New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1888-11-21
:" "Wah-te-to.v
THE PEARL OF THE MINNESOTA.
Chapter 2.
Continued.

|
of the leaves in the night wind.s and we
seated ourselves on a fallen log which
lay near the cabin door and determined
on what course to pursue. To my son
| and me alike the disappearance of the
scout was inexplicable and we could
| advance no theory which would explain
to our satisfaction the motives which
| urged him to leave US, who so much de-
pended on his aid and guidance. FL
nally | recalled the manner in which he
had left us in the afternoon to examine
I into the state of the river and told Ora
to remain with the folks and to keep
sharp lookout for a possible emergency,
while I stole my way down the trail,
which was distinctly visible by the
moons mellow light, toward the river.
Cautiously, needing every step, and
avoiding the touch of every twig and
loose pebble in the way, and keeping
in the shadow of the trees, 1 advanced,
my finger on the trigger of my rifle,
which was poised ready for immediate
use. The distance from the log-house
to the rivers edge was about quarter
of mile, and all this way I stealthily
passed over without having perceived
anything which might give me a clue to
the missing guide. The water flowed
quietly at my feet and formed chan.
nel probably fifty yards wide to the op-
posite shore, which was like the one on
which stood, strewn with gravel. The
woods on the other side stood out in
silent darkness against the clear sky
on which not a cloud was to be seen,
and the night-scene so tranquil and
solemn was not disturbed, and save the
ripping of the water at my feet and the
trembling of the leaves in the tanning
breeze, not sound was heard. [ gave
myself up to reflection, once that l had
critically surveyed my surroundings,
and, determined upon waiting a little
while, leaned against tall tree which,
partially oVerhanging the river, afford
ed in case of necessity snug hiding
place. [ must have waited but few
moments, when I. alive to the slightest
disturbance, heard foot-step on the
gravel a little distance below me, and
sinking back into the deep shadows of
the tree, with my arm posing the wea-
pom, l anxiously waited for develop
ments. My eyes were intently fixed on
the bushes across the trail, instinctively
feeling that from there the object which
had occasioned the grating on the sands
below, would emerge. I must acknow-
ledge that l was somewhat excited, not
having the least idea of what should
meet with, but thought of my beloved
ones, who in case of my departure
would be without their main protector.
caused me to regain my fortitude and
closely watch the opposite trees and
bushes, which suddenly parted as if by
magic, and emitted, as I discovered at
the first glance-Martel. 1 was in
doubts what course to pursue now, but
eager to understand fully the position
the guide had placed himself in by his
sudden disappearance from the hut,
I determined to wait for further pro.
ceedings. He carried his rifle careless
ly in the hollow of his arm and seemed
perfectly unconcerned, as though the
errand on which he was bent was one
of ordinary occurrence and not in the
least connected with any apprehensions.
He walked towards the waters edge
and gazing over the broad expanse, pro-
duced from his hunting-shirt a horn
whistle, which he applied to his lips,
sending forth a shrill sound through the
midnight air. was a very close OBJ
server of the entire scene and after
Martel had issued the call, which no
doubt was intended for one who would
recognize it, my attention was so entire.
ly given to the scene before me, that
was on the point Of making an uncau.
tious advance toward Martel, when a
loud halo from the other side Of the
river broke the silence, which had again
reigned supremely after the scouts
whistle. [ sank back deeper into the
darkness, and in order not to be OBJ
served by any casual glance which Mar
tel might throw around, covered down
in the grass at the foot of the tree, lay
ing my rifle cautiously at my side.
Quite soon heard the stealthy dip of a
paddle as it broke the water, and pres
emily canoe stole out from the sha-
dows of the opposite shore and proceed
ed to where the scout was leaning on
his rifle, evidently satisfied that his call
had been SO promptly answered. A
closer gaze at the inmate of tho frail
harE rayaaled To ma the fact that the