Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-05-07
ADVENTURE WITH A MANIAC.
BY sYLvANus COBB, JR.

settlers Of Arkansas,--a bold hardy maa
made of just such stuff as is necessary to
the conquering and subduing of new
and wild country, His cabin was close
by the White River, and ere many years
he had broad piece of land smiling un-
der the iuAuence of successful cultivation,
His time was about equally divided be-
tween the field and the forest, though he
had more liking for the former, the rife
being a more agreeable companion than
the plow.
His family consisted of his wife and
two children. Susan Winter was not
yet thirty-five, and though living in the
wild woods, yet she was fair and modest,
and possessed fund Of sound sense that
would have done credit to a better educa-
ton. Andrew, a bright, apt boy, was six
years ofage, while little Lucy, the laugh
ing, romping girl, was only four.
One evening as Peter and his family
were at supper, the door was opened and
large powerfully built man entered.
"Ah John, is this you ?" said Peter as
he recognized his visitor.
"Yes." answered the newcomer in
thick tones, at the same time reeling to-
wards the fire place.
What drunk again John ?" resumed
the hunter, in a reproachful tone.
Been drunk fortnight, Pete" grum-
bled the man, looking up with vacant
leer, evidently unable to see distinctly
" Give me bed, old feller."
Certainly, you shall have bed, John
But won't you have something to ca
first z" asked Susan.
Eh-Suke Winter? Egad-I vii
eat" He sat up to the table, but his ap
petite proved treacherous, and he move'
back again without tasting food. As h
gained the chimney-corner, he drew
bottle from his pocket, but it was empty
Drank the last drop just afore / COM
in," he said, his utterance becoming NOR
thick. "Give US a tip of yer own bottle
Pete"
Hay'nt got drop for you, John, ans
wered Peter.
} Nota drop Of whiskey? Z"
"Not a drop"
SINCE painter, old boy! What ar
} ye coming to p
Peter made some careless reply, an
then urged the poor fellow to go and Ii
down. He saw that he was GROWN
more stupid every moment, and that b
would soon fall from his chair. After
while the man consented to 90, and hi
host led him to a place in one corne
where a buffalo skin was hung up for
screen, and behind it was a bed of bea
skins. John was soon asleep, and Pett
returned and finished his supper.
John Armstrong was a good hunter;
firm friend; ready to help in times
need, and death on Injuns.
He lived nowhere in particular, b
- found a home anywhere. A week
two would be spent in hunting, then
would carry his skins to the nearest sc
. tlement and purchase rum, and then can
a spree which lasted while he could G
fuel for the fatal fame.
- = When Peter got ready to 60 to bed
- went in and looked at his guest, whom
found Just as he left him.
&" ITS too bad p he said, as lie came o.
What noble fellow he is when h
!; himself. How a man can DO so is me
than I can understand
e Poor John ? murmured Susan. Ar
strong had ever been warm friend
= both herself and husband, and had.
- two oecasione, saved them from the sea
~ ing-knife and t2mahawk. So they 10y
him, even now.
u The hunter arose with the first da
of day, and ere he dressed himself
" went to see how his guest Jared. Jt
was still sleeping soundly, though
scattered skins told that he had been v
u uneasy during the night.
! i must go and look at my traps 5
g. Peter, after be had dressed, and if j,
:. wakes up before | get back, you'd be
!, fix him up some warm drink, and get
= to eat if he can. IF he wants whisl
tell him he must wait until ! come.
- - shall not be gone over an hour so
, may have breakfast ready by then.
= The husband took his rife and v
out, and shortly afterwards the wife {
ed up her two children and dressed th
! and then proceeded to build her fire
- After this she cut some stake fro
quarter Of yenison which hung near
- Il Il