Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-03-05

promise much in the way of physical
prowess but his sinewy aud compact
form, strengthened by active exercise and
habits Of oftempersnce, was capable of great
endurance, and his noble, though care
worn, features bespoke fearlcssness tenn
pered by prudence, and indomitable reso-
luton softened by benevolence. 1t was
the perception of the same traits of charac-
ter in Charles Wilmer, which attached him
so strongly to the young man, that he
almost felt as If he could follow him back
into the walks of civilized life, and make
friends with society-forget his wrongs,
and forgive those who wronged him.
But, the Hermit proceeded on his jour
ney at rate of speed which he thought
would enable him to gain slightly upon
Wilmer, who had preceded him only about
four hours. Supposing him to have cal
culatod with accuracy, it must have
been about two hours after Wilmer left
Mike Sloan, when the Hermit came up
with the same individual, sound asleep, on
the spot where he had eaten dinner. Dis
mounted quietly, and slipping the bit from
the mouth of his horse that he might Craze
freely, the Hermit drank from the spring,
then giving Mike poke in the ribs with
his rife, caused him to spring to his feet
with the exclamation
"Who the devil ar you, and what do
you mean?" At the same time presenting
his rifle in menacing attitude.
~ mean you no harm friend, or you
would never have awaked from your sound
sleep, You should be more wakeful and
watchful, sir, in this dangerous neighbor-
hood, and the addition of flint to your
lock, would be no bad idea. From the
signs about you, you have very lately had
a skirmish with the savages."
"The durndest hardest fight, stranger,
that iver you seed but two skelps war all
l got, OWN to that thar very flint what's
missin' But whom thunder is all them
acomin?'
The Hermit turned hastily, and saw turn
ing the point Of hill, and not more than
two hundred yards off, the party headed
by Capt Fritz. Itwas too late to avoid a
meeting, and Mike hastcned to replace the
missing flint, whilst the Hermit stood
awaiting the approach of the advancing
party,
"Whom have We here?" Asked Fritz,
addressing the Hermit.
"If you have any interest in knowing" ,"
was the reply, "you should begin by re-
porting yourselves.
=, "Why, cf thar amt Joe Swillivin! Sui
livan)" Exclaimed Mike, before Fritz
could reply; and advancing to the person
named, Mike seized his hand, did not let
it go until Joe had dismounted, and the
two walked together to the spring, and en-
tered into an earnest conversation. Fritz
dismounted too, and going up to the Her
nit, said:
( "Now, old fellow, none of your impu-
dencc, but tell me who you are, and where
you are going, and what forl'
"Who | am, is no concern of yours, and
where / am going, and what for, is my
business, not yours
''Fritz raised his rife above his head, as
if to strike-exclaiming-"I have a mind
to beat out your brains, and if you don't
answer my questions, l will do it"
81 shall not answer your questions, and
you had rather die than not, just at
tempt any violence"
Fritz lowered his rife, and enquired OF
some of his party how he should punish
the obstinate rascal-covering, by this
manoeuvre, the fear with which the Her,
mit's look apd manner inspired him.
''Old man. said one of the party, eve
are in pursuit of band of red skins, who
have captured lady and gentleman be.
longing to the fort, Now, if you will act
as guide, and aid us in recapturing the
prisoners, it will be deed for which yOur
conscience will reward you but if you
refuse, we will take you along as our pris.
oner, to be dealt with as may hereafter be
determined
"That is speaking to the point" saiG
the Hermit, "and l am at your service.
He saw that resistance would be useless
and believing that men engaged in a law,
} ful pursuit, would not undertake to re
strain his freedom, he had serious misgiv
ings but resolved to be on the alert, tha
Wilmer might not be molestel, and trus
to the signs that might show themselves
and to his own ingenuity for escape from
the dilemma in which he so unexpectedly