Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1847-04-01

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Look yonder, said the youth, pointing
to the fleet of boats, as the band gathered
uponthe shore, what say you to that"
That we shall have more merry-makins
soon? answered one, whose countenanct
and speech seemed to indicate a lamiIiar
ly with such scenes.
There is yet time to lay our plans ere
they arrive, said HARDWOOD, but, mean
while let US withdraw from the shore, es
our presence may be discovered.
'Yes' exclaimed the hunter;' come with
me; will find you sale retreat such as
shall defy the keenest scrutiny Of the enc
my, though he wear the Iynx's eyes
The hunter then turned to the east, fol.
lowed by the little band, across n Level
space then up the side Of hill that faced
the lake, until arriving at small cIump Of
hemIccks, he paused
There, said he, putting aside. a few
bovghs, there is your hiding place.
Couch low and enter.,
The party, creeping upon their knees,
soon found themselves, much to their sur
prise, in ample room, formed by a shelly
ing rock that shot out from the Hill. and
darkly obscurcd by thick growth Of trees
and bushes around and above it, so as Ia
hide it from the observer. Here they
soon struck up fire, TO dispel the damp
ness OF the place, as well as to prepare
their evening repast. A huge stag was
now sent for by one of their number, which
had that day been killed. The deer was
brought and roasted, and distributed among
the party, who soon began TO make as mer-
ry as though their business was anything
but death. Meanwhile, the hunter and
the youth had taken their station at an
opening amid the trees, in view Of the lake,
and we're watching the movements of the
enemy. The sun was usl sinking in The
west, so that its reflected beams caused
the surface of the lake to glow like burn
ished gold, while the fleet Of the enemy,
with their arms glistening in the sunlight,
and their banners rejecting its rays, spot
ted the eXpanse. and seemed like the
countless wild fowls, that often hover over
its tranquil waters, with their glossy plumes
and expanded wings, shining in purple
and gold The main body of the enemy
now held their course towards the western
shore, while S mall detachment turned to
The opposite, and steered for point about
three miles above, where HARDWOOD had
stationed his band short time previous.
Nov is The time for action!' said the
hunter. The enemy, undoubtedly, have
knowledge Of your presence, and have
sent detachment to surprise and take
your ba;ld.'
They may tahc something else" lacon.
icaIIy responded the youth.
Right returned the hunter. "A good
ly number of prisoners would be no mean
present to send into our camp, tomorrow,
to inform of the enemy's intentions,
But this, savage; why should he wish
our ruin?' mentally circulated the youth.
There is more in this exclaimed the
hunter, the willy chief has some selfish
motive for his mode of procedure.
'Ah watch well your home,' returned
the yonth Il fear for the safety of her it
contains,
But rejoined the hunter, if. he is con-
cerned in the movements of yonder scouts,
his designing mind will find employ for
some time hence; still, TO make all secure
| will soon return to guard, and should he
mediate a foul deed, | will hover over him
like pesliIence,to blast him in his guilt
See, the shades Of evening are already
beginning 10 settle upon the lake and hill
and vale. This admonishes us of our
IpurpoSe-co come, my friend let your older
experience help lay our plans, exclaimed
the youth. .'..
They now returned to the cave, where
the jolly band were Just making their re.
past, The meal was soon despatched and
the band gathered around the hunter and
their leader in sober conclave, as though
the fate of the whole depended upon the
counsel Of each. Their plans were soon
land and the council broke up. The hunt
er, and the leader with his trusty band
then took leove of the cave to reconnoi-
tire their late encampment, and the lurking
place of the enemy. Them, they found
landed short distance down the shore of
the lake, apparently waiting the approach
of midnight, to commence the attack -
The p lace the band had so lately occupi-
to obey the summons Of their leader, was
situated at the foot of small rocky slope,
that inclined towards the lake, so as 10
render access from behind impossible
The path that led 10 it from towards the
enemy's position, along The margin Of the
water, widened, somewhat, a few rods
before it reached the place, then became
narrow and difficult as it passed by on the
south, up the lake. One half of his follow
ers, HARDWOOD concealed in the thick I'M
derbrush that grew beside the only way
Of access from below, with orders to let
the enemy pass unmolested. The half
Of the reminder, he placed behind their
camp, hid among the rocks, while the rest
we're to guard the narrow passage beyond
up the lake, This arrangement being
made, small watch-fre was kndled up.
on the shore and an image placed near,
reclining against neighboring tree, TO
pass for drowsy sentinel.
LookF SAID the hunter, pointing to a
glimmering light across the water, address
|,