Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-05-21

ly boat descends the Ohio, that does
not encounter more or less peril from the
savages that prowl along either shore
and some of them that 90 down freight
ed with human life, are heard of no
more, and none ever return to tell the
tale"
"But why repeat this to me, dear
aunt,'' returned Blanche, with more Sc
rious air, when you know it is my des-
tiny, either good or bad, to attempt the
voyage? My parents have sent for me
to JOIN them in their new home, and it is
my duty to 60 to them, be the peril what
it may"
You never did know what it was to
fear! ?" pursued the good woman, rather
proudly. "No," she repeated, turning
to the others, " Blanche Bertrand never
did know what it was to fear, 1 be-
liever'
"Just like her fatherp' joined in the
husband of the matron, the brother of
Blanche's mother, the commander of the
station, and the middle-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 tear-and Blanche
is just like him."
By this time the parties had reached
the boat; and the young man already
described-Eugene Fairfax, the secreta-
ry of Blanche's father-at once stepped
forward, and, in polite and deferential
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
quick Iy and lightly to the deck-but {
close observer might have detected the
slight flush which mantled his noble, ex
pressive features, as his eye for single
instant met hers. She might hersel
have seenit-perhaps she did-but there
was no corresponding glow on her owl
bright, pretty face, as she inquired, il
the calm, dignified tone of one havin,
the right to put the question, and VIII
might also nave Ueen aware VI the lne
quality of position between herself an
, him she addressed:
, Eugene, is everything prepared 70
our departure? It will not do for on
boat to spring leak again, as it di
coming down the Kanawha-for it wi
not be safe for us, am told, to touc
either shore between the different for
and trading-posts on our route, this sid
of our destination,-t Falls of til
Ohio"
"No, indeed !" rejoined her aun
Q quickly /" it will be as much as yol
lives are worth to venture afoot from IL
main current of the Ohio-for ney
reached US only the other day, that mar
boats had been attacked this spring, al
several lost, with all on board"
10 "No one feels more concerned abo
If the safe passage of Miss Bertrand thu
ID myself" replied Eugene, in deterrent
Of tone; and since our arrival here,
i. have left nothing undone that thoug
f. might possibly add to her security al
a comfort"
That is true, to my personal know
N edge" joined in the uncle of Blanch
lv /" and I thank you. Mr.. Fairfax, in b
er half of my fair kinswoman. There wi
he perhaps he pursued, "be no gre
= danger, so long as you keep In the cr
no rent; but your watch must not be 1
no elected for a single moment, either mig
Iv or day ; and do not, l most solen
SO charge and warn you, under any circu
ev stances, or on any pretence whatsoev
nd suffer yourselves to be decoyed to eitf
shore ?"
re 81 hope we understand our duty b
nc ter, Colonel" said one OF the men,
en- spectfully.
,rt 81 doubt it not" replied the CO
on mander of the Point; "I believe J
no are all faithful and true men, or J
on would not have been selected by
,es agent of Colonel Bertrand, for tax
down more precious freight than J
;tb ever carried before but still the wis
he and the best of men have lost their Ii
r I by giving ear to the most earnest appe
nv of humanity. You understand whs
i've mean? White men, apparently in
n greatest distress, will hail your boat,
md present themselves as having just csc
an ed from the Indians, and beg of you,
the love of God, in the most pite
ra. tones, to come to their relief; but t
" deaf ear to them-to each and al
md them-even should you know the pie
be ers to be of your own kin for in S