The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-10-01

chains.
r "Nick" said Ray, as side by side, they dash
ed across the prairie, q" how met we? L let
! you at the fort"
"No; Nick started half an hour first
5 Would not let brave pale face 90 alone fount
! him chased by the Blackfeet, but Indian n.
take Master Ray; Nick know a trick wort
two of that. But hush Blackfeet in val
ley!"
A flash, and the crack of guns fired il
haste, showed that Nick was right giving
volley in reply, without pausing to discovel
its effect, the pair galloped EDWARDS, and once
more emerged upon the plain. Nick led tho
way, and d~iverging from the ordinary route
entered a stream, the course of which they
kept until satisfied that pursuit was batlcd
when they retook the ordinary route.
By daylight they reached the great camp
where Indians had pitched their tents to trat-
fic with the rival whites. To the right were
seen the wagons Of Sublctte, to the left those
Of johnson, MPherson's agent, who they
found in low spirits, as his opponent expected
a supply of tobacco in the afternoon, when
all chance for Spokan would be over; but as
Ray detailed his object and success, the a.
gents eyes glistened, and he exclaimed,
Bravo, Mr.. Ray I'd just like to be in your
shoes, for if you have not made old Macs for
tune, my name amt johnson. Such prime
beavers you never saw. BY the head Of Gen.
jackson, but you're a lucky dog" Ray, de-
lighted, partook Of a hasty dish of food, and
the days work began. First the chiefs were
summoned, and RECALLED, to Sublette's c%onster-
nation, with a liberal smoke, and it was then
extended to every Indian present. Seated
around Johnson's tent, the Spokan, Kanioops,
(hn,,1sn,,A- C,,nIo,,D, n,I o+In, 4n,In,
enjoyed their luxury with unmiXed %satisfac-
ton and, when the barter commenced they
disposed of their skins in an equally liberal
agents, that when Sublette's supply of tobac-
co arrived, not beaver or a coon skin re-
manned for a market.
Aware that the Blackfect, when discovered,
would draw off, Ray and Nick, after a short
repose, mounted fresh horses, and after an
unsafe and disagreeable journey over the yet
smouldering grass, were received with open
arms at Spokan fort. M'Pherson forthwith
drew Ray to his counting room, motioncd him
to a seat, installed himself at his ledger, with
pen in hand. Ray related his dangers, his
escape, modestly but fully, and also their ex-
traordinary success.
know, lad" said the delighted old man,
" you have brought me the best years trade, |
I ever had, and [ count it no small thing to
beat Captain Sublette."
81 am much gratifed, sir, that l have been
instrumental in serving you"
"That is very well" said the trader, push
up his spcctacles, but tell me why you,
generally so slow and cold should suddenly do
so much for me p
" 1t was the first opportunity I had Of doing
what others would not do"
"Do you expect no share in the great adj
Of last nights adventures ?"
"That I leave to you, sir"
"Now, Mr.. Ray, l wish you to be thorough
ly frank. You must have some motive in thus
suddenly risking your life for me what is it
You have doubled my fortune, let me do you
some service in return"
Ray saw that the worthy merchant was still
in the dark, and smiling, said, "NIy ambition
has been to share your good fortune, and did
my hopes equal my wishes, | might say | had
hoped one day to possess all you now hold !"
"What-a partner? The idea is a bold
one, but after you have done, / see no insu-
bar to it."
"Sir," said Ray, hurriedly, 81 am content
to be your clerk, if you will, all my life but
you have a daughter"
"WhewW erred the astonished merchant,
g sits the wind in that quarter! And pray,
sir, does she know Of this ?"
"You r~ecollcct a long journey when we
inseparable companions"
ooh, l r~ecollcct all but pray, does my
daughter encourage you ?"
"SheN speak for herself, dear father" ex-
claimed Mary, who at that moment entered
g l did encourage him, for l thought him wor-
thy of it. OF late Mr.. Ray almost discourage
ed my resolution, but his late devotion to
your interest convinced me that it was the
Edward Ray l had travelled with from
New Orleans"
And So" said the trader, pettishly, " you
have arranged it all, it seems, and | am to
have no voice in the matter !"
We arranged nothing, dear father, but
it all to you"
1t will readily be believed that Edward
Ray and Mary M'Pherson had no great diff
Guilty in arranging the matter with the good
Scotchman. In a few weeks, Ray was not
only so~n-in-law, but partner at Spokan and
| believe none Of the parties have yet had
cause to regret the midnight ride over the
bluff surrounded prairies Of the wild Ore
gon.
Stick TO HIM JIMMY ? Two brothers
from the Emerald Isle, a few years since,