The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-09-08

Words can hardly describe the sensa-
lions that filled me. Remember, was but
o boy and easily susceptible of the widest
fances. II was time, too, when the
thrilling adventures Of the war were flood
ing the land, midnight scouts and hair
breadth escapes. Far away from the
scenes of strife, they were realized upon
this peaceful lake. BY turns / was the
hero OF every tale that fitted through my
mind. How clearly remember every in
cident, tor instance, how the great trees
under the pale CLEAN of our light assumed
the forms of the giants of romance or the
drifts OF mist that rose and vanished be-
fore the boat were the shades whom Virgil
pictured restless under punishment.
Now, half raised the gun ut the splash
of muskrat, and now my heart Jumped
to my throat as, with horrible din, great
crane arose from the water, startled by the
boat
But at last the moment came. The boat
trembled throughout its length Imme-
diately heard the splash, splash. of deer
walking In the water. Click, click. My
gun was cooked. In my excitement had
forgotten my instructions. Aroused by the
unwonted sound, the deer, which before
had been concealed, sprang upon the shore
in full sight, trembling with curiosity rs he
gazed upon the light.
lie was splendid buck, whose antlers,
wide and branching, bctokened many years
of age. Under the uncertain glare, his size
assumed almost gigantic proportions, and
his color apale and sickly hue. fixed my
gaze upon him as the boat crept near and
nearer Not a sound disturbed the I'M
earthly quiet. | strove TO raise my gun.
II "a c innnacih1a t., lx,,t
they were fastened. TO speak, but my
tongue was tied. Was it possible that /
lived? Was 1t not n ghost, the phantom
game of the happy hunting grounds,
which stood SO white and still against
the murky back. ground of the woods ?
My heart almost ceased to beat chilly
sweat broke out upon my person. My head
swan. My mouth was parched. was in
waking nightmare. | was but hslf con
scious until the loud voice of my guide
angry with my delay exclaimed
You fool. why don't you shoot p
| The sound released both the deer and
myself from our mental thraldom. With a
sharp whistle he dashed into the woods
| while dOwncast with shame was rowed
back to the shanty.
Last night Hal was initiated into the
mysteries Of the night-huut. He shot at q
deer and killed-a crane. He hopes to re-
| deem himself on this second trial Ii is an
excellent night for the sport and Adam and
he are already at the boat can hear thcil
| low, muttered conversation from the tent
1t is wonderful how far one can hear the
slightest noise amid this dead calm. A
moderate thump of the oars is as loud as O
gunshot under ordinary circumstances.
Now they are off. Dancing up ant
down like -the-wlsp their ligh
glmmers upon The water. Now it is gone
only to appear again, and finally busby
point j am all alone.
80, for lodge in some vast wilderness
cries the poet. 1t is a pity he did not EN-
igrate to this country. His wish might
have been realized. Not sound betokeu
ing human presence is to be heard. Only
rabbit comes with bis M,mp, Mump t.
seek the remnants of our supper, or frol
startles the stiffness with his hoarse voice
The very air is dumb.
| Old silence sits enthroned upon the hills,
And presses tight his shining flngerst TO his lips
The fire is burning low and it is chilly
where l sit. My blanket and knapsacl
and springy bed of bslsam boughs await
me. Good night old pines, good night ole
lake, good night all ye children of Gods
great family.