The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1859-04-06

well know their nature, and I am prepared
to- say that but for some powerful motive,
we should long ere now have received a
visit from them, either hostile or friendly.
A short time, think, must determine their
designs in regard to U.S.
But surely, you have no cause to think
them hostile?' Mrs. Hylton asked; in
alarm a & a
Matthew Hylton shook his head doubt
fully, and remained silent for short time.
II know not what to think, as l have
before said,' he at last replied. 'from
the pains they have evidently taken to
avoid us, am inclined to think they act
under the express commands of one of
their powerful chiefs What their ulti-
mate objects are, time only can show
We know, however that they can have no
other cause for hostility than the general
jealousy with which they almost invariably
regard newcomers
This con versation had the effect of re.
awakening the fears of Matthew Hylton
and his family, and the following night
was spent 10 sleepless watchfullness.
Nothing occurred, however, to give the
slightest color to any suspicious they may
have formed; although the forest around
them might have been filed with hostile
savages, their watchful an6 anxious eyes
failed to detect the slightest indication of
the fact.
we must try to Danish these fears
Matthew Hylton said, as morning at last
broke and found them still wakeful. IF
any danger lies before US, there is no ad-
disioral preparation we can make; and
until it does really come, let US comfort
ourselves with the thought that we have
let out fears get the better of our rea-
son. B
If we could only believe i,l' Mrs. Hyl-
ton sighed.
'Ah. but we must believe it! What
need is there of borrowing trouble, when
in reality, no danger exists? Let US be
brave, and dismiss these silly fears from
our hearts, e.l. ..,a
Matthew Hylton uttered these words
in tone offorced gayety, and kissing
his daughter strobe cheerily into the for
est, where through the whole day the sharp
ring of his axe reused the slumbering
echoes.
Night came at last, and the pioneer
ceased his labors, and prepared to return
to the anxious watchers at the cabin
Resting himself for moment upon thu
trunk of fallen tree, his thoughts turned
to the subject which was no rarely absen
from his mind-the safety of himself ant
his family.
IF / were but sure, he uttered, musing
ly, that these cunning savages mean hi
no harm, l should
A hand was at that instant laid upol
his shoulder, and starting from his sea
he saw with establishment and dismay til
majestic figure of an Indian chief close be
hind him! The ihtruding and unwelcom
savage was dressed out in all the adorn
mcnts of paint, eagle feathers aud mecca
sins, while the mystic devices wrought up
on his leggins and blanke. showed hir
to be one of the chiefs of the Six Nations
whose hunting grounds, it will be remem
bered, occupied at this time the whole c
Western New York.
) Rallying his faculties in moment, an
under the impression that imminent dan
, ger was at hand, Matthew Hylton ster
/ ped back and resolutely brandished hi
/ axe; but he immediately perceived tha
| his visitor had no other than kindly ir
f tsntions. The Indian threw open hi
blanket to show, that he had no conceale
weapons, and then advancing, proffere
his hand, with the words, spoken in il
: telligible English: s,
White hunter, let us befriends!,
The agreeable surprise of Hylton upo
hearing these words may well be imagined
T but he hastened to extend his hand to HI
savage friend, with the reply:
! so be it, red man. we will be friends
, Matthew Hylton never lifted weapo
, against one of your race but in self-dt
fence.' ~ s..s
The white hunter speaks well; Gala
muck knows the truth of his words. Ell
has watched him, and seen the truth of hi
ways, and reioicss TO learn that his heal
is inclinsdyte peace. Does the red ma
:fJudge rightly?'
HE does,' Hylton replied, adoptin
the Indians peculiar manner of speech
Let there be no enmity between US; th
red man and the white shall live togethe
in peace a..
With nod of assent, the chief turne
and pointed towards Hylton's cabin, th
smoke of which could be discerned thr,
the trees.
Will my white brother take me to b
wigwam?' he asked. 'Remember-Cals
muck is now his friend
Matthew Hylton unhesitating!y con
piled with this request, and together til
two moved across the clearing. Mr.
Hylton started in fear and surprise as ST
saw her husbands dusky companion; bl
few whispered words from the pionet
served to explain the matter, and she Ell
deavored to give the strange guest CO
dial welcome.
Tho ch;of rafrcad tho oho;r ryh;oh No