The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1858-01-28


those standing by. As soon 40 he became
thoroughly conscious OF her situation, a Gsep
AusS overspread his weather beaten features,
he hung his head, and exclaimed, with deep
feeling, "Well, boys, this is more ZEN can
stand. Uncle Billy's done. drank his last
Drop"
So emphatic were his actions. and earnest
his words, that. involuntarily those who
came to laugh were silent from respect.
"a mighty good idea, Uncle Billy" cried
Jack Toombs.
"Come Polly, let US 60 home," said the
old man. "You won't have to come again
arter your old dad In this Hx"
"Stop I" cried Polly. as he a-ose and
grAsped the cane measure. "What did you
bring that measure forl'
Aguin the old fellows head fell Upon his
breast, and his countenance saedened as he
looked upon ihe cane.
"'Taint no sort OF use now, dad"
He looked at her inquiringly for a mo.
ment.
"Nevcr mind, let's go, I'lr tell you as we
go along home, or where home ,rds -
"Wbat's the matter, Pully?" asked one Of
the bystanders. "Anything gone wrong at
home!"
She turned her Head a moment, and in
very few words informed the inquirer OF the
death Of her mother, and then the circle Of
listeners grew henrer, she proceeded to tell
them of her fathers departure from home,
her night. watch, and the horrible drama
which she had taken part in.> With wild
earnestness and untutored eloquence, she
gave description Of the narrowing scene.
With open mouths, aid yet sympathy ex
pressed upon their countenances, did the
band Of rough frohtiermen listen to the high
wrought story, and when she had finished,
burst of admiration and aPpl,use intolnnttri.
y sprung from their lips.
"lt will never do to let the ole man and
his gal 60 back in this way, boys" exc'aim.
ed one.
"No, ii5," cried another:
awe will git the boys, and 60 and build
another house for 'em."
This proposal was at once acted upon, and
it was not long ere crown OF men were on
the road to the scene of the late Disaster
A cart was filled up with contributions Of
furniture and provisions from the few settlers
whose sympathy was reused at the sad story,
and the cavaicade started.
A wreck met their view n approaching the
late dwelling. The timbsrs were reht AID
split by the explosion, and scattered many
rods, while the portion which withstood the
blast were a pile Of brands and ashes. Up.
on examination OF the bed OF Goals and half.
burnt logs, the REMAINS Of two bodies were
| found, In the shape of few charred bones.
| One was human-the other was not. The
former were carefully collected and buried
Under halfburnt log, was found the entire
head Of the panther scorched and blackened,
grinnng, hideOus even in death, being protect
ed BY the log.
With hearty good will, the neigKbors
went to work, and soon erected another
dwelling Of logs upon the site OF the old
one; aid with the hearty thanks and CRATE.
ful blessings Of Old Billy and Polly, they
returned home.
....... DEEoUEMENr.
The summer had ripened into fall-the
winds Of autumn had succeeded the gentle
breath Of summer. The inhabitants of this
vicinity were in happy ignorance of the i'm
proSements in the world Of science: in print.
tive simplicity they lived, wondering at some
scarce-b believed tdle Of The adventurous back.
stocdsman who had ventured al far as the
Mississippi, and Iobking upon them as travel
er'6 yarns.
1t was 6hg night about twelve o'clock
Uncle. Billy had been to town that Jiy, enc
true to his promise, hs had never tasted an
other drop of whisky, although sorely tempt
ed. He was reformed, but could scream Al
loud as etet, and still was the acknowledge
champion in rile.shooting and yelling in tn.
bottom. 1t was, as Ne have said, midnigh,
Uncle Billy had been teosed that day BY th,
boys, and he fully expected his opponent il
yelling to be upon him in few days. H,
had retired, and lay dreaming Of bis arrival
. when low, mellow sound broke the still
, ness of the night, and echoed through th,
, forest. Soft, yet full and far.reaching, wal
the cadance. Still Billy slept. The soun,
; was heard again-nearer, and yet neafer.--
The screech Of the Demon OF the Night wa
heard, and it Jared the auditory nerves Of th'
sleeper. Great drops Of sweat stood on hi
body, as it reached him, and the conviction
flashed upon his min that his opponent hal
/ arrived. Up be sprung from his couch, AMI
into the open air. He thought not Of hi
toilette at such moment as this, but seisins
ais rife, he fed to the river bank. A desl
and heavy fog covered everything with an i'm
, penetrable veil--it was one of those thick
dodble.rehned. consolidated f5gs, only to b
seen in new and pncleered country I
which a London fog ID h6thing. Billy steo
upon the bank. fhSsouta came burstin
7 then thrOtgh tHis fogi and Billy straightene'
: himself up. s,,l,. 1, 2,..,4rss IS IS
HOh, you l. the bin yelHer. is yer!b b