Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-09-01
CHAPTER XII.
The Irapper's Tale.

.. OH 1he 1Tdpper'S Tale. ...- ".f
After circu,ous ride of some twenty miles
through the mountains, Kah-ra-hah, Winfield,
and their companion, arrived at the point in the
beautiful valley we have before described. as the
rendezvous of the trappers. A faint light in the
eastern sky which gradually changed from pale
dull grey to a light crimson hue, betokened the
approach of day. Seated on rock at some dis
tance from the remainder of the party, Kah-ra-
hah and Winfield were engaged in earnest CONVEX
sation. . ..
"You will join Donrphan then at Ell Passo," en-
quired kah-ra-hah.
"That is my inlention,'' replied Winfield. at
depends upon Circumstance however, whether
remain with the army any length of time
promised TO return home this coming spring, but
fear that travelling will be dangerous, and that
must perforce accompany the command SOUTH"
at is a bold movement the part of Doni-
phan," kah-ra-hah rema rked, "and if was not
well acquainted with the character of the inhabt-
ants of the city and state of Chihuahua | would
condemn the expedition haza rdous in the ex-
treme. But a solourn of three years among the
Mexicans has taught me that bravery is not one of
their leading characteristics"
I" You have been long absent from the States"
said Winfield, nterrogatively.
81 left home five years ago." was the reply.
And do you intend never to return,' asked
Winfield.
"Never - replied Kah- ra- hnh. '.Ncver will
revisit scenes which can but awaken bitter recoi-
lections. There many wandering ira ppers in
The far west, who, like myself. have exiled them
selves from choice. | met one once, (and You may
have heard of him. who related TO me the history
of his life. He was kentuckian by BIRTH Of res
pectabe parentage and had an only brother many
years younger than HIMSELF from whom he was
separated in early youth. The elder brother
loved the younger, and though the separation was
sad it was necessary, for a. that lime there were
but few if any good schools i'll the west. Henry,
the elder brother, had graduated at Yale, and
ihither it was the younger brother was sent
Henry poor but ambitious, and for two yea RS
after leaving college, applied hiGisef diligently
10 the study OF law. Naturally reserved aud diff.
, fident he mingled bat little in society; his books
were b,s only companions, yet he was happy and
contented, for bright future was in view and
hope beckoned him onward. In his rambes Hen
ry frequently passed over the plantation belong
ing TO Mr.. George Hutchinson. of the wealth.
lest and most arstocratic planters in the State.
Mr.. Hutchinson had an only daughter, beauti-
fuI and accomplished girl, this time in her
eighteenth year. Mary Hutchinson and Harry
Winfield
I" You know him then" impetuously exclaimed
Winfield starting to his feet. "Yo1 have met
my brother" --
81 know your brother,'' replied kah-ra hah
calmly, "but listen TO my story. An intimacy
sprang up between Winfield and Mary Huchin-
son, which on the part of the former. rpened in
to the most ardent and passionate affection, and
his love returned for Mary told him one
happy day after he had spoken of his affection
that she too loved. Mr.. Hutchinson, of a high
and irascible temper was u warm politician. Win.
field unfortunately opposed him in his political
views, and dispute arising between them one
day in regard TO some trivial point, the old man
from being argumentve became abusive, until
finally in the phrenzy of the moment he struck
Winfield and ordered him 10 leave his house,
This insult so gross, this conduct outrageous
and ungentlemanly, could not be resented, for
Mr.. Hutchinson not only old man, but
he was Mary's father From that hour VIM
field was changed man. The future was a
blank for the star that illuminated his path was
extnguished, the hope of domestic happiness,
which he had looked forward 10 with rapture had
fled. He became restless and weary, until at last
finding that time instead of healing his sorrow
but added fuel to the flames that were consuming
his life and energy of spirit, he left his home
and Joined party of Adventures who were about
leaving for the Rocky mountains. The fearless
ness he dspa yed, the recklessness with which he
risked the life which to him was of but little
value, rendered his name familiar with the
rude rappers of the west, and terror TO the lndI
ans. Years have flown, yet still within the recess
ses of his heart fingers the memory Of bygone
days-and of that hopeless and fervent love
which time never su5due."
Winfield had listened with emotion to the sran-
gers narrative; for the first time in five years he
had heard of his long lost brother and his hear,
beat high with hope. H
"Where is he," demanded Winfield. 'Where
is he of whom you speak ! Tell me that may
hasten and inform him of the joy that is in store.
of the happiness that awaits him. have sought
my brother for many weary day, TO tell him
that Mary still loves him, and that she lives but IN
the hone of meeting him again her father is
dead, and dying he prayed he might be for
mi,ted He charged me | stood beside his
couch, TO seek my brother and tell him OF the
sorrow and remorse he experienced in that hour,
and that il he still loved his child to come to her
for he knew. he said, ..that her heart was break
ing."