - 67--Sharp-Eye. By Major Max Martine. - 68--Iron-Hand. By Frederick Forest. - 69--The Yellow Hunter. By Chas. Howard. - 70--The Phantom Rider. By Maro O. Rolfe. - 71--Delaware Tom. By Harry Hazard. - 72--Silver Rifle. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 73--The Skeleton Scout. Maj. L.W. Carson. - 74--Little Rifle. By Capt. "Bruin" Adams. - 75--The Wood Witch. By Edwin Emerson. - 76--Old Ruff, the Trapper. "Bruin" Adams. - 77--The Scarlet Shoulders. Harry Hazard. - 78--The Border Rifleman. L.W. Carson. - 79--Outlaw Jack. By Harry Hazard. - 80--Tiger-Tail, the Seminole. R. Ringwood. - 81--Death-Dealer. By Arthur L. Meserve. - 82--Kenton, the Ranger. By Chas. Howard. - 83--The Specter Horseman. Frank Dewey. - 84--The Three Trappers. Seelin Robbins. - 85--Kaleolah. By T. Benton Shields, U.S.N. - 86--The Hunter Hercules. Harry St. George. - 87--Phil Hunter. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 88--The Indian Scout. By Harry Hazard. - 89--The Girl Avenger. By Chas. Howard. - 90--The Red Hermitess. By Paul Bibbs. - 91--Star-Face, the Slayer. - 92--The Antelope Boy. By Geo. L. Aiken. - 93--The Phantom Hunter. By E. Emerson. - 94--Tom Pintle, the Pilot. By M. Klapp. - 95--The Red Wizard. By Ned Hunter. - 96--The Rival Trappers. By L.W. Carson. - 97--The Squaw Spy. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 98--Dusky Dick. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 99--Colonel Crockett. By Chas. E. Lasalle. - 100--Old Bear Paw. By Major Max Martine. - 101--Redlaw. By Jos. F. Badger, Jr. - 102--Wild Rube. By W.J. Hamilton. - 103--The Indian Hunters. By J.L. Bowen. - 104--Scarred Eagle. By Andrew Dearborn. - 105--Nick Doyle. By P. Hamilton Myers. - 106--The Indian Spy. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 107--Job Dean. By Ingoldsby North. - 108--The Wood King. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 109--The Scalped Hunter. By Harry Hazard. - 110--Nick, the Scout. By W.J. Hamilton. - 111--The Texas Tiger. By Edward Willett. - 112--The Crossed Knives. By Hamilton. - 113--Tiger-Heart, the Tracker. By Howard. - 114--The Masked Avenger. By Ingraham. - 115--The Pearl Pirates. By Starbuck. - 116--Black Panther. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 117--Abdiel the Avenger. By Ed. Willett. - 118--Cato, the Creeper. By Fred. Dewey. - 119--Two-Handed Mat. By Jos. E. Badger. - 120--Mad Trail Hunter. By Harry Hazard. - 121--Black Nick. By Frederick Whittaker. - 122--Kit Bird. By W.J. Hamilton. - 123--The Specter Riders. By Geo. Gleason. - 124--Giant Pete. By W.J. Hamilton. - 125--The Girl Captain. By Jos. E. Badger. - 126--Yankee Eph. By J.R. Worcester. - 127--Silverspur. By Edward Willett. - 128--Squatter Dick. By Jos. E. Badger. - 129--The Child Spy. By George Gleason. - 130--Mink Coat. By Jos. E. Badger. - 131--Red Plume. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 132--Clyde, the Trailer. By Maro O. Rolfe. - 133--The Lost Cache. J. Stanley Henderson. - 134--The Cannibal Chief. Paul J. Prescott. - 135--Karaibo. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 136--Scarlet Moccasin. By Paul Bibbs. - 137--Kidnapped. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 138--Maid of the Mountain. By Hamilton. - 139--The Scioto Scouts. By Ed. Willett. - 140--The Border Renegade. By Badger. - 141--The Mute Chief. By C.D. Clark. - 142--Boone, the Hunter. By Whittaker. - 143--Mountain Kate. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 144--The Red Scalper. By W.J. Hamilton. - 145--The Lone Chief. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 146--The Silver Bugle. Lieut. Col. Hazleton. - 147--Chinga, the Cheyenne. By Edward S. Ellis. Ready - 148--The Tangled Trail. By Major Max Martine. Ready - 149--The Unseen Hand. By J. Stanley Henderson. Ready - 150--The Lone Indian. By Capt. Chas. Howard. Ready - 151--The Branded Brave. By Paul Bibbs. Ready - 152--Billy Bowlegs, the Seminole Chief. Ready April 20th. - 153--The Valley Scout. By Seelin Robins. Ready May 4. - 154--Red Jacket, the Huron. By Paul Bibbs. Ready May 18th. - - -BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAD ANTHONY’S SCOUTS; OR, THE -RANGERS OF KENTUCKY *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - 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. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that: - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation's website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without -widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/68482-0.zip b/old/68482-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 735ba4c..0000000 --- a/old/68482-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/68482-h.zip b/old/68482-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c5ffd41..0000000 --- a/old/68482-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/68482-h/68482-h.htm b/old/68482-h/68482-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 8246873..0000000 --- a/old/68482-h/68482-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4604 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Mad Anthony's Scouts, by Emerson Rodman. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -.small { - font-size: small} - -.medium { - font-size: medium} - -.large { - font-size: large} - -.x-large { - font-size: x-large} - - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} -.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} -.p6 {margin-top: 6em;} - -.ph1, .ph2, .ph3, .ph4 { text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; } -.ph1 { font-size: xx-large; margin: .67em auto; } -.ph2 { font-size: x-large; margin: .75em auto; } -.ph3 { font-size: large; margin: .83em auto; } -.ph4 { font-size: medium; margin: 1.12em auto; } -.ph5 { font-size: small; margin: 1.12em auto;text-align: center; } -.ph6 { font-size: x-small; margin: 1.12em auto;text-align: center; } - - - - - - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%} -hr.full {width: 95%;} - -hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} -hr.r65 {width: 65%; margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em;} - - - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - .tdl {text-align: left;} - .tdr { vertical-align: bottom; - text-align: right;} - .tdc {text-align: center;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; -} /* page numbers */ - - - - - - - -.bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} - -.bl {border-left: solid 2px;} - -.bt {border-top: solid 2px;} - -.br {border-right: solid 2px;} - -.bbox {border: solid 2px;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.u {text-decoration: underline;} - - - - -.caption {text-align: center;} - - - - - - -/* Footnotes */ -.footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} - -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - - - - - - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - -@media handheld { - .hidehand {display: none; visibility: hidden;} -} - - - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Mad Anthony’s scouts; or, The rangers of Kentucky, by Emerson Rodman</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: Mad Anthony’s scouts; or, The rangers of Kentucky</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>Beadle’s pocket novels No. 61</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Emerson Rodman</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: July 9, 2022 [eBook #68482]</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, Graeme Mackreth 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 MAD ANTHONY’S SCOUTS; OR, THE RANGERS OF KENTUCKY ***</div> - - - - - - - - -<p class="ph1">MAD ANTHONY'S SCOUTS;</p> - -<p class="ph5" style="margin-top: 5em;">OR,</p> - -<p class="ph2" style="margin-top: 5em;">THE RANGERS OF KENTUCKY.</p> - -<p class="ph3" style="margin-top: 10em;">BY EMERSON RODMAN.</p> - -<p class="ph5" style="margin-top: 10em;">NEW YORK:</p> -<p class="ph4">BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS,</p> -<p class="ph5">98 WILLIAM STREET.</p> - - - - - - -<p class="ph6" style="margin-top: 15em;">Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by</p> -<p class="ph5">FRANK STARR & CO.,</p> -<p class="ph6">In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.</p> - - - - -<p style="margin-top: 10em;"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph2">MAD ANTHONY'S SCOUTS;</p> - -<p class="ph4">OR,</p> - -<p class="ph2">THE RANGERS OF KENTUCKY.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER I.</p> - -<p class="center">COMRADES OF THE FOREST.</p> - - -<p>"Haow dew yeou dew, cap.?"</p> - -<p>"Fine, yer honor; and how is yerself?"</p> - -<p>A tall, spare specimen of the backwoodsman, who was sitting by -a smouldering camp-fire, had arisen and grasped the hand of a -genial-faced Irishman, who was also clad in the habiliments of the -forest.</p> - -<p>"My name is Smith, Hezekiah Smith," said the former, "What is yours?"</p> - -<p>"Pat Mulroony, lately from Tipperary, Ireland, may it plase yer honor."</p> - -<p>"Haow did you—how was it you came to find me, if I may be allowed to -inquire?" asked Smith, peering round in his face.</p> - -<p>"I was jist thraveling through the forest, when I spied the shmoke -of fire, and says I to meself, says I, 'There's ayther some graan -youngster, or a band of haythen, as doesn't care who saas their -camp-fire,' and with that, I pokes around in the wood till I spies you -cookin' your legs over the blaze, when I knows by the swate expression -of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> yer countenance, that ye was a gintleman, and, bedad, I finds I was -right."</p> - -<p>"What might you be doing? What's your business?" pursued Smith, -laboring under a great curiosity.</p> - -<p>"Faith, I'm an <i>adventoorer</i>, as the convict said. I've been wanderin' -in these parts for siveral wakes, without catchin' glimpse of a white -skin, till I came upon you."</p> - -<p>"That ain't what I mean. What brought you out here in the first place?"</p> - -<p>"Me legs," replied the Irishman, decidedly.</p> - -<p>"Just so, just so; if you've no objection, I'd like to know your -<i>motive</i>, not meaning any offence at all."</p> - -<p>"Begorrah, but ye're axin' too much," replied Pat, with a shake of his -head. "Niver ye mind the <i>indoocement</i> that I has for taking to the -woods. If I may be so bold, what was the same motive that brought -yerself here?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing in particular—nothing in particular," replied Smith, as if -the subject was distasteful to him.</p> - -<p>It was plain that both of these characters had a secret history—a -history which each was determined should remain a secret with himself. -The short conversation recorded above had been sufficient for this -fact to become evident to both, and as if by mutual consent, neither -made any further reference to it. It sufficed that they were white, -civilized beings, wanderers in a dangerous territory, where neither, -for an hour, could be assured of his own safety, and where both lacked -the great safeguard of experience. This was enough to make them firm -and fast friends at once.</p> - -<p>"Are you baound up or down the river," queried Hezekiah Smith, refering -to the Ohio, which was but a few hundred yards distant.</p> - -<p>"Faith, it's little difference where I'm bound, as the man said when -then the haythen Injuns bound him to the stake. How is it wid yerself?"</p> - -<p>"I'm goin' daown."</p> - -<p>"So is meself, if ye's willin' to accept of me company."</p> - -<p>"I'm right glad to have you, for I care mighty little abaout goin' -much further in this all-fired country, without<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> some one to keep me -company. It's the <i>ornerest</i> piece of country I ever seed in all my -born days."</p> - -<p>"As we agraas so well on the principles, be the same token, we'll agraa -on the partic'lars. I'm thinkin' I've seen more of this country pra'ps, -than ye has yerself, but it's a mighty little I've seen, after all. -But, be the howly powers, it's meself knows enough not to kindle a fire -in broad daylight, in these parts."</p> - -<p>"But, Pat, s'pose you fall in the creek, and get wet, as I did—how in -the name of human nature are you to dry yourself?"</p> - -<p>"Dry yourself, is it?" repeated the Irishman, surveying his friend from -head to foot; "and what is it ye wishes to dry yerself fur? Bedad, -you'll find, if you're long in these parts, you'll have to go wet and -hungry more than once."</p> - -<p>"About what time do you suppose it might be?" asked Hezekiah Smith, -after a moment's pause.</p> - -<p>Pat Mulroony squinted one eye up to the sky, as if he was looking at -the face of a clock, and answered:</p> - -<p>"It lacks an hour or so yet of noon. Are ye cravin' something to ate?"</p> - -<p>"O ginger, no! S'pose we set out upon our journey, as I don't exactly -see how we're goin' to gain anything by standing here."</p> - -<p>"Who laids the way?"</p> - -<p>"I'll follow you, as you know more of the woods than I do."</p> - -<p>Pat Mulroony struck out toward the Ohio River, closely followed by -Hezekiah Smith. Each took long, regular strides, frequently snapping -the twigs beneath their feet in spite of the care and caution exercised -by each. They were two noticeable personages as they thus pressed -forward, each with a long, beautiful rifle slung over his shoulder, and -each attired in a demi-savage dress. The New Englander being some five -or six inches the taller, was constantly peering over the shoulders of -his leader, his curiosity being almost sufficient several times to make -him take the lead himself.</p> - -<p>They had walked some distance, when Hezekiah caught<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> the shimmer of -water through the trees, and knew they were approaching the Ohio. -Moving several yards further, they were almost upon the bank, when Pat -Mulroony fell flat upon his face as suddenly as if his feet had been -tripped from beneath, and Smith, perfectly dum-founded at this curious -movement, gazed bewildered at him for a second. Then thinking he had -fallen and injured himself, he stooped to assist him to his feet. -Motioning him off, Pat spoke rapidly in a ghostly whisper:</p> - -<p>"Drop down on yer face! hide quick! down wid ye! quick! quick! the -devil himself is coming down the river."</p> - -<p>This overwhelming intelligence caused Hezekiah also to "come down," -as suddenly as the Irishman, and for a moment nothing but the deep -breathing of each could have been heard. But at the end of that time, -the curiosity of Smith began to show itself.</p> - -<p>"What does he look like, Pat?"</p> - -<p>"Did you ever set eyes on a tappin-snarkle?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; one of them once bit half of my big toe off, when I was wadin' in -a mill-pond."</p> - -<p>"Well, bedad, when I cotched the glimpse of him, he looked like a -tappin-snarkle, as big as a house."</p> - -<p>The curiosity of Hezekiah Smith was roused to its highest pitch. Such a -dreadful monster as had been seen by the Irishman, if coming down the -river, must soon pass before his view also; and he accordingly lifted -his head slowly, until he had raised it and his shoulders perhaps a -couple of feet, when he suddenly dropped it again, as if a thousand -pound weight had fallen upon his head.</p> - -<p>"Did ye see it?" inquired Pat, not daring to lift his own head.</p> - -<p>"No; but I was afraid it might see me," replied Hezekiah, slowly -raising his head again.</p> - -<p>Taking courage from his immunity, Pat Mulroony gradually straightened -his arm until he had brought his head nearly on a level with his -companion's, when they both looked long and searchingly through the -trees, but with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>out discovering the Satanic personage that had been -announced.</p> - -<p>While gazing thus, a sudden rushing sound was heard, and the heads -of our two friends dropped so suddenly that Hezekiah bit his tongue -sorely, and the chin of the Irishman dented far into the earth.</p> - -<p>"Jerusalem! he hadn't wings, had he?" asked Hezekiah, turning his face -around so as to speak to the Irishman.</p> - -<p>"He was paddlin' when I saw him, and was too big to flit among the -trees here—howly mother! there he comes agin!"</p> - -<p>As he spoke, several quails sped overhead with that whirring noise -peculiar to the bird. This explained the cause of their fright.</p> - -<p>Familiarity with danger breeds contempt, and our two friends, gathering -courage every moment, again raised their heads, and looked steadily -and unflinchingly out among the trees upon the river. And while thus -engaged, they saw what at first appeared to be a small house floating -down the river. As it drifted slowly past, the two rose to their feet, -and ventured nearer the shore.</p> - -<p>"O thunder!" exclaimed Hezekiah Smith, with a sigh of relief, "that's -what they call a flat-boat."</p> - -<p>"How do you know?" asked Pat; "ye says ye have never been in these -parts, and how do you know what one is?"</p> - -<p>"When I was at Pittsburgh, I seen two set out down the river, and they -looked just like that."</p> - -<p>"Be jabers! if it's a flat-boat there must be some one aboard of it," -added Pat, his countenance lighting up; "and if there's some one aboard -of it, be the same token, there's a chance of our getting down the -river."</p> - -<p>Hopeful and joyous, both scrambled headlong down the bank with the -brilliant idea in their heads. The flat-boat was in the centre of the -current, and, had the appearance of a square box; or, perhaps, a better -idea of it could be given by comparing it to a cabin resting upon a -scow, whose gunwales run higher than usual on every side. A long,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> -sweeping oar was hung at either end, for the purpose of keeping the -vessel in the channel, and guiding it through eddies and dangerous -passages in the river. Not a living soul upon it was visible.</p> - -<p>"Drat the luck!" exclaimed Hezekiah Smith, after stumbling along the -shore for several minutes.</p> - -<p>"Be the powers, but we'll <i>boord</i> the craft, and take possession!"</p> - -<p>Hezekiah caught at the idea, and had already stepped into the water to -carry it into execution, when Pat, with an exclamation of astonishment -and alarm, caught him by the shoulder and drew him back.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER II.</p> - -<p class="center">BOARDING THE FLAT-BOAT.</p> - - -<p>The cause of Pat's alarm was immediately manifest to Hezekiah. The head -and shoulders of a man were visible on the flat-boat, as was also the -muzzle of a rifle he held in his hand. Thinking he was about to speak -or fire, our two friends drew back and waited for his words. To their -surprise, however, his head almost immediately disappeared, and their -most urgent calls and entreaties could not induce him to show himself -again.</p> - -<p>By this time, the flat-boat had drifted some distance below them, and -they ran down the bank so as to recover their lost ground.</p> - -<p>"We've got to <i>boord</i> it," said Pat, as they took their station.</p> - -<p>"How is it to be done?"</p> - -<p>"Why, you jist wade out and climb up the side."</p> - -<p>"And what are you going to do?"</p> - -<p>"I'll stay on the bank to cover your retrate if you gits licked."</p> - -<p>"Cover my retreat," repeated Hezekiah, as if he found it difficult to -understand the exact meaning of his friend.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Suppose that man fires at me and kills me?"</p> - -<p>"Be that token, Pat Mulroony will consider that it's dangerous for him -to follow yees, and will retrate, like a wise gineral, into the woods."</p> - -<p>Hezekiah still debated whether it was his duty to run such a risk for -the benefit of his companion or not, but finally compromised the matter -by offering to carry him upon his back.</p> - -<p>"The water ain't very deep," said he, "and as my legs are a yard or two -the longest, I'll keep you dry, and you'll run the same chance of being -struck that I will."</p> - -<p>"It's a bargain," said Pat, immediately mounting the back of Hezekiah.</p> - -<p>For the convenience of the latter, the Irishman took the guns of -both, and with his heavy load upon his back, Hezekiah Smith stepped -cautiously into the river. He had entered it some distance below the -flat-boat, so that he would have no trouble in intercepting it, and he -now strided as rapidly as possible through the water.</p> - -<p>He had gone, perhaps, two-thirds of the distance, and the water reached -almost to his waist, when the head of the man on the flat-boat again -appeared, and pointing his rifle over it, he called out:</p> - -<p>"You infernal decoys, what do you mean by coming out here? I'll give -you just two seconds to reach the shore again, and if you come a foot -nearer, I'll blow daylight through you."</p> - -<p>Instead of turning round and retreating, Hezekiah ducked his head at -this sudden command, so as to bring the Irishman as a sort of shield -before him. Throwing him too far forward, the consequence was, that -Pat went completely over his head into the water. At sight of this -discomfiture of both, the man in the flat-boat evidently concluded -their presence could be of little danger to him, and accordingly called -out.</p> - -<p>"Come out to the boat, and I'll help you on board."</p> - -<p>"Murther! Can't ye pick us up?" cried Pat, floundering through -the water. It being very manifest that such a feat, under the -circumstances, was impossible, our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> two friends made the best of their -way forward, and upon reaching the side of the boat were assisted on -board by the man who, a few minutes before, had ordered them away so -peremptorily.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" he demanded, as soon as they had recovered breath.</p> - -<p>"Patrick Mulroony, from Tipperary, Ireland, at your service, sir."</p> - -<p>"Hezekiah Smith, also."</p> - -<p>"Isn't there any one else ashore?"</p> - -<p>"Not that we knows of. Are you the only one on these premises?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, you will see my companions shortly."</p> - -<p>The speaker was a young man of rather prepossessing address, one who, -to judge from appearances, was as much a stranger in these wilds, as -our two friends, who have been already introduced to the reader.</p> - -<p>He was attired in a plain, homespun dress, such as, at the period of -which we write, were more often seen in civilized communities, than as -far west as this portion of the Ohio. He had a keen, black eye, dark, -flowing hair, a pleasant face, considerably embrowned, and bearing -the unmistakeable impress of a firm will, and iron determination. He -scanned his visitors as they came aboard, and seemed to gather from a -glance their character.</p> - -<p>"If you've no objection, what might be your name?" asked Hezekiah, in -his gentle, insinuating voice.</p> - -<p>"Luther Waring."</p> - -<p>"Eh, yes, just so; glad to hear. Ain't married, now, I dare say?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>"Might be engaged, perhaps?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; to tell the truth, I am," replied Waring, "and, if I ever get -safely through this infernal Indian country, down to the settlements, -I'll be married."</p> - -<p>"Where might the—where might the lady be now?" pursued Hezekiah, -evidently determined to get all he could out of Waring.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> - -<p>"She and her father are in the cabin, and, I suppose, will soon show -themselves."</p> - -<p>"What might be her name, now—that is, if you have no objection to -telling me."</p> - -<p>"Certainly not," laughed Waring. "She is from the same village that I -have left; and her name is Virginia: daughter of Mr. George Lander. -Anything else that I can impart?"</p> - -<p>"You are bound to the settlement, down the river, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"I have hinted as much; yes, that is our destination."</p> - -<p>Hezekiah paused at this point, as he seemed to have run out of -questions, seeing which, Pat Mulroony whispered—</p> - -<p>"Begorrah, ye isn't going to sthop in this place, be yees?"</p> - -<p>The querulous New Englander placed the stock of his rifle a few inches -from his feet, and holding his arms over the muzzle, seemed to be -engaged in a deep study for a few moments. Suddenly, slinging his right -leg around the other, so that it rested upon the tip of the foot, he -turned his beaming face toward Waring, and continued—</p> - -<p>"Is the gal good-looking, now?"</p> - -<p>Waring laughed outright.</p> - -<p>"You shall be the judge, if you only wait a few minutes."</p> - -<p>"Of course—of course—I only asked to—that is, I just asked——"</p> - -<p>"To find out," put in Pat, with a comical expression, as he looked down -and surveyed his clinging garments.</p> - -<p>"Do you wish to change your clothes?" asked Waring, who had noticed the -furtive glance of the Irishman.</p> - -<p>"There bein' ladies in the neighborhood, p'rhaps they might 'bjact, as, -be the token that we have no clouthes to put on, our costume would be -rather picturesque, as the man said when he came out from the river, -and found a cow had ate up his garments."</p> - -<p>"We can furnish you with something I think."</p> - -<p>"It's entirely unnecessary, entirely unnecessary," said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> Hezekiah, with -a graceful wave of his hand. "The water is not cold at all, and the -bathing was quite pleasant. But, I was going to ask whether the Indians -had troubled you yet?"</p> - -<p>"If you had examined the side of the boat as you came up, you would -have seen several bullets imbedded in it. They were fired by Indians."</p> - -<p>"Deu tell!" gasped Hezekiah.</p> - -<p>"We paid no heed to them at first, in the hopes that they would leave -us, when they found we were aware of their motives; but, as they kept -following us, Mr. Lander and myself sent several shots among them, that -made them howl, and send volley after volley after us in return."</p> - -<p>"They didn't kill yer?"</p> - -<p>"They did no damage, as our boats were constructed with a knowledge of -all the exigencies that might arise. How is it with yourselves?"</p> - -<p>"I haven't seen an Indian in a long time," replied Hezekiah; "but I -have smelt their camp-fires several times."</p> - -<p>"I've saan plenty of the haythen," added Pat, "but have given them a -wide barth, and so I'm plased to state, I've suffered no harm up to -this point in the prosadings."</p> - -<p>"I have never been in this part of the country before," said Waring, -speaking in a more serious tone than he had used thus far; "but I -am aware of the perils and dangers that encompass us. Our immunity -from danger thus far, leads me to hope for the best, as, from the -knowledge that I gained before starting, the settlement, which is our -destination, cannot be more than twenty miles distant, near enough -for us to reach it to-morrow, if nothing unexpected occurs. I must -say, however, I am filled with considerable misgivings. We are in the -most dangerous point of the river; and I cannot help thinking that the -crisis will come to-night. I am indeed glad that you two have come on -board."</p> - -<p>"Thunder! so am I," said Hezekiah, "for I was lost<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> in the woods, and -was beginning to get scart. We are bound with you for the settlement. -Hello!"</p> - -<p>At this juncture the cabin-door opened, and a man, some sixty years of -age, made his appearance. He was very grey, with a feeble, attenuated -frame, and the air of one who, for years, had not seen a day of perfect -health.</p> - -<p>Waring immediately introduced him to the Irishman and New Englander, -the former grasping him heartily by the hands, and the latter scraping -his feet very elaborately, as he returned his pressure.</p> - -<p>The face of the elderly personage was careworn, and he spoke but a few -words, merely expressing his pleasure at meeting his two friends, when -he returned to the cabin.</p> - -<p>Hezekiah Smith was just on the point of asking a question concerning -him, when the cabin-door again opened, and Virginia Lander made her -appearance. She had the same black eyes and hair as her lover—a -bright, hopeful expression of countenance, singularly in contrast -with that of her parent, and a nervous restlessness of manner, such -as is often seen in the mere child. She was not beautiful, but she -was handsome, and inspired every one in her favor. Waring immediately -introduced her, as he had her father. Hezekiah retreated a step or two, -lifted his hat from his head, and was just in the act of making another -sweeping scrape with his foot, when she brought these preparations to -an end by taking his hand, speaking her pleasure, and turning to the -Irishman, and doing the same.</p> - -<p>"Extremely happy to meet you," said Hezekiah. "If you've no objection, -I would like to know——"</p> - -<p>"Be the powers! but look yonder jist!" interrupted Pat, pointing down -the river. "What does that mane?"</p> - -<p>Waring had already caught sight of the suspicious object, and turned to -Hezekiah.</p> - -<p>"What do you make of it?"</p> - -<p>"A lot of Indians, as sure as thunder."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER III.</p> - -<p class="center" >THE SHADOW OF DANGER.</p> - - -<p>"It's a canoe—one of them infernal Indian ones," added Hezekiah. "I -know enough of 'em to be sure of it."</p> - -<p>The object in question was close under the Ohio shore, and at the -distance when first seen, might have been mistaken for a common log; -but Waring, who had learned to regard every such manifestation with -suspicion in the Indian country, was convinced that it was something -more the instant he caught a glimpse of it. Besides, Hezekiah was -positive, and if any individual was competent to judge in regard to -the identity of such a vessel, his experience, as related at the -commencement of this tale, should certainly have pointed him out as -that man.</p> - -<p>If there were any lingering doubts in the minds of the whites, they -were instantly set at rest by seeing the canoe put out from the -shore, and head across toward the Kentucky bank. The tufted heads of -three Indians were visible, and their paddles flashed brightly in the -sunlight, as the frail vessel shot swiftly over the surface of the -water.</p> - -<p>"I didn't mane to alarm yees, but maning no offince to the iligant lady -present, might I vinture to suggest in the mildest terms possible, -there'd bist be none but <i>men</i> on deck jist now."</p> - -<p>"He is right," said Waring, in a lower tone to our heroine, "it is best -that you go below."</p> - -<p>"I will do so, if you think I should," she replied, suiting her action -to her word. "Do you wish father to come up?"</p> - -<p>"There is no need of it."</p> - -<p>The girl closed the door, and Waring turned toward his friends.</p> - -<p>By this time the canoe had nearly crossed the stream.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> A few moments -later, it glided under the Kentucky banks, and three Indians sprang out.</p> - -<p>It was with peculiar emotions that the inmates of the flat- boat -gradually came opposite this canoe. They had just seen three of their -deadly enemies withdraw under the protection of the shrubbery and -undergrowth of the shore, and they had every reason to believe that -there were others in the vicinity.</p> - -<p>"It can't be that they are friendly," suggested Waring, who was all but -certain that such could not be the case.</p> - -<p>"Friendly divils!" repeated Pat Mulroony. "Every mother's son of 'em -is in the war paint, and they'd sooner scalp all of us, not barring -the lady—God bless her. Talk of friendly Injins in this part of the -wurruld!"</p> - -<p>By this time, the flat-boat was opposite the canoe, whose stern could -be distinctly seen underneath the dense shrubbery that lined the bank. -The conversation ceased of its own accord, and the three men carefully -lowered their heads, so that no stray shot could reach them. In the -sides of the boat were one or two small orifices, which Waring had had -perforated for the purpose of gazing out, just at such times as these, -and our friends used them on this occasion.</p> - -<p>Looking out, Hezekiah discerned through the interstices of the -undergrowth the forms of two crouching Indians, their eyes glowing, -their faces all agleam with ferocity, and their bedaubed visages ten -times more horrid in appearance than he could have dreamed it possible -for a human being to be.</p> - -<p>When just fairly abreast of them, a jet of fire was seen to flash among -the shrubbery, and as the sharp report of a rifle broke the stillness -of the woods, a bullet grated over the top of the flat-boat, and was -plainly heard by all, as it plainly cut its way through the leaves on -the opposite side of the river, with that peculiar <i>zip-zip</i> made by -the rapid passage of a stone or other object through the trees of a -forest.</p> - -<p>"By the Howly Virgin! take that!" exclaimed Pat, springing up and -discharging his rifle at the spot where he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> saw the faint wreath of -smoke curling upward. "How does that faal?"</p> - -<p>"They haven't felt it at all," whispered Waring. "Be careful and keep -your head out of sight, or you'll be struck."</p> - -<p>"How do you know he wasn't struck?" demanded Pat in high dudgeon. "Did -you see the passage of the bullet?"</p> - -<p>"A wild Indian always yells when a bullet hits him, and they haven't -made the least noise."</p> - -<p>"Begorrah! but you're right. I've struck a redskin afore to-day, and -he always screamed like a painter. It was an uncomfortably close rub, -faith, for all that."</p> - -<p>Both shores were closely scanned, but nothing more of the savages was -seen; and after drifting half a mile or so down stream, our three -friends ventured occasionally to show their heads to any who might be -lingering along the banks. This, however, was a dangerous proceeding -almost at any time, and as there was no necessity for it, it was not -often done by any of the three. The reason why Waring was not visible -when Hezekiah and Pat first hailed the flat-boat, was not because he -did not see or hear them, but because he had prudence enough to keep -himself out of sight.</p> - -<p>By this time the afternoon was considerably advanced, and Waring -invited his two friends to descend into the cabin and partake of the -dinner, which Virginia Lander had just announced.</p> - -<p>"And who stays above, if I may be allowed to ask?" inquired Hezekiah, -with an anxious expression of countenance.</p> - -<p>"I do myself; have no apprehension upon that score."</p> - -<p>His alarm thus quieted, Hezekiah hesitated no longer.</p> - -<p>In the cabin he found a plain, substantial meal prepared, to which -he, Pat, Mr. Lander, and our heroine seated themselves. The elderly -personage besought the blessing of God upon the food spread before -them, and spoke not a another word during the meal.</p> - -<p>Great as was Hezekiah's hunger, his curiosity was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> equally great, -and, accordingly, as he masticated the food, he kept his eyes rolling -continually about him in search of knowledge. He noticed that the cabin -was divided into two compartments, one of which he naturally concluded -was devoted to the exclusive use of the young lady who presided at the -table. Several times he was on the point of asking permission to take -a look into this. But his sense of propriety prevented him, and he -devoured his victuals in silence.</p> - -<p>As for Pat, he was hungry—that was sufficient. Excepting the food -itself, nothing presented the least attraction to him, and he devoured -this with a gusto that put to shame the achievements of the others.</p> - -<p>The meal finished, the two returned to the deck, and took the place -of Waring, while he partook of his dinner. As our two friends looked -out upon the still, solemn forest, and the placid, unruffled river, -down which they were so noiselessly gliding, they could hardly realize -that the profound silence that then held reign was as treacherous as -the calm which precedes the marshaling of the storm king's forces -upon the ocean. And yet they well knew that within the depths of this -wilderness lurked the Indian, whose life was devoted to the one object -of exterminating the white race: that he was as cunning and crafty as -years of war and bloodshed could make him, and that no means would be -left untried to encompass the death of themselves and those with them.</p> - -<p>"Hezekiah," said Pat, upon whom this impressive scene had not been -entirely lost, "have you ever been in these parts before?"</p> - -<p>"Never in all my born days, and I wish to Heaven I wasn't here now."</p> - -<p>"What's the trouble now? Begorrah, ye isn't scart, be yees?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Pat, I ain't ashamed to own it—I am scart. I tell you, 'twixt -you and me, there's danger hangin' over this craft. I can smell it -in the air, I can feel it in my bones. If we don't see trouble afore -to-morrow morning, then I'm most mightily mistaken."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I incline to the same opinion, though I wouldn't be saying it afore -the lady down there, and frightenin' the wits out of her. I'd like to -know, be the same token, what that old curmudgeon is doin' on this -boat?"</p> - -<p>"You mean the old man? I should think it would be the last place for -him. Never mind, Pat, let come what will, you and I stick together, -don't we?"</p> - -<p>"Of course we do."</p> - -<p>There is nothing that will make friends as soon as a sense of impending -danger hanging over both. Let two entire strangers meet under -circumstances like these, and in ten minutes they will be on as good -terms, and devoted to each other, as though they had been bosom friends -for a dozen years. The cause of this is very plain—it is the interest -of both to be so.</p> - -<p>Hezekiah thought he had never met so fine a fellow as Pat Mulroony; -one, whose kindness of heart was so great, and whose friendship was as -disinterested; and as for the Celt, although he did not express himself -thus, his opinion of the New Englander was very nearly the same.</p> - -<p>"You asked awhile ago," said Hezekiah, after a moment's pause, "whether -I had ever been in these parts. If you have no objection, I should like -to know whether <i>you</i> have been here?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I was about this place last summer with a party, but we didn't go -any farther down the river."</p> - -<p>"I understood that you were further west than you had ever been before; -but then I might have been mistaken. If you have no objection, I should -like to hear the particulars of your visit."</p> - -<p>"Can't tell it now," replied the Irishman, as though the subject were -distasteful to him.</p> - -<p>At this moment Waring made his appearance, and was shortly followed -by Mr. Lander, who, taking a seat near the cabin, maintained a strict -silence during the conversation of the others.</p> - -<p>Hezekiah merely glanced at the young man, and saw, as if by instinct, -that the same sense of impending danger that so troubled himself, -was shared by him also.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> There was an anxious expression upon his -countenance that he had not seen there before; a certain restless -nervousness in his manner, which he sought in vain to conceal.</p> - -<p>"We are going to have a dark night of it," said he, looking up to the -sky.</p> - -<p>"As dark as Egypt," added Hezekiah. "I recollect that I nearly battered -my brains out, last night, in trying to walk through the woods."</p> - -<p>"The moon will not be up till three o'clock in the morning, and, I -might as well be plain with you, friends, it will be life and death -with us before that time."</p> - -<p>"Just what we're thinkin'. Drat the Indians," exclaimed Hezekiah. "I -can feel it in my bones that I am going to get into a scrape to-night."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER IV.</p> - -<p class="center">THE NIGHT ATTACK.</p> - - -<p>The night gradually closed down upon the flat-boat. Upon inquiry, -Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of -being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance. A confirmed invalid, -he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, -and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the -settlement and die.</p> - -<p>He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for -years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it -may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone—a -proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.</p> - -<p>As Waring had predicted, the night proved of intense darkness.</p> - -<p>In a few hours, both shores became entirely invisible, and shortly -after, it was almost impossible to see the length of the boat. Under -these circumstances, it was proposed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> to work the flat-boat into -shore, and tie up for the night. All were totally unacquainted with -the windings of the river, and they were fearful that they might run -aground in the darkness, and be unable to get the craft afloat again. -They were pretty certain, too, that they had been constantly watched -from the banks, and that it would not be long before the Indian canoes -would be ranging up and down the river in search of them.</p> - -<p>If this were the case, their only plans of escaping them would be by -sweeping into shore, and remaining there until the moon arose. On the -other hand, it was hardly probable that the flat-boat could approach -nigh enough to the shore, to gain any protection from it.</p> - -<p>The water was so shallow, that it was likely to ground when several -rods distant, in which case, the situation of the fugitives would be -far worse than if attacked while in the midst of the channel. And -beside this, they also ran the chance of being discovered, even if they -should reach the bank without grounding.</p> - -<p>The savages would be passing up and down the shore; and as it would -require considerable effort and some noise to work the lumbering -concern out of the course it was pursuing, the trained ears of the -redskins could hardly fail to detect it.</p> - -<p>All these considerations being taken into account, it was decided that, -for an hour or two at least, they would keep their position in the -midst of the channel.</p> - -<p>The greatest cause for alarm, as we have before hinted, lay in the fact -that not one of the whites in the flat-boat was acquainted with the -river.</p> - -<p>They were drifting aimlessly downward, only conscious of their general -direction. The Ohio River abounds, as all our readers are aware, with -numerous islands, and many of these lying directly in the middle of the -stream—our friends had good cause to apprehend running upon one of -them.</p> - -<p>The flat-boat had a long oar swung at either end, by which its motions -were controlled, much in the same man<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>ner that the rafts which descend -our rivers at this day are managed.</p> - -<p>To guard as much as possible against the calamity mentioned, Hezekiah -Smith and Pat Mulroony passed to the forward part of the boat, so as -to be ready, not only to sheer the boat off, when "breakers" were -discovered, but to be prepared for any venturesome Shawanoes that might -choose this as their point of attack.</p> - -<p>Mr. Lander and his daughter remained below, as both well knew their -presence would be of no assistance to those above; and the whites were -thus disposed when the incident we are about to describe took place.</p> - -<p>Hezekiah stood leaning over the prow, listening intently for the least -evidence of the approach of their enemies. The only sound as yet -heard, was what might be characterized as the <i>audible silence</i> of the -forest—that deep, solemn roar, like the distant voice of the ocean, -that is as eternal as the great sea itself.</p> - -<p>Now and then, the melancholy night wind moaned through the tree tops, -with a dismal and lonely voice, in consonance with the feelings of the -three listeners; and once or twice the far off scream of some denizen -of the forest was borne faintly forward to their ear.</p> - -<p>Then, again, the silence became so profound, that the soft ripple of -the current could be heard against some projecting root, or dipping -branch. But these sounds were all natural to the wilderness, and -excited no emotions, except to add to the dreary loneliness of the -scene.</p> - -<p>The New Englander had stood in the attitude of attention for more than -an hour, when he detected the cautious dip of a paddle. He instantly -raised his head and peered out in the direction from which it came, -but in the Stygian darkness could detect nothing at all. He maintained -the same attitude for full an hour, during which he heard the sound -repeated twice. Fully satisfied that strangers were in the vicinity, he -gave utterance to a suppressed whistle, to place Waring on the guard, -and leaning toward Pat, he asked in a whisper whether, if he had no -objection to tell, he had detected any suspicious sound.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<p>"There's a haythen canoe that has been following us for the last hour -or more, or my name isn't Pat Mulroony."</p> - -<p>"Hist! there it is again!" admonished Hezekiah, arching his neck, and -gazing out in the darkness. Both listened, but Pat failed to hear that -which had startled his companion.</p> - -<p>"They're mighty oncareful is them same Injins," added the Irishman. -"Whisht! but look! there's the divils this minute!"</p> - -<p>As he spoke, Pat sprang up in great excitement, and pointed out on the -river. Looking in the same direction Hezekiah caught the outlines of a -long Indian canoe, filled with shadowy figures, which glided under the -prow of the flat-boat, and came to rest as noiselessly as a phantom. -Almost at the same instant a tufted head appeared above the gunwale, -but it was crushed like an eggshell by a tremendous blow from the -clubbed rifle of the Irishman. This was scarce done when the head and -shoulders of another rose within a foot of where Hezekiah stood.</p> - -<p>"Take that, you thundering redskin!" he exclaimed, striking him a -terrible blow square in the face, that sent the dusky savage spinning -out in mid-air, with the blood spouting from his nostrils. "Dern your -picter! what business you got poking your head up here? I say, Waring, -the Indians have come—look out for them."</p> - -<p>In his excitement, Hezekiah Smith dropped his rifle, and springing up -and down, as though the deck had suddenly become red hot, he delivered -his fearful blows indiscriminately, while Pat kept his rifle swinging -like the arms of a windmill.</p> - -<p>"Begorrah! but the shillaleh comes natural to the Tipperary boys!" he -exclaimed, between his set teeth, "and Pat Mulroony was born with one -in his hand, and has been trained up to the illigant profession of -breaking heads. Some of ye will go home to-night with bootiful faces, -barrin' yer won't have any faces at all to go home with."</p> - -<p>The Indians had evidently counted upon a surprise, and were not -prepared for the furious courage with which they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> were received. -They had followed the flat-boat until they judged the inmates were -either asleep or off their guard, when they had come upon them in the -stealthy manner narrated. The consequence was that in less than five -minutes after the attack, the canoe had disappeared with the surviving -Shawanoes, and nothing was heard save the slapping of Hezekiah's feet -as he still sprang up and down the deck, and swung his arms around him -ready for the next bronzed head that might offer. It required Pat some -time to convince him that the danger for the present had passed, and -there were no more enemies to contend against. By degrees he became -quieted, and was able to converse rationally when Waring made his -appearance among them.</p> - -<p>During all this tumult, Lander had not shown himself, nor even so much -as given evidence that he felt the least concern at the conflict going -on. His daughter, when the firing had subsided, cautiously opened -the door, and called the name of her lover. He instantly assured her -that the savages had fled, and besought her to return to her room. -First receiving a hurried but fervent kiss upon her blanched cheek, -she complied, imploring him to be careful and not expose himself -unnecessarily to danger.</p> - -<p>A silence as profound as that of the tomb, succeeded the onslaught of -the savages. Some minutes later, the noise of paddles was again heard; -but, as Hezekiah had, by this time, gained his equilibrium of mind, and -convinced that the Shawanoes could not immediately attempt the same -stratagem in which they had so signally failed, he returned to his -place beside Waring, leaving the Irishman alone at the bow of the boat.</p> - -<p>"If you have no objection to tell me," said Hezekiah in his usual -insinuating voice, "what do you propose to do, now that we are in the -midst of danger? How, in thunder, are we to get out?"</p> - -<p>"I am afraid," replied Waring, "that the Indians are constantly ranging -up and down the river, and so long as we remain in the channel we are -not safe."</p> - -<p>"How do you propose to get out of the channel?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Let us work the craft into shore, and wait till the moon rises before -starting. Thinking that we are in the middle of the current, they will -not look along the bank for us, and we shall thus be safe until we can -see where we are."</p> - -<p>It was Waring who first proposed to run in under the protection of -the bank, and he had never once doubted its expediency. He advocated -it now so earnestly that neither Hezekiah nor Pat made any objection. -Accordingly, the long, sweeping oars were dipped deeply and silently -into the water, and under the powerful impulse of the sturdy-armed men -it began gradually veering off toward the Ohio shore. The greatest -caution was exercised, as the creaking of one of the sweeps might tell -any savages in the vicinity what the whites were doing. This was a -delicate task, but our friends believed they were succeeding as well -they could wish. All at once, the dark line of trees were discovered -through the darkness, and ceasing their efforts, the boat continued -approaching, until the branches brushed over their heads, and the -bottom, striking the mud of the stream, the forward motion of the craft -was checked.</p> - -<p>The whites had every reason to be pleased with their situation had -not a slight accident caused them a little anxiety. As Pat Mulroony -attempted to shove a limb from before him, it broke with a cracking -noise that could have been heard across the river. This caused so much -apprehension, that for a time, Waring was on the point of working the -boat out into the current again; but, finally, his fears subsided, -and he concluded to remain in his present position until the rising -of the moon. The flat-boat lay about ten feet from the mainland, and -had grounded so slightly that had it not been secured by tying it to -one of the branches ahead, it would have floated off again. This was -the precise situation in which Waring had been anxious to get it; and, -excepting the slight accident alluded to above, he had every reason to -be satisfied with the state of affairs. The darkness was so great, and -the peculiar position in which the craft lay so favorable,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> that no -Shawanoe would have discovered it in passing within a dozen feet of it -had not his suspicion been first attracted to it.</p> - -<p>The three whites remained on deck, now and then whispering to each -other, and passing on tiptoe from one portion to another, but nothing -more of their enemies was seen or heard for a long time.</p> - -<p>Pat Mulroony was leaning over the prow, as he had been leaning for the -last hour, and was looking down in the water, when he discerned a dark, -ball-like object moving along on the surface. At first, he took it to -be a piece of floating wood; but, as it passed around the prow, in a -manner that the motion of the current could not have caused, he was not -long in identifying it. It was the head of an Indian.</p> - -<p>Communicating this fact to Waring and Hezekiah, the hold upon the -branch was loosened, and under the additional impulse of the oars, the -flat bottom was once more floating down the Ohio.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER V.</p> - -<p class="center">GROUND.</p> - - -<p>The whites on the flat-boat had committed a mistake natural to persons -in their situation.</p> - -<p>As they waited along shore, in the most painful suspense, the hours -wore slowly away, and seemed double their usual length. Thus it -happened that at the moment of sweeping out into the current, each -believed it to be about three o'clock in the morning, and were looking -for the appearance of the moon, when, in reality, it was barely -midnight.</p> - -<p>Waring and Pat experienced some peculiar sensations, as they toiled -at the oar. Knowing that one Indian, at least, had discovered their -hiding-place, they had every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> reason to believe that a whole war-party -were aware of it, and so long as the shadowy outline of the shore was -discernible, they were in constant expectation of receiving a volley -from their invisible foes.</p> - -<p>But, as the dark mass of trees blended with the night, and at length -faded from their view altogether, they ceased their efforts, and -breathed freer.</p> - -<p>"Now," said Waring, "I don't care how soon the moon shows itself. With -all the windings and islands, we need light to see the way."</p> - -<p>"If you have no objection, I should like to inquire how soon do you -expect the moon to rise?"</p> - -<p>"Why, right away—that is, within a few minutes."</p> - -<p>"So it seems it ought to do: but, Waring, don't you know how much -longer time seems to persons in our circumstances, than it does as -other times. I know when I used to court Jemima Hopkins, after ten -o'clock, the hour didn't seem more than ten minutes long; and then -again, when I had to sit up in the winter, and keep the wolves out of -the sheep-pen, every hour seemed a month long. Now, Waring, I don't -want to hurt your feelings—it may be three o'clock in the morning, but -I don't believe it."</p> - -<p>"I know how apt we are to miscalculate time on such occasions, and I -have tried to make allowance for it. With all that allowance made, it -strikes me that the moon must be in the horizon by this time."</p> - -<p>"I hope it is so; but the best thing we can do, is to calk'late as -how it ain't agwine to be there for some hours yet and making our -arrangements accordingly. Eh, Waring?"</p> - -<p>"You are right, I admit. In fact, we can do nothing else. We are going -it blind now—knowing only that we are going down the Ohio."</p> - -<p>"Do you think, that is, if you have no objection to tell, do you think -that these Indians will try the same method of attacking us?"</p> - -<p>"It is not to be supposed they will, unless their party is large enough -to insure them victory. Nevertheless, we must be on the lookout for -their devilments. I say, Pat,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> ahead there, don't forget to keep a -sharp lookout for mischief."</p> - -<p>"Aye, aye, that I will, barring it isn't possible to look out at all. -Be the Hooly Virgin! I see something now, sure."</p> - -<p>Hezekiah was at his side in an instant. Looking ahead, he saw a dark -mass looming up in the darkness directly before them, as if it was -approaching.</p> - -<p>"It's one of them islands," he exclaimed. "The all-fired thing is -afloat, and is running into us. Quick, Waring, the oar."</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he and Pat seized the sweep of the oar, and commenced -using it with all their energy. Close as they were upon the land, they -would have cleared it, had they not, in their hurry and excitement, -committed the blunder of working against each other; that is, while Pat -and Hezekiah did their utmost to veer the boat toward the Ohio shore, -Waring struggled to clear the island by going on the Kentucky side. -The consequence of these efforts was, that ere they had taken a dozen -strokes, the flat-boat grated upon the gravelly bottom, and went broad -side upon the island.</p> - -<p>As the current was quite rapid at this portion of the river the raft -was driven with such force upon the beach that Waring saw at once that -it would be impossible to get it off again, unless it was lighted of -its entire load. Springing down upon the island, he took a hasty survey -of its situation, so far as the darkness would permit, and as Hezekiah -and Pat joined him, mentioning the plan that we have stated, he said—</p> - -<p>"There is no other help for it, and we must make quick work of it. The -moon at the very farthest will be up in twenty minutes, and it won't -do for any of the savages to discover us, but, to get off, it will be -necessary for your father to come ashore. Is he awake?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Virginia, who arose upon hearing the bottom of the boat -grating upon the gravel, "and will be here in a moment."</p> - -<p>Virginia was assisted to descend by her lover, and a mo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>ment later her -father followed her. The other three men instantly set to work, and in -ten minutes the boat was sufficiently lightened to make the attempt to -get it afloat again. By the united efforts of the three it was shoved -out into deep water, where, to their dismay, they saw it commence -settling down, as though it were sinking.</p> - -<p>"Begorrah! but what does that mane?" cried Pat, in astonishment.</p> - -<p>"Hark! if I ain't mistaken, I hear the water rushing in its bottom."</p> - -<p>With one bound, Waring sprang upon the gunwale, and descended into the -cabin. One glance was sufficient. An immense hole had been stove in by -the concussion, and a foot of water was already in the cabin. The flat-boat -was now going down, and there was no hope of saving it.</p> - -<p>With rare presence of mind, Waring leaped back into the water, and -attempted to shove the boat far enough away to make it sink out of -sight when it did go down, it being his wish that the Indians should -discover nothing of their mishap when the moon arose, or in the -morning. But in this he did not succeed. He had hardly touched his -shoulder to it when he felt that it had already touched bottom, the -water being scarcely eighteen inches deep—so low, in fact, that no one -viewing it from the shore, would suspect its true condition.</p> - -<p>"This is a little more than I suspected," said Waring, gloomily, as he -stepped ashore. "That rotten old flat-boat will never do us one bit of -good, with such a hole smashed in it."</p> - -<p>"Can it not be repaired in the morning?" asked Mr. Lander, who seemed -affected as little by adverse as by favorable circumstances.</p> - -<p>"Repaired? no, we should never have ventured out on the river, in such -an old hulk as that. But it can't be helped now; we must make the -best of a bad bargain. When the moon rises, we'll get an idea of our -situation."</p> - -<p>"It <i>may</i> be," said Hezekiah, hoping to encourage Virginia, "that this -island is near enough for us to wade to the main land."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Suppose it is, what good will it do us?" asked Waring.</p> - -<p>"Why, as the settlement can't be more than a dozen miles distant, if -you have no objection, we might walk the rest of the way through the -woods."</p> - -<p>"If we could only get the boat afloat again, or make it sink out of -sight; but there's the trouble. However, there's no use of crying for -spilt milk. Can you propose nothing for us to do, Pat?"</p> - -<p>"I propowses to wait till we get some more light, and then we'll take a -luk at things."</p> - -<p>"And in the meantime let us make ourselves as comfortable as the -circumstances will permit," added Mr. Lander, philosophically.</p> - -<p>It being a warm summer night, the whites suffered little or no personal -inconvenience from their exposed situation. It was found that this -portion of the island, at least, was covered with trees and rank -undergrowth, which protected them from the night wind, slight as it -was. To make matters in that respect sure, however, Mr. Lander proposed -that a fire should be started, but when he found what a storm of -objection he had raised, he said no more upon that subject.</p> - -<p>There being nothing else for them to do, then, the whites withdrew -within the trees, and seating themselves upon the ground, waited the -advent of the moon, which from some unaccountable cause to them, was so -long delayed.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER VI.</p> - -<p class="center">RECONNOITERING THE ISLAND—A STARTLING OCCURRENCE.</p> - - -<p>As the moon rose above the forest, and shone down upon the river, the -whites began to gather some idea of their situation. They found that -the island upon which they had been stranded was about in the centre of -the stream, and that, as a consequence, it would require considerable -wading to reach the mainland on either side.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> - -<p>The wooded bank of the Kentucky shore being thrown into deep shadow by -overhanging branches, it was impossible for them to discern whether any -canoes were lying under it or not. The hearts of all beat painfully as -they looked upon the flat-boat, now of no further earthly use to them, -standing out like a beacon to inform all where the whites had taken -refuge. It seemed to them impossible that the Shawanoes could fail to -see it.</p> - -<p>The island was found to be more considerable in extent than had been -first supposed. It was over an eighth of a mile from one extremity -to another, thickly wooded, and covered with rank grass and a dense -undergrowth. It was oval-shaped, and remarkably regular in its contour, -being somewhat over two hundred feet broad in its widest portion.</p> - -<p>"What a splendid summer sate this would make fur a gintleman like -meself," said Pat, as the two stood under the shadow of a tree, on the -lowermost portion of the island.</p> - -<p>"It really would," replied Hezekiah. "Now I shouldn't wonder if it -should be used for that very purpose in a few years."</p> - -<p>The speaker was right in his prophecy. These very lines are being -written upon that very island—one of the most beautiful of all the -isles of the beautiful river.</p> - -<p>"Be the same token, it's the summer sate of a party of travelers at -this minute, and it's likely that we'll make quite a stay upon it."</p> - -<p>"I hope there ain't any Indians watching us," said Hezekiah, as he -shiveringly looked toward the shore of the dark and bloody ground.</p> - -<p>"So does Pat Mulroony, but"——</p> - -<p>"Jerusalem! jest look there!" exclaimed Hezekiah, springing clean off -his feet.</p> - -<p>"Whisht! where? I see nothing."</p> - -<p>"Here! here! this way!" whispered Hezekiah, pulling his shoulder -around. "It ain't there—<i>it's on the island</i>, right above us! -Look—don't you see it?"</p> - -<p>"I see the traas, and the darkness, and that's all."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It was gone the minute you looked. There it is again! There, it's -gone! What makes it act that way?"</p> - -<p>"What is it, man, you're making such a hullabaloo about?"</p> - -<p>"Why, sir," said Smith, solemnly, "as sure as you and I are living, I -seen a light moving around on the island!"</p> - -<p>"It's Pat Mulroony that"——</p> - -<p>Smith suddenly caught the Irishman's shoulder as with a grip of iron, -and without whispering a word pointed meaningly toward the trees where -he had first seen the alarming manifestation. There was no mistaking -this time. Pat Mulroony saw a bright light shining steadily through the -trees, so brightly and steadily that he knew it could not be many rods -from them. Withdrawing more closely under the dark shadow of their own -tree, Pat whispered:</p> - -<p>"We must craap up and see what the haythens are doing."</p> - -<p>"I say, Pat, I say—that is—you've no objection to go alone, have you?"</p> - -<p>"Why can't yees go with me?"</p> - -<p>"I can, of course I can, but then what's the use? I'll stay here, and -keep watch."</p> - -<p>"And what's the naad of your kaaping watch at this poortion?"</p> - -<p>"You know some of the Indians might slip onto the island while we are -gone, or," added Hezekiah, catching at the thought, "these same Indians -might try to slip off. Jerusalem! that wouldn't do, you know."</p> - -<p>"Doesn't yees wish to go with me?" persisted Pat.</p> - -<p>"I would <i>prefer</i> remaining here, my dear Patrick."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, kaap quiet and sthill like, and I'll soon be back wid -yees. Don't stir if you hear a noise."</p> - -<p>"I say, Patrick"——</p> - -<p>But the Irishman was gone.</p> - -<p>"I hope he doesn't think I'm afraid," soliloquized Hezekiah when he -found he was alone. "I think I have proved by this time that I am not. -If I was scairt any I would never have come out into this outlandish -country. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> don't know about that though," he added, after a moment's -thought; "I did hate to come into this wilderness most terribly, but I -had to do it, and I might as well own up, when there's no one to hear -me, that I was most thunderingly scairt, and am this minute. What do I -want to go crawling around this cussed island for? I wish I had never -seen it. I've a great notion to wade over to the Kentucky shore, and go -home."</p> - -<p>We must do Smith the credit, however, of stating that he did not even -attempt to act upon this thought. When a moment's reflection showed -him how contemptible and cowardly such a course would be, he felt like -butting his head against a tree, that he should have allowed himself to -entertain such an idea for a moment.</p> - -<p>"I hope the Irishman knows enough to keep his eyes about him," he -continued. "That young Waring was right in saying the crisis of the -danger would be reached to-night. We're in the crisis now, and a derned -ticklish affair it is, too."</p> - -<p>Hezekiah 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 series of horrid yells that -made his blood curdle. It needed no thought to tell him that these came -from the throats of the Shawanoes, and that the most that he had feared -had taken place.</p> - -<p>His first impression was that Pat Mulroony had been discovered, and -fired upon, and that his own safety was in imminent danger; but, when -he came to reflect more quietly, he knew by the distance of the sounds, -that they came from the upper portion of the island, and that it was -the friends who had been left behind that were attacked. Believing, -then, that Pat was safe for the present, he decided to remain in his -present position until he was rejoined by him.</p> - -<p>Hezekiah had hardly come to this 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 twenty feet of him, and, at -that very mo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>ment, two painted Indians were in the act of stepping -ashore. With his heart in his throat, he shivered around to the -opposite side of the tree, and tremblingly watched the actions of these -savages.</p> - -<p>They were very deliberate in their movements, seeming to take notice of -the tumult which, a moment before, had broken the profound stillness of -stream and wood.</p> - -<p>First pulling the canoe high upon the land, each took a rifle from it, -and then strode directly toward the tree which concealed the frightened -man. As they passed so near, that he could have touched him with his -own rifle, he absolutely believed they would hear his heart beat. But -such a thing has never taken place, 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 beings for -whom they were searching.</p> - -<p>They had hardly gone, when Pat Mulroony stole cautiously forth into -view, and looking carefully about him to satisfy himself that he had -not lost his reckoning, ran on tiptoe to where Hezekiah stood.</p> - -<p>"What did you see?" breathlessly inquired the latter.</p> - -<p>"May our howly mother presarve us, but the island is full of the -haythen!"</p> - -<p>"What was that light we seen?"</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 them rifles? They're in a worse fix," said Hezekiah, -in an undertone. "What's to be done?"</p> - -<p>"That's what puzzles me. We must get back if we can, and see what the -outlandish divils have been at."</p> - -<p>The two started toward the upper end of the island, the Irishman not -disdaining to use the utmost caution. Every dozen yards or so, he -paused and listened for the slightest warning of danger; and, as for -Hezekiah, he expected each moment to see a whole horde of screeching -Shawanoes rush out from the trees and annihilate them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> - -<p>Some two-thirds of the distance was thus accomplished without any -further evidence of the presence of their foes, when the Irishman, -who was only a few feet in advance, again halted with a whispered -exclamation.</p> - -<p>Following the direction of his finger, Hezekiah saw several dark -objects moving away from the island, which he made out to be canoes.</p> - -<p>Fearful of being seen, the two whites withdrew further from the shore.</p> - -<p>They had gone but a few feet, when they found themselves in a sort of -natural clearing, some twenty yards in diameter, seemingly made by some -terrific whirlwind. And here, in the centre of this clearing they saw a -sight that made their blood run cold with horror!</p> - -<p>The moon by this time was high in the heavens, and the centre of the -clearing was lit up as if at noon day; and directly under the full -tide of light, was stretched the lifeless form of Mr. Lander. He lay -on his back, all his limbs outstretched, with his skull cloven by a -tomahawk! He seemed to have made no resistance when the awful blow was -given, but had fallen back, and instantly expired. His features were so -disfigured that, had it not been for his clothes, our friends could not -have recognized him. Spell-bound, and horror-struck, they gazed at the -heart-sickening sight for a long time!</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER VII.</p> - -<p class="center">ADVENTURE ON THE ISLAND.</p> - - -<p>For some time after the departure of Hezekiah and Pat Mulroony, Waring -and Virginia Lander stood silent and thoughtful. Several feet away, -they could see the form of her father, seated upon the ground, his head -bowed forward, and his whole soul seemingly stricken with despair.</p> - -<p>"He appears to feel our sorrow more than we do,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> whispered Waring, -whose heart bled for the suffering man.</p> - -<p>"It is not that," replied Virginia; "it is his bodily sufferings that -trouble him. Poor father! how I wish to brush the hair from his clammy -brow. I will go to him in a minute—he is praying now."</p> - -<p>A soft, murmuring monotone was audible, and young Waring knew that -he was engaged with his Maker. The scene was too impressive, their -surroundings too solemn, for them to indulge in conversation, and they -preserved a respectful silence; the maiden leaning upon her betrothed, -and waiting until her parent was through before she should go to him.</p> - -<p>After the lapse of several more minutes, she saw him raise his head, -and walking hastily toward him, threw her arms around his neck, and -gave way to her tears of sorrow. Her whole soul was in agony, and -her grief could not be restrained. Waring, who was accustomed to the -suffering of the father, witnessed the emotion of the loving daughter, -and was so overcome that he suddenly turned his head, and moved away. -It was too much for him.</p> - -<p>Hardly conscious of what he was doing, he walked slowly out from the -protection of the trees, 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 gloomy meditations.</p> - -<p>Directly 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 him; and these, from their monotonous continuity, -seemed silence itself. The moon was nearly overhead, 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,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> 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 thus, while within a dozen miles of the -settlement, and in the most dangerous portion of the river, an accident -should place him and his friends in the most imminent peril, and make -the escape of all of them, as it seemed to him, an utter impossibility.</p> - -<p>Waring was in the midst of these gloomy forebodings, when the noise 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 on the -island?"</p> - -<p>To his surprise he received no reply.</p> - -<p>"What are the prospects of our getting over the mainland"——</p> - -<p>As quick as lightning Waring's rifle was at his shoulder, and one of -the approaching Shawanoes 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 cleave the air, 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 had 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 Waring 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 that presence of mind which ever characterized the -young man, he comprehended his critical peril in an instant. The trees -were swarming with Shawanoes. If he went a rod further, his 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 life to -the flat-boat. Stepping one foot into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> 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 fifteen 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 surface, as far out toward the -Kentucky shore as it was possible, repeating the manœuver several -times, until believing he was at a safe distance from the island, he -swam sideways, and anxiously surveyed the island.</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 Luther Waring would have rather been smitten -by instant annihilation, rather than desert the two beings that he had -left behind him. The thought had never once entered his head.</p> - -<p>He continued off the island until the current had nearly carried him -half way to the water's edge, so that he believed he had run little -risk of discovery. As he walked in under the shadows, several forms -followed him like phantoms, while as many more closed around him from -the wood. Waring had taken but a few steps, when he was startled by -hearing a deep groan. His apprehension told him at once that it was the -voice of Lander, and he was moving toward 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 Shawanoes had not yet surrounded him, and conscious that all -depended upon a quick and energetic decision, Waring made a dash to -regain 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 the foremost at the beach, when, -making another terrific leap, he bounded out into deep water, and dove -beneath the surface.</p> - -<p>While submerged, Waring heard distinctly the dull re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>port of the -rifles, and the skipping of the bullets, as they glanced over the -water. Being a skilful swimmer, he turned upon his back, and as he was -borne slowly 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 manœuver that we have described before.</p> - -<p>Finally, believing he was again 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, Waring'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 only by the most skilful running, dodging, and doubling, that -Waring 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. Virginia was a -captive in the hands of the merciless Shawanoes, and even if he could -afford her no assistance, he could certainly learn something of her -fate, and form some plan for her rescue.</p> - -<p>With this determination he arose, and retraced his steps. It is hardly -necessary to say that he made his way as silently, stealthily and -cautiously as it was his ability to do; starting at every rustling -wind, or falling leaf. Upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> reaching the shore of the river, he found -that he was above the island, and again wading it, swam out toward it.</p> - -<p>Waring wished, if possible, to recover his rifle, and gain a glimpse -of the band of Indians who had slain Lander, and who held his daughter -captive. 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 the surroundings.</p> - -<p>He saw his rifle lying on 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 the Shawanoe rose above the gunwale, and remained in -view for fully a minute.</p> - -<p>As the moon shone fully upon the savage, Waring distinguished the -features plainly. He concluded at once that there was several others -upon 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 Waring, as he noiselessly swam toward the -Ohio shore, "you may watch there quite a while, before you catch me in -any of your traps. You have had enough blood for to-night."</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 -reconnoisance.</p> - -<p>This was an extremely difficult task, and none but the most powerful -swimmer could have accomplished it. But Waring succeeded, and finally -"anchored" for a few moments abreast of the flat-boat, while he took -another observation of it. He saw nothing more of the Indians, although -he firmly believed they were still upon it.</p> - -<p>He was convinced that the major portion of the Shawanoes were still -upon the island, and after floating somewhat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> lower, he landed at -precisely the same spot where he came so nigh 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 he felt so -exhausted, that he threw himself down upon the ground, to gain a few -moments rest. Despite the exciting scenes through which he had just -participated, and the terrible ordeal through which he had just passed, -he fell asleep almost immediately.</p> - -<p>It was in the midst of a fearful dream of tomahawks, scalping-knives, -Indians and murders, that 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>"If you've no objection, I should like to inquire whether you are not -about through with your nap?" inquired the well-known voice of Hezekiah -Smith.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER VIII.</p> - -<p class="center">STILL ON THE ISLAND.</p> - - -<p>The dull, grey light that now began to overspread the sky, gave token -of the coming day, and the three whites withdrew further into the grove -for consultation.</p> - -<p>"This is a bad business," remarked Waring, after he had exchanged -experiences with his friends. "The infernal devils have outwitted us -at last. God knows what will become of Virginia. Her poor father is -already dead!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, we have seen him," said Hezekiah, with a shudder at the -remembrance of the awful scene. "He isn't a dozen rods away from us."</p> - -<p>"Let us give him a decent burial," added Waring. "We can find some -means to scoop out a grave for him."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> - -<p>The three moved away to the clearing, but, upon reaching it, nothing of -the body was to be seen. The Shawanoes had carried it from the island.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it is as well," said Waring. "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 performed the last sad rites for -him."</p> - -<p>"Wall," said Hezekiah, clamping his rifle down upon the ground, as -he came to a halt, and folding his arm over it, "here we is, and the -question afore this assembly is how we're going to get away. What do -you propose to do, my dear Patrick?"</p> - -<p>"I advise that we ate breakfast."</p> - -<p>"The only objection to that," replied Waring, "is that we have none to -eat; but, badinage aside, we must first go over this island again, and -learn whether there are any of the demons left. If not, we must get on -their track, for, as true as the heaven is above me, I never go to that -settlement without Virginia."</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 seen their canoes going -off."</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 to any who -might be on either shore of the mainland, and, from the great caution -that was necessary, the work was an extremely difficult and tedious one.</p> - -<p>It was not until full two hours had elapsed that the three whites met -on the spot where Virginia Lander had been taken prisoner.</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 through the day they -would not be disturbed, and could easily get<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> 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, if you have no objection to tell, where's your rifle?" asked -Hezekiah, who had noticed that Waring was unprovided with that weapon.</p> - -<p>The latter looked through the trees.</p> - -<p>"Yonder it lies this very 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 improbable that such an occurrence could be 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 Waring'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 upon the opposite side.</p> - -<p>This circumstance, which, at any other time, would have attracted no -attention at all, caused Waring great uneasiness. He felt that it was -by no means certain that everything was right upon the island, even -though it had been proven that their enemies had just 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 pretty well convinced that there was some design in the -presence of this 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 recover the weapon. The distance from this point to -either shore was so slight that it would have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> been the easiest matter -in the world for a concealed savage to pick him off. The gun could not -be recovered without exposing himself to this peril.</p> - -<p>Ah! the flat-boat! Waring's heart leapt 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 these Shawanoes to suppose that Waring could 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 Virginia Lander was -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, he concluded, was the solution of the question. Taking -other matters into consideration, Waring 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 in getting out of the world. He knew enough of the blood-thirsty -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 -Shawanoe he had killed in self-defence. Well, indeed, had it been for -the feeble Mr. Lander that he was so enfeebled and weakened. It brought -him a speedy death, instead of a lingering torture.</p> - -<p>These reflections, which we have recorded at some length, occupied -Waring but a few seconds. He saw everything with a hunter's eye, and, -with a shake of his head, stepped back a pace or two, and resumed his -position beside the Irishman and Hezekiah.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter?" asked the latter.</p> - -<p>"It won't do—it won't do."</p> - -<p>"What won't do? Do you mean to go out there and pick your rifle?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></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 Hezekiah, surveying the object in question as though he -had never seen it. "If you've no objection, might I inquire why you -don't like it?"</p> - -<p>"I am afraid there are Indians concealed upon it. I saw them there last -night."</p> - -<p>And now arose a dispute in which all three of the whites engaged. -Waring, who most certainly was the best qualified to judge, expressed -it as his firm conviction that a half dozen Shawanoes, at least, were -at that moment glaring out from the flat-boat, and waiting for their -reappearance. Hezekiah dissented, and persistently maintained that -there was but one savage upon the craft, and that he lay in the cabin -sound asleep! He could give no satisfactory reason to the others for -this belief, but he appeared sincerely to believe it himself. Pat -Mulroony, on the contrary, was ready to swear that there wasn't a -redskin on the island, flat-boat, either bank, or within five miles of -them!</p> - -<p>"Be jabers! I'll soon find out."</p> - -<p>"How?"</p> - -<p>"I am going on the owld flat-boat itself."</p> - -<p>Pat's companions begged, entreated, and implored, but all to no -purpose. He had resolved to prove what he had argued, and he now -prepared to do it.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER IX.</p> - -<p class="center">A FEARFUL ADVENTURE.</p> - - -<p>It is not to be supposed that Pat Mulroony was entirely free from -fear, when he resolved upon the venture of which we have spoken. -The strenuous assertions of Waring, the equally positive belief of -Hezekiah, and their united protestations convinced him that they were -at least sincere and honest in their efforts to preserve him from -harm.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> Nevertheless, like a genuine Irishman, he sturdily combated -them, determined to demonstrate his sincerity by actual experiment.</p> - -<p>It is a fact that a man may commence with the assertion of an absolute -falsehood, and conscious, at the beginning, that he is defending such, -argues himself in time into the belief that it is genuine truth.</p> - -<p>Pat Mulroony 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 -fearful and startling thing!</p> - -<p>That which arrested the brave-hearted Irishman, was the sight of a -human eye. At a small augur-like orifice at the mouth of the boat he -suddenly distinguished the glowing eye-ball of a Shawanoe Indian! It -was glaring like a demon's, and a cannon-ball would not have stopped -him sooner.</p> - -<p>Waring and Hezekiah, 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 catching the -gunwale by 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 broad 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, bare-headed -figure that was struggling like a lion amid a score of enemies which -had dogged him nigh to death.</p> - -<p>While Waring and Hezekiah gazed transfixed with horror, a -powerful-limbed Indian shot up like a rocket in mid-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>air, 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> - -<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, killed by the bullet from Waring's rifle. The other attempted to -swim behind the stern, but Hezekiah shot him through the brain ere it -could be accomplished.</p> - -<p>There could be but one cause for the sudden cessation of the tumult -upon the flat-boat. Pat had either been overcome or slain. The silence -that succeeded the fearful yell and the struggle was equally painful -and impressive to his two friends. They waited long and impatiently for -it to be broken.</p> - -<p>"It's all up with him!" whispered Waring, as he primed his rifle. "I -pity him, but our hands are clear of his blood."</p> - -<p>"Too bad, too bad," muttered Hezekiah, who had just loaded his rifle, -"he was a good fellow, my dear Patrick 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 such misfortune -to us. I am afraid that if we remain much longer, you will take it into -your head to perform some such a feat, and I shall be left alone."</p> - -<p>"No, indeed, I won't, there's no danger of that," added Hezekiah, so -eagerly and earnestly that it brought a smile to the face of Waring.</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 inches."</p> - -<p>"Hello! did you hear that?" exclaimed Waring.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> - -<p>Several whoops were heard upon the Kentucky shore, apparently in answer -to these which had been uttered some minutes before by the captors of -Pat Mulroony. Peering through the trees, Waring added:</p> - -<p>"There is a party of the thieves, coming off from the mainland in a -canoe. Get ready for hot work."</p> - -<p>"Drat the things—can't we hide?" anxiously asked Hezekiah, looking -around him for any place that might offer.</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 three or four Shawanoes, 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, -Pat Mulroony, 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.</p> - -<p>The captive disposed of, the Shawanoes 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 Waring, "the island and boat are free of 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>"If you've no objection, I should like to inquire how it can be the -safest place?"</p> - -<p>"In the first place there is no one upon it, and in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> second place, -as its sides are bullet-proof, we can use it as a fort, and keep off -any number of foes until dark, when we can get off ourselves."</p> - -<p>"Let's go upon it, then, before they come back."</p> - -<p>It was with some misgiving, slight enough, but still sufficient to -occasion uneasiness, that Waring 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 empty of any -persons except themselves. The cabin was half full of water, and it -was here that the Shawanoes must have concealed themselves while their -victim was approaching.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER X.</p> - -<p class="center">COMPANIONS IN CAPTIVITY.</p> - - -<p>With his usual recklessness, Pat Mulroony, after arriving upon the hulk -of the flat-boat, descended into the cabin. He had just reached the -base, when he espied several Indians, and he immediately retreated to -the deck again.</p> - -<p>Knowing that he was "in for it," he turned, and catching the foremost -Indian in his arms, threw him bodily into the water. The second he -served in the same manner, when he found the redskins were coming -up rather too fast for convenience. However, he gave the third a -tremendous blow in the face, and commenced laying about him in regular -Donnybrook style, when his foot slipped, and ere he could rise he was -seized and bound.</p> - -<p>"Trate me gintlemanly," said he, "for yese can't deny but what I sarved -yese in the same manner."</p> - -<p>The Indians could but respect the bravery he had shown, and they -offered him no violence. He was then passed over the side into the -canoe, and transported to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> shore. Shortly after, his captors joined -the main body, where he met Virginia Lander, in the same helpless -situation as himself.</p> - -<p>The Shawanoes were gathered in an irregular circle around the fire, -some smoking, others chatting, and others apparently asleep.</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 first looked upon them. -Virginia sat with her head bowed, for her heart was stricken with -grief. The picture of her cherished father 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—had swept her only relative upon earth from her, 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. The thought was -loathsome and full of abhorrence that she, an unprotected woman, was -alone among a party of blood-thirsty savages. She hardly dare 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 Pat Mulroony, 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><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, I'm the only one beside yerself that the haythen have, and they -wouldn't have got me if I hadn't struck at 'em too hard, and missed -'em. Ye jist keep quiet, my jewel, and ye'll hear of Pat Mulroony agin."</p> - -<p>A sort of consultation was now held among the Shawanoes, relating not -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 Virginia and Pat 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 to assaulting the whites in their stronghold. -They had already learned enough of their mettle to understand that this -would be a most dangerous undertaking upon their part, and many more -were convinced that there was no hope at all of success, even with the -loss of two-thirds of their number.</p> - -<p>It was actually decided to give up the hope of securing the two -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 <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> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER XI.</p> - - -<p>As the Shawanoes had invariably come from and returned to the Kentucky -side of the river, Waring concluded that the entire war party was upon -that shore, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> it was therefore determined in leaving the island that -they should cross over to the same bank.</p> - -<p>"It will bother us somewhat to manage our rifles," said he, "and as -we may need them the instant we touch land, we must keep them and our -ammunition out of the water."</p> - -<p>"Rip off a piece of this old hulk, and float them over on that."</p> - -<p>"A good idea."</p> - -<p>The suggestion of Hezekiah was adopted at once. A portion of the cabin -was loosened and placed in the water, and upon it was laid their two -rifles and powder horns. The raft thus formed was so buoyant as to -afford them material assistance in swimming.</p> - -<p>The night was of inky darkness; the most favorable that the two -adventurers could have wished. Yet, fearing that the savages might -suspect some such stratagem as this, they allowed themselves to drift -downward with the raft until they had passed the lowermost portion of -the island, when they shoved out into deep water, and commenced working -their way cautiously over toward the Dark and Bloody Ground.</p> - -<p>"Be careful and keep your limbs under water," admonished Waring; "a -single splash may betray us."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I understand," whispered Hezekiah, kicking around like a frantic -frog. "It appears to me that we're going down stream faster than across -it."</p> - -<p>Such was the case, as Waring found that his efforts alone tended -to carry them across, Hezekiah's being as much in one direction as -another, amounted to nothing.</p> - -<p>"Drat it," muttered the latter, "it's something like that canoe I got -into the other night. Never mind, we'll come out somewhere."</p> - -<p>A few minutes later the two touched bottom, and pushing their craft -carefully before them, came out in the woods, where the blackness was -of Egyptian intensity. Hezekiah bumped his head several limes before -he dare rise to a perfectly upright position, and then he could only -discern the shadowy form of his companion beside him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Whatever happens, or whatever you see," whispered Waring, "don't speak -or start."</p> - -<p>"I know better than to do that—drat that limb! it has nearly sawed my -neck off!"</p> - -<p>Knowing that the current must have carried them a considerable distance -down the river, Waring 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 Hezekiah -upon the arm, as a caution for him to be on 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 Shawanoe camp-fire.</p> - -<p>Waring's heart sank within him, for he understood at once that the -Shawanoe 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>These were questions which instantly presented themselves to the young -adventurer'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 labyrinths of the Dark and Bloody -Ground. Nothing could be done until morning.</p> - -<p>As neither Waring nor Hezekiah had enjoyed any sleep for many hours -they both felt fatigued, despite the exciting situation in which they -were placed. Withdrawing a considerable distance further into the -forest, they both lay down beside an uprooted tree, and were almost -immediately locked in slumber.</p> - -<p>The sleep of Waring 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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> valuable time. To his surprise, upon looking around, -nothing was seen of Hezekiah Smith. Thinking, however, he could not be -far away, Waring seated himself upon the tree and waited for his return.</p> - -<p>An hour passed away, and still no sign of his missing companion. The -young man had whistled, and gave utterance to all the signals 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 insupportable.</p> - -<p>"There is no use of remaining behind," he muttered. "The Shawanoes 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 Waring began to experience the pangs of hunger. -He had fasted a long time, 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 earth, sped along within -a stone's throw of him. As quick as thought the foremost was shot and -in his hands.</p> - -<p>The instant that Waring 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 the true state of the case.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> - -<p>To guard against capture Waring 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 for him. Upon reaching it he was gratified to find a large -quantity of live coals, and, without hesitation, he plucked and dressed -the turkey, and proceeded to cook it.</p> - -<p>The bird afforded him a most needed and nourishing meal, besides -furnishing enough for future use; and now that his immediate wants -were attended to, Waring set to work in earnest upon the all important -object that had brought him thither.</p> - -<p>In the first place, it was necessary to discover the trails of the two -war parties, and in trying this he failed completely. Although gifted -with more than ordinary intelligence, shrewdness, and cunning, he had -not yet learned enough of the woods 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 Shawanoes proceeded with their usual caution, it would have -been absolutely impossible for Waring to have followed them a hundred -yards through the wilderness. But, fully conscious that no enemy that -need cause them the least uneasiness, was in their vicinity, they -straggled forward as carelessly as a party of schoolboys. This only was -the reason why our hero was enabled to follow them.</p> - -<p>Waring, under the belief that they had penetrated further into -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.</p> - -<p>It being impossible to find any further signs of the passage of the -Shawanoes 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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> 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." Waring, under ordinary -circumstances, 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 a captive in the hands of the -savages, and he, therefore, did not once think of turning back.</p> - -<p>"They cannot have gone <i>up</i> the river," he reflected, "because they -have come from that direction. And yet what reason is that why they -should not have done so? Yet 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 banks 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 ever heard or read of the Shawanoes Indians—to whom this -war party surely belongs—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 home, 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> - -<p>Waring was on 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 -Shawanoes, and were searching the craft for plunder. They had thrown -over a sort of bench, which was fastened, bottom upward, to the stern -of a canoe. They were some half dozen savages, who, a moment later, -shoved off and paddled down stream.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> - -<p>Their light craft shot rapidly forward, inclining neither to one shore -nor the other. From this, Waring's belief that the main body had -crossed the river was changed into the conviction that they had all -gone down the 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 Indian, their canoe skimmed like a swallow over the water, and -it required the most strenuous efforts of Waring 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>Waring 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 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, Waring 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 head on 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.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> How he -should ever meet Virginia again it was impossible for him to imagine. -In the impenetrable depths of the great wilderness which surrounded -him, where the merciless red men wandered for miles, how could he, a -single, unaided white man, follow them? How——?</p> - -<p>The explosion of a rifle broke the stillness of the woods, and -springing to his feet, Waring 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> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER XII.</p> - -<p class="center">AN EXPLOIT OF HEZEKIAH SMITH'S.</p> - - -<p>Hezekiah Smith awoke two full hours before Waring. Looking toward him, -and noticing that he was still slumbering, he concluded not to disturb -him, as he well knew how exhausted his frame must be. Feeling perfectly -wakeful himself, he arose to his feet and looked around him. The first -sensation experienced by the New Englander was that of hunger—a -craving for food immediately. The sun had just risen, and although he -was well aware of the abundance of game in the wood, he dare not fire -his gun on account of the proximity of his enemies.</p> - -<p>"I guess I'll take a tramp down the river," he concluded, "and when I -get out of their hearing I'll knock something over, and eat enough to -last me a week."</p> - -<p>He looked down upon the tranquil face of Waring.</p> - -<p>"He appears to sleep very sound, and I guess it's hardly worth while to -disturb him. He'll be there when I come back, and all the better for -the extra rest he has received."</p> - -<p>With this philosophical conclusion, Hezekiah wandered off in the woods. -It was his intention to take a southerly direction, penetrating further -into Kentucky, and such was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> his course at first. But, unconsciously to -himself, he deviated to the right, parallel with the Ohio.</p> - -<p>With no sensation, but that of hunger, with the resolve to attend -to that immediately, and at all hazards, Hezekiah hurried forward -without once noticing the course he was pursuing, or reflecting that -it was more than probable he would be entirely lost in the trackless -wilderness.</p> - -<p>While still hurrying forward, his excited ear detected a faint gobble -in the woods, as if a lost turkey were calling its companions; and -proceeding stealthily onward, he suddenly came upon a gobbler, that was -wandering about disconsolately, as if indeed lost. Before it could get -out of his reach, Hezekiah discharged his piece, but only wounded it.</p> - -<p>It started off on a rapid run, and, fearful that it would escape him -if he paused to load his rifle, he dashed after it at the top of his -speed, and now commenced a most interesting race.</p> - -<p>All things considered, perhaps, in the condition of the gobbler, -Hezekiah could outrun it, that is, where both were given the same -chance; but the bird had a way of slipping through the undergrowth, -jumping under the bushes, and trotting over fallen trees, as though -they were not there, that gave him an immense 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 kept up to -a most exciting point, by the hairbreadth escapes it made from him. -More than once, he made a frenzied leap forward, and, as he fell on -his face, caught perhaps the tail feather of the bird, while the bird -itself glided through his grasp, leaving a most vivid impression of -its tapering form upon his hands, which had slipped over it so neatly. -Then, again, he would strike at it with his rifle, and perhaps pin -another feather to the ground.</p> - -<p>"Drat it," exclaimed Hezekiah, after one of those fruitless attempts. -"It's enough to make me swear. I'll chase him as long as I can stand, -but what I shall get him."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></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 they come to retrace their -steps, that they realize how great a distance they have passed over. -The attendant, perhaps, whose mind does not participate in the same -excitement, is exhausted even in following the hunter.</p> - -<p>Thus it happened that Hezekiah Smith, who would not have believed he -had gone more than half a mile, chased the gobbler for fully ten times -that distance, at the end of which it did not seem fatigued in the -least, the wild turkey, as our readers are aware, being a noted runner. -With no thought of giving it up, Hezekiah still pursued it at the top -of his speed, occasionally making a leap forward at it, and the bird as -often eluding him, as cleverly as ever.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he caught the glimmer of something through the trees, and -to his joy, saw that they were approaching the banks of a river. He -was now sure of the bird; he had fairly earned it; and his tormenting -hunger was about to be satisfied.</p> - -<p>Gracefully, and majestically, as the bird reached the edge of the -river, it spread out its wings, and, sailing through the air, landed -upon the Ohio side, and disappeared in the woods.</p> - -<p>"That is unpleasant. If my rifle had only been loaded, I would have -finished him."</p> - -<p>In chasing the gobbler, with all his turnings and doublings, Hezekiah -had become "turned around," himself, so that it seemed to him the -Ohio River was running in the wrong direction, and that he was on the -other side of it. Concluding however, that such a phenomena would be -a miracle, he kept on down the river, having decided that it would be -useless to retrace his steps, in the hope of finding Waring.</p> - -<p>He was walking slowly forward, panting and fatigued, when it struck -him that there was a peculiar smell in the air. It seemed as though -something were burning, and, knowing that he was in the midst of an -Indian country, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> guarded his steps, and kept a more watchful eye -upon his surroundings.</p> - -<p>It turned out as he had expected. 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, as well as his position would admit.</p> - -<p>It was with singular emotions, that Hezekiah recognized this party as -the identical Shawanoes who had attacked his party, and who held Pat -Mulroony and Virginia Lander as captives. The fact that they must have -been here some time, proved that they had broken their last night's -encampment at an early hour, and departed even before he himself had -awakened.</p> - -<p>The party seemed to have lost several of their number—some four or -five—but there was no mistaking the others. Hezekiah recognized them -at once. What surprised him still more, was that none of the captives -were visible. What had become of them? Had they been sent in advance, -in chance of a smaller party? What possible cause could the Shawanoes -possess for taking such a step?</p> - -<p>These questions ran rapidly through the mind of the New Englander, but -there was another which constantly presented itself, and that was the -one in regard to obtaining food, for satisfying his hunger, which was -constantly growing greater. There seemed but one course left for him, -and that was to take to the woods again. He was on the point of doing -so, when his heart leaped at what appeared a most fortunate occurrence -to him.</p> - -<p>Several times he thought he had detected the smell of burning meat, and -the cause of it was now explained. Some twenty rods to the right of the -encampment of the savages, was a smaller fire, at which a single squaw -was cooking. At the moment that Hezekiah caught sight of it, this squaw -had left it, and the meat was entirely unguarded.</p> - -<p>The temptation was too great; Hezekiah was only sensible of his -intolerable hunger. Running back into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> woods a few rods, he came -in the rear of the fire, and totally unmindful of his imminent danger, -snatched the meat, and seating himself upon the ground, commenced -devouring it like a wolf.</p> - -<p>The first mouthful was dropped suddenly upon the lawn, being so hot -that his tongue was blistered. But he soon became used to it, and in a -few moments had swallowed the entire piece of meat, and was wiping his -fingers upon his hair.</p> - -<p>"Just as much as I could possibly get down me," he muttered. "I -couldn't possibly swallow another mouthful, and—"</p> - -<p>A shrill whoop suddenly broke the stillness of the woods, and turning -his alarmed gaze behind him, he saw the squaw, standing within a dozen -feet of him. She was fairly blue with fury, and was screaming as if to -split her lungs.</p> - -<p>"Heavens!" exclaimed Hezekiah, who now saw how foolhardy he had been, -"the old woman is riled considerably, and if I ain't mistaken them -Indians are likewise."</p> - -<p>The outcries of the infuriated squaw had attracted the instant -attention of the Shawanoes, who had caught a sight of the white man as -he was rising to his feet, and three of their fleetest runners started -in pursuit.</p> - -<p>Hezekiah Smith's frame was gaunt and attenuated, and he was sinewy and -muscular. He was not only very fleet, but possessed bottom, and was -capable of holding his own against any one, and he now darted into 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 Hezekiah and the Shawanoe -remained about the same for five or ten minutes, when one of the latter -discharged his rifle, and the white sprang high in the air with a loud -yell.</p> - -<p>But he hadn't been struck. It was only fright. The report of the gun -gave an impetus to his flight, and soon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> 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 turn his face without much difficulty, and unconsciously to himself -he was running directly into a trap.</p> - -<p>It was not until he was on the very brink that Hezekiah realized his -peril. His hair fairly rose on his head, then, as he glanced about him. -To the right and left, stretched the deed 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!</p> - -<p>"It's no use of talking," he exclaimed, wheeling round, and placing his -back toward the gorge. "I'm cornered this time, and there's going to be -a row!"</p> - -<p>So saying, he clubbed his rifle, and awaited the onset of the Shawanoes!</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER XIII.</p> - -<p class="center">A STRUGGLE OF LIFE AND DEATH.</p> - - -<p>The Shawanoes, as we have before stated, had separated during the -pursuit, and were now some distance 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 Hezekiah Smith, as he then had but a single opponent with -which to contend.</p> - -<p>The lithe, agile Indian was all eagerness to secure the white as his -captive and forgetful of the axiom, "a stag at bay is a dangerous foe," -he halted not in the least, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> came at full speed toward him. When -within a rod or so, 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 quickness, the weapon -flashed over him, and went spinning end over end down the steep ravine.</p> - -<p>Both of the combatants had dropped their rifles and drawn their knives. -With a demoniac yell of triumph the painted Indian leaped high in air, -and swinging his knife, sprang upon his foe. 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 encountered with such force that the Shawanoe's -shot out of his hand and followed the tomahawk down the ravine, while -Hezekiah's was turned so suddenly that it fell to the ground several -yards distant. Both were now entirely unarmed, and glaring at each -other for a second, like baffled tigers, they closed in the struggle of -life and death.</p> - -<p>In point of strength the two were very nearly equally matched. In -activity the redskin had decidedly the advantage, but the white man -being an expert wrestler, and the savage a perfect novice, the former -was in a fair way to end the contest in his own favor. The instant he -grappled with his dusky adversary, he felt that he was at his power.</p> - -<p>By a trick, or rather art, well known to wrestlers, Hezekiah twisted -the savage off his feet, and threw him with stunning violence upon the -ground, falling heavily upon him. Allowing him to rise, he repeated the -performance several times, the redskin becoming more and more exhausted -each moment, until it was manifest to himself that he had not the -shadow of a chance in such warfare as this.</p> - -<p>The cunning Shawanoe had noticed where the knife of his adversary fell, -and each time that he went down he managed to work himself nearer to -it. Hezekiah did not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> comprehend what he was at, until the savage -clutched it with the quickness of thought, and rising again to his -feet, confronted him with the weapon.</p> - -<p>Not the least daunted, for he was now terribly excited—he closed again -with the Indian, receiving an ugly cut in his arm as he did so. At this -moment he heard the yells of the other two Shawanoes, and driven to -fury by his imminent peril, he concentrated all his strength in the one -mighty effort, and grasping his adversary around the waist, he lifted -him clear off 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 space, spinning from crag to crag, with his -awful cry coming up like the wail of some spirit!</p> - -<p>The struggle occupied scarcely a fifth of the time 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 shock when -the two encountered, a few blows and strivings, another struggle, more -determined than the others, and it was ended.</p> - -<p>Hezekiah 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 onset 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, higher in -authority than the other; for waving his hand for him to keep his -distance, he advanced upon the white man, with the determination of -disposing of him without assistance from any one else.</p> - -<p>This savage was a much more formidable foe than the other, and Hezekiah -being considerably exhausted from his recent efforts, he was in a poor -condition to receive him. Nevertheless, there was no help for him, -and he showed an undaunted front. The Shawanoe halted a moment, as if -to decide upon the best method of attack, and then, with a yell as -demoniac as the other, sprang forward.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> - -<p>He had passed over half the space intervening between him and his -adversary, when he uttered another yell—a short, frenzied, agonized -one, and throwing his arms aloft, fell dead!</p> - -<p>Hezekiah had caught the report of a rifle, and saw a red spot suddenly -appear on the forehead of the Shawanoe, so that he understood at once -that he had been shot. But who had come up and fired his piece so -opportunely? What friend had he in the Dark and Bloody Ground? Why did -his friend remain concealed?</p> - -<p>The remaining redskin had halted upon seeing his companion fall by -the mysterious shot, but he evinced no disposition to flee. On the -contrary, he continued to approach, fully resolved that the foe should -not escape him.</p> - -<p>"By thunder! you're the only one left, and I reckon as how I can -dispose of you," exclaimed Hezekiah, preparing to receive him. "Though -if there should happen to be another rifle around, it would be mighty -welcome just now."</p> - -<p>The Shawanoe had learned caution from what he had witnessed, and -although as brave as a mortal could possibly be, he deemed it best to -use prudence in the case. His mode of attack was peculiar. He commenced -slowly circling around his adversary, his black, snake-like eye fixed -upon him while the latter kept turning, as if on a pivot, so as to -confront him.</p> - -<p>In going in this circular manner, the Indian came to the very brink -of the precipice, so that his form stood out in relief upon it. More -than once when he was in this position, Hezekiah was upon the point of -springing forward and shoving him over. His heart throbbed painfully, -as he balanced himself for the leap, lest the risk was too great -for him to attempt it. He more than half suspected the Indian was -manœuvering for that purpose, and would succeed in throwing him over -instead.</p> - -<p>All at once, with the inevitable whoop, the redskin bounded forward, -and struck at Hezekiah with his drawn knife. Singular as it may seem, -the two weapons encountered in precisely the same manner as did those -of the first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> two combatants, and both were as suddenly deprived of all -arms, except such as nature gave them.</p> - -<p>As the two closed in with each other, it seemed to Hezekiah that this -Indian was much more powerful and difficult to manage than the other, -or possibly his own strength was failing. Remembering, however, that -he was the only foe which it was necessary to overcome, and that a -prolonged contest might bring some of his companions to the scene, he -summoned all his strength to this last conflict.</p> - -<p>He succeeded in throwing the Shawanoe, and falling heavily upon him, -but it required such an expenditure of strength that he doubted -whether this means of exhausting him would not first "use up" himself. -Furthermore, he found it impossible to hold his foe. Whether his body -was greased or not, he could not tell, but the redskin kept up such a -twisting and squirming that he glided from his grasp as easily as an -eel could have escaped him.</p> - -<p>Concluding that it was vain to hope for any success by means of -wrestling, Hezekiah now bent his efforts toward drawing him to the edge -of the cliff with the determination of throwing him over. The savage -comprehended his intention, and probably believing he could do the same -thing with the white man, favored his efforts, and in a few seconds -both were upon the very brink of the precipice.</p> - -<p>And now commenced the awful struggle. With sinews strained to their -utmost tension, with limbs braced and pressed against each other, their -chests heaving, with teeth set, and their eyes gleaming with the most -implacable hate, the combatants strove together!</p> - -<p>In reaching the edge of the ravine, the Shawanoe was on the -inside—that is, he was the nearest to it—and Hezekiah succeeded in -keeping him there. Gradually working him nigher and nigher to the dread -chasm, until he felt his strength going, the New Englander gathered his -knee to his breast, and summoning all his power, with one mighty effort -he kicked the savage from him and over the cliff!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> - -<p>But horror of horrors! in going over, the Shawanoe caught him with both -hands by the ankle, and Hezekiah felt himself following! He clutched -with the twigs and stones within his grasp, but they all yielded and -came with him, and he could not shake off the dreadful incubus that was -drawing him on to death. He screamed and shouted, and blistered his -hands in his efforts to stay himself, but it was all useless.</p> - -<p>Further, further, further—the Shawanoe's weight seems to increase -each second—the white man's outspread hands slide over the earth and -rock!—he is going, going, going!—his head slips over! and now down -like a meteor, through the dizzying air, with wild, ecstatic thrills -shooting through his brain—a second's delirium—an awful, stunning -shock—and all was dark! The lifeless forms of Hezekiah Smith and the -Shawanoe Indian lay side by side at the bottom of the gorge!</p> - -<p>The reader will recollect that Luther Waring, in wandering through the -woods, suddenly came upon an unexpected scene, and rushed forward in -a state of great excitement. The sight that met his gaze was Hezekiah -Smith and the second Indian struggling together. Without a moment's -reflection he discharged his piece, killing the savage as before -related. He was about to rush forward to the rescue of his friend, when -he caught sight of the third Indian; and believing that a party had -just arrived, and that he could afford him no assistance, and that he -was in imminent danger of his own capture, he turned and fled.</p> - -<p>Running some distance, he was considerably surprised to find that he -was not pursued, and suspecting that, after all, he might have been -mistaken, he cautiously retraced his steps. He arrived at the spot of -the tragic scene we have just described, and looking over the brink, -descried the two inanimate forms lying below.</p> - -<p>With a painfully throbbing heart he hurried through the forest, and by -a circuitous route entered the gorge. In a short time he came upon the -two Indians and his friend. All three were bruised and bleeding, and -as Waring looked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> above him at the height of the precipice, he took a -melancholy consolation in the thought that the death of Hezekiah Smith -had been speedy and almost painless.</p> - -<p>"Would that I could give him a decent burial," he murmured; "but I -cannot. He shall not remain here, however, to rot beside those fiendish -savages. I will do what I can for him."</p> - -<p>Taking him in his arms he carried him some distance to where there was -a mass of debris and stones at the side of the ravine. Here depositing -him carefully upon the ground, he first covered him over with brush, -and then stones, until his body was entirely hidden from sight. The -principal object in doing this was to secure his remains against -outrage from the savages.</p> - -<p>"Farewell," said Waring, as he turned away. "I have known you but a -short time, and have learned but little of you, but I have learned -enough to know that you were a <span class="smcap">FRIEND</span>; and now, a last adieu -to you, my <span class="smcap">FRIEND</span>!"</p> - -<p>With a saddened, mournful heart he turned away and walked slowly -through the ravine.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER XIV.</p> - -<p class="center">AN UNEXPECTED MEETING.</p> - - -<p>Waring's meditations, as he walked through the gorge, were gloomy -and melancholy enough. Now, indeed, he felt he was alone. Two of his -companions had been slain, and the other two captured; and what could -he, single and unaided, accomplish against these inhuman denizens of -the wilderness? Absolutely nothing.</p> - -<p>And yet he could not persuade himself to give up the hope of a final -rescue of Virginia Lander. That hope gone, life looked dark and -gloomy to him. Rather than never see her again, he felt that he could -willingly share captivity and death with her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p> - -<p>The plan which Waring at length decided upon, was to make his way to -the settlement, and seek the aid of the settlers. He could be no great -distance from it; and, as the Shawanoes seemed to linger in the forest, -there could be little difficulty in finding and following their trail.</p> - -<p>With his head bent, and with feelings saddened and thoughtful, from the -frightful scenes he had just witnessed, Waring walked slowly forward -until he had emerged from the gorge, and was again threading the -shadowy woods. At length he entered a portion where the undergrowth -became more tangled and dense, and where from necessity he was -compelled to recall his mind from its reverie, and occupy it with his -immediate duties.</p> - -<p>He had penetrated, perhaps, a third of a mile into this undergrowth, -when, becoming exhausted, he threw himself upon the ground for a few -minutes' rest. He had scarcely seated himself when he was fairly -startled out of his senses by hearing the hum of voices! Listening -carefully, he soon distinguished the words:</p> - -<p>"Begorrah, it's meself that's thinking this is the most delightful -retrate of my life, barring that it was a retrate from necessity. What -do you think of it, my leddy?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! I am so thankful to be free from those loathsome Indians that have -persecuted us so long!"</p> - -<p>"If we only had that long-legged Hezekiah Smith, and the handsome young -felly that ye calls Waring, how much more pleasant the retrate would -seem! Eh, wouldn't it now?"</p> - -<p>"I do indeed pray that they may rejoin us. Since my poor father has -fallen, I am lonely enough with him also gone. Who knows but that he, -too, is in their hands?"</p> - -<p>"It's meself that understands yer feelings. I mind the time that I lost -Molly McMooney at the Tipperary fair, me heart was broken intirely till -I found her agin."</p> - -<p>Could Waring believe his ears! Those surely were the voices of Pat -Mulroony and Virginia Lander, and, from their words they were alone. -Could it be they had escaped? Have the Shawanoes voluntarily freed -them? What could it all mean?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> - -<p>He arose and looked around him. Yes; but a few rods away he saw the -two seated by a small fire, as comfortably as if on some pleasure -excursion. The genial face of the Irishman was wreathed in smiles, -as he blinked through the smoke at the girl upon the opposite side. -The face of the latter was pale, and she wore a saddened, thoughtful -expression, for it was hard for her to smile at the witticisms of her -good-natured companion, when her terrible bereavement was so recent.</p> - -<p>Hardly able to restrain his emotions, Waring approached the two. As he -did so, the back of Virginia was turned toward him, while the Irishman -faced him. The latter immediately caught sight of him, and signalling -him to stop, said to Virginia:</p> - -<p>"Did you ever hear, my leddy, that Pat Mulroony was a magician?"</p> - -<p>She looked up as if she did not comprehend his question.</p> - -<p>"A magician? What do you mean?" returned Virginia.</p> - -<p>"A man who on account of his superior vartues is gifted with more than -mortal powers. One who can do anything."</p> - -<p>Thinking the words of the Irishman to be nothing more than some jest, -intended to divert her attention from her grief, Virginia made no reply.</p> - -<p>"Whisht now! ye doesn't belave me, I see. S'pose I should call up that -young Waring that belongs to yees out of the ground, would you then -belave it?"</p> - -<p>"I am in no mood for such trifling," said she, with a reproving look. -"I would prefer you not to disturb me."</p> - -<p>"Whisht now, jist look."</p> - -<p>Pat Mulroony's incantations to convince his fair companion of his -supernatural powers were as singular as they were characteristic. -Pitching forward, he came down upon his hands so as to invert himself, -where balancing himself for a moment, he kicked his feet in the air -several times with such vigor that one of his shoes flew off. This -accomplished, he came down again, replaced his shoe, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> danced what -he termed the "Tipperary Reel," after which he suddenly became rigid, -and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Look behind yees! Mr. Waring, appair!"</p> - -<p>Virginia would not have obeyed him, had she not detected the laugh of -her lover as the Irishman spoke. Starting up and turning around, she -was the next instant clasped in his arms.</p> - -<p>"Thank God! thank God!" exclaimed the young adventurer, fervently. -"Found at last! Oh! how rejoiced I am!"</p> - -<p>Virginia could not speak; her joy was too great for words.</p> - -<p>During this affecting scene, the Irishman pretended to be busily -occupied with the fire. He did not replenish it, but kept displacing -the embers, as if to make them burn better. The air being quite warm -and genial, it seemed strange that he should have kindled it; but the -cause was his excessive politeness and consideration for the fair -charge in his hands. Noticing that Waring's actions seemed somewhat -restrained, he said, encouragingly:</p> - -<p>"Don't be scart, don't be scart. I isn't watching yees. It's point -of honor with Pat Mulroony niver to disturb a couple when engaged in -courting. Plase proceed."</p> - -<p>"We have no disposition to do anything of the kind at present," replied -Waring. "I am surprised, Pat, that you should have escaped from the -Indians with Virginia here, when, a short time since, you were both -prisoners in their hands. Pray, how came it to happen?"</p> - -<p>"It didn't happen at all jist. Pat Mulroony is the boy that is up -to them same tricks. He is the one that understands the blackguard -haythen—he is."</p> - -<p>"I do not doubt that; but let me hear the account of this exploit of -yours."</p> - -<p>"Begorrah! where is the long-legged chap, Hizikiah, that ye had with -yees?"</p> - -<p>Waring, in a few words, related what is already known to the reader; -and then repeated his request to the Irishman for an account of his -escape from the Shawanoes.</p> - -<p>"Wal, ye saas, the way that it happened was this. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> s'pose you know -how I was took on that ould flat-boat?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; your own foolishness was the cause of it. You need not relate -that. Give us what happened subsequently."</p> - -<p>"Wal, ye saas, the haythen had us pretty fast, and it was mighty -onsartain the way things looked. Whisht! what is that?"</p> - -<p>The near report of a rifle suddenly broke the stillness of the woods, -and the two speakers instantly sat down where they were better -protected by the undergrowth from observation. All interest was -immediately centred upon the one thought of safety.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid that we are still in imminent peril," whispered Waring. -"Those Shawanoes, without doubt, are upon your trail."</p> - -<p>"No, be the powers! they ain't."</p> - -<p>"Don't be too sure, my friend. Those lynx-eyed savages will follow the -lightest footsteps."</p> - -<p>"Not if they're made in the water—eh, boy?"</p> - -<p>Waring began to comprehend matters. Still he replied:</p> - -<p>"You are some distance from the river, remember, and neither you nor -Virginia could get to this spot without leaving a trail which these -Indians could follow without the least difficulty."</p> - -<p>"S'powse they didn't know where to look for the same."</p> - -<p>"That may all be," replied Waring, somewhat petulantly, "and yet what I -say is true. They are constantly ranging through the wood, and it is by -no means improbable that the traces of your passage is discovered. But -let us cease talking for the present."</p> - -<p>The two listened for several moments, when hearing nothing further, the -Irishman cautiously arose, and commenced peering around him. Ere he had -half turned his head, he suddenly dropped to the ground again, with a -suppressed exclamation:</p> - -<p>"He's right out there!" he whispered.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Where? Who is there? What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"A bloody big Shawanoe, in his war paint, leaning against a tree out -there."</p> - -<p>Imitating the motion of Pat Mulroony, Waring descried the savage in -question, standing as he had remarked. His back was turned toward the -whites, so that it was impossible to discern his features. He was -rather tall in stature, and appeared to have his arms folded, as if he -were exhausted.</p> - -<p>"Wait till I show yees a specimen of Pat Mulroony's shooting," said the -Irishman, reaching out for the gun of Waring. But the latter refused it.</p> - -<p>"It looks too much like murder."</p> - -<p>"It's mighty little like murder their dailings with us luks, be the -same token."</p> - -<p>"His death can do us no good," added Waring. "The report of our rifle -would attract the attention of the savages in the vicinity, and we -could not again escape their clutches."</p> - -<p>"Ye talks now like a raisonable person," said the Irishman, somewhat -mollified at the explanation. "Hist a moment till I takes another look -at the gintleman."</p> - -<p>Pat Mulroony's head commenced slowly rising, while, as his knees -gradually straightened, his arms were elbowed, and his hands kept -flapping like the flippers of a turtle—the instinctive admonition to -the lookers on to maintain a profound silence.</p> - -<p>As his head rose to its full height, Waring saw, from the sudden light -that filled his eyes, that he had discovered something further. Without -removing his gaze, he motioned for his companion to look. The latter -did so, and descried the Shawanoe walking away in the woods. In a few -moments he had disappeared, and the three were left alone.</p> - -<p>Waring turned to Virginia, and assured her that the danger had passed, -and that she need feel no further alarm. They would not move from their -present position until nightfall, when the chance of escape would -amount almost to a certainty. After this, the young adventurer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> again -demanded of the Irishman an account of his flight from the Shawanoes, -and he, nothing loth, proceeded to give it.</p> - -<p>We choose to relate it in our own words.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER XV.</p> - -<p class="center">AN EXPLOIT OF PAT MULROONY'S.</p> - - -<p>During the captivity of Pat Mulroony and Virginia Lander, the Shawanoes -kept them sedulously apart. Although Pat ventured to address her -several times, he was compelled to do it in tones loud enough for all -to hear him, though whether they understood him or not was altogether a -different matter.</p> - -<p>The Indians remained at their camp, where Waring had seen them through -the night. As he had supposed, the party had divided, one division -taking both the captives with them. The cause of this was, the -Shawanoes were upon the war-path, and the whole company, numbering -over twenty warriors, had set out to attack a small village belonging -to a hostile tribe. Having inflicted about all the injury that it was -possible for them to inflict against the whites, they were now anxious -to proceed with their expedition. As their prisoners could be nothing -more than an incumbrance to them, eight of their number were detailed -to conduct them to one of the Shawanoe towns in southern Ohio.</p> - -<p>The separation of the Shawanoes was made early in the evening, and -before it was fairly light, the two parties were proceeding in the -direction of their respective destinations. The main party proceeded -down the river on the Kentucky side, while the eight Indians embarked -in separate canoes with their captives.</p> - -<p>Six Indians were in one of the boats, and two in the other, excluding -the captives. It was intended that the two parties should keep company -to prevent any chance of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> escape by the burly Irishman, although in his -present helpless condition, bound and secured as he was, a boy could -have taken care of him without assistance.</p> - -<p>The grey morning mist was just lifting from the Ohio, as the two canoes -shot out from the Kentucky shore, and sped swiftly down the river. The -point at which they intended to land upon the other side, was several -miles further down, bringing them considerably nearer their town than -a direct passage across the stream would have done. The Irishman, who -understood a few words of the Shawanoe tongue, had gathered this much -from the conversation of the savages before starting.</p> - -<p>The two Indians who used the paddles were seated in the stern of the -canoe, scarcely a foot apart, while Virginia was near the centre, and -Pat Mulroony in the bow, his back being turned down stream, and his -face toward his captors. In this position, the captives were constantly -under the gaze of the lynx-eyed Shawanoes, and could not converse, even -in whispers, without being seen. Nevertheless, the Irishman had no -hesitation in attempting it.</p> - -<p>"Miss Virginny, how is it ye faals jist now?"</p> - -<p>"Sadly enough," she replied. "Our only hope is in Providence."</p> - -<p>"If I only had my hands loose," whispered Pat, "I would smash them two -copper skins there in the stern, and run into shore, in spite of the -haythen in the other vissel."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps they would loosen your hands if you requested them to do so."</p> - -<p>"Begorrah! but they won't though."</p> - -<p>"You might try it, Pat; make believe your bonds hurt you, and I have no -doubt they will loosen them."</p> - -<p>After a moment's thought, Pat determined to try the artifice which -his fair companion had recommended. Accordingly he began groaning and -twisting his face into all manner of contortions, in order to enlist -their sympathy for his suffering. It was little sympathy the savages -felt for him, but his moans and struggles were so persistent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> and -annoying that the foremost Indian, with one blow of his knife, freed -his arms, refusing, however, all his entreaties to do the same thing -for his feet.</p> - -<p>"Ugh! keep still—kill with knife—don't," said he, threateningly.</p> - -<p>Pat Mulroony had succeeded far better than he had dared to hope. He -felt considerably elated thereby, and, rising up in his seat, commenced -"joking" with his grim captors.</p> - -<p>"Ye handles them paddles as if yees was used to 'em. Be the same token, -maybe ye is. How is it?"</p> - -<p>But the stoical Shawanoes deigned not to notice him, and Pat continued:</p> - -<p>"Begorrah, but yer mothers must be proud of sich boys as yees, that is -if ye has ary mothers. Do you mind that haythen there in the starn, -Virginny? Wal, now, ef I had to make a guess about him, I should say he -was a cross between an Irish chimney swaap and a monkey from the South -Saas. It must be swate for a gal to be hugged by yees."</p> - -<p>The canoes were now rather close to the Kentucky shore, and constantly -approaching nigher, although Pat Mulroony, who had his eyes about him, -was at a loss to conjecture the cause of this movement. The other canoe -was considerably in advance—its inmates finding it difficult to time -their velocity to the tardy movements of their two companions.</p> - -<p>Of course the remarks of the Irishman were not comprehended by either -of the Shawanoes, although they now and then caught a word. But it was -easy to see from his pleasant eye, his broad grin, and the rollicking -expression of his face, that he was in the best of spirits. Despite -the stern, gloomy exterior of the foremost savage, there was a spice -of waggery in his composition, and his black, snake-like eyes softened -somewhat in expression as he looked upon the jovial Irishman.</p> - -<p>"Paddle 'um canoe!" suddenly remarked this Indian, handing his paddle -to him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Of course I will," replied Pat, eagerly taking the proffered paddle.</p> - -<p>He dipped it deep into the water, and attempted to make a powerful -sweep with it; but it turned in his hand, cutting through the water -like a knife, and with such velocity as nearly to throw him overboard. -Both savages laughed at his awkward movements, while the Irishman -worked all the harder.</p> - -<p>"Get in the bow of the boat," he whispered to Virginia, as he kept hard -at work. The girl arose and exchanged places with him, the savages -looking upon her movement as a voluntary one upon her part, to be safe -from the erratic blows of the toiling captive. By and by these became -so amusing, that the remaining Shawanoe ceased working in order to -watch him.</p> - -<p>There were three noticeable facts which entirely escaped the -observation of the savages. The first was that the other canoe was -a considerable distance in advance of them—much further than they -would have been willing to allow, had their attention been called -to it. The second was that a few hundred yards down stream, a large -creek put in from the Kentucky shore; and the last, and certainly most -important one, was that in spite of the awkward, vimless efforts of -the Irishman, the canoe was approaching slowly but surely the mouth of -this creek. The latter fact might possibly have been merely accidental, -but a suspicious observer would not have believed thus. Virginia, too, -noticed an expression in the eyes of Pat Mulroony, that made her heart -beat faster.</p> - -<p>Nearer and nearer approached the canoe to the eddying mouth of the -creek. The Indians, grinning and unsuspicious, did not notice it until -they were fairly within it. Then one of them reached forward to take -the oar.</p> - -<p>"Ugh! turn back!"</p> - -<p>The Shawanoe suddenly dropped back, having received a stunning blow -upon the head from the heaviest end of the oar. So violent was it, -that, striking the edge of the canoe, he rolled over as helplessly as a -log.</p> - -<p>"Begorrah, but I axes yer pardon!" exclaimed Pat, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> the struggling -savage. "But I handles the paddle so awkwardly, that—holy virgin! if -I haven't hit the other haythen a crack, too, and he's gone overboard! -What's got into me paws?"</p> - -<p>The second savage had sprang up, as his companion went into the water, -but, as quick as lightning, he dropped back in his seat, catching -the sides of the canoe so firmly, that he did not go out of it. The -Irishman's blows being "sidewinders,"—that is, on the side of the -head, their natural result was to send the recipients overboard, and -the Shawanoe in question saved himself so narrowly, that Pat was -mistaken in supposing that he was following his comrade.</p> - -<p>"That was another awkward piece of business. Let me tip ye another -iligant whack with me shillaleh, in the true style of Pat Mulroony, -from Tipperary."</p> - -<p>Ere the second blow caught the savage, he gave vent to a screeching -yell, loud enough to wake the dead. But it did not save him from -whisking over the canoe like a frog, and going down out of sight.</p> - -<p>The first Indian had by this time arisen, and was endeavoring to climb -into the canoe. His hideous face, painted and agleam with the most -deadly ferocity, had appeared over the gunwale, and the frail vessel -was in momentary danger of coming apart or sinking.</p> - -<p>"Go round to the starn, if ye wants to come in!" exclaimed Pat, -striking him a tremendous blow in the face with his fist, that quickly -loosened his hold. Dipping the paddle into the water, the Irishman now -plied it with a skill fully equal to that of the Shawanoes themselves, -sending it with a wonderful velocity directly up the creek.</p> - -<p>But the second canoe had seen that something was wrong before the yell -of their unfortunate comrade had reached their ears, and they were -now fairly flying over the water, toward the captives. The Irishman, -with a coolness, and presence of mind that was remarkable under the -circumstances, seated himself in the stern, and keeping a sharp eye -upon either bank, sent his canoe swiftly up the creek, approaching -closely to neither shore.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> - -<p>He had calculated to a second almost, the instant when the pursuing -Indians would arrive at the mouth of the creek, and consequently, how -long he might ascend it without danger of discovery. Virginia, who kept -her gaze fixed toward the river, announced that the two Indians had -swam to the mainland, and were evidently awaiting the approach of their -companions.</p> - -<p>It was the intention of the Irishman, when he had ascended as far as he -durst, to sheer the canoe under the right bank, which, fortunately for -him, was protected by dense, overhanging undergrowth, and concealing -his vessel as well as circumstances would permit, to hurry into the -woods; but at the moment he dipped his paddle for the purpose of doing -so, he made a discovery which induced him to change his mind.</p> - -<p>But a comparatively short distance from the Ohio, the creek divided -into four narrow branches, scarcely more than three or four yards in -width. Believing that the Indians would have no means of learning the -course he had followed, he shot the canoe into the lower one of these, -and the next minute had disappeared from view.</p> - -<p>The fugitives ascended this branch of the creek for a furlong, when it -became so narrow and rapid, that the expenditure of labor was too great -to pay them for going further by this means of locomotion. Touching the -shore, Virginia sprang out, the Irishman followed, pulling the canoe -after him, and rearranging the bushes behind, so as to disarm their -pursuers of any suspicion, should they follow as high up the branch as -this point.</p> - -<p>Determined that the canoe, if discovered, should afford them no good, -Pat Mulroony turned it over, and springing upon the bottom, inflicted -an irreparable injury, by staving it in.</p> - -<p>"Come on, me leddy," said he to Virginia, "and when ye mates Mister -Waring, ye can tell him that Pat Mulroony hails from Tipperary, and can -taach him how to use the shillaleh."</p> - -<p>An hour or so later, they reached a spot in the forest, which, pleasing -the fancy of the Irishman, he ordered a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> halt, for the purpose of -resting themselves. Declaring that Virginia must be cold, in spite -of her protestations to the contrary, he persisted in kindling a -fire, which had been burning but a short time, when Waring made his -appearance, as we have already related.</p> - -<p>"And now, about how far off is that settlement?" asked Pat Mulroony, at -the conclusion of his narration.</p> - -<p>"It cannot certainly be over eight or ten miles, at the most, as we -have been proceeding toward it all the while. We surely ought to be -able to reach it in a few hours."</p> - -<p>"And what is there to hinder us from starting this minute? The owld man -is dead—hoping the leddy will excuse me—and that long-legged Hezekiah -has give up the ghost, and we're all that is left of the party which -was on the flat-boat a few days since. Bein' we're all here, I makes -the move that we starts at once, and have this blatherin' matter done -wid at once."</p> - -<p>"There is only one thing that troubles me," said Waring. "I am afraid -that a number of those Shawanoes are in the vicinity, and if we venture -out, we run too great a risk of being seen."</p> - -<p>"Begorrah, but how are we going to manage it after all?" queried the -Irishman, with great surprise.</p> - -<p>"Wait until darkness, when we will run little chance of being seen by -those who are evidently watching for us."</p> - -<p>"And how will we find the way to the village, if you've no objection -to tell, as that long-legged Hezekiah used to say, when he asked a -question of us."</p> - -<p>"Easily enough by following the river. As the settlement is upon the -banks of the Ohio, we surely shall discover it if we do not stray off -into the woods."</p> - -<p>"Begorrah, but that's the plan fur yees."</p> - -<p>It was decided that the best course was for them to be on the move -at once, provided they could do so without incurring any additional -danger. The way to the river appeared to be the least frequented by -their foes and his plan was to approach this as near as convenient, -and follow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> closely its bank, keeping carefully under the cover of the -shrubbery and dense undergrowth.</p> - -<p>The river could be reached in half an hour at least, provided no -unexpected obstacle should present itself, and, with Waring taking the -lead, the three set out.</p> - -<p>The gallant guide could not restrain his misgivings, as he cautiously -stole through the woods, and, more than once, he debated with himself -whether it was not best to turn back, and wait for the cover of -darkness before attempting to reach the settlement.</p> - -<p>They had gone scarcely half the distance, when a paint-bedaubed -Shawanoe was discerned coming toward them. Signalling to those behind -him, Waring sank down to the ground, and, clutching the handle of his -knife, breathlessly awaited his approach.</p> - -<p>The head of the savage was bent, as though he was searching the ground -for something, and he was walking slowly, little dreaming that the very -ones he was so anxious to discover, were so nigh him. As fortunately, -indeed for himself, as for the whites, he changed his direction, and, -in a few moments, was out of sight.</p> - -<p>The fugitives resumed their painfully laborious flight, and finally -reached the river bank, rejoiced enough that, as yet, their enemies -had learned nothing of their whereabouts. Here, underneath the almost -impervious undergrowth, they felt more at ease than they had since they -had been joined by Waring.</p> - -<p>"What time might it be?" asked the Irishman.</p> - -<p>"Near the middle of the afternoon—if not later."</p> - -<p>"We'll stay here then until night. What say ye?"</p> - -<p>The proposal of Pat Mulroony coincided with what Waring deemed best -for the party, and accordingly, it was determined to remain in their -present position until night closed around them.</p> - -<p>The few hours that yet remained ere the protecting darkness could come, -were hours of the most painful suspense to the fugitives. Neither -of them hardly dared to stir from his hiding-place, and when they -conversed, it was only in the whispered words of fear.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<p>It may well be a question, whether the Shawanoes were really searching -for the whites, for it seemed barely possible that if such were the -case, they could have helped finding the trail. It was more probable -that the Indians had moved to this portion of the wood, and, those of -their number who had been seen, were only wandering hither and thither, -without any ostensible object.</p> - -<p>Be that as it may, the sun was still in the heavens, when the sharp -ears of Virginia Lander caught the sound of a footstep near them. -Touching Waring on the shoulder, she communicated the startling fact to -him, and he admonished the Irishman to maintain a strict silence.</p> - -<p>It was soon evident that an Indian was close at hand, and that he was -between the fugitives and the river—a position in which it was barely -possible for him to pass them, without both parties discovering each -other. It was manifest too, from the carelessness with which he was -proceeding, that he had no suspicion of the proximity of the whites.</p> - -<p>Soon, the form of the Shawanoe was discerned through the intricacies -of the bushes, and the fugitives, sinking down to the earth, kept -their eyes intently fixed upon him. From his manner, it was plain he -was searching for something, although whether that something was our -friends or some other object, they had no means of determining. He kept -his head down most of the time, occasionally looking up with a puzzled, -curious expression, at which time, so close was he, that the black -pupils of his basilisk eyes were plainly visible to the whites.</p> - -<p>A remarkable fact in regard to this Indian was, that he had no rifle -with him, and nothing except a knife carried in his girdle. This, -however, did not make him a less dangerous personage to the fugitives, -should they be discovered. A single yell from him would bring a horde -of the redskins upon them before even they could extricate themselves -from the bushes which sheltered them.</p> - -<p>What pen shall describe the emotions of the fugitives as they saw the -Shawanoe lower his eyes, and gaze straight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> through the bushes at -them—so straight, in fact, that Waring, who was nearest the river, -felt confident that he was looking directly at him.</p> - -<p>Still, he uttered no sound, and gave no evidence that he had discovered -anything unusual in the undergrowth before him, although Waring could -not comprehend how such could be the case, for the gaze of the Indian -was fixed steady and penetrating.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, the young man heard a movement behind him. He dared not turn -his head, but he suspected the meaning of it. It was soon explained by -the barrel of the Irishman's rifle appearing beside him. "Whist, till I -blow the haythen to the divil!" he whispered, as he cocked it. Waring -would not run the risk of reply; his words might be heard by other ears -than those for which they were intended. He placed the muzzle of the -gun against his side, and held it there firmly, so that it could not -be discharged without killing him. Pat Mulroony understood this mute -appeal, and relinquished his intention of shooting the savage.</p> - -<p>All at once, the Shawanoe gave forth a guttural "Ugh!" and approached -the fugitives. Pat tugged at the rifle, but Waring would not loosen -his grasp. Just as he was about to do so, under the belief that the -critical moment had arrived, the Indian stopped and drew something from -the bushes. Relief unspeakable! it was a canoe, and the whites still -remained undiscovered.</p> - -<p>Picking the frail vessel bodily from the ground, the Shawanoe carried -it to the water's edge, when, depositing it in the water, he seated -himself in it, and paddled away.</p> - -<p>"That Indian had the narrowest escape of his life!" remarked Waring, -when he had gone.</p> - -<p>"Ye spake the truth there," added Pat Mulroony, "and be the same token, -ye had the same narry 'scape yerself. I was on the p'int of aiming at -the haythen several times <i>through you</i>, and letting daylight through -ye both."</p> - -<p>Virginia looked horror-struck at the words of the Irish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>man, noticing -which, he whispered to her, (so loud, however, that Waring also caught -the words:)</p> - -<p>"It's only a joke, me leddy; I wouldn't hit the spalpeen, to save his -neck."</p> - -<p>In the course of an hour or so, it began to grow dark, and the -fugitives impatiently awaited the time when they could move from their -hiding-place. With the exception of the Indian mentioned, they saw -nothing of their enemies, although they occasionally heard a whoop or -halloo in the woods from them.</p> - -<p>The sky, which, up to noon had been clear and propitious, had become, -since then, darkened and overcast, and gave every sign of a coming -storm. Black, threatening clouds were sweeping tumultuously across the -heavens, and piling up in huge masses in the far-off horizon, where -they towered like the walls of some old unbattled castle, around whose -ramparts the serpentine lightning quivered like streams of blood. Faint -murmurings of thunder were constantly borne upon the air, and the -roaring of the wind in the forest sounded like the distant ocean.</p> - -<p>The darkness came on earlier than usual, thus hastened by the -marshaling of the storm-king's forces, and the three fugitives stole -from the bushes, and commenced their journey toward the settlement.</p> - -<p>The progress of the whites was necessarily slow, from the caution -exercised. For a considerable distance Waring led the way, when he -yielded to the earnest solicitation of Pat Mulroony, and allowed him to -take the advance, while he fell behind, and joined Virginia.</p> - -<p>"Keep up courage," he whispered to her. "We will soon be where we shall -have fewer obstacles to oppose us."</p> - -<p>"I am not tired," she replied. "Do not feel any anxiety upon my -account."</p> - -<p>The darkness had increased rapidly, and the whites began to take less -care as they moved along. Quite a strong wind came up the river, and -now and then, the flashes of lightning were vivid enough to reveal the -shore and stream<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> to them, so that they were guided in a great measure -by this means.</p> - -<p>Waring was moving along, holding the hand of Virginia in his own, when -he suddenly encountered the Irishman, who had stopped walking. He was -about to demand the meaning of his acting thus, when he turned his -head, and whispered—</p> - -<p>"Whist! I saan something then."</p> - -<p>"In what form did it appear?"</p> - -<p>"Look straight over me shoulder, and when the lightning shows itself -agin, tell me what ye saas."</p> - -<p>Waring did as requested. The lightning was incessant, but not sharp -enough to reveal the object that had attracted the notice of his -companion. All at once, however, a bright flame blazed out, and he saw, -but a rod or two away, an Indian seated in a canoe. The canoe lay close -under the bank, and the savage was seated in the stern, with his back -toward the whites, and, from his appearance, was evidently waiting for -some one.</p> - -<p>Waring felt sure that he was the Shawanoe that had caused them so much -alarm, and that, from his presence in this quarter, it was pretty -certain his companions were not far distant. While debating with -himself upon the best course for him safely to pass him, he felt the -Irishman moving away from him.</p> - -<p>"What do you intend to do?" he asked, as he arrested him.</p> - -<p>"Get that same canoe."</p> - -<p>"Get that canoe? What do you mean? How are you going to do it?"</p> - -<p>"Let me alone for that. I'll upset the haythen."</p> - -<p>"His friends may be closer at hand than you think."</p> - -<p>"Divil a bit does I care how close they be. I'll settle this matter -with him."</p> - -<p>"Well, go on, but be careful."</p> - -<p>The great convenience and advantage the canoe would be to the whites, -decided Waring to let the Irishman make an effort to gain possession of -it.</p> - -<p>Having warned him of the danger he ran, he trusted he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> had sense enough -to use all caution possible in the case. Nevertheless, it was with some -misgivings that he saw him glide away and disappear in the darkness.</p> - -<p>The flash of lightning which had revealed the solitary Indian to the -Irishman, had brought his appearance and situation so vividly to his -sight, that he could constantly see him, and felt as much assurance in -moving toward him as if it were broad daylight.</p> - -<p>Step by step he approached, literally feeling every inch of the way, -for a single misstep would prove fatal. The snapping of a twig, a slip -of his foot in the water, and the vigilant Indian would be on his guard.</p> - -<p>Closer and closer approached the Irishman, until he had gained the -proper point. Then straightening himself up, he drew back his ponderous -fist, and concentrating all his strength, gave him a blow that sent him -heels over head out into the water.</p> - -<p>"That's what I call a gentle hint fur yees to l'ave."</p> - -<p>A few moments later, the party were in the boat, and gliding rapidly -with the current.</p> - -<p>After floating a few moments in silence, Waring said—</p> - -<p>"You and Hezekiah never knew each other until a few days since, I -believe."</p> - -<p>"No; nor we don't know each other yit."</p> - -<p>"He was a singular character, too—odd and eccentric; but as true and -faithful as steel. He made a terrible fight before he gave up to those -savages. It seems as though I am partly responsible for his death."</p> - -<p>"Hallo!" exclaimed the Irishman. "Look yonder jist!"</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he pointed down stream. The canoe had just rounded a bend -in the river, and a large camp-fire was visible upon the Kentucky side. -It was so large and vigorous, that its light was thrown clear across -upon the other bank, the surface of the water glistening like silver. -Through this broad band of light, it was necessary, of course, that the -fugitives pass, and run a second risk of discovery.</p> - -<p>The lightning had almost ceased, but a strong wind was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> blowing, and -the huge flame of the camp-fire could be seen surging to and fro, like -the waves of a tempest-tossed sea. Dark figures now and then passed -between it and the river, and their huge, grotesque shadows quivered on -the surface, like monstrous phantoms.</p> - -<p>Slowly and noiselessly, the canoe drifted into the broad belt of light, -and the fugitives almost held their breath.</p> - -<p>The eyes of Waring and Pat Mulroony were naturally fixed upon the -camp-fire and its surroundings, but, from some cause which she could -never explain, Virginia felt an apprehension, which amounted to a -certainty, that all was not right upon the bank which was so near to -them, and she kept her gaze fixed in that direction.</p> - -<p>And while thus looking, she discovered, plainly and distinctly, the -form of a tall Indian, standing upon the very edge of the river, -seemingly intent upon watching the canoe. He did not move, or make any -demonstration toward its occupants, and remained perfectly motionless -until he had faded out of sight in the darkness.</p> - -<p>As the fugitives reached the protecting darkness again, confident that -they had not been discovered, Waring drew a sigh of relief, and said:</p> - -<p>"We need have no fear now. That fire has never been started by the -Shawanoes with the intention of receiving any assistance from it in -recapturing us. I think I may safely say we are out of all danger."</p> - -<p>"I feel so relieved," said Virginia. "It seems as though I had suffered -a hundred deaths since that dreadful night. How soon may we expect to -reach the settlement, Luther?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot tell you precisely, but in three hours, I should say, at the -furthest. What do you think, Pat?"</p> - -<p>"Never having been in this region, I find it rather difficult to answer -your question, as the minister said, when the old woman axed him how -Jonah felt in the whale's belly."</p> - -<p>"I forgot; you told me that before. However, I cannot be far out of the -way in my guess."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Is it not singular, Luther, that, if we are so close to the village, -these Indians also should be?"</p> - -<p>"Not at all. I have no doubt that there are hundreds within half a mile -of it. On an exposed frontier it is always thus. Without good defences, -brave hearts, and trusty rifles, such a place would not be safe from -destruction for a single hour."</p> - -<p>"Whisht!" interrupted the Irishman. "If I didn't hear the tramp of one -of the haythens on shore, I'll never tip another shillaleh!"</p> - -<p>"I heard it, too—the snapping of a twig," added Virginia.</p> - -<p>"The same, jist—one of the dogs is follying us."</p> - -<p>"That is not probable. What could he gain by such a course?"</p> - -<p>"Larn the way to that sittlement of which yees were spaking."</p> - -<p>"I should not wonder if Pat were right," said Virginia. "I have heard -evidence of his presence several times."</p> - -<p>"Let us listen. The wind may have made all the sounds you have heard."</p> - -<p>For the space of fifteen or twenty minutes, the whites maintained -silence, but there was nothing heard farther, and they fell to -conversing again.</p> - -<p>The situation of our friends, although not without the grand comforter, -hope, was still gloomy and impressive. On either hand, the dark, -frowning forests loomed up and the wind sighing through them, made -wildly-mournful music—now roaring like a hurricane, and then dying -away in a hollow, desolate moaning. Occasionally the sharp scream of -some wild animal was borne forward upon the night wind, and once or -twice the reports of rifles showed that the Indian, the far wilder -animal of the two, was "abroad upon the night."</p> - -<p>The wind raised small waves upon the surface of the river, and they -rippled along the shore, and around the projecting roots of the trees -that grew upon the banks. Even their own voices sounded differently -upon this wild<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> night. But they were sustained by the prospect of -speedy deliverance and shelter, and were more hopeful than they had -been since their first memorable disaster.</p> - -<p>In the course of half an hour the river made another bend, and the wind -now blew directly up stream. The onward motion of the canoe grew less -and less, and finally it stopped altogether.</p> - -<p>"This will never do," said Waring, when he had satisfied himself how -matters stood. "It will be a long while before we reach the settlement -at this rate."</p> - -<p>"Let's put into shore, and scare up some kind of paddle for each of us -to go to work with."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid that we could not accomplish much, Pat; the only course is -for us to land, and make the rest of the journey on foot? Do you feel -able to walk a mile or two, Virginia?"</p> - -<p>"Walk a mile or two?" she repeated, "if necessary, a dozen of them, -when cheered by the hope that animates us!"</p> - -<p>"A noble girl! Help me in with the canoe, then, Pat."</p> - -<p>Using their hands vigorously, as they had done once or twice before, -the boat gradually approached the shore, until it had run in under the -limb of a tree, which was seized by Pat, and held while the other two -disembarked. Then kicking the canoe from beneath him, the Irishman also -sprang to land, and stood among his friends.</p> - -<p>"Shall we kape close in the wather, or off from it always?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"The undergrowth seems to be the densest by the river, and as I see no -need of remaining by it, we will go further into the woods, where it -will be less difficult to walk."</p> - -<p>Accordingly the three moved further away, where the wood was more -open, and for some time they encountered little obstruction in their -journeying. The Irishman, as usual, brought up the rear, now and then -giving vent to some original remark, and occasionally indulging in -snatches of song.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> - -<p>Waring was about to speak to his companion, when he felt her grasp his -arm with incredible power, and startled nearly out of his senses, he -turned toward her:</p> - -<p>"What's the matter, Virginia?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she gasped in a tremor "I saw that Indian just now."</p> - -<p>"Where?"</p> - -<p>"Here, right beside me."</p> - -<p>"Did you see him, Pat?" asked Waring, grasping his rifle, and peering -round in the darkness.</p> - -<p>"No, but I heard the hay——"</p> - -<p>"There! there he is again!" she interrupted, pointing in front of them.</p> - -<p>Waring caught a glimpse of a dark form, and ere he could precisely -locate it, he saw Pal Mulroony bound forward like a ball, and the next -instant the two were grappled together in a hand-to-hand struggle.</p> - -<p>The impetuous onslaught of the Irishman was irresistible, and he bore -his opponent to the ground, and seated himself astride of him. Whipping -out his knife, he fairly shrieked:</p> - -<p>"Say yer prayers quick, for you've got only a second and a half to say -'em in!"</p> - -<p>"If you've no objection, I should like to know why ye can't give a -little longer time?" asked the familiar, whining voice of Hezekiah -Smith!</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2">CHAPTER XVI.</p> - -<p class="center">CONCLUSION.</p> - - -<p>There was no mistaking the voice. It was Hezekiah Smith himself, beyond -a doubt. Stooping down so as to obtain a glimpse of his features, the -Irishman peered into his face for a moment, and then releasing him, -said:</p> - -<p>"It's that long-legged chap as was killed, or else I ain't Pat -Mulroony!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Is it possible that that is you?" asked Waring, placing his hand upon -his shoulder, and feeling of his face and arms.</p> - -<p>"I've a strong suspicion now that I'm the identical, and precisely the -same personage that you took so much pain to kiver up in that same -gorge," replied Hezekiah.</p> - -<p>"Let us strike a fire, and sit down and have a talk," said Waring. -"This is too good fortune, indeed."</p> - -<p>Branches and twigs were soon collected, and a fire started. Seating -themselves by it, the reunited friends gazed into each other's faces. -To the surprise of all, Hezekiah Smith was attired in the dress of a -Shawanoe Indian.</p> - -<p>"What is the meaning of this?" asked Waring, pointing at his costume.</p> - -<p>"A stroke of my genius," replied the New Englander; "considered as an -idea original with myself, I think it reflects credit upon me."</p> - -<p>"But let us hear the particulars of your escape."</p> - -<p>"They don't amount to much," said Hezekiah. "The p'int is just here. -You know I had an all-fired row on that precipice. Drat me, if that -wan't the greatest scrape I ever got into in all my life. I dug, and -kicked, and pulled, and twisted, and gouged, and bit, and rolled with -that last Injun, but it wan't no use. When he went over, I had to go -over, too. Well, there! it was <i>sublime</i>, spinning down through the -dizzy air with that Shawanoe fast to me! I had more ecstacy in them one -or two seconds, then I've had in all the rest of my life.</p> - -<p>"As it happened, the Injin fell under me, and was knocked into a jelly, -though, for that matter, I had settled his hash for him before he went -over. I'd advise you to believe now that I was bruised slightly, and -for a few minutes I seen nothing but stars, and heard nothing but the -queerest kind of music in my head.</p> - -<p>"When I came to myself somebody was drawing me along the ground. -Thinking as how it must be one of the dratted imps, I just kept my eyes -shet, and let him pull away. Bimeby he let me drap, and piled me over -with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> dirt and stones. I heard him mutter something, but I kept my eyes -closed up all the time; he never thought I was playing possum.</p> - -<p>"Arter he'd been gone some time, it struck me all at once that that -had been you who had taken sich pains with me. You'd better believe I -opened my eyes then, and crawled out of that place in a hurry. The way -the stones and dirt flew, you'd have thought a barrel of powder had -been tetched off.</p> - -<p>"But you'd been gone too long fur me to find you, though I tried hard -enough to do it. I follered you a good ways into the woods, and had to -give it up at last. I leaned up agin a tree, and was thinking about -it——"</p> - -<p>"That was you, then, Pat and I saw, and he wanted to shoot so bad. You -had a narrow escape."</p> - -<p>"I s'pose it was me. I soon found the redskins was too thick in them -parts, so I crept down by the river, and waited fur night. Some time -after dark, I heerd one of the scamps screech, followed by the crack of -their rifles. I knowed you must be in some scrape, so I hurried down -the river, but couldn't see anything of you. Walking down the bank some -minutes arter, I thought I heard somebody speak on the river, so I kept -going down the shore, and listenin' like.</p> - -<p>"Opposite where that big fire was, I seen the canoe, but there was -three persons in it. I couldn't understand how that could be, and was -afraid to show myself."</p> - -<p>"I saw you," said Virginia, smiling, "but I told no one of it."</p> - -<p>"I kept along by you, howsumever, and at last seen you land."</p> - -<p>"You must have known us, then, surely."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I did; but just for a little fun, I thought I'd scare you a bit, -and, by thunder, I reckon it was me that got the most scart, when Pat -pounced upon me out there."</p> - -<p>"But you have not told us about this Indian dress."</p> - -<p>"I forgot that. It struck me that, being there was so many Injins -about, it would be a good idea to put on one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> of their dresses. It -might come handy, you know. One of the dead redskins was just my size, -and I changed costumes with him, leaving him, of course, to put the -clothes on for himself, as I did with them I got. I believe they have -kept me out of danger several times since I put them on. But how about -this fire burning here? Ain't there some danger of its being seen?"</p> - -<p>"I took pains to screen it from observation, and I have no fears," -replied Waring. "I tell you what I propose," he added. "The woods -are so dark, and as none of us know the way, it is more likely that -we shall be entirely lost if we keep on in this manner. Suppose, -therefore, we spend the night here?"</p> - -<p>This proposal being agreed to by all, the preparations were made for -carrying it out. A couch of boughs and leaves were made near the fire -for Virginia, upon which a blanket or two were spread, and upon which, -a few minutes later, the wearied and exhausted girl was sound asleep. -The others seated themselves around the fire, to spend several hours in -chatting and conversation.</p> - -<p>"A few hours ago," said Waring, addressing Pat Mulroony, "you were upon -the point of explaining something in regard to yourself, when you were -interrupted by the discovery of a new danger. Perhaps, while we are -seated here, you'll give us the reason that induced you to come into -this wild country."</p> - -<p>The Irishman smiled:</p> - -<p>"It's little I have to tell, as the deaf and dumb man said. It's thrue -I niver have been out in these parts before; but I've thraveled over -considerable of the wilderness in the last few years. You know there be -signs of another Injin war, and I've been sint here as a private agent -of Mad Anthony, to larn what is to be larned."</p> - -<p>"<i>That's what I am!</i>" exclaimed Hezekiah Smith.</p> - -<p>Seeing that his hearers appealed incredulous, Smith added:</p> - -<p>"Such is the fact. I had a love adventure at home, which sent me out -here, and that's why I'm rather green. I was sent in these parts at my -special request."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Begorrah, but we goes togither after this," said Pat Mulroony.</p> - -<p>The two grasped hands.</p> - -<p>"It strikes me," said Hezekiah Smith, "that while we've larned -considerable of these redskins, it ain't quite enough to suit the -General. I propose, therefore, we start out agin."</p> - -<p>Despite Waring's protestations, these two eccentric individuals -insisted upon departing at once. Although much bruised, Hezekiah would -not consent to go to the settlement, until he could fully recover, nor -would he allow Virginia Lander to be awakened, in order to bid him -good-by. Assuring him whom they left behind, that he should hear from -them again, the two worthies arose, and passed out in the darkness -together.</p> - -<p>At the earliest sign of day, our hero and heroine were again <i>en -route</i>, and in the course of an hour, came in sight of the settlement. -Their destination—the long wished and prayed for goal—was reached. -Painful and terrible had been their sufferings on the way, but they had -been rewarded at last. Arm-and-arm the two entered this village of the -wilderness, as hand-in-hand they entered upon the great journey of -life, and went up the hill-side, and, finally, down through the Dark -Valley into the eternal life beyond.</p> - - -<p class="center">THE END.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph2" style="margin-top: 15em;">DIME POCKET NOVELS.</p> - -<p class="center">PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY, AT TEN CENTS EACH.</p> - - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">1—Hawkeye Harry. By Oll Coomes.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">2—Dead Shot. By Albert W. Aiken.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">3—The Boy Miners. By Edward S. Ellis.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">4—Blue Dick. By Capt. Mayne Reid.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">5—Nat Wolfe. By Mrs. M.V. Victor.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">6—The White Tracker. Edward S. Ellis.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">7—The Outlaw's Wife. Mrs. Ann S. Stephens.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">8—The Tall Trapper. By Albert W. Aiken.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">9—Lightning Jo. By Capt. Adams.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">10—The Island Pirate. By Capt. Mayne Reid.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">11—The Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">12—Bess, the Trapper. By E.S. Ellis.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">13—The French Spy. By W.J. Hamilton.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">14—Long Shot. By Capt. Comstock.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">15—The Gunmaker. By James L. Bowen.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">16—Red Hand. By A.G. Piper.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">17—Ben, the Trapper. By Lewis W. Carson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">18—Wild Raven. By Oll Coomes.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">19—The Specter Chief. By Seelin Robins.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">20—The B'ar-Killer. By Capt. Comstock.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">21—Wild Nat. By Wm. R. Eyster.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">22—Indian Jo. By Lewis W. Carson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">23—Old Kent, the Ranger. Edward S. Ellis.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">24—The One-Eyed Trapper. Capt. Comstock.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">25—Godbold, the Spy. By N.C. Iron.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">26—The Black Ship. By John S. Warner.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">27—Single Eye. By Warren St. John.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">28—Indian Jim. By Edward S. Ellis.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">29—The Scout. By Warren St. John.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">30—Eagle Eye. By W.J. Hamilton.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">31—The Mystic Canoe. By Edward S. Ellis.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">32—The Golden Harpoon. By R. Starbuck.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">33—The Scalp King. By Lieut. Ned Hunter.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">34—Old Lute. By E.W. Archer.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">35—Rainbolt, Ranger. By Oll Coomes.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">36—The Boy Pioneer. By Edward S. Ellis.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">37—Carson, the Guide. By J.H. Randolph.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">38—The Heart Eater. By Harry Hazard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">39—Wetzel, the Scout. By Boynton Belknap.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">40—The Huge Hunter. By Ed. S. Ellis.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">41—Wild Nat, the Trapper. Paul Prescott.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">42—Lynx-cap. By Paul Bibbs.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">43—The White Outlaw. By Harry Hazard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">44—The Dog Trailer. By Frederick Dewey.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">45—The Elk King. By Capt. Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">46—Adrian, the Pilot. By Col. P. Ingraham.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">47—The Man-hunter. By Maro O. Rolfe.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">48—The Phantom Tracker. By F. Dewey.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">49—Moccasin Bill. By Paul Bibbs.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">50—The Wolf Queen. By Charles Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">51—Tom Hawk, the Trailer.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">52—The Mad Chief. By Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">53—The Black Wolf. By Edwin E. Ewing.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">54—Arkansas Jack. By Harry Hazard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">55—Blackbeard. By Paul Bibbs.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">56—The River Rifles. By Billex Muller.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">57—Hunter Ham. By J. Edgar Iliff.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">58—Cloudwood. By J.M. Merrill.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">59—The Texas Hawks. By Jos. E. Bager, Jr.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">60—Merciless Mat. By Capt. Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">61—Mad Anthony's Scouts. By E. Rodman.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">62—The Luckless Trapper. W.R. Eyster.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">63—The Florida Scout. Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">64—The Island Trapper. Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">65—Wolf-Cap. By Capt. Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">66—Rattling Dick. By Harry Hazard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">67—Sharp-Eye. By Major Max Martine.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">68—Iron-Hand. By Frederick Forest.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">69—The Yellow Hunter. By Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">70—The Phantom Rider. By Maro O. Rolfe.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">71—Delaware Tom. By Harry Hazard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">72—Silver Rifle. By Capt. Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">73—The Skeleton Scout. Maj. L.W. Carson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">74—Little Rifle. By Capt. "Bruin" Adams.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">75—The Wood Witch. By Edwin Emerson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">76—Old Ruff, the Trapper. "Bruin" Adams.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">77—The Scarlet Shoulders. Harry Hazard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">78—The Border Rifleman. L.W. Carson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">79—Outlaw Jack. By Harry Hazard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">80—Tiger-Tail, the Seminole. R. Ringwood.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">81—Death-Dealer. By Arthur L. Meserve.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">82—Kenton, the Ranger. By Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">83—The Specter Horseman. Frank Dewey.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">84—The Three Trappers. Seelin Robbins.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">85—Kaleolah. By T. Benton Shields, U.S.N.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">86—The Hunter Hercules. Harry St. George.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">87—Phil Hunter. By Capt. Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">88—The Indian Scout. By Harry Hazard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">89—The Girl Avenger. By Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">90—The Red Hermitess. By Paul Bibbs.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">91—Star-Face, the Slayer.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">92—The Antelope Boy. By Geo. L. Aiken.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">93—The Phantom Hunter. By E. Emerson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">94—Tom Pintle, the Pilot. By M. Klapp.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">95—The Red Wizard. By Ned Hunter.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">96—The Rival Trappers. By L.W. Carson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">97—The Squaw Spy. By Capt. Chas. Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">98—Dusky Dick. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">99—Colonel Crockett. By Chas. E. Lasalle.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">100—Old Bear Paw. By Major Max Martine.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">101—Redlaw. By Jos. F. Badger, Jr.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">102—Wild Rube. By W.J. Hamilton.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">103—The Indian Hunters. By J.L. Bowen.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">104—Scarred Eagle. By Andrew Dearborn.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">105—Nick Doyle. By P. Hamilton Myers.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">106—The Indian Spy. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">107—Job Dean. By Ingoldsby North.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">108—The Wood King. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">109—The Scalped Hunter. By Harry Hazard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">110—Nick, the Scout. By W.J. Hamilton.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">111—The Texas Tiger. By Edward Willett.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">112—The Crossed Knives. By Hamilton.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">113—Tiger-Heart, the Tracker. By Howard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">114—The Masked Avenger. By Ingraham.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">115—The Pearl Pirates. By Starbuck.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">116—Black Panther. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">117—Abdiel the Avenger. By Ed. Willett.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">118—Cato, the Creeper. By Fred. Dewey.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">119—Two-Handed Mat. By Jos. E. Badger.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">120—Mad Trail Hunter. By Harry Hazard.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">121—Black Nick. By Frederick Whittaker.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">122—Kit Bird. By W.J. Hamilton.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">123—The Specter Riders. By Geo. Gleason.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">124—Giant Pete. By W.J. Hamilton.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">125—The Girl Captain. By Jos. E. Badger.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">126—Yankee Eph. By J.R. Worcester.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">127—Silverspur. By Edward Willett.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">128—Squatter Dick. By Jos. E. Badger.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">129—The Child Spy. By George Gleason.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">130—Mink Coat. By Jos. E. Badger.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">131—Red Plume. By J. Stanley Henderson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">132—Clyde, the Trailer. By Maro O. Rolfe.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">133—The Lost Cache. J. Stanley Henderson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">134—The Cannibal Chief. Paul J. Prescott.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">135—Karaibo. By J. Stanley Henderson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">136—Scarlet Moccasin. By Paul Bibbs.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">137—Kidnapped. By J. Stanley Henderson.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">138—Maid of the Mountain. By Hamilton.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">139—The Scioto Scouts. By Ed. Willett.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">140—The Border Renegade. By Badger.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">141—The Mute Chief. By C.D. Clark.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">142—Boone, the Hunter. By Whittaker.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">143—Mountain Kate. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">144—The Red Scalper. By W.J. Hamilton.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">145—The Lone Chief. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">146—The Silver Bugle. Lieut. Col. Hazleton.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">147—Chinga, the Cheyenne. By Edward S. Ellis. Ready</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">148—The Tangled Trail. By Major Max Martine. Ready</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">149—The Unseen Hand. By J. Stanley Henderson. Ready</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">150—The Lone Indian. By Capt. Chas. Howard. Ready</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">151—The Branded Brave. By Paul Bibbs. Ready</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">152—Billy Bowlegs, the Seminole Chief. Ready April 20th.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">153—The Valley Scout. By Seelin Robins. Ready May 4.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">154—Red Jacket, the Huron. By Paul Bibbs. Ready May 18th.</span><br /> -</p> - - -<p class="center">BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAD ANTHONY’S SCOUTS; OR, THE RANGERS OF KENTUCKY ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin-top:1em; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE</div> -<div style='text-align:center;font-size:0.9em'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE</div> -<div style='text-align:center;font-size:0.9em'>PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <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> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that: -</div> - -<div style='margin-left:0.7em;'> - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </div> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate/">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</div> -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/68482-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/68482-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d1ab81d..0000000 --- a/old/68482-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null |
