278 RUIN OF THE INDIAN CAUSE. [1765. 



carrying goods to the value of more than four 

 thousand pounds ; while others, to the value of 

 eleven thousand, were waiting transportation at 

 Fort Loudon. Advancing deeper among the moun- 

 tains, they began to descend the valley at the foot 

 of Sidling Hill. The laden horses plodded knee- 

 deep in snow. The mountains towered above the 

 wayfarers in gray desolation ; and the leafless for- 

 est, a mighty ^olian harp, howled dreary music to 

 the wind of March. Suddenly, from behind snow- 

 beplastered trunks and shaggy bushes of evergreen, 

 uncouth apparitions started into view. Wild vis- 

 ages protruded, grotesquely horrible with vermilion 

 and ochre, white lead and soot; stalwart limbs 

 appeared, encased in buckskin ; and rusty rifles 

 thrust out their long muzzles. In front, and flank, 

 and all around them, white puffs of smoke and 

 sharp reports assailed the bewildered senses of the 

 travellers, who were yet more confounded by the 

 hum of bullets shot by unerring fingers within an 

 inch of their ears. " Gentlemen," demanded the 

 traders, in deprecating accents, " what would you 

 have us do]" ''Unpack your horses," roared a 

 voice from the woo.ds, " pile your goods in the road, 

 and be off." The traders knew those with whom 

 they had to deal. Hastening to obey the mandate, 

 they departed witli their utmost speed, happy that 

 their scalps were not numbered with the booty. 

 The spoilers appropriated to themselves such of the 

 plunder as pleased them, made a bonfire of the 

 rest, and went on their way rejoicing. The dis- 

 comfited traders repaired to Fort Loudon, and laid 



