The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-03-11
ELMER HAzEN's ENEMY.
by c. LEON MEREDITH.

Well back in the forest Of Minnesota,
twenty-four years ago, there stood lone
cabin occupied by three individuals.
Why these three chose to dwell in such
complete seclusion no one could tell.
Not infrequently did hunters call at the
isolated habitation, and on certain occa-
sions had partaken of food at the wood
mans table.
The cabin had stood there and been oc-
cupied for more than two years, and a
knoll Of several acres, destitute Of timber,
furnished ct once garden and field, where
vegetables and grain grew luxuriantly.
Elmer Hazen was the name of the cabins
owner, and his family companions were his
wife and little girl of five years.
At the time we visit this secluded spot,
the Sioux Indians were making their
bloody raids upon the settlers Of that region
of Minnesota,
CONSERVATION and ruin had been spread
broadcast wherever the banded warriors had
seen fit to go with frebrand and rifle.
The news of the terrible slaughter of the
whites had reached the cabin Of the re-
-cluse, and no little concern was felt by the
family, for the red men knew very well of
the hidden home in the forest wilds.
One evening, as darkness settled over the
lonely abode, Elmer Hazen and his wife
showed In their features uncommon con-
Germ.
Fresh news had come to them of the saw
ages devastating waste. Both felt heavy
weight about the heart, and their ears were
constantly on the alert for any uncommon
sound.
The windows and single door of the cabin
were securely fastened as soon as it had
Become entirely dark, and the couple sat
down at the hearthstone, where smoldered
fro nd for I'm,
silence.
There was but single apartment in the
cabin, and but few articles of furniture.
A curly maple stocked rifle hung upon
pins driven into the logs, and nicely dressed
furs hanging about the room told that the
man who had dared inhabit that region
alone was no inferior hunter.
The wife at length broke the silence:
"To-n night, Elmer, 1 almost regret our
leaving civilized home to come into this
life of deprivation and danger"
"Deprivations are not pleasant, to be
sure" the woodman returned, "but as to
danger, we are safer here than there"
~You think SOP"
~Yes. The lives of ourselves or little
Edie are no more sacred to that Spaniard,
Morales, than to the Sioux. The hunting
down of the red men is only for season,
and they will become friends, but the
Spaniard's search will be perpetual and
murderous.
"would not the arm of the law be some
thing of a shield there? It certainly cannot
be exercised here"
@The law is of no value to dead man,
Eliza; Morales sought my life and drove me
hither. He made vow, and one he in
tended to keep. His bond to keep the
pence was no protection to me or hindrance
to him. He is desperate man, more
venomous than the serpent, more subtle
than the adder, and more artful than the
savage"
"But the reign of terror in Minnesota is
terrible, Elmer" the wife said, shadow of
pain crossing her features, as she drew little
Edie closer to her heart.
aI can fight Sioux in ambush or hand to
hand, but cannot contend against villain
who stabs in the dark or administers poison
j feel safer here than in the old home"
The good wife felt really as did her hus-
both again watched the glow of the dying
embers in silence.
Three years before Elmer Hazen had
been a resident of New Orleans and in
easy circumstances.
One evening he found an old man in the
clutches of villain, and he boldly inter-
fered and warned the old man of his danger.
The name of the blackleg was Morales,
and he became enraged. and muttered
curses from between his gritting teeth.
Hazen paid no other attention to this at the
time.
The aged gentleman, who had taken the
name and number of his protector, called
upon Elmer Hazen the next day to express
his thanks more fully than he had done
under the excitement of the evening before.
"A 20 .,,to 70 cf war cd
that put more importance upon tho matter
than Mr.. Hazen had at first thought OF.
On the day that the sharper was found
with the veteran, the latter had arrived by
boat from San Francisco, where he had beer
lucky speculator, and amassed small
fortune, which he carried in currency upon
his person. =,
Morales had met him upon the boat, and
In friendly and most affable manner, vol.
unteered to aid the newcomer, as he was
employed by the city, he said, to protec
travellers of wealth who did not know the
wicked ways of the place.
at is not safe for you to carry so mucl
money upon your person. Mr.. Hazen hat
said, after hearing the veterans story
"That scoundrel is well known, and, b,
some device, will get possession of it. III,
is not too good to take life
"No danger" was the confident reply; :"
have placed the money in q bank, and hav
taken certificate of deposit"
The certificate was shown, made payabl
20 the order of Arson Gale.
Mr.. Hazen was gratifed at this, as tn
money was beyond the reach of Morales
He expressed his pleasure, and the old ma
departed.
The next day Mr.. Gale called again
looking pale and agitated.
al am sick" he said, feebly, "and I fea
INV DAYS are numbered. A strange feelin
has taken possession of my heart, and
know the grim monster is at work there"
An hour later a physician called, left
sedative, and said the patient would be bel
Ter in the morning.
Elmer Hazen remained with the sick ma
until late hour.
al have not blood relative In all II