Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 7, Number 25, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 16 December 1876 — Page 1
Vol.
7
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THE MAIL
•m «A PATER FDT5 TTTK PEOPLE/"
SECOND EDITION:
W IS 8 E A I
1 WlUUiru W1 I Hi ivgvwv. yap,
And I couldn't help paaslng to wonder, If iit), with bis wealth mi blsstyhsa »«, Would marry that wMow down yonder. 8b« diii Ir«»k |r.'tty an happy, too (If 1 were man I'd love her:) Her iiairnlioui' like gold, »ud uer eye* were blue
A* the Hammer skle* above her. ,t*,t Ili-rbiiby »u crowing upoo her knee, A bright little car-old prattler: And uow If I tell what 1 naw that day»
You uevur immt call mc a tattler, I ktiiw »i Ktoop down, close, close to her tact
I was a most too curious, may be, I iliotiifi.t lie ww going io kl« her, I msure. Hut lie Onl* kia»«d the baby. I itawhlm again, a.*he came, one day, .\ii«l they weoi to the church together I witlRiii'd from the wind iwover the way,
Twit* beauMful aunshlne weather Hii« b.l a u«-w rllk, and a bonnet of white Hhr didn't wear black a»y longer As ull thl» burst forth on iny wondering pighi,
CurltMlty kept growing stronger, And Jiwt put on iny lonn» tana shawl, And went down, although 'twas "hot Th" ciiurch-door was opt?n, and when 1 got there,
The mliiisterVl just Me.i the knot. I'm an re I don't know how it all came alboot.
Bat might have been Just this way, mtybe, I think mat sometime he made a mistake.
And kl«aed her lnstt ad of the baby. And now, aa the shadow# of evening draw near,
And hear her piano erase thrumming. Aud the sound of sU-p ou the Wtt||i greet* my ear,
Ik ow he Is surely coming. The little white gate give-a mualcal click, And stie tl en down the *tep*»
a
minutv,
I Hlw.iys«lthereby th-winnow aud watch, I'liofti svihk so much happiness In It. I th'-m J»u»t thei«, whtn he leave* ber at morn,
And I know they are happy aa maybe Kor always at morning and aiwaya at eve, lie kiss both her and the ba*y. —t By Mrs W.i
C, Bell.
THE HIDDEN FOE
BY ARCHIE C. IRONS.
CIlAl'l Kit I.
RKSIB.
Bvhokey!" The expression wu more ouiphatlv than elegant, and ntu»iwl In a tone indiniitivo'of uroat imrprtup.
It caiunfroin the, 1ip-i «f a man stand iMKQu'the left Imuk oT tbo Muakegnn rlvor, at adNtnmw of about forty miles from it* mouth.
He stood in a hair stoopinK posture, peering ir.tontly from tho thicket in which In* was ooneoaled, a ludioroi^ miniflltm of curiosity and surpriHftdopicted on his face.
The object which attracted hia attontlon. ».fu lu ttiat locality, was calculated to exeit« ixith emotions for tho timn of dcli^I write waa in tho early daysol Mli-h^a when th© extrema western portion of Iho SiiUo \?ns a wndwrtft«, peoplec^oniv vltli thojmniiia and a ew trappers'. It wis the f»rm of a yoiu-g aiullovelv girl, mountodon a handfo no coal black ijorse. Tho lair equestrian had reinod 4u her ateni bwlde a low scraggy hoech. over which a wild gr»re vino clambered, dr.ioping its* long arms In graceful, fesUonM nearly to t,^e ground, anil
WM
4
in,th& a«H of plucking
a duster of tho purple"fruit, ju#t within reach of her hand, when the trapper *.iw her. tl'vtber boree wiih tuo grace an I «W of Uunil horiowoman, al lowing tho reins to lie untouched on the neck of her ateed, while she alowlv transferred Ihe luscious fruit from ita stem u» hpt i*tfufh. Hle was drea»ed lo a nlnaA fltttng llfown habit, which weV liecame lier gra'*efu. Ilifttre, and woe jaunty t»r6wn hal with scarlet plmue Iro'n undernoatli whleh her hairfell in abort, wavy ringlet*. I^en I^evd bun*er and trapjwr, continued to una? bewilderment at the d»xzling tlguro. It •was bevond hla ctMnprelunsiofi. alto got her, bow a younst and beautiful wo Mittn came then*, .vhen mlleaupoti mil#* of nnbnk'Mi w«nda lay between them and the nearest sett lenient. w*i. I iwn'r, /m be4f," be mutter ed, p*»erino cautiiumlv from his retreat,
Kf this ain't J« a leetle the queerest thing *ef. I can't mnier*t*r.d it, no. not extent. Where on airth tlat etiine from? Owes* Stan lev'* oy 'ud grow big cf he war here. Don't it jeat tent All? Wall, I kinder consider it d«x»*."
While he stood watching her. the girl took up the rein, tnnehM her horse wl the h«ut*i switch she held, and in an instant had disappeared.
The sound of
H*T
horse's footsteps bid
)iar^ly»diM *«fay, wh- there was a rustttftfc sortid sttioh* the leaves, the lni*h«« on the opp wlte aide of the glade pirttnl, and a man alepped forth. At 'night orblm, I/»n Levden's twinlei
The n»w ooiner was tnoth of twnntv three vears.nr tboreal*itit-s- |lo was tail and *velt built. tvttU5 UA«adth of ahoul dcrs which imljcattMl grMlpl*en«tb. Hi? hair and eyes were darW Itid his ftlfe, th »ug'» br iV *ed bv exp ^ure to the sun and winds, was of a manly and pleas*ng oxprmwlon. He carried a rifle on hla arm, and a powd«r horn and shot pouch hung over his shoulders. He looked about, evidently la search of
The trapper stepped forth from the thicket. Ob^rto arv them?" said the yonng« ft man. perHMviojr-Wui, "What were vd" hiding for?"
Takin' note*," was the trapper's reply. By hokey, I'** aeea
ghoatl** was' tbe au^priaed exclamation. Yas, a gbort. No It want either cause 8h«ts don't eat to iny gteat erxtent, an' did. et aome
What are yottlatWlng «fr* twked the young man. io Mrtllmd toife, Whom haw you
Y«mker, t'vex^k»ti a titan!" H«|Qaw. of eujp»?? jafltaaiwl wtkw than qwwllotMd the youth.
Not to any mi .taflMfl?
•quaw. Twa«Viift^BKmatHl on black boas, an* aba stood there—
/r
A I
pointing, "an' picked a stem of grapes an' 0t em, an* then went off. Now where on airth did abe oome from
Can't say," replied the young man, whose name was Stanley Kenwood. "It is rather strange. I did not know that there was a white woman within one hundred mile* of here. You saw l^er plainly •'Plain as the
TIOM
on your face," rt
plied Len. 'She's purty good lookin', too. Wal, serin' we don't know who' she la, or where aho oome from, we need't spend time guessiti'. S'pose'n we tramp for the shanty
I am ready," answered Stanley Kenwood, "I daresay we shall find it unmolested."
The trapper atra'ghtened up. $ Wal, let's be off Consarn it, wh6r6 did the gal come Irein
Now that he ctod at his full height, Len Leyden showed himself to be a grand specimen of phvsi «1 manhood He was some inches taller than Kenwood, and as lithe and active as a deer. His hands were large, and bis bared arm a mast of swelling muscles. A blow of that sinewy arm, well aimed, would have iel led an ox.
Never mind the girl." laughed Ken wood, "she was a ghost, I think." The two men started down the river, and after going a short distance turned to the southwest. After going a few miles in that direetioc, Len, who wax slightly in advance of his companions, stopped suddenly with an exclamation:
By gravy, there's that gal ag'in t" Kenwood locked up. He caugbt a litnpee of a bla-k horse, and a graceful figure thereon a tlasli of a scarlet plume and flying curls, and then only the green woods were before him. Len turned around:
Wal, you see?" *i« I saw, yes. A very good looking ghost, «sfar as my limited observation permits me to jndge," replied Kenwood, with a xm'le.
It's curious, I swan," said Len, starting forward, "I can't precisely see into it."
A few more steps, and the trapper baited again. -'Thereshe is!" he ejaculated. "Not the gal, but the place where she lives. Don't that jest beat all natur!"
Kenwood stepped forward, and looked at the seen* with interest. Before them on a level spot of grouud, overhung by inaple and beech trdes, stood
A
He moved forward, followed 'by Ken wood. Tbo girl yet llhgered by the stable, talking to the boy, Len strode .up to the op*nhi» in the tent, and looked in. An ohr gentleman, who sat reading near the ontr-ince, looked up with
A
smile, and rising, oatno forward. Good day," he said, cordially, "Come in."
Guess I will," said Len, suiting the •iction to tho word, whil.* Kenwood saluted tbo gentleman gravely, "Seen vour domicil, an'jest thought we'd step in an' see j'ou. Allers call ou our neighbora."
Quito rlalit," responded tho gentle man, warmly, ami looking at the trapper searchingly «H he H|oke. 'Wear, glad see voii. Pardon am, is not
^/.I .MVT
couple oi
large canvas tents. Near the door ol one of them a small creek tumbled noisily along, sparkling in the patches of sunlight, that shitted through th' trees. The tents were large and roomy, and the lap of the .larger one was up, revealing a.glimps«-of the interior. A UtUe back of.the tents were some pole *et up slantwise, covered with brush, forming rude sort of shelter for the tliimils Before this stood the black horse, his tair rider in the act of dismounting, while a boy of seventeen or eighteen years stood at the reiu. "Strange doin's, I think,''remarked Tien to his companion "Here we'v» oeen goue up the river thrr-e weeks, and when we ootud back, find some big tents and a family, moved in here. Guess they was in w^nt0* society where they come from I'm goin' to call on 'om, bl st if I ain't."
JOUI
name Iycien?'' Y»s lought you looked as if you knowed me. Hon't recollect of seeln' von afore, though." f)o yon rememlcr of going to school at R-rxnurv, New York, nearly fortv years since?" ask»ni tho ^ontlemau witha^mlle.
Consider Td».' All nred hard work It *T»«, too, Didn't do it'to any great fltMlk"
1
"Well do you remember having a schoolmate named William Hamilton "asked the oilier.
By hokey, I jest do 1" exclaimed th trspper, delightedly. "How on airth Hid pon rom« to pomonut here?" he added, a* he phook hands heartily. \lv health is not Of the best," re plied Mr. Hamilton, "and the phvsican told me ho thought the air of a pine conn'ry would benefit rue. I wished te
W»stern Michigan, and cmcinded that I would spend the winter here Thereupon Essie—my wife is dead, and Kssie is my only child—insisted upon accompanying me. To all my objp-tions sh« repllel Wist aho ooald not let me come atone, and that it Would be no hanlshlp, but a plfasutv so I changed my plans »o mow hat html a guide, some pack mule*, and aconpleof men. who went hack, after helping me to arrange things satisfactorily, ana here we live. In primitive ftlyle^ but ail iiappy as poa sltfle."
Kt this |inctqj» the girl came in. and Wintf the Htmngors, htood awaiting an introduction. It was given, and after a tew common place remarks, she retreated to her father'a aide, where she stood loaning aflSN*Jon#tely over hii chair.
Ksale is a brave little pioneer," aaid Mr. Hamilton, drawing ber to him with an unconsciously caressing motion "She dec'an* that this life la delightful' and msJcea tbo bstetof everything I represwjted to her tfwt there woald b« Tft sodcty, bat she ovcrrolod my ob4ec acm«s«t«l here she in as lmwly aaa ber mit, bat ahe won't own it." "Ishall not admit what i» aaid UkAjoang itbi wit* a amll«. Mfcv« this wild freedom, and the privilege of point coming, with no Mr*. Omndy to make comments. This aetirtn of pKmeer lite, w»U)x aotneihi^t to ber MfWrme."
Yer sentdbla, 141m," said Left, "the wooda ar* beUer*n UN town, I ae* re know bow tar eqjoy *901. wir lookia' At yer when yon et tbeu grapes down by th»rivar.n
Indeed f" abe laturtM»d gaily. "I am Terrfbndertftitmft&l mttrgetloat.' "Mr. Kdwturda wae hit* while yon wtrttabeMt,* #»i—iked%er n&hor.
A alighlahadow fall 00 Lbe girl** fisoe
Don't jest like that chap," said Len, reflectively. "Donno why, either, but be don't look jest right."
He resembles Mr. Kenwood, slightly," Essie said, looking at our hero with a puxzled expression. "Same eyes and forrad," said the trapper, "only the look is different He's got a big beard, too. Wal, we may as well bo goln' 8tanley."
I think so." He arose, and stood waiting. "Come again," said Mr. Hamilton. "We shall always bo glad to see you. Eb, Essie?" "Certainly. It will be a pleasure to see you frequently," she replied, with a slight flash. "Thanks. I shall avail inyself of the prlviloge to call often," replied Kenwood. "Good day."
He lifted his cap, bowed, and departed. As they passed the stable, the lad before mentioned, attracted their attention. He was standing still with his handy in bis trousers podcetn. engaged in whistling "Yankee Doodle" with great vigor and precision.
Hullo, bub,"said Len. "How's your health?"
Golly! wasn't yer grand lather scarce if fodder that your?" asked Lsn. "How much straw did it take
It took," said Nehemiah, removing the article in question, and holding -t arms length. "It took the straw off froms»-ven acres an«l three quarters to mako that there hat! C-illat my office for furtherinlormation
And with thisrNehernial* replaced his hat, and disappeared,
9
YANRnv/N
(Sn
f*s-M
.-~No. ae/"*^ v'U:, TERRE HAUTE, IND., SATURDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 16, 18T6. tM
at mention of Mr. Edwards. Kenwood thougnt it was an expression of doubt and dislike bnt whatevet it was it vanished in a moment. "Edwards haa returned then?" be asked.
0
"Name ain't bub, it's Nehemiah Corkins," responded the youth, whistling louder than before.
By gravy! you ougbt to sue your parents for damage!" ejaculated Len. "Can you kill anytbin' with tnat gun?" alluding to a musket tbat leaned against the stable near.
Scare something to death now and then," and another strain of "Yankee Doodle" r.tse and fell.
How'd you like this country asked Len. Nebemiah deliberately whistled the ther half of John Bull's delight before replying.
Seen places I liked better. Aiiytking else you'd like to ask lie turned around, regarding the trap per and Kenwood with a good humored grin.
One more question." said Len ••Where under the canopy did you get th*t hat?"
Nehemiah wore an immense straw hat, the brim of which stood out like an umbrella, and the crown, large aud7 erowned with a peak, rose above his head to the height of ten or twelve inches. "Reckon my grandmother made this dunbunnit," he said with a grin.
J. mKmt
V*/ CHAPTER IL A MYSTERIOUS INDIVIDUAL. "Sm^rt youth, that is," remarked Len fjeyden, as in company with Stanley Kenwood, he turned into the forest.
Got some fun in blm." Very strange," returned Kenwood, absently.
What?"rjicnlated Len. The you man catne out of his abstraction with a start.
Excuse me," ho said, smiling, "I hardly noticed your ^remark. I was thinking of the msinl^ho calls himself John Edwa'ds." *T ''Calls himself! That sounds as if you thought it wasn't his name." "I did not mnun that, though my suspicions—if suspicions they may be •Hllod-aro aot definito e*oagh for that It is doubtless bis name. But he puzzles •no I seeui to have seen him before— when witfahlm tbat feeling of previous acquaintanceship is strong, yet scan his feature as I will, I cannot recognize him, neither is hla nartlb familiar to me. \8 Miss Hamilton remarks he slightly -esembles me, inasmuch as his eyes and hair are the sarno color, And the contour (he upper part of the face is much the
The heavy beard prevents us
trim seeing if the resemblance Reaches f*nh#. Tliert, too, be has away of look Ing at me that nuzzles me
I notiood that," said Len, eagerly. Tiwugh t\tasn't because he don* it to «ny great extent. 'Twas a kinder o' dvlook, I thought, but stil', 'taintlikely it wssanythln' only his way.-' "Ipresume not,"said Kenwood. "But cannot help thinking that ho is something more than a gentleman ol means, minting and trapping for pleasure as he rftpi©s«*nt« himself to be And yet. I t)t*vo 110 reason for thinking so," bo cooeu'ided, dreamily "Wall, bore we are," «tid ten briskly, almost to the deer lick. You'd belter go up east a piece, au' stand on the runway, jin' I'll go oti .to the lick. If I can scare any down yottH hev a chance for a shot."
All right," responded Kenwood. "Don't be in a hurry giro me time to g«r a good spot tostan i." "Ill drive slow," was the reply.
K»nwoed lurnod aside, and going a couple of htindrud yards to the left, took hi* position heaide a large pine. It was growing dusk rapidly, and the words were full of shadows. As he stood silently beside the true, leoking in the direction he expected tbo dear to come fr«m, a man emerged from the oak bushes a few rods behind Kenwood, and advanced toward him. He baa taken bnt a f«w s'eps when be oaogbt a view of our hero's figure, outlined against the woods beyond and stopped suddenly.
AfUc a aownt'i thought, ho took astvpltofffcrd, than avow Mek muttering
Not now—snotbe* tbm it ifl do ao well. Do aoay not too alone, aad Uwre la plenty of time. A little delay can make no dtflferwooo.
With these words tbe man re entered the buahea. and making a alight dotonr to avoid Kenwood, turned towards the oamp of Mr. Hamilton. It vaaqolto dark when be reached ItMn, bat tbe lapofUMtratiwatll q))! adattt tho cool night air, and Eaate JQaaaUUm sat lnskts engagOd In sMrtiK btfbkmlng a pair of Uny gloves o«A ofa white far.
He stopped to tbo door, and flatting to attract ber attention, rapped. 8bo looked upqotoUy.
SITUA+I M-TFTTI
Good evening, Mr. Edwards. Pray walk in." She placed a chair near him, then re suaied ber work. Edwards sat down, and now that the light revealed his face aud figure, tbe resembianco between him and Kenwood was indeed striking In stature tbey were alike, and Ed wards' hair and eves were identical in color witb those of our hero, Kenwood's face was clean shaven, with the exception of bis upper lip, while Edwards wore a heavy beard, as well aa mustache. "I was passing, and feeling very thirsty, presumed on your kindness enough to call for a drink of water, Miss Hamilton," he remarked as he took the cbair she offered him.
Certainly," and she arose snd handed him a cup of water, dropping ber eyes to avoid his glance. There was something iu this man's gaze intensely disagreeable to her. He never stared at ber impudently, but his gaze was so fierce ana devouring that she shrank from meeting it. Her own pare instincts told ber that he was not a good man, that the best he could offer any woman was passion. She felt uneasy under his regards, and shrank away from his Dresenoe with a feeling of dread, as if daaorer menaced. "You were absent when I was here to-day," he said, turning bis eyes—so like Stanley Kenwood's in color, so an like tbem in expression—up her face.
Are vou not afraid to ride about the wooda alone Not at all. Why shoald I be? There is nothing to barm me."
Nothing save wild beasts and Indians." The Indians are friendly."
They are a crafty, ill-favored set. Were you I should not care to meet tbein." "I have no fear. Ttaey are Indians, bat not savages."
You are no coward, I see. Good night." lie bowed and left the tent, and it seemed to Essie tbat a dark presence went with him.
How foolish I am," she thought.witb a little breath oi relief, as he disappeared. "But, indeed, I cannot help feeling half afraid of him. "Papa," she added aloud, as her father entered, "I do not like that young man." "What young man, my dear? Mr. Kenwood "No!" with the faintest possible llusb, "Mr. Edwards. He has just been here." "Seems to me there is seme great attraction for him here," remarked her father, dryly.
Papa, that is too bad!" she exclaimod, with a pout. Well, here Is my p'Mtpe offering," he said, laughing, as he dropped Into her lap a cluster of late flower3. "Am I forgiven?" "Ob, yes! Sit down here, papa," suddenly, "isn't that trapper a strange man
Odd enough, my dear," returned Mr. Hamilton, "bnt I believe howest. I am gla to have met.with him. He and liis voyngfriond will render it less.lonely here. I like young Kenwood ho looks manly."
Yes," she returned, gravely, "this face has no bad lines. And now," she aided, taking up a book. "I will linish reading this story to you."
Tfce following day was a dark, rainy one. Notwithstanding this, John Edwards stood under a sycamoro that overhung tbe Muskegon River, at the point where a quiet cteek, now known as Indian Springs, emptied its cool waters into the river. The tree was a large one, and its branches served to keep off a portion of the drizzling rain.
He stood leaning moodily against the trunk, but keeping a sharp lookout, as if expect!nu some one. Half an nour passed.and no one appearing, I10 started up impatiently.
That black head will keep me'standlugin.tbis downpour all d^y," he muttcretl, scrutinizing the-opposite bank losely. "He is always behind. time. Hang'it this trip is a bother. I would not go—but must, or I shall havo the whole tribe down on me. Such things must be kopt up as long as I stay here. It wasn't so disagreeable at first, but I'm tired of it. I am afraid they'll be suspicious how however, I will trust to my'gift of gab' to explain matters satisfactorily. Why don't that loliow come?"
He pulled bis ouat closer about bm, and peered anxiously around. Th" sound of approaching footsteps fell on his oar and he straightened up with an exclamation of satisfaction.
So he is coming at last. It is time I think." Ho tamed around jtut as tho thick undfrwood parted to admit a man. "Soyou havstfome at last," growled Ed wards "I bad almost ceased to expect yoa."
Got here Just a soon as I coul''," was the sulky reply. "You don't 'spo»e a chip can fly, do you?"
Well, never miud," returned Ed wards "now yon are here Tbo new cotncrwas short bulletheaded fellow, with a vicious facQ, half covered with a black, bristling beard. He carried a long ride, and walked with a heavy, slouching gate "This rain chills no to tbe bone," said Edwards, with a shiver, as the man baited bewds him. ''How are the boysf"
Busy. Here is something to warm you up," replied the man. He palled a large flank from bis pocket and held it towards his companion.
Edwards drank a long dranght and returned it, "That'sgood and now to business. Do the newtooia work well heaaked.
Ft** rate. The coin's botter'n the genuine." was tbe reply. •'•See here." He polled a handful of silver coins from his pocket, and dropped them in Edward's hand, lie jingled tfcea softly*
Good," he said, with a glance st tbem, "It clearing. The rain haa csassd. 8St down here, Stumpy, and
He sat down on A|w wet ground, 'Stompy" following bis axaim4e. Jfar half an boar Ibey eonversed in low tones, oeoMkutaHy paws? tbtdr nsgards to tbe stoot ilaak in &nmpy'«pocket, at tbe end of which time Edwani's I tteaosbed vontsbed sad b£ IfeM oosae esidid—atoy Inn—uud. tt is«boat time I «n dir.* hoi said, glaMteg, a4 Ids jasteh. fJM4«ors» o'owek. After ttos trip I ahall pay
Rotary Base Burner No. 12 Reduced to $15, at Monitor Stove Store. H, P. Townliey & Go.
.iu j, "i ?...*)• 4*
-Hi wmniim v**# MiPti
more attention to a little mitter I have in hand." "Alittle matter?" questioned Stumpy. "Yes I am banting for someone," replied Edwards "There's an old fellow iu Massachusetts—or rather there was an old fellow, for he is desd now— who acted the part of'cruel parent,' and disinherited bis only child—a son—because be wasn't pleased with tbat yoang gentleman's choice of a wife. Twentyfive years after on his death bed he repented of it, destroyed his will and made another in his son's favor, or failing him, bis heirs
At this juncture of Edwards' story a man stealthily emerged from the bushes, and anperceived, took his station behind a large pine jast across the creek. "After bis death," continued Edwards, "tbe lawyers ascertained that bisson wasdead, also his wife, and that they bad left one child only—a son—who was not to be found. I've got a paper here, witb an advertisement for him in it."
He pulled a newspaper from his pocket, and looked down its columns. Stumpy, mov,ed by curiosity, glanced surreptitiously over his shoulder, but he only saw the words—"Russell and Green, Attorneys," aa Edwards folded up tbe paper, and restored it to his pocket. 'I have an Idea that the fellow is somewhere in this State," continued Edwards. "In fact that he is near this part of the coUKtry. I am looking for him." "'1 he deuce ye are!", muttered the man behind the tree. "I had an idea you were after suthin'."
I think he'll turn up before long," remarked Edwards, taking another drink, and passing the flask to his companion, "I rather think 1 ve got a clue."
He bent forward and looked at bis image reflected in the clear waters of the creek. "Like enough, like enough," he continued, as if speaking to himself. "Yes, I think he will turn up soon."
That's queer actions, anyway," again muttered the motionless figure behind the shelteiing pine. "It's my opinioH you'll bear watching, ole fellow."
Well, I must be off," said Edwards, rising. "Tt is getting late." He sprang into a small canoe, tbat rocked at the river's edge took up the pnddle, and directed the canoe up stream. Stumpy shouldered his rifle, and turned, into the woods, taking a course which would lead hiin down tbe river. Ten minutes after, the man behind the tree stepped forth, and nod ding his head mysteriously, at the tree topa on the opposite river bsuk, muttered:
I'll he tetotally fluthixed If that chap ain't a pnzzle. Ain't in the habit of eavesdroppiu', bat seein' them cuddled down under that sycamore so clost, I thought Td see what they wasat. N6w here goes for the shanty. I'm dOdwol loped ifl don't think Edwardsaoted queer, anyway. I don't like him to any great extent."
HM stopped, suddenly, electrified by hearing a piercing shriek, evidently not lar distant. It was the voice of a woman apparently in tho greatost terror. "Help! help!1' "That's thet Hamilton gal, I'll bet," muttered Len Loyden—for he it was— dashing precipitately toward* the spot whence the cry came.
Blast the brash I" he continued, rushing, headlong through a tangled thicket,-"I'h never git there, oh heve— Jerusalem!" HE stopped in dismay. Before him rose one of tfie hign ridges, among which, the countless springs forming the creek before mentioned took their rise, and halfway up the steep ueclivity stood Ktsie Hamilton holding frtftt toe bash, while partly below ber, and clutching the trailing skirt of her habit, was a largo black bear.
One glance sufficed to explain the whole situation to the trapper, and quick aa thought be raised his rifle, raised It, but only to drop it again wiih an exclamation. Qnick as had been his movements, those of the bear had been quicker, ana she now stopd, directly between himself and the girl, with her wide open red mouth, within a foot ol Esrte's lace.
CHAPTER III.
John Edwards, throdghout the remainder of' tbd day, continued his course up the river. Hoar after hoar his canoe, propelled by vigorous strokes of the paddle, shot forward, and wheu the night fell, ho had advanced aboat twelve rni'es.
Then bs ran his canoe in shore, and making it faat to a sapling with a lope wnpped himself iu his blanket, and lay down witnln it.
The night was clear, and above him twinkled innumerable stars. Afar off the wolved howled dismally, and from a tree near him came tho ghostly "tuwbo*» of the owl.
Bnt none of these sounds disturbed IUM.
*N
be
SW
A
r. fx's
-jt. .*,n i' jtf ,.£ ./•.
44
slept. 1
Mtdn ^ht came and paasod. A fow mlnas iter appeared a dusky form, on the si 1 anks o' tbe stream. It moved slwwly and silently along, and halted direct iy ovoi the canoe.
Then It bent forward and peered downward. The moon at this moment looked forth from a passing cloud, and d»ar1y revealed the figure. It was that of an Indian. The dark bands nervously grasped a rifle, and the dusky face waa stamped with an awful hatred. The area, black and glowing like coals, glared fiercely et the unconscious sleeper below.
For an instant be towered thus above tbe canoe, tbea tamed and plunged into tbe forest.
Two bono later Edwards awoke. "Half pest two," be muttered, oonaulting bis watch by tbe moonbeams. "I must be going."
He aroee and touk op the paddle. In moment be laid It down. I eaa do better with pole," be thought. "I waa stupid not to have bad one yesterday."
He ap«m»g ashoto, snd witb tbe hatchet in Ua belt, eat a long pole. Witb this be returned to hla caooe, and Ming it ae what beefcwoodsmen torta •"sitting pole," resumed bis joaraey.
Tns* day be made twenty fesiies. At night be stopped as before. At sunrise be eras once asors afloat.
Late in tbe afternoon bo ran bis caooe in sbors, ftelened it, mad sprlng-
a. r* HA
Pricc Five Cents
ing up tbe bank, struck into the forest. A walk of five minutes brought him to a beautiful little glade, fringed with gracsfal birches, and carpeted with soft I gran,
Within the glade was sn Indian en- $ campment. H*lf a dozen white wig. wama. before which fires were homing, fc occupied the open space, and several half-naked children were tumbling in gjeat gl«e upon the grass. The squaws were generally engaged in cooking at the ATM, and the men were (trooped abcat some sitting, some standing. others stretched upon the ground, ana nearly all smoking.
Edwards approached tbe group nesr 1 est blm. Upon perceiving him tne oldest Indian, a man who, from his dress, seemed to be superior to tin re.-t, arise and saluted him gravely, shaking hands S with blm. The rest followed his exampie.
The Straight Pine is welcome," said the old Indian. "Why has he tarried so long?" 1 "I have been away,out through tho woods," repMed Ed wards.
The other Indians, as he passed along, each spoke heartily to him. Whoever he was, it was evident that be had a right to come among thetn.
One only stood aloof, and vouchsafed him only a sullen nod. This was a young man, Os-a wah.(The Fir. Ilv) son of a chief, who stood leaning moodily against a tree, near a wigwam whion stood a little apart from the others.
44
Always near what be would possess," thought Edwards, directing nil steps towards it.
Annemoose!" (dog) ho muttered, iJ' fiercely, clenching his bands.
44
Alter all, it will make but little dtN fere nee," thought Edwards: "two aroaa- W easily left as one."
He stepped forward and »pproached the door of the wigwam. The Indian ulrt|!who had hitherto seemed unroirBCibus of his appro*cb, nitsed her eyee rt and beheld him. Instantly the expfes- i* sIon of ber face changed. The grave, rather pensive look vanished, and in its place came a joyfal one. Tho rich jjt blood dyed her dark cheeks, the scarlet lips parted, and the large, pleading eyes grow liiminous.
A spasm of pain crossed Os a-wah's face. His dark eyes watched the couple before biin with oager intensity.
The i?lrl sprang to her feet, *nd. with a cry of joy, darted forward, and in an instant her arms were about Edwards' neck, and Uor ulowing face buried in his roast. He carosscd hor with apia'fnt fondness, kissing her several times, though a clme observer mfpht have detectea a little constraint in his manner, ro and a slight shadow passed over bis lace, as she clung to his ncck.
He unclasped her arms gentlv, and ted ber up to the hammock. The dark blushes mantled her cheeks as ho piizcd down on the infant and she hid her face on his shoulder while one dusky I little ij hand crept into his.
Ills face worked strangely, as hegiizod on the babe. It bore a great reswmblanne to him in the contour of th» faoe, but tho dusky skin and coal biack oyea and hair, wcro those of its mother.
He raised the head on bh shoulder at last, and looked into ber frr»i "Horne~ lo time be will be a great warrior, l£«tewawah," he said, speaking iu the Indian tongue. "Perhaps a chief. Then Flsto- f1 wawah's heart will be proud." If
Estewawab's heart |s proud now," she said, whllo a tear trembled Hi her eye. "Why does Long Rift stay eway 3 from his wifo so long? K-towawah is lonely when he is gouo. Will he stny, now, with her and fits boy T'
There waa a moment's pnusn. "I cannot," be said at last. "I must go down tho river again, but soon I will come and stay with yoa," and he kissed her flashed face.
After the lsp*eof half an hour he left the tent, and took bis wnv towards a group of Indian* around afire c' by.
The night was coming on space. The nun was already retting behind the western bills, throwing soft, yellow rays of light into tbe little glade. The younger Indians were busy gathering wood for tbe n'ght. while the older ones were still reclining on thf grses, some fashioning paddles and buck born handles for their banting knlvea, tbe othem smoking. As Edwards spproached, the old Indian arose snd offered blm a seat near th*« fire.
My white brother bss come among as agslnt" be said, aa Edwards t-ok tbe proffered seat—a short block—turned up on tbe end. "Yes, chief I've come to eee yoa again—ell of yon—I shan't forget my red brothers. I Can't stay, though,! shall have to go back soon. There is a friend coming to see mo on business, and I shall have to start to-morrow to get back to my camp la time to meet him. 1 shall return beta to stey, bowever, in a abort time.*'
-sis1•'
Sitfli
1
The curtain of the lodse was raised, revealing the interior. Within it, seated upon some sk:ns, engaged in weaving a mat of rushes, was a young Indian girL Indian women are not beautiful, as a rule, but this child of the wiltfwood was a a on a a delicate oval, her eyes lartte, dark and ft lustrous, with a timid, plrading expreesion, like those of the deer. Her hair was knotted loosely behind, and eonflned with a chain of tiny mollusk shells*. Her dress was of fawnskin, fancifully ornamented, as were her moccasins.
Before her, swinging gently in ito bark cradle, was an infant. Over its $ head drooped a cluster of Rcarlet leaves, and upon theso its large, dark eyes were fastened, while its tiny hands moved 1 restlessly in baby uncertainty,
It was a pretty picture, bnt John Edwards did not seem to appreciate tt. The *t moment bis eyes rested 011 the child, a
dark frown cjouded his faoe. Not
A
E*
change in that face escap- the
watchful eyes of Os-a wah.
'J •%c r-"t v#
im
Tbat is good," add lbe old chief,
gravely. "We shall be glad to have oar white ncotber witb a* We a will soon towards tbe northeast Our brother* are at tbe bead waters of tbe river. We shall go tbere. Will Long Knils go wttb asf
Edwards pondered a moment. "How kmgwllJ it be?" be aaked. When six sans have risen and set, tbe^ Fettowatoinlee will go,** was tbe
-if rards started* This waa what be bad long wished for. It ws* only a fragment of tbe tribe that were encamped la tbe glade. Tbey we«e «rnstantly obangingibslf iMattqtt aemainipg but eat [Obmtmmed cm Third Page
