The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-12-24
TIL E SEQ I 7.
BY Gil ARIES p. ILSLEY.
CHAPTER VI,


The same anxiety on account of the report of
the gun that troubled the yonng mans mind SEEM
ed also TO burden the thoughts of the Scout, for af
ter travelling alone some time in silence, he re-
marked in "A low tone
"Thcsc woods are master places for carrying
sound! I've heard fore now, when I've been on.
hunting, II report go echoing through the forest,
just as though each tree had tongue of its own,
and so cought up and repeated the sound TO It's
ncighbor, until it went clean through the whole
tract But hope there are no such iell-ta!e trees
in these parts, for if they should bear that pcsky
shot to the red skins we are in snrch Of it would
be an evil report for us, consnte, tn ough we
raised it ourself."
"1'read softly, my hoy continued the old man,
Sand don't disturb the bushes more than YOU can
help, We must be careful of our trail for there S
no telling how many of the varmin there may be
providing around US"
Every step was now taken with the greatest eau
lion. Particular care was observed TO prevent the
least nosc-even the swapping ola twig--and our
two friends pressed forw$d so softly and sl"a!thly
that they scarcely disturbed the dry leaves in their
path From the signs around them the hunter
knew that the indians could no, be far off, At one
spot which they reached about two hours after
their affair with the panther, the marks were so
rresh the Scout assured his companion That they
could moi have left it but short time before. The
sayages had evidently set about prcparinga hasty
neal and it was possible the report of the gun here
reached them, for there were obvious marks of Il
hurried departure,
As the newcomers cast searching chances a.
round them, the Scout pryng into the neighborng
bushes rs if fearful of an ambuscadG, the quick
eve of the young man caught sight of IN object
which sent the blood with a warmer flow through
his veins. The place in which they found them
selves was a small urea, nearly surrounded with
lofty trees whose overhangng branches cast deep
shade over it. On side massy tree lay stretch
he'd along the ground, its extrcmities concealed by
the underbrush into which it had fallen, In a
slight creyice of this tree which had doubtless been
occupied us the maidens seat, as lipaced there TO
attract attention the young man detected bead
bracelet which he at once recognized rs gilt oil
his own to Mabel. 1t was token TO him that she
anticipated pursuit, and his heart was thrilled
with a secret pleasure, for it assured him that she
had confidence in him and relied on his cxerions TO
rescue her from captivity. 1t showed also that
she was not disheurtcned but still retained her
spirils unbroken As he eagerly directed the at
tention of his companion 10 the discovery, the
Scouts eye frightened, and a complacent smile
lighted up his features as he remarked in barely
audible whisper
"Aye, the gal has quick wit and courageous
heart, though she is daror OF mine. She Is worth
! fighting for boy, and when the time comes hope
your heart won't fail YOU
al hope YOU don't doubt me sir" said the youth,
reddenng slightly as he spoke.
"Distrust YOU, youngster!" replied the Scont il,
a tone Of honest sincerty-"neyer you think of it.
only thought would give you hit of what is
before us. There may be blood split before we see
the end of the business. One or both of us may
lay our bones in this iorcsttheres, saying, for
these red skins have a sure eye, and seldom burn
powder for nothing. If either of US fall, | pray
| may be the one, lad, for in course of natur, |
can't last long, and the old tree be better SPAR
ed than the young. llowsomoyer, as long as | eau
raise my rusty old friend here--ha" said he, with
a sudden stalt-"what is thatn'
A slight ruslIling of the dry leaves was heard a
lille distance off, as if some were making their
wey cautiously through the thick underbrush which
sprung up in every direction
"1'o cover James," whispered the Scout, "to
cover and lie close" and he crepi softly behind n
huge pine against which he had been eanlng.-
The young man followed his example, darling be-
hind a dense ihicket, where he could observe the
Scouts motions as well as reconnoitre the spot he
had left.
He had barely secreled himself, when tall saw
age was seen to advance with snakc-molion into
little opening just beyond the small enclosure we
have mentioned lie paused for a moment after
emerging from the bushes, and then glancing fur
lively around, he bent down and applied his ear TO
the ground. The slightest sound-even the mere
movement Of foot, so keen is the sense ofhear-
Ing in the Indian, might have betrayed them
Scarcely drawing full breath the concealed par
ty watched with no little anxiety the motions Of
the wary savage.
From where young Maybeuy stood he had the
Indian completely in his range and at his mercy,
and he turned his head inqurngly toward the Scout
and motion 10 that effect The old man shook his
head negatively, and he turned again 10 observe
the further movements of the red man. In the
meantime the savage, If satisfied with his scru,i
ny raised himself from his bent posture and crept
silently away in the direction whence they had
come.