Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1876-01-08
THE BORDER HEROINE,

Some years ago, before the State of
Arkansas was so densely populated as
now, and when the mails from Little
Rock to the eastern borders were carried
on horseback, there lived few miles
above Horsehead stout pioneer named
Jacob Burnap. His wife Polly and one
child nine years old made up his family.
His chief business was hunting, and his
unerring rife never failed to supply his
board and something over. His nearest
neighbor was fifteen miles off, SO he was
little troubled with prying visitors.
1t was in the early spring that Jacob
started down the river with boat-load
of furs and skins. He left Polly in
charge of the premises; and he left her,
too, light rife and brace of pistols.
She knew how to use the rifle, for never
was she happier than when her husband
patted her on the shoulder and said:
Nobly done, Polly, my dear I could
not have made better shot myself"
And he had occasion to say this with
truth, too.
jacob Burnap had been gone four
days, when towards evening horseman
rode up to the hunters door, He was
small, muscular man, some forty years
OF age, and seemed Injured to all hard
ships. AS he sprang from his saddle,
Polly made her appearance.
All, Polly, once more here" the new
conner said, as he drew a well-filled pair
OF saddle-bags from the back of his
fatigued beast.
eyes, and I am glal to see you.
Jacob has been gone four days, and
time is getting heavy"
Jacob gomez Where2"
"Down the river, with a load of furs.'
"Oh, yes. Well, you shall have the
company of Liant Morton for one night at
least; so for the next twelve hours
you'll be safe."
ooh, I feel safe enough" returned
the woman quickly-"only little lone
some."
Thus speaking, Morton threw his sad
die bags into the cabin and led his horse
around to a low shed, where he made
the animal fast and fed him.
After this he returned to the dwelling
and entered, and was soon discussing the
events OF the time over an ample supper.
His hostess had told him all that had
transpired in the neighborhood since his
last visit, and the visitor gave her all the
news OF the Eastern valley. Liant Nor
ton had been mail carrier upon that
route for several years, and not once
had he passed to and fro without spend
ing anight at Jacob Burnap's. In fact,
he was about the only regular visitor at
the hunters cabin; and although the in
tervals between his visits were long, vet
he seemed almost fixture to the place.
Polly Burnap, just in the bloom Of
womanhood, knew his gentle, generous,
noble character; so she felt perfectly
free and at home in his presence.
Is it not known on the route that
your load is valuable 2" asked Polly.
I" L think not-though it may be.
Still, 1 am well armed, and I fancy il
would be very tough job for any one
to tackle old Morton"
A man was robbed on the creek a
few days ago."
"And the robbers have fed" added
Morton, carelessly, as he threw his mail
bags after him.
Morton went to bed at nine o'clock,
as he was tired from his long ride. Pol
ly had work to do, having neglected il
while talking to her guest; so when she
had seen him safe at rest she drew hel
basket to little table where the candle
was, and went to work upon some
clothing for her child, who was soundl,
sleeping in a corner.
The old German clock upon the wall
with its great weight and wind string
all exposed, had struck ten ere Poll,
rose from her work. She had just pushed
the basket beneath the table when thu
front door opened, and two men en-
tered They were in their stockings
their shoes having been left outside.
Hushl" uttered the foremost in
truder.
"Speak but one word above whis
per, and you die '