The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1860-04-06
BEDFORD, Pa, FRIDAY MORNING, APRIL 6, 1860

ing calamity. From the depths of her heart
Madeline sent up her prayers to her heavenly
idther, to avert it. She was neither too proud
) nor too fashionable to pray. No, she had BY
her dead mothers knee, learned TO pray, and
at the dawn and close OF each day, she repeated
on bended knee, the little child prayers she had
thus learned, and often besides during the day.
Al home or 10 the forest, these early pioneers
had 10 offer up their Petitions There were no
churches then where The people could, having
donned their HOLIDAY attire, come up at stated
periods 10 pray, giving 10 their God one seventh
or less, 0: their time and thoughts but these
we-e the great temples, not made with hands
whica he himself had reared, whose arches
were the iootstool off his omni potence and whose
columns the giant hills, born centuries ago.
Here the humble worshitpers, feeling that their
whole dependence was OH his watchiul care, had
daily and hourly need TO turn their thoughts 10
him with sincerity and truth.
Fully aware OF The danger which hovered
around her, Madeline endtavored 10 avoid
Mnkundwa-to show him il possible, by her
acts, that his admiration was dispIeasng to her.
She did not dare TO tell her father Of it, for,
though good, he was passionate man, and if
the past We're known TO him he would not hes
ltate TO forbid the chief ever seeing her again.
! Her efforts TO avoid, only hastened the caias-
! trophe, for MukundHa, seeing that she avoided
! him, and fraling she might escape from hum,
determined to have her at once. He demanded
her from Wilhelm with more impetuosity than
modern lovers would use when they ask Pa,
particularly if there was the contingency of a
big pocket foil OF cash hanging on the ans
WEI.
Wilhelm was coniounded at the assurance of
the savage, and a thousand little acts, the
bringing ofchoce pieces Vi venson, fish, game
corn; the special protection afforded himself
and daughter, from all other Indians all these
flashing suddenly across his mind, bewiIdered
him because OF his hitherto blindness. But
calmly as he could he told Mukundwa she
could never become The squaw OF forest chief
but must wed pale face. The chief IN Fags1s'
demanded that she he delivered 10 hiEI att 80
threatening vengeance On both II he was retu-
syd. He had protected them hitherto, and pre-
vented their falling victims 10 the resentment
of his brehren-they would feel that he could
punish as well as protect. But Wilhelm, ta-
king down his rife iiom lis pegs, ordered the
savage TO depart al once, promising that il
would be used if ever he came within lis reach
again. With muttered curses, for even an un-
iutored savage could curse, Mukundwa gldsd
intot fores: and disappeared.
TIE threats which he uttered, were heard
by Madeline and sae knew they were no idle
words. When Edward Sbipppn came 10 the
Gap next day, and was informed OF the facts,
his entreaties were oined with hers TO induce
I WIlhelm 10 return 10 the fort, and thus avoid
the danger TO which they were too certain
Iy exposed. He refused 10 leave The little crops
he had planted and which were growing finely,
trusting to his we'll known courage, and his rifle;
and aZaIu, because the beauties of the ever
varying landscape, the sombre arches, The ia
miliar presence of the denizenS of The forest
the budding BEAUTIES oi the spring, with tn songs
OF the birds, and the golden hups OF autumn
inspired him with an attachment TO the solitude
Of his home even stronger than seems now irh
for the homes ofcivIizaton. 1t was his own
here he enjoyed a freedom which knew no
bounds. Everything around, spoke OF peace TO
his wearred heart. Here were no petty ieal-
ou5ies, no ranking animosiips, no envy, no
caumny, The handmaidenS Of modern r.hne
ment and modern intelligence. With the sweet
n nj r. iirhf
upon his pathway, and her cheerful compan-
lonsh:p, TO while away the loneliness OF his re-
tirempnt is il wonderful that he should refuse
10 leave il or that his dislike ia depart from it
should delude him into the belief, that with his
irustv rifle and the logs of his cabin for breast
work, he was more than a match for his foe, if
foe his former friend had become. He had,
however, 10 deal with man more wary than
himself, whose Well earned name of piager,
proved him 100 cautious 10 risk an open attack
anG whose wits were doubIy sharpened by dis
appointment, and thirst for revenge
Two months had passed, since Mpkundwa
had been either seen or heard Of Wilhelm
was certain that he had gone TO return no more.
One evening, just as he and Madeline had sea-
ted themselves at their frugal meal, Mukundwa
suddenly entered the cabin, having with him
saddle Of venison as in former friendly times
! At his request, Madeline was soon at work brol-
/ ing some Of the delicious steaks, which the
chief cut of for her. The three sat down TO
enjoy them together, as il no shadow had ever
passed between them for, though surprised at