One day last summer, as I stood by the Vermilion river, waiting for the ferry boat to answer my call and carry me across, I thought as I watched the brilliant scene before me, how different it is to the ones my grandmother looked upon in 1812 from this same ground—perhaps from this same spot. Now where gay outing parties flit hither and thither in quest of new pleasures, like butterflies upon the wing, the river and lake dotted with many pleasure boats, then the white man paddled his skiff warily along the shore, or the red mans canoe shot across the waters with its swarthy occupant bent upon some new piece of mischief. Now where sweet music fills the summer breeze from guitar the players lazily float, or slowly row, on the water, then the wolf's hungry growl floated mournfully upon the air. Now where the church spires rear their white forms far above the surrounding shade trees and beautiful homes nestle in their shade, then only the wild, wild, dark woods waved their broad branches over a wilderness of bushes, briars, stone, and one rude log cabin hastily erected in a rough clearing.

That was the home to which my grandmother came at the age of 18. She came with her young husband and infant child, Eunice. Her name was Charlotte Sturges, and altogether with husband and child and an occasional traveler to whom their cabin gave food and shelter, the busy pioneer hours passed happily and quickly along, until the Indian war burst upon the settlers in all its barbarous cruelty.

The murderous savages made life almost a burden. Sickening fears filled the lonely troubled hours, and many fugitives fleeing from Indian horrors, were sheltered for a night under the Sturges cabin roof.

When news of fresh massacres Mrs. Sturges would wish herself back in the old vine-wreathed home in 'Connecticut; she did not give utterance to her wishes and fears; she spoke only brave, encouraging words to cheer her husband and strengthen the quailing hearts of those around her.

She was a very small woman, but what she lacked in stature was made up by her noble, womanly qualities; and her oval face with its delicate pink and white complexion, regular features, high forehead crowned with a wealth of waving brown hair, and eyes as mild and blue as the summer sky. She was as pretty a woman as e'er graced a pioneer cabin.

At the time at which my story opens several days had slipped quietly by, and the meal being nearly empty Mr. Sturges thought a good time to take a grist to the mortar (which was owned by Mr. Ruggles, near what is now Ruggles Grove). This mortar was used by the settlers who came for many miles to grind their corn, and considered themselves lucky to have it in their midst. The mortar was a large stone, with a basin-like hollow in it, and fastened firmly into a hollow stump. Over it hung a swivel, which ground the grain. This was like an old-fashioned well sweep, with this exception—where the bucket hung from the well swivel, a large round stone hung from this. It was lowered on the grain in the mortar, and there whirled by the sturdy pioneers until their grain became meal.

As soon as the sun began to tint the east with its light Mr. Sturges shouldered his bag of grain, kissed his wife and 'baby good-bye and plunged the forest shadows, and hurried through them, as he knew it would be dark before he could return, and he did not like the utter calm that had settled around them. "It forebodes no good to us," he said to himself. His pathway was narrow and winding, but he passed quickly along with faculty on the alert for danger.

His falcon eyes sent piercing glances into the shadows on either hand into the bushes in front of him; they swept the surface of the lake wherever an opening in the forest brought if to view. But not a sound broke the forest stillness, except the monotonous break, break of the waves upon the shore. He hurried for what seemed to him an age, but perhaps it was not more than a half hour, then the forest seemed to be awake. The birds trilled their carols twittered and chirped as if the whole were at peace. The sun burnished, the lake like gold, and his shafts pierced the forest depths like golden threads, and nature seemed to be in one of her happiest moods.

But to young Sturges' troubled mind a pall seemed to hang over everything". Like a shadow he hurried in and out, in and out, among the trees, and he nearly stepped on a mother partridge hovering over her before she was aware of his

She gave a warning cry, flew to a log a short distance away, she set up a loud cackling, while little ones skulked in the undergrowth and were hidden in the twinkling of an eye.

Nothing occurred to alarm him until he had nearly reached the Ruggles clearing; then a sharp snap like the breaking of a dry twig arrested his attention and footsteps. He wheeled half around and pointed his gun at a clump of bushes whence the noise had issued. The tops of the bushes waved ominously. Mr. Sturges stood a moment in agonized expectancy. He expected to see the ugly visage of a red skin thrust above the waving branches. A thousand thoughts flashed like lightning through his brain; he was trembling, not so much for his own safety as at the thought 0f what his family would do without him were this a horde of savages from whom he could not escape.

He was just on the point of firing at his hidden foe when lo! the bushes moved again, and a large red fox walked quickly in into the pathway before him. He stood for a moment looking curiously at his human foe, then quickly into the pathway before then quickly sneaked off. "Oh, no only a sly fox!" said Sturges, as he drew a long deep breath, and replaced his gun on his shoulder: "I've no ammunition to waste on you." He again hurried on and was soon at his destination.

He found the Ruggle's cabin closed and barricaded; the family was not at home; but this fact did not deter him from going to the mortar and placing his grain in it and commence the hard laborious task of grinding it. He whirled the swivel with a will; it never whirled faster. Around and around his brawny arms; swung it until fire sparks followed in its wake. Around and around it went until great beads of perspiration trickled over his sunburned face. Several times he stopped a moment to wipe them off, and to listen for any unusual sounds that might come from the thick shadows of the woods. But hearing nothing to alarm him he continued his task. Around and around the swivel whirled so fast he could hardly see it; the sun was low in the west before his work was done, and he could start on his homeward way.

About one-third of the distance had been traversed, and the sun was nearly set when, as he gave a long searching glance over the lake, he saw three black spots well in toward the river.

"Indians, by 'all 'the saints," he ejaculated aloud, almost in a frenzy as he thought or his helpless family. He knelt down an prayed 'that God would protect them and give him strength to reach them before the boats could enter the river. His brain seemed on fire as he arose to his feet and again scanned the black spots that, seemed like black birds of evil omen. They skimmed the waves like sea gulls, and he knew they must reach the river shore long before he could reach his cabin. But he drew his breath hard, and muttered between his teeth, I'll save my wife and babe or die with them."

He swung his bag of meal into the hollow tree, and tightening his wampum belt, started on a mad dash for his home. He clambered down the bank, through tangled vines and thorn bushes that tore his flesh until it bled; but 'he felt it not. His senses seemed numbed, and he had only one thought, "God give me strength to save my wife and baby."

When he reached the beach he started on a loping run. His mental vision saw the Indians fire' his cabin; saw his helpless wife and babe struggling in their demon grasp, and like a maniac he dashed along the shore. He stopped a second or two now and then to take in long deep breaths, and then renew his speed as only a frantic man can.

Let us leave him a while, and go back to the cabin, and the morning, and see what the brave little woman did all that long weary day.

As soon as she had made the door fast with bolt and bars, she sat down and coddled her baby close in her arms, and prayed that God would protect them; tears trickled over her face, but she quickly brushed them away: and laying the baby down began to pace the cabin as a sentinel paces his rounds. She peered sharply into the thick bushes on every side many, many times, until it seemed to her that if a single twig had been moved she would have known it.

An oppressive silence had settled down in the forest and little room, and was only broken by an occasional cry from the baby, which was hurriedly soothed by Mrs. Sturges for it seemed to her overwrought nerves that the little voice was loud as a trumpet. The brave woman tried to knit, but found herself too nervous: a sentinel's duties were more suited to her feeling, and more necessary than the woman one of knitting, and slowly, the lonely day wore away. Never did sentinel pace his rounds with more vigilance than she.

She saw the boats as soon as they appeared on the horizon, mere specks upon the water. She watched them with growing anxiety. How quickly the waves rolled them in; nearer and nearer until she could discern human forms in them. But whether they were white men, half breeds or Indians she could not tell; most likely the latter, ''and she felt that she must battle alone with a terrible foe, for they were rowing straight toward the river.

She determined if they were Indians to give them a hot welcome, and she prepared for battle accordingly. The baby lay softly cooing in its small trundle bed, making vain attempts to swallow her feet, and as Mrs. sturges turned from the window she broke down and with hysterical sobs caught the baby in a close embrace, and scalding tears fell thick and fast on the little one's upturned wondering face. She kissed it many times murmuring the while, "Oh baby, God help us now; he alone knows what horrors we are soon to pass through.

Then enforcing all her will power to her aid, she knelt down clasped her hands and bowed her head in silent prayer. When she arose a new strength had been given her, new courage filled her heart. A dangerous new light flashed from her usually mild blue eyes; her cheeks were scarlet with suppressed excitement, as she lay the baby 'again on its bed, and then going to the corner of the cabin where two rifles stood, calmly examined the locks. They were loaded and capped, and with as much dexterity as an old hunter she removed the old caps and carefully put new ones on, and stood the guns close by the window overlooking' the lake.

Her next move was to draw a small table close to the window and on it place the powder horn, balls and cap box. Then she opened and spread the caps carefully on a plate, as by thus doing she could pick them up quickly without the risk of spilling the whole box.

Now her simple preparations being finished she took another searching look into the forest. Where two weeks before Indian camp fires had gleamed through the night like a will o' the wisp, and the red man's shadowy forms like evil spirits of the night had fitted around them, now those places were silent, dark and deserted. The Indian huts—-and there had been many on the opposite side of the river—were tenantless forever. Their red tenants had as quickly and silently disappeared as if the earth had opened and swallowed them up. A few gaunt dogs were left, and they howled dismally as they sniffed the air and wandered from hut to hut in a vain endeavor to find their copper colored masters.

As the lonely yet courageous little woman gazed at the forsaken hovels, one of the wretched curs sets up a most dismal howl, which made an involuntary shudder pass through her frame. She moved again to the window, wondering if her late neighbors were returning for rapine and murder to satiate their rapacious thirst for blood. Perhaps with the enforcements they were returning to lay waste her home. As these thoughts flashed quickly through her mind she clasped her hands in agony and prayed most earnestly and aloud, "Oh, God, help, help, help!" This was her simple prayer, it strengthened her for the meeting with either friend or foe, she knew not which.

Now a broad roadway of light lay on the water streaming from the setting sun, and in its very center the boat came swiftly gliding in, nearer and nearer as on a river of molten gold. Although it was quite near enough to have distinguished white men, from Indians, it was impossible to do so in the sunset's blinding glare. But before it melted into the twilight that blends
the dying day with the starry night, the boat was hidden by; a clump of large trees and the stars spangled the sky quite an hour before the occupants of the boat made any sign that they had landed.

The day had been long and wearisome, but that one hour seemed an eternity to the young mother now softly soothing her babe to rest, while she stood with her gaze riveted on the pathway leading up from the river. At last dim shadowy forms like phantoms of the night slowly moved along the river bank. The sight started the hot lava tide tingling swiftly through her veins. She hurriedly lay the baby down, and grasped a gun and pointed it at the forms determined to defend her home to the bitter end.

Slowly, cautiously, the figures advanced, stopping at times as if in consultation, then all but one halted in the deep shadows of the trees, and he boldly advanced. 'Now, ,Mrs. Sturges thought, is time to check his nearer approach, and she was about to fire when a child's lusty cry, mingled with the deep tones of a manly voice, as he hailed, "Ho, tavern ahoy!" nearly caused her to let the gun drop.

The child's lusty cries awoke the forest echoes and it seemed as if the woods had suddenly filled with angels. The cries continued, but they sounded like a trumpet of peace to the fear-tortured woman, who had nearly fired into the party.

The relief occasioned to her by that cry was like that of a .reprieve or pardon to one about to be executed; or, like that of sunlight breaking through angry clouds after a tempestuous storm. Womanlike, she nearly threw the gun into a corner when the manly voice said, "Can you shelter a band of refugees?"

Her great joy at finding the party friends nearly threw her into hysterics, and she quickly replied, "Yes, yes come in." She flew to the door, but her hands trembled so she could hardly unbar it, but one after another the heavy bars were laid aside, she threw wide the door, and thirty-two fleeing settlers swarmed into the room, seven families from the islands men, women and children, two of whom were Austins.

Now, Mrs. Sturges, transformed, as it were, from a sad weary sentinel to a genial hostess, soon made her guests feel perfectly at home and the women felt that for a short time, at least, they had found a haven of rest. She lit the conventional sauces, and the sickly yellow glare that flickered through the darkness showed her the saddest, weary, forlorn group of people that she had ever seen. The men looked hollow-eyed and haggard; and the women's wan and tear-stained faces, looking so pitiful in the dim flaring light, drew the sympathetic tears from Mrs. Sturges' eyes. And while she tried to cheer them with brave, encouraging words, she busied herself in preparing a supper of cornmeal mush and wild honey. Soon she set the mush smoking before them, and a great platter of wild honey, and to these hungry souls it seemed a most delicious feast.

After satisfying their hunger the women placed the children in the two beds, and then climbed to the loft to pass the night in sleep upon the bare floor, with only a shawl under their heads for a pillow. But this was a princely bed compared to the cramped position they had been obliged to keep in the boat the night before.

The men sat in close counsel, while their hostess quietly cleared away the dishes and remains of the meal, arranging the table for her husband whom she knew must be nearly home. The wind had risen, and was blowing in shrieking gusts from off the land, and fearing that their boat might break her moorings, and float away, John and Judd Austin arose and shouldered their guns preparatory to making the boat a visit, and the more sturdy fastening it to the trees that overhung it completely hiding it from any chance boatman that might pass that way, when a long mournful whoo-o-o of an owl startled them as it filled the night air. Each man grasped his gun, and stood listening for a repetition of the cry; it did not come; but a sound more welcome did—a low guarding rap, rap, rap on the door. Mrs. Sturges sprang to the fastenings and quickly opened the door admitting her blood-smeared, ragged, hungry husband. She sprang back, exclaiming, "Oh, Barlow, what is it? Did you meet with Indians?"

No, no, 'Charlotte the briars scratched my face and tore my clothes as I dashed through them in the vain attempt to reach here before the boat did, which I saw afar out on the lake; but thanks be to God, I find friends here instead of the Indians or half-breeds who are worse than Indians."

The men crowded near him and the warm, rugged hand-shake passed round with hearty congratulations for his safe return. Then four of the men started for a visit to their boat.

Mr. Sturges washed the blood from his much scratched face and hands, ate his supper, then lighting his pipe sat down to chat with his visitors.

Meanwhile his wife climbed to the loft, and lying down on the floor with the other women, were soon fast asleep. Perfect slumber lay over all from which they awoke with an entrancing sense of peace and joy as the low, melodious sounds from the Jews-harp filled the cabin; it floated to their half roused senses like notes from heaven.

Part Second

The fatigue of the whole party was so great that not a woman or man stirred until the sun was high in the east. Then the loud wail of an infant aroused them, and while the women were preparing breakfast, several of the men, acting as scouts, scoured the forest for a short distance around, but finding all quiet they came back, and after doing justice to the breakfast of fried mush and smoked sturgeon, prepared to clean their guns.

The cabin door was allowed to stand open all day, and the children played merrily in and out of the house. Five days passed peacefully along, and the utter quiet and silence from the news whatever of their was became oppressive. Now, on the eve of the fifth day and men from the island concluded to make a journey back to their homes. So at the first peep of dawn the next morn they pulled off from shore on their return trip. In due time they neared the island. They knew the nature of the wily savages, and felt that every precaution must be used to avoid an ambush. Therefore they approached the island on the swampy side opposite their homes. Here the tall wild rice grew luxuriantly down to the water edge. They pulled into a little cove where the cat-tails and thick grasses made a snug hiding place for the boat while they reconnoitered. Stealthily they made their way to a large maple on the brow of a knoll where they could have had a clear view of all the cabins.

All was quiet and seemingly just as they had left it and they were about to push boldly forward when a peculiar hammering in the cabin nearest them arrested the action. A measured thump, thump, like the sound of a small mallet striking a table made the men wonder what the Indians were doing for certain it was they were in that cabin waiting with unwearied eye the return of the owner, then they would murder, plunder and burn to their demon hearts satisfaction.

The watching party shrank back behind bushes in the shade of the tree and waited a long time for further developments. At last there came a mighty powerful chief as large in stature as any they had eyer seen, opened the cabin door, and after glancing cautiously around, walked out toward the beach, and with folded arms stood sweeping the lakes surface with his falcon eyes.

Soon another large Indian followed then another, and another, until thirteen blood-thirsty chiefs stood looking out over the water with searching gaze.

It was well that the pioneers' boat was not afloat at that time, or they would not have landed so safely, and knowing that their number could not cope with the thirteen red men, they cautiously made their way back to the boat into which they unceremoniously scrambled and rowed swiftly away for re-enforcements. They kept the wooded side of the island between them and their enemies until nightfall covered their retreat with her friendly veil; then turning their course rowed quickly back to their friendly shelter of the Sturges tavern which they reached just as dinner was ready. And after making report of their journey to the anxious, waiting group and doing ample justice to the wild honey, johnny-cake, bean soup and stewed squirrel—the three latter being smoking hot—they prepared to mold bullets enough to return to the island and put an end to every redskin there.

All the afternoon they worked, while the women huddled in little groups talking in subdued, awed tones. The island settlers had many bullets moulded by sun -down, but they were not enough; and all through the night they worked mould the deadly bait. They even laughed and joked at the surprise they would give their enemies.

At the first peep of daylight, they carefully stored their ammunition and provision in the boat, and pulled again for their deserted homes, leaving their family in sobs and fears The lake was calm almost to the smoothness of glass, and the boat skimmed over the surface like a gull. They were quite near the island by sundown, but thinking it best to land under cover of the darkness, they lay to on their oars and waited until midnight then with muffled oars pulled slowly into the hidden cove where the boats safely moored, and they once more cautiously ascended the knoll overlooking their little settlement. A dead silence rested there and deadly enemies also, who, with the slightest warning of the white man's approach would, be like a sleuth hound, and only a body burning at the stake could glut their thirst for blood. And as forewarned is forearmed the pioneers felt that they held the vantage ground this time.

But every man needed rest, and all the strength he could summon for the hot work that was before them for the morrow. So after a whispered consultation they detailed George Austin as sentinel and then sought the ground in the deepest shade where they slept. And of all lonely vigils Mr. Austin said that was the loneliest he ever kept. He watched the weird, grotesque shadows of the woods playing over the ground in the pale light of the crescent moon, with a fascination new and strange to him. A night bird wheeling in rapid flight brushed his head, so startling him from his fantastic musings he nearly yelled. Not a thing else the shadows and wheeling bird moved until the darkness preceding dawn; then he heard the soft dip of oars, a grating sound as if a boat were being cautiously pulled upon the shore. Now every nerve tingled with excitement, and he drew back in deeper shadows, and strained his hearing for another sound; but none came; not even with the five stalwart forms that were soon dimly outlined in the darkness skulking along the foot of the knoll toward the nearest cabin which they entered.

Now young Austin aroused his comrades and grouped with heads close together in whispered words he told them what he had seen. Some little time was taken up in laying plans for the day, and in giving instructions how best to carry them through. Then with the order to secrete themselves so as to overlook the cabins, and when the Indians came out, as they knew they would at the first light of day, to give them a volley of hot lead. The signal for them to fire would be given by John Austin and was to be the rap-a-tap of the woodpeckers upon a tree in imitation of their sounding tap.

They had many other wood signals which were used during the hide-and-seek fight which was not long delayed. The sun was just showing his disc above the eastern trees, when the savages began to show themselves. Cautiously at first they peered from the door then seeming to feel that all was safe for their exit came boldly forth. One, two, three, until seventeen were counted. Some moved toward the waters edge; others squatted on the ground, and some of them stood with folded arms quietly looking at the now swelling waves. There were still others in the cabin, for that peculiar pound, pound, reverberated loudly through the woods, and rolled across the waters like the sound of doom. Now mingled with its jarring sound came the woodpeckers tap-tap, rap-a-tap-tap which was actually the sound of doom for several of the Indians, as with the signals' last stroke came a stream of fire from the ambushed settlers and seven brawny chiefs bit the dust simultaneously with sharp crack of the rifle

Consternation seized the Indians, and in wild alarm they fled for safety. Several were wounded by the sharp-shooters before they could get under cover of the bushes. Hastily yet cautiously, and with a hunter's precision, the pioneers changed their positions, and now waited the action of the savages. It came in small spiral coils of smoke issuing from the roofs and crevices of the log cabins.

"Ye gods!" ejaculated Sam West, surprised, angered and excited into loud tones, "how did the demons do that and escape from the burning dwelling without our seeing them? Come on boys, let's climb this tree where we will have a good view of the ground on the other side of the cabins and if the red devils have not made cover we may pick some of them off yet."

So said so done. Three of the settlers ascended to quite a height in the tall thinly foliaged tree, and the report of their rifles told their waiting comrades that they had sighted the enemy.

When the smoke cleared away they saw ten Indians arise and run in a skulking attitude for the nearest shelter which was a pile of rocks no far distant. Three of their number lay still nor wriggled more; the pioneers' deadly bullet had reached their hearts. No sooner did the squad of men under the tree see fleeing Indians than a shower of bullets with a resounding report lay seven more dead. Only three reached the pile of friendly rocks.

Now Sam West and his friends descended from the tree and quickly reloading their guns commenced a stealthy march to a position in the rear of the hiding savages. Sly and quiet as foxes they moved through the undergrowth and were soon where they could have seen the Indians. But to their great surprise not a red skin was there; they had vanished completely.

"Queer," muttered Sam West, "the devil himself must have spirited them away." The whole party made their way cautiously back to a point where they could see the Indian canoe, and waited the coming of the hideous, war

hungry demons, which was not until long after nightfall. Then like shadows they moved along the shore, stopping frequently to listen to sounds of warning. Hearing none, they came silently on. They reached the canoe, but not to enter, for the ambushed men with deadly aim sent every one of them to the Indian happy hunting ground.

Now feeling that not another red warrior remained on the island, they cautiously went over the battleground, and counted seventeen dead Indians. Hideous objects in their war paint and feathered adornments. As party passed the smoking ruins of their homes, one poor fellow sat down and really cried and sobbed like a child amid the ruins of a broken toy. The night was far advanced when they sought their boat, launched it, and silently taking their places at the oars pushed out over the lake, each one too sad and disheartened for conversation. Weary in both body and soul and so absorbed in grief for their ruined homes that their vigilance somewhat slacked, and as they were passing that part of one of the islands now known as Gibraltar, a dark object shot out from the deep shadows not forty yards distant, then, "Great gods, boys, look to your guns or we are lost the red devils are close upon us, fire!"

Simultaneously the guns from both boat and canoe belched their deadly loads. But except for a tommahawk thrown with unerring skill by one of the red warriors cleaving the skull of one of the young men, not a man was hurt. "Quick, give them another," and almost as quickly as the order was given another charge of hot lead flew from their guns, dealing death and destruction to the Indians. "Ha, we have crippled the rascals sure; they are drawing" back into the shadows. Now row for your lives boys; row as you never rowed before if you wish to see your loved ones."

In answer to the long strong pull of the oarsmen the boat fairly flew over the waves and soon passed the last of the islands, shooting out into clear water. Now feeling that all danger was over they slacked speed and tenderly covering their dead comrade slowly, and without further adventure continued their sad journey over the now rising waves.

Let us precede them, and see how it fares with those we left at the river harbor sobbing and waving their adieus to the outward going boat. All the weary day there were moanings and lamentations from some of the women, while others tried to console them; but in vain; they would not be consoled. Near nightfall a sound was heard in the forest, that blanched their tear-stained faces, and caused them to wait with bated breath for the coming messenger whom they knew brought evil tidings by the speed at which his horse was coming, a breakneck pace gallop, gallop, gallop, spat, spat crack, crack, the dead twigs snapped beneath the hoofs of the running horse. Low ominous mutterings and frequent flashes of lightning from a black cloud that hung low in the west gave warning that a storm was rising.

Mr. Sturges stood waiting with his gun in his hand for the appearance of the rider, with more anxiety than he cared to have the frightened women see The wind had arisen and was swinging and bending the forest trees in its great strength; but on, swiftly on, crashing, dashing, came horse and rider into the clearing.

A messenger bearing news from the hot bed of action and warning the settlers to flee for their lives; Hull had sold the army and all was lost. The Indians, like demons let loose, were massacring the pioneers in the most brutal manner.

In excited, earnest tones he gave his warning, then the strong black horse covered with foam fleck of' which flew like snow flakes from his mouth bounding on again that his rider might warn the settlers living up the river.

Before the sound of the messengers horse's hoofs had died away, another horse was heard coming through the woods the sound of his hoofs indicate a fast gate, but not so fast as the first horseman. Not long had the mentally tortured group to wait until horse and rider or riders—for two people came on this horse—broke into the clearing

"By all the saints, Charlotte, it's our neighbor Cuddeback and wife," called Mr. Sturgess. "This journey will kill her, that babe is only two days old."

The horse with its precious load of humanity stopped in front of the hut while the sorrowing band of women crowded about to look at the woman who had braved a coming storm and a long night journey to escape from the possible massacres that were about to spread over the country.

Mr. Sturges tried to persuade them to alight and rest for the night, when the whole party would move to a place of certain safety. But Mr. Cuddeback said that after the warning of the runner which they had just passed it would be foolhardy to stay," and you had better get ready and move now Mr., Sturges "

"No I think we will wait until morning. I think we will have time enough to reach a place of safety after that. And you had better alight and wait until the storm is over, Mr. Cuddeback, or your wife and babe will surely die from the exposure."

"I would rather die that way, Mr. Sturges than by the Indians' tomahawks or torture of some kind," quickly replied Mrs. Cuddeback.

Mrs. Sturges added her pleadings that they wait until the storm was over, but to no avail, and right in the face of what seemed would be a perfect hurricane they galloped off.

After many fierce threatenings the storm passed to the south and spent its fury there. The sorrowing band of women slept little that night, and Mr.

and Mrs. Sturges busied themselves in packing a few necessary things preparatory to a move early next morning. When all was ready Mrs. Sturges gathered little Eunice to her breast in a close embrace and gave vent to her pent up feelings in showers of silent tears. Mr. Sturges stretched himself upon the floor, and was soon in a troubled sleep.

In the first gray morning light another horse galloping through the woods caused him to spring up as if electrified, and before he could unbar the door another runner bounded into the opening in front of it, and swinging his cap joyously above his head shouted, "All is well; the war is over and peace once more declared." Down came the door fastenings with a clatter to the floor, and Mr. Sturges shouted in stentorian tones, "Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, Charlotte, we're safe." The runner could not stop for conversation or to give explanations, but galloped off to shout the glad tidings to other settlers who were yet in their homes.

The good news spread like wild fire and that eve Mr. Cuddebaek, wife and babe returned to their home. A great beacon fire was built and happy faces stood in its light to welcome the men who wearily rowed into the landing about midnight, and their united families would have made a very merry band but for the dead comrade they had brought from the island. This, together with the thought that they were homeless detracted somewhat from the wild rejoicing of the other settlers.

After the news was thoroughly established that the war was over, our band of islanders settled in the neighborhood of the Sturges family and today we can see the united efforts of these noble hearted pioneers caused the wilderness to blossom like the rose.

 

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