Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-02-23

eft is a valuable piece without doubt" :"

iSu ooSS eHAh SO uhy tioW'
81 suppose you are almost out of practice in
killing them''
"Well, I may say you are about half right, El-
liot, hain't had glimpse of one since last fall.
l have got strong notion to put off down to old
Kaintuck with you. They say they are not scarce
thereabouts; but can not agree to leave these
settlements until finish that cursed rascal Old
Cross-Fire. The scamp has baffied me so often
that have sworn vengeance on him. know he
is still sneaking about these quarters, because
come across his sign now and then, was out last
night and the night afore, in search of the old
dog.''
ssYou do not imagine that he is lurking about
here now do you % .-,.- .,-..--
'That is exactly what I think"
"He will not dare modest us, Lewis %
81 would not trust him. said Wetzel.
'How far is it to Short Creek!''
cit might be twelve miles by the way you will
go. Can you keep the track, think you 90
"Miss Mason knows the course; she will have
to pilot US along"
'sWell, she will not lose the path, you may de-
pend; she is an uncommon nice young woman,
Elliot, and she rides equal to trooper, in the
bargain. But yonder comes the Critters
In another moment the horses were brought to
the door. Rose made her appearance, and was
assisted into her saddle by Elliot while Wetzel
held her plump pony by the bride.
ssIt really does me good child, to see you look
ing so well,' said the scout to Rose. ssNow be
careful,'' he enjoined, sin riding along them steep
ridges, child, 1 will be right down uneasy until
hear that you have got safe to your journeys
end'
ssThank you, Lewis,' said Rose; s'we will try
and not fall off our horses.''
Elliot was now mounted, bearing his rifle in
his left hand
"I will help you, Elliot, to bring your buck in,'
said Wetzel, with significant smile-"only take
care of the buck fever. Good bye %
Elliot and Rose moved off briskly, along the
bride path up the hill. The narrowness of road
compelled them to ride singly-Rose taking the
lead. After passing some distance on the top of
the ridge, the path descended the opposite side,
and led to a large run, in the bed of which they
were obliged to ride. The hoofs of the horses
striking against the rocks, and the splashing of
the water, occasioned more noise than was desira-
ble
81 fear, Rose" said Elliot, ssthat this is dan
gerous road for lady to travel"
81 am not afraid,'' said she. "I have passed
over it many tmes.''
cit is miserable poor one Rose, must say,
Idespse road that makes me ride behind you per-
rageously!'
"We will soon leave the run, and go up anoth-
er ridge. The road will be much better there,
hope.
"And so do I, with all my soul almost wish
had not brought my gun along, as I find more
difficulty in carrying it over this miserable road
than l had expected.
'Do you think that you could shoot a deer 20
said Rose.
81 do most assuredly, Rose, and hope to con-
vince you of it before we reach our journeys ter
mination.''
s'Is your gun loaded %
sLoaded % said Elliot; Nthe enquiry was we'll
timed, for really forgot to charge my gun before
starting. Now if we were to see a deer, should
be vexed beyond measure"
"There is our turning off place. said Rose, as
they reached the point at which the path diverged
from the run, and they both rode out of the
way.
81 must dismount here" exclaimed Elliot ssto
load my rifle. It will never do to ride through
the woods with an empty rifle in ones hand, when
he has powder and ball in abundance !''
The young man dsmounted and fastened the
bride to sapling near by; after which, he COM
menced loading his rifle.
SNAKE haste, Elliot !'' exclaimed Rose, who
still sat upon her saddle, 81 see deer in the
run 20
s:Indeed p said the youth, as he hurriedly re-
turned his ramrod; and quickly elevating his gun
as high as his breast he cast his eyes in the drec
ton designated by Rose.
s'I see him. he calculated hastily. The ami
NAL, which was fine buck, was probably hun
dred yards up the run standing apparently notion
less and looking directly towards the wayfarers.
81 will give him piece of cold lead if he will
stand long enough. Rose, will your pony fright
en- when shoot 20
"Not in the least. Try your skill, aud be sure
to hit him.
He cautioned Rose to hold tight rein, and be
upon her guard when he should hre. Care1ully
describing small circuit along the adjacent hill
side the noviate hunter at last succeeded in gain
ing suitable position from which to fire at the
noble animal, which was still gazing at the hors-
es. Elliot supported his piece against the side Of
a large tree, and taking deliberate aim, fred
The buck fell on his fore knees. Satisfied that
his shot had been successful his first object to
to1.7ardS Rose to whether the horses
had remained steady. Both were where he had
left them, and Rose waved her handkerchief in
complimentto to the young hunters skill. Trailing