| Object ID |
A4 |
| Object Name |
Painting |
| Dimensions |
H-19 W-13 inches |
| Early Date |
1925 |
| Late Date |
1926 |
| Description |
Captain Hendee now proceeded immediately to execute the part he had been requested to perform. And while the company were waiting with breathless interest the result, he moved along the effigy toward the window, so as to show only one arm and a portion of the bust to those who might be watching without, skillfully imparting to the figure the cautious and hesitating motions of a living actor, who might be supposed to be conscious of the hazard incurred, though determined to approach. Scarcely had the protruding arm entered the narrow opening, bringing one side of the body in fair view to the supposed lurking enemy without, when a bright flash suddenly gleamed through the window, and, with the almost simultaneous report of a dozen guns, bursting from the surrounding coverts, a shower of bullets passed through the effigy and buried themselves in the logs of the opposite wall. There was again a momentary silence, when, with the lifting smoke along the line from which the fire proceeded, several dark forms became visible, peering out from their respective coverts and quivering and dodging about in the dissipating vapor. Then came the sharp word of command from the watchful scout:
“Fire!”
Eight well-aimed rifles from the loops along the walls above and below instantly spoke in response; and the mingled screech of a half-dozen voices, followed by a yell of rage and disappointment from the whole band of the besiegers, plainly told the result of the stratagem.
“Now, by hokey! if I don’t keep this coat to brag on — six bullet holes right through the body, and the owner still alive and kicking!” exclaimed the scout, picking up the riddled garment and feeling out the bullet holes with his fingers, as the loud shout of exultation and defiance which burst from the little band on the occasion died away in the surrounding forest.
For nearly an hour the besieged, who had closed up their window and resumed their respective posts, now strained both ear and eye in vain to catch some sight or sound indicating the presence of the foe around them. Being fully aware of the desperate and wily character of those with whom they had to deal, they determined to suffer none of their vigilance to relax. And but a short time elapsed before they made a discovery which taught them the wisdom of the resolution. As all stood watching at their posts in silence, a low, short exclamation from the young Indian testified that something suspicious had at length attracted his attention.
“What now, Neshobee?” softly asked Selden, stepping noiselessly toward the native, who was lying on the floor in one corner, listening through a crevice which he had found between the lower logs.
“Me no see nothing, but hark um scratch um buttons; guess um lift something,” was the somewhat hesitating reply.
“I’ll grant you the best ‘harkum,’ as you call it, boy,” said Pete Jones, who stood near, and, on the exclamation of the Indian, had renewedly taxed his vision to discover the cause; “but as to eye-shot, you have got to knuckle to me, for I can see them; and they are at some bobbery, too; though what in the name of reason it can be,” he continued, pausing and hesitating, as he turned his head one way and then another, to obtain a more distinct view; “what it can be I am dubious whether the devil himself can tell — unless he contrived it for ‘em. They are moving down the path this way, I believe; yes, and in pairs, too, like new-married geese. What? No — yes, they have got something upon their shoulders; I should think it was one of the corpses we made for ‘em, which they were carrying to be buried, only it is as long as a sea-sarpent.”
“Aha! I understand it!” cried the young leader; “it is some long timber which they intend to use as a battering-ram to beat in our door. And thank Heaven for the timely discovery, but for which, ten to one, we had been lost; and even as it is there is danger enough. Stand to your guns, boys,” he continued in a low, thrilling tone, though sufficiently raised to reach every man within; “if we can but drop two or three of the foremost, the whole, probably, will be carried down by the weight of the timber. Cock your guns; keep a steady eye on the advancing column, and be ready for the word.”
Slowly and with noiseless tread did the performers of this new mode of attack approach along the path, staggering under the weight of the long, heavy pole, or rather the trunk of a closely trimmed tree, which they bore on their shoulders, till within three or four rods of the house, when, squaring round, and pointing the butt end of their formidable implement directly at the door, they began to bear it forward with mighty force toward the object of its aim, which the next instant must have given way before the tremendous impetus which it was gathering for the blow. At that critical juncture Selden gave the signal to his impatient men, and every gun that could be brought to bear was discharged upon the assailants. A cry of agony rose from the spot, followed with a shout of “Hold on! for God’s sake, hold on!” Then was heard the sounds of floundering footsteps, and in another breath the whole came thundering to the ground. Once more the house rang with the triumphant shouts of the Green Mountain Boys, and all again was silent.
|
| Credit |
Gift of Thos. Nelson & Sons |
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