Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-05-11
THE DEAD SHOT BY MOONLIGHT.

the waters of the Delaware, in a broad
notch walled in on either hand by high,
preeipitous masses of rock, surrounded
by tall hemlocks and pines-there was /
born and there my early years were pas
sed, and sometimes think l could sleep
calmly there at life's weary day.
About mile distant from our house,
and on the top of the mountain, lived
Uncle Joe Wall, sort of hybrid-half
farmer, half hunter and most singular
genius withal. He was tall, gaunt, round
shouldered, with heavy stoop, and a
face about the ugliest l ever looked up
on. He had however, a pair of the
keenest and yet widest blue eyes that
human soul ever looked out of. Buck
skin breeches, a coarse linen hunting
shirt, martin skin cap and moccasins,
constituted his usual attire. He was
skilled in every species of woodcraft, and
seemed born to walk the paths of the
forest. Quick of the ear and eye, a
tread as silent and as stealthy as that of
a cat, steady of nerve, selfpossessed be-
yond the power of disturbance, and with
a command of the rife such as few have
ever attained, he was clearly born
hunter, and most formidable adversa-
ry against which to conted. And yet he
was a most kind and gentle-hearted man,
full of quaint and quiet humor, simple
as child, and yet abounding in all man.
ly gifts. Everybody respected and loved
Uncle ice, and at every cabin fre-side
was he most welcome guest. His sto-
ries of border life, of adventures in the
wilderness, of encounters with wolves
and the ferocious cougar, were full of
thrilling interest. And he told these
stories as no other man could tell them
in few and simple words, without en-
bellishment, and yet so told that you
were thrilled and fascinated, and listen
ed with almost breathless attention.
On clear, sunny afternoon in Octo-
Der, 18-, Uncle Joe and l left my
fathers house for the purpose of attend.
ing logging bee" to which we had
been invited by neighbor, five or six
miles away-he on foot and 1 on horse
back. Our way lay round the base o
the "spur" which gave mention, where
a road had been excavated, and thence
back from the river, and along the eastern
side of this "spur" to the place of desti
nation. Not clearing or solitary cavern
interviewed. The grand old woods, clef
here and there at considerable interval
by some pioneer settlement, or the chop
ping"of an adventurous emigrant, stretch
ed with its deep solitudes and dark shad
ows for hundred miles on every side
Here roamed the wild deer, the wolf an,
bear, and the catamount, as yet scarcel
disturbed by the sounds of advancing civ
ilization. How often have lain by tn
hunters fire among the mountains, an
during the long watches of the winter
night, listened to the howl of the wolf, th
crashing treat of the black bear, and th
scream of the panther. But this is nC
my story.
The "logging bee" over, plain br
substantial supper was served, of whic
venison and rye biscuit formed the st;
pie, and which in the eating detained ii
company until after dark. Then followe
the parting drink the "good night
and a homeward journey through IL
woods. Uncle Joe and were the la
to leave, for he never was in hurr
when good cheer was to be had, and
was nine O'Clock before we set out f
home. And when we did finally stal
Uncle Joe after a rod or two of earne
endeavor, found himself so weak in b
walking sticks, that he was obliged
mount behind me; and thus carryir
double, our good horse was left to his ov
guidance through the dark paths of Il
forest. The old hunter grew more al
more top heavy as we proceeded at
slow pace along the tortuous and unev'
road, and but for unceasing effort on n
part aided by his long legs, we wou
have been unhorsed at almost every ste
We had accomplished half our journe
and were riding in silence unbroken sa
by the tread of the animal which we
strobe, when the cry of a panther car
sounding down to US on the night bree
from up the side of the mountain. III
was so common that it scarcely arous
my companion, and the distance at viii
it was uttered prevented apprehension
my part. Not more than minute b
elapsed before that shrill, mournful W
again broke upon the ear, and from
point that indicated with an appeal
IL -. I1-nrxl;