The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1866-03-30
\ fruntier amtidemt.
TMF BOY HEROES.

When Kentucky was an infant State, and
before the foot of civilization. had trodden
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 a
small patch of some dozen acres that had
been cleared by his own, axe, lie was shut
| up by dense forest. Slater had two
children at homo with hm-two sons.
Philip and Daniel-the former fourteen,
and the latter twelve years of age. His
elder children had gone South. Ills wife
! was with him, but she had been for several
years an almost helpless cripple from the
effects of severe rheumatism. Fl,
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 furs. He had received quite sum of
money, and had brought it home with him.
The old man had for several years been
accumulating money, for civilization was
rapidly approaching him, and he meant that
his children should start on fair terms with
the world.
One evening, just as the family were
sitting down to the frugal supper, they
were attracted by the sudden bowling Of the
dogs, aud as Slater went to the door to see
what was the matter, lie saw three men
approaching.
He quickly ordered off the dogs, and the
strangers approached the door. They
asked for something to cat, and also for
lodgings for the night. John Slater was
not man to refuse request of that kind,
and asked the strangers in. They set their
rifles behind the door. unslung their packs,
and room was made for them at the supper
table. They represented themselves as
travellers bound further west, intending to
cross the Mississippi in search of settle
ment .
The new comers 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 ap-
pearance at all, aud quick glances which
they gave at each other told their feelings.
The hunters wife was not at the table, but
sat in her great easy chair by the FIRE.
Slater entered into conversation with the
guests; but they were not very free, and
after little while, the talk dwindled into
occasional questions. Philip, the older of
the two, noticed that the men cast uneasy
glances about the room, and he watched
them narrowly. He knew that his father
had a large sum Of money in the house, al d
his first thought was that these men we've
there for the purpose Of robbery.
After supper was over, the boys quickly
cleared off the table, and went out OF
doors. II had become dark, or rather the
night had fairly set in, for there was a
moon twe-tbirds full shining down upon
the forest. 90
Daniel" said Philip, in low whisper,
at the same time casting look over his
shoulder, "what do you think Of these ere
menr'
4 am afraid they are bad ones" returned
$50 am l. i believe they mean to steal
fathers money. Didn't you notice how
they looked around"
yes"
$50 did /. II we should tell father what
we think, he would only laugh at US, and
tell us we were perfect scarecrows."
'But we can watch EN-"
"Yes we will watch 'em, but don't let
them know it,"
The boys then held some further consul
ta1on, and then going TO the dog house,
they set the small door back, so that the
hounds might spring forth if they were
wanted. IL they had deBired TO speak to
their father about their suspieions, they
had no ohance, for the strangers sat close
to him all the evening.
AZ length, however, the old man siguifed
his Intention OF retiring, and arose to 60
out Of doors, TO see the state Of Affairs
without The three followed him, but they
did not take their weapons. The old lady
was asleep in her chair.
Vow, whispered PHILIP, alafs take two
Of tathers Tincs up 10 our bed--ws may