The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1858-02-17

They were In the breast pockets oil my
coat, which pockets had been made on
purpose for them, and l could reach them
at any instant. Another hour passed away,
and by that time had become assured that
the robber would make no attempt upon
me until after nightfall. He said that it
would be convenient that we were together,
for we could run all night, as one could
steer the can1e while the other slept.
"Ay,' ] added, with smile; ''that is
good for me, for every hour is valuable
/ would not miss meeting my friend for the
world"
ooh, you'll meet him never fear,v said
my companion.
All! he spoke that with 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 10 meet poor Kemp in the
other world! wondered only now that
had not detected the robber when ! first
saw him, for the expression of his face was
so heartless, so icy-and then his eyes had
such a wicked look--ihat the most unprac-
ticed physiognomist could not have failed
10 detect the william at once.
During the rest of the afternoon we con-
versed some, but not so freely as before -
l could see that the Villains eyes were not
so frankly bent upon mine as he spoke, and
then he seemed inclined to avoid my direct
glances These movements on his part
were not studied, or even intentional; but
they were instructive, as though his very
nature led him thus. AT length night came
on. We ate our supper, and then smoked
our pipes, and finally my companion pro-
posed that should sleep before he did
AT first thought of objecting, but few
minutes reflection told me that had better
behave as though he were an honest man ::
so agreed 10 his proposition. He took my
seat al the stern, and moved further for
ward 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
a pillow, lay down. AS soon as possible
drew out one of my pistols, and under the
cover of cough, I cooked it. Then
moved my body so that my right arm would
be at liberty, and grasping my weapon
firmly, with my finger on the guard, drew
up my mantle, slouched my hat, and then
settled down for my watch
Fortunately for me the moon was mp, and
though the forest threw a shadow upon me,
yet the beams fell upon Karl and could
see his every moment. We were well into
the Wabash, having entered it about three
o'clock
"You will call me at midnight" said
drowsily.
eyes," he returned.
"Good night"
"Good highland pleasant dreams. I'll
have you further on your way than you
think ere you wake up again"
perhaps So" thought to myself, as
lowered my head, and pretended to lower
myself to sleep.
For half an hour my companion steered
the canoe very well, and seemed TO take
but little notice of me but at the end of
'hot 'ihO L Soulo sec that lC uCCdIuC HlOTC
uneasy. commenced 10 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
distinctly heard him mutter:
"O-ho, my dear sheep-you little dream
ed that Gus Karl was your companion. But
he'll do you good turn. If your friend is
dead, you shall follow him, and take your
traps to pay your passage to heavenw
think these were the very words. At
any rate, they were their drift. AS he thus
spoke he noiselessly drew in the paddle,
and rose 10 his feet. saw him reach up
over his left shoulder, and when he broush hit
back his hand, he had a huge bowie.knife
in it. could see the blade CLEAN in the
pale moonlight, and l saw Karl run his
thumb along the edge, and then feel the
point My heart beat fearfully, and my
breathing was hard. 1t was with the utmost
exertion that could continue my snoring,
but managed to do it without interruption.
Slowly and noiselessly the foul wretch pro-
ceeded to approach me. Oh! his step
would not have awakened hound-and
his long, cleaning knife was half raised
| could hear the grating Of his teeth as he
nerved himself for the stroke.
The villain was by my side, and measured
the distance from his hand 10 my heart with
his eye. In his left hand he held a thick
handkerchief all wadded up. That was to
stop my mouth with. Every nerve in my
body was now strung, and my heart still as
death. Of course my snoring ceased, and
at that instant the huge knife was raised
above my bosom! Quick as thought l
brought my pistol up-the muzzle was
within foot of the robbers heart-he NUT
tered quick cry-I saw the bright blade
culver in the moonlight, but it came not
upon me. Ipuled the trigger, and the last
fear was past. had thought that the weap-
OH nigh, miss fire, but it did not There
was sharp report, and as sprang up and
backed, heard a fierce yell, and at the
same time the robber fell forward, his head