Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-06-20

abled 10 make Spicer understand that he
wanted to stay all night with him. To this
request a very reluctant answer was given. for
an Indian Warrior was not, at that period, the
most pleasing and harmless guest man could |
have in his house, and Spicer was not the
warmest friend of the red man of the forest !
However the request had been made, and he
would not even turn an enemy from his door
on such night as this so lie was bid TO dis
mount and enter, while his horse was led 10 a
large pig sty near which was the only sem
blance of stable on the premises. The car
cass of the deer was carried into the house,
together with two rifles which the Indian bore.
Spicer did not like the looks of his guest
when the blaze of the fire lit up his person
and the fact of his being so well armed-for
besides his rifles, he carried in his belt tom
ahawk and scalping knife-aroused his suspi-
cion of the object of his visit. The Indian
probably noticed this fact by the expression Of
his face, and rid himself of his weapons,
which he placed in the corner with his rifles
Reassured by this act, Spicer threw of some.
what of his reserve, and asked the other if he
wanted any supper Without replying in words,
the Indian took his knife, and going TO the car
cass Of the deer, cut off two steaks, which he
handed 10 Mrs. Spcer, who understood well
enough what was expected of her. She ac-
cordngly put them over the fire 10 broil, and
meantime laid the table with such other eata-
bes as the cabin offorded When the meat
was sufficiently cooked, as she thought, it was
taken from the fire, and thoroughly seasoned
with salt and pepper, after the white mans
method of cooking. The Indian, who had sat
in silence during the preparation of the meal,
was called to eat, and drew up his chair for
that purpose. But both Spicer and his wife
noticed that he ate bnt mouthful or two of
the meat, with which, for some reason which
they could not devue, he seemed disgusted.
Nothing was said by either party, and the
table was cleared as it had been spread, in si-
lence.
A skin was laid upon the floor in front of
the fire for the Indian to sleep upon, and Spi-
Ger and his wife retired to bed in a room which
adjoined the main apartment, and which from
the position Of their couch, gave them full
view Of the other loom, together with the In
dian, his arms, &c. The carcass of the deer
had been laid by the side of the dresser, which
was next 10 the door between the two apart
ments, so that person in passing from one to
the other would almost step over ii. Before
going to bed Spicer had taken care 10 see tha.
his rifle was in good order and placed at the
head of his bed, where he could reach it with
ease should necessity require its use. His sus-
picions OF his gnest had not been entirely al
layed, and, although he was careful to avoid
showing them, yet he thought best TO prepare
for any emergency. Both parties laid down
to repose, and soon nothing but the rain and
the wind broke the silence of the night.
An hour had passed-it might have been
longer, for he could only guess at the time
and Spicer found himself suddenly vide awake
and all his faculties on the stretch. Wha
had wakened him he could not tell, but hi:
glance was directed at his guest; and, although
the fire had burned low, and only threw a
faint light on the object in The other apartment
yet he saw that he had partly risen from hi:
pallet and was in sitting posture, leaning or
: one hand, and intenily gazing into the room
where he slept. Quietly nudging his wife, he
found that she too. was awake, and watching
the movements Of the Indian. Slowly and
cautiously the latter raised himself TO his feet
and, apparently satisfied that his host was sound
asleep, he approached the corner where hi:
rifles, tomahawk and knife had been placed -
, Here he again paused and looked s,ealthily
over his shoulder TO see if all was quiet The
feelings of Spicer and his wife may perhaps
be imagined, but they cannot be described
Satisfied of the intentions of his guest, he wa,
about to reach for his rifle, but thought hi
would wait the further development Of his in
, tensions. The slightest movement, even
change in their breathing, he knew would alarm
the warrior, and he lay there perfectly quie
scent, but prepared to act when the time cam,
for action. He saw the Indian stoop pick u
his knife draw it from its sheath and feel il,
; edge, and in moment more he was approach
ing the door to his apartment with noiseles
and catlike tread. Quick as thought, Spicer'!
plan was arranged-and that was, the momen
the Indian crossed the threshold, TO spring VI
and seize his rifle, and as the other was only
armed with his knife, he could shoot him be
fore he could either strike blow oil reach hi
other arms. Another step wonld bring the en-
emy TO the prescribed limit, and every nerv,
was stretched preparatory for spring, wheI
TO his surprise, he saw him kneel, and afte
looking TO see if all around was still, cut
, steak weighing about two pounds from th
deer's haunch, and returned with it to the fire
, Here he raked together the Goals, upon whcl
Q he laid the meat till it was cooked to his salts
e faction, when he devoured it with much appa
: rent relish. and then laid himself down II
sleep. 1t seems that Mrs. Spicers method o
cooking venison was not to his liking and HI
had preferred to curb his appetite until he coult
: cook it to suit his own taste. High seasoned foot
# is as distaseful to an Indian as the same foo'
: raw would be TO white man. In the morning
# after presenting Spicer with haunch of hi
r venison, the Indian explained his visit by say
r ing, as well as he could by signs and broker
English that himselfand father had lost them
d selves in The woods, and after covering his pa
9 rent with his blanket, and hiding him in
n hollow log, he had wandered in search of
: shelter for himself until he saw the light il
. Spicer's cabin
9 PETER CARTWRIGHT.
: Some queer stories are told of this pionee
= preacher He at one time offended certai
r Major l., who was fire eater, by tn