The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-07-26
From the New Yorker.
Che l9Inther's Zeap.
AN ADVENTURE IN ILLINOIS.

It twas beautiful afternoon in the Indian
GUNNER. that season which, particularly in
the Western portion of our country, is of all
others the most enchanting; the bright
beams oft sun were tempered by the cool
and refreshing breeze that ruffled with soft
music the parti-colored foliage of the trees.
All who have stood at this season of the
wear On tho prairies of the West, with un.
covered brow, will recall the beauty spread
VIDE around item far better than | can de-
=cribe it
Selling my rifle. left my uncle Jonas
ihan's log hut and wandered leisurely over
the prairie in the direction of the wood
Having passed through corner of the for
est, found myself near small bluff upon
the top of which could plainly discern the
stately outlines and branching antlers of a
buck painted in dark lines against the hor-
lion. Entering the skirts Of the forest once
more, crept warily round the hill in order
TO approach unseen within bailing distance
Of the object OF my pursuit. STOPPING low,
hurried along behind the rugged line of
rocks at the base of the hill until reached
place from which supposed could COM
mand prospect of the whole broad sum
init. Nor was | mistaken; for on peerlng
carefully over the edge Of the rock beheld
my game in fair view about a hundred yards
distant. little suspecting an enemy, at least
in thai direction. Thrusting the muzzle
of nv rife over the rock, | took a deliber
ale AIM al his side and pulled the trigger
The quick, sharp crack of the cap alone fol-
lowed. I MS was disappointment; but quick
as possible cringed behind the rock. and,
trembling with eagerness, sought for anoth-
or cap. After consuming twice the time
necessary, and scattering my caps in all
directions upon the ground, was at length
once more in state of preparation. My
heart beat as saw the majestic animal still
occupying his former position, though with
head erect, snuffing the breeze and darling
his lightning glances in every quarter. un
knowing in what direction to fee TO avoid
the death. Again pointed my iron and
fired. The noble buck sprang into the air,
and sprang over the rock. When reach
ed the spot his limbs were already culver
ing. In loading again, | found had bu1
one charge in my flask SO with all conve
nient haste. as it was now nearly sunset,
drew my long knife, which formed an in
dlspensable item in my hunting accoutre-
ments, and having dissected the ANNA
which | had slain, proceeded homeward
loaded with the skin and two quarter, which
was all could conveniently carry, and
which. with my piece. formed very re.
spectacle burden. Striking into a path
which supposed would conduct me by a
nearer route through the forest, hurried
on with all the speed my load would allow
me. But after consuming sufficient time
to have brought me out, was somewhat
surprised at discovering that instead oil
drawing near the opening my path seemed
10 become less distinct as advanced. and
ioconduct me farther into the depth of the
forest. However, pressed On with alacritv
deeming it sure that should soon emerge
ana knowing that to retrace my steps woulC
only be conducting me into course direct
~ opposite to my home.
1t was now growing quite dark in III,
wood. b. which the Indebtedness of th,