The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-10-04


WEAKER & CO.. Dorchester, Mass.
always treated me white. but you're the
only one of your kind that has done so,
and won't forget it,
THE Ashbridges never hurt you;
they're friends of mine, and, Sine. if it
comes In your way to do EN- favor,
why, I'll take it the same as to myself"
Il won't make any such promise as
that" was the sullen reply of the rene
gade; "and you mustn't ask me too often
for yourself, Sine; don't get too near the
Injins, for 1t amt likely they'll let you
go next time even for me; you know
you've sent some of the best warriors
under since then"
I'm glad to say I have" was the
proud reply of Kenton.
wal. the rest know of It, and some OF
EN-, like the Panther and Lame Bear,
have been cunning a long time for your
topknot; give you notice for your own
sake, Slime, for / don't believe 1 can do
you any good next time"
I'm obliged: good-by and good luck
to you. I needn't$ten you to be as keer-
full as myself, for good many of our
boys are cunning for you
Il know it." replied Girty, with an
oath: land if they catch me ] won't
whine. but they haven't got me yet.
Good-by. and the same to you
Ashbridge to precede him in passing
among the shadow of the trees. The
scout could never forget his caution.
He feared no shot from the fiatboat,
so long as Girty remained on board,
but he could not feel certain Of any
such immunity for his companion.
If Ashbridge walked at the rear, the
temptation for some one TO shoot him
was likely TO become irresistible. So
Kenton shielded him with his own body.
A half-dozen steps and the friends
We're beyond sight of the keenest vision
the craft. They halted and looked
in each others faces
you heard what Girty said?" was the
inquiring remark of Kenton.
Yes, and don't believe a word of it"
Nor do !. And yet he might have
said something true. sort of accidental
like"
II feel assured of one thing" re-
marked the sorrowing Ashbridge. None
of my folks are the flatboat, but
where are they?'
"Younker. the cabin that you left
this morning when you set out TO meet
your people is about six miles below.
Did YOU walk along the shore to this
place.
"Of course not! came in our canoe"
Where is that canoe?"
Not 100 yards from where we are
standing"
no one could see il afOre he stubbed his
toe against it?'
i could not forget to take that pre-
caution"
"Show me the way to that same craft"
Ashbridge took the lead through the
bushes and underground. which were
more plentiful here than further inland.
and quickly reached a spot where "A small
birchen structure, similar to those in
common use among the Indians in that
section, was drawn up the bank and
rested where il was invisible to any one
passing up or down the division.
1t was large enough to carry three or
four persons. The prov and stern curved
upward and over. with an approach to
the graceful arching Of a swans neck,
and groteSque figures were painted on
the smooth surface Of the bark.
In fact the elder Ashbridge had bar
tered for the canoe with party of Sha-
wanoeS who seemed to be friendly, so
that the boat was an Indian one In
every respect. and showed q rude orna-
mentation that would have been absent
had the craft been put together by white
men.
1t contained a single ashen paddle
which. in the hands of person skilled
in its use, would send the frail craft over
the river with great swiftness-
No white man or warrior could man
ipulate a canoe with greater cleverness
ment admiringly contemplating the
structure.
''She's a beauty" he exclaimed; "as
is ALI them things that the Injns put
together when they a'int in hurry"
"Father bought it of a party at the
blockhouse What do you intend to do,
now that it is at your disposal?''
I'm going to follow the fiatboat and
learn the truth
You are not satisfied with what Girty
said?"
mot by a long shot; there's a good
deal about this business that don't I'M
derstand, but 1 shall understand afore
tomorrow at sunup.'
The scout moved to the edge of the
river. parted the underground and peered
out He saw the flatboat drifting down
stream, somewhat nearer the Kentucky
shore than the other bank. The renegade
was till standing near the middle, lean
ing on the sweep and looking backward,
with his keen eyes fixed on the spot
where Kenton and Ashbridge had van
ished from sight. Evidently he was sus-
picious.
''Nobody knows me better than Slime"
remarked Kenton, stepping back beside
his companion; 'he spects I'm not
through with him yet'
It would not do to start in pursuit of
the fatboat, for Girty would instantly
read the meaning of the action and take
steps to prevent the success of what
ever the ranger had in mind.
Nevertheless, Kenton showed the grace
full craft down the slight slope and let
il rest like a bird on the surface Of the
water.
He motioned to Ashbridge to take his
Mace within it and the scout followed
and took up the paddle.
The overhanging branches screened
them like a veil from sight. By care
fully parting them and peeping through
the interstices OF the vegetation the eye
followed the movements of the more
bulky craft.
might will be here in couple Of hours
and there isn't much MOON When Girty
drifts below that bend we can make a
move. but not before"
Slowly the flatboat f1oated away, and
at the end of half an hour passed from
sight behind the curve Of the Ohio. Then
Simon Kenton silently dipped the paddle
In the water and started upon one of the
most stirring undertakings of his event.
full ife.
CHAPTER W.
In the Shadows.
The summer was drawing to a close