THE BOY WHO SAVED THE HAMLET.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 249, 20 October 1928, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE BOY WHO SAVED THE HAMLET.

During the North American Indian War of 1855 one of the most daring acts was that of a boy named Goodman, fifteen years old, so young and yet eo brave that his name is honoured by whites and even by the Indians themselves.

He belonged to a family who, when the eastern States became over-popu-iated, decided to move west, and, enchanted by the beauty of Paget Sound, settled on its shores, north of California, on the Pacific coast. Our hero was but nine years old at that time, but he could use hi* bow and airow and his rifle as well as many older than himself, and could manage the paddle as well as any Indian.

As time passed many families fron; Other States flocked to this part of the country, and the coming of the people so alarmed the Indians that they determined to kill or drive out all the white folk. The white folk knew nothing of this until men, women, and, chOdren were suddenly massacred, when the Indian tribe rose in a body ««'"«' the whites.

Warned of the coming danger, Goodman sent his wife aud his two little girls to a village some, miles away, and remained with his son to guard the home.

The people set to work speedily to build a fort and provision it, and all who could handle a rifle or a gun prepared for the defence, knowing that a cruel death would befall them if captured by the enemy.

At noon the next day a fleet of wai canoes appeared, and'a fierce battle began; but, though numbering twenty times those in the fort, the Indians were beaten off at night and compelled to retire.

They, however, had no idea of giving up the attempt. They retreated half a mile, beached their canoes, lit the camp fires, and began their war-dance. Yocmg Goodman then formed a daring plan. He resolved to go alone and seiae the enemy's canoes, knowing that the Indians oould then do no further harm.

Leaving the fort after dark, he stole through the woods to the camp. The savages were so intent upon their dancing, and became so tired and sleepy, that they did not see the boy a& he approached, and Goodman set to work to cut all the canoe ropes. Then, as tbe tide rose, be pulled the i canoes afloat.

Having «it the canoes adrift, be got into one of them, tied another Jarge one to it, and began to- iwuldle to the fort.

As daybreak dawned the Indians awoke to find their canoes drifting away. With a wild shout they sprang into the waveß to seize them, but Goodman opened fire upon them and drove them back.

Making his way to the fort, lie told bis people what he had done. The men ■went out and secured the large canoes, ■and the Indians, finding their fleet gone, beat a rapid retreat through the woods.