Beadle's Dime Novels No. 85: The Fugitives — page 14: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

16 | THE FUGITIVES. inhabitants, could add to the strength of Westmoreland, and when, 4s has been remarked, nearly all her able-bodied men were absent in the army, and there was scarcely time to drill and discipline those that remained. : Furthermore, the resolution provided that the company find their own arms, accouterments and blankets. Here was another obstacle, almost insurmountable, as the valley had already been drained of its supplies. But the inhabitants, finding that God and their own strong arms were to be their reliance, set bravely to work to make ready for the blow that was now certain to come. In the month of May, scouting parties sioomtaael those of the enemy, at a distance of less than twenty miles from the settlement. They seemed merely out for information, as there were no murders or ravages committed. Shots were exchanged, but no one was injured, as the enemy seemed rather anxious to avoid battle. William Crook coming out of an abandoned house, was shot dead in the door. This was the first man killed in Westmoreland by the Indians, : A. few days later, a party of six men, on duty, were fired upon, one of their number killed, and another wounded. These incidents added to the alarm that was already distract- ing the settlements; but another occurrence took away the last spark of hope that may have remained in many breasts, for it proved beyond all possibility of doubt. that the i invasion was determined upon, and was shortly to be undertaken, Two Indians, who were well known in Wyoming, from having dwelt there before, came down with their squaws on a visit, professing the warmest friendship. Suspicion arose that they were spies, and directions were given carefully to watch them. An old friend of theirs gained their confidence, and gave them drink after drink of rum, until they wene,stupidly drunk, when he gained from them the ayowal that his people were preparing to cut off the settlement, the attack was to be made soon, and they had been sent down to examine ang report how matters were. The two Indians were arrested : and confined in Forty Fort, while their squaws were gent away. The people in the outer settlements fled to the forts, and the wives of the soldiers sent messages, calling upon Pt by conmicloooks.comn