Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-11-20
THE POISONED ARROW.

We would carry our readers back some thirty
gears to the times when civilization was slow
ly approaching the western wilds, and when
the Spirit r adventure led the hardy pioneers
out from their native villages to the domain
of the red man. One lovely morning in June,
two travellers, both well mounted, drew their
reins upon the banks Of the Mississippi, where
now stands the fourishing town of Red King.
AZ their vision took in the wide range of
watef, prairie and bluffs that lay spread out
before them, light of satisfaction seemed to
light up the features of each, for surely their
gaze never rested on fowler spot. After
moments silence the elder of the two dis
mounted from his steed, and motioned to hia
.aompanion to do the same.
"Nay, Barton, l prefer the landscape as
seen from this position" answered his com.
psuon, 81 shdll keep my saddle until you are
ready to remount."
awe shall 20 no further 20 Barton replied,
"If We are to pitch our tents In the wilderness,
brother mine, let it be here, for weimay not
lind q greener spot, or one that We should like
better. See this grove Of pines q little labor
will trapsfurm it into q rustic palace, where
Barton and Harry Newson may find the rest
they are In pursuit Of"
$50 be It then, Harry answered, he throw
hIaseli from hts isorse, and unsluhg the rife
from his back. :sWhen we started agreed
to abide your selection, and shall not ques-
tion IL now. This is indeed a lovely place |!
Surely no white man has ever before set his
foot upon this solitude, never pressed the rich
soil beneath US. Let US be the first to wake
the sumberihg echoes.'
Ere his brother could stop him, Harry raised
his rife TO his shoulder and pulled, the trigger.
From crag to crag, from valley to valley, the
sound of t1he report flew, disturbing the still
ness that had hitherto been almost felt, and
driving many teathered resident screaming
into the air.
"You will learn better in time, Harry 20
Barton said. sNever again waste shot even
for a whim, you may need all your ammuni-
tioR ere long. We are now in the territory of
the Dacotahs, and must keep careful watch
against SURPRISE"
from the settlements, or fearful of the Indians?"
"No! only wish to meet them in the broad
light of day, face to face. We shall soon
make friends OF them If they approach Us thus
but they may not stop to form friendships if
they come upon US unaware"
81 have felt your powers OF persuasion, and
judging from their influence upon me, cannot
doubt your winning qualities. For myself,
not being SO gifted, / shall keep my rifle always
ready TO act as an Interpreter
"Come, then, let US prepare shelter. We
can SO weave these boughs, as to form very
respectable house for the present. Out with
your hatehet man, and to work.
"Suppose make q fire, and roast this piece
Of venison. We shall be hungry when our
task Is done."
"Always provide for the appetite Well,
be 1t so. Be careful, however, that you do not
let your fire get among the dry branches, else
We shall have general conf1agration.'
awe shall postpone such pyrotechnic dis
turbance till the fourth of the coming month";
In conversation like to this passed two or
three hours, during which the brothers worked
industriously, and found that they had, when
the vehison was ready for them, provided
very comfortable cabin.
~ will just dip my cup in the stream there"
said Harry, "and try the properties of this
saseI; hold on I! put up your knife until re-
turn. We must start fair! object to your
cutting off the finest pieces in advance"
"Nay, you need not indulge any alarm you
shall have the frst cut; hurry, then, for am
fsmishing."
Harry sprang down the bank, and bent over
The swift current. As he was in the act of
dipping ap the water, an arrow from some un-
seeD bow pierced his arm and pinned it to his
SIDE. A sudden faintness seemed to seize up
On him, yet with the other hand he scooped
up tbe liquid and commenced the aecept. But
ere De could rsach the top Of the bluff he sank
exhausted upon the sward. Had not the large
trunk of tree fntervened, he would undoubt-
edly have rolled down the mountain again.
"This cursed arrow must be poisoned 7" he
.aodsht, 'sfor can feel Its influence stealing
through my system, numbing and paralyzing
ny every faculty. II could but make Bart on
S'af. What ho brother Barton !"