The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-01-25
THE BEAVER TRAP.
The Story Of Early Colonial Days
in Connecticut.

Phineas Parker was awake before
the first strcals of dawn, one cold win
ter morning of ITO. Phincas was n
bright-eyed lad of twelve, stout of
heart and strong of limb. and no little
help to his father in those days when
living, in Connecticut colony, at least,
meant plenty of hard work for every
body.
The Parker home was, like most
others of the time, Lighthouse, we'll
built and well-fillcd with children. 1t
was pleasantly located near the Hop
river, and commanded a beautiful
view up and down the valley. Behind
it the forest stretched for many miles,
broken by an occasional clearing, in
the center of which was settlers
cabin and, more frequently, circle of
Indian wigwams.
When Phineas opened his eyes on
this particular morning, he lay very
still and listened. He could hear the
gentle, regular breathing of his
younger brothers. Harlan and Flavcl,
who lay sleeping in the same bed with
him. Soon his heenly attentive ears
caught another and more welcome
sound-a movement in the room below
His father was up Instantly he sprang
out upon the icy floor; quickly he
pulled on his thick, wooden stockings,
his rough trousers and jacket; then
taking his shoes in his hand and
STOPPING to avoid hitting the rafters,
he crcpt noiselcssly down the ladder
which led up to his loft
Asa Parker, stalwart, rcsolute but
plcasant-natured man, stood raking
open the ashes in the fireplace. He
was dressed in leather breeches and
jacket, with long lcggings of the same
tough material. About his waist was
a hunting-belt. in which were thrust q
couple of knives. lie piled dry chips
on the cmbers, and the flames burst
forth just as Phincas came down from
the loft. His father heard his footstep
and turned around. In the dancing
freight the strong resemblance be-
tween the two faces was clearly visi-
BILE. Both had the same ruddy com.
plcXion. bright biue eyes and well-cut
features. But now the expression on
the boys countenance WAS pleading,
while that of the father was Il mixture
of approval and hesitation. They
looked ut each other moment in 81.
lencc. Then Mr.. Parker smiled slight.
ly, andsa look of great delight imme-
diately ovcrspread the boys face
You promised, father" Phineas
said, putting down his shoes and com.
ing toward thc fireplace.
II didn't count on your having such
sharp ears" the man said, laughing
softly. "T will be long walk and a
cold one for.your young legs; but you'll
get no harm from that. And it is high
.ime that you were learning to be n
hunter. If aught should happen to me,
Phineas. you are the main dependence
of your mother"
He laid his hand on Phinens' Shout
der as he said this. and looked thought
fully down at him. The boys heart
swelled; he drew himself up and felt
that years had been added to his age
by this proof of his fathers confidence.
They exchanged no more words. In
haste they warmed and ate the food
which the mother had left ready. They
drew their fur caps we'll down over
their ears and buttoned their jackets
closely. Last of all, they put on their
heavy shoes. Then Mr.. Parker slung
his powdcr-horn over his shoulder,
took down his gun and started toward
the door. Phineas. with stout oak
stick firmly grasp"d, followed.
The moonbeams still lay upon the
snow rs they walked along tho narrow