St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1869-04-09

he creek on Whlcn we were located,
by circuitous route of twenty miles or
more, Joined the river two miles below
the village. Instead of following the
winding stream, we always went directly
to the village, across the plains, and over
a bluff, on an old Indian trail, which led
to St. Paul
The first year after our arrival, what
with buying provisions and partial
failure of crops, our SMALL stock of money
had been nearly expended.
Now the second winter, and another
failure of crops, still more severe than the
first, had brought the grim monster,
hunger, nearly to our door.
| had been waiting nearly a week for
a pleasant day to present itself, that l
might 90 to the village to procure the
provisions which we were seriously be-
ginning to need; but each day seemed
destined to be followed by one still more
severe.
| had just told Nellie that should try
to ride ''Bllly, our noble horse which
we had brought with us from the East,
to Wellviie, rather than to run the
risk of waiting for the storm to abate.
when she made the expostulation which
| mentioned at the commencement of this
story.
tried to reason away my wite's fears,
and as she gave a reluctant assent, drew
on my outer clothing and strapping a
sack across Billy" mounted him and
rode away.
The wind was at my back, but l had
rough time of it, reaching the village
Just about four o'clock in the afternoon.
| had been expecting a small sum of
money from the east bad debt which
had left in the hands of an attorney
when | started for the West, and who,
several weeks before had written me that
hc got clue upon some concealed proper
~, and thought that he could collect the
entire amount of the obligation. He
had decided TO send it by express. and
had been looking for it for sometime, but
had at last concluded that he had failed
in his expectations OF reaching it.
Upon arriving at the village L went
directly TO the post office, and calling for
my mail was rejoiced to receive among
other matter, a large express envelope
addressed to Edward Watson, Wellville,
p. O., - CO., Mimi, with Sl4O
marked upon the upper corner. hasti-
ly transferred it to my inner coat pocket,
and turning encountered pair of gilt
term black eyes, atteniively observing
my movements. Recognizing Thomas
Gordon, passed the compliments of the
evening with him, and with several OF
the villagers also who were present, and
soon after left the office. Proceeding 10
II provision store, | made my purchases,
and entered into spirited conversation
on the engrossing topic Of the war, with
EngIander
Sometime elapsed while we were thus
engaged, and after noting the flight OF
time. arose with the remark that | had
a long ride before me. The merchant
urged me to stay with him until morn
ing, but told him that had left Nellie
alone and she would be frightened should
| stay away. Securely fastening TO my
horse the articles which had bought, l
mounted HIM and turned homeward with
Il light heart.
Look out for the wolves, Watson :"
said my companion. Il understand that
a large pack of them have been seen near
the Dawson woods about twenty miles
south of here
Never fear l replied, laughing light
ly. BILLY is fleet and we can outwit
them any time - and bidding him good
night rode away.
1t had ceased showing. and the stars
shone out here and there between the
patches of cloud, like occasional CLEANS
OF sunshine in dark forest. The wind
was blowing tiercely from the northwest
almost directly in my face, and the light
snow was scudding before it like dry
leaves in an autumn gale, and filled my
face ever and anon, with its cold touch
that sent shiver all over me. 1t had
grown cold very fast since dark, but |
was in fine health and spirits, dressed
warmly, and was well prepared to en-
dure the blast Of winter night. Soon
after passing the habitatlon Of the Cor
don Brothers, the only house on the
whole route, | assembled bluff or higher
ground, and as rose 20 the summit the
piercing blast swept against me with :.
double force and l was obliged to exert
all my energies to keep from freezing.
After gaining the height, the trail cX-
tended along for nearly mile beside 4
heavy forest which swept miles away tc
the southeast beyond :he river. l urgeo
my horse: he lowered his head us il
looking for the trail, then partially halt
ed and extended his nostrils us if in fear
when suddenly two forms sprang up from
the snow close beside me, and Seizing thC
animal on either side by the bit, held
him fast, and sternly demanded my mon
ey in voice which | instantly recogniZ
ed as belonging to Thomas Gordon. Be
ing half frozen and knowing that resis
tance would be useless, L proceeded t.
procure the envelope which L had tina
evening received, when suddenly strikin!
upon our quicker ear, came a sharp how
proceeding from the contiguous woods
which need be heard but once to be re
membered lifetime.
In less time than it takes NE TO recor'
this, the cry of the wolf had been answer
ed and rc-answered till other terrors wer
lost for the moment, and night was mad
hideous by their fearful cries. 1errliled
the assassins stood for moment as l
spell bound, but soon recovering, tn
elder Gordon exclaimed in fearful tone
, .'NIy God, Jaspar. we must kill Watso
to save our lives, for the cursed wolve
will be here in a minute longer =" Draw