182 WILD SCENES AND WILD HUNTERS. \ 
“But, sir, I felt determined to mark the spot, and walking 
to a thrifty ash sapling, I cut out of it three large chips, and 
ran off. I soon reached the river, soon crossed it, and threw 
myself deep into the cane-brakes, imitating the tracks of an 
Indian with my feet, so that no chance might be left for those 
from whom I had escaped to overtake me. 
“Tt is now nearly twenty years since this happened, and 
more than five since I left the whites’ settlements, which I 
might probably never have visited again, had I not been 
called on as a witness in a law suit that was pending in Ken- 
tucky, and which I really believe would never have been 
settled, had I not come forward, and established the begin 
ning of a certain boundary line. This is the story, sir. 
“ Mr. moved from Old Virginia into Kentucky, 
and having a large tract granted to him in the new State, 
laid claim to a certain parcel of land adjoining Green River, 
and as chance would have it, took for one of his corners the 
very ash tree on which I had made my mark, and finished his 
survey of some thousands of acres, beginning, as it is expressed 
in the deed, ‘at an ash marked by three distinct notches of 
the tomahawk of a white man.’ 
“The tree had grown much, and the bark had covered the 
marks; but, somehow or other, Mr. heard from some 
one all that I have already said to you, and thinking that I 
might remember the spot alluded to in the deed, but which 
was no longer discoverable, wrote for me to come and try at 
least to find the place or the tree. His letter mentioned that 
all my expenses should be paid, and not caring much about 
once more going back to Kentucky, I started and met Mr. 
. After some conversation, the affair with the Indians 
came to my recollection. I considered for awhile, and began 
to think that after all I could find the very spot, as well as 
the tree, if it was yet standing. _ 
“My, and I mounted our horses, and off we went 
to the Green River Bottoms. After some difficulties, for you 
