The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-02-07

MY OF examining his whole appearance
lie was very tall and lean, but large-boned
and apparently of great strength. His face
| winch had not been shaved for several weeks
was so tanned by sun and weather, that he
might have been taken for an Indian, had moi
the beard proved his claim to white blood
But his eyes were what most struck me-
There was something so frightftlly wild in
their expression, look of terror and desper-
alton, like that of man whom all the fiIries
OF hell were hunting and prosecuting. His
halr hung in ragged lockso over his forehead
checks, and neck, and round his head was
bound n handkerchief, ON which were several
stains of brownish black color. Shots OF
the same kind were visible upon his leathern
jacket, breeches, and moccassins they We're
evidently blood stains His hunting knife,
which was nearly two feet long, with a rude
wooden handle, was now replaced In his gir-
die, but in its stead he held a Kentucky rifle
in his hand.
Although did my utmost to assume an in
different countenance, my features doubtless
expressed something of the repugnance and
horror with which the man inspired me. lie
looked loweringly at me for moment under
his shaggy eyebrows.
you don't seem 10 like the company you've
gotinto,' said he. "Do look so very desper-
ate, then? Is it written so plainly on my
filce?
what should there be written upon your
faceY
what? What? Fools and children ask them
questions H...
will ask none; but as a Christian, us my
countryman, beseech you'-
Christian interrupted he, with n hollow
laugh. 'Counrymanp He struck the butt
of his rifle hard upon the ground. That is
nv
ued, as he examined the flint and lock of his
weapon. THAT releases from all troubles /:
that's true friend POOH perhaps it will
release you too-put you to rest.
These last words were uttered aside, and
musingy . ...
Put him to rest, as well as-Pooh One
more or less-Perhaps it would drive away
that cursed spectre ...
All this seemed to be spoken to his rifle.
will you swear not to bctray me?' 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. l am sure my pulse did not
give throb the more for this menace. So
deadly weak and helpless as lay, it was ut
necessary to shoot me. The slightest blow
from the butt ofthe rifle would have driven
the last faint spark oflif ont ofmy exhaust
ed body. looked calmly, inditfercntly even,
into the muzzle ofthe piece.
1fyou can answer it 10 your God, to your
and my creator, do your will
My words, Which from faintness could
scarcely render audible, had neverthe-
less, sudden and startling effect upon the
man. lie trembied from head To foot let the
butt ofhis gun fall heavily TO the ground,
and gazed at me with open mouth aud star
ing eyes.
This one, too, cohies with his Godp NUT
tered he God! and your and my creator
He seemed hardly able to articulate these
words, which Were uttered by gasps and eff
forts, as though something had been choking
him.
His and my-iudgo- groaned he again
Can there be God, acreator and Judge"
AS he stood thus muitering to himself, his
eyes suddenly became fixed, and his features !
horribly distorted. ....
DO it not' cried he III shrill tone of hor-
ror, that rang through 'my head. 1T will
bring no blessin' whit. am n dead man!
God be merciful to Inc! My poor wife, my
poor children
The rifle fell from his hands, and he smote
MS breast and forehead in a paroxysm ofthe
widest fury. 1t was frightful to behold the
wretch, stamping madly
lbout, and casting glances of terror behind
lin, as though demons hid been hunting him
lown. TIE foam flew from his mouth, and
expected each moment to see him fall TO the
ground in a fit of epilepsy Gradually, how
,ver, he became more tranquil.
'D'ye see hothin' in my tace% said he in
loarse WHISPER, suddenly pausing close to
where lay.
what shouldI see?' Dr..
He came yet nearer. ..
Look well at me--tHough me, if you can.
Dye see uothin' now"
'Ah! understand, you can see nothin'.-
Amt in spyin' humNr, l calkilate. No, no,
hat you amt. After four days and nights
astin,' one loses the fancy for many things.
We tried it for two days myself. So, you are
weak and faint,eh? But needn't ask that, !
eckon. You look bad enough. Take an
'ther drop ofwhisly;itll strengthen you But
wait till l mix it,
As he spoke, he stepped down to the edge
'fthe river, and scooping up the water in the
follow ofhs hand, filed his flask with it,
Then returning to me, he poured little into
ny mouth. 'n ..I'@
Even the bloodthirsty Indian appears less
# a savage when engaged in u compassionate
ct, and tn wild desperate had fallen in
With, seemed softened and humanized by the
ervice he was rendering me. His voice
ounded less harsh; his manner was calmer
md mild en-. ... ..,... .......... ....,H
you wish to go to an inn .... -.
? 'For / Ieavens sake, Yes. These four days
have asted nothing but a bit oftobacco.'
tCan you spare a bit of that?' ...
q sAll I have '''' "'
handed him my cigar case, and the roll
IF di,lo assimus. He snatched the latter from
me- al nd bit into it with the furious eagerness