图书图片
PDF
ePub

"If it was left to me, Mr. Renayne,' re- and two of the Indians having, with the assisplied the Corporal, diffidently, 'I would call it tance of their companions, raised it upon their HARDSCRABBLE, on account of the hard strug-shoulders, it was thus borne, the parties being gle the fellows must have had with Mr. Hey-relieved at intervals, over the two long miles wood, judging from his wounds and broken rifle, before they mastered him.'

"Then Hardscrabble be it,' I said, not that I can really see it will make much difference in calling the thing to mind; yet it would be scarcely fair to deny to you, who have so bravely defended the place, the privilege of giving it a new name, if the old one is to be abandoned.'

“Thank you, sir,' returned Nixon; but if you hadn't come to our assistance, I don't know what the upshot might have been. I suspect that fellow, whose comrade you killed, sent them off sooner than they intended.'

"No more of that, Nixon; and now do you remember what you are to say when you get back to the Fort?'

“I do, sir, and every man shall be told to say as I do; but about the new name, Mr. Renayne,' he pursued, returning, after having gone a few paces on his way, 'do you think, sir, Mrs. Heywood will consent to it?'

[blocks in formation]

of road that led to the edge of the wood skirting their encampment. Here the party stopped, while Wau-nan-gee and myself repaired to the tent of his father, who no sooner heard detailed by his son, the account of my Winnebago killing practice on the preceding evening, than he overwhelmed me with congratulations, and looked proudly on the knife, still stained with a spot or two of blood, which I returned to him, and which he restored to its usual restingplace on his hip.

"Perceiving that Winnebeg was, like his young men, ready to do anything for me, I explained to him my desire to take the body of Mr. Heywood across the river, and bury him secretly in his own grounds; but that it was necessary, in order to do this effectually, that he and his son only should go with me, and by some circuitous route. At once entering into my views, he said he would show me a place where we could cross without being seen either from the Fort or his own encampment, and then led the way back to the wood where the party were still waiting.

"The rest is soon told. Dismissing the young men into the encampment, Winnebeg, with his son, bore the body within the skirt of

And Hardscrabble that scene of blood is called the wood, until we reached a bend of the river to this hour !*

"I at first apprehended that the Indians would evince disinclination to carry the body so great a distance, or even at all; but on Wau-nan-gee explaining my desire to them, they all, to my surprise, expressed even eagerness to meet my wishes; for, as he assured me, the young men looked upon me as a great warrior, who had done a deed of heroism that night, meriting the distinction of being one of their chiefs, and entitling me to command their services in all things.

"I certainly thought my honours cheaply enough purchased; however, I was but too glad to appropriate to myself the respect and good-will which the killing of the Winnebago had entailed, and matters were soon arranged. "The body having been removed outside, and the doors secured, as well as, under the circumstances, could be done, one of the warriors cut from a tree in the adjacent wood, a semicircular piece of tough and flexible bark, about six feet in length, and in the hollow of this the murdered father of Maria, already swathed tightly in a blanket, was placed. A long pole was then passed through three equidistant loops of cord that encircled the whole,

* Fact.

hidden from observation, where a canoe, with paddles, was drawn up on the beach. There we crossed, and going round to the rear of the cottage, entered the garden, and proceeded to the upper end, near the little summer-house. Near a favourite rose-tree of Maria, I dug with my own hands a hasty grave, in which Winnebeg and Wau-nan-gee placed the body— its only coffin being the bark that was swathed around it. Of course I always intended to disinter it at some future but not distant period, and bestow upon it the usual rites of sepulture.

"This painful task accomplished, and the soil having been carefully replaced, so as to leave no inequality of surface, I accompanied my friends back by the same route, and about nine o'clock left the Pottawatomie encampment with them and a few other warriors of the tribe for the Fort, which, in the crowd, I entered without difficulty, or creating suspicion. Watching my opportunity, I stole to the rear of my bedroom, opened, and entered by the window, changed my dress, and made my appearance on parade as you saw."

CHAPTER XI.

THE fourth of July, 1812, was a more than usual gala day in the little Fort of Chicago; for, in addition to the national jubilee, there

HARDSCRABBLE.

was to be celebrated one of a private, yet not less interesting nature. On that evening, Ensign Renayne was to espouse, in the very room in which he had first been introduced to her, the woman he had so long and so ardently loved, and who yielded a not reluctant consent to his proposal that this day of general joy should be that of the commencement of their own happiness.

It was a lovely day, and everything seemed to smile upon the denizens of that region, from early dawn until the setting of the sun. Officers and men were in their brightest uniforms, -the women and children in their holiday dresses. A splendid, new star-bespangled banner, the work of Maria Heywood's hands, floated in the dazzling rays of the sun, upon the southern bastion of the Fort. Joy and pride sat on every brow; for they exulted at the recollection of that hardly-won nationality which was that day to be celebrated for the thirty-sixth time.

At noon the cannon thundered forth their bursts of rejoicing. This was the signal for the numerous Pottawatomies outside, all of whom had decked themselves for the occasion, to approach nearer to the Fort. On the glacis they discharged their guns and rifles, and seemed to have but one spirit with the allies to whom they appeared to have devoted themselves. Winnebeg, however, though long expected, had not yet returned.

It was night; no accident had occurred beyond the laceration of two of Ephraim Giles's fingers, who having been presented by the Doctor that day with a new suit, the fac simile in fashion of the old, had been whittling almost in front of one of the guns when discharged, and lost, with the ends of his fingers, both his stick and his knife. The sultriness of the day had been succeeded by a cool and refreshing airgaiety and content everywhere prevailed, and many were the voices, male and female, that exclaimed, as allusion was made to the ceremony all knew to be in progress, in Captain Headly's rooms, "God bless them!" "May they be happy as they deserve!" A large tub of whiskey punch, the gift of the commanding officer, had been brewed by Von Vottenberg for their mid-day meal, which all had been unanimous in pronouncing the best medicine the Doctor had ever administered to them; and now, in small social messes, seated round their rude tables, covered with tin goblets and pitchers of the same metal, the mothers with their children at their side, and upon their knees, and the fathers and younger men puffing clouds of smoke from their short pipes, they filled from two others, placed on an elevated table in each blockhouse, which the young Ensign had given them for the occasion.

395

Even the guard was moderately supplied, and the sentries alone, pacing to and fro on their limited walk, felt the bitterness of privation as they counted the minutes which must elapse before they could join in the festivities, which the loud voice and ringing laugh, occasionally wafted to their ears, told them was in progress.

In the rooms of the commanding officer there was more than the usual manifestation of the anniversary. All had dined at an early hour; but a large sideboard, that stood in one corner of the council-room, always fitted up on these occasions, was covered with wines, liqueurs, mint juleps, and punches of various kinds-the latter the work of the indefatigable son of Esculapius; and of these, the host and his guests, chiefly consisting of the settlers around, partook freely in commemoration of the day. At the opposite end of the room had been raised a sort of tribune for the orator of the day; but as it was intended that the address should be improvised, no name had been mentioned, nor even could any one know, until the moment when the majority of voices should select him, on whom the office was to devolve. In the fear of each that he should be the party called upon, the glass, to impart the necessary courage, was not spared. But he who was not in the room, or of the number of those devoted to the punch-bowl, was the person chosen, as if by one impulsive consent. Renayne, who was seated in the inner room, and discoursing of anything but politics to his betrothed, heard himself loudly called for, knew it was in vain to object, and reluctantly rose in obedience to the summons.

"Come, young gentleman," said Captain Headly, entering with an air of gaiety by no means usual to him, "you are, it appears, in all things," and he bowed to Maria Heywood significantly, "the chosen of the evening. But recollect," he added, as he drew her arm through his own, and proceeded towards the larger apartment where Renayne was awaited, "as you acquit yourself of your duty, so shall I of mine."

"I shall do my best," replied the youth in the same light tone; "but of the two orations, I know which will be the best suited to my own taste."

The other ladies had also risen, and now stood grouped near Captain Headly, who, with Maria Heywood on his arm, leaned against the doorway, separating the two rooms; while Renayne, amid cheers and congratulations, made his way to the tribune at the farther end of the apartment.

His address was necessarily not. long; for, independently of the impatience he could not but feel, at that moment, of all subjects but

It was with a flushed cheek, and a beating

that nearest his heart, he was by no means have announced that the ceremony is about to ambitious of making a display of his powers take place, I shall hasten to give you this dear of elocution. Yet, notwithstanding this, he girl for life." And imprinting a kiss upon her treated his theme in so masterly a manner, brow, he passed on to those who were paying and in such extremely good taste-reflecting their homage to the punch-bowl, and discussing honour on the land of his birth—alluding, | the merits of the oration just delivered. moreover, to the high position even then occupied by the nation, and the future greatness heart, that Maria Heywood was led by Rewhich he predicted, from its laws, its institu- nayne, radiant with hope and joy, to the little tions, and its form of government, to await it, table covered with plain white linen, and illuthat Maria Heywood could not fail to expe- minated by half-a-dozen tall candles, behind rience a secret pride in the warm and evidently which the commander of the garrison had sincere acclamations of the little party present, placed himself, on a slightly elevated estrade. attesting as they did, their estimate of the worth of him, who in another hour would be her own for life.

"And now," said Captain Headly to the young officer, as he returned from the tribune, "what reward do you expect for your maiden oration? What shall it be, Miss Heywood?"

"I will spare her the trouble of an answer; this," said Renayne, as he took the hand that had just disengaged itself from the arm of the commandant, and placed it within his own, "until you have set your seal to the precious gift," and his eyes looked the value he attached to it; "I part not with this again."

"Everything is ready in the next room," answered Captain Headly; "go in; when I

All of the guests were grouped around, a little in the rear; while Lieutenant Elmsley stood on the right hand of his friend, and his wife on the left of the betrothed. Next to her, in an arm-chair, which, provided with casters, was easily moved from one place to another, reclined Mrs. Heywood; and with her beautiful arms reposing on the high back of this, stood Mrs. Headly, in graceful attitude, watching the ceremony with almost maternal interest.

The ceremony was proceeded with, and that night, to the great joy of all within the Fort of Chicago, was Maria Heywood the wife of their young favourite, and universally loved officer, Harry Renayne!

THE PRAIRIE FIGHT.

BY MRS. E. S. SWIFT.

IT was that most delicious season of the year, the "Indian summer," when, seated with some travelling companions on the deck of the steamer Otto," bound for the Upper Mississippi, we perceived three Indians in earnest parley with the captain of the boat. They were fine specimens of their nation: tall and straight, with proportions of exact symmetry. Their keen, dark eyes were glittering with excitement; and, with their rifles in their hands, and each with one foot advanced, they appeared as if preparing to spring overboard into the deep and turbid waters of the river.

With furious gestures, they pointed to the prairie, that lay stretched out before the view until it seemed to meet the glowing sky. Covered with rich grass and wild flowers, lonely and wild,-it looked a vast expanse of silence and solitude. But as we gazed through the shimmering mist that, like a transparent veil over the face of beauty, enveloped its green luxuriance, we observed far in the distance a party of Indians, moving in single file at a rapid rate.

As

They were Sioux, whose tribe at that time were in deadly feud with the Chippeways. The Indians on board the "Otto" were chiefs of that nation, returning to their homes. soon as the Chippeways saw the Sioux, they knew from their mode of travelling that they had been on a war expedition to some of their villages; hence their impassioned gestures, and pleadings to the captain to be set on shore. They said they would take their scalps from their foes, and rejoin the boat some distance ahead.

After urging their request for some time, the captain of the "Otto" complied with it, and they were landed, and soon in quick pursuit of their enemies. At the solicitations of many of the passengers, backed by the potent influence of sundry odd dollars that found their way into the rough hands of the captain, he consented to the boat's slackening her speed, that we might view the result.

The Chippeways crept stealthily but swiftly along the shore, concealing themselves in the brushwood that lined the banks of the river,

THE PRAIRIE FIGHT.

until they came near enough to the Sioux, and then, with a spring like a panther's, and a whoop that filled the air with its murderous echo, in an instant each rifle brought down a foe. Three of the Sioux fell dead upon the prairie. In return, the Sioux, though taken by surprise and thrown off their guard, turned in pursuit of the Chippeways, who fled for their lives, determined to avenge the death of their fallen companions.

397

thought he might yet save the fugitives, by getting them aboard the "Otto."

And steam was put on. The raging and crackening of the fire as it roared amidst its frail barriers, the surging and mad speed of the boat, as she churned the waters into foam, the groans and dissonant noises of the vast machinery, sounding like the cries of a soul in torments-all were unheard, or forgotten, in our breathless intensity of vision. The chase was for human life-for life, that a few moments before had lived and breathed amongst us.

In a short space we came to the bend of the river; here the shore was thickly covered with scrub pine and wild creepers, and our view intercepted. As we rounded the point, however, we could see far across the prairie; and like a dark speck in the distance could trace one Chippeway, like a deer flying from the

The intense excitement on board the steamer was beyond description. Ladies were borne half fainting with terror to the cabin-mothers were screaming for their children-children crying and nurses scolding-all dreading instant massacre, from their near proximity to the Indians. Men gathered in groups on the deck,—some betting high on the result of the fight some blaming the captain "for permitting murder,"-others watching with breath-huntsman, still pursued by the maddened less eagerness the flying foes, expressing earnest desire for their victory or defeat. It was a perfect Babel of languages :-the steerage passengers crowded the lower deck, men, women, and children, all talking at once in their different dialects, all intent upon seeing the novel fight.

Sioux. A crash was heard among the branches, and his companion came leaping from the high bluff that overhung the river. The poor fellow had outrun his implacable foes, and seeing the boat made an attempt to reach it as his only chance for life. But instead of falling into the water, he came heavily upon the The three Chippeways ran swiftly-their feet ground and broke his leg. Before his enemies scarce seemed to touch the sward, so rapid was found his trail, he was safely landed on board their motion. But see! One stops-something the steamer. A physician being on board, his impedes his steps; 'tis for a second's space-limb was set, and he eventually reached his he throws away his moccasin, and as he does so, casts a quick glance behind him. A Sioux, but a few feet from him, is in the act of levelling his rifle-a flash and report. The excited spectators on board the "Otto" give a simultaneous shriek; and the words "He is shot!" "He is gone!" are heard on every side. But no-he bounds forward with increased velocity. A moment more, and he staggers-reels, and falls prostrate, shot through the heart.

Then commenced a scene in Indian warfare, so fiendish and bloodthirsty, that my pen can scarce record it. While the body was still heaving with the last struggles of life, with a scream, wild and unearthly, the Sioux bent over it with his glittering knife. I involuntary closed my eyes; and when I looked again, I saw the gory scalp of the Chippeway, dripping with the still warm blood, fastened to the girdle of the Sioux. Raising the war whoop, that echoed from shore to shore like the yell of some demon, he hurried on after the others.

The two remaining Chippeways were fast distancing their pursuers; and we could see them for miles along the prairie, running in a line from the shore, the Sioux still in hot pursuit, like wolves after their prey. The captain commanded that added steam should be put to the boat; there was a bluff where the river made a bend, a short distance ahead; and he

village in safety.

It was afterwards discovered, that according to the assertion made by the Chippeways, their village had been attacked by this Sioux party. A boy stationed upon one of the bluffs that surrounded their dwellings, seeing their approach, had given instant alarm, so that by the time the Sioux reached the village it was deserted and bare. They set fire to it, and were returning, when seen by the three Indians on board the steamer. The Chippeway that fled across the prairie, was sorely beset by his foes; for days and nights he had neither rest nor sleep. Once only he had stopped to breathe among some bushes, but they had tracked his course, and he found himself surrounded by a burning circle of fire. But his courage and perseverance did not forsake him even amidst such deadly peril. With a bound he cleared the flaming brushwood, and though thrice wounded by chance shots, he had eluded their direful vengeance, and while his body was was weakened and emaciated by such severe hardships and fatigue, his resolute spirit sustained his exertions until retreat was practicable; and he also returned to his people in safety.

This sketch is no vision of fancy-there are persons still living who witnessed "The Prairie Fight."

[blocks in formation]
« 上一页继续 »