Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-02-15


longing to his flock; and now the shee
began to disappear. Ford became feal
fully excited, and swore vengeanc
against the red. skins, assured that the
were the guilty parties. A strict watc
was kept over their movements; bu
nothing "sheepish" could be detecte,
about them. The sheep were in the habi
OF roaming with the cows, and for create
security were driven up with them q
night by the chore-boy. On turning
thom into the pasture one morning, tbi
boy discovered what he supposed to b'
the sheep-depredator, ard hastened hom,
to announce the discovery.
"Mr. Ford" he said, "it's big yallel
dog that's killing all your sheep. saw
him run up the big maple tree that the
gate is fasieued to; aud he's there now
81 guess not" said Ford; "dogs don't
climb trees"
This one does, cause I see him do il
and ii you will 60 there with me, II
show him to YOU"
Very well, will go with you; and il
4 dog is there, we must shoot him; for ]
have no more sheep to lose"
\ little I2-iuch rife. that Ford.
brother had brought home from a sea
voyage, was loaded aud given to the boy
while the old Gintlock musket was heav-
lily charged with buckshot, and taken in
charge by Ford; and the two started out
upon dog hunt. 4 thickct had to be
passed through before reaching the pas
ture gate; and as they were emerging 2
from the thicke,, the boy said:
"See, Mr.. Ford there he is now, up
on that limb"
Ford termed deaIhly pale and trembled
ike an aspen Leaf
That's not a dog he said, "but q
painter; and we must make sure work Of
him, we've eaten our last bowl OF mush
and milk. lie sees us now, and is about
ready to spring, only waiting for Us to get
little neaSr. See how his eyes flash
dre, Now, Henry. you see that little
round spot right in The centre OF his tore
head ?"
Yes, sir"
"Weu, you step over to that beech
stump rest your ri1e across il, aud take
deliberate aim at that spot l will stay
here. and when say fire! we will both
shoot. Bat be very careful, and be sure
to aim straight, or that painter will kill
both OF US"
Yes, sir"
The word was given, and the two guns
snapped simultaneously. The old flint
lock however, only snapped; but the
little rife sent its halt-ounce pellet crash
ing through the brains OF the monster
who. bclching an unearthly howl of pain
sprang from the maple towards the in
truders. Scarcely had be completed his
first bound, however, when the old mus
ket was again leyeled. and this time with
deadly effect. the whole charge striking
the pauther's breast, tearing. away por'
tions Of it, aud fairly riddling his heart
The sheep belonging to that flock were
not subject to further molestation; anC
the Indians reputation appreciated
accordingly.
Indian haters. however, continued as
numerous and bitter as ever. "Old Eos
ter" as be was termed, was good hatel
of the red man. That was his lorle. H'
was "al lone" nowhere else. And he
had good reason for indulging his haired
so he used to say. The Indians, accord
ing 10 his assevera,ions. had sacked HI:
earthly home. and tomahawked anc
scalped its inmates. He had barely es
capped by dropping unperceived through
the irap.door, craving out OF the celia
window, and taking refuge in the thicl
foliage of Z convenient hemlock, wher'
he remained until the work OF slaughter
and piilage was completed, and the 10
diaus had departed for fresh scenes
perlidy and blood. At that time Foste
was a mere stripping; but he was Oh
enough to form very VIVID conception
Of the "situa,ion. And he came dow
from that hemlock "chuckfull" of hatre
and vengeance.
Here said Foster sis my liIe.work
and am in for it. These red devils sha
pay for This nights job, and a good roun
price at that. The murder OF my fath
er's family shall be avenged; and tn
name of Foster shall be a terror wheneve
q Mohawk shall hear it."
And these were not idle words, uttefe
in haste, and 10 be repented at leisure
They were only faint reflection OF tn
terribly resolute purpose that fired youn
Fosters soul. He at once began
lamiliarize himself with the use and CT
pacities OF the rifle. Such weapons wei
not so accessible then as now and the
character for reliability could not alway
he depended on with confidence. Se'
eral pieces were tested by Foster betoT
/ finding one that would meet the pecuIis
demands of the business he had on han'
An English weapon finally found its wa
into his hands that appeared to posses
the requisite qualifications. Its "bore