Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-08-17
Au 0rigiual Storg.
LOST AND FOUND;
THE WHITE FAWN OF THE FOREST.
BY MRS. HENRY DEAS.
CHAPTER K.

CHAPTER K.
Panther Joe was quite celebrated charac-
ter in that part of the world. He was half
breed Indisn, noted for his adventurous life
and hair.breadth 'scapes, and derived his cog
nomen from one especial encounter with a
panther, in which hehad won the victory over
his assailant, rendered ferocious by hunger, in
an almost marvellous manner. He was
huge, strongly built creature, sleepy-eyed,
slow of speech and sluggish in movement
when no emergency called for action, but
with slumbering FIRE beneath his halfshut
lids that could leap into angry fame at slight
provocation, and world of power and fleet
ness in those brawny, muscular limbs. He
was an ardent worshipper of Mr.. Carleton
and all his family, and had rendered them
many a valuable service, in the way of bring.
ing them game to supply their exhausted
larder, and destroying prowling beasts in
their neighborhood when it had been wilder
and more unsettled than now. Mr.. Carleton
never could make out whether he was con-
vert to Christianity or no, for on this subject
he would not speak. He would listen BY the
hour, with his sleepy gaze, to the clergyman's
discourse, occasionally giving little nod
of the head or slight grunt, in testimony of
attention, but, if asked direct question, in.
yariably shirked reply. He was lying
stretched on a bear-skin in front of his cabin,
blinking lazily at the declining sun, as the
missionary approached. At sight of the lat
ter he Immediately arose, and rearing his
huge form to its full height, advanced step
or two to meet him. . ..l
"Well, Joe," was Mr.. Carleton's greeting,
"You have been resting, see-I suppose you
are just home from hunting, or some other
brisk exercise"
"No," s.id the Indian. 81 have not hunted
to-day. I have been out, but not to the
chase. I have news for you, father mis-
sionary." .' ... ..
This was his mode of addressing Mr. Csrle-
ton, and he never bestowed any less respect
full title upon him, seeming to consider it his
duty always to recognize the full dignity of
his Office.
"You will come iu," he added, laying his
hand on the horses bride. "The skin of the
bear lies in the corner ready for you, with the
blanket for your covering, and the venison is
dressed for supper"
"Many thanks. was going to ask you for
a supper and shelter for tonight" was the re-
ply. as the clergyman alighted in obedience
to this hospitable mandate. Old Whitefoot
was apparently good friends with Joe, for he
whinnied gently 10 token Of recognition, and
willingly suffered him to lead him to little
distance, where, tethered in sort of leafy
stall, his saddle and bride removed, and bis
coat rubbed down with wisp of straw, he
presently gave himself up to the enjoyment
of a hearty meal, while his master and his
host partook, inside the cabin, of theirs. The
missionary was weary with his ride, and did
ample justice to Joes excellent providing
for the Indian was not only expert in furnish
ing game for his table-ifa a rough board set
across stump might be so called-but was
quite civilized enough to know how to cook it
also in the most approved style. Joe's msnage
formed, in fact, curious mixture of refine
ment and barbarism. The shaggy bear-skin
couches the war-like implements and tokens
of the chase decorating the walls, and his
primitive cooking apparatus, all indicating
the customs of the savage; while, on the 9th
er hand, sundry domestic conveniences, in the
shape of shining pans and cups, and very
respectable assortment Of blue china ware,
and even some attempts at ornament, as testi-
fed by the exhibition of couple of engra-
wings hanging over the rude fireplace, showed
that the example of civilization was not lost
upon him. These engravings, representing
hunting-scenes, and quite spirited in design, it
not very artistic in execution, we're the pride
of their owners heart. He had purchased
them once when on visit to q town some If
ty miles of, and would frequently, while smo-
king his pipe, sit and contemplate them with
satisfaction, and perfect faith in the genius
of their designer, whoever he or she might be.
Supper being over, the Indian brought out
an earthen jug, couple of pipes and single
cup. He was sufficiently we'll acquainted
with the habits of his guest to know that he
would not join him in his protations, though
he would not refuse to smoke friendly pipe
with him.
"Ah! Joe,' said the clergyman, shaking his
head, as he glanced st the jug, "that's bad
friend of yours. I dislike to see him in your
company"
Joe took puff or two before replying.
"He is no bad friend now," he slowly re-
Joined, at length. "Once upon time he was !;
then got drunk, and made myself big fool.
I have heap more sense than to get drunk any
more"
"Well, I am glad Of that; but still, think
whisky is poor companion under any cir
cumstances," said Mr.. Carleton.
"He helps me mighty good deal when I
am weary" said the Indian. "You take some
yourself father missionary, when you come
from long hard ride, and you see how good
and strong he'll make you feel"
"Cold water is my best drink, Joe" replied
the clergyman. "Your ire.water is too ar
dent for nv taste, and besides, it is my maxim
that the temperate man always gets through
the most work."
Joe nodded slightly, as though not caring
to discuss the subject After brief silence,
Mr. Carleton asked him what was the news
he had to tell him, of which had spoken.
"Tbis." said Joe, renewing his pipe, and