Kitabı oku: «Scouting Dave», sayfa 3

CHAPTER V.
THE WAGON TUSSLE AND THE TRAIL HUNTERS

A road had been cut from the settlement of the Markley family to a point, several miles distant, where it intersected a regularly beaten wagon trail, leading to the nearest trading-post. After leaving the cabin, it led through the depths of the wood for some two miles, beyond which point the way was more open.

The parties who were unacquainted with the details of the massacre now turned to the scout, and, in answer to their questions, David related the scene as it had transpired. He spoke more especially of Emily, and the compact entered into between himself and Charles. Neither of the parents spoke, for the danger to which their son and the brave scout were about to subject themselves, seemed stupendous in their eyes, but they shuddered when Alfred chimed in:

“Count me in for that expedition, Charley; I’m with you there.”

“Good fer yer pluck, boy,” rejoined the scout, well pleased. “But there’s some things ye must remember afore ye set out. Ye’ll have hundreds of miles to tramp, right in the midst of Injins, and danger of every description to look out for. I’m used to it, an’ don’t mind bruisin’; you are young, and tender-like.”

“What of that?” broke in the youth, impatiently. “I can learn, and now is as good a time as I shall ever have.”

“There is times,” returned the scout, “where one man can do what three can’t. But it’s oftener three can do more than two; so, if yer in earnest, we’ll call it settled, for I like yer grit right well.”

“Then settled it is,” the young man frankly exclaimed, as he grasped the extended hand of the scout.

As the scout relinquished the hand of the youth, he peered for a moment very earnestly into the gloom before them. Quickly exclaiming:

“Down all of ye!” he raised his rifle and fired.

Following the report of David’s rifle, a wild yell of rage broke from the forest, and half-a-dozen musket-shots followed. No one was injured, as the savages had fired wildly. With a second yell they dashed for the vehicle. As it required the entire skill of Alfred to manage the plunging steeds, he was almost entirely unaware of the state of things behind him.

The scout sprung up as the scattering shots ceased, but he had no time to reload his rifle. Casting it in the bottom of the wagon, he drew a pistol in each hand, and, with a word to the others, turned to meet the foe. Three Indians sprung toward the vehicle upon one side, two of whom succeeded in grasping the sides, while the third, falling beneath the heavy wheels, never knew the result of the conflict. The foremost of the twain received the contents of a pistol full in his face, and fell back, but the second weapon missed fire, and the yelling Indian sprung into the midst of the little party, whirling his hatchet aloft.

Another moment would have seen the last of David, but for his ready tact and skill. Dropping quickly, and springing to one side, he confused the savage, who, with suspended tomahawk, awaited the moment when he might deliver his blow with a sure aim. Without pausing to gratify his foe, the scout gave him a fearful kick, full in the provision basket, which sent him floundering and howling out of the box. As his own coast was now clear, David turned to assist his friends.

They had been equally fortunate.

“Rather a bold undertakin’,” he exclaimed. “I wonder they tried to board a craft under full sail; they must have know’d they’d fall; though they did show good grit.”

“But why,” queried Mr. Markley, “did they not commence their attack upon the horses. Had they but killed them, we should have been at their mercy.”

“All policy, sir, as the lawyers say. Ye see they wanted hosses worse nor skalps, and so we saved our hair.”

“I have no doubt,” returned the elder Markley. “But I tell you, David, it seems hard for me to shoot a human being, even in self-defense. To think that I have lived for fifty years, and to-night, for the first time, have been necessitated to take human life.”

“Jest so,” returned David. “But you mustn’t git squeamish over it. I well remember the first time I had to kill a human, an’ how I felt, but that’s no use. When it’s got to be done, why let fly, that’s all!”

At length they reached a more open portion of the wood, and here David proposed to part company. The wagon was stopped, hasty but affectionate farewells spoken, strong hands pressed in a last fond grasp. Then the young men leaped from the vehicle and quickly left the road, while the father took the reins, and the wagon then rattled swiftly on its way to security. Davy stood watching it until lost to view.

“Now, boys,” he said, in a cautious voice, “we’re in for it in earnest. There’s no back down now. The first thing we’ve got to do is to git behind the Injins. Then there’ll be but little danger, unless we have to go clear back to Wild Bill’s settlement. Now, before we start, there’s one or two things ye want to always observe. Never fire a gun when ye can help it, unless yer in a safe place or in a mighty tight one. Then be careful of the trail. Make as little as possible, and walk in Injin file when ye can. The first thing we’ve got to do, is to git back, as I said, and the red-skins are so sharp on trail we must throw ’em off a little. Of course they think we all went off in that wagon, but they’ll find their mistake. So long as our tracks points toward the risin’ sun, they’ll not mind ’em much. By goin’ right ahead a quarter of a mile, we’ll strike the creek. There we’ll take to the water and come back till we see fit to leave it.”

The scout shouldered his rifle and pushed forward, his companions following his example. The way was clear, and they were aware if anything was accomplished under cover of the night, it must be speedily done. The stream was quite shallow, and assuring themselves that the foe was not upon them, the party stepped quickly in. Some time passed in complete silence; the only sound to be heard was the light ripple of the waters, as the men pressed cautiously forward. Finally the scout paused, and bent his head in a listening attitude.

“It’s as I thought, boys,” he said. “We are gettin’ too near the mahogany villains.”

The young men listened. They could hear the distinct tumult of warriors, and it was evident the stream would take them too near the sanguinary foe. The scout listened again.

“You had better stay here,” he said, “until I go ahead and investigate a bit.”

So saying, he disappeared in the bushes.

A long time it seemed to them Dave was absent, and many fears of disaster began to beset them. What if he had fallen into the hands of savages? Without his directing mind they were no better than a ship without a rudder, in the midst of breakers. To be sure, they were expert woodsmen, unerring shots, healthy and vigorous. Yet, never before this night had they seen an Indian upon the war-path, or listened to their blood-curdling whoops. Nearly an hour had passed, and the anxiety of Alfred had reached a decisive pitch.

“I tell you, Charley,” he said, energetically, “I’m going to see if I can find Dave. Maybe he’s in hot-water, and I can help him. You had better remain here.”

But Charles would not remain and let his brother go alone; so, together they set forth upon their doubtful mission. They had proceeded some fifty yards when a slight rustling ahead startled them. Both prepared for the worst, but suspense changed to joy when a tall figure, which could not be mistaken, stepped into view. In a moment the scout was with them. A satisfied expression lighted up his features, as he said:

“It’s what I suspected, boys; the reds are tired out, and buildin’ fires all ’round. Most likely they’ll not move again till mornin’, and afore that time we’ll have ’em outwitted as easy as robbin’ a roost. We’ll jest pass around toward the south, and git beyond ’em; then, if we can strike the trail of them chaps what carried Miss Emily off, like enough we’ll overhal ’em afore daylight.”

Suddenly the leader stopped, and bent his ear to listen.

“To cover, boys, quick!” he whispered, “they’re comin’ this way.”

Without waiting a moment, he darted from view, and crept noiselessly away. The brothers followed his example, and the Indians, who a moment later had passed over the ground, had no suspicion that a white man was within miles of them. From their coverts the borderers counted sixteen, who passed in their usual file, each treading in the footsteps of his leader.

In a minute they had passed, and our party of adventurers again stood together. There were no sounds to indicate the presence of other foes, so they again set forward.

Before the trail-hunters suspected it, they saw, upon glancing toward the eastern horizon, that the stars were paling, and the light-blue tinge, which foreshadows the dawn, already pervaded the sky. As they were now comparatively safe, the three pushed forward with all speed. In half-an-hour the early light of dawn was upon them, and the scout commenced looking about for the trail of the party they sought. To render the search more effectual the friends separated, pushing forward within signaling distance of each other.

The dawn was becoming every moment more full, when the brothers heard the signal from Davy. Not doubting that he had discovered the foe, they nerved themselves for conflict. They were surprised to find the scout standing erect, his eyes fixed upon the ground before him. Coming nearer they saw the smouldering remains of a fire, from which small jets of smoke still ascended. It had been a large fire, as much of the wood, partially burned, still remained.

“Well, boys, our game’s gone!” the scout remarked, as the others came up. “Here’s where the rascals stopped and took lunch, but forgot the sleepin’ part of it. Bloody murder! why couldn’t we have cum up while they war’ eatin’? Maybe we wouldn’t have gi’n ’em a warm dish.”

“Are you sure this is the work of the party we seek?” asked Charles, willing to grasp any hope.

“Of course I’m sure,” he returned, half displeased at the question. “An’ if ye were more skilled in yer business ye’d know it without askin’ questions.”

“One thing ye must l’arn, boys,” the scout remarked, as he quietly rose to his feet. “That is, allus tew be cool. Take things as they come, and when ye hev a chance tew eat, do it, by all means. I l’arnt that long ago, and ye’ll soon find it the best way. You wouldn’t mind goin’ without anythin’ to eat for a day or two, now, but mind you, ye’d feel it afore this tramp is over with.”

Then strapping on his wallet, and looking at the priming of his rifle, Davy once more led the way forward.

The trail was broad, for no care had been taken to conceal it – the party having the prisoner in charge feeling no apprehension that any pursuit would take place. They were now obliged to proceed with the utmost caution, as their position was very unfavourable. A secure place having been selected as a rendezvous, Davy departed to reconnoiter the river. The hours dragged wearily away, but it was not till late in the afternoon that he returned. His easy and unconcerned manner at once quieted their anxious fears, while they gathered around, and impatiently inquired the cause of his delay.

“Wait till supper’s over, boys, and I hev time tew think. I’m jist a bit puzzled myself, this time.”

The pipes were at length exhausted, and after a long silence, the leader raised his eyes toward the sinking sun. Carelessly he remarked:

“Well, boys, there’s three or four hours afore ye can move, so the best use to make on’t is to lie down an’ sleep. Maybe a long while afore ye’ll find another sich place. I’ll keep watch, an’ see ’at no red-skins disturb ye.”

Thus admonished the young men threw themselves upon the ground. Although nothing was further from their thoughts than sleep, but a few minutes passed before both were buried in a refreshing slumber.

Davy regarded the sleepers attentively for a few moments, then turning away, he muttered:

“The boys are hevin’ a comfortable doze, so I’ll jist take a turn around, an’ see if all promises favourably. Blame me, though, if they don’t promise well for greenhorns. If they stick to this bisness they’ll make the toughest kind o’ scouts; maybe they’ll think sometime how they took their first lesson in Injin-craft of Davy Barring; maybe they will. I wonder how the red-skins would like the idee of leavin’ Davy behind ’em. Blame me, if I don’t think I kin work ’em some mischief, and these two boys with me. They’ll burn and murder to their hearts’ content, but can’t have it all their own way, jist yit.”

The worthy scout moved about in the direction of the party upon the river’s bank, till satisfied there was no danger to his confederates in that quarter; then he struck into the forest beyond. In an hour he returned. His companions were still sleeping soundly. With a quiet glance about him the hardy fellow sunk upon the ground, and lay for some time. A slight rustling at length aroused him, and looking around he saw that Charles had risen to his feet. Perceiving that David was awake, the young man approached, and inquired:

“How long before we set out?”

“The sooner the better; it is sufficiently dark.”

A beaming light broke over the face of the youth, for he was all impatience to be away.

“I am anxious to be off, that this fearful suspense may be at an end. It is dreadful to think of the position of that dear girl, thus dragged away – her father and brother inhumanly butchered, and all the suspense which must be hers!”

“Partly right and partly wrong! You must remember that now yer comparatively safe. We’re between tew bodies o’ the inemy, an’ when we move either way we go into danger. But rouse Alf, and we’ll off.”

The sleeper was awakened, rifles and pistols made ready for instant use, and soon the adventurers were quietly stealing through the forest. The direction they took was south-westerly, diverging from the course hitherto kept. The way was clear, and, by the dusky light, they could barely discern the form of the leader as he stole silently along in advance.

At length the scout seemed to proceed with more caution as the forest grew less dense. A few rods more, and like so many shadows they stood upon the banks of the Mississippi. For the first time the brothers felt how lonely was their position. Before them rolled the broad, silent waters, around them spread the wide, dark forest. Foes were upon every hand – savage, blood-thirsty, triumphant! Their friends – those who still lived – were flying from the rabble.

For a moment they stood thus, realizing the utter loneliness of their situation; then the scout whispered:

“You will keep shady here till I come down to you in a dug-out. If anything makes its appearance, keep the shadier. If ye hev tew fite, yew know how. These I’ll leave here” – depositing rifle, pistols, and powder-horn – “’cause I can’t use ’em. Now, be cautious as foxes and wise as weasels.”

With these words he left them – left them alone in the darkness.

David Barring had laid his plans with much deliberation. He had carefully noted the position of the canoes; and the disposition of the party left to guard them.

The rapid steps of the scout soon brought him to the vicinity of his swarthy foes. Now it became necessary for him to pursue his way with the utmost caution. For this purpose he crawled cautiously up until he reached a small eminence, which gave a distinct view of the scene below. A single large fire had been built, and around this at least half the savages were lazily reclining, smoking or eating. The remainder were scattered carelessly about, while the light of the fire revealed many a dusky form crouching in the boats.

The canoes had been drawn high up on the bank, while the larger boats had been left floating, being merely secured to the shore. There were many of the lighter craft floating also, and, so far as the keen eye of David could determine, the latter were unoccupied.

Even while the scout gazed he noticed that many of the savages were seeking their blankets for sleep, and he waited for a time in the hope that a general retiring might take place. In this he was not gratified; and, as delay might be dangerous, he carefully retreated, and moved away to the accomplishment of his design. Yet the cautiousness he was forced to observe required time, and it was a long while before he reached the margin of the stream.

At length he reached the uppermost of the flotilla, and beneath the deep shadow of a canoe he raised himself partially from the water, and drew a long breath of relief and pleasure. His heart gave a happy throb at his success.

The next task would be to select the proper boat. The one he grasped was too large for his purpose, the second too small. He dropped down till his hand rested upon the one he desired. He ran his hand and eye over it, felt the depth and capacity, assured himself no one was within, and at once pronounced it his own. Yet David was doomed to disappointment.

Cautiously moving near the middle of the boat, his foot struck something which a gentle pressure assured him was firm. Thinking it might be the ground, he rested upon it, and continued his onward movement. As ill-luck would have it, instead of stepping upon the river-bottom, the scout had planted his feet upon a large log, which had become partially imbedded there. He was not aware of the mistake until his foot slipped from the slimy wood, and, with a “plash,” he fell into the disturbed flood.

Quickly recovering his equilibrium, the swimmer glided from the spot, and reached the shadow of one of the large boats. Scarcely had he disappeared when a dusky visage might have been seen peering over the edge of a canoe near by. A single guttural exclamation soon brought half a dozen companions, who proceeded to a careful survey of the craft and water about.

Luckily the Indians were not deeply interested, merely supposing the disturbance caused by some aquatic animal, of which they sought traces only from idle curiosity. Finding nothing to reward their search, the savages seated themselves in the neighbouring boat, to await the reappearance of the nocturnal disturbant. A stealthy glance revealed to David the new position of his foes, and assured him that all further operations in that quarter were utterly impracticable.

It was a hundred yards or more to the further end of the flotilla, and, as attraction now tended this way, it was but reasonable to suppose he might succeed there. Sinking beneath the waters David swam a long distance, till compelled to come to the surface for air. He was gratified to find that he had passed more than half the distance, and was beyond the line of vision of the savages.

Striking out in an oblique direction he approached the boats. This time he moved with redoubled caution, and, as the deep shadow was in his favour, he soon selected a promising craft. In a few minutes he had cut the rope, towed it into the current, and was floating it gently downward.

No sooner was the scout satisfied of his security, than he threw himself into the boat, and groped about for the paddles. His heart gave a great leap – then stood still. He had no means of propelling or guiding his boat!

For a moment David was confounded; then his natural daring came to his aid. Leaping at once into the water, he gave the boat a vigorous push down the stream. Then he turned and paddled hastily toward the flotilla. Again he reached it unobserved, and selected a second boat, very similar to the other in size and construction.

Assuring himself that this contained the requisite number of paddles, he cut it loose and was soon drifting down the current as before.

It was not a pleasant thought to the brothers, that of their isolated condition and their peril, which would force itself upon them, after the departure of the scout. As time passed, and the possibility that he might have failed, even in his moment of confidence, would force itself upon them, they realized how much their fate was bound up in his – how very essential his welfare and success were to their own.

At length Alfred, who stood upon the brink of the river, earnestly listening for the approach of the scout, saw something which bore a resemblance to the expected boat. It was gliding gently along, and was quite near before he had discerned it. Satisfying himself as to its character, he addressed his brother. In a moment Charles was beside him.

“Look there?” whispered Alfred, pointing in the direction of the boat; “Davy is coming, at length.”

To their surprise, the object continued upon its course, and passed the point upon which they were standing. The young men looked at each other in mute surprise. Alfred was the first to speak.

“Can it be that he has mistaken the place where he left us?” he whispered.

Charles shook his head perplexedly.

In a moment more the strange object had passed from view.

“What does it mean?” asked the younger.

“It is all a mystery to me,” replied the other. “I am almost sure it can not be Davy. He would hardly have mistaken the rendezvous.”

“Indians?” suggested Alfred, in a tone which spoke more than the word itself implied.

“Hardly; though if it be so we shall soon hear from them. I could see no person in the craft, nor did its motions seem to indicate that it was loaded.”

“It can not be that the scout has been – ”

“Hist! Do not even mention that – it is too horrible for thought! Heaven only knows what our position would be, should harm come to him.”

Charles moved back to his former position, a few yards in the rear of his brother, to keep watch that no foe should steal upon them from that direction. The mind of each was filled with the most stirring apprehensions, and every moment they really expected to see their murderous foes stealing upon them, or hear their horrid yells.