Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-05-20

/ """J ~ PtOhy Soou
I A long-tongued chap is old Martini said
he to himself; but for all that there's always
something in what he says Ireally believe
I'll give that Harburn try
CHAPTER Ill. a.Il
Porter's Creek was about twenty miles from
Merrlvert, and the journey thither was not
quite 50 facile of accomplishment, as it would
have been upon good New England road
However, these considerations are not ap, to
trouble the mind of a young and energetic
huntsman like Paul. f. ..r -...
The journey had been about half accom-
pllshed, when rising little knoll, fine buck
sprang up before him. He levelled his rifle
and fired. The deer>faltered, but the shot was
not Immediately fatal, and the quarry exerted
its utmost strength to escape. Diamond was
Instantly upon his track, and flying upon him
brought him to the ground. AT this instant
another dog sprang upon the falling deer.
while stranger made his appearance from be-
hind large tree, and with loud voice, laid
claim 10 the buck, because, as he affirmed, the
deer had been wounded by himself 1t seems
that the two hunters had fired simultaneously.
though at different distances Paul having
been the nearer of the two. The dogs. pres
emily quitting the deer which had quickly ex-
pred, fell upon each other as if to assert their
several rights. The stranger sprang to sepe-
rate them, and in so doing, happened to strike
Diamond. Paul, enraged at this, fell upon the
hunter, and threw him upon the ground. No
sooner, however, had this been done, than he
found himself turned underneath the grasp Of
his more powerful antagonist Paul had too
much of the Western fire in his blood His
temper overcame his better self
You have the stronger arm, / acknowl-
edge, he cried; but it is too much like dogs
Very WE'LL said the other, lit shall be as
you say. But first let me show you spec-
men of my workmanship
Thus Saying, he rose, and taking small
piece of silver about the size of shilling, fas-
tened it in the back of a large poplar close at
hand. ..-. .... .H.... .-... .-.. s..
Now observe! said the stranger. 'My
rifle is unloaded. will run hundred yards
at full speed, loading as run, and at that dis
tance, will turn and discharge instantly at the
mark
Paul stared with astonishment on hearing
this proposal The stranger smiled, and start
ing at full speed, ran the appointed distance,
and wheeling Instantly, discharged his piece.
The ball entered the centre of the target while
Paul could hardly credit the evidence of his
senses.
The stranger returned and held out his hand
TO Paul.
Come said he, with generous frankness,
let us be friends. There is no reason why
we should seek each others blood There is
trouble enough for us to encounter without
quarrelliig among ourselves
You are noble felow.' exclaimed Paul,
as he grasped with energy the extended hand.
4 can well estimate your forbearanec, after
seeing what you have just performed-bul
there is no fault in being vanquished by sncl
an antagonist Let me hear your name; j,
should be well known upon the hunting
grounds .. -,.....
Well, said the hunter, 'they call me Will
Harburn.' ..t i .l
Paul's eyes shone with delight and admira
tion. t.... r
The very man whose rifle came to chal
lenge! | little thought so soon to have re
ceived proof of your skill. But come, my
lad, wish TO present you TO my brave com
panions at Merrivert They will be rejoicet
to meet one whose name is already vel
known to them. A day or two will make
little difference with you, and if it is in ou
power to afford you entertainment, you shal
have it, ....a .-.. .l.-..s a....-.. far
Harburn was pleased at the warmth of BIZ
young companion. s2.a
sWell, said he, i will 60 with you. Blu
don't trouble yourself about providing for me
A morsel of BEARS meat, if you have it, and
, skin to roll myself in at night, are luxurie
, sufficient .,.. .-.l
| The two hunters now set forth in the direc
I ton indicated by Paul, amusing each oihe
I with stories of their various experience in WOO
!, craft, and in contest with the willy savage q
: the wilderness. Harburn gave Paul fresh rea
: son for admiration, as he recounted several IN
i cidents which discovered wonderful preSnc
: of mind and an aptness at using the many re
I sources which hunter alone anpoint out an
! fully appreciate. les -frts.
n The clearing Of old Campbell lay in the
p way to the dwelling of Paul. The latter ca
d glance through the trees as he came near tn
4 spot. He started back with horror. and poin
S ed out 10 Harburn the vision which met h
e eyes. The cotlageOf the Campbells was lai
e in smouldering rnins. Several bodies we,
d seen stretched upon the earth. A wild CT
nt burst from the lips of the unhappy Paul.
The Indians. The Indians = was all
id could say. eo8 i ,s'tasss9 =
Be calm, my friend; be calm,' exclaim'
Z Harburn, seizing the arm of his younger cor