Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1874-06-20
WOMAN'S BRAVERY.

WOMAN'S BRAVERY.
Robert Ellis, almost Immediately
after his marriage with pretty Mary
Blake, had departed with his young
wife from his pleasant home in one oi
the New England States, for the fal
West, which just then was fast becom-
ing the land of promise to all advent
urers of every nation. The young
couple was accompanied by Roberts
sister Kate, who, like the good sister
she was, had lett all the old friends,
and even the Iuxuries of civilized life,
to share with her brother the trials and
perils of establishing u new home in
the wilderness.
A few months previous, Robert had
cleared tract of land in delightful
valley, and erected and furnished a
rude but strong and comfortable log
house: so that there was very little
for the family to do when they reached
their destination, after many days OF
weary travel, but to settle down quiet
ly to the pursuits of the new life, and
the new duties which had devoled
upon them.
A single year produced many changes
in the appearance of the new home.
Robert was an enterprising man, and
had already begun to reap something
of the sure reward for all his tolls. The
house itself, under the judiciOus man
agemept of his wife, aided by the ready
and willing assistance which Kate Ellis
was ever anxious to give, had begun to
exhibit pleasant and tasteful appear
ance. And, added to this, few fami-
lies from New England, beguiled by
the beauty and attractiveness of the
valley, had settled in this vicinity a
few miles apart; and thus, by mutual
visits, many otherwise weary hours
were frightened.
One day there came messenger IN
hot haste, stating that particular
friend of Ellis's was dying and had ex-
pressed a wish to see him. The dis
tance to his friends house was consid
erable, and Robert knew that he should
be obliged to leave his wife and sis
tea aleaR the greater part OF the night,
and perhaps longer. Both Mary and
Kate laughed at the idea Of danger
because Of his absence. Though the
nearest neighbor lived a mile away, and
succor. in case of need, would hardly
be possible, yet they all regarded the
fact of the isolated situation Gf their
habltation the best reason for security.
Still Robert deemed a few words of
warning advisable before he started.
You had better keep as much In
house as possible" he said to them as
he mounted his horse and | think
it will be as well to keep the door fast
ened. especially after dark, -
DO not fear" Mary answered. we
will be careful. But do not be absent
any longer than is absolutely necessary,
for we shall be anxious about you
on that lonely road" j,
He bade them both goodbye, and
they stood in the doorway and watched
his setreating form until 1t was lost at
at IasS among the thick trees then
they entered the house to attend TO
their usual duties. !,
The day passed away slowly by, and
evening set in, with gloom enhanced
by a thick bank of clouds which had
gradually overcast the sky, and the
sno,;rnful soughing of the wind. These
s;ens &c an approaching storm tlled
tba two ,ue8 With anxiety apd dread,
and gradually the ,onesome1eSs IiI '0' the
began to be realized; eaho
Mary Ellis, the n. ore thLa oi ''nS and
two, at length became ,, ies 80 soI' o"n "'ru
downcast, that Kate, by an I, '"l "
quered her own depression, a. s
deavored to cheer up the companl, VI:
In this she was eventually successful;
and the cabin was echoing with the |
laughter of the two, oecasioned by
some mirthful reminiscence which
Kate was relating, when quick, hur-
red knock at the door put a sudden
termination to their merriment. The
5wo women started to their feet, and
sazed anxiously into each others faces,
both of which had grown pale with ap-
lrehension. Kate was the first to re-
cover herself. Going to the door, she
lsked, in spite of all her efforts:
Who is there, and what do you
yish2"
Trayellers, who have lost their
yay," answered voice from without.
Cannot you accommodate US for the
light ?"
I'VE cannot do so conveniently"
Kate at last managed to articulate.
You must pass on to the next house"
How far far is it?" asked the same
'oice, after few moments of hesita-
ion.
A little more than a mile, replied
Kate.
Again there was a slight pause, then
he person without said:
We cannot go so far tonight. My
has been thrown from his
Iorse, and may die before we reach
here. You must let us in, otherwise
lis murder-it would be no less-will
e on your head. Will you open the
oor?"
Kate's sympathies were touched.
he hesitated moment, then looked
t Mary.
What shall we do?" she asked
hortly.
Il hardly know. I'm afraid to ad-
nit them" said Mrs. Ellis.
But if this mans story concern
ng his companion should be true? If
e died we should never forgive our
elves"
1T would be DREADFUL And yet we
un a fearful risk, said Mary, looking
ndecidedly at her sister-in-law.
I'VE must let them in, said Kate,
fter moments thought. IF they
lean us harm, we will trust to Heaven
or protection"
She tried to speak these words
ravely; but, nevertheless, it was with
hands that she undid the
lstenings of the door, opened it, and
id the applicants enter. She almost .
egretted the act, when she came to see ,
he two men as they crossed the thres-
old. and the light fell upon them.
hey we're rough looking fellows, even
OF the backwoods.
And SO you decided to let us in at
lst?" said the most wolfsh-looking
f the two, as be crossed the room, and
neeremoniously seated himself before
he fire.
Yes" said Kate. But" she con-
inued. with quick start, thought
ne of you was injured, and nearly
Here one of the men appeared to