The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-06-21

he had killed the only mule he posses
sed in the world, and we now found it
difficult to recover them. After search
ing about for near half an hour in the
drizzling rain, Sam CHANGED to come
upon the spot from which he had taken
the hapess aim, and having regained
his gun and pan, we endeavored TO
strike fire; all our efforts, however.to
produce light, proved Intellectual, and
we essayed togrope our way amid the
darkness.
Hello, major, whar is your
'Heren
'Whar are you gwine9'
'Home.'
well, that aint the way
'Why we come this way
mo, reckon not
'I'm sure we didn't come that way
'Whar in the devils name is the
branch?' petulently inquired Sam. III
| could see the branch, could soon find
the way
'lt must be down this way,'l replied.
Some how or other I'm tetotaciousI Y
deuded tonight remarked Sam, as he
came teariag through the bllers with
his stirrup irons dangling abous him,his
gun in one hand and frying pan in the
other. 'lf hadn't been completely
uumfoozIed,'d never killed Blake like
| did,
| volunteered to carry his gun, but
he was in no humor for the interchange
of civlilies--stiil 'harpIng' on his mule,
he trudged on, grumbllng to himself
'What,' he muttered, will Polly say
now-l'Il never hear the last of that
crittcr the longest day live. That's
worse than chopin the coon-trea
across the sittin' hens nest, and liked
never to hearn the eend o. that
After groping through the brush and
briers, which seemed TO grow thicker
the farther we proceeded, for some time,
Sam stopped:
Il swar, major, this amt the way
We'll, then, cad the way and I'll fol-
low you,' replied, beginning myself to
think was wrong.
Changing our direction, we plod ded
on, occasionally tumbling over logs and
brush, until Sam concluded thatall our
efforts to find the way were useless.
oh, thunderatlon!' said he, as he
tore away from thick jungle Of brers
in which he had been rearing and pitch
ing for more than minute, sit amt no
manner of use for us to try to find the
way, major-so let's look out a big
tree, and stop under it till morning.
Seeing no alternative, | reluctantly
acccded to his proposal.
Accordingly, we nestled down under
the shelter of large oak. For time
neither spoke, and all was still, save the
incessant buz of the countless hosts of
that now seemed intent on
devouring US. At length broke si-
lence, by remarking; at the same time
that | gave myself box upon the ear,
for the musqueto that was BIZ
ting me:
q think that this will be my last fire.
hunt, Mr.. Skies
The fact is replied Sam, 'this 'ere
amt very enoouragin' to new beginners,
major, that's fact; but you mustn't
give it up so. hope we'll have bet
ter showin' next time
MY curiosity is satisfied | remark
ed. Il wouldn't pass such another night
in the woods for all the deer in Geor-
gia.'
SHAW, wouldn't care tinker's
cus,' said Sam, 'if only hadn't killed
Blaze. That's what sets me back, ,mon-
strous.'
That was indeed an unlucky mistake.
should think a few such exploits as
that would cure you of your fire-hunt-
ing propensity. But expect you ne
yer had such luck before tonight
mo, not "a city, tho I've had some
monstrous bad luck in my time, TOO,
reckon you never hearn about the time
| got among the panters'
mo; how was that?'
.Why, it was bout this time last fall,
] and Dudley went out and 'camped on
Sperit Creek. Well, he tuck his pan
and went out one way, and went an
other. went shinin' along jest like
you seed me tonight, till | got good
bit from the camp, and bimeby, shure
enough, | sees eyes not more'n forty
yards off. | fotched old Betsy up to
my face and cut loose, and the deer
drapped right in his tracks, but some
how in my hurryment drapt my pan,
Jest like did tonight when heerd old
Blaze squeel. While | was tryin' to
kindle up a light, what should ! see but
more eyes shinin' way down in the hol-
or I dront the fire and loaded m o,d