Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-08-05

color and had the Drilllancy OF giarlnS &C.,
Their light was intense, but cold and glitter
ing like a snakes. When l thought of his
age, set him down for not much over thirty.
Suddenly sharp, cold shudder ran through
my frame, and my heart leaped with wild
thrill. As sure as fate-I knew it-there could
be no Doubt had taken into my canoe, and
into my confidence, Gus Karl the Habash ROB-
beri For few moments, l feared my emo
tions would betray me. l looked carefully o.
yer his person again, and knew that was not
mistaken. l could look back now and see how
cunningly he had led me on to confession of
my circumstances-how he made me tell my
affairs, and reveal the state of my finances
What fool 1 had been But it was too late
TO think of the past. had Ienough to do to
look out for what was evidently to come.
1 at length managed to overcome all my out
ward emotions, and began to watch my COM
panion more sharply and closly. My pistols
| were both handy, and knew they were In good
order for had examined them both in the
forenoon when / thought of firing at some
game. They were in the breast pocket of my
coat, which pockets had been made on purpose
for them, and l could reach them in an instant.
Another hour passed away, and by that time
had become assured that the robber. would
make no attempt upon me until after night
fall. He said that it would be convenient that
we were both together, for we could run all
night, for one could steer the canoe, while the
other slept.
ssAye,'' added with smile, ''that is good
for me, for every hour is valuable. would
not miss OF meeting my friend for worlds.''
ssOh-you'll meet him never fear" said my
companion.
Ah--he spoke that with too much meaning.
l understood it well. knew what thy 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! I!
l wondered only now that had not detected
the robber when 1 first saw him, for the ex-
preston Of his face was so heartless, so icy
and then his eye had such wicked look-that
| the most unpracticed physiognomist could not
have failed to detect the villain at once.
During the restDf the afternoon we convers-
ed some, but not SO freely as before. 1 could
see that the Villains eyes were not so frankly
bent upon me as he spoke, and then seemed to
avoid my direct glances. These movements
| on his part were not studied, not even inten-
| tional but they were instructive, as though
his very nature led him thus. At length might
came on. We ate our supper, and then smok-
ed our pipes, and finally my companion pro-
posed that 1 should sleep before he did. At
first thought of obje ting, but few moments
reflection told me that l had better behave as
though 1 were an honest man so / agreed to
his proposition. He took my seat at the stern,
and 1 moved further forward, and having re-
moved the thwart upon which my companion
had been sitting, spread my cloak in the ca
noe, and then having placed my valise for
pillow, laid down. As soon possible
drew out one of my pistols, and beneath the
| cover of a cough l cooked it. Then L moved
my body so that my right arm would
be at liberty, and grasping my weapon firmly
| with my finger upon the guard, drew up my
mantle, slouched my hat and then settled down
| for my watch.
| Fortunately for me, the moon was up: and
though the forest trees threw shadow upon
me- yet the beams fell full upon Karl, and
could see his every movement. We were well
into the Wabash, having entered it about three
O'Clock.
esYou will call me at midnight / said
drowsily.
eyes," he returned.
ssGood night.''
ssGood night-and pleasant dreams. I'll
have you farther on your way than you think
ere you wake again.
| oPerhaps so," thought to myself as low
cred my head and pretended to lower myself
to sleep.
! For half ad hour my companion steered the
canoe very we'll, and seemed to take but little
| notice of me but at the end or that time, l
could see he became more uneasy. / COM
menced 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 lin
gering fear in my mind that might shoot the
wrong man ; but it was now gone. As the fell
low stopped the motion of the paddle, 1 dis
tinctly heard his mutter:
"Oho, my dear sheep-you little dreamed
that Gus Karl was your companion. But he'll
do you n good turn. If your friend is dead,
you shall follow him, and III take your traps
to pay for your passage to Heaven
think these words were the very words
At any rate they were their drift. AS he thus
| smoke he noiselessly drew in the paddle and
then rose to his feet. saw him reach up over
his left shoulder, and when he brought his
hand back he had a huge bowie knife. In II
/ could see the blade CLEAN in the pale moon