The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-03-21

an unloaded gun; for the creatures have
as many lives as a cat. Now, farewell
Do not forgs, The old hunter. who, thong
a thorough woodsman, is sometimes glad
TO see the face of white man."
Twice more in the course Of that winter
did see the old man. After which nci,h-
er saw nor heard Of him until the middle oi
the winter following, when the game led
me near to his cabin, and called and found
him almost IN dying state, with not soul
to wait or tend upon him. After had re-
stored him with cordial, he told me ihs,
he had been sich for more tlmu month,
that he bad in that time consumed all his
provisions, and but for my arrival, he must
inevitably have perished from starvation and
cold. furnished HIM with whp, necessa-
ries could from my wallet, and left him
to return to the settlement for a physician,
and other things necessary for one in his
situation. 10 the morning | went hack
with Doctor, whose opinion of his case
was anxious TO hear, as had resolved not
to leave him again, if, as feared, he was
near his end. My fears were confirmed by
the opinion of the physician, who stated TO
me that he thought he could live bu, very
short tme--s few days, at the farthest,
was all that could be expected. Aher The
departure of the physician took my place
by the bed of the old man, who looked,
though he could not with ease express, his
gratitude. At lenglh he spoke, "your
kind'iess" said he sis what never expected
again 10 experience. Although have long
made up my mind TO dio in the wilderness,
alone, did not think it would have been
death so dreadful ms starvation. Blu, lis
ten, my son, to a tale Of misery nnd Of re-
venge. feel that my time is getting short
on earth. know that a few hours viii
see me low as the clods Of tho valley. Anc
wish to tell you the circumstances which
drove ono TO the woods. who WAS broueh
up to expect far differen, lot."
THE HUNTERS TALE.
My father was one of The first settlers in
this part of the country, whittier bo remoy-
ed Oh the death Of my mother. Myself and
one sister, were oil the children that had
been spared to him out Of six. was then
eighteen years Of age, strong and robust oI
person, but not nt all fitted, by my tnstes
ror n farmers life. As | had been constant
Iy kept a, school by my father, had fixed
my mind On very diiIeren, sphere of action
consequently, instead of welding the hot
or the ok goad, and following the cart o
plough, was continually ranging the wood
following a dog aud welding a rife. nj
sister was three yenrs younger ,bau myself
Poor Constance |! though dying, the mem
oiy Of your wrongs and sufferngs madden
me-"
, Here the old man paused for some min
utes, in uncomfortable emotion. At lengt
/ he recovered sufficient composuro to pro
f., ceed with his narrative.
Pardon my emotions" said he. bu
had you known her, sir,-Ah she wa
, every thing that was lovely; every thin
that was good. She seemed not Of thi
, earth; she was lovely and u delicate flow
| er; and the first chill blast Of winter fel
too heavily on her tender frame. But Il
proceed with my tale. Before we removes
tn this part of the country she had beef
, sought and won by young man, by th'
name Of Charles Howard. lie was in ev
cry respect worthy Of her, as far as morta
. nun could be. His disposition was rer!
gentle. Indeed, I used TO think that it wa
too much so, Tor this rough country. III,
was decidedly pious, and intended to de
) vote himself to the PRONUNCIATION Of ih
Gospel, as soon as his studies were finish
, ed, which was also the time fixed upon 70
! his marriage with Constance. This wa
, to have been in about two yeav. But o.
{ they were both young, and frequently saw
each other, they were not rendered par
ticulsrly unhappy by the delay. Never di'
! see two people so passionately devoted Il
each o,her--they seemed to l'ebu, in eacl
others company. Thus, without any Incl
dent worth mentioning, passed awny eigh
teen mouths, and SIX, only. intervened be-
tween the lovers and the accomplishment
Of their fondest hopes. Charles had re-
turned homo, and we did not expect TO sc,
him seain I'LL the time fred upon for tb'
wedding. Liule did they think, when par.
ting, Of the misery in store for them. Par
|. don these digressiops, they will appear nj
more, my story is nov plain. Events
crowd upon my mind, as slough they wsr'
bu, Of yesterday.
Charles had been gone about Eve month