Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1858-05-19

YOU 20, IoI III just seems TO me as. II
something were going to happen to you
and when feel that way, something
generally does happen"
'W ell, aunt, ," returned Blanche, with
u light laugh, II do not doubt in the
least that something will happen-for
| expect one Of these days to reach my
dear father and blessed mother, and
give them such an embrace as is due
from dutitul daughter to her parents
and that will be some thing that has
not happened for two long years at
least.
'But don't mean that, Blanche,"
returned the other, somewhat petulant-
ly; ''and you just laugh like a gay and
thoughtless girl, when you oug ght to be
serious. Because you have come safe
thus far, through a partially settled
country, you think, perhaps, your own
pretty face will ward off danger in the
more perilous wilderness-bu I warn
you that a perilous journey is before
you! Scarcely a boat descends the Ohio
that does not encounter more or less
peril treta the savages that prowl along
either shore; and some Of them 90 down
treighted with human life, are heard of
no more, and nome ever return to tell
the tale.''
''But why repeat this to me dear
aunt, returned Blanche, with a more
serious air, S'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 go to them, be the
peril what it may"
"You never did know what it was to
tear!." pursued the good woman, rather
proudly. ''No," she repeated, turning
to the others, ''Blanche Bertrand never
did know what it was to fear. I be-
lieve!''
"Just like her father..'' Joined in the
husband Of the matron, the brother of
Blanche's mother, the commander Of
the station, and the middle aged gen
tleman mentioned rs one of the party;
"a tr1le daughter of true soldier
Her father, Colonel 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
observation-disclosures Fairfax, the secre-
tary OF Blanche's father-at once step
ped up, and, in polite and dclerential
manner, offered his hand TO the differ
ent females, to assist them on board
ofE 10, .1,o =,
touch his-and then but slightly, as
she sprung quickly and lightly to the
deck-but the close observer might
have detected slight flush which man
tied his noble, expressive features as
his eye for single instant met hers
She might herself have seen it-~per-
haps she ditt-but there was no CORES
ponding glow on her own bright, pret-
ty face, as she inquired, in the calm,
dignifed tone Of one having the right
to put the question, and who might al
SO be aware Of the inequality Of posi-
ton between herself and him she ad-
dressed:
SEugene, is everything prepared for
our departure? 1t will not do for our
boat to spring aleak again, as it did
coming down the Kanawha-for it will
not be safe for us, am told, to touch
either shore between the different forts,
and trading posts on our road, this side
of our destinatiOn,-th Falls of Ohio. :"
"No, indeedr' rejoined her aunt,
quickly; ''it will be as much as your
lives are worth to venture foot from
the main current of the Ohio-for news
reached US only the other day, that
many boats had been attacked, and
several lost with all on board
''No one feel more concerned about
the safe passage of Miss Bertrand than
myself" replied Eugeue, in deferen-
tial tone; ''and since our arrival here,
/ have left nothing undone that |
thought might possibly add to her Sc
curity and comfort
''That is true, to my personal knowl-
edge joined in the uncle of Blanche;
"and thank you, Mr.. Fairfax, in be-
half of my fair kinswoman. There
will, perhaps" he pursued. ''be no great
tI'danger as long as you keep in the cur
rent; but your watch must not be ne
elected for a single moment, either
night or day; and do not, I most sol
emnly charge and warn you, under any
circumstances, or Oh any pretence what
soever, suffer yourself to be decoyed
to either shore
II hope we understand our duty bet.
: ter, Colonel said one Of the men, re-
) spectfully.
II doubt it -not,'' replied the com
mander of the Point; Il believe you
) are all faithful and true men, or you
would not be selected by the agent of
Colonel Bertrand, for taking down more
precious freight than you.ever carried
: before. But still the wisest and best
of men have lost their lives by giving
ear to the most earnest appeals Of hu.
/ manity. You understand what mean:
White men. apparently in the greatest
, distress, will hail your boat, represen
, ting themselves as having just escaped
: from the Indians, and beg of you, fol
| the love of God, in the most piteous
: tones, to come to their relief; but turl