Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1858-09-15

carefully at the shoeing. ''All right -
he satd; II thought the <<stler might
have played you one Of his tricks, but
he has not yet had time I suppose
Now, 60 ahead, and don't forget the
| Frenchman."
| | started off.
1t was eleven o'clock in the morning.
had to make twenty miles to the ra-
vine which my countryman had point
ed out to me. But my horse was wor-
thy Of the colonel's admiration; and, in
spite not only of the roundabout way
| had taken in accordance with my
friends advice, and half an hours de-
lay for rest at Jose Maria, it was but
five In the evening when Preached this
melancholy spot.
stopped and look about me. The
surrounding country was all barren and
desolate, the soil sterile. There was
wooden cross erected on the spot OF
the murder, and beneath it lay the
mortal remains of the man, whom I
had known in the full glow and joy OF
youth.
A strange feeling made me linger in
that place. The little rivulet smoothly
gliding eastward showed me the way
[ was to go. l could follow its course
with my eyes to a far distant forest,
the high grass Of the prairie having
burned q track down, as it always does
at this time of year. Yeti still linger-
ed.
The horse began to neigh softly, and
to prick up his ears. He was familiar
with these prairies as I had bought him
but few months ago at Little Rock,
IN Arkansas. There was something
the matter.
listened, but heard absolutely moth
ing. [ alighted, and pressing my ear
to the ground, listened again. The
earth trembled family with the tread
OF horses yet at a long distance; but
when mounted again, I could hear
! the sound.
1t was rapidly approaching from the
| direction Of Jose Maria, and although
the woods on that side of me prevent
ed me from seeing anything, / had but
little doubt who were the horsemen.-
Now colonies, majors, captains, let us
see what can be done! My horse gave
such sudden and vigorous Jump when
l merely touched him with the whip,
that | was almost thrown from my seat.
l lost my cap, and gust of wind threw
1t against that very mound by which I
had been bound to the ravine. To
pick it up would have been waste Of
time; and as | wished to be out of sight
before my pursuers had set foot upon
the prairie, I left it and sped away,
taking as straight line as possible in
the direction Of the distant forest, to
avoid the windings of the little brook,
yet without losing sight Of it. In the
brave horse there was no slackeninp
OF pace; there was no stumbling. /
turned round three or four times during
my rapid course, but, except long
thin cloud Of dust and ashes, raised bv
myself, | saw nothing In an hour or
SO the forest was before me, and then
refining up little, I again Elade for the
brook
had traced its windings for about
another hour, when I arrived at a clear
space in the wood and got sight of q
block house.
"Qui va la." asked a deep voice.
Gun anil" was the answer.
There were two men near the house.
one with gray hair and weather beaten
features, and the other in the prime of
youth, both Frenchmen.
The old man looked, with some as
tonlshment, at my painting horse COW
cred with foam, at his diliated rostrils.
and quick beating fanks.
"W by, it seems you are in a hurry, -
he said.
In few words I explained the mo-
tlves of my visit, and told him of nv
adventures at Santa Madre; not forget
ting to report the German waiter at
the cofee-house, that I should trust in
him for help.
He listened eagerly to my narrative,
and when | gave him minute descrip-
ton of the colonel and the major, his
attention grew to be intense.
"Again those two scoundrelsn he
said. "Well man, just step into the
house. Never mind the horse, the lad
will rub him dry. We have a few
hours before US yet. They know by
this time where you are, and will con-
slider twice before they call here; though
we are quite sure to hear of them at
nightfall."
l expressed regret for the trouble I
was bringing on him; but he only laugh
ed and replied:- -"Never mind, we are
their match"
"But we are only three, and after all
we don't know how many ruffians that
tall fellow may bring with him.
''Let him bring score, we are their
match, | tell you. Do you account the
Princess Royal nobody:"
''The what?'
The Princess Royal: la Princesse
Royal" he laughed again. "Don't
start at me-, you'll see her by-and-bv.'' .
The block-house had very durable
appearance; it was two stories high,
and the upper room was neatly furnish
ed. On the wall observed portait
of Gen. Moreau. My host was no
friend of the first Emperor of the