Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1858-05-20

ly over the bosom and coming u4Nh Z
her small pretty feet, without tralliD!
on the sround-was both neat and be
coming: and with her riding cap apd it
waving ostrich plume, set gaIly aboy
her flowing curls, her appearanee CON
trasted forcibly with the rough qnpol
ished looks of those of her sex besidc
her, with their linscy bcdgowns. scar
1t flannel pctticoats, and bleaclleA liller
caps.
"Oh, Blanche" said one Of moro
venerable of her female cpIpHanlens
pursuing conversation which beer
maintained since quitting l1a!
behind them, "I cannot beaf 10 let you
go; for it just see us to me as if some
thing were going to happen to you, and
when L feel that way, something scncr-
ally does happen"
"Well, aunt" returned Blanche, with
light laugh, Il do not doubt in the
least that something will happen-for l
expect one of those days to reach my
dear father and blessed mother, and give
them such an embrace as is due from a
dutiful daughter to her parents-and
that will be something that has not hap
pcned for two long years at least. .
"But | don't mean that, Blanche,
returned the other, somewhat petulant-
ly; "and you just laugh like gay and
thouehtless girl, when you ought TO he
serious. Because you have come safe
thus far, through Il partially settled
country, you think, perhaps, your OWN
pretty face will ward off danger in the
more perilous wildcrncss--bu warn
you that 4 fearful journey is before You!
Scarcely boat dcscends the Ohio, that
docs not encounter more or less peril
from the savages that prowl along either
shore; and some of them that go down
freightcd with human lie, are heard of
no more. and none ever return to tell
the tale"
But why repeat this to me, dear
aunt," returned Blanche, with a mere
serious air, when you know it is my
destiny, either good or bad: to attempt
the voyage? My parents have sent fur
me to join them in their new hCme, and
it is my duty to go to them, be the peril
what ii may
You never did know what it was to
fcar!" pursued the good woman, rather
proudly. No. she repeated. turning
to the others, blanche Bertrand hcvcr
did know what it was to fear, / iJcsssSc!.
Just like her father!' joined in the
husband of the matron, the brother of
Blanche's S mother, the commander of the
station, and the middlc-aged gentleman
mentioned as one of the party; IA true
daughter of true soldier. Her father,
Colonel Philip Bertrand, God bless him
for true heart! never did seem to know
what it was to fear-and Blanche il just
like him"
By this time the parties had reached
the boat; and the young man already
dcscribed-Eugene Fairfax, the secreta-
ry of Blanche father-at once stepped
forward, and, in polite and dcfercntial
manner. offered his hand to the differ
ent females, to asst them on board
The hand of Blanche was the last to
touch his-and then but slightly. as she
sprung quickly and lightly to the deck
but close observer might kave de-
tectcd the slight flush which mantlcG
his noble, expressive features, as his eye
for a single instant met hers. Sheni2 2ht
herself have seen it-perhaps she did
but there was no corresponding glow On
her own bright, pretty face, as she in
quircd, in the calm, dignifcd tone OF
one having the right to put the qucs
ton, and who might also have been aware
of the inequality of position between
herself and him she addressed:
Eugene, is everything prepared for
our departure? 1t will not do for our
boat to spring leak again, as it did
coming down the Kanawha-for it will
not be safe for US, 1 am told. to touch
either shore between the different forts
and trading posts on our route, this side
Of our destination,-thc Falls Of the
Ohio"
mo, indccd!'' reioined her aunt,
quickly; sit 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 ma
ny boats had been attacked this spring,
and several lost, with all OH board
''No one feels more concerned about
the safe passage of Miss Bertrand than
myself" replied Eugene, in deterrent
ial tone; "and since our arrival here, l
have left nothing undone that l thought
might possibly add to her security and
comfort"
That is true, to my personal knowl-
edge" Joined in the uncle of Blanche;
land thank you, Mr.. Fairfax, in behalf
of my fair kinswoman. There will, per
haps, he pursued, ''be no great danger,
SO long as you keep in the current; but
your watch must NJ be neglected for ii
single moment, either night or day; and
do not, l most solemly charge and warn
you, under any circumstances, or on any
pretencc whatsoever, suffer yourselves
to be decoyed to either shore!'
Il hope we understand our duty bet
ter, Colonel" said one Of the men, re-
spectfully.
Il doubt it not" replied the com
mander of the Point; Il believe you arc
all faithful and true men, or you would
not have been selected by the agent OF
Colonel Bertrand, for taking down more
precious freight than you ever Carried
before but still the wisest and the best
of men have lost their lives by giving
ear to the most earnest appeals OF hu-
manity. You understand what [ mean?
NVL;to MAJ, IN fhn 20