Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1849-05-14

Scarcely had they disappeared, when Wallace
made his appearance, rifle in hand, before the en-
trance to Grey's dwelling.
"Come in," said Roger. kindly.
''Not now, please you"
'Why not?"
'.Nothing. Where's Miss Fanny2p
"She has just gone flower hunting
81 only wanted to say she had better avoid the
mound. yonder-where she loves 10 sit so often"
tWhat's the matter, Wallace?"
"Not much" continued the youth. 81 passed
there yesterday evening, and at the east side of
the hill you remember, there is parroW cleft be-
tween the rocks which form the bluff"
Eyes, i recollect-a sort Of cave"
$50 it seems, though Inever knew it before"
"Well, what of the cleft, Wallace2 2"
Nothing, sir, particular. That is you see Eve
been through these grounds I. good many years,
and knono panther aehen see him ~
ga what ?" exclaimed Grey, starting to his
feet.
"a panther, sir. car tell him if ! see moth
ing but his taila'
sWell, Wallace !" continued Grey, anxiously
"Well, then !; coming home last evening, saw
panther's tail--the pointed end OF it-proJectng
from the crevice of that cleft, and Pve come to
caution Miss Fanny to stay at home this after
noon, while go and get shot at him if can
quiet, Belch!" continued Wallace, turning to
the fine prairie dog that accompanied his master
along-but whose quick ear had detected noise
in the distance, which neither Roger Grey or
Wallace had caught.
''Down ! say, Belch," continued Wallace,
as the prairie dog again sent forth a sharp growl.
"My God what is that 2" exclaimed Roger
Grey, an instant afterward, turning deadly pale,
and springing to the doorway. But Wallace had
heard it too, and without utering a syllable. he
dashed madly towards the forest, followed by
Belcher close at his heels. The terror stricken
father was instantly upon his trail, for the wild
shrek they heard came from his daughter'sl ps.
t'Help-father Wallace, helpio screamed the
girl at the top of her lungs, and ''sister Fanny,
help !" yelled the boy, as he chung in desperate
fright to her dress-for, as they approached the
favorite spot on which the gentle girl had delight
rock a huge animal of the panther species, which
nimbly mounted the little hillside, within thirty
yards of the wanderers, and crouchng upon its
belly, lay prepared to spring from the ascent upon
the defenceless children
The monster lashed the sod with his tail, and
growled fercely it gazed upon the horror struck
girl, who dared not turn to f1ee well knowing that
such course would be fatal and in her mad des-
pair she could only shrek for suceor, which she
had no thought however was near her! But there
was quick rushing in the underground behind
anu Ill dt iilStdtt d.
ter old Belcher passed them in hot haste.
"Down, Fanny, down ~ shouted the brave
Wallace, who had come up at the sams moment
and saw her peril but could not fire to advantage
BeIchsr mo-nted UP the side of the bluff, sprung
upon the beast, but in moment was disabled by
the fierce clutch Of the now enraged and dsap-
pointed panther, who for an instant STOOD over the
PROSTATE dog in triumph.
"Down! 7" shouted the yaung marksman again,
and Fanny Grey, exhausted with the fright and
excitement sank upon the ground. A sharp ring
echoed through the forest, and the savage beast
reeled forward and plunged headlong to the base
of the bluff, pierced through the braia by bullet
from young Hollands unerring rifle
The father heard the report he sprung wildly
to the spot, and in another moment pressed his
children frantically to his heart. They were safe;
unframed
Three years subsequently to this adventure, i.
CHANGED TO be travelling down the Ohio river. On
its brink there stood neat little dwelling, an
humble spot, tenanted by a youthful couple, who
had been but recently married, and from their lips
gathered the above facts. The occupants Of that
pretty dwelling were Wallace and Fanny, now
Mr. and Mrs. HOLLAND!