Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 1151 — page 14: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

wa that I was buried while still living, and had battled their determination as long as there was hope, when the morning came and showed ber abrapt departure, they co not help suspect- the true cause, e air was cool and exhilarating, and, as my flery ar¢mal pranced beside that of Imogene, I could not restrain the wild, ardent hopes that thrilled my being... I was homeward bound with the fairest prize in the universe to me, What else could be needed? Ah! there was the fate of Nat, my companion, still shrouded in obscurity. at once in regard to him. ‘*Tmogene, although this is hardly the proper mo- ment, I cannot help questioning you about of a friend.” ‘“T know to whom you refer,” she answered, uickly. ‘“‘Ihave heard him speak of you, but he dose not know of your existence. He is a captive like yoursel!, save that he seems perfectly contented with his fate.”’ “Thank heaven! it seems indeed that a wonderful Providence is watching over all of us.” “T believe he will effect his escape, but it must be through your instrumentality, for I will not dare to show myself.” “ Good, clever Nat, I will do anything for him,” I exclaimed, warmly. ‘He is a whole-souled fellow, for all he is so odd. Only to think, he has been so nigh me all this time! It is my place to assist him, as far as lies in my power.” ¥ I nays had severe ae ee with oe in all of which he e of you. 6 appeared to love you, and pacretted arent! that you were so reckless. He said he had long striven to teach you to hunt with caution, but never succeeded, He also referred toa trapper named Bill Biddon, the one who did his best to save our family: when they fell victims to the sav- ag°8, and whom T wouki give all the world to see. e said he succeeded, after several years, in making quite a hunter of him,” “Oh, the rascal!’ I laughed, “ just like him.” When day dawned we continued our journey for geveral hours. I learned in the course of the conver- sation that Imogene Merment wandered ponenneny among the tribes for many miles around, and as learhed in after years, her existence was known to porn as far opposite as Fort Churchill and Fort & At noon I shot a ptarmigan, which was cooked, and upon which we made a hearty dinner, lmogene as- cended a small eminence to ascertain whether ae signs of pursuit were visible. None were discovered, but we hurried forward until nightfall, when we drew up for the night. We started a fire, and, at my ur- ent request, Imogene lay down beside it, while I ept watch, Our horses were pickaver at scarcely a rod distant, and yet in the night they became so ter- rified at the approach of some animal, that they broke loose and fled, and we never saw them again, This was a great loss to us, but in the morning we continued our eet Ses foot, and at noon ascended a high mountain, which was aspur of the Black Hills, lying between the Yellowstone and Missouri. The day was a clear, beautiful one, and the fairest peeks of the mountain looming up against the blue, ar-off horizon, formed a fine bac ‘ground to the glo- rious landscape spread out before us. Nevers I forget the magnificent scene which was opened to our vision, To the north, the mighty wilderness stretched in one unbroken tract as far as the eye could reach, while to the southward the glistenin waters of the vast rivers could be seen, winding an losing their tortuous channejs in the forest again, South of us, nestling in a deep valley, could be seen the tiny bee-hive-like lodges of the tribe we had left, seemingly egvering: scarcely a square rod of ground, ‘‘ Yonder,” said Imogene, pointing to the north- ward, ‘is the tribe which holds your friend, The village is two days’ journey, but the course is direct, aint you cannot fail to find it, If you wish to search for him, I will semain here until you return. [should wish to approac« 40 nearer, as it would increase the danger to both of us. Your friend has hunted with the tribe in this mouajuin, and should you,be at a loss to find me again, ask him to guide you to the * Death Rock,’ and you will reach me by the most di- rect course.” I hesitated long before leaviag ge eo but my duty to Nat, and the hopeful view she took of ft fir decided me, She was confident I should find him and be back in a few days, and urged me to de- lay nolonger.. We repaired to the “‘ Death Rock,” where we,separated, Lmogene was familiar with its peculiarities, and assured me that in its recesses she could find security from any animal foe.+ Before leav- her { saw that she was provided with food suf- ficient to last a week at least, and as she was fur- * nished with a rifle and ammunition, her situation was certainly as good as my own. CHAPTER &L. THE BRIGADE AND AN OLD FRIEND, Brppina ere hey -by, I started to the north- ward, At night I ed a fire by which I slept in safety, and at an early hour resumed my journey. At noon I reached the banks of a river, so large that I was pretty certain it was the Yellowstone, and * The Crow Indians are a numerous tribe, subdi- vided into the Blackfeet, Sioux, Dacotah, Unk-pa- Two Kettle, and Minunje es several others. Pick bas ita 26 ate village and chief, but all are en friendly relations with each other. * Death Rock is composed principally of a vast gave. in which it iseaid.s whole tribe of i jo fail into the hands enemice, ‘4 & : ee a rn ee ee Cee Ce ee eee aor SS icine hence was able to judg pretty correctly of my lo- | was dissolved, in ono cality. The river was broad, and it was quite a seri- | : I determined to question her | Beadle’s Half-Dime Libra ous undertaking to cross, but # had to be done, As Iwas stepping in, a sound of distant voices struck me 1 paused and listened, and soon could hear the ioud, reguiar, swelling song gradually ap- proaching nearer and nearer, and, at stated inter- vals, the powerful chorus, of this song, at such a time, was indescribably stir- ring and inspiriting; and, as it came nigher and nigher, and grew louder, its power increased. Hard ly satisfied of the nature of the approaching body, I Something in the sound ry. ——> ~ + —— “broad smile. It is méed- less to say I was deligh beyond measure at this unexpected ergs ‘* Why, Bill, I little thought to meet you here.”’ “And yer’s as what thinks Pill didn’t think so himself.”"’ The others stood wondering. The oki trapper turn- ed, and seeing Tom standing with his fists stiil clinch- | ed, shouted: spot left of you. | withdrew a short distance and awaited its appear- | e fate — ance, to view around a bend some hundred yards distant, _ It was followed by another and another, all keeping em a a rg LT theses time to the words of their song: We are going with the tide, - Yoho! yoho! Froe as mountain-winds we glide, Yoho! yoho! Oh! ours is a merry life, And full of danger, toil, and strife. Then join your voices In the glad refrain, And let the mountains Echo back the strain. Yoho! yoho! As overa score of majestic voices joined in the chorus, the echoes were awakened for miles around. I watched them in wonder and admiration. Soon to a surprise, they made toward the shore where i stood. As it was noon, they were probably putting in for their dinner. In a moment the boats were hauled wp on the bank, and, as rough and hardy a | abouts; an upon the shore. | he said, yer’s as will make him do it.” set of fellows as ever met, sprun A huge fire was soon blazing and roaring, an enor- Soon a large crnoe nearly full of men came | | | | sae) 4 eu say another word to that gentleman, as is worth forty like you, there'll be only a grease- Do you hear?’ and he shook his ponderous fist beneath his nose. The fellow did hear, and with a muttered “It's cu- r’ous, I allow,”’ donned his coat with the most per- fect meekness. ‘*Now,”’ said Biddon, facing the rest, “if thar are any ‘bout yer as wants to take u this fout, wh - step forward and I'll settie the matter wi ak “Is he a Nor’wester?” asked one, breaking the silence. ‘What you want to know fur?” “Cause if he is, he can’t paws this crowd without swallerin’ them words.”’ ‘“*What words?” demanded Biddon, fiercely. ‘*What Tom said he said.” ‘*Have I not explained—” I commenced. ‘Now jist hold on, Jarsey,” interrupted the trag pet turning toward me with a backward wave o is hand. Now, hold on, you, fur ef ane take bac se tera you've said, shoot me, ef. 7 don’t lick you. Ozh!” Then turning to the others, he continued, “He ain’t goin’ to take back nothin’ he’s said yer- ef Tom Wilson thar don’t swaller what “T mought’ve be mistaken,” said the now fright mous quantity of meat steaming and spitting, and | ened Tom. the men, exceping the cook, were lolling about on the grass, cach one smoking and chatting, and mak- ing a scene of pleasant confusion and enjoyment, now stepped forth from my concealment. Sev- eral turned their faces toward me as I passed them, but no unusual amount of astonishment was mani- fested. I made my way to a group of three, and seated myself beside them. “Whar’d you come from?” asked a short, gruff- looking man, Pes place in particular, at present,” I replied, p easantly, **One of them Nor’west chaps, I s’pose!”’ **No, sir; Lam no cranper, but a mere adventurer.”’ ‘“‘ Tell that to them as believes it,” he retorted, an- rily, * cs f is immaterial whether you believe it or not. If I were a member of the North-west Fur Company, I should not be ashamed or afraid to own it, as I be- lieve that is as respectable and honorable as the oné in whose service you are.” ** Boys, do you hear that!" called out the fellow, ““'Yer’s one cf them sneaks—a Nor’wester, and he’s insulted us—”’ ‘I did no such a ‘Do you hear that, [ say?’ he called out, without regarding my words. ‘“ Hore’s a sneaking Nor’- wester cracking up his party afore us.”” I was provoked but made no reply. His words at- tracted attention, and, anxious to see the trouble, all gathered round, ‘What's up?’ demanded a stumpy fellow, push- ing his head in between the others, ‘A fight! a fight!” “Make a ring for ’em.”’ ‘* Blow me, if he don’t look like one o’ them Nor’- westers as sent Governor Semple out of the world,* Go in, Tom!’ “Tf maul him as soon as I get in fightin’ order,” said Tom—he of my first acquaintance. Matters were now getting serious, A collision be- tween the redoubtable Tom and myself seemed una- voidable. His impudent bravado and insults had roused. me somewhat, and I made up my mind that I should withdraw nothing I had uttered, and bear none of his insolence, ‘““What'’s the row?” demanded another; “I don’t understand it.*’ ‘“‘Why here’s a sneakin’ Nor’-wester,”’ answered Tom, “* blowin’ "bout things, and I've madg up my mind I won’t stand it;” and he continued his war- like preparations. ; 5 t’s right, Tom, go in and win,” added several voices. “Gentlemen,”’ said I, “all I ask is that you shall understand this matter, and show fair play—” ‘We'll do that, you!”’ interrupted several. ‘In the first lace,” I continued, “I have said nothing against the company tn whose service you are. This man, whom you call Tom, acoased me of being a member of a rival company; I ied I was not, although I should not be such was the case. He avers, however, I have insulted you, and seems determined to avenge it, and I am per- fectly willing to gratify him. the service of any comp , but am a mere n- turer in these With explanation lam now ready for any proceeding he wish.” ‘Smash me to nuthin’, ram me down and shoot me, if that ain’t Jarsey, or I’m a sinner!” exclaim- ed a familiar voice, and the same instant Bill Biddon the ring “Give us your paw, Jarsey.”’ He grasped my hand, while his scarred countenance *In an affray between two parties, belonging re- epesively to, the Hudson Bay and Norns Pur m e of the former, Mr, Semp was Shot by a member of the latter. This happened some years before the date of our story, for a long dime there was ill and frequent encoun- ters between before me. ‘the two ieee, EE That won't do.” ** Wal, he didn’t say so,”’ he jerked out. ‘That'll answer. S’posen I say he is a Nor’wester how "bout that?’ demanded don, glaring about on the rest. There was no nse. All was still as death, ‘*Wal, boys,’’ added Bill, returning to his nature, “he ain’t a trapper: never k a skin in his born days; is a parf apa and I'll make you ‘quainted with Bill Relmond, from the States, or, as I cail him, Jarsey, as fine a chap as ever tramped these parts.” _ The scene that followed was singular and amus- ing. All crowded around. me, smiling and talkin and shaking hands; and the first hand I grasp was Tom Wilson’s. “Hope you won’t mind what I said;’’ he spoke in a lower tone, ‘‘I orter been lammed for it, sure.” ‘Don’t refer to it,” I laughed; “I suppose you were only anxious for a little amusement to pasg away time,”’ “That's it 'zactly, Jarsey ; you're a trump,” ‘‘It’s my private opine,” called out Biddon, ‘ that this coen is goin’ inter these eatables, and ef you wants a bite, Jarsey, you’d better jine.’ All now crowded around the meal-pot, and com- menced devouring its contents with the avidity of wild animals. It consisted mainly of pemmican dried -buffalo flesh), a food much im vogue in the orth-west, with several biscuits and some scaldin tea. The meal finished, the men instantly prodisen their pipes which they indulged in for ten or fifteen minutes. The boats were then shoved into the water, the cooking utensils placed on board, and prepara- tions made for’ starting. “Whar you bound to?” asked Biddon, just as they were réady, ’ “The Blackfeet-Sioux,” I answered, unable to re press a smile, ‘The Blackfeet-Sioux?” he repeated. ** Yes ;, do you know thegr grounds ?”’ ‘* It’s "bout twenty miles down-stream—that is, the village. We ca’c'late to camp thereabouts to-night. Dy OS, in the name of beavers, do you want with em?’ Tl explain matters when we have a better oppor- . | tunity," I answered. ‘Jump in with me, then, an’ I'll get Tom Wilson o, rest me awhile, and we'll talk over matters and things.” I sprung into the boat, and the brigade was soon under way. The Yellowstone, being broad and a and the current quite powerful, the work was ligh The song was taken up by the voyageur's, all joi in the chorus and Keeping time with the m dip of their paddles. I seated myself in the stern, beside the steersman, whom I found to be a clerk in the Hudson Bay Company, and a gentleman. “How long will you remain with us, Mr. Rek- mond?” : * Only until night.” “I hoped you would accompany us to the settle ment. ss I should be glad to do so, but circumstances for- i 7 “It was quite fortunate,” he smiled, “that you and Biddon were acquainted. He is a noble fellow.” “Most assuredly he is. I accompani gecker of adventures, last summer from Indepen- dence, and we separated in the autumn, while in the wilderness. I was considerably surprised to find hins our service, “He had a Seapete with one of his employer's agents, and gave a severe Sipe aa He was reproved rather sharply, and left company in dis- gust, was during the winter. Shortly after he visited Red river settlement, and volun his services, and they were g _ re gladly ‘**He has been, then, but a short time with you?” “Only a few weeks—but long enough to let know value of his services, This brigade te all ewing to him.” - / ; F | “COmMmiIcDeO him as a. * ‘ a . . io a4 » ee ‘ + a ae a ~~. \ a ~ hs “SE!