The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-05-13

fearl' pursued the good woman rathe
proudly. ''No," she repe ated. turning Il
the others, Alliance Bertrand never die
know what it was to fear, l believe I"
"Just like her father l'' joined in The
husband OF the matrop, the brother O.
BIanche's mother, the commander of the
station, and tue midde-aged gentleman
mentioned as one of the party; "a 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 is just
like him"
By this time the parties had reached
the boat; and the young man already de-
scribed-Eugcne Fairfax, the secretary
of Blanche's father-at once stepped for
ward, and, in polite and defcrential
manner, offered his hand to the different
females to assist them on board. The
hand of Blanche was the last to touch his
and then but slightly, as she sprung
quickly aud lightly to the deck-but a
close observer might have detected the
slight flush which mantled bis noble, ex-
pres>ise features as his eye for single
Instant met hers. She might herself have
seenit-.perhaps she did--but there was no
corresponding glow on her own bright
pretty face, as she inquired, in the calm,
digni6ed tone of one having the ight to put
the question, and who might also have
bcepaware of the inequality of position be-
tween herself and him she addressed
Eugene. is every thing prepared for
our departure Ii will not do for our
boat to spring leak again. as itdid CON-
ing down the Kanawha--for it will not
be safe for US am told, to touch either
shore between the different forts aud ira.
ding posts on our route, this side of our
destinations The Falls of the Ohio"
mo. indeed !" rejoined her aunt quick
ly: lit 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 many boats had
been attacked this spring, ,and several lost,
With all on hoard"
mo one feels more concerned about
the safe passage of Miss Bertrand than
myself" replied Eu. cue, in deferential
tone; sand since cur arrival here. | have
left nothing uudonc that thought mfg ght
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 .kinswomau. There will. per-
haps,' he pursued, "be no great danger.
so long as you keep in the current; but
yonr watch must not be neglected for
single moment, either night or day; and
do not. must solemuly charge and warn
you, under any circumstances; or on any
pretence whatsoever, suffer yourselves to
be decoyed to either shore ~
Il hope we understand our duty better,
Colonel" said one OF the men, respect.
fully.
Il doubt it not" replied the comman-
der of the Point; II believe you are faith
full and true men, or you would not have
been selected by the agent of Col. Ber-
trand, for taking down more precious
freight than you eeer carried before, but
still the wisest and the best of men have
lost their lives by giving ear to the most
earnest appeals Of humanity. You un-
derstaDd what | meant White men, ap-
parcntly in the greatest distress, will hail
,our boat, represent themselves as having
Just escaped from the Indians. and beg of
you. for the love of God, in the most pit
eous tones, to come to their relief; but
l. ~ 81 oaoh and all
OF them-even should you know the plea
ders to be Of your own kin; for in such
case your own brother mig ht deceive you
mot wilfully and voluntarily, perhaps
but because of being goaded on by say
ages, themselves concealed, Yes, such
things have been known as one friend
being thus used to lure another to bis de-
structiou; and so be cautious, vigilant,
brave and true, and may the good God
keep you from all harm u
AS he finished speaking, Blanche pro-
ceeded to take an affectionate leave OF all,
receiving many tender message for her
parents from those who held them in love
and yeneratiop; and the boat swung out,
and began to Goat down with the current,
now fairly entered upon the most danger
Gus portion of long and perilous journey.
The father of Blanche, Colonel Philip
Bertranh was a native Of Virginia, and a
descendant of one of the Huguenot refu-
gees, who fed from their native land al
ter the revocation of the edict OF NaDtz IN
1865. He had been an officer Of some
note during the ReYolution---a warm po-
litical and personal friend of the author
of the Declaration of Independence = and
a gentleman who bad always stood high
IN the esteem of his associates and cotem-
poraries.
Though at one time man OF wealth.
Colonel Bertrand had lost much, ana SUI,
fered much, through British invasion; and
when. shortly after the close of the war
he had met with few more serious re-
verses, be bad been fain to accept gram
land, near the falls of the Ohio, now Lou
isville, rendered bin by Virginia, wn'cl
,han held Jurisdiction over the entire tef'