the full moon pale and high in the heavens
threw her light upon the tree tops, bathing them in liquid silver.
Silently but rapidly we bounded through the forest, our fears of pursuit
urging us onward; and by daylight were within twelve miles of the log
cabin whose history I am telling. At that time there dwelt in that
cabin, with his family, a trapper by the name of Daniel Roe. When we
reached there we found Roe at home, to whom we recounted our adventure.
He only laughed at our fears that the Indians might track us thus far,
and we finally listened to his laughing remarks and concluded to rest in
his cabin for several days. We heaped folly upon folly; for instead of
putting the house in a state of defence, and preserving as much silence
as possible we commenced trying our skill by shooting at a mark. We
continued this exercise through the afternoon, partook of a hearty
supper, chatted till bed-time, and then retired. Ralph soon fell sound
asleep, but I could not; I felt a presentiment of approaching danger;
still there was no visible signs of it, yet I could not shake off a
peculiar nervousness which agitated me. I lay still for some time
listening to the deep and regular breathing of Ralph, and ever and anon
as an owl screamed I would start, despite the familiarity of the cry.
Just as I turned in my bed, and was trying to compose myself for sleep,
I heard a cry very similar to the hoot of an owl; still there was
something about the sound which did not sound right. My heart commenced
beating rapidly and a sweat started from my brow. I rose softly and
looked through the chinks of the logs, but there was nothing to be seen.
I listened attentively for at least an hour; but heard no sound to
confirm my fears; and finally ashamed of my own nervousness, I could not
call it _cowardice_, I slipped into bed, determined to sleep if
possible. But soon I heard that same sound on the still air. I rose,
dressed myself, but still I could see no form like that of an Indian.
Just as I was on the point of abandoning my fears as idle and childish,
I cast my eyes through an aperture between the logs; and saw the dusky
forms of several Indians moving about the yard. I sprang to the bedside,
and awoke Ralph, and in a few moments more, Roe, Ralph, and myself,
stood with ready guns, waiting for a chance to shoot. A shot passing
through one of the savages, told the rest they were discovered; and now
a regular firing began. The Indians simultaneo