Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-12-09
THE DOUBLE SHOT.
ATALE OF WYOMING.

TALE OF WYOMING.
The beautiful vale of Wyoming, Pennsyl-
vania, became the scene of dreadful tragedy.
Through this valley the East branch Of the
Susquehanna flows, on the banks of which
the inhabitants Of Connecticut had planted
colony, many years before the revolution. 1t
became the most populous and hourishing
settlement in America, and nowhere, perhaps,
on the face of he globe, existed a communi-
ty of like numbers, where so much happiness.
based upon public and private virtue, prevailed,
in the Valley of Wyoming. Industry and
frugaity were the great temporal character
istics of the pee pie, and, all the same, stern
patriotism found luxuriant nursery there.
When the war of Independence broke out,
Wyoming sent forth its youth, and during the
struggle it gave thousand soldiers to battle
for rbcrty and yet, in the midst of that
peaceful community party spirit raised its un-
seemly head and soon the animosties of
Wings and tories became as strong there as
elsewhere, separating and sevcring the dearest
ties.
The Republicans, having majority, used
means to restrain the actions of the Tories,
and even expelled many from the colony.
This highly cxasperated them they swore
revenge: they coalesced with their savage
neighbors; and during the summer of this
year, while nearly all the youths of the settle
ment were with the army, they resolved to
wreak their vengcnce. Both Tories and Indi-
ans lulled the inhabtats into security by pro-
tcstations of friendship, and caused them to
be less on their guard. Hist. of '76.
In the sweet vale of Wyoming, George and
Mary Ryerson had found a pleasant resting
place, far away from the cares and turmoil of
city life. Their wealth consisted Of 4 conve-
nicnt farm house, with a broad belt of rich,
uncutivated land lying along the banks of the
gentle Susquehapna, and q track Of woodland
along the mountain side; of sheep, cattle,
horses, poultry, all manner Of implements OF
husbandry everything which ministers to
the real necessities and happiness OF man.
There they lived and loved, acknowledging
no sovereign save the Lord of heaven and
earth, no arstocracy save that OF superior iu-
teligcnce. During the summer months he
rose early, and buisied himself with the super
intendance of his farm she attended to the
management of the household, and found lei
sure TO look after the welfare of the flowers
to plant vines and train them gracefully about
the cottage windows, to sit in their cool shad
ows, and sing songs of love and peace.
George Ryerson was tall, and handsomely
formed, with a high, white forehead, dark
hazel eye, and a handsome glow upon hi
check. Mary was somewhat slightly made
with blue eyes, golden curls, rose-tintet
cheek, and velvet smile playing forever a
bout her lips. They were as beautiful an'
pure-hearted as any pair who had Joined hand
for life walk, since our first parents tro'
Eden's paths together. They had been fiv
years married, and yet no undercurrent o
grief or bitterness had swelled up to distur
the bright surface waves of severe existence
One winter day, Geo. Ryerson took his gu
and went out for the purpose OF hunting
deer. Crossing the Susquehanna, he bega
ascending the mountain on the opposite side
Reaching level path, running circular aroun
the bill, he discovered deer tracks. Present.
fine buck came bounding down the hill, an
stopped but short distance before him IN tn
path. George raised his rifle, shot and th
deer fell. At the same instant the hunter fe
sting like that of an adder in his shoulder
dizziness came over him, and he fell back {
gainst tree. A dark face bent over him,
dark hand extracted the bullet, and low mi
sical voice said3
''Me sorry me no mean to hurt you.''
ssIs it you Eagle Eye" said the hunter.
cit is me- replied the Indian, ssme tab
you home"