The Woodstock age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1844-1845, 1845-01-30

hopeful sire as in reality his own.1
CHAPTER TX.
In obedience to the orders of Jaco
Dash, the two rangers left by him in thu
care of Mervale's cabin, retired to tht
woods, to temporary place which they
had prepared for resting, just at sunse
on the evening ofVan Loans excursion
They heard the trampling of the incen
diaries, Notwithstanding the caution they
observed, sometime before they reach
ed Mervale's cabin; and leaving theil
position, which was near the cabin, they
retired farther into the forest, yet still
within view of the ground of action
They consequently witnessed all the oper.
atoms of Van Loan and his comrads
from his first survey of the premises, un.
til the final conhagration of the cabin
As all interference or opposition from
them would have been utterly useless
they were compelled to witness the work
of demolition in silence. They occupied
their position until morning, when they
approached to survey the ruins. A few
iron cooking utensils were all that escap-
ed destruction, and these they extricatcd
from the mass, and placed in some thick
bushes growing close by; and alter some
debate they resolved to follow Jacob and
Merval to Schohaire. The skiT used by
Jacob to convey Mervule from the Man
sion, was concealed a few rods below the
site of the ruined cabin, and to it they re.
paired, and in short time were on their
journey down the stream. Using all the
strength ofwhich they were masters, they
landed in a few hours after, near The
spot where Jacob and Meryale had land
ed short time previous. They entered
the settlement, and we're again surround
ed by the fruits of tory magnanimity.
They found Jacob and Merval engaged
in assisting the villagers in the collection
of their cattle, and in temporarily re-
pairing the damages of the fort. A part
of the inhabitants were engaged in pre-
pairing graves for the reception of the
killed, otwhich the far greater par. were
tories-only three or four of the settlers
having been killed outright, although
some dozen or two were wounded more
or less severely in the encounter, at the
entrance of their ratification. Jacob
was enraged beyond measure when he
heard of the dest ruction of the cabin
'Thc infarnel vagabonds knew | was MT
there, he exclaimed; 'cuss 'em, they're
took it for a hen roost' Mervae evinc-
cd less evidence of anger than his stall
wart friend, yet he vowed against Van
Loan a deep and bitter vengeance. He
at first determined to return Immediately
to the ruin of his home, but when he
made the announcement, the villagers
would not listen to it moment, They
were fearful Of another attack from the
blood thirsty Butler, and they were desti-
tute of an individual so well qualified as
Mervale to act as their leader. Even
the women joined in the universal request
that he should remain with Them until
their danger was over. He finally con-
cluded to remain 1T would do no good
for him to return he argued, for the
mischief was already committed. His
enemies had destroyed his home, and the
few effects, of which he was possesscd,by
far the most valuable part Of which was
the furs he had saved from his seasons
hunting and about his own premises there
was nothing left for him to care for;
He often thought Of Alice Van Loan;
but, he did not fear that those who hdun-
ted his footsteps with such evident mallg-
nifty would ever cause her to shed a tear,
yet in this he was mistaken. Jacob also
acquiesced in the plan of remaining few
DAYS longer with the villagers. 'Theys
no mistake, said the worthy ranger, but
that mought come across that chap that
had such an eternal sight of fun, about
the bigness of my tracks They's no tell
in neither but the fellow would like TO sec
the feet themselves
Mervale and Jacob remained for fort
night or Whereabouts with the villagers,
and at the expiration of this time, their
fears in relation to another irruption of
the tories had about vanished. Mervale
and his comrade accordingly prepared TO
visit the ncighborhood of the mansion,
leaving the troops Of the worthy ranger
behind. Accordingly they started on
their return, and arrived at their destina-
ton without adventure or accident. The
sight ofhis ruined home affected Mcrvale
to tears-not that he cared ought for its
value, or that he feared for the inconven-
fences he would be subjected to without
it, but it was cndeared to him by tender
associations. 1t had been his home; shell
tered him from the raging storm and
piercing cold, and he had regarded every
rough old log of which it was composed
with feelings Of strong affection. When
Jacob first approached the ruins he stood
for some time and gazed upon them in
silence. He then turned his eyes to the
countenance OF Mervale, and observing
that they were wet with tears, he exclaim
ed
The man that calls you chicken heart
ed is a liar, Reggy, as | myself know; but
its a natural circumstances that fellow
that's got any gizzard a, all, should feel {
lee,le melancholy when he sees his owr
house burnt up by his enemies, even i
tain, so noble as some houses is | mus
| confess that | thort good deal Of the old