Connecticut western news., 1871-07-14
SILENT BILL.

A nODle Sbln0o66 III the DaCk. , ... .-s .,.. SILENT BILL. ,s,,,.-.ra had been for nearly year roaming over the West. In the course of my wan derings l came upon an emigranr train which was just starting out from "the States" and joined it. l The novelty soon wore of and found the days fatiguing, the nights and sleep only being desirable. had been conscious for days of a fever in my veins, but had scorned to complain, and taking sort of savage delight in seeking to do an extra amount of toll. 1t was my turn to prepare supper for our mess, but once ready l went of us far as I could crawl from the noise of the camp and the odor of the cooking. The last remember of that day was my drop ping down by the side of some shrubs 'a
 Two weeks afterward opened my eyes upon different team from the one I started with, and the driver was the largest, most uncouth looking man 1 ever saw. was on a straw bed, made up on one side of the wagon, and in answer to my call, the strange man bent over me. asked all the questions 1 had strength for, and then waited for the answers. He told me in the fewest possible words that was missed from the train, and he sent back to look for me. That | had ''been dead beat for two weeks, and had better keep still and go to sleep if 1 could" .5. -.....7s5..
 I obeyed, because could not help it. I received my food and medicine from the hands of my strange-looking friend, but it seemed impossible to get any information from him. ----s-z--,-----
 My recovery was rapid, and as soon as I made my appearance in the camp I was warmly greeted by our company and treat. ed to many an extra dish by the kind hearted people. -.''
 learned that I had not been missed until nearly noon of the day that was left, and then they had halted, and 'sSilent Bill" had volunteered to look me up, had found me, and had taken upon himself the whole care during my sickness. could ir;d out very litfle about the man who had thus brought me back to life. He had joined the company, like myself, at the last minute, had given only the one rame, to which the boys added another, until he was called all over the camp Silent Bill" His team was good, and he was we'll SUD- piled with provisions, which he handed - out generally to anyzo who had need.
 With my returning strength, felt, q strong interest in everything, and would gladly have been companionable and use ful, but hs never called on me to do any thing, unless some one needed help, then he would leave the care to me for time He was always ready to walk that others might ride; fatigue seemed unknown to him. Foremost when danger threatened was his gaunt form, and it was always his rifle which brought in the earliest game Ank I-1, 1,,Il Al,o- T. of almost every one in the train, but loud thanks seemed to offend him greatly. --
 1 never saw him hesitate but once; then running along with their mother, and she asked him to lift them up into his wagon and give them ride, as their own team was far behind. He went up to one of them, laid his hand upon the arm of one, and finally called to me. 4.4
 "Put them in, will you ?' said he.
 1 lifted them up and gave each kiss as I seated them upon the straw.
 He was still looking at his hands.
 "WLat's the matter?" I asked, s'both of them together wouldn't be as heavy as the man you bore on to camp that day, only few weeks past" a 1at
 
 open before me. They were brown and hard. Are they dirty 2'' asked.
 'Yes," said he emphatically, and shook them out at arms length. Then he started up his team and did not speak again for hours. ..
 All hearts became lighter as we ascerded the Sierras and began to think of finding ar abiding place. sz s s5es sts .a5- -a5
 When it came to leave-taking "Bill" was missing, the others started on with theil teams, and I staid by his until sundown Any number of good bys and kindly mes sages were left with me for him. And ons woman gave me a. little package saying "He was so kind to Willie when he was sick, and his hand made that precious little grave on the mountainsn l thought, ts know the full value of the gift, Bill shoulC have received it, as I did, wet with the mothers tears. 4 s5..as s.-ra. n.3
 When he came back, we were alont upon the hillside.
 He asked, Why didn't you go on witt the others % .s......-. .-.-..
 And I answered, "Because did not choose to, leave you alone. after all yor have done for me. shall go with you, il you will let me, it does not make muct difference to me where.n ...-a
 He looked at me keenly.
 "You had better not, i" said he, slowly ''you will wish you hadn't some day"
 We,had started a fire, and could see his face by the light of the blaze
 l felt drawn to him, not from any sym pathy of feeling, but because I was con vinced there would come time when could in measure repay him for his kind ness to me.
 Il reached out my hand, "We'n sticl utogetbes awhile, old fellow" s.