The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-09-24

A swinging lamp dangled from the
ridge-pole overhead, but had no in
clination to light it. We had padded
a good many miles since early morn
ing, and now, after a good supper 1
was disposed to sleep.
AS often happens on canoe trips,
sunset has found us in locality that
offered no suitable camping place.
On one side OF the Susquehanna the
mountain came steep to the waters
edge, on the other side was the rail
road, running close to the shore. So,
in default of a better site, we had
chosen this spit OF sand gravel, bare
ly ten yards in diameter, and prop
ped up our little A tent.
A narrow channel, swift but shall
low, separated us from the shore,
twenty yards distant. The tent
faced in that direction, and without
turning my head watched the boys
progress by the light OF the lantern.
They reached the bank in safety, and
after a flash Or two the lantern van
ished in the bushes.
After this I think I fell into a doze.
At all events, sat up very suddenly,
under the impression that some one
was moving outside. The smoldering
embers of our camp fire threw just
enough light inside to show me that
the tent was empty. listened for a
few seconds and soon heard cautious
but unmistakable footsteps crunching
the gravel and moving toward the
front OF the tent.
concluded that the boys had re-
turned, and SO sure was l OF this that
without giving the matter second
thought or even taking the trouble to
hail them, I laid my head back on the
blankets, glancing carelessly as I did
SO through the open flaps OF the tent.
My rage of vision extended some dis
tance up the river shore, and away off
in the darkness I saw the glimmer of a
distant light.
This sudden discovery alarmed me.
realized it's full meaning instantly,
My companions had not returned
they were still a quarter of a. mile
away, and | was at the ENERGY of some
evil-minded intruder, who, believing
the camp to be deserted, had come to
plumber.
For few seconds, I confess, fright
absolutely deprived me of action.
Then | reached into my pocket for a
little revolver that I had brought with
me, forgetting all about the guns in
the fore part OF the tent. But the
weapon was in my coat pocket and
the coat was lying behind me. I
turned round very cautiously, fearing
to make a noise, but that instant a
shadow darkened the entrance, and
an arm was thrust into the tent. 1t
was withdrawn a second later, and
with it went on object that recog-
n1zed lnstantly-my double-barreled
gun, which had been leaning against
the tent pole.
My fear FLED at once. That gun had
been my companion for years and was
q most highly priced possession. Was
to lie quietly still and see it carried
off?
springing to my feet shouted
angrily: drop that gun!" ~.
No response came, only a hurried
tramp OF footsteps toward the rear OF
the tent, and snatching quickly at my
coat, I dashed outside and around
the angle. The thief was in full flight.
I could hear him splashing through
the shallow water, and when reach
ed the edge of the island his form was
outlined dimly between me and the
shore.
My determination was speedily
formed. / thrust the revolver into
my pocket, tossed the coat aside on
the sand and dashed into the water
in pursuit, Dent on recovering my
cherished weapon. l could look for
no aid from the boys, for they were
still some distance away and up the
river, while the robber was heading
d1agonally down stream. My revolver
was loaded, but I had no desire to
shoot the fellow, SO I fired two
chambers IN the air, hoping to bring
him to halt.
At that moment he scrambled out
on rock, and with asavage excla1na-
ton pointed the gun straight at me,
heard the sharp click of the trigger,
but it caused me not the least alarm
Il had removed the shells before
cleaning the weapon that evening.
This delay on his part allowed me
to come within half dozen yards. Of
him. Then he splashed on towards
the shore and / followed close at his