, 1858-11-19

some ol ms companions. You viii be chased
by couple Of these rogues," he said, "as sure
as I am a Saxonl Let me advise you. Follow
your way up to the north until you are out Of
sight; then do you turn back to the south as far
as Jose Maria. At the ravine southeast Of that
place turn to the LEFT, and, following the course
Of the brook, ride for your life. Twenty miles
up the stream you viii come to settlement.
called the Wood Greek. Old DelamOtte lives
there, and he's the man for you TO trust" 20
offered the waiter a few pieces Of money, but
he would not take them; then hearty shake Of
the hand, and this he took most cordially.
@Stopp he said, when had already put spurs
to my horse. He lifted up each of the horses
legs, and looked carefully at the shocing. "All
right" he said; al thought the ostler might
have played you one Of his tricks, but he has
not yet had time, I suppose. Now, go ahead,
and don't forget the Frenchmanl" o
darted off It was eleven o'clock in the
morning. had to make twenty miles to the
nyine which my countryman had pointed out to
me. But my horse was worthy Of the colonels
admiration; and in spite not only Of the rounda-
bout way I had taken in accordance with my
friends advice, and half an hours delay for rest
at Jose Maria, It was but five in the evening when
reached this melancholy spot.
Istoppcd and looked about INC. The surround
ing country was all barren and desolate, the soil
sterile. There was wooden cross erected on
the spot Of the murder, and beneath it lay the
mortal remains Of the man whom had known
in the full glow and joy of youth.
A strange feeling made me lingcr in that place.
Thelttle riyulet smoothly gliding eastward show
ed me the way was to 60. could follow its
course with my eyes to far distant forest, the
high grass Of the prairie having burnt a tract
down, as it always does at this time Of year
Yet still fingered. ~.
The horse began to neigh softly, and to prick
up his ears. Hewas familiar with these prairics,
as had bought him but few months ago at Little
Rock, in Arkansas There was something the
matter.
listened, but heard absolutely nothing. /
alighted, and, pressing my ear to the ground,
listened again. The earth trcmbled family with
the tread Of horses yet at long distance; but,
when mounted again, could hear the SOUND.
Il was rapidly approaching from the direction Of
Jose Maria. and, although the woods on that side
Of me prevented me from seeing ANYTHING, / had
but little doubt who were the hOrsemcn. Now,
eolOnels, majors, captains, letus see what can be
doneI Mvborse rave such a Sudden and ,iror.
Gus jump when merely touched him with the
whip that / was almost thrown from nv scat
| lost mycap. and gust Of wind threw il against
that very mound by which | had been bound to
the raxine. 10 pick il up would have been waste
Of time, and as wished TO be out Of sight before
nv pursuers had set foot upon the prairie, l left
it and sped away, taking as straight line as
possible in The direction Of the distant forest to
avoid the windinss Of the little brook, vet with
out losing sight Of Il. In the brave horse there
Was no slaekening of pace there was no STUN.
bling. turned round three or four times during
my rapid course, but, except a long, thin cloud
Of dust and ashes, raised by myself, saw nothing
whatever. .Iia34iJ ll- 0l
In an hour or so the forest was before me, and
then refining up a little, again made for the
brook. Ihad traced its windipgs for about an
other hour, when arrived at a cleared space in
the wood, and got sight Of blOck-hOusc. =
"who goes thcrei asked deep voice.
"a friend I" was the answer.
There were two men near the house, one with
gray hair aud wcather.bCatcn features, the other
in the prime Of youth, both Frenehmen. The
old man looked with some astonishInent at my
painting horse, covered with foam, at his diated
nostrils and his quick-beating fanks.