Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1852-03-18
Select Gale.
THE HUNTERS WIFE.

ON COOPER was hne specimen oi
the North American trapper. Slightly
but powerfully made, with hardy wea-
ther-beatcn, yet handsome face, strong,
indetatigable, and crack shot, he was
admirably adapted for Il hunters life.
For many years he knew not what it was
to have home, but like the beasts he
hunted-wandcred from one part Of the
country to another in pursuit of game.
All who knew Tom were much surprised
when he came, with Il pretty Young wife,
to settle within three miles of 4 plantcrS
farm. Many piticd the poor young crca
ture, who would have to lead such soli-
tary life; while others said: "If she was
fool enough to marry him, it was her
own look out" For nearly four months
Tom remained at homo, and employed
lis time in making the old hut he had
fixed for their residence more coniforta-
ble. He cleared and TILED small spot of
land around it, aud Susan began to topc
that for her sake lie would settle down
quietly as sqnattcr. But these visions
of happiness were soon diSpcllrd, for as
soon us this work WAS finished he re-
commenced his old erratic mode of life,
and was often absent for weeks together,
leaving his wife alone, yet not unprotcct.
ed, for since lis marriage cid Nero, a
favoritc hound, was always left at home
us her guardian. He was noble dog
cross between the old Scottish deer
hound, and would hunt an Indian rs we'll
as deer or bear, which Tom said, "was
a proof that the Ingins was sort o war
mint, or why should the brute beast
take to hunt 'cm, nat raj likc-him that
took no notice O white mcn?'
One clear, cold morning, about two
years after their marriage, Susan WAS
awakened by a loud crash, immediately
succeeded by Ncro's deep baying. She
recollectcd that she had Shut him in the
house rs usual the night before. Sup
posing he had winded some solitary wolf
or bear prowIing around the hut, and ef-
fcctcd his escape, she took little notice of
the circumstance; but few moments
after came shrill wild cry, whicl, made
her blood run cold. 10 spring from her
bed, throw Oh her clothes, aud rush from
the hut, was the work of Il minute. She
no longer doubted what the hound was
in pursuit Of Fearful thoughts shot
through! her brain; she called wildly on
Nero, and to her joy he came dashing
81, f1,n A.. hn
dog drew nearer she saw that he gallop.
ed, and carried i'll his mouth some large
dark creature. Her brain rcelrd; she
frlta cold sickly slmddcr dart through
her limbs. But Susan was hunters
daughter, and all her life had been ac-
customed to witness scenes of danger
and of horror, and in this school had
learned to subdue the natural timidity OF
her character. With a powerful effort
she recovered herself, just as Nero drop
ped at at her feet little Indian child,
apparently between three and four years
old. She bent down over him, but there
was no sound or motion; she pllced her
hand on his little naked chest; the heart
within had ceased to beat-he was dead
The deep marks of the dogs fangs were
visible OH the neck, but the body was
untorn. Old Nero stood with his large
bright eyes fixed on the face of his mis-.
trcss, fawniug on her, as if he expected
to be praised for what he had done, and
seemed to wonder why she looked so ter.
rifed. But Susan spurned him from her
and the fierce animal, who would have
pulled down an Indian as he would {;
deer, crouched humbly at the young wo'
mans feet. Susan carried the little body
gently in her arms to the hut, and laid
il on her own bed. Her first impulse was
TO seize loaded rifle that hung over the
fire. place, and shoot the hound; and YET
she felt she could not do it, for in the
lone life she led the faithful animal seem.
cd like dear and valued friend, who
loved and watched over her, as if aware
of the precious charge intrustcd to him.
She thought also of what her husband
would say, when on his return he should
find his old companion dead. Susan had