Demoine courier., 1854-09-07
THE o HEROES.


When Kentucky was an Infan, State,
and before The foot Of civilization had
trodden her forests. there lived upon the
branch Of the Green River an old hun
ter by the name Of John Slater. His
hut was upon the Southern bank Of the
stream. and save a small patch Of some
dozen acres ,ha, had been cleared by his
W axe. he was shut up by dense forests.
Slater had two children at home with
him-two sons. Philip and Daniel-lhe
former fourteen and the latter twelve
years of age. The elder children had
gone South. His wife was with him,
bu, she had been for several years an
almost helpless cripple from the effect.
Of rel rheumatism.
II was early in the spring. and the old
hunter had jest returned from Columbia.
where he had been to carry The produce
Of the winters labor, which consisted
mostly Of furs. He had received quite
a sum of money. and had brought i,
home with him. The old man had sev-
eraI years been accumulat:ng money. tor
civilization was gradually approaching
him, and he meant that his children should
start on fair terms with the world.
One evening as the family were sitting
down to their frugal supper, they were
attracted by a sudden howlirg Of dogs.
and as Slater went TO the door to see
wha, was the matter, he saw three men
approaching his hut.
He quickly quie,ed the dogs and the
strangers approached the door. They
asked for something to eat. and also for
lodgings for The night. John Slater was
not the man to refuse a reques, Of that
kind, and he asked the strangers in
They put their rifles behind the door,
unslung their packs. and room was made
for them at The supper table. They
represented themselves as travellers bound
farther West, intending to cross the Mis-
sissippi in search Of a settlement.
The new corners were far from being
agreeable or prepossessing in their looks.
but Slater took nc notice Of the circum.
stance, for he was no, one to doubt any
man. The boys, however, did no, like
their appearance at all, and quick glances
which they gave each other told their
feelings. The hunters wife was no, q,
.ha table. bu, che sal in her grea. easy
chair by the fire.
Slater entered into conversation with
the guests, but they were no, very free,
and after, a while The talk dwindled to
occasional questions Philip. the elder
of the two. noticed that the men cast
uneasy glances about The room, and he
could not rest. He knew that his father
had q large sum Of money in The house,
and his frs. though. was that these u,en
were there for the purpose of robbery.
After the supper was over. the boys
quickly cleared of the table, and then
they went OF of doors. II had become
dark, or rather the nigh, had fairly Sc, in,
for there was bright moon, two thirds
full. shining down on the forest.
daniel" said Philip. in a low wills
per, q. the same time casting a look over
his shoulder. "what do you think Of
these ERE men,"
.l'm afraid they're bad ones,'' re-
turned the younger boy.
$50 am |. | believe they mean TO
steal fathers money. Didn't you notice
how they looked around!"
Eyes"
$50 did /. If we should tell father
what we think, he would only laugh a,
Al us. and tell us we we're periec. scare.
crows"
"But we can watch them"
ayes; Ne will watch 'em, but DO no.
let them know H."
The boys held some further c~onsulta.
and then going to the dog house,
they sci The small door back. so tina. the
nigh, sping forth if they were
wanted. II they had desired to speak
with their father abou. the suspicious
they had, they had no chance. for the
strangers saiclose by him all The evening.
A, length. however. The old man Gig.
niisd his intention Of retiring. and arose
10 60 out Of doors. 10 see to The state Of
affairs without. The three followed him
but did not take shsir weapons. The
old lady was asleep in the chair.
"Now." whispered Philip. .lss vs
lake two OF fathers rifles b D 10 our bed