The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-06-30
Youths Department.
ISR A Ell PUT N A NJ.

ISRAEL PUT N A NJ.
In these little scketches do not propose to DO
profound; only laxative, charitable, and simple. As
we have very little space this week, for this feature
we shall continue our subject without Needless pre-
face.
Putnam's early days were spent as those Of most
boys placed in his situation in life. One of his favor
ite amusments was bird nesting" cruel and
less CUSTOM followed in all country places with fe-
rocity perfectly atrocious. These hunts for nests
were followed in company; but Putnam was always
the leader of tho band.
On one occasion he and his companions came a.
cross a ine nest which lodged on frail branch of
very high tree The tree stood apart from the Others
and was difficult of climbing. Besides this, il was
evident that pole, continuance, would answer
tho purpose of getting the nest-here way
of obtaining it save by venturing upon the branch,
which, nine chances TO ten would break under the
weight of the robber. No one would venture.
Putnam regarded the nest and limb in silence
,sfor some moments, and at length said
"That bird has all the qualities of n soldier. II
has completely fortified its home. I'll wager that
there is not boy for ten miles round that could get
that nest"
All agreed with him.
an try it," said he, deliberately taking or his
jacket and rolling up his putaoons up to his knees.
The little knot of boys ATTEMPTED to dissuade him;
but to no purpose. Go he would.
"I fancy that one of the Kings sirongholds,"
said Putnam, land may I've shot if don't come off
victor"
The tree was ascended-the limb gained. Put
nam placed his foot upon it, and it cracked. while
the old bird flew of with sharp cry and remained
describing circles around the tree and uering touch
ing complaints.
"Bah!" said Putnam, do you not prey
fiedsl Do you not tax us for your support Do
you take goods against will, just like the
King!"
lie ven,ured foot further on the limb. It bent
low, and a warning mumur from the boys be-
low. Putnam put his knee to the limb, and reached
towards the nest. The limb broke pariiaIIy-a shout
below--and Putnam persevered. His fingers touch
ed the wished for prize, and just as he cried-"rve
got it," the limb broke clear off, and no fell but not
to the ground His pnntaOons caught in one of the
lower branches and his head hung downwards.
"Put are you hurtl" asked one of the boys.
"Not hurt" answered the undauntei heart; but
sorely puzzled how to get down.
ave can't cut away the limb because havo no
knife"
'I cun't stay here I'LL you get one"
"We'll strike light and burn the tree down.
"Aye. and smother me in the smoke. That won't
do"
There was a boy named Randall in the group,
who was noted for being a crack marksman, and
who afterwards fought very bravely at Putnam's side
Him Putnam addressed:
"Jim Randall there is ball in your rifle
ayes"
p ADO you that very little limb that holds me
here"
al do"
Sire at it,"
"What to cut you down."
"Of course"
"But might strike your head.
"ShOot. Better biotr oui my bruins than 10 see
me die here. which shall in fifteen minutes. Shoot"
"But you will fall"
.'Jim Randall will you fire.
The sharp crack of the rifle rang through the forest
the splinters new-and Putnam fell upon the
ground. He severely bruised; but laughed the
matter off, and nothing more was thought oft.
Three days after Putnam met Randall and the rest
and, taking the nest from his pocket, said
"Here is the nest said would have it per-
sh; but went alone, because determined
should see me fall and aid to escape the conse-
quences."
The same indomabIe spirit displayed in that
instance as in the perilous leap and the many other
daring and dangerous exploits, performed by the gal
liant in his efforts for the aseendancy of the
cause of libertv -Ni11h's MESSENGER.