Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1849-03-07

knew, and who was apparently poor an
friendless. However, there was somethin
In Clinton's appearance that dispelled al
her doubts, and won her heart in spite q
his poverty and mysterious course Of life.
II CHAPTER III.
I The Inn.
+ sfkwas in The month of August; the da.
l was drawing to its close, and the shades o
a e6ihg were gathering slowly over tn
Il faiffe. Il was that hour when day SEEM
jomelt gently away, and the stars appeal
intana ering, upon the 'cahsf " o
heaven.
"A hunter, at that time, might have beer
seen plodding his way along the slopins
banks Of the Des Plaines. His gun wa.
upon bis shoulder, and his game bag, filled
/ with dozen fat grouse, or prairie hens
was strapped TO his back. A faithful poin,
er, fat and seary, followed close behine
him. stopping occasionally to bathe his
burning tongue in the waters Of the stream.
| This huntsman was none other thar
Clinton Grover. In the middle of ths af
ternoon he had wandered forth to enjoy hi.
favorite sport, and giving away to the ex
element of the hunt, he had carelessly
proceeded several miles from home.
Hunger now became pressing, and having
left the prairie for the bank of the stream
he began to look forward in hopes of see-
! ing the we'll known roof of tavern which
was situated on the river Des PLANES.
AT length, after proceeding some dis:
tance down the stream, the inn of the
'Whife Rabit' appeared in view. This
was q rudely constructed building, design.
ed for the accommodation Of hunters and
travellers in that portion of the West; and
we'll it carried out its design, as we our.
self can witness, having more than once
had occasion to test the skill Of the land
lord, and TO taste his wines, his venison
and wild fowls.
Clinton entered without ceremony, and
giving his gun and bag of game into the
hands Of Bonilace, threw himself careless.
ly upon lounge.
you are always sure Of making a good
haul, you are,' said the landlord, casting a
glance of admiration at the heavy game
bag. If should hunt week, Pm sure |
couldn't kill dozen such fat chickens as
you have got to day.
'And not only today returned Clinton,
'but during just two hours time this after-
noon. But lis nothing; have killed
twice the number before now in half the
ine. 5,1S.-s.=ss,s 49,
Lucky fellow, he,' sighed the landlord.
Lucky? Why, every man has his gifts,
as my grandfather used to say. have
the good fortune of being tolerable good
shot; while you, old fellow, are blessed
with the faculty which enables you to get
up the most tempting supper in the world
BY the way, I am little faint in the re-
gion Of the stomach, and the memory of
the fat venison steaks I've had the honor
of eating at your table before now5 makes
me impatient; so serve me dish as soon
as possible, and in addition to the usual fee
you shall take your choice Of the chickens
in my bag.
sGood!' exclaimed the landlord; and IL
you've no objections, | will take the rest
at the usual price.
'Empossible,' replied Grover, 4 have
killed them expressly TO give to my neigh
bors. But the supper :.
sTn eleven minutes and quarter said
Boniface, looking at his watch.
Left to himself, Clinton Grover took his
dogs head upon his knees, and stroking his
neck mechanically, was soon lost in med
itation.
He had remained but a short time in
this position, when two travellers arrived
at the door Of the in1. The waiter hast
ened to take care of their horse and car
riage and invite them to enter.
water him in half an hour, and give
him four quarts of oats, said the older Of
the two, who was apparently one of those
who, ut that time, in case Of necessity,
helped travellers on their way by private
conveyance. DO not unharness him. he
continued, 'for although he has been driv-
en- from Chicago to-day, he has got some
half dozen miles further TO 80 tonight
is it not more than half dozen miles?
asked the young traveller.
st is not more than eight, at the far
thest' replied his companion
Then it seems TO me, it is scarcely
worth while to stop
you can do as you like about it., said
the elder traveller, somewhat sharply, but
as for my horse, he shall go no farther un'
til he has been fed
4 beg your pardon | had forgotten the
horse in my impatience to get along.
The two now entered the tavern, and
Clinton Grover now had a fair view of the
countenance and figure of each. The
Younger alone attracted his attention. lie
was year or two younger than himself
and possessed Of fine dark eye, lofty
brow, and slight but well proporti2neo
frame. He entered and sat down short
! distance from the huntsman.
Clinton, who was somewhat vexed to
think that his supper was delayed, contin.
ued to pat the neck Of his cog without ap-
pearing to notice the strangers.
AS is often the case, when we least wish
for company, two additional travellers ar
rived just at the time the landlord was
coming to announce that supper for three
! was ready. AS it was his custom to make
all his guests sup together, he hastened tc
order few additional preparations, thus
causing second delay, to the great an