Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-12-09
A LEGEND OF PIONEER LIFE.

Some years ago, before the State of Ar
kansas was so densely populated as now and
when the mail from Little Rock to the ives
tern borders was carried on horseback, there
lived, a few miles above Horse Head. a
stout pioneer named Jacob Burnap. His
wife Polly, and one child, girl only rine
years old, made up his family. His chief
business was hunting. and his unerring rifle
never failed to supply his board and some
thing over His neare.t neshbor was fifteen
miles off, so he was troubled little with pry-
ing visitors.
IL was in early spring that Jacob started
down the river with boat load of furs and
skins. He left Polly in charge of the prem
ises, and left with her, too. light rife ard
brace OF pistols. She knew how to use
that rife, for never was SIC happier than
when her husband patted heron the shoul-
der aud cried, ''nobly done, Polly, my dear!
could not have made better shot myself. -
And he had occasion to say this with truth,
too.
Jacob Burbap had been gone four days,
when towards evening, horseman rode up
10 the hunters door. lie was small, mus
eular man, some forty years of age, and
seemed Injured to all hardships. As he
sprang from his saddle, Polly made her ap-
pearance.
All, Polly. once more here" the new
conner said, as he drew pair of well filed
saddle bags from his beast.
''Yes-and m glad to see you, Morton.
Jacob has been gone four days, and time is
growing heavy"
Jacob gone? Where?''
Down the river with load of furs."
"Oh-ah-yes. Well, you shall have the
company Of Liant Morton for one night at
least so for the next twelve hours you'll
feel safe"
oh, feel safe enough" returned the
woman quickly; only lonesome. "
Thus spes king, Morton threw his saddle
bags ln the cabin, and then led his horse to
allow shed, where he made the animal fast
ahi tel him. After this he returned TO
the dwelling and entered, and was soon dis
cusSIng the events of the times over an am
pie supper. His hostess told him all that
had transpired in her neighborhood since
his last visit, and the visitor gave her the
news from the eastern valley.
Liant Morton had been mail carrier upon
the route for several years, and not once had
he passed to and fro without spending a
night at Jacob Burnap's In fact, he was
shout the only regular visitor at the hunter
CABIN and though the interval between his
visits We're long, yet he seemed almost fix
lure Of the place. Polly Buruap, still in
'he bloom Of wOmanhood, knew his gener-
Gus noble character, so she felt free aud quite
A' home IN his presence.
Is 1t known on the route that your load
Is so vlluable?" asked Polly.
think not, though it may be. Still,
AN "eli armed, and l fancy 'twould be a
tough job for any one to tackle old Liant.
Morton went to bed at nine o clock, as he
was liFed and sleepy from his hard ride.
Folly had work to do. having neglected it
"H'ie talking to her guest, so when she had
seen him safely at rest in the loft, she drew
ueF basket TO the little table where the candle
was, and went to work upon some clothing
1oF htr child, who was sleeping soundly in
the corner.
The old German clock upon the wall, with
Us great weights and winding strings all ex
posed, had struck ten ere Polly arose from
heF work. She had just rushed the basket
beneath the table, ant taken up the candle.
Wien the front door opened, and two men
entered. They We're in their stockings, their
snoes having been left outside.
Hush !! uttered the foremost of the in
UadeTs. Speak but one word above
whisper, and you die in an instant"
Polly recovered from her quick terror. and
s.Ied up. She saw two stout, uglylooking