The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1856-10-29

from Roots, a tavern known to tourists,
and situated on the boundaries of Essex
and Warren counties 1t was despe-
rate walk: but as we started by daybreak
and had great faith in our pedestrian quail
tiles, we expected to reach the nearest of
the Eckford lakes by nightfall. The for
est through which we travelled was Of the
densest description. Overhead the
branches of spruce and pine shut out the
day, while beneath our feet lay a frightful
SOIL composed principally of jagged
shingle, cunningly concealed by an almost
impenetrable brush. AS the day wore on,
our hope of reaching our destination
grew fainter and could almost fancy,
from the anxious glanceS that Dick cast
around him. that in spite of his boastcd
knowledge of the woods he had lost his
way. 1t was not, however till night az
tually fell, and that we were both sinking
from hunger aud exhauStation, that |
could get him to acknowledge it
"We're in nice pickle, Master Dick, +"
said /, rather GROSSLY, for an empty ston-
ach does much to destroy q aAnan's natural
amiabiity. 'Confound your assurance
that led yon to set up as guide Of all
meu painters are the most conccitod -
Come Charley" answered Dick, good
j humoredly. 'there is no use in growing so
loudly. You'll bring the bears and pan
thers on us if you do. We must make
the best of bad job, and sleep in IA
tree"
Its easy to talk my good fellow Tn
not partridge, and don't know how to
roost on bough."
"Well, you'll have to learn, then; for
if you sleep on the ground, the chances
are ten to one but you will have the
wolves, pibbling at your toes before day
light"
I'm hanged if do either!" said l.
desperately. Il am going 10 walk all
night, and I'll drop before I'll lie down."
Come, come, Charley, don't be a fool!"
IL was fool only when consented to
let yon assume the role Of guide."
well, Charley, if You are determined
to go on. let it be so. Wen go together
After all, it's oi.!y an adventure. :"
81 say, Dick don't yon ,e. igh?"
"By Jove, So thcrc is! Came, Won see
! Proyi lencc intervenes between us and
fwoives and hunger. Tint rlu0t be some
S Ila;ter's hut"
Tie light to which hai SO sulsieny
called Dicks attention w;is very faint, and
seemed to be about iaif IL mile distant
1t glimmered through the dark branches
of the hem,ock and spruce trees, and
weak as the light was, hailed it as ma
riner without IL compass halls the star by
which he steers. We instantly set out in
the direction Of our beacon. In a mo-
ment it seemed as if all fatigue had VAN
ished and we walked as if our muscles
were as tense as iron, aud our joints oily
as pistonshaft.
We soon arrived at what in the dusk
seemed to be a clearing of about five acres
but it may have been larger, for the tall
forest rising up round it must have di-
minished its apparent size, giving it the
appearance of square pit rather than a
; farm. Toward one corner of the clearing
we discovered the dusky outline of a log
hut, through whose single end window a
faint light was streaming. With sigh
f of relief we fastened to the door aud
knocked 1t was opened Immediately,
and a man appeared Oh the Threshold.
We explained our condition, and were in
stanty invited to walk in and make our
could offer us were some cold Indian corn
. cakes, and slice of dried deer's flesh, to
all of which we were heartily welcome.
These viands in our starving condition
, were luxurious TO us, and we literally rev.
| eled in anticipation of full meal.
The hut into which we had so uncere-
+ moniousiy entered was of the most power
ity-stricken order 1t consisted of but
one room, with a rude brick fire. place at
| one end Some deer-skns and old blank
r cts stretched ont Ivy way of bed at the
o other extremity of the apartment, and the
v only elts visible were two sections of a
large pine trunk that stood close to tht
o Fireplace. There was no vestige of a ia
v BILE. and the rest of the furniture was EN-
bodied in long Tennessee rifle that hung
d close to the rough wall.
II Ii the hut WAS remarkable, its proprie
n tor Was slill'more so. lie was, l think
IS the most villaihous looking man I eve
!. beheld. About six feet two inches il
u height, proportionably broad across tn
% shoulders, and with hand large enoug
/" to pick up u ffty-six pound shot, he seem
= ell to be combination of extraordinar,
IS strength and agility. His head was mar
a row, and oblong in shape. His stragh
Indian like hair fell smoothly over his 10,
\. forehead as if it had been plastered viii
v soap. And his black, bead.like eye
,e were set ohliquely and slanted downwar
of toward his nose. giving him a mingled ex
t preston of ferociry and cunning. AS
10 examined his features attentively, in whic
n L thought could trace almost every ba
10 passion, l confess | experienced a certai
l. feeling of apprehension and distrust tha
~ | could not shake off
e. While he was getting us the promise
II, l. rl.,