The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-01-27
THE BEAVER TRAP.
The Story Of Early Colonial Days
Ia Connecticut.

- Phineas Parker was awake before
the first streak of dawn, one cold win
Ter morning of ITO. Phineas was a
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, a Lighthouse, we'll
built and wen-Glled 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 10y an occasional clearing, in
the center Of which was a settlers
cabin and, more frequently, circle Of
Indian wiGvvams.
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 Flevel,
who lay sleeping IN the same bed with
him. Soon his Aeenly attentive ears
caught another aud more welcome
sound-a movement in the room rr~low.
His father was up! Instantly he sprang
out upon the ley floor; quickly he.
pulled on his thick wooden stockings,
bis rough trousers and jacket; then
taking his shoes in his hand and
stopping TO avoid hitting the rafters,
10 crept noiselesSly down the ladder
which led up to his loft
Asa Parker. n stalwart, resOlute but
pleasant-nat1vcd man, stood raking
open the ashes in the fireplace. He
was dressed in leather breaches and
socket, with long leggings Of the same
taagh material. About his waist was
Z hu-tinr-beft, in which were thrust
couple of knives. He piled dry chips
on the embers. and the flames burst
forth just As Phineas 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 WISH
bic. Both had the same ruddy com
plexion. bright blne eyes and weu-cut
features But now the expression on
the boys countenance was pleading,
while that of the father was a mixture
Of approval and hesitation. They
looked III each other u moment in 81
leuce. Then Mr.. Parker smiled slight
", and lool; CT great delight imme-
GisteIy overspsead the boys face.
"EOu promised. father" Phineas
Baid, putting down his shoes and com
ing Uov IA me fireplace,
~ didn't count on your having such
sharp ears" the man said laughing
softly. "'.T Will be a long walk and a
cold one for your young legs; but you'll
get no harm from thai. And it is high
sine that YOU wore learning to be a
hunter Il auEht should happen to me,
Phineas. Won are the main dependence
OF your mother"
he laid his hand on Phineas' Shout
der rs he said this, and looked thought
fully down at him. The boys heart
swelled; he drew himself NJ and felt
that years had been added 20 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 well down over
their ears and buttoned their jackets
closely. Last Of oil. they put on their
heavy shoes. Then Mr.. Parker s.ung
his powder-horn over his shoulder.
took down his gun and started toward
the door. Phineas with a stout oak
stick firmly graspec. followed.
The moonbeams still lav upon the
Snow a. they walked along the narrow