Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1873-11-22

to her mother; but Ned called to her,
in Il rough voice:
Come here to me, girl; you're now
my little woman, and want vou."
Scarcely knowing what she did, with
one bound she reached the door, and in
Il moment more was out in the dark
night and flying across the prairie to-
wards TIE barn. She heard her ftt cr
call to her to come back, aud then halloo
to Ned to r'Ir round the house while he
went to the barn. Mary had intended
to take her pony from the barn and
ride she knew not whittier but, hear
ing her fathers voice close behind her.
she slipped out of the stable by back
door, and ran across the prairie. For IN
hour she ran on, and then sank down
completely exhausted. Long and bit
terly she wept, lying prone upon the
cold, damp ground. Then, startled by
the howl of IL wolf, she splang mp and
tried Ia think. Where should she 90?
What should she do? Ii WAS not far To
| the river, and she would east herself III
and beneath its dark waters end her
troubles. Arrived upon the bank, she
stands like a statue. gazing down ut the
gurgling flood. Her purpose is firm ;
one plunge and all will he over. But
hark what noise is that 1t is the dip
of paddles; and, as Mary stands on the
very brink of the river, in the light of
| the new risen moon, a canoe, with four
! Indians in it, round the bend OF the
stream within few rods of her. Why
does the warrior in the bow of the boat
ri e, and with Il gesture impose silence
on his comrades? He believes this
white and statue-likc figure is no human
being, and even the oars cease To dip
while the boat floats silently by, and
the savages pass on their way To the
settlement to steal stock.
Mary had stood perfectly still, LITTLE
caring what becam" of her; but the
sight of the Indians had changed her
purpose, and no sooner had they passed
than she FASTENED from the river. A.
she turned about, u great gray wolf rose
from the grass within Il few feet OF her.
and skunk away with an angry growl,
while a night-owl, perched on the limb
of "A tree over her head, ilapp"d his
great wings and uttered dismal cries as
he flew aifrighted up the river.
Mary had been thinking for the past
few minutes of 1.-the Wild Trappcr oi
the Blue, and she had now determined
to 60 to him. She knew she WIS not
far from his cabin, and why should she
moi go and claim his protection? Per
hapS he was not bad indeed, she had
always believed lie was not So wicked
us they had represented him to be.
The night-air was chilly, hut she felt
not the cold, for her blood was full of
fever. The wind tossed her brown hrir
about so that she took her shawl and
put it over her head, and then ran brisk
ly along the trail. In IN hour she
ncared the fierce hunters cabin, and her
heart beat wildly as she Knocked upon
the door. Again and again she Knocked,
but still no sponse, and then she went
to the little window and peered into the
cabin. She listened, but ali was dark
and silent within.
Returning to the door, she raped.
louter than before, and voice wills
pered through the key-hole:
"Who is it?"
For moment she knew not what to
say; then, summoning courage, she re-
piled:
81 1t is Mary Thompson, who
want You to protect me.
Cautiously the door was opened, and
the hunter looked out aud stared at
Mary, to whom he said
81 thought it was Indians or Eogu
lators; but come in, girl, and | beg
pardon for having kept you ont in the
cold so long
Then he lit pine knot, aud, haiio'
ing Mary a chair, drew out ms Snarp
;ack-knife. and whitfield some shavngs
TO kindle fire. There was soon bright
blaze roaring on the hearth, and, with
all the politcness of a courtler, he moved
up Mary's stool, aud babe her sit close
| to the burning embers.
81 heard you" he said, "cven before
Won knocked, for my ears have become
somewhat practiced to the sound of ap-
proaching footsteps; but L could not
maln Won out. When L saw your head
mt tfR window with that shawl over IT.,
[ thought it was a squaw's head,
he added, laughing and, after mo-
ment's pause. inquired: ANY Indians
down your way?'
Mary simply said "No," and he press
| ell nCr Eo litItIttI.
The kettle was boiling, and he made
"A cup of tea and gave it to her to drink.
Then he said:
"Now, young lady, | know not what
brings Won here Mt this time OF night
nor do | wish to know; but something
dreadful must have happened toraus'
any one to claim protection from til,
Wild Trapper of the Blue, and. ahov,
all others, young girl. There There :.
he added, seeing Mary about to speak
don't say word, but just lie down ol
, that bed and take good sound sleep
, while go outside and keep watch owe
5 the house. You can shut the door AM
5 bolt it after me, if you wis.,. taking
= his gun; "but YOU need not be afraid
Mary, for l would not harm hair O
: your head; and, as for others harmin
: you while you are under my protection
1 thew must first cross the dead body G
| the Wild Hunter. Now, don't fret
e girl, but sleep as soundly as If yo
were at home and happy and mind yo
don't cry and trouble, or you'll be ha'
! ! ing a spell of sickness in the mornin
after this night-trip, and l can tell yo
I'm a mighty poor nurse, he said, clos
ing the door behind him, and laughin
s heartily outside.
Was this indeed the Wild Hunter {
1 the Blue, about whom such teiribl
S,Ns. were told, and in whom there W,
" tlemaahut wickedness? Mary thougi
= 10.