The back-woodsmen; or, Tales of the borders; a collection of historical and authentic accounts of early adventure among the Indians (1883) (14785964793)

Identifier: backwoodsmenorta00spoo (find matches)
Title: The back-woodsmen; or, Tales of the borders; a collection of historical and authentic accounts of early adventure among the Indians
Year: 1883 (1880s)
Authors: Spooner, Walter W(hipple) (from old catalog)
Subjects: Indians of North America Frontier and pioneer life Indian captivities
Publisher: Cincinnati, W. E. Dibble & co.
Contributing Library: The Library of Congress
Digitizing Sponsor: The Library of Congress



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believehis eyes when he saw the Indian, checked while inthe midst of his leap by a bullet sent from somefriendly, though unknown, rifle, turn a somersault inthe air, and drop to the ground. McClellans firstthought was that the death-shot had been sent by hiscompanion, White, but, turning to look at his friend,he saw him coolly at his post, watching the pass infront; and, on second thought, McClellan knew thatthe gun which was fired could not have been his, sincethe report came from some distance. The unfavora-ble issue of the Indians attempt was followed by aterrible shout from his companions in the valley below,who not only were disappointed at his poor success,but who also deplored his loss, as he evidently wasone of their favorite warriors. Before McClellan had time to conjecture on thenature of the mysterious agency which had inter-posed in their behalf, another Indian cautiously andswiftly advanced to the covert, and prepared to makethe leap. He paused a second, and then jumped;
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THE WHITE SQUAWS SHOT. SPY-LIFE. ROBERT McCLELLAN. IO7 but once more the friendly rifle was heard to sound,and the Indian fell headlong. The enemy now sus-pended the attack to counsel with one another uponthe means which were to be employed, but evidentlydespairing of success that evening, as it was growinglate, they determined to retire until the next morning. Left to themselves, the two spies now had time tolook around, and devise means for the continuanceof their defense on the following day; or, if possible,for effecting their escape in the dark. While talkingover the events of the day, they suddenly perceivedthat their new companion, the young girl, was miss-ing; and, concluding that she had left them and re-turned to the Indians, to whom, as they supposed,she would betray their position, and give informationrespecting their weakness, they bitterly reproachedthemselves for sparing her life. It was now earnestly debated whether, under thecircumstances, it would be advisable to att