Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-09-18
of which Selwyn was ignorant, but

Ts ~ y
"YoU LOVE YOUR MASTER, BoY?"
Ariel had learned to write with the aid
of Jabe's wife and his own quick per-
ception.
Selwyn asked his questions in French,
and was surprised to find the answers
written in English, in a style at once
simple and graphic.
s'You are skillful with the pen, Ariel"
remarked Selwyn, when he had read the
''but what think you of Marden's
chances of success in this dangerous
venture?"
The boy shook his head mournfully.
Your master commends you to my
protection continued he, land / ac-
cept the trust. But you know the con-
dition of the fort and the danger which
threatens it. Marden may return in
safety and successful in his mission; but
that will not save the fort; without re-
Inducements it must fall, and there is
nothing to be expected from these En-
glish generals; it were folly to think of
it. They will not stir, and if they did, it
You love your master, boy?" Ariel
pressed both hands to his heart.
"And if force of Americans can be
raised will you guide US to Oswego?"
Ariel wrote quickly: ''He is not
there"
s.No, nor here either. But he may
return before we get there. No other
aid than ours can reach him, and we
OF hot
With a joyful flash in his eyes the boy
waved gesture of assent.
cit is well; but you are exhausted
after that long journey; you need rest"
Ariel rose with an air of Impotence
and pointed to the dial of an old-fash-
toned clock.
"You are right" said Selwyn; 1--WE
| have no time to lose. Follow me-
'sMars' Chawls," said Pete, bobbing his
head into the room, ''dars Mars Walter
Renwick wants to see you
| Mars Walter did not stand on cere-
mony, he was in the room Already
tall, lusty, broad-shouldered young fell
! low, with honest blue eyes and smiling
| face. The white hand of the studious
Selwyn suffered a total eclipse in the
grasp of his friend, and was shaken with
the energy Of a genuine affection.
| ''You are the very man l wished but
did not expect to see,' said Selwyn, cor
daily.
''What new idea hast thou got in that
| students head of thine, Charley?" asked
| the other, laughing. ''Or dost thou
need my help to construe problem in
| euclid or to find missing Greek guam
| tity? am the man, provided can see
my way to it along the barrel of rife. "
'sYou are nearer the mark than you
aimed, Walter; for the idea in my stu
dents head, as you call it, is rifles and
men-aye, thousand if they can be
had
''By Jove! this likes me WE'LL" cried
Renwick, rubbing his hands and gazing
eagerly at his friend; ''but where is the
enemy? OF course, need not ask who
he is. There are only two kinds.
French and Indian, and they are
usually found together. Would that
we could exchange them for English.
men; we could then sleep sound O
nights, knowing that they were ASLEEP
| too. But whom have we here? By his
complexion he might be a mixture OF
both our enemies; or is he student OF
divinity preparing his first sermon un.
der thy dictation?"
NAY, you are far from the mark now
my friend. The boy is a mute, and the
writing on the table contains his an
swcrs to my questions. But time
presses, and must explain my plans,
or rather ask your aid to form them
He then proceeded to give a rapid
sketch of the situation, to which Rem.
wick listened with eager attention. oc
casionally interrupting to ask ques
ton or to curse the apathy of the En-
glish commanders.
1.-THE alternative is ours" added Sci
wyn, in conclusion, s'to help Mercer tc
defeat the enemy at Oswego, or leave
him to his fate, with the certainty o,
hearing the Indian war-whoop in the
Mohawk Valley"
'sYou are right; we must help our
Selves" said Renwick, Il returned from
Albany last night, and there was nc
sign of military preparation there; not
SO much as a rumor of approaching aid
from the sea-board. The season is ad.
vancing, and it will require two weeks
at least to raise volunteers and to pre-
pare for the campaign; then the long
march through the forest must be slow
and cautious; but there is yet time
Come, let US be up and doing"
''And when all is ready, this boy
will guide us to the scene of action,
added Selwyn.
81 brung de boss TO you. Mars
Chawls," said Peter, as the young meI
prepared to depart; ''but whar will
keep de toofless gennelmaa?'
.'Toothless! what do you mean?"
eff he isn't toof1ess why don't he
talk?" responded the phf,osophio dar
i tTo BIZ coSx1xUaDl