Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1883-05-31
The AVENGER.
A Tale OF the Woods OF Maine.
CHAP. |.
BY CHARLES l.. ISLEY.

the attention of the reader is one we de-
light to contemplate-a dense forest, in
summer time. Through the deep foliage
of the broad overhanging branches, the
sunbeams fall with chastened and
grateful light The birds have chanted
their matin songs, and all is hushed,
save the dreamy murmer of the pines,
like the voice of the sea, and the slight
rustling of The tree tops. among which
a gentle breeze plays with the iluttering
leaves. A little green opening spreads
out before us--a dimple in the wilder
ness-into which the rich sunlight falls
withdazzlingeflect flashing upon thread
of n stream which winds itself noiselcss-
ly away into the heart of the forest.
'Nolselessly, around,
From perch TO perch, the solitary bird
Passes; and you clear spring that, midst its
herbs,
Wells softly forth and visits the strong roots
OF half the mighty forest, tells no tale
OF all the good II does
Seated on n small knoll, covered with
a velvet-like moss, besides the stream.
was a gaunt figure whose dress and
equipments proclaimed him To be a
hunter Resting beside him was rifle
of unusual length, and from his belt de-
pended long hunting knife. With
this brief description, our readers we
trust, will recognize familiar
characterize scout.
At the time of his introduction to the
reader he was making his mornings
meal Of dried bears meat and coarse
rye bread, washed down by the crystal
water that rippled by his side, and from
the zest with which he applied himself
to his task, there could be no doubt
though humble his fare, never a
pampered epicure ate .his with better
relish.
"A fresh bite of ven son wouldn't 90
bad this bracing morning. he muttered
in soliloquy, rs he vainly essayed to tear
asunder a tough sinewy morsel he had
in his hand-it would be resky building
n fire, or I'd have steak-Wal, good
appetite is n blessed thing, though it's
apt to be pesky uncomfortable when
the pouch is empty. I've seen the time,
many's the day an unripe root or green
yarD tasted sweeter than the jucest
continued with peculiar chuckle--I
shan't soon forget the tussle with the
bar. Twas pesky hard telling which
was the hungriest. and twas mere
sarcumstance-the turn of leaf
whether should eat him or he mep
But beast natur' haint equal TO human
natur', and won the fight, although
twas tarnal poor picking | got from
his bones. 1t tasted right good though.
All, Brave!' he exclaimed, rs q fine
mastiff burst through thicket little
in front of the scout, and stood in
bristeling attitude facing the quarter
whence he came-'Ah, pup! is there
any mischief brewing-dO you smell a
red skin?
The mastif' gave low growl, at the
same time showing by n curl of his up
per lip most formidable set of teeth.
The scout sprang to his feet loosened
his hunting knife and grasping his rifle,
TODD in listening attitude. The dog
oazed awhile wistfully in his masters
Pace, then gave low whine, as if
he would warn him of approaching dan
ger.
Il understand, l understand pup
said the old man, walking to the side
of his shaggy companion and patting
his broad breast-the varmints are
abroad-whistl whistn and he bent his
ear to the ground.
This way Bravcr said the hunter in
subducd tone as he arose from his
STOPPING posture--'they' been work
ING mischief in the settlement in the
past night. We must contrive to get on
their trail, for It's more than likely
they have got some poor captive who
may need our services-this way pupil
and turning to the left he entered
with quick though noiseless step into
the depths of the forest, and man and
dog we're in a moment lost to sight.
But q few minutes transpired after
their disappearance when stealthly
steps were heard in the woods; present.
ly file of Indians passed with a quick
pace through the foot of the little OPEN
ing. AT the belts of the two foremost
hung the trophies of their nights work.
Dangling from each was bloody scalp,
the long plant locks of proclaiming
the sex of the victim, and the short
abundant ringlets of the other showing
toat it came from the head of quite
young child. So cautious were the
movements of the band, none but n
practiced ear could have detected the
slight noise made as they glided past.
A quarter of an hour, perhaps, had
elapsed after the disappearance of the
savages, when the scout, followed by
his dog, emerged from the forest into
The opening. His quick eye soon de-
tected the trail of the Indians. Stoop-
ing down he surveyed it with close at
tention, following il along the opening
with the most careful scrutiny.
There are five of the varmints'-he
muttered to himself az, satisfied with
the examination, he at last stood erect
--''the odds are ag'in me, but that $
nothing-l've sarcumvented a large
number: come Braver and followed by
the faithful mastiff, who seemed 10 un-
derstand every motion of his master,
he crept with a cat-like pace on the trail
of the savages.
CHAP. III.
Leaving the scout on the trail of the
Indians the reader will accompany us
TO another scene. IL is narrowing one
scene. alas, too frequently recorded
in the early annals of New England. A
settlement on Casco Bay, not fal
remote from the ancient town of Fal
mouth, is the spot to which we would
direct his attention.
North Yarmouth, now rich in re-
sources and popular seat of learning
in 1746 consisted of but cluster O
small houses. The first settlers of thi
place came principally from Lynn
nyl.- n n r.. Al