The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1852-1855, 1854-12-21
THE BOY HEROES.
A SKETCH OF WESTERN LIFE.

When Kentucky was an infant State, and
Before the foot of civilization had troddcn
her giant forests, there lived upon branch
of the Green River an old hunter 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 that had
been cleared by his own axe, he was shut
up by dense forests Slater had two chill
dren at home with hin1--two sons, Philip
and Daniel-tlie former fourteen, and the
htter twelve years of age. His wife was
with him, but she had been for several
years an almost helpless cripple from the
effect of severe rheumatism.
1t was early in the spring and the old
hunter had just returned from Columbia,
where he had been to carry the produce of
the winters labor which consisted mostly
of furs. He had received quite sum of
money, and had brought it home with him.
The old man had for several years been ac-
cumulating money, for civilization was
gradually approaching him, and he meant
that his children should start on fair terms
with the world.
One evening just as the family were sit
ting down to their frugal supper, they were
attracted bya sudden bowling of the dogs,
and as Slater went to the door to see what
was the matter, he saw three men approach
ing his hut
He quickly quieted the dogs and the
strangers approached the door. They ask
ed for something to eat, and also for lodg-
Ing for the night. John Slater was not the
man to refuse request of that kind, and
asked the strangers in. They sat theirri-
hos 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 Mississippi in search of settle
hieht. r.
The new comers were far from being d
greeable or possessing in their looks,
but Slater took no notice of the circum-
stance, for he was not one to doubt any
man. The boys, however, did not like
their appearance at all, and quick glances
which they gave each other, told their feel
ings. The hunters wife was not at the ia
Bile, but she sat in her great easy chair by
= the fire.
Slater entered into Conversation with
the guests, but they were not very free,
and after while the talk dwindled to occa-
sional questions. Philip, the elder Of the
two, noticed that the men cast uneasy
glances about the room, and he watched
them narrowly. His fears had become cx-
cited and he could not rest. lie knew that
his father had a large sum Of money in the
house, and his first thought was that these
men were there for the purpose offobbefy.
= After the supper was over, the boys
quickly cleared off the table, and then they
went out of doors. 1t had become dark,
or rather the night had fairly set IN, for
there was bright moon, two-thirds full
shining down upon the forest.
Daniel said Philip, in low whisper,
at the same time casting look over his
shoulder, what do you think of these ere
men?'
!, I'm afraid they're bad ones,' returned
the younger boy.
so am 1. l believe they mean to steal
fathers money. Didn't you notice how
they looked rodnd?' a.
q Yes
't'' so did l. If we should tell father what
we think, hewould only laugh us, and
tell us we were perfect care-crows.'
But we can watch them
Yes, we win watch 'em, but do not let
them knowit.
The boys held some further consultation,
and then going to the dog house, they sci
the small door back, SO that the hounds
might spring forth if they were wanted
If they had desired to speak to their father
- about their suspicious, they had no chance
vforthe strangers sat by him all evening.