Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1858-05-20

I
whence their removal to Fort Bertrand
became an easy matter. To purchase
!. and ship these goods. and deliver q
package of letters to friends in the
!, East. Eugene had been thrice dispatch.
J ed-his third commission also extend
ing TO the escorting Of the beautiful
hciress, with her servants. TO her new
home. This last commission had
been SO far executed at the time chosen
for the opening Of our story. as to
bring the different parties to the mouth
Of the great kanawhs. whence the
reader has seen them slowly floating
off upon the still, CLASSY bosom Of 1.-THE
belle Of rivers"
The day, which was an auspicious
one. passed without any thing occur
ring worthy OF note, until near four
o'clock. when, as Blanche was stand
ing on the fore part Of the deck gazing
at the lovely scene which surrounded
her, she saw seemingly flying body
suddenly leave limb of q gigantic
tree, whose mighty branches extended
far over the river. and near which the
boat was then swaycd by the action OF
the current. and alight with a crash
upon the deck of the boat, not more
than eight feet from her. One glance
sufficed to show her what the object
was, and to freeze the blood in her
veins. The glowing eyes Of a huge
panther met her gaze The sudden
ness of the shock which this discovery
gave her was overpowering. With a
deafening shrek she fell upon her
knees and claspcd her hands before her
breast. The panther crouched for his
deadly leap. but ere he sprang, the
hunting knife Of Eugene Fairfax (who.
with the steersman, was the only per-
son on deck besides Blanche J. was bur-
led to the hilt in his side, inhiciing a
severe but not fatal wound. The infu-
rated beast at once turned upon Eu-
gene, and deadly struggle ensued.
But it was a short one. The polished
blade of the knife played back and
forth like lightning flashes. and at
every plunge it was buried to the hilt
in the panther's body. who soon fell to
the deck, dragging the dauntless Eu-
gene with him. On seeing her pro-
tector fall. Blanche uttered another
Shrek and rushed to his aid; but as
sistance from stoutcr arms was at hand.
The boatmen gathered round, and the
savage monster was literally hacked in
pieces with their knives and hatchets,
and Eugene, covered with blood, was
dragged from under his carcass. Sup
posing him to be dead or mortally
wounded. Blanche threw her arms
around his neck and gave way to a
passionate burst of grief. But he was
not dead-he was not even hurt. with
the exception of few slight scratches.
The blood with which he was covered
was the panthcr's. not his own. But
Blanche's embrace was his-a priceless
treasure-an index Of her hearts emo
tions and affections. 1t was to color
his whole future life, as will be seen
in the progress of our story.
Slowly and silently, save the occa-
sional creak, dip, and plash of the
steersman's oar, the boat of our voya-
gers was borne along upon the bosom
of the current. on the third night Of
the voyage. The hour was waxing
late, and Eugene, the only one astir
except the watch, was suddenly star
tied. by a rough hand being placed
upon his shoulder. accompanied by the
words. in the gruff voice of the boat
man. l ea
Il say, Cap'n, here's trouble!'
What is it. Dick?" inquired Eu-
gene. starting to his feet.
Don't you see thar's heavy fog
rising, that'il soon kiver us up so thick
4 that we won't be able to tell white
man from nigger?" replied the boat
man-Dick Winter by name-a tall.
bony, muscular. athletic specimen OF
his class.
Good heaven! so there is" ex-
claimed Eugene. looking off upon the
already misty waters. 1T must have
gathered very suddenly. for all was
clear a minute ago. What is to be
done now? This is something / was
not prepared for, on such night as
this"
ut looks troublous. Cap'n, I'll al
low" returned Dick; "but we're in
fort. that's sartin. and l s'pose we'll
have to make the best ont"
but what is to be done?-what do
you adviser" asked Eugene, in quick,
excited tone. that indicated some de.
gree of alarm.
Why, eff you war'nt SO skeered
about the young lady. and it war'nt sc
dead agin the orders from head quar-
ters. my plan would be cl'ar and
easy one-l'd just run over to the
kaintuck shore, and tie up"
"No, no" said Eugene, positively
! that will never do, Dick-that will
never do! ! would not think of such
thing for moment! We must KEEP
in the current by all mcans!"
"Ef you can," rcjoined the boatman
t "but when it gifts so dark as we cam
tell one thing from t'other. it'll b
powerful hard TO do; and eff we dom
. run agin a bar or bank afore morning
+ in spite of the best O. us. it'll be th'
, luckiest go that ever had hand in
: See, Cap'n-it's thickening up fast
| we can't see eyther bank at all, no
: the water nyther; the stars is gettin
: dim, and it looks as If thar war /,
: cloud all round us" tra
Il see. | sce." returned Eugene, ex
D citedly. '.Merciful Heaven. hope N
e accident will befall us here.--and We
4 my heart almost nisgivcs me'-fo
e this, | believe, is the most dangerou
n