The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-03-11
II H e 3 OY H e r Q e 8

When Kentucky was an infant State. and
before the foot of civilization had troddcn
her giant forests, there lived upon branch
OF the Green River. an old hunter by the
name of Slater. His hut was upon the
southern bank of the stream, and save n
small patch Of a dozen acres that had been
cleared away by his own axe, he was shut
up Ivy dense forests. Slater had two chill
dr"n at home with him-two sons, Phillip
and Dancl-,hc former fourteen and the
latter twelve years of age His elder chill.
| drcn had gone South. His wife was with
him, but she had been several wears an al
most cripple from the effects Of severe rheu-
nla,Sm.
1t was early in the spring, and the old
hunter had just returned from Columbia.
where he had been TO carry the produce of
his winters labor. Which consisted mostly
OF tns. lie had received quite sum of
money and had brought it home with him.
The old man had, for several years, been ac-
cumuIating money, for civilization was rap.
IDLY approaching him, and he meant that
his children should start on fair terms with
the world.
One evening. just as the family were sit
ting down 10 the frugal supper, they were
attracted by a sudden bowling Of the dogs,
and as Slater went to the door to see what
| was the matter, he saw three men approach
ing.
He quickly quicted the dogs, and the
! strangers approached the door. They ask
ed Tor something to eat, and also for lodgings
| for the night. John Slater was not man
to refuse request Of this kind, and he ask.
ed the strangers in. They set their rifles
behind the door, unslung their packs, and
room was made for them at the supper ia
b'e.-They represented themselves as travel
lers bound farther West, intending 10 cross
the Mississippi in search of settlement.
The new corners were far from being
agreeable or prepossessing in their looks,
but Slater took no notice of the circum.
stance, for he was not one to doubt any
man. The boys, however, did not like
their appearance at all, and quick glances
which they gave at each other told their
feelings. The hunters's wife was not at the
table, but she sat in her great easy chair by
the fire. ~.
Slater entered into conversation with; the
guests. but they were not free, and after 4
little while the talk dwindled into occasion
al questions. Phillip, tue older of the two,
noticed that the men cast uneasy glances
about the room, and he watched them mar
rowl ly.-IIis fear had become excited, and
he could not rest. lie knew that his father
had large sum Of money in the house,
aud his first thought was that these men
We're there for the purpose of robbery.
After supper was over the boys quickly
cleared off the table, and then went out of
doors. 1t had become dark, or rather the
night had fairly set in, for there was n moon
two.thrds full, shining down upon the forest.
Daniel" said Phillip, in low whisper,
at the same time casting look over his
shoulder, "what do you think of these ere
men?"
Pm afraid they are bad ones," returned
the younger boy.
$50 AMI. l believe they mean to steal
fathers money. Didn't you notice how
they looked around y "a.
"Yes." = 80 ="
$50 did I. ..s4f.wo should tell father what
we think, he would only laugh at us, and
tell us we were perfect scare.cro%s"
"But we can watch ''efiis',, Es .sT
"Yes, We will watch ,em, but don't let
them know it.n Ss, S.e ..3
Me,boys then held some further consul
tation, and then going to the dog house,
they set tthe small door back, so,that the
hounds Nigh. spring forth if.s they were
wanted, Il If They had desired to speak,,o
their fatlsr about their suspicion, they he'd
no CHANGE, for the strangers SIT eloseby him
all.the. evening. 80, s. g;tSs -,
). Al length. however. ,hsol man aigpided
his intention ofre.jfing. aud fSss. 10 60 out
pfthe door, TO see The state Of afaits without
The three followed iiistn bpt they idid,not
! take their Weapons. q Tie old lady was a.
sleep ip hsf chair x. -.a-Yy
tEsss''Nov, whispered Philip, slets take two
Eos ffssbsF siass to sous sds71we may
wa5s tbapis We ;a,s q; 2godd as nsn with
t6sSiae ssS iss 8, .iss M ~ y
4 Daniel sprang foo 8 obssjyf III & taad M 4 quickly =.
aoaise f6ss 30 30 sgpps s,so q giass tten, t
,lshs.lt els| allea % stssl slsss min