The Trail of Black Hawk

by Paul G. Tomlinson

“If I count the number of Indians who pass this way,” thought Joseph, “I can tell just how many may return and in that way I can tell whether or not there are any between me and Dixon’s Ferry. When I am sure that all have returned I can start out and take my time about getting back.”

This seemed to Joseph an excellent plan and he proceeded to put it into execution. The only trouble was that he expected at least several hundred of Black Hawk’s party to pass that way in their pursuit of Major Stillman’s men, and undoubtedly it would take a long time before they would return. Then, too, there was always the chance that some might go back to their camp by a different route and thus escape his notice. At any rate he decided to make an attempt at carrying out his scheme.

Thus far he had counted fourteen warriors. No more appeared for some time and Joseph began to wonder where the main body was. Certainly the fleeing volunteers had passed his hiding place, and if the Indians intended to overtake them they must follow the same course.

“Here they come,” thought Joseph as once more he heard the clatter of hoofs on the prairie. Peering out cautiously he was surprised to see only four Indians in the party. He heard more approaching, however, and soon an additional band of six appeared. This last detachment was not riding as hard as the ones who had passed previously. They seemed to be in no hurry and were apparently debating whether or not they should give up the pursuit of the rangers.

Suddenly Joseph heard a shout and saw the six warriors abruptly halt. They turned and awaited the approach of a solitary brave a hundred yards or more to their rear. When he came up to them, the seven Indians gathered in a circle and held a spirited discussion. Joseph fancied that the argument was as to whether they should push on or give up the chase and return to camp. Evidently his surmise was correct, for at the expiration of a few moments the entire band started back in the direction from which they had come.

“That makes twenty-five Indians I have counted altogether,” thought Joseph. “I wonder what has happened to all the others who attacked us?”

Many minutes passed, however, and no more appeared. “Seven already returned,” said Joseph to himself. “That makes eighteen more I must wait for. I hope they won’t be long and that they won’t discover me.” The thought of what might happen to him, should his hiding place be found by any of the marauders, made him shudder. He turned and glanced at his horse. The animal stood with drooping head, evidently thoroughly tired from its exertions. That he would soon be overtaken if it came to a question of speed was only too evident to the youthful frontiersman. It seemed to Joseph that hours elapsed before he heard any more hoofbeats on the prairie indicating that more of his enemies were returning. He was tired and it was all he could do to keep awake. Several times the young volunteer almost dropped off to sleep and the use of all his will power was required to shake off this feeling of drowsiness. Joseph knew that any such lapse might easily prove fatal to his chances of escaping.

Finally, however, he heard a noise and as he peered out from his hiding place he discovered a band of ten Indians approaching. They trotted along in a careless manner, evidently confident that no danger was lurking near at hand. That this was the case was fully realized by Joseph who wondered what would befall him if he should shoot at any one of the band. From his station in the ravine he could easily have selected his man and found no difficulty in bringing him down. He might even kill two or possibly three of his foes, but he was largely outnumbered and it would only be a question of time before he must either be killed or taken prisoner.

“They’ll never capture me alive,” thought Joseph decidedly. He knew that in such a case his doom would be surely sealed and undoubtedly preceded by tortures that made his blood run cold even to think about. It was hard for him to restrain himself, however, as he watched his enemies jog past the place where he lay hidden. He fingered his rifle nervously and once or twice even raised it to his shoulder.

At length the Indians passed beyond his sight and Joseph settled himself to wait for the remaining eight. He was not kept in suspense long, for in a few moments six more rode by. They talked freely among themselves and were apparently discussing their victory. Gestures were frequently used in the course of their conversation, and everyone seemed to be trying to outdo the others in boasting of his conquest.