Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-08-05

of rabbit which had just darted across their
path. On he went, so eager to catch the rabbit
that he took no notice of the way he went, and
was soon ont Of Ernest's sight. After chase
OF some twenty minutes, he succeeded in killing
the game; and at that instant another started
In sight. On he went after that. Securing it,
he concluded to return. But now what was
his surprise when the awful difficulty presented
itself to him, that he knew not what direction
to take to return to his companion. He COM
menced walking, now and then pausing and
shouting, but receiving no answer, save the hol.
low echo of his voice. He began to fear he
should not find his way back in time to Journey
much that day, and not till the sun was high IN
the heavens did he come to the place where he
had left Ernest.
Imagine his surprise to find Ernest not there /!
What could it mean? He called again and
again, but the echoes of the forest or the screech
of the wild-bird, alone answered him. Could
he have grown weary and sought to return to
their last nights resting place, and tainted by
the way? or had some wild beast destroyed him
If such had been the case, there would be traces
there. Examining the place more closely, he
found the sticks were broken and the leaves
crushed, as if many feet had trampled them.
What can it mean " he cried, and then
new fear shot through his mind. Whatifa party
of Indians, or some of the British in pursuit of
them had captured him? This last he could
not believe possible.
Sitting down a moment, he tried to solve the
mystery but in vain. Then he thought to
examine for the trail of the Indians, if it
had been them. He soon discovered one, and
catching up his stout club and his game, with
a cry of joy, he Immediately started. Follow
ing the trail short distance, he came to small
brook, and here the trail vanished. Long he
searched, bnt could find no clue. Again, he
sat down in sorrow and despair; and finding
himself very hungry, he took his knifeand soon
made hearty meal from one of the rabbits,
raw though it was. After eating, he unused
awhile in despair for the fate of his friend
"Poor boy" he cried, " his presentiments were
true, for if living, aud he must be, or | should
find some traces of blood, cannot help him any
more, for, alas, know not where to 60"
The shadows of night beginning to appear,
he reused himself, and sought q shelter. In
the morning he reflected that longer stay
there would be of no use to either and after
another vain search for the lost trail he turned
his steps toward the South Ere many days c
once more joined his friends, bringing to them
the news of Ernest's fate.
But let us return to Ernest, whom Lane had
left. After waiting an hour he began to feel
anxious for Lanes return but as time sped on
the thought that Lane had taken this method to
leave him, swept painfully over his mind. He
quickly discarded it, and, getting up, walked
around a few moments. Suddenly, after re-
seating himself, he thought he heard footsteps
and listening attentively he was sure he heard
the rustling Of leaves. Then all was STILL Soon
again he heard the same sound it seemed near
er; and then all was still again. There was no
wind, for it was clear Autumn day He
could not think Lane would return thus, and
the fearful idea of the near presence Of wild
animal came over him. He had nothing with
which to defend himself, but as he again heard
the stealty tread, he thought he must do some
thing. Catching glimpse of broken limb
few steps in advance, he started forward, and
was just raising it when the horrid yell of saw
ages burst upon his ear In a moment he was
surrounded by party of some eight or ten In
dians. Quickly they darted forward to seize
him, but swift as thought he swung his club,
and the foremost one fell to the ground. An
other screech and he was seized by superior
numbers and pinioned, They then raised their
fallen leader, and, finding him only stunned, he
was soon able to walk.
The Indians seemed to fear there were other
Whites around, and Immediately started toward
the little brook, where Lane had traced them.
Here, by walking in the water, they were ena-
bled to destroy all traces of their journey Their
leader, who was handsome Indian, seemed to
be in high glec, and kept talking with his COM
panions all of which Ernest could not int r
pret. They however treated him kindly, after
they knew he was wounded, which he disclosed
by signs.
1t is not necessary to state all his trials, ere
they arrived at the Indian village, situated near
the banks of the Connecticut, which they did
at the end of few days.
[To BE CONTINUED.