Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-02-26

nanuie, was now replaced m MS BHule, put III
its stand be held a Kentucky rifle in his hand.
Although did my utmost to assume an in
different countenanee my features doubtless express
ed something OF the repugnance and horror with
which the man inspired me. lie looked lowering
ly at me for moment under his shaggy eye
brows.
you don't seem to like the company you've
got into said he. "Do look very desper.
ate, then Is il written so plainly on my face 2
What should there be written upon your
facet
WHAT WHAT Fools and children ask them
questions
will ask none but as aChrislian, as my eoun.
ryman, | beseech you
Christian = interrupted he with hollow laugh
'Countryman He struck the butt Of his rife
hard upon the ground. That is my eountryman-
my only friend he continued. he examined
the flint and lock Of his weapon. That releases
from all troubles that's a true friend Pooh
perhaps it will release you too-put you to rest.
These last words were uttered aside and musing-
ly.
Put him to rest, as well as-Pooh One more
or ess-Perhaps it would drive away that cursed
spectre
All this seemed to be spoken to his rife.
win you swear not TO betray the =! cried he to
me. Else. one touch
As he spoke. he brought the gun to his shoulder,
the muzzle pointed full at my breast.
felt no fear. / am sure my pulse did not give
throb the more for this menace. So deadly
weak aud helpless as | lay, it was unnecessary to
shoot me- The slightest blow from the butt Of
the rifle would have driven the last faint spark Of
life out Of my exhausted body. | looked
calmly. indifierently even, into the muzzle of the
piece.
III you answer it to your God, to your and
my creator, do your will
My words which from fainlness could scarce
ly render audible had nevertheless sudden start.
ling effect upon the man. He trembled from head
to foot let the butt of his gun fall heavily to the
ground, and gazed at me with open mouth and
stariuge eyes
This one. too, comes with his God !" must.
tered he, God and your and my creator and
Judge
He seemed hardly able to arteulate these words,
which were uttered by gasps and efforts, as though
something had been choking him.
His and judge,-groaned he again. Can
there be God, a creator and judgel,
As he stood thus mutterlng TO himself, his eyes
suddenly became fixed, and his features horribly
distorted
DO il not cried he in shrill tone Of horror,
that rang through my head 1t will bring no
blessn with it. ! am dead man God be merci-
full to me My poor wife, my poor childrenP
The rifle fell from his hands, and he smote his
breast and forehead in paroxysm Of the widest
Jury IL was Ifig0tlul 10 DcUOlu Tue COurCcuCt-
stricken wretch, stamping madly about, and cast
ing gances of terror behind him, as though demons
had been hunting him down. The foam flew
from his mouth. and expected each moment 10
see him fall to the ground in fit Of epilepsy.
Gradually, however. he became more tranquil.
Dye see noihin' in my face y said be in
hoarse whisper, suddenly pausing close to where
lay.
What should | see!
IL
Look well at me-thrOngh me, you can. Dye
see nothn' nowr
'Ah | understand, you nothin,' Amt
in a spyin' humor, | calkilate. No, no, that you
amt After four days and nights fasin one loses
the fancy for many things I've tried it for two
DAYS myself So, you are weak and faint ,eh But
| needn't ask that, reckon. You look bad enough
Take another drop Of whisky ;itll strengthen you.
But wait ill | mix it,
As he spoke, he stepped down to the edge OF
the river, and scooping up the water in the hollow
OF his hand, filled his flask with it, Then return
ing TO me, he poured little into my mouth.
Even the bloodthirsly Indian appears less Of a
savage when engaged in a compassionate act. and
the wild desperate had fallen in with, seemed
softened and humanized by the service he was
rendering me. His voice sounded less harshi his
! manner was calmer and milder.
You wish to oto an inn.
'For Heavens sake, yes. These four days have
tasted nothing but bit of tobacco
Can you spare bit OF thatF
! AN have
handed him my cigar case, and the roll OF
dulcissimus. lie snalched the latter from me, and
| BIT into it with the furious eagerness Of wolf
'Ah, the right sort this mutered he to himself.
All young man, or old man-youre an old man,
amt you How old are you
'Two-and-tweniy.
lie shook his head doubtingly.
Can hardly believe that But four days in the
prairie, and nolhin to eat. Well, II may be so.-
Bot stranger if had had this bit Of tobacco only
ten days ago-A bit Of tobacco is worth deal
sometimes. II might have saved a mans life =
Again he groaned and his accents became wild
and unnatural
Il say, stranger cried he in a threatening tone
Il sayl Dye see yonder live oak Dye see it! It's
the Patriarch and finer and mghtier one you
won't find in the praires | reckon. Dye see it.
Il do see it,
'Ah you see it, 'cried he hercely. And what is
it ioyoul What have you TO do with the Patriarch
or with what lies under il! ] reckon you had best
not be too curious that way. fyou dare take q
step under that tree'--He swore an oath toe
horrible to be repeated.
There's a spectre there, cried he "a spectre
that would fright you to death. Better keep away.
Il will keep away replied l. | never thought
of going near it. All l want il to get TO the
nearest plantation or inn
'Ah true man-the next inn. I'll show you tht
way TO it, ! will
You will save my life by so doing said |, anC
l shall be ever grateful TO you as my dellyerer'
'Devererl' repeated he, with wild laugh Pooh
Ifyou knew " hat sor; of deliyerer-Pooh What
the use of savin' life, when-yet will vii
4 hans eha will aVf