Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1850-07-19

flre IS still burning at the head Of Grand Rvel
near Brantford, in Western Canada.
Archer knew the absurdity of the supersti
ton, but he also knew the tenacity and tetchi
ness of the Indian character when any of thei
superstitions are assailed, and he made no reply
but prepared his weapons and followed the Indi
ans quietly to the shore.
The moon had just arisen above the tops q
the hills, and was pouring food of lustre owe
the rocks and the aer,makng everything with
out the shadows of the forest almost as bright a
day, though around the thick and verdurous ev
ergrecns darkness still brooded.
In the skirt of the wood therefore, and unde
shadow of the thickly feathered hemlock, ou
hunters paused, ready for either fortune with
strip Of gravelly beach, lutersperscd with rocky
fragments, stretching some ten or twelve yard
between them and the water. To this beach
canoe was now rapidly approaching, and was al
ready within easy rifle shot, propelled by tn
paddles of two white woodmen, while a secon,
canoe was towed asern of them.
There is no danger here, Cloud" said Har
ry, as he saw the character of the new comors
81 will 60 out and hail them, they have seel
the light of our fire and want to join our camp
I'll warrant them" And then suiting the acto
to the word, he stepped out into the clear moon
light, with his heavy piece in the hollow of hi
arm, ard hailed, in clear, loud voice
"Who comes so late ?"
"Friends," replied the others. "Friends all
Allan and Cbestncy. Who may you be tha
are camped here"
Archer at once knew the names, as those o
two we-known hunters the only hunters resi-
dent in that region, whe dwet in a solitary log
cabin on an adjoining lake, one having wifi
and family, and supported themselves, true som
of the wilderness, by the game which they kill
ed, and the peItries which they sent down from
time to time to the Albany and New York mar
kets; but he had never fallen in with them, an,
he certainly marveed somewhat that men o
such known reputation as woodsmen should bt
so late on the waters.
"Archer and Forester" he answered. will
the white Cloud and Seneca Johr"
An right" was the reply, and in al instun
the bows Of the light vessel grated Oh the sand
and the two hunters stepped ashore, carrying
their rifles and axes, which appeared to be al
they had with them in the canoe.
/" So tins Is Mr.. Archer" said the first who
landed. "l've often hearn tell on you, though
we've nver met afore in these woods. My name
is ndrovv Chsstney aud thi~ l.ose'~ Jahn Al
Ian"
81 know you, also, very well, by report" said
Archer, " though, as you say, we've never met
am glad you have made your acquaintance
You had better come to our camp, it's close by.
"We are glad to meet you, toe" said Allan
whose face was, however, very sad and gloomy
" though allow I'd been better pleased if
had been on another occasion for this is 4 sal
business we're OIL"
"Come to the campfire, John" said the othe
hunter, q" as the gentleman asks you. We ca
tell him about it there, and guess he'll try t
help U.s."
Certainly will, in any way can. Blu
first have you supped? You are colo and hur
CRY, fancy, and we have some cold supper lief
Won't you take drink ?"
"Wc'ye eaten nohn' since yesterday nooI
We've been too hard set on our business even t
think Of catn'; and John, here, he's too heart
sick"
"Wen take drink-takc drink-that
good for all thngs-heart-ach and all" An
with the word, he pulled out two paunikins
good old Jamaica, and handed it to the wear
wayfarers, who qualled it with much guSto--t
ven the wo begone John Allan nodding his hea
approvingy as thc choice liquor trickIed dow
his gulIet, unused to such delicious beverages
"W We doesn't git sich stuff as that in Il
woods, John" observed Chestney,
"Well, we doesn't Andy" replied the other
/" This is my friend, Mr.. Forester. This
White Cloud and this Seneca John. No,
my boys set to work. and bro duck and Fl
some pork. Chestney and Allan have cate
nothing these two days. And you, John Ala
while they are making some food ready, E
down here by the fire, and tell me what is Il
matter, and If it can be righted, why, wen rig
it.
" / fear it's too late, sir" answered the mo
and tear glistened, as he spoke, in his da
eye. But, mastering his feelings, he told, brit
", how his sou, u fine little hoy of eight yea
had been padding ag0Gt before the door of Il
hut on the previous day, when that sudden SOU,
arose and drifted the canoe into the broad lax
He had been absent hunting at the time, wi
their only other canoe, or the mother would ha
gone out at once and rescued the child as
was, several hours elapsed before they return
from hunting, and set out in pursuit. That pit
suit had been all but lruitess, though they h
discovered the canoe driven high and dry
shore, at the very head of the lake they we
now upon, late in the evening, and had disco
ed the prints of the boys feet IN the mud, sho
| ing that he has landed in safety. They h
J, entirely failed, however, to track him, as he h
, not, apparently, entered the forest, where
Y trail would have been discernabe on the mo
leaves, but had kept along the dry shngle bea'
e which took no imprint. They had shouted a
r whooped till the forest rang for leagues arou
/, but had received no answer. They had nc
1t lected to bring provisions with them in tn
+ haste, and to shoot game IN their excitemo
:. and having discovered, by the rifle shots VIII
!, they had heard about noon, that there was
k other party of considerable numerical streny
out on the lake below them. they had padd
e down all through the night, with view to I'll
al ing their camp, and obtaining food and ass
s, ance in prosecuting their researches.
of Sand both you shall have, gladly" said
Of cher; "and, with Gods help, we will find
" boy for you"