American Family Robinson

by William Henry Giles Kingston

  Chapter Eighth.

  A Night of invigorating Repose. Entering the unknown Wild. They capturea mountain sheep. The encampment attacked by Panthers. They savethemselves by climbing a tree, and building up fires. The Panthers killone of their pack. They continue their journey. Whirlwind becomes lost.They find a wild Goat. They start for the mountains. Everything strangeabout them. Their Deception. Talk of preparing for Winter. Encampmentat the base of the mountain.

  Our wanderers awoke the next morning from a long and refreshing sleep,and on rolling away the stone from the outlet of the cavern they foundthe sun up, and the forest vocal with the feathered songsters. Neversounded melody sweeter than that; and, as the birds jumped from branchto branch, or soared away on free wing, trilling their sweet notes,breaking into the wildest gushing songs, they involuntarily exclaimed,"We too are free, and sing with great joy of our deliverance!"

  After consuming the rest of their deer for a morning's repast, theyplunged into the unknown wild, for so various had been their trialsthat they had lost all conception of distance or place; and, save theknowledge that they had travelled sometimes south, then again west,they had no idea where they were. Taking a north-easterly direction asnear as they could determine the points of compass, they boldly set outand travelled until the sun was high in the heavens; then faint andweary, they sought for a place to rest, and something to satisfy theirhunger. They soon found a cool shady spring, and after quenching theirthirst, saw with pleasure, a little way beyond, where there had been awindfall, and as berries generally grow profusely in such places, theyhastened to it and found, as they had anticipated, an abundant supply,as it was now the season for their ripening. After eating as many asthey desired, the chief took some stout twigs, and weaving them into abasket, lined it with leaves, and recommended filling it with thefruit; which they did, and then returned to the spring where they satdown to rest.

  "Well, chief," said Howe. "I don't think we shall make much headway,living on berries. We must contrive some means of taking some of thegame with which these woods are filled."

  "True," said Sidney. "I, too, do not think a dinner of berries is atall necessary. The game here, evidently, has never been hunted, for itis remarkably tame. I almost laid my hand on a pheasant once or twicebefore it flew away, while picking berries."

  "I must say, a roasted pheasant would be very welcome now," saidEdward, "I wish you had quite laid your hands on it."

  "Hark!" said the chief, "I hear steps: something is coming to thespring to drink. Stay in your positions without making a noise, and Iwill see what can be done." So saying, he swiftly and noiselessly creptamong some bushes that grew on the side of the spring, which wouldbring him a few feet behind any animal that approached by a small pathwhich had probably been beaten by the denizens of the forest as theycame here to slake their thirst. His only weapons were a tomahawk, along hunting knife, and bow and arrows, which he had taken from thesentinel. Indeed, these were all the weapons of any kind in thepossession of the whole party, except a hunting knife that the trapperhad adroitly concealed from the cannibals. Whatever game wasapproaching, it evidently intended to take its time, for they couldhear it, every few minutes stop to browse, which argued well for itsbeing a deer, and which they earnestly desired it should be. At last itcame in sight, and they beheld a small mountain sheep. Though it wasnot what they anticipated, yet it was a welcome prize, and the chief'sunerring aim secured it.

  They dressed and broiled a few steaks of it, but hesitated to build alarge fire, for fear that straggling Indians might see the smoke risingabove the tree tops, which would direct them on their trail. Aftersatisfying their hunger, taking the remainder and the basket ofberries, they again set out on their journey and travelled untilsunset, when they encamped in a valley for the night. They had put outtheir fire, and with Whirlwind for sentinel, had a feeling of security,which they acknowledged by the deep sleep which enshrouded them. Atmidnight he was relieved by the trapper, and he too slept soundly.

  About the second hour of Howe's watch, his ear was attracted bystealthy advancing steps, and in a few moments within ten paces of thesleepers, gleamed a pair of glaring eyes flashing in the darkness thatsurrounded them, like coals of fire.

  "A panther," muttered the trapper, and then he continued as if thebeast could understand him, "you had better stand back, old fellow, ifyou have any respect for yourself. We shall not accommodate you with ameal to-night, so keep back."

  But the panther did not understand him, or, if he did, he did not heedthe advice; for the trapper could tell by his low growl that he waspreparing to spring; quickly drawing the bow, and taking aim betweenthe flashing eyes, he gave him an arrow. With a howl of rage, the beastsprang back into the bushes, and retreating to the top of the hill, setup a quick, fierce, and wailing cry, which sounded like that of anangry child, only fiercer, until it seemed as if the whole forest hadtaken up and echoed the sound. The beast's first howl had awakened thesleepers; and when they heard him on the hill, all were frightened, forthey well knew it was the panther's call for help.

  The panther being eminently a social animal, it is said, go in bands,but usually search for food singly; and when found, if too formidableto be secured by the finder, he retreats a little distance, and thensets up his call for help.

  "We must take to trees," said the chief; "nothing can save us if theycome down with the whole pack, which they will be likely to do by whatthat coward is telling them."

  "Why, chief, do you suppose the beast is telling his mates that we arefive strong, and he cannot kill us all, and if he should, there wouldbe too much for one to eat?"

  "Yes," replied the chief, "and not only that, but there are two oldones, and the rest are young, so they must fetch their mates and cubs,that all may enjoy the great feast."

  "Ha! ha! chief," laughed Howe; "but that is going it strong for thebrutes!"

  "Don't laugh, uncle," said Jane. "It is really horrible to be torn topieces by these animals."

  "Why, who intends to be torn to pieces by these howling vagabonds? NotI; nor do I intend any of us will. Here, Sidney, you climb this treeand fix a place for Jane. Edward, help yourself into this onealso--catch hold of that limb. Jane, place your foot on my hand, andraise yourself so as to catch the next limb. Help her, Sidney. There,all are safe now but us, chief, and I believe we know how to take careof ourselves. Had we better kindle a fire? The panthers, you know,would as soon run up these trees as not; but a fire would have atendency to keep them at a respectful distance."

  "And, perhaps, draw the cannibals on us!"

  "I think not, chief. I think that in going through the mountain weescaped from their territory."

  "Build the fire and run the risk. They can climb trees like cats; andas we have no weapons but our clubs to defend ourselves with, theywould have us, if they come in numbers, in a twinkling."

  "Oh! yes, do!" cried Jane and Edward, as they now heard the yells ofthe beasts from distant parts of the forest, giving back the call fromthe hill.

  "Let us run the risk, chief, and light three or four fires around thetree, keeping within the circle, and then, if they press us too hard,we can climb the tree also. It is large and strong, and will hold uswith ease."

  Accordingly the dry brush wood that always covers the grounds in ourprimitive forests, was hastily scraped together and fired; and as theblaze lighted up the forest, three other heaps were collected in acircle around the tree, which were also fired, and larger sticksbrought and heaped upon them--the smoke and heat of which drove thechildren to the topmost limbs of the tree. It is well they had decidedon the fires, for they had not been blazing ten minutes, when the wholepack of beasts, numbering full fifty, with ferocious growls, came downfrom the hills around them. They came within a few feet of the fires,then retreated into the darkness; but in a few moments advanced again,wrangling among themselves, and endeavored to penetrate the ring offire. But the heat drove them back a second time, when the fighting andwrangling became frightful from the din
they made. After a while theyagain advanced, eyeing the tree and fire alternately, keeping up thegrowls for half an hour, when they formed a circle around a solitarypanther which occupied the centre, with drooping head and tail, andafter eying him a moment, precipitated themselves upon him with abound, tearing him into fragments, and devouring him.[6] They thenquietly separated, and bounded away into the gloom, leaving our youngfriends astonished at the singular termination of the fray.

  [6] A fact which was related to the author by a trader, who was one among some others that saw a similar circumstance.

  "Why, uncle, do panthers prey upon each other when hungry?" askedEdward.

  "Seldom; but when they do, it is to punish one of their number thatoffends them. In this instance, the panther was destroyed because hehad deceived them by calling them when it could do no good."

  "Do you think that was the panther that yelled so on the hill?"

  "Quite certain of that," said Whirlwind. "He was calling his mates, butdid not tell them we were surrounded with fire, or in a tree, and thatthey could not reach us; because, when the brute saw us, we were on theground, and without that element. Most beasts fear fire. It was forthis they destroyed him. They were led to expect a feast, and beingdisappointed, devoured him to punish him for the deception."

  "Really, Whirlwind, do you suppose beasts reason, and have a languageso as to converse?"

  "The reasoning part I cannot answer for; but that they can conveythought and feeling as well as the passions, from one to another, thereis no doubt. You and I understand what each other wishes to beunderstood by language; but we cannot comprehend the first sound abeast makes, yet, they not only understand their own language, but manywords of our own. Which then has the most intellect?"

  "You are not in earnest when you would compare man and beast together?"

  "The Great Spirit made them both, and gave to each the attributes bestsuited to the station it was to occupy; and when those attributes areexhibited as they were to-night, it would anger the Great Spirit tobelieve they were not bestowed upon a creature, because that creaturewas not a man."

  "It is a truth well known to those who have spent the greater part oftheir lives in the forest as I have, that the scene we have witnessedto-night, is not of rare occurrence. This is the third time that I havehad to save myself by stratagem from panthers in my life," said thetrapper.

  The next morning they again bent their course towards the north-east;and as the day began to wane, the lofty peaks of a range of mountainsloomed up before them directly in their path.

  "What can that mean," said the trapper, calling the attention of theothers to them. "It cannot be the Wahsatch mountains, for we wentthrough them; besides, they ought to be nearly a hundred miles behindus. And they are not the Medicine Bow Mountains, for I am familiar withthem, and these are quite unlike them."

  "Oh! uncle, it cannot be we have been travelling the wrong direction,and are quite lost," said Jane, anxiously.

  "I hardly know myself," he replied, with some trepidation. "I was surewe came south and west when carried away, and then of course theopposite direction is north-east, and we have, as near as I could tell,been travelling that direction. Yet," he added, musingly, "I ought toknow the ground, but I do not recall one feature of it as familiar.What do you think about these mountains?" he asked of the chief, whostood moodily apart gazing upon the distant range with a troubled look.

  "It is time Whirlwind visited the hunting grounds of the Great Spirit,for he is no longer a chief to lead his warriors to victory, but is achild that cannot find his way to his village through the forest,"returned the chief.

  "Then we are lost! I feared it! Oh! we shall never see home again!"said Jane, weeping.

  "Why, child! there is none of your mother about you," said the trapper."When she was not more than half your age she and I wandered off intothe forest, got lost, and saw no human face for fourteen days, andduring that time, although we had to eat leaves, berries and roots, shenever shed a tear; but if she saw I was getting sad, she would beginsome funny story that was sure to get us laughing. But there are nomore girls like your mother was; they are all down in the mouth at thesight of danger now; nervous they call it, I believe."

  "No, no, uncle, Jane is none of that; but she is tired, and will havecourage enough when rested," spoke up Edward.

  "I believe it is all your work, chief; you have frightened her, sheplaces such confidence in your wood craft that she supposes if youcannot find your way out no one can."

  "My shoes are worn to shreds," said Jane, holding up the remnant ofwhat once had been a pair of strong leather shoes, "and my feet arelacerated and bleeding. I am sure I have been patient; for, though Ihave been travelling with great pain, I have borne it uncomplainingly,hoping every day we should arrive at some place where relief might beobtained."

  "My poor sister you shall have mine," said Edward, taking them off;"for, though much worn, and too large, yet they will be a betterprotection than your own."

  "Young brave, put on your shoes again. I can provide the antelope[7]with moccasins that will be softer, and more effectually protect herfeet than your shoes."

  [7] A pet name bestowed on Jane by the chief for her agility in travelling.

  So saying, the chief took off his tunic, which was made of fawn-skin,laid it on the ground, and bade her place her foot upon it, and thendrawing his hunting-knife around, cut the exact shape of her foot inthe skin. Then taking some strips of leather wood he split it andtwisted it into a strong thread, after which he punctured small holeswith the point of his knife in the shoe he had cut, and drawing thethread through, soon had completed a pair of strong soft moccasins.

  "Well done, chief," said Jane, delighted with his handy work; "I didnot think of this resort to a covering, but own it is effectual andvery neatly done. You must kill another fawn and I will make you a newtunic to replace the one you have spoiled."

  As it was getting late they encamped on the spot, there being water buta few rods distant, and visiting it, the chief pulled from the earthsome roots, at the same time crying, "Yampa! yampa!"[8]

  [8] A root much used by the Indians as food.

  "Nothing so welcome in our situation," cried the trapper. "Collectenough of them, while I try to kill some turkies that I have a glimpseof yonder."

  Sidney and Edward went to work and soon had a nice fire blazing, andthen began to clear away the rubbish from around it, so as to make itmore comfortable. This accomplished, the chief returned with his armsfull of vegetables, and directing Sidney and Edward where plenty ofberries could be had near the spring, he proceeded to cook them. In alittle while the trapper returned, but instead of a turkey he brought astring of very large fish.

  "Where did those come from?" they all exclaimed.

  "From a river, of course," he replied laughing. "You don't suppose theygrew on bushes, do you?"

  "Certainly not; but are we really near a large river?"

  "Within half a mile of it," he replied.

  "Then, can't we find our way out, if we follow it to where it empties?"asked Jane.

  "I should think not. Now, for supper; there come the boys laden withfruit, and between them and our fish and vegetables, I intend to have afeast."

  "Hist!" said Jane, "I heard a noise--a bleat, I am sure; There it isagain; don't you hear it?"

  "Now I do, and will soon know what it is," said the trapper, making hisway towards it, guided by the noise. About fifty rods distant he founda goat with its leg wedged between two rocks, so as to hold it fast,and preclude the possibility of its escaping. The goat was muchemaciated, and had probably been there two or three days. But a fewpaces distant, was its kid, being about five months old, browsing withperfect unconcern. Howe released the goat and attempted to drive her tothe camp, but she was too weak to walk, and he was compelled to takeher in his arms, and carry her, the kid following, as though it wasnothing new to have its dam carried away.

  "He has found a goat," said Ed
ward, "now we can drive it with us andkeep it for milk."

  "Poor thing!" said Jane, "it is almost dead: see how parched its mouthis? Take it to the spring and let it drink, and we will collectsomething for it to eat. What a pretty thing the kid is, and so verytame. You will not kill it, will you?"

  "Not unless necessity compels us to. If we can get a little strength inthis goat, I think, myself, she will be of service to us. Now forsupper, for this mountain air gives me a voracious appetite."

  "And after supper, uncle, we had better build a bough-house, for lastnight the dew fell heavy and cold. I think the summer must be over andSeptember already here."

  "The young brave is right; the harvest moon is yonder a crescent. Whenit is full, comes the harvest feast; and, then, unless Whirlwindreturns, another will be chief in his place."

  "If we are not there then, we have this consolation, others have beenin as bad situations as we are."

  "But, uncle, supposing we are still wandering around the forest whenthe snows begin to fall?" said Jane.

  "Why, then we must make the best of it we can."

  "That is, lay down and freeze."

  "Does the red man lay down and die, when the snows fall?" asked thechief. "If we cannot find our homes, we must make a new one. Then weshall be content again. The antelope shall sit in her lodge happy asthe singing bird, while her brothers bring her venison, fish, and thechoicest fruits that grow."

  The next morning they were again in motion, making direct for the loftypeaks before them, expecting to find a pass, and hoping when on theother side to find a country with which they were familiar. For turn itas they could, they arrived at the same conclusion at last, that theyought to travel towards the northeast, a course they believed theyconstantly kept. But they were mistaken in supposing the cave wentthrough the Wahsatch mountain; for, instead, it went through a spur ofit, leaving the principal range on the east, instead of the west asthey supposed. And now another spur lay between them and the principalrange, rising in lofty peaks, beyond which was an extensive level plainmany miles in extent, before the principal range could be reached. Thereason they were so deceived in the locality was, that they had neverbeen on the western side of the Wahsatch mountains, until carriedprisoners there; and, supposing the outlet of the cavern was on theeastern side, they boldly pushed ahead. Had they known of these twospurs--(the one the cavern conducted them through, and the one that laybefore them,) they would have known precisely where they were. But, asthe savages had gone round them by crossing the mountains a hundredmiles below, when they took them prisoners to their village, they hadno means of knowing it.

  That night they encamped at the base of the second spur, by which ran asmall brook, and after a hearty supper, laid down to rest, with Sidneyon the watch, who was to be relieved at twelve by the chief.