Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-08-02
MISC ELL Y .
The Boy Heroes
A sKErcH OF EARLY WESTERN LIFE.

A sKETcH OF EARLY WESTERN LIFE.
When Kentucky was an infant State, and
before the foot Of civilization had trodden
her giant forests, there lived upon branch
of Green River, in the Western part of that
State, 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
bv his axe, he was shut IN by dense for
est. Slater had but two children at home
with him-two sons, Philip and Daniel, the
fermer fourteen, and the latter II years OF
are. His older children had gone South.
His wife was with hun, but she had been
for several years an almost helpless cripple
from the effects 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 product OF
his winters labor, which consisted mostly
of furs. He had received quite a sum OF
money. and he had brought it home with
him. The old man had for several years
been accumulating money, for CIVILIZATION
was fast 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 by sudden bowling of the dogs,
and as Slater went TO the door TO see what
was the matter, he saw three men approach
ing the hut.
lie quickly quieted the dogs, and the
strangers approached the door. They ask
ed for something to eat, and also lodgings
for the night John Slater was not the
man to refuse request Of that kind, and
he kindly asked the strangers in. They
set their rifles behind the door, and un-
slung their packs, and room was made for
them at the table. They represented them
selves as travellers bound further west, in
tending TO cross the Mississippi in search
of settlement.
The new comers were far from being a
ereeable or'pleposseSsing in their looks, but
Slater took no notice of the circumstances,
for it was not his nature to doubt any man,
The BOYS, however, did not like their ap-
p,arance at all, and the quick glances which
they cave each other told of their feelings.
The hunters wife was not at the table, 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 away to
mere occasional questions. Philip the ell
der of the boys, noticed the men cast nn-
easy glances about the room, and he watch
ed them narrowly. HIS fears had become
excited, and he could not rest. He knew
that his father had large sum ofmoney in
his house, and his first thought was that
these men were there for the purpose OF
robbery.
After the supper was finished, the two
boys quickly cleared off the table, and then
they went out of doors. 1t had become
dark-or, rather, night had fairly set in,
for there was bright moon, two.thlrds
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 those three
men,"
Pm afraid they're bad Ones" returned
the Younger boy.
$50 do /. believe they mean to steal
fathers money. Didn't you notice how
they looked around :"
"YeS."
$50 did |. If we should tell father what
we think he would only laugh at US and say
we are scare-crows."
"But we can watch EN-"
"Yes," returned the other, 1--WE will
watch 'em; but don't let them know about
it,"
The boys held some further consultation,
and then going to the dog house, they set
the small door back so that the hounds
might spring forth If they we're wanted. If
they had desired to speak with their father
about their suspicious, they had no chance
for the strangers sat close by him all the
evening.
AT length, however, the old man signi-
fed his intention of retiring, and he arose
to get out of doors to see the state of affairs
without. The three men followed him. but
they drd not take their weapons. The old
hdy was asleep in her chair.
Nov" whispered Philip let's take two