Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 1104 — page 2: what you’re looking at

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2 — — “Just so; but I tell you, it won't do to trust an Injin. They’re obstropertous, Go to put your finger on them, and they ain’t thar. Jest so, by gracious,”’ ‘*T fear there is too much truth in your suspicions,”’ replied Haverland, in a saddened tone, ‘I’m glad I’ve tumbled onto you, coz I begin to git skeerish, and I like to do a feller a good turn, and I'li stick to you, bein’ I’ve found you.’ Beadle’s EE LLL LL LO I te —— —— —g = i ‘‘Thank you, friend, and let us now proceed home- | ward. § intended to.spend the day in work, but your words have taken away all desire.” ‘Sorry to do it; but it’s best, ain’t it?’’ “ Certainly; it would have been wrong had you not warned me of impending danger. Let us go home.” So saying, Alfred drew on his coat, slung his rifle and ax over his shoulder, struck into a path in the forest, which he himself had worn, and with a thoughtful tread, made his way homeward, Close behind him followed his new-made friend, CHAPTER IL. THE DARK CLOUD. Durine the walk homeward, Haverland spoke but few words, although his loquacious friend kept up a | The wood- | to join him in his humor- | continual unremitting stream of talk. man’s heart was too heav ous, pointless words. Although dark and fearful suspicions had flitted before him, he had closed his eyes upon them until he could no longer shun them; ey appeared at every turn, and now assumed a terrible certainty. Altbough at the time to which we refer, the Revo- lutionary struggles of the colonies had closed, and their freedom was placed upon a firm basis, yet uni- versal peace by no means reigned. Dark, sanguin- ary and bloody tragedies were constantly enacted upon the frontiers for a generation afterward. The mother country failing in her work of subjugation, continued to incite the Indians to revolting barbar- ities upon the unoffending inhabitants. They found them too-willing instruments, and, instigated b them, a protracted war was long maintained; and, when the inciting cause was removed, the savages still continued the unequal conflict. As every one acquainted with our history must know, the war on the frontiers has been an almost interminable one. As the tide of emigration has rolled westward, it has ever met that fiery “ae ag and only overcome it by incessant battling and effort. And even now, as the distant shores of the Pacific are well-nigh reached, that resisting wave still gives forth its lurid flashes of conflict. In a pleasant valley stood the humble home of Al- fred Haverland. His own vigorous arm had cleared off a space on all sides so that his residence stood at some distance from the forest, which rolled away for miles. In the clearing still remained the stumps of the fallen trees, and in some places the rich vir- gin soil had been broken, and was giving signs of the exhaustless wealth it retained in its bosom, waiting ss for the hand of man to bring it forth. e house itself was such as are generally found in new settlements. A number of heavy logs, placed compactly ogees, withan opening for a door, and one for a window, were all that could attract atten- tion from the outside. Within, were two apartments the lower and upper. The former was used for all purposes except that of sleeping, which, of course was done in the upper. In building it, Haverland hed made little preparation for defense, as he fondl hoped it would never be needed for such, and ‘it med to him that the idea of danger would ever be Gators him, should he construct it thus. And, be- sides, should he use his utmost skill in the purpose mentioned, he knew it would avail him little. He had means of withstanding a protracted siege, and a handful of assailants could bring him to any terms, As he stepped forth into the clearing, Ina, his daughter, caught sight of him, and bounded out the cabin to meet him, “Oh, father! I am glad you have come back so soon, but dinner isn’t ready. Did you think it was? I was just telling mother—” She paused suddenly, as she caught sight of a stranger, and with her hand on her mouth, stood, fearing to approach, and afraid to yield to the im- ulse of turning, and running into the house again. ** No, I didn’t think dinner-time had come, but as I had a friend to visit me, I thought I could entertain him at home better than in the woods. But where is your kiss, dear?” e father stooped, and touched his lips to the ruby ones of his blooming child, and teking her hand, moved forward toward the cabin. “ Whew! if that ain’t a purty flower, then kick me!’’ exclaimed Seth Jones, in admiration. ‘‘ Was she originated in these parts? Darter, 1 s’pose? Per- haps not, though?” Yes, she is my daughter, although she was not born in these parts.”’ ‘Dew tell. Darned if she ain’t a beauty, and that makes what I said—’”’ The father motioned to him that the theme was pervicdten, and they walked silently toward the ouse, It was no wonder that Ina Haverland drew forth such encomiumis from Seth Jones. She was, indeed, a beautiful creature. She had seen some fifteen or sixteen summers, several of which had been spent in the wilderness, which was now her home. She was rather small In stature, but graceful as a gazelle, free from the restraints which the conventionalities of life impose on those of her age. She had dark hair, gathered in a roll behind, fine expressive blue es, & perfect Grecian nose, thin lips; and a full . rendering the profile perfectly st ht from the forehead downward. Her face was oval, and her oom on almost too light for a full enjoyment of Her dress was a semi one, co ing of a short skirt, with leggins beautifully wrought, and a loose sack, similar to the ones worn at the present day. Her small feet were incased in tiny moccasins, elaborately wrought with beads and In- dian ornaments, and a string of wampum hung around the neck. She led the way toward the house, and the three entered. Haverland introduced his friend to his sister and wife, as a man who had chanced down in this direc- tion, and who would probably tarry a few days. But | the quick eye of his wife caught the thoughtful ex- pression upon her husband’s face, and she felt there was something yet unrevealed—something deeper and more important that was to be disclosed. She, however, forbore questioning or hinting, knowing that he would commnnicate what was necessary | when he deemed the proper time had come. A commonplace conversation was maintained un- til the meal was prepared by the busy housewife, when they all gathered around the board. An earn- _ est blessing was invoked upon the humble food, and it was partaken of in silence, ‘ Wife,’? said Haverland, tenderly, ‘‘ I will depart awhile with this friend here, and you and Mary may busy yourselves as you think ‘best till I return. Probably I will not be back until toward night. Take no anxiety upon my account.” ‘*] will endeavor not to; but, dear husband, go not far from home, for strange fears have come over me since morning.” Even the usually staid and calm face of Mary be- trayed an unusual expression of anxiety. “Fear not, wife, I will not go far.”’ Haverland now stepped outside, where he saw Seth, all agape, gazing at Ina, as she passed.to and fro in the house. ** By gracious, you, I’m goin’ to fall in love with that gal. No *bjections, hope?”’ ‘*No,” answered Haverland, with a faint smile, | “her heart is unfettered and I hope it will remain so for a long time.”’ “Oh! I don’t mean to love her as oo dew yer old woman—yer wife. I mean jest as I would my dar- ter, yer know. She’s too small to think about lov- ers vit. Don’t you let sich a thing git inter her head or five years or more.”’ “T'll try not to; but let us take a walk. Ihave something to say, which I would that they should not know for the present.”’ ** All right—but jest hold on a minute,” At this ‘Kray Ina appeared with a small vessel, as if she intended bringing some water from some spring nigh at hand. * Hold on a minute, gal, my beauty,” said Seth, stepping forward, and reaching for the pail. ‘“‘ That’s too big a load for you to carry,”’ ‘* No, I have done it often, thank you, but it is no work for me.”’ But i let me fetch it ‘his time, if only to show my good will, and my activity.”’ na laughingly yielded the vessel, and watched him as he took long, awkward strides toward the point where the path led into the forest. ** How far is it off?’ he asked, turning round, as he reached the point mentioned. ‘“‘A ghort distance,” answered Haverland; “the path leads to it.” Seth made some unintelligible answer, as he jerked his head back and disappeared. This simple occurrence that we have just narrated, although trival in itself, was one of the circumstances which often control important acts, and which seem to show that an all-wise Ruler orders them to suit his pr DORGE, and to bring about good in the end, Seth ones had no object other than a little amusement in his cuurse, yet before he returned, he saw how fortunate it was. He strode rapidly forward, and after passing a short distance. ~eached the spring. As he stooped, he was sure he heard a movement in the bushes be- oi and, as he was about to dip the vessel, he saw, n the smooth face of the water, a movement in the shrubbery. He had too much cunning and prudence to affect knowledge of it, and he filled the vessel without betraying any signs of suspicion. As he rose to the upright position, he gave an apparently care- less sweep of his vision, and not twenty feet distant he saw the crouching forms of two Indians! As he turned his back, there was a peculiar, uncomfortable feeling, as he knew that it was the easiest matter in the world to receive one or two cold bullets. He, however, quickened his steps not in the least; and manifested no uneasiness, as he came to view in the clearing and laughingly handed the water to Ina, ‘‘ Come, let us go,”’ said Haverland, moving toward the s Iu ** Not that ar’ way by a long shot,’ said Seth, with a meaning shake o his head, ‘* Why not?” “*T’ll tell you, purty soon.”’ ‘‘ Let us to the river, then.”’ 5 “That'll do, ‘specially as i ain't fur from your ouse!”’ Haverland looked searchingly at him, and saw there was a deep meaning behind those words, yet he said nothing, and led the way toward the river. This stream was but a few hundred yards from the house, and flowed in a northerly and southerly direction. It was very smooth at this point, and not very wide, yet a mile or so further down it debouch- ed into a deal broad, and deep river. The banks were lined, most of the distance, by close, impene- trable shrubbery, overarched by lofty trees, which were the edges of the almost interminable wilder- ness that then covered this part of the State, and of which great portions remain unto the present day. Haverland moved to a spot where he had often stood and conversed with his wife, when they first entered the place, Resting his rifle upon the earth, Half-Dime Library: , as if to listen. a er ee and folding his arms over the muzzle, he turned around and looked Seth full in the face. “ What did you mean by telling me not to go /a7 from the house?”’ ‘. Jest hol’ on a bit,” replied Seth, bending his eat Haverland watched him earnestly, and he also heard something unusual—as if some one were rowing a canoe in the water. His com- panion then stepped down to the water’s edge, and signaled for him to approach. Haverland did so, and looked down the river. Some hundred yards off, he saw a canoe rapidly moving down-stream, _ impelled by the oars of three Indians. NN eeeeeeEOEeeeeEeEeEeEeEeEeeeeeEeEeE—e———e—eEeEeEee “That is what I meant,’ said he, in a whisper, | stepping back. id you see them,’’ asked Haverland. | “Treckon I did. They were at the spring watch- ing for your gal to come, so that they mought run off with her.”’ CHAPTER II, THE DARK CLOUD BURSTS, “ARE you certain?” asked Haverland, with a pain: ful eagerness. ‘‘As sure as I live!” ‘‘How? when? where did you see them? Pray, an- swer quick, for I feel that the lives of precious ones stand in peril.”’ “The facts are few—they are. When I went down to the spring, I see’d them pesky varmints thar, and I knowed they war waitin’ for your little booty, ‘cause if they wa’n’t, ‘they’d have walloped me, thunderin’ soon. I see’d ’em sneakin’ ’round, and urtended as though I didn’t s’picion nothin’. They've ound I’s about, and have gone down for more ct fe They'll be back here to-night with a whole pack. Fact, by gracious!”’ ‘You speak truly; and as matters stand thus, it is time for action.” ‘*Exactly so; and what is it you propose to dew?” “As you have offered me such signal aid thus far, I must again ask you for advice.”’ ‘‘Pshaw! don’t you know what to dew, man?” **T have a plan, but I would hear yours first,” “Wal, I can give it purty soon. You knew weil enough you’re in tight quarters, and the best thing you can do is to git away from here a leetle quicker nor no time. You know the settlements ain’t more nor twenty miles off, and you’d better pack up and be off, and lose no time, neither.”’ ‘*That was my plan, exactly. But hold! we must | go by water, and will it not be best to wait and go by night, when we will have the darkness to protect us) We have just learned that the river contains enough ' enemies to frustrate our designs, should they tL ti (re see, OO known. Yes, we must wait till night.” ‘“You’re right there; and, as there is no moon, we'll have a good chance, pec we have to go down-stream instead of up. I tell yeou, the war is going on. When I left home, I had an idee things woul be fixed so as to stop these infarnal red-skins from committin’ on their depredations, although they looked mighty squally; but 'tain’t no use, anf it won’t do to trust these critters.”’ Shortly after, Haverland turned and entered the house, followed by Seth. He called his wife and s‘s ter in, and explained, in a few words, the circum- stances. It was but a realization of the fears enter- tained, and no time was lost in useless laments. Preparations were immediately made for the re- moval. The woodman owned a large boat, somewhat similar to the flatboats seen at this day upon the western waters, This was hauled in beneath the shrubbery which Overman BIE bank, and into th’* their things were placed. wing the removal Seth remained along the river-bank, keeping watch of the stream, lest their enemies might return unawares, The removal occupied most of the afternoon, and it was not until the shadows were lengthening across the river that the last article was placed on board. This completed, all seated themselves in the boat, and waited for the rapidly-approaeching darkness, to glide out into the stream. “Tt is hard,” said Haverland, somewhat moodily, ‘*to leavs one’s home after all the difficulty in rear- ing it is finished.” “Pact, by gracious!” added Seth, whom Mary eyed very closely, as if not satisfied with the fellow’s ways and looks. ‘**But it is best, dear husband. Let us hope, now that the war is ended, and that, as we have passed through as great dangers as those that now threaten us, the time is not far distant when we may return to this spot with safety.” ‘“We can die but once,” said Mary, abstractedly, ‘‘and I am ready for any fate.” Seth studied her face with a quick keen glance then smiled, and said: ‘‘ Oh, you look a-here now. am captain here, by your leave, my dears, and I ain’t goin’ to allow any sick stomachs in this here crew.” is sunny face seemed greatly to encourage the lit- tle band. “T wouldn't fear to remain here now,” said Ina, bravely; “I am sure we soon may return. I feed it.” Haverland kissed his child, but made no further reply, and all relapsed into stillness, and ceased fur- ther conversation, There was something in the gath- ering gloom around, something in the peculiar situ- ation in which they were placed, that imparted a despondency to all, The boat was still fastened to the shore, and the time for loosening it was close at hand. Mrs. Haverland had passed within the rude cabin, the door of which remained open, while Seth and the husband remained in the stern. Ina sat near at hand, and had fallen into the same silence that rested upon the others. ~ “ Doesn't it look dark and awful, back there?” she erst in a whisper, of Seth, pointing toward the shore, comicbooks.com }? } | |