Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1853-06-09
vouch for his truthfulness @ resumed Ais

aud would wiilingl y vouch for my veraci-
ty and honor, are now at Harrodsburg'
said Allan, who perceived that all were
looking to him for an answer to the ques-
tion proposed.
He is a worthless adventurer = exclaim-
ed lie Bland, and l trust l shall again
have the pleasure of chastising his AFRO
gance'
Don't be too free = said Logston, Civ
ing his prisoner a hearty shake.
1 have already heard something in re
lation to this person. added Aston, point
ing to Norwood My friend has spoken
Of him in a way that leaves little doubt
on my mind in regard to his character
aud intentions
Take him away said Boone, motion
ing to Logston and Kenton.
I will confer with you privately on this
matter, and give you such reasons for my
conduct as will, [ think, induce you to alb
solve me from blame, and change your
opinion added the captain, while the two
foresters led LIE Bland to one of the block
houses
This is unadvised-this is injudicious,'
continued Aston. still unreconciled
You do not know this man, my dear
friend, replied Boone, soothingly
who knows him better than ~ Am [
not deeply in his confidence Is there
not an amicable relationship existing be-
tween him and my-my family = retorted
Aston
I know all that you know, and much
more lie Bland is false-hearted knave,
as you will learn to your cost; aud as for
your daughter, she never liked him but,
sir, she feared him. said the pioneer, firm
ly.
Strange iufatuation p exclaimed Ais
ton.
Andrew - said Boone
Yes, massa, replied the negro, present
ing himself
You are to keep watch Of Monsieur lie
Bland, and see that he does not escape
flo the block-house. Take your gun and
keep guard at the door
Shall [ shoot him, massa q asked An
drew.
Not unless he tries to escape was the
reply
IN do dat ar said Andrew.
See that YOU do. if you value your
skin for look you, darky, our lives are
all depending on it, added the captain.
'Lor, massa, how you does talk; l ken
do it Jest like muffin. You ken trust dis
chile fur as you can see him.
And not much farther said Boone to
himself Turning to Mr.. Aston, he re
sumed. in a serious voice Trust my iudg-
ment for this time. and do not imagine
that / am aetuated by unworthy motives
IF [ am doing any person the least injus-
tice In acting as I am | viii be the first
to cnofess my error when 1t becomes fully
apparent [ never took pleasure in wrong
ing any human being, and l am getting
too old to learn many new tricks now
This lie Bland / know is a personal friend
of yours but he is no true man He is
a spy-a wolf in sleeps clothing, and all
the time he has been with US, he has been
in correspondence with our enemies
Hark let me assure you that Rosalthe
can tell you more Of him than you would
like to hear
4 dare say you mean well, Captain
Boone have no reason to distrust your
friendship but it does appear to me that
some enemy has done this
As Mr. Aston spoke. he looked askance
at Allan. who well understood what he
meant.
You wrong the young man, sir; my
word for it, you do and the time will
come when you will confess your error
This very day, Mr. Aston, this good friend
of yours had an appointment with Silas
Girtv. and the chief Of the Niamis and
[ should not be surprised if we were sur
rounded by Indians and Frenchmen be-
fore the sun has sunk in the west tell
you we are in danger but [ do not fear
it for myself it Is of our women and
children I am thinking.
Have I not fathers heart, also2 Am
I not at this moment suffering all the ag-
ony that parents heart can feel2 Is
not nv darling torn from me by savage
hands2 o. Captain Boone, let US recon
cile these differences, and hasten after my
daughter replied Aston in voice husky
with emotion.
All chat mortal man can do shall be
done, and yet the fort must not be left
without defenders returned the forester.
At that moment there was an energetic
knocking at the gate opening into the en-
closure of the stockades where the scene
Just described had transpired. Ebony
was ordered to undo the fastenings, and
strong. active resolute-lOoking man; with
a rife upon his shoulder. entered.
The individual who appeared was Bland
Ballard. whose services as spy during
the early history of Kentucky will never /
be forgotten His bold step aud firm
bearing proclaimed him all that he had
the reputation of being-a daring, trust
worthy, and efficient man, fitted for great
emergencies, and every vicissltude OF from
tier life
Ballard, am glad to see you p cried
the pioneer, grasping the bandof the scout /
What news have you What of the In
dians Any new movement p
We'll, caP'en, you'd better stop and get
your breath, said Ballard.
The fact is. we are rather excited here,
Ballard, replied Boone.
Should think so; but you'll be likely
to get more excited by-and-by, reckon,
if nothin' in the course of natur breaks J
We will here remark, e1t PaSsa7zt, that
4s,sHa