The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1847-02-05

The negro referred to was seated
at the very edge of the bluff, astride
of a flour barrel, and one foot hung
over the edge. The distance was
over one hundred yards, but Mike
instantly raised his rifle, with the re-
mark: "Fll jest trim that fellar's
heel so he kin wear decent boot"
and off went "Betsy."
The negro jumped from his seat,
at uttered yell Of pain, as if, in
deed, his whole heel lad been trim
med off, and Mike stood a moment,
with his rifle, listening TO the ne
gro's voice, as if cndeavoring to de-
fine from the sound whether Ic was
really seriously hurt. At last the
boatman who had been doubling
Mixes present skill, remarked;
"You kin Trace, now, Mike, fur
that darIy's master will BE- after You
with a sharp stick" and then lie
further added as a taunt-"l know
ed Betsy was leeIin' for that nigger's
bones jest by the way you held her"
Mike now became little wrathy,
and appeared inclined to use lis
bones upon lis tormcntor, bnt some
Of the others advised him 10 hold on
that he would have a chance to
exercise them on the constable. In
a short time the officer appeared
with a warrant, but as soon Il Mike
looked at him he gave up the thought
of either Fight or resistance, and quiz
city remarked to his companions
that the officer was clever fellow,
and ga small boss in fight"
The only way you kin work him
is to fool him.. says Mike, "and he's
weazlc in that Lisness hsself!"
The warrant was produced by the
officer ana read to the offender, who
signifed his assent TO the demand
for his body, and told the represent
alive Of the law TO lead the way
He did so, and when about to step
Off the boat lie cast his eye back sup
supposing that Mike was following
him, yet little suspicious. The
movement was a prudent one, for hs
discovered the tail OF Mikes hunting
shirt at the very moment the owner
was retreating into the small cabin
at the rear of the boat, which was
Immediately locked on the inside !.
All the boatmeh, as if by previous
concert, began to leave their craft,
each bearing away upon his Shout
der any loose implement lyin. about,
with which an entrance into the cab
in could be forced. The officer
paused moment, and then went to
the cabin door, which he commenced
persuading the offender to open, and
save Lin tie trouble of forcing it
He received no answer, but heard Il
hurried ruStling within. At length
getting ont Of patience, lie remarked
aloud:
"Wcll, if you wont open the door,
| can burn you out" and he com
menced striking FIRE with a pocket
finder box. The door immediately
flew open, and there stood boat
man in Mikes dress; but it wasnt
W he,
"You amt artcr me, are you hoss?"
inquired the hoa,man.
The officer without reply, stepped
inside Of the small cabin and looked
around. There appeared to be no
place to hide figure as large as
Mike, and here was Il fellow dressed
Just like hiu.. Thr thought immcdi.
ately came uppermost in the Off
GERS mind, that the offender had
changed coats outside, while his
back was turned 60 20 off the boat,
and one OF the parties that had walk
ed off was Mike in disguise He
was about 20 step out, when O moe
cas,n-covcrrd heel, sticking outside
of hole in a IargcInatuasS, attract
ed his attention, and when he touch
ed it the herI vanished. lie pat his
hand IN to feel, end Mike burst out
in horse laugh!
"Qui' your tickim' !" shouted jre.
|"tonSarn your cmuin' p,ctur'. I'll
GER in Thought struggle.
The other boatman now joined in
the laugh, as he helped the officer to
pull Mike ont of lis hiding place
He had changed his garments Msme
the cabin instead of outside. All
of the boatmcn also gathered around
and they all adjourned to the bluff,
where, after taking drinks, they
started in body for the magistrates
office, who, by the way, was one OF
the early French settlers.
"Ah, hal" he exclaimed, as the
party entered the door; "herc is re
men of re boat, raisin' &c ID bic once
more time. shall not know what
TO do wiz him by gar. Vat is dc
mattair now ?"
"Why, SQUIRE" broke in Mike,
"Pve just come up with the Colonel
to collect small bill often you"
"You shall collect &c bill from