Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1841-09-14
POPUAR READINGS,
from nc Iddys to'npdT
THE RESCUE.

N"N 'NNtNNHf ~ W h' ltlhAtAs lis Olf II mlIN I
similar ones which occurred during the early settlement,
Of America. Those who sought a home in the savage
wilds, which then covered the land welded themselves
TO a lite OF peril aud hardship. The dangers which
continually threatened them, called forth all the heroic
qualities OF their nature, abd their lives were marked
by many a lofty deed OF daring and devotion. Such
deeds should not sink into oblivion, for they belong 10
the history Of our country, and as such should be re-
corded and remembered.
we would present a picture to the inauguration Of
the reader. There is a broad and beautiful stream,
with deep, still waters, flowing on between banks COW
cred 10y luxuraut foliage, and its bright surface dotted
here and there with fairy little isles, where graceful
shrubs and fragrant flowers bud and blossom undis-
turbed in wild and lonely loneliness. Bright plumed
birds, OF many varieties, are wingiug their way over
the quiet water, and the surrounding scene echoes
with their tuneful minstrelsy. On the borders Of the
rver, at the edge of the fores, tha, stretched far away
over hill and dale, stands the rude but picturesque
dwelling of a backwoodsman; with its blue smoke
curling up from its lowly roof, and It's humble walks
glanclng out from the green foliage that surrounds
them. There are some indications Of taste and re-
hnement near the woodlands home, which give a
cheerful appearance TO that otherwise wild and lonely
scene. A graceful vine curtains the lowly window,
and many bright flowers, natives OF a distant sol, shed
their grateful perfume around. Near the door hangs
a cage, containing a rare and beautiful bird, whose
song OF ~gladness breaks sweetly upon the Stiffness Of
that solitary place.
On allow seat at the enterance Of the dwelling, is
seen a young woman, carassing an infant. She
has lost the blooming loneliness Of early youth
her cheek Is pale, and her brow wears the thoughtful
expression which IS imprinted by the touch Of care;
yet she is still beautiful in form and feature, and none
may look upon her without admiration. As she bends
over the child IN her arms, her eye fills with the I'M
/ utterablp tenderness and love which r nplv seen in
the eye of mother, and which makes the face Of a
beautiful woman almost angelic. Now and then she
turns from the child, to send an anxious glance to-
wards the forest, as If she watched for the approach Of
some one from that direction. She is momentarily eH-
pec,ing her husband. He left his home at morn the
hour appointed for his return passed away the shad-
ows OF the trees are lengthening in the setting sun, and
We, he comes not. The fond wife begins to iremble
for his satety-a fearful foreboding Of evil steals over
her mind, and the dark dread of some approaching Ca
lamity haunts her Imagination.
She has reason to fear; for that portion of the coun-
try was, at this time, the theatre of many a tragic
scene. Sometimes the woodman in penetrating too
far into the painless recesses of the forest, lost his way,
and wandered for days in the dreary wilderness, suf-
fering many ntseries, and %perishing al last by the
pangs OF hunger. Sometimes a hungry beast of prey
would cross the path oflhe wanJerer, and doom him to
a dreadful death. Sometimes the willy red man, who
yet lurked about these lonely wilds, e~ntrapped the
white hunter, and, from a spirit OF revenge, or the
thirst for blood, sacrificed his victim with tho mos,
wanton and bafbarous cruelty.
As the anxious wife thought of these things, her
fears and forebodihgs became almost insuppor,able.-
flushing the infant 10 sleep, she carried it into the
dwelling, and depositedit in its cradle bed. She then
fastened forth again, and wandered along the path
which led TO the forest, anxiously looking forward the
while for her husband. She walked onward for some.
time, foRdiy hoping TO see the OBJECT Of her search
but her hopes were vain, and sendIGg one more search
ing glance around, and seeing nothing but the gloomy
shadows Of the trees, she turned with heavy heart Il
retraco her steps. As she was proceeding homewatd
a sudden fear for iIet child, whom she left alone, cross
ed her mind, and caused her to hasten forward. Draw
ing nearer to the dwelling, this fear became 50 intense
that it amounted almost to a conviction Of some terri
ble calamity. FLYING rather than walking she reach
ell the house. and sprang TO tine cradle-it was empty
and the child no where to be seen! With frantic ca
gerness she rushed to the back door of the dwelling
which she left closed, and which she now found wa
open. She was Just IA time 10 see a party Of lndlanl
making rapidly to the woods. Her heart w~hispere,
the fearful assurance that they bore away It's treasure
i Here was a trying situation for a Imid and helpless
Z woman-her husband aar od-perhaps in penl-he
child-her first born, and only one, torn away by III,
rude hand Of the sayage-dread night approaching
| and no earthly arm TO aid
! Without pausing for reflection, the mother flew alon,
{ the path which the Indians had taken. Now and the
u she caught a glimpse Of their forms, as they move
rapidly through the trees, bot as the twilight deepen
. cd, and surrounding objects became more Indistincl
even that slight comfort wasdened her, and she trace
: her gloomy pathway without knowing whether or Nc
" il would bring her nearer the object OF her pursuit.
i Yet she paused not a moment Ia indecisoH bui has
"a tened onward through the Increasing darkness, uncoG
2 sc1us Of the uncertainty OF her search, and tie wild
. ness other expedition. She had but one iAo1gnl-on
hope and hat was % lie near her chi.d-to save /
4, IL It could be saved, CT pensh with u, II perish it mus
:. Strong IN tits determination She pushed forward tho
% less Of fatigue and fearless Of peril. A. the night ar
IS yanced tie wind rose, and sighed among tie trees viii
- a moumiul and hear. chilling sound. The stars, tni
!. had hitherto shed a faint light through tie branche
J. we're now ysiled 10 black clouds, that seemed 10 pr
sage q storm; and ever and anon the sAull eroskIng
a n~ight-5ira, or the prolonged howl Of q beast Of pre-
IL was borne 70 the ear of the uahappy wsnderef, wal
ny fearful Thoughts and warning her ofihe dangers .
n which she Was surrounded.
b., Those WHO have never roamed 10 a forest a. mi
&c night, can scarcely resliEe how much thar y ,suiyir