Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1837-08-16


and could not be conjured down. Til
keen appetites Of mountain trapper,
quickened by fortnight's fasting, ,
length got the better Of all scruples ,
pride, and they fairly begged some ifs
or flesh from the hospitable savages
The latter, however, were slow I
break IN upon their winters store
which was very limited but were rea
dy to furnish roots in abundance, whic
they pronounced excellent food.
AT length, Capt. Bonneville though
Of means Of attaining the much GOV
eted qualification.
/" He had about him." he says, "s
trusty plaid an old and valued travel
ling companion aud comforter, upor
which The rains had descended, and the
SHOWS and winds beaten, without fur
Their effect than somewhat to tarnish it,
lustre." This coat ofmany colors hnt
excited the admiration, and inflamet
the covetousness of both warriors ant
squaws, to an extravagant degree
An idea now occurred to Capt. Bonnie
vile, to convert this rainbow Carmen
into the savoury viands so much desi
red. There was momentary strug.
gle in his mind, between old assoca.
tons and projected indulgence; and
his decision in favor Of the latter was
made, he says, with greater prompt
ness, perhaps, than true taste and sen.
timent might have required.
In few moments his plaid cloak
was cut into numerous strips. "Of
these" continues he, "with the newly
developed talent Of millncr, |
speedily manufactured turbans, a Ia
Iurque, and fanciful head. gears Of d.
vers coniorma,ions. These judicious.
ly distributed among such Of the wo-
men kind as seemed of most conse-
quence and interest in the eyes Of the
patres conscripti, brought us, in little
while, abundance Of dried salmon and
drcr's hearts on which we made a
sumptuous supper. Another, and more
satisfactory smoke, succeeded this re.
past and sweet slumbers answering
the peaceful invocation Of our pipes
wrapped up in that delicious .est, which
is only won by toll aud travail"
As to Capt. Bonneville, he slept in
the lodge of tho venerable patriarch,
who had evidently conceived most
disintercsted affection for him; as was
shown on the following morning.
The travellers, invigorated by good
supper and "fresh from the bath of re
nose" were about to resume their jour
ney, when this affectionate old chic
took the captain aside, 10 let him know
how much he loved him. AS proc
OF his regard, he had determined t.
give him fine horse which would
90 further than words, and put his gooc
will beyond oil question.
So saying, he made signal, ant
forthwith beautiful horse, OF brown
| color, was lead prancing and snoring
to the place. Captain Bonneville wa
| suitably affected by this mark Of friend
ship; but his experience in what !
proverbially called "Indian giving,
made him aware that parting pledg'
| was reciprocated. He accordingly pla
ced handsome rifle in the hands 0
the chief; whose benevolent heart wal
| evidently touched and grutificd by Thu
outward and visible sign OF amity.
The worthy captain having now, a
he thought, balanced this little accoun
of friendship, was about TO shift li
saddle to this noble gin horse, wher
the affectionate patriarch plucked bin
by the sleeve, and introduced him to 9
, whimpering, whining, leathern-sklnnet
old squaw, that might have passed To-
| an Egyptian mummy, without drying
"This," said he, :" is my wife; sh'
| is a good wife--I love her very much
She loves the horsc--she loves him
great deal--she will cry very much a
losing him. | do not know how ! shal
comfort her--and that makes my hear
very sore."
What could the worthy captain d.
to console the tender hearted old squav
and, peradventure, to save the yene
rable patriarch from a curtain lecture
He bethougbt himself of a pair OF ear
hobs; it was true, the patrlarch's bot
ter half was of an age and appearance
that seemed TO put personal vanity GU
of the question but when IS persona
vanity extinct The moment ne pro
duced the glittering earbobs, the VIII
ming and whimpering of the semPlter
nal beldame was at an end. she ca
gerly placed the precious bauoles y
her ears, and, though as ugly as .he
Witch of Endor, went OIL WIN sioelns
gait and coquetish AIR, as 'nough sh'
had been perfect Semiramls.
The captain bad now saddled hi
newly acquired steed, and ms 1901 wa
| in the stirrup, when the affectionate pa
triarch again stepped forward ana pre-
/ - L.. = x,1,,,,r rtarcpd pQgp whit