The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-09-16

"Some StrolIlng lnuianS, observer
Boone who had listened to the recital; but
| think. Robert, you must be mistaken as
to the footprint. Of white man."
The one addressed as Robert reitera-
ted bis statement, but it gained little Gre
dence with Boone; not so much so as to
rai-e his curiosity to visit the spot, as he
considered it Impossible tor any on. per-
son to be far away in the forest in COM
pany with Indians. alone; and so be gave
up the word to embark. and soon they
were skimming over the water beneath
the renewed strokes of the boatmen.
The sun was half way from the meridi-
an to the edge Of the horizon. when sharp
turn in the river gave them full view
OF their home; and one long, wild shout
of JOY rang out upon the silence of the for
est. as the block house burst upon their
view; a shout of heartfelt gratitude to
Hin who had brought them in safety to
their chosen home; and that night saw the
great pioneer of the western wilderness
beneath their own roof surrounded by
those who nad bore him company, band
that laid the foundation of a great and
aourishing State.
Casper and Marion, hand in hand,
stood that eve upon the river brink; and
although their thoughts wandered back
to the distant settlement, they were hap
py in each others love and resolved to
bravely bear the hardships of the pio-
neer's life to win a name for themselves;
but they little knew Of the sorrow that
was soon to come upon them, ere they
could put their plao. in execution, for a.
las we kGow not what the morrow may
bring forth.
The morning sun rose in unclouded
splendor. as bright as the day that had
preceded it, and gazed down upon the
pioneers, whose rude fortress lay envel
oped 10 its height and sparkling rags
The dew lay IN pearly drops upon the
leaves and tender grass, and on the open
flowers that were blooming in all dircc-
tions. The hardy pioneers seemed to
drink in the inspiration of the glorious
scene, and with greatful hearts gazed a
round in pride and pleasure upon the
lovely spot they had selected for their fu-
ture home.
The sun was some three hours in the
heaven, when Marion with light bas
ket on her arm, came down to the river
side where Casper and several other
were engaged III unloading the boats; and
on bar ha tnI
that she had started on an exploring ex-
petition into the forest in search OF the
wild tulip, IN which abounded; aud after
receiving the admonition not to wander
far away, she bade them good morning,
and bounded light as a fawn into the for
est. Casper watched her retreatiug form
until >he had disappeared. and then re-
sumed his work with light heart. for
now he had some one to care for and pro-
tect.
Again has the sun reached the meridi-
an, and the last load has been taken from
the boats aud conveyed to the block
house, and as they we're gathered togeth-
er to partake of their noontide meal,
Casper looked around in vain for Marion,
and then asked:
Has not Marion returned from the
forrest YETI
Il have not seen her." replied the per-
son addressed; "but supposed she was
down to the boats waiting to come up
with you when you had 6nsbed.'
"I'll go and seek her," said Casper,
rising from the table where be had seat
ed bim>elf
1--WE will await your return, as you
will undoubtedly meet her ere you 60 far, y
observed Boone, as Casper disappeared
through the doorway
The women expressed fear that some
accident had hefeIl her in the woods, but
were ovcrruled by the men. who ,aid that
she bad without doubt wandered farther
than she intended, and that Casper would
soon return with her.
An hour passed, but It'll they came not
and SO they sat down to their repast with
out them; but just "a they had flushed
Ga,per returned, but he came alone.
alas she not returned" you
not seen herr" we're the questions asked
aud answered by both parties; and ther
Boone and Casper, with all but soue
dozen men who were left to guard tht
block house, went forth to scour the for
est 10 all directions to 6ud the lost one
for that she was lost there could be nc
doubt; and that afternoon for miles a
round, the woods rang with the name o
Marion.
All through that long afternoon till th'
sun was gliding the tops OF the fores
est trees. was the search kept up; but ~
success attended their labors; and til,
du,ky mantle of twilight was settling
down, and the gray mi-ts of evening wer'
rising froG, the river when all save las
per had gathered at the block house, and
he well nigh frantic with agony was scour
ing the forest in all directions, calling u
pom the name of his bride, but naugh
save the wild wood echoes was the ans wer
The evening repast that the wome,
had prepared, was scarcely tasted. ant
preparations were Immediately m ade 70
the renewal of the search which was I,