American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1866-10-24

ner OF watch was agreed upon. 1t was de-
cided that it should be equally divided
among the four, each standing guard for
two hours; the old trappcr taking the first
watch, the young man next, and Scar
Cheek and he with the scowl following.
The latter, from the lateness Of the hour,
it was certain, would find his watch com
posed more of day than of night. This,
then, being decided, the three men lay
down in their blankets, and the old rag
ged trapper took his position as sentinel.
1t was a bright, moonlight night, and
over that barren, wild waste of prairie not
sound was heard, as the three lay sleep
ing upon the ground. The mocn was
nearly overhead, and its light revealed
objects at great distance. The old trap
per scanned every portion of the prairie
visible, but saw nothing to excite suspi-
c.on. The two mules could be sees npon
the ground-they, too, sere asleep. lie
alone was awake and conscious, and the
emotions that were surgiDg through his
bosom would have driven away sleep Tor
many aud many night. Trailing bis
rife, he paced slowly backward and for
ward looking out upon the prairie, and
then gazing upon the forms by the smoul-
dering fire. frequently he stopped short
in his walk, and muttered, brokenly
1t cannot be he,' he said; but it is SO
long ago, and that scar may have dis
gused him. He resumed ais walk, but
shortly paused again. That boy, too
it's mighty strange how | feel drawn to-
ward him. Poor fellow he don't know
Memp
Again he paced backward and forward,
his head beat, and muttering to himself.
So occupied was he with his thoughts
that horde of Pawnees might. have sto-
len up 10 camp and seized him aud the
others before he could have suspected
their presence.
"Tbat viliap," he exclaimed, stopping
short and shaking his head isthat villain
with the scowl amt mistaken about
I'd know him if hadn't seen him for fif-
ty years. / must do ii.
The trapper noiselessly approached the
sleeping men, and, kneeling down gnzed
upon the features of each, and scanned
them narrowly.
If there had remained q particle oi
doubt in bis mind regarding their identi-
ty, it was now removed.
Rising to his feet and walking off some
distance, be stood several moments ener-
getically muttering and gesticulatiDg, as
thought were debating the IN after with
some one. He was arguing with con
science, ut not long, for the latter shfunk
back, irighted at his vehemepce.
s'H shall bel he exclaimed, loud
ouossl. ai...sss ~ uuho ,iso sI..es.s and
turning on his heels again approached
the group.
Judgins by the Stars that his watch
was up, he approached the young man
and touched him his shoulder
As he opened his eyes he pressed his
finger on his lips to command silence, and
molioned for him to follow.
They walked fully hundred yards
without stopping, and then the trapper
paused, aud turning the young man so
that the moon might shine in his face, be
looked wistfully at his features.
'Are you Walter Hamilton 2
The young man started wildly, but the
trapper motioned to him to keep silence
while he saids Enough! enough no
doubt remains. | am your uncle be
added, sand that man with the scar is
the man who murdered your father, and
he with the scowl has convicted me Of
forgery under false OATH
The young man turned pale, and he pc
came fearfully excited.
sAre you ready?' asked the traprer.
He pressed his hand by way OF reply
and moved toward the camp.
'Hold = said the trapper; mot in colo
blood give them chance
They cautiously returned to the camp
and found both men asleep. Un: lie anc
nephew stood over them. Scar Cbeea
was breathing hard and irregularly, wIer
he suddenly called out:
Il did not kill Walter Hamilton
sLiar = said the trapper, in voice o
thunder, the two sleeping men bounded
to their feet.
.Red- skins about 2 they asked together
No; worse than red-skins,' replied the
trappcr. John Hamilton is here y anc
raising his knife, he plunged it into scal
Cheeks head. ~ sea
.Tben take that' said he with the
scowl, and raising his piece, the trappel
fell a corpse.
With bound and wild cry, tht
young man sprang at the murderer of bI
uncle. The struggle was fearful, ant
terrible blows were given and exchanged
but the elder was taken at disadvantage
from the suddenness Of the attack, anC
received several fatal wounds before be
could do anything himself. Finally, hi
fell exhausted, and speedily expired
The young hunter remained alone, bu
his father and uncle were avenged.
-"Nearly opposite HalloEell, on th'
bank of the river, stands the famous haun.
house of Chelsea. 1t is an old square
building, aud the very picture of doser-