Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1866-02-16
Miscellany.
The Border Heroine.


Some years ago, before the State of
Arkansas was SO densely populated as now,
and when the mails from Little Rock to
the Eastern borders were carried on horse
back, there lived few miles above Horse
head, stout pioneer named Jacob Bur-
nap. His wife, Polly, and one child, nine
years old, made up his family. His chief
business was hunting, and his unerring ri
fe never failed to supply his board and
something over. His nearest neighbor
was fifteen miles off, SO he was but little
troubled with prying visitors.
1t was in the early spring that Jacob
started down the river with boat load of
furs and skins. He left Polly in charge
of the premises, and he left with her, too,
light rife and brace of pistols. She
knew how TO use the rife, for never was
che happier than when her husband patted
her on the shoulder, and said Nobly
done, Polly my dear l could not have
made better shot myself" And he lad
occasion to say this with truth, too.
Jacob Burnap had been gone four days,
when toward evening horseman rode up
to the hunters door. He was a small,
muscular man, some fcrty years of age,
and seemed Injured to all hardships. As he
sprang from his saddle, Polly made her
appearance.
"Ab, Polly, once more here" the new
conner said, as be drew well filed pair
of sadde-bags from the back of his fatigued
beast.
Yes, and am glad to see you; ia.
cob has been gone four days, and time is
getting heavy"
Jacob gomez Where 2"
Down the river with load of furs"
Oh, yes. Well, you shall have the
company of Liant Morton for one night at
least SO for the next twelve hours you
will be safe"
" OIL feel safe enough" returned the
woman quickly, :. only little lonesome"
Thus speaking. Morton threw down his
saddle bags into the cabin, and led his
horse around 10 low shed, where he
made the animal fast, and fed him.
After this he returned to the dwelling
and entered, and was soon discussing the
events Of the times over an ample supper.
His hostess had told him all that had trans
pired in their neighborhood since his last
visit, and the visitor gave her all the news
of the eastern valley. Liant Morton had
been mail carrier upon that route for sew
cral years, and not once had he passed TO
and fro without spending night at Jacob
Burnap's. In fact he was about the only
regular visitor at the hunters cabin, and
although The intervals between bis visits
were long, yet he seemed almost fixture
to the place. Polly B Burnap, just in the
bloom of womanhood. knew his gentle
generous, noble character, so she felt per-
fec.ly free and at home in his presence.
Is it known on the route that your
load is valuable r asked Polly.
think not-though j, may be. Still
I am well armed, and l fancy it would be
tough job for any one to tackle old Nor
ton"
A man was robbed on the creek few
days ago."
And the robbers have fed" addet
Morton carelessly, as he drew his mai
bags after him.
Morton went to bed at nine o'clock, a
he was tired from his long ride. Poll
had work to do, having neglected it wbil
talking to her guest, SO when -she ha
seen him safe at rest 10 bed, she drew he
basket to little table where the candl
was, and went to work for her child VIII
was sleeping soundly in the corner.
The old German clock upon the wal
with its great weights and strings all e,
posed bad struck ten ere Polly arose frol
her work. She had just pushed the ba
ket beneath the table, when the front dot
opened and two men entered. They vel
ia their stockings, their shoes having BET
left outside.