The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-02-21

tantly accepted sulIen permission OF the emf
grants to share their coarse fare, rather than wan
der in the dark through unknown forests.
Grason, the younger Of the two, was perhaps
twenty-five years Of age-of prepossessing APP
pearance, cultivated mind, and of a chiyalrons
and sensitive disposition. His parents were in
digent and he had by the energy Of his own tai
ents and industry, redeemed them from poverty,
and placed them in easy circumstances. In one
OF his commercial expeditions down the Mississip-
pihe had met with Dorsey, the physician. Aninti
macy ensued, which though brief, had already
ripened into mature friendship.
Together they had hunted over the iowery bar
rcns, and through the majestic forests Of their
tive S'a'e-had scaled the precipice, and swan
the tonent-had explored the cavern and visited
whatever was wonderful or curious in the region
around them; and both looked forward with pain
fnl feelings to the termination Of an intercourse
which had been pleasing and instructive. s
they were to separate in the morning, the even
ing was spent in conversational that copisns
and involuntary flow ofkindness and confidence
Which the heart pouls out at the moment when
friends are about TO sever-when the past is re-
called and the future anticipated, and friendship
no longer silent, nor motionless, displays itself
like the beauty Of the ocean wave, which is most
obvious at the moment o! its dissolution.
Early in the morning, the two friends prepared
10 pursue their journey. AS they were abou! to
depart one Of the emgrants advanced towards
them and remarked,
s.Ireckon, strangers, you allow to camp atscott-
vile to-night''
dyes" replied Dorsey, Il do.o
swell, then, l can tell you chute, that's a
heap shorter than the road you talk oftaking-and
at the forks Of Rushing river there's smart
chance of blue clay, that's miry like and its right
scary crossing at tiu,es.''
Srpposing they had found nearer and better
route, they thanked their informant and proceed
ed on their journey.
In some previous conversation, Dorsey had
some heavy losses and was at that time much
pressed 70, money, and wishing TO offer him as
sstance had from time to time deferred it from
the difficulty approaching so delicate subject.
As the time Of parting approached, however, he
drew the conversation 10 that point aad was in
formed that the sum OF FIVE hundred dollars, would
relieve his friend from embarrassment. Having
large sum in his possession he generously ten
dered him the amount required, and Grason, after
some hesitation, accepted the loan and proposed
10 give his note for lis payment, which Dorsey
declined, under the plea that the whole transac.
ton was matter offriendship and that no such
Formally was requisite. As they we're about TO
part Grason unclasped his breastpin, and present.
ed Ito his friend.
"Iet this, said he "remind you sometimes of
Kentucky / trust, that when visit you, next
year, shall not see it adorning the person of some
favored fair one.''
"l have not so much hconfdence in you," laugh
ingy returned the other; and, handing him sill
yer hafted penknife curiously unbiased, 81 am
told that knives and scissors are not acceptable
presents to the fair, as they are supposed to cot
love, SO have no fear that Ellen will get this
and know that no other human being would
cause you 10 forget your friend.'' They then
parted.
As Grason was riding slowly homeward, en-
gagged in thought and holding his bride loosely,
deer sprang suddenly froma thicket, and fell in
the road before his horse, who started and threw
him to the ground. In examining the deer, which
had been mortaliy wounded and was still strug-
Cling. some ofthe blood was sprnkled on his dress'
which had been otherwise soiled by his fall. Pay
Ing little attention to these circumstances he re-
turned home.
Though his absence had been brief, many
hands grasped his in cordial welcome, many eyes
met his own in love, for few ofthe young men Of
the country were so universally beloved, and so
much respected as Grason. But to none was
his return SO acceptable as to Ellen. She had
been his playmate in infancy, his school mate in
childhood, in maturer years their intimacy had
ripened into love, and they were sooh to be uni
ted in the holiest and dearest Of ties. But the
vision Of hope was soon 10 pass from before them,
MS the mirage of the desert, that mocks the eye
of the thirsty traveller, and then leaves him a
death-devoted wanderer on the arid waste.
A vague report was brought TO the village.
that the body Of murdered man was found near
fscottvlle. I, was first mentioned by stranger,
in company where Grason was present; and he
instantly exclaimed, mo doubt tits Dorscy-how
unfortunate that left him. and then retired
under great excitement. His manner and ex-
pressions awakened suspicion which was un-
happily corroborated by variety of c.rciimstan-
ces, that wero cautiously whispered by those,
who dared not openly arraign person whose
whole conduc, through life had been honest,
frank, and manly He had ridden away with
Dorsey, who was known to have been in possess
sion of a large sum Of money. Since his return,
he had paid off debts to a considerable amount
The penknfc Of Dorsey was recognized in his
hnnds--yet none were willing, on mere surmse,
TO hazard direct accusation.
The effect of,he intelligence upon Grason was
marked. The sudden death Oft dear friend is