The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-07
CHAPTER ILL.,

CHAPTER ILL., =
The hut was of the rudest and simplest
construction, and almost hidden by the
thick growth of young trees, wild vines
and bushes which the hunter left undisturb-
ed. In front of it stretched the green
sward for few yards. and then the hill
went abruptly down, forming an almost
perpendicular precipice, at the foot OF
which it sloped off again to the rivers
bank, which was thus considerable dis
tance from the hut.
AS the two hunters gazed around from
this lofty eminence. the scene spread out
below and around them was one of al,
most indiscribable beauty. Far as the
eye could reach. stretched sea of hill
more or less abrupt. and covered from
base to summit with mantle of rich foi-
age with all the varied hues of autumn
Westward, lay level expanse of forest
over whose tops arose the curling smoke
OF the station. the only visible sign OF hu-
man existence. At their very feet appa-
rently flowed the broad Ohio, rolling in
its sluggish majesty undisturbed. as yet.
by the keel or the steamboat, or the snort
and the whistle of the engine. And now.
the setting sun. in his dying glories. pour
ed rich flood of light over the whole
scene. making the ripples Of LA Belle
Riviere'' seem food Of motion gold.
The prospect was indeed glorious. but
the young hunter endeavored in vain upon
that evening to make his friend participate
in his feelings of delight and admiration.
During the whole day he had seemed un-
usually gloomy and aciturn and as even
ing advanced. deeper melancholy set
tied upon his brow. Now he sat upon the
green grass, with his face buried in his
hands. and returning brief. and often in
coherent answers, TO the words OF his
companion. AT length. as if endeavoring
to relieve himself from his own medita-
lions, he raised his head and said, with an
evident effort to be cheerful
"And so. my boy. you are going to get
married soon. they tell me? Well WELL
YOU needn't blush so-Molly's good girl.
and will make hunter. like you, first
rate wife. But these are troublesome times
to be "marryiig and living in marriage" ;"
Ali | remember"
"Whatis it that depresses you? This
is the fifth anniversary Of my sorrow; that
which made the outcast. wandering hun
ter that you see now. Never before have
sought for human sympathy. But love
you as son. and something seems forcing
me to speak Five summers ago. this very
hour. that same sun looked down upon a
happy home in Western Virginia. twas
an humble log house. it is true. situated in
a lonely spot, amid hills and woods, but it
was full Of comfort and happiness. That
home was mir e. For years. all went well
with me. My crops and my cattle were
unsurpassed. But above all. had wife
who was an angel upon earth. and two
babes, boy and girl who would have
made desert happy with their sweet
laughter and their sports.
Though remote from any human habi-
tation. and though the Indians were occa-
slonally seen and heard of in the neigh
borhood Of my dwelling. yet fel, no fear.
had never wronged them. on the contra
ry. had often fed and clothed half starved
stragglers from the tribe. who would wan
der to my door. and blindly | trusted to
their magnanimity for the safety Of all |
held dear.
Well, little later in the day than this
just five years ago. was seated by my
hearth with my children on my knees while
my wife was buisied in the preparation OF
our evening meal. The sun went down,
and darkness came on. but the air was so
pleasant that left the door open to enjoy
the fresh breeze that seemed making music
among the branches of the great oaks be-
fore the door. had lent my dogs to a
neighbor for hunt, and there was othing
to give warning of danger, save the mel
ancholy hooting of an owl in the neigh
boring forest. More than once my wife
spoke of the effect that dismal sound had
upon her feelings, but laughed at her
fears. Suddenly, as she was crossing the
room, heard her utter a scream OF terror
turned, and beheld dozen dusky forms
crowding into the doorway Even now
| can see their eyes glaring and their white
teeth shining as the fire dashed upon them
Springing from my seat was snatchibg
down my rifle which always hung over the
fire place, when received blow from o
Itomahawk. which made that scar upon my
forehead. A thousand lights cleaned ir
my eyes and horrid sounds echoed in my
ears as | fell insensible. Severe as was
the blow, soon returned to consciousness
owing no doubt to the excessive flow o
| blood. How awful the sight which | be
held! My wife standing bound in one
|, corner of the room the little children sob
bing and clinging to her knees for protec
t ton. while the 6ends were heap1ng all my
furniture into the centre of the room evi
IDENTIFY with the intention Of firing tht
house. Making desperate effort to rise
gained my feet. stepped forward steI
or two, when the blood gushed over my
eyes. and fell helpless and blinded upor
} the floor. The shrieking and sobing o
my wife and children at this pitiable sight
were mingled with laugh of derisiol
from the savages who supposed that | wa
dead at last At this moment, one OF thei
sentinels rushed in exclaiming in their owl
!, language, "fy! fly! the whites are com
, ing!"
heard few words of consultation
? Then a command was given in tones
:. never shall forget. Then came blows AM
. 1t II, 4 ,<,t,s