The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-04-03
PODto'S RuSe.

near the village Of Deerfeld, in the then
thinly-settled State of Massachusetts,. She
was lovely creature, and her dress and
bearing denoted higher order of taste and
refinement than is usually found in frontier
settlements Her name was Ruth Hall, and
her parents were among the first settlers in
that vicinity.
Deerfeld stood upon gentle eminence
only a short distance away, and Ruth WIS
gazing toward it with eager eyes. Her
face wore sad expression and her mind
seemed to be full of gloomy thoughts. A
narrow path led across clearing to the
village, and soon, by this young man was
seen hurriedly approaching the house. He
carried rife in his hand, while in the belt
around his waist were fastened pair Of
heavy silver-mounted pistols, Of elaborate
workman 1t was not long before he
reached the spot.
'Are you alone, Ruth?" he asked, in o
tone of surprise.
eyes, Sam," she replied; "mother and
father have gone over to FulIbright's, five
or six miles east of here. They will be
home by noon tomorrow. I am left alone,
yet am not afraid"
A shadow darkened the young mans
face.
"But it is dangerous, Ruth" he said,
earnestly.
"Are there Indians about ?" she asked,
quickly.
Eyes, Ruth, he responded, 'and though
the cottage or town may not be in danger,
yet it is always best to be prepared"
"When will it end? ?" murmured Ruth.
"Soon, I trust" the young man rejoined,
in more cheerful tone. ''King Phillip
cannot hold out much longer; but just now
he is making desperate resistance. He
has, it is said, formed an alliance with two
other tribes during the past week, beside
exciting the .enmity of many prominent
Indians who have hitherto been friendly
toward the whites"
'But do you think that any Of the In
dians who now visit the village will turn
traitors?" asked the girl, anxiously.
II cannot tell; but why do you ask?"
''Do you believe in dreams, Sam ?" said
she, deprecatingly, not needing his quss-
ton. II had singular dream last night.
1 thought the chief Ponto came here, told me
that mother and father were dead, burned
the house, and bore me away to sort of
cave which he had formed in the hills,
some three miles from here. Wasn't its
singularp"
"Yes; but its all nonsense Ponto is O
good friend; he is the last one to prove
traitor" Sam answered.
"That may be-" Ruth said, in a musing
tone, her eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the
ground.
The young man noticed her seriousness,
and laughed aloud.
Don't be silly, Ruth" said he; "and
don't forget that you are to be my wife in
early autumn"
Ruth's face grew crimson. In voice Of
forced gayety, she replied
'I'l not, provided Ponto-" And she
hesitated.
"Now, Ruth" and Sam Carter spoke in
serious tones, you'll make me lose my
temper If yeu mention that subject again.
You know I'm too practical to believe in
dreams or any such nonsense. You'll be
my wife soon, that's certain ?"
Ruth made no reply; soon Carter con,
tinued,-
II wish you would stay in the village.
The Indians might attack the place; and
this house would afford you no security"
''I'll go there when my parents return"
'Well, do;" and taking up his rifle,
which leaned against the house, he kissed
the girl, bade her good-by, and moved slowly
toward the distant hills to ascertain if there
were any signs of Indians.
Ruth Hall gazed after him. Her face
was pale and she trembled. Presently she
called to him in nervous manner; he
paused and looked back.
"What do you want ?" he asked pleas.
antly.
20 Sam! be very careful; and, Sam, y
(here her voice sank lower 'if anything
should happen to me, will you promise to
search for me in the hills yonder?"
The young man scowled.
eyes, foolish girl" he shouted back,
upgraciously, and strobe on, while Ruth
passed slowly into the house.
Soon the sun sank beneath the western
horizon; the Shades of twilight began to
gather, and night closed in.
Ruth Hall had not been in the house q
great while when she heard light tap on
the door. She opened it. Ponto, the
Indian chief, stood on the steps. He car
ried upon his shoulder long sack, con-
tanning what seemed to be fresh meat of
some kind, as there was blood dripping
from it.
The young girl bade him enter, and he
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