The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-04-16
A NIGHT WITH PETER GRIM.

81 pity the skiff or canoe caught in
this blast,' was Peter Crim's mental re-
Election. as he threw an extra pine knot
on the already blazing fire, which sent a
shower Of sparks up the chimney and
filed the apartment in which he sat with
vivid crimson glow, lighting up the
much ,begrimed rafters, and flashing
over the curtainless windows with
lurid glare.
Peter was a we'll huntsman and
trapper on the Canadian back-lakes, who
had made his home on a rocky island,
known as Moss cliff, for many year.
He was at present engaged in mending
pair of Unframed leather leggins with a
huge needle and piece of Irvine, while
he enjoyed his pipe. Having had sue
cessful day among the ducks, he was in
high good humor with himself and all
the world. Lying curled up about the
fire were four dogs, whose weary, drag
gled appearance showed that they had
done their master faithful service, and he
regarded them complacently through the
filmy wreaths Of tobacco-smoke, as he
drew his needle clumsily in and out.
Suspended from a crane over the fire was
large pot, which sent forth a pleasant,
bubbling sound and filled the room with
savory odor. Peters household goods
consisted of the said pot and kettle
which stood on the hearth, canoe and
rifle, table and few benches--which
last had evidently been manufactured by
his own hands. The walls we're decorated
by goodly array Of deer's antlers, which
were to him what collection of scalps
would be to the primitive red man.
Presently beautiful retriever which
had been lying at his feet, started up
and gazing into bis masters face began
to whine and wag his tail. Peter paused
in his occupation, and taking his pipe ou
of his mouth sat for moment III listen
ing attitude. Through the ceaseless roa1
of battling wind and water without came
a faint halloo, which could only have
been distinguished by the practised ca
of the hunter. Starting up with tht
speed of lightning he snatched Lantern
off the shelf near at hand, which he Ii
with blazing brand from the fire, ant
then putting on his hat he rushed out int
the murky darkness, followed by all tn
dogs, who set up furious barking, Will
he held the lantern up over his head an
shouted with all his might. Anothe
shout foated over the dark, angry waters
and yet another, and he answered agai
and again, as he wendell his way dow
over the messy rocks, followed by til
dogs.
1T is two fellows in skif,," he ejacu
lated, as he drew near the landing place
in the vicinity of which he espied
large skiff struggling with the wave!
The occupants of the boat sent up Joy
Gus shout when, by the aid of the Lantern
they could see their way t
shore, and, guided aud assisted by Pete1
they were soon standing high and dry o
the rocks. They were two young amateu
sportsmen, and had a wonderful story t
tell of their perilous voyage up the lax,
They had been out since morning, an
had attempted to land before lghtfal
but being unacquainted with the shore
and islands, they were cruising about i
quest of a landing place when night close
in about them and the storm blew III
They had gone among group of island
and had given themselves up for los
when their attention was attracted b
Peters light and they essayed to attra
his attention, with what success we hay
seen. They were both bewailing the 10
of favorite and beautiful dog, whic
for some unaccountable reason, hs
sprung out OF the boat and disappeare
into the darkness just before they succee
ed in attracting the hunters attention.
In the meantime they had reach
hoh tot
the glow Of the fire shaking the spray
their coats preparatory to hanging the
up to dry.
'Well, gentlemen, suppose you do
know where you have got to-" said Pet
with an important air; "this is Moss CT
lodge, and am Peter Grim; I dare s
you have often heard of me-every o
knows me in these parts"
They had never before heard of eitt
Peter or his lodge, but as it appeared
afford him great deal of satisfaction
think that every one had heard of h
they did not inform him of their ign
ance, but in return for information til
informed him that their names were
spectiyely Jack Ackland and Tom Boy
and that they we're two law serva
from the city of Toronto.
@Well, boys, dry and rest Yourselv
This place is rough as you see, but 8,
as it is you are welcome to it, and I s
pose little supper would not 60 an
with you," he continued.
"Supper! feel as If I could dev
an OK" said young Boyer, who
been casting hungry chances at the b
bling pot.
''And as to this place being ror
when you opened the door L though
never sat my eyes upon anything
cozy and comfortable-looking as
fire" chimed his friend.
II haven't got an OK for you exact
said Peter, laughing, "but as gene,
make stew enough at one time to las
for three or four days, at this time of
year, think there will be enough 70
hands,
Then he removed the cover of the
and flooded the room with an appeti
odor of game stew.
There is nothing like few pots