Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 7, Number 18, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 28 October 1876 — Page 1
Vol. 7.—No. 18.
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1
THE MAIL
A PsfER FOR THE PEOPLE.
:aixl $
SECOND EDITION.
[Written for Tho Moll.j vabin JOHN.
1
BY J. C. Bt'BKBTT.
ItuV.ftl! ray boy, H« «ood enough. The world we've net®, UN hriftht and wide -mw'-'who m.kS'l «noo.h or rou.h, —Haul tl»e mountaineer. jtoAeUnus it's hard to see tho trail,
Knt, shake your f-*r .«- Tor men of plnck IwM Will have good luck. vxw\ ftn«l away when others fall, —Hald the mountaineer. th. The
world
to you la not In debt, 4
f" What e'er you hear if, -lYou'H have iw claim To wealth aud tome, .r ,,
Vnlcvi ou dig for what you get,«tf
Joat buckle In To
work
4
Twill pay. you'll And, To utore your mind,
's
1}told the mountaineer. -vwc MftUe each day oount an on jou go Prom year to ear i$
Strike out for wealth anil glory too, And never fear
and win—
For honor come* where honor a due,. -~Hald the mountaineer
Town-Talk.
CRUMBS OF COMVORT."
Three or four years ago a party of gentlemen who on divers occasion and for many years had been In the habit of going fishing together for recreation occasionally, conceived the idea of fitting np a boat and making a trip down the Wabash to occupy a couple of weeks time or more. Acting on this idea a small boat was built and in October when the early fiosts were beginning to color the loaves and ripen the hickory nuts and paeans, they set out on the voyage. Tne boat was a common scow, thirty feet in length and perhaps nine feet In wJdth. On it was built a cabin as wide and altnos as long as the boat. This cabin was of course roughly made, but in it were bunks for sleeping, convenient shelves forstorlug things away, a table, chairs, cook stove and many other articles to make it comfortable. It was supplied with two windows, prop*-'.*" glazed for 'ight aud arranged to slide open easily, for ventilation. The walla were properly papered with Harper's Weeklies and other illustrated [Mkpcn and there were some pioturos in frames—principally railroad posters and patent, medicine advertisements T. T. is bound to say, but still picture® and helping to give a pleasing and artistic effect to the generally snug appearance of tho cabin. Each member of the crew brought on board a gun, ammunition, roll-af blankets, no end of fishing tackle and smiling faoe while a wagon from up town delivered a stock of supplies, consisting of flour, sugar, coffee, butter, salt, lard, imcon, vinegar, (there were several demijohns of vinegar, beaide* some small flasks) apples, potatoes, canned fruit, and T. T. cannot tell what all else, but certainly, as it looked, enough to last that boat's crew a trip Ore times as long as the one contemplated. The boat wss provided with three small *kiflfc, which floated beside It ready for use by any member of the party who might at any time desire to um one. Id an ingeniously constructed box, also floating in Um water beside the boat, ware several hundred,,lively minnows for bait.
On the morning of October 12th the line was untied end the "Crumbs of Comfort"— whiota by th« way got its name by a singular accident—Hosted out into the stream. For three weeks the party on board enjoyed themselves mi perhaps they had seldom enjoyed the Mae length of time before tn their Urea. Up In the morning at peep of day, Ashing, hunting, rowing in pie skiffs or floating lastly down Um slxgglah stream with tho current, shouting, singing, telling stories keen appetites ind an abondanoe of the freshest and choicest game playing good-humored jokes on eaoh other and altogether aoUng more like light-hearted boys than staid mid* die-aged bus! nee* men, wbloh they were. It was a delightful trip and not marxed In all the three weeks by an unfortunate accident or disagreeable circumstance of asy kind. It was a golden three weeks of rest and recreation and fUu which was worth all the "hpspons" at fashionable watering places or summer resorts tbatsvar were crowd#d into a busy man's life. The party returned Imtae, when the trip was over, ragged, sunburned, and not too clean, as fhras outward appearance of clothing goee bttt with bright ayes, springy step, and, on an average, ten pounds more of good solid flesh than when (hey departed. They didn't get done talking of the pleasures of that trip for a year and when October oame round again, they made another trfp with anew boat and what improvements past expert* eooe could suggest, but with nearly the same crew, and they have oonUnued to make such trips every year since, and, If they are wise, will still continue as long as they all shall live to do so and
m- it
enjoy it aa much as they have so for. T. T. hopes that will be many, many year*.
The way tho boat £6t the name, "Crumbs of Comfort,'* was this: Among the stores sent down to the river before they started was found a tin sign which bad been used to advertise a new kind of stove polish, the "Crumbs of Com* fort." It was very handsomely painted, with gilt letters, and quite attractive, Somebody tacked It up on the outside of the boat. Presently It was suggested that the boat ought to have a name and while they were deliberating as to what name to give it, the gilt sign, "Crumbs of Comfort," caught the eye or one. Behold, there was a name ready to their hand! and it waa immediately adopted. All the boats owned by the party since have been "Crumbs of Comfort," and the last was No. 4. And no name could have been more appropriate. None could better have suggested what those trips have been to the men making thorn. Confined closely to business for the greater part of the year, with all of the perplexities and responsibilities that business carries in its train, those trips down the Wabash with their three weeks forgetfulness of all care, have indeed been crumbs of comfort which they could ill have spared.
And such trips, longer or shortor, made by water or made by land—in auy manner so they be made—might be "crumbs of comfort" to many more tired business men in this and other cities and towns. There are business men wbo, from year's end to year's end, never take a day of genuine relaxation and pleasure who never for as mush as twelve hours at a time in all their weary lives, wholly lay down the load of care and anxiety which is making them old before their time and driving them into their graves. And every year that passes is making it more and more impossible for them ever to do it. They are giving themselves up to business, body and soul. They are losing the power to make themselves or others happy and thus unoonsciously forging the chains of a hopeless and helpless captivity which shall render their old age a burden and a curse. Their friends, their neighbors, eren their own children, are growing away from them and by and by they will be left alone to follow cut tho dreary line tbey have selfishly marked out, without a single gleam of sunshine to light tho road or a memory of better times to sheer them. It is wrong—pitifully wrong—for christian men to live so. It is a sin against naturo and humanity, and the whole world participates in the punishment. How glad T. T. would be If be could say something to oonvinoe such men of the mistake tbey are making and turn them from the error of their way in this iespect. How he would for example, et\joy starting some of thom out to the woods nutting with their families. How he would like to send them off in jolly parties to hunt and flsb. How be would love to follow them under the trees and bear them kicking up the fallen leaves with their feet snd making the hills and valleys echo with their hearty shouts and laughter. How he would enjoy seeing them enjoy these things, snd rejoice to know tbst It was the beginning of a better time for them. Tbey oould do it. All of them oould do it. Their bualness would not suffer as they sup pose. It would prosper better because they took the recreation and the rest that waa needful, nay, that was an ab solute necessity, if the business wss to prosper at all. Every man will be better for an occasional rest. Every one is entiUed to, and ahould take as often as be can, his "crumbs of comfort."
In speaking of the Rudenberg murder last week, T. T. ssid that a complaint was filed against Louis Smith as the guilty party and that "Squire Cbokerly refused to oonslder It." The sentenols open to orlUoism in ss much ss It sppears possible for somebody to misunderstand it, T. T. did not mean to imply that there was nothing st all resembling an Investigation. Of course there wss or Smith oould not have boen discharged from custody. He simply wished to say, In the fewest possible words and without going Into any lengthy description of what took place, that the squire refused to consider the evidence of the accused man's guilt sufficiently strong to justify his bsing held for his appearanoe before the grand juiry. He old not even express an opinion as to ths propriety of not hrfjinj him. Squire Oookeriy may have acted conscientiously enough. T. T. said nothing to the contrary and baa nothing to say now. The impression was general that the Mai was a farce and totally lacking in the dignity and decorum that should characterise a serious investigation. How flur 8qulre Oookeriy was to blame for this T. T. did not undertake tossy. In foot ha made but the one allusion to him and nothing whatever that oould justify the meddlesome Gaaette In calling It, with its usual typographical exactness, a "generous injustice."
•eoojo ssoi onexooMa a amoqs 'ajadg '°*IA 'JUty-iCfqSie fo a,«9 ofiuioocoaa ajsfxp •wirwi 'Xraooo oSa*(!|a ivq) •sopou irKHqo«!»K troopo a»x *JF% W "~A "-^-V
Husks and Nubbins.
mmmm ,v.vV 4
No.
NISI MIL BONUM.
11m portrait of "The Woman who Talka," in the last Mail, may have been a little highly colored in some places but on Um whole it was so true and so admirably drawn that we have no mind to cavil at it. It would be pleasant to believe there are no such women in modern society, but a very small experience in the world is sufficient to put to flight any such pleasing fancy. Unfortunately they do exist and {wison the very fountains of social life with their deadly venom. Tbey must bo unoonscious themselves, oue would think, of the blight and death which follow in their trail or they oould not have the heart to iufliot such needless pain and suffering. No, with them the habit of ceaseless aud senseless gossip has become a kind of second nature and they rattle on regardless, perhaps thoughtless, of the consequences. One thing is certain, namely: If they indulge suoh a terrible habit through thoughtlessness they ought to be given a lesson or two that would set them to thinking and if they indulge it through deliberate malloe then they deserve to be utterly ostracised from human society and companionship. The habitual gossipmonger has a thousand devices for furnishing herself or himself (for the crime is not confined wholly to the one sex) with the materials out of which the endless web is spun. Words spoken In jest or spsrt are often seized upon and repeated as if uttered with deliberate seriousness. The result is most mischievous. The party on whom they s?em to reflect, had he been present and heard the words fall from the speaker's lips, could not possibly have misun lerstood them
bwfc
There are not many habitual scandalmongers in every community (praised be Heaven) but are net all or most of us much too careless in the manner in which we speak of others? Ni*i nil bonum df moriuis, was an old maxim of tho Romans—speak only good of the dead. Why net apply the same rule to the living? How much better to spesk only well and kindly of our fellows or, if we cannot honestly do so, not to spesk of them at all. Why mutt we throw stones into the glass houses of our neighbors when there is st least glass roof over our own beads? Wedo not mean that knaves and scoundrels are not to be spoken of as they deserve, bees use by suoh a oourse society would be paying a premium on vioe. When a man has perpetrated a great wrong or crime (or a small ene either) let him be openly denounoed by all good dtisens. It Is the disposition so often indulged of injuring honeat and worthy men and woman by careless speaking, by hints and Innuendoes and by insinuations only half expressed, that la beneath every true lady and gentleman. Nothing more clearly indicates a lack of natural delicacy and refinement or of acquired culture, than the indulgence of suoh a habit. Itproves that the spirit is nsturally petty, for It would not stoop to so small an employment if it were otherwise. It shows that the mind is empty snd barren, for if not it could And something better to talk about than the peccadilloes of neighbors. When we oonslder bow many friendships have been broken, how many contentions sown in the bosom of peaceAll families, how many reputations shaken and shattered by the speaking of words which were not fitly spoken, but were needless, unnecessary snd uncalled for, we will be more careful bow mk 111 of our neighbor. My friend- Jones has his fhults and his weaknesses so has ray friend Smith and so perhaps has each and everyone of my friends so at leant I conceive. Is that any reason why I should spesk of those aults—at least to anyone but themselves? My duty as a Christian and a gentleman requires tne to cover them with the mantle of cbatlty, not to proclaim them from the bouse top. The
and
Keir
4
rfeet gentleman or lsdy will weigh words well before tbey give utterance to any sxprssston that is calculated to reflect in the slightest degree on the reputations of anyone, be he friend or stranger.
te4' -7
TERRE HAUTE, IND., SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 28, 1876.
coming to his *Ar from
the gossip's tongue, or soino third or thirtieth one from snd through her, un-accompanied-with any tone of voice or expression of countenance to interpret or explain them, he feels a shock as if struok with a leaden bail. So, too, hasty and sudden words^ dropped in tho heat of excitement and of which the speaker is the next miuute ashamed and would recall them if he could, are retold and put into circ ilatlon in such a manner as to lead one to suppose they were uttered with ths oool deliberation of premeditated malice. Pew of us have such control of the "unruly mem ber," (is the Apostle calls It) that wo do not sometimes sty things in haste which we repent of at leisure, but what worse than savage cruelty it is for anyona to go peddling about such expressions to new ears long after the utterer himself has done ample penance for his shortcoming I The persons who do this, do tbey ever tbiuk of it that their offence is infinitely greater than the original one to which they are constantly adding?
THE BOY CAPTIVE
on
LIFE FN THE GREAT FOREST.
1«V I.EON MKftrmTK
CHAPTER VII*
r-
UXl.OOKRDFOK KVKIST8.
nad Phil known the full depth of Lhe ravine, ».nd how abrupt its sides, ho doubtless would have turned th* fronzied animal to tho right or left-, instead of plunging straight ahead. There was not a minnte be sprnvd in investigations, so the danger was not realized until too late to avert it.
The downward ungo ne«it a chill of terror through the boy's «rame. First there came a sickening sensation as if flying, then a sudden bring up which almost dislodged the rider, followed by along slide, an evolution, and a dead stop.
Phil opened his eyes and found himself at the base of the porare, lying npon his side, with one leg pinioned beneath the body of the exhausted horse.
The plowed upside of the moss turfed bank showed how the fearful leap had been checked and the downward flight stsyed, to the preservation of life.
Scsrcely had he time to take in the situation before his attention wts attracted to an object still more appalling.
The white horse and the feathered rider appeared on the verge of the chasm. The Indian sprang fro pi his seat, and bounded with long strides down the steep decline. "Caught, after all my trouble,M groan ed the youth, using vain efforts to extricate hla leg. "lb bo captured now Is certain death," he continued, drnwing bis band serosa his eyes, as sn expression of disappointment and pain swept over his faoe.
The Indian had reached his side now, and stood silently gaxlng upon the helpless lad.
Phil looked up into the dusky faoe, upon wblth a broad grin was resting, rubbed his eyes In mute astonishment, looked again, then bursting into a joyous ringing laugh, cried out, "M\tgva and threw nlmeelt back upon the earth.
It was, indeed, the old Bear Slayer, and ha appeared to be aa well pleased as our hern, that tbey had finally tot together agal a. He dl'd not stsnd' for eon-
Ktulsttons.
but at once removed the
vy weight from Phil's leg. and set him upon his feet. Much hurt?''asked the Indian. "Scarcely at ail,'" answered the lad, limping around. "The pressure has only caused a numbness, which will leave me in a few minute* no bones broken. Bat where did yon mne from be abruptly asked, changing the suMect.
Mugws shook his head, and replied that the story wss too long to be told then, bnt that at another time he would relate the whole circumstance* connected with their strange separation aud oomlng together again.
First get bone on hla feet, then me go lor the one np there before he wander off." added the Bear Slayer, pointing to the bow of the ravine where the ite animal had been left a frw mo ments before, but had disappeared fr*m right.
It was found that the beast which had mrried our hern was not seriously injured, and after it bad been giitUw up Phil led it down the narrow valley.
An hour later tho two friends met again a mile or two fro® where they had last separated. A gnHtta!decline to the bank having been found, there wss no trouble experienced in getting the horse out of the cut.
Altera abort ooocaltation, it was do eided to ntani to tfca flhswsnoe viiisg*
-W
TRERr BY WOLVES.
-If!
s, "(JtnnRh-
Anlh'.ir of ••EnrlvTime rriu«l»n cu-ne-xa," olc.
4 Wi ,rf-~*arN»
["The Boy Captive" was commenced In Tho Mail or October T— Vol. 7, No. 15. Back numbers of th pai *r can be procured
at
theofllc?, at th* new* -tnnds, or thf-y will be sent by mail on the receipt of five ceats for each copy desired.] t'l
SP"
'C 1ws
with their prizes, and accordingly they sAt out in that direction. When fairly under way, Phil again asked Mugw» to tell him the desired story, and the old Indian gave it in detail, but I will only detain the reader with the loading facts:
After leaving the youth at the foot of the upturned tree on the night of the storin, the Bear Slayer worked his way cautiously back to where the Wyondots were in murderous consultation. Creep ing close updn ihem, knife in band, lie gave the fiift in reach a powerful thrust with the keen blade, which laid the In tended victim forever still. With a terrific ye]! the other darted away before a second blow o»uld be struck.
Close upon this Mugwa beard the discharge of Phil's gun, snd believing the Wyandot had been discovered by tbe boy and fired at, hastened to the spot, but found no one there, and all around lifeless and still. Then he feared that it wa* the gun of the enemy that had been discharged, and perhaps his little paleface friend had been killed or captured and taken away.
He moved carefully about upon tbe wet leaves listening for a footstep, which he heard not, and was glad when daylight came, so that be might trace with his eye that /hich could not be determined by the other senses in tbe darkness of the night.
The firKttraoe was the finding of Phil's powder horn, second the trail of tho fleeing Wyandot, and tbe old hnnter was gratified to find with it the footprints of the lad.
His practiced eye told plainly that tbe party had several hours tbn»tart of him, out he resolved to follow to tbe rescue at all haxard*, for it would be a very great disgrace for a Shawano© to be outwitted ny a member of any of tbe neighboring tribes.
Mngwa rerohed.tbe Wyandot town at the time the carousal was at the highest point of excitement, and secrctiug himself in dump of bushes ss near tbe groat Are as tt was safe for him to remain, he watched the proceedings and waited for an opportunity to lut Phil know that he was there.
After tbe dance waa over, and the town fallen into sleep, be stole around among tbe wjgwams ar wss but a few feet from our hero when tbe sleeping hunter was aroused. Mugwa retreated, lest hs should be discovered, and after a safe distance waa gained, changed his course to that which tbe boy had taken.
When Phil was recaptured, Mugwa was near by, and almost determined to make an attaca upon the half into* cated enemy, but bia native sagacity msde him conclude to trust it silent action.
After all bsd become still again, tbe Shawanoe crept beck to where the captive was bound, snd cut the thongs. He bad not time to spesk, for Jnst st that Instant tbe guard awoke and Mugwa took himself away acaln, and when he
returned to tbe tree, Phil was gone. anea whst direction the young paleface bad taken. Going a few rods sway, he Mew a low signal upw his power charger, and awaited a response, but none csme. While Usteninc, the tread of horses' reet fell upon bis ear, then tbe tnrth flashed upon bis mind. Phil had tsken to the horses, snd be followed rapidly after.
1
He anew not
About tbe midd.e of tbe 'forenoon Mngwa succeeded in capturing tbe white horse that had been cut loose, and tben came the race, one attempting to escape supposed danger, tbe other to overtake snd protect. The result Is already known.
After the old Indian bad finished bis storv, Phil told bis,snd blamed himself fbrdisobedience. ''But," he added, "I did my bent to distance you, yet I am mighty glad you caught me."
Tbe old IWr Slayer smiled snd banded the youth the powder-horn that had been lost, ltiil loaded bis rifle while sitting upon bis horse, and laughingly remarked:
MI
sm one bullet short with
no game to show for ft.** Me mske it up." eras the reply," all balls left and this to count," at tbe same time exhibiting the top-knot of tbe skulking Wyandot. "Fixed him," said the lad, wftb a. knowing look.
Price Five Cents-
Mngwa bowed, bnt made no rtheralluaion to the matter. When our bero, with his srtby guide, rode into the hswanoe town, there wss quite stir made among the people. The young men snd maidens were especially delighted, be•ngexceedingly fond of horses
The Bear Slayer gave Phil all tbe credit of the capture, and tbe Chiefs daughter, Dove Wing, came forward and greeted tbe boy with a nroud smile. She gave him both her hands for a moment, snd tben led him unresisUngly to ber father's teepee.
Dove Wing was pretty for a dusky maiden of tho forest, and Phil scoepted her compliments gracefully.
The Chief reoeived tbe youth
w*nnly,
There was a general rush from both sides, and very soon men and women were mingled in a confused mass, struggling as if their lives depended upon the victory.
Now the ball was sent into the air by tbe kick of some cordy warrior, but as certainly caught by a sprightly squaw and burled toward the opposite goal.
Phil had ststioned himself where the whole proceeding could be watched. He became excited and anxious.' His sympathy was very naturally with tho woman,more so, perhaps,from seeing Dove Wing flyiiis like a dart here and there —the leader, and the most active and efficient of her sex.
The young men had pressed tbe opposing party well down to their goal, and tbe exoitement ran high.
A large squsw secured the ball and ran for the opposite side. Halt a dozen men lsid hold of ber, but they were dragged by main strength for many tripped and fell, breast. It flying back again.
yards, until finally she tripped siill hugging toe ball to ber waa kicked loose and sent fly
Now it waa high in the air, so high that it would pass over and beyond ths sts kes. A wall went up from tho squaws snd whoop of joy from the men bnt too «on were tbelr expressions of defest and victory.
Dove Wing was on tbe alert.
Ing like apiece of rubber, ad ct
'rs
SfilS -i
wtim
R|pp
and presented him
with two lsrge esgle quills. tbst were highly prised by his people and considered emblems of power snd honor.
fit!
Dove Wing glad you come back," ssid the irirl after ber father had turued away. Big ball play tomorrow," sho added "and brother will be among the vounv men."
great
"I do not know how to the game,' was the answer, "but
CS
will be happy in Beeing tbe others." ''No, no," persisted the girl,
I plsy, brother play, and see who take thopretty wampum." Phil shook his hesd ana Dove Wing, playfully boxing his ears aklpped away, and was lost to right among the many forms passing here and there, preparing the evening meala.
Tbe next day was bright and beautiful, and the game of ball came off, as Dove Wing had said it would, but Phil refased again to take any part
Two rows of stakes were driven into the ground in parallel lines, several rods apart, upon a level surface. Forty of the most athletic young men and the same numbor of spry young women were tbe contestants, each party stationing themselves along tbe different lines of stakes.
The Chief walked into the center of the open ground, holding in his band a large ball made for tbe purpose, something after tbe fashion of the foot- ball of tbe preeent day, and took his station to give the signal for the play to begin.
The rule of the game was that the male contestant should not, tinder the penftltv of being branded as a coward, touci) the l~all with his hands. He could kick it whenever an opportunity offered, while on the other band, tbe squaws could use their hands as mueh as they ohose, and tbe party first sending the ball beyond tne competitor's line of stakes the prize, a string of choice shells.
When all was ready, tbe Chief lifted the ball high above his head, and giving tbo signal*whoop, dropped it upon the earth and ran out of the lines.
Bound-
ui iuuv«i. abe shot into
tbe air and caught the flying object, and before tbe waniors realised what had taken place, abe dashed away over tbe game field.
She waa caught at from every aide, but like an eel slipped through the outstretched handa, now dodging to the right or left, then shooting straight abead like an arrow.
As she naared tbe desired point, an athlete wss dose upon her heels. But a few feet now lay between the lithe maiden and the goal. She gave one
K*
noe over her shoulder, then raised the I In her right hand, snd ss ber srm was caught, pa»ad It like a flash to the
It hero
left and There from every throat, and Phil, himself. Jetaed in the
beyond the lines, a wild, ringing li, in
cheer'
spite of
ImselJJriaed In the joyous outbuiat. Dove wing was lilted npon the aboul sts of the tnl heaves and triumphanUi phanUy sf stood
dsts borne to where tbe prood Chief ready to aiasint tbe prise.
Tbe string 04 ehuice ahellswaa plsoed opon her
MMk,
and Phil hastened to
offer hls najgiawristlnns Dove Wwg pseud," said the untutored maideo, in roply to the pleasant words spoken by our he*o, "but," she whispered,
M!f
brother had played he
would wear the wampun. Dove Wing' would not have tried so hard." ,r
CHAPTER Vm.
Not until tbe rich, denae follago of tbe forest treaa had changed from the soft green to golden, purple and red,» snd the somber carpeting of the earthy had been burned off, aid the Bear 'on start ax-f pedit
Slsyer and bis young companion at ont again for an extensive banting pedition.
Every
summer1 loore, were burned sway for th pose of destroying tbe undergrowt wss constantly springing up, and which m. if left undisturbed, would soon becomav [CvntiAu#,f ox&cuxd poff.]