Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-12-25

der, for l had examined them in the
forenoon when l thought of firing at
some game.
They were in the breast pocket of my
coat, which pockets had been made for
them, and l could reach them at any in
stant. Another hour passed away, and
by that time i had become assured that
the robber would make no attempt upon
me till after night-fall. He said that it
would be convenient that we were to-
gether, for we could run all night, as
one could steer while the other was
asleep.
Aye" added, with smile; /" that
is good for me, for every hour is vaIua-
bic. would not miss meeting my friend
for the world"
0, you will meet him, never fear,"
said my companion.
All, he spoke that with too much
meaning [ understood it well, knew
what that sly tone, and that strange
cleaning of the eye meant He meant
that he would put me on the road to
meet poor Kemp in the other world l
wondered only now that l had not de-
tected the robber when first | saw him,
for the expression of his face was so
heartiess, so icy, and then his eyes had
such wicked look, that the most unprac-
ticed physigonomist could not have failed
to detect the villain at once.
During the rest Of the afternoon we
conversed some, but not as freely as be-
fore. | could see that the villains eyes
were not SO frankly bent on me as he
spoke, and that he seemed inclined to
avoid any direct glances. These move
ments on his part were not studied, OF
even intentional, but they were instinc-
tive, as though his very nature led him
thus.
AT length night came on. We ate our
supper, and smoked our pipes, and final
ly my companion proposed that should
sleep before he did. AT first / thought
of objecting, but few moments's refec-
ton told me that had better behave as
though l was ar honest man; so l agreed
TO his proposition. He took my seat at
the stern, and | moved further forward,
and having removed the thwart upon
which my companion had been sitting, |
spread my cloak in the bottom of the ca
noe, and then having placed my valise
for pillow, l lay down.
As soon as possible l drew out one of
my pistols, and beneath the cover of a
cough cooked it. Then l moved nv
body so that my arm would be at liberty,
and grasping my weapon firmly with my
finger upon the guard, l drew up my
mantle, slouched my hat, and then set
tied down for my watch.
Fortunately for me the moon was up,
and though the forest trees threw a shad-
ow upon me, yet its beams fell upon
Karl, and could see his every move
menr. We were we'll into the Wabash,
having entered it about three o'clock.
% You will call me at midnight" I
saiu, drowsily.
Yes" he replied.
Good night, and pleasant Dreams
I'll have you further on your way than
you think ere you wake up again.
Perhaps So" thought L to myself, as
[ lowered myself to sleep.
For full half an hour my companion
steered the canoe very well, and seemed
to take but little notice Of me but at
the end Of that time I could see that he
became more uneasy. l commenced to
snore with long, regularly drawn
breath, and on the instant the villain
started as starts the hunter when he hears
the tread of game in the woods.
But bark Aha-there was before
one lingering fear in my mind that !
might shoot the wrong man, but it was
gone now. As the fellow stopped the
motion of the paddle, I distinctly heard
him mutter:
"Oho, my dear sheepl you little
dreamed that Gus Karl was your com,
panion. But he'll do you good turn
If your friend is dead you shall follon
him, and Itake your traps to pay youl
passage to heaven"
I think these were the very words. q
| any rate they were their drift. As h
thus spoke lie noiselessly drew in the
| paddle, and rose to his feet. I saw hin
r reach over his left shoulder, and when h
i, brought back his hand lie had hug
= bowie-knife in it. | could see the blad
L gleam in the pale moonlight, and say
2 him run his thumb along the edge, an
5 feel the point. My heart beat fear
5 fully, and my breathing was hard ]
f was with the utmost exertion that
:. could continue my snoring, but mar
e aged to do it without interruption. Slow
l ly and noiselessly the fool wretch ar
= preached me. o, his step would NJ
e have awakened hound, and his lon
II cleaning knife was half raised. coul
c hear his breathing plainly, and the gr'
e ting of his teeth as he nerved himse
z. for the stroke.
n The villain was by my side, and /
d measured the distance from his hand
i my heart with his eye. In his left han
d he held a thick handkerchief all wat
i ded up. That was to stop my moui
D with Every nerve in my body w
y now strung, and my heart stood still 1
d death.
l OF course my sroring ceased, and
" that moment the huge knife was raist
ID above my bosom Quick as thought
D. brought my pistol up, the muzzle ~
~ within a foot Of the robbers heart,
n uttered a quick cry saw the brig