Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1853-06-16

All reallZeQ now lmpOFtduG Ine services
of Captain Boone would be in such an un-
! dertaking, but none were willing that he
should leave the fort, because his expert
ence might be of more use there than else
where, in case of general assault.
Ballard affected to regard our hero with
considerable contempt, for he prided him
self not a little on his skill in woodcraft,
and did not wish to be considered on
level with those less expert, who had per-
chance never followed a trail, or slain an
Indian.
IF this Ohio feller goes with US, we
cant expect that anything good will be
likely to happen,' he said to Kenton, in
voice sufficiently loud for Allan to hear.
why not asked Kenton.
He's got no knowledge of these kind o
things He wouldn't know an Indian
trail from rabbit-path. And as for ri
fe shootin' L don't suppose he could hit
the bigness of man at fifty yards, IN tir-
ing as many times returned Ballard, i'll
humoredly.
Perhaps you underrate his abilities,
answered Kenton.
That amt by no means probable = re
torted Ballard I'm called the shrewd-
est reader of human character in Ken
tucky. Idon't often make mistakes in them
kind of matters The chap is to quiet
to be much of anything; he's got no cour-
age, and if he has, he hasn't skill enough
to follow trail. As sure as he goes some
thin will 6reakp
Quiet your apprehensions, SIR said
Allan, approaching the scout. Do your
own duty, and if [ fail to discharge mine,
the blame will not be attributed to you
That's all very WE'LL replied Ballard,
unabashed. I've heefed people talk just
so afore, and then be the first to be off in
the time of danger
Come, Ballard don't be too hard you'll
wound the young mans feelings interpos-
ed Kenton.
Ugh exclaimed Ballard, initiating the
short, cultural sound peculiar 10 the In
dian tribes i reckon his feelin's amt
much finer nor mine nor yours. l amt
disposed to put my reputation on lev
el with green hand like him.
The cool and contemptuous manner,
and insulting language of the spy, thor
oughly aroused the indignation of Allan.
/ He felt that time enough had been lost
already, and that it was highly incumbent
upon them to act without farther delay.
/ Keeping down, with strong effort, the
feelings of wounded pride and impatience
that were ranking within, he stepped for
ward and laid his hand upon Billiards.
! shoulder, and closing it until the fingers
! seemed sinking into the flesh, said in
hoarse whisper:
"Cease this foolish bravado; or, if you
must quarrel, wait until we are outside
the fort, when we will settle it like men,
The features of the scout grew pale,
and then flushed with anger he threw
a savage look at Norwood, and grasped
the handle of his hunting knife
Simon Kenton instantly seized Bal
lard's arm, and wrenched the weapon from
his hand
Are ye madmen cried Boone, who
appeared at that moment, and saw what
was taking place. What means this p
Why are you wrangling? Is there not
fighting enough to be done, without cut
ting each others throats p
Kenton fastened to explain the cause
of the quarrel.
Ballard, you are always to fast added
Boone Your ill-nature Will cost you
your life, ultimately; but | will risk this
young man with you. No more delay
off with you, and do the best you can"
Everything being in readiness, the gate
was opened, the trio took leave of their
friends, and left the fort, followed by the
prayers and good wishes of all who re
mained.
They proceeded down the river, the
scout leading the way in sulleu and
ominous silence. 1t was evident that
he he had not recovered his temper, and |
was brooding over the scenes that had |
Just transpired, with feelings and inten |
tions far from amicable. He fully resoly- /
ed as he strobe on, that Allan should not I
accompany them, but return to Boones |
borough, or dispose of himself in any 9TH /
er manner he saw fit With lowering /
couutenance, and determined air, he stopp- !
ed, and turning to Kenton addressed him
as follows:
You've heered my opinion about that /
young chap from Ohio, and | mean to act /
up to it. He may go where he Pleases, /
and do what he pleases, but he can't go /
with me, that's settled
This is folly = exclaimed Kenton. 4 (
will vouch for Mr. Norwood's courage and |
address
Well, if you like him, you can go with [
him, and we'll part company returned /
the scout, dOggedly.
Recover your temper and be q man,
added Kenton
Allan had gained sufficient knowledge |
of Billiards. character to enable him to .
understand that prompt and decided ac-
ton was required
You have seen fit, said Allan TO insult
a stranger in a manner that is unpar-
donable nevertheless [ will bear no NAL
ice, if your conduct in future be such as
one man expects, in decency, from anoth-
er. If you wish to be on friendly terms,
I am ready and willing; but If, on the
contrary, you wish to fight, you will not
find me unprepared.'
You look like it = was the laconic re-
joinder
you are unreasonable demonstrated,
Kenton. mildly.