Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-05-12
Poor Matty KiIburn.

In Walpole, n H., there is very ancient
tree, which is an object Of interest to visitors,
for there is a sorrowful tale connected with it.
Long ago, when the settlers lived in fear
of the Indians, who often came down the riv-
er to rob and kill, fort was built near the
town, and there the people hurried for pro-
lection the moment an alarm was given.
Between this fort and the town stands the
old tree, which was a vigorous young oak at
the time the story begins.
For a long while the settlers had been at
peace, and began to think that the Indians
would never come again, for their last repulsc
had been most disastrous one.
! But one aut1Erf day, when the men were
busy harvcstis IN the fields, boy, who had
pc'-- i--;sg' Game flying hong ,pale and
/ frightened to report that the Indians were
coming in whole fleet Of canoes, padding
down the " long river of pines" as they call
ed the Connecticut.
Then the panic began, and all hurried to
the fort, taking their women and children,
their cattle and as much of their precious
harvest as they could gather in that short
time The inmates Of few solitary houses
on the outskirts Of the town were left to their
fate, for there was no time to warn them ex-
cept by the bell.
Some of the women fed to the fort, leaving
the men who were away in the fields, or on
the hills, to defend themselves as they knew
how.
Some hid in the woods, fearing to try to
reach the fort, for the canoes were very near
now, and the keen-eyed savages could see the
fugitiycs.
In one of these lonely houses lived John
Kilburn, aud his twelve-year old daughter
Matty, who kept house for him, like notable
little woman as she was.
On that sad day John was looking after his
sheep at the foot Of Fall Mountain, and Mat
ty alone at home. He did not hear the bell,
but he saw the Indians thought of his dear
little girl all alone in the solitary house, and
leaving his sheep to their fate, he ran home
through by-ways, hoping to reach the settle
mcnt before the fight began. He knew it
would be bloody one, for the reyengeful In
dians had not forgotten their last defeat, and
had turned out in full force to destroy their
conquerors.
They were already on shore, when John
Kilburn, breathless and exhausted, reached
his house to find brave little Matty preparing
to defend herself with his gun in her hand and
the dogs at her side
"Why didn't you run to the fort, child ?"
he painted, as she let him in
I" waited for you | knew you'd come,
and now well 90 together she said showing
him her pockets full of the few precious things
they owned little money, her mothers
gold beads, the silver spoons, and the queer,
biz watch, which her father only wore on
Sundays.
Away they ran, leaving the dogs behind
lest they shoull betray them.
1t was not far, but when they reached the
hill that lay between them and the fort, they
saw that it was too late to get in, for the fight
had begun.
tilancing back, they also saw that retreat
was cut off, for some Of the Indians were al
ready skulking about their house.
John Kilburn was a brave man, but he
trembled as he stood there among the bushes,
50 helpless in the midst of his relentless enc
mics He tremblcd not for himself, but for
the little girl who clung to him, full OF faith
that he could save her from every danger
|, A shout FROM the hills made him look up to
see a party of settlers, armed with sickles,
scythes and guns charging down upon the In
diilns, intent on fighting their way into the
fort.
Ifho were alone, John could join them and
do good service with his gun; but Matty could
do nothing and would only impede his steps
and endanger herself. lie thought a minute,
then swung himself up the oak under which
they had paused Leaning down, he drew
the child after him, and without a word let
her carefully down into great limb struck
by lightning some years before.
The tree had decayed inwardly while out
wardly il looked hale and strong, for young
shoots had sprung up round the broken place.
aud hid the hole with thick green branches.
Aren't you coming, too, father ?" asked
Matty looking up from her dark hiding place.
no, dear, Tin going to fight; you are
safe here, no enc knows of the hole but me.
Stay quiet till [ come for you. Keep good
heart my lass, and trust to father" answered
Jonn, leaning down to kiss the brave little
face that looked at him from the green gloom.
Matty let him 60 without a word for
these perilous times taught stern lessons even
TO the children. She sat quite still, SAID her
prayers with all her heart and waited pa
tiently for father.
All that afternoon and the night shots rang