The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1858-05-19

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But why repeat this to me, dear aunt, D."
returned Blanche, with more serious air,
"when you know it is my destiny, either
good or bad, to attempt the voyage? My
parents have sent for me to join them in
their new home, and it is my duty to 90
to them, be the peril what it may
You never did know what it was to
fear !" pursued the good woman, rather
proudly. NO." she repeated, turning to
the others, " Blanche Bertrand never did
know what it was so fear, believe :"
Just like her father !" joined in the
husband of the matron. the brother Of
Banche's mother, the commander of the
station, and the middle-aged gentleman
mentioned as one Of the party; "a true
daughter of a true soldier. Her father,
Col. Philip Bertrand, God bless him for a
true heart never did seem to know what
it was to fear-and Blanche is just like
him"
BY this time the parties had reached
the boat; and the young man already de-
scribod-Eugene Fairfax, the secretary of
Blanche's father at once stepped forward,
and, in polite and deferential manner,
offered his hand to the different females,
to assist them on board. The hand of
Blanche was the last to touch his--and
then but slightly, as she sprung quickly
and lightly to the deck-but close OBJ
server might have detected the slight flush
which mantled his noble, expressive fea-
lures, as his eye for single instant met
hers She might herself have seen it
perhaps she did-but there was no cores
ponding glow on her own bright pretty face
as she inquired, in the calm, digni6ed tone
of one having the right to put the question
and who might also have been aware of
the inequality of position between herself
and him she addressed
Eugene, is everything prepared for
our departure 1t will not do for our boat
to spring leak again, as it did coming
down the Kanawha for it will not be safe
for US, am told, to touch either shore be-
tween the different forts and trading posts
on our route, this side of our destination,
| tho Eells of tha Ohio
No indeed !" rejoined her aunt, quick
ly, d" it will be as much as your lives are
worth 10 venture foot from the main our
rent Of the Ohio--for news reached us only
the other day, that many boats had been
attacked this spring and several lost. with
all on board"
No one feels more concerned about
the safe passage of Miss Bertrand than
myself replied Eugene in a deferental
tone " and since our arrival here, have
left nothing undons that | thought might
possibly add to her security and comfort. "
That is true, to my personal knowl-
edge" joined in the uncle of Blanche /;
"and thank you, Mr. Fairfax, in behalf
Of my fair kinswomsn. There will per-
haps," he pursued, " be no great danger,
SO long u. you keep in the current; but
your watch must not be neglected for a
single moment, either night or day and
do not, must solemnly charge and warn
you, under any circumstances, or on any
pretence whatsoever, suffer yourselves to
be decoyel to either shore
Il hope We understand our duty better
Colonel, said one Of the men, respectfully
81 doubt it not" replied the comman.
der Of the Point believe you are all
faithful and true men, or you would moi
have been selected by the agent oil Col
Bertrand, for taking down more precious
freight than you ever carried before; but
still the wisest and the best men have lost
their lives by giving ear to the most ear
nest appeals of humanity. You under
stand what | mean3 White men appa
rently in the greatest distress, will hal
your boat, represent themselves as having
| Just escaped from the Indians, and beg O.
YOU, for the love of God, in the most pit
eous tones, to come to their relief; bu
turn deaf ear to them--to each and a,
of them-even should you know the plead
ers to be of your own kin; for in such
case your own brother might deceive yol
not wilfully and voluntarily, perhaps
but because Of being goaded on by th'
savage., themselves concealed. Yes, sucl
, things have been known as one friend be
ing thus used to lure another to his des
truction and 30 be cautious, vigilant
brave and true, and may the good Ge'
keep you all from harm !"
: As he finished speaking, Blanche pro
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