Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-07-28
CHATTER Ill

There was a time when the hunters
and trappcrs were the real heroes OF the
far west. These, even at the time of
which | write. had given place to hd-
yonturous miners aud tn a class Of men
who were us bold i'll their defiance Of
law as were Robin Hood and his men
in the middle ages Henry Kyle and
Font Rnbb were men Of this class and
were well known 10 Captain Brandon
by reputation: but, for reasons that VIII
b. given hereafter, he permitted them
Ia accompany him, and though hc knew
that they were stealing away III the
dead # night--a most unnecessary pro
cecding. by the way-did not raise a
hand to stay them. They rode through
the mountains till daylight, when Henry
KYLE took has friends hand and said;
Herr We part for the present. Font.
II is nearly year since have seen the
old folks, and am going home. "
Il hope you'll find 'em all night,
said Robh. adding with smile, Il
hope they won't win You away from the
BOYS "
Without any comment, Henry Kyle
raised his bride arm and his splendid
horse darted away and was soon lost to
sight among the hills He rode until
the summer sun looked straight into the
deepest canyons and riffs Of that Won
drous land and flashed on lake that
was walled III by mountains that rose
skyward like an impossible barrier.
Between the mountains and the lake
there was belt Of valley many hun
dreds Of acres in extent, with clumps Of
trees here and there that gave il park
like effect. There were cattle and sheep
in the meadows, and the emerald ex-
panse was scanned with sinuous streams
that flashed down from the distant snow
peaks and poured their cool trout filled
currents into the lake. From one Of the
groves pillar of smoke arose, marking
| the site If human habitation. When
Henry Kyle saw this, he left the trail
he had been following aud galloped for
the grove. The cattle and sheep raised
their heads and looked after him Ill
wonder.
A large double log house occupied n
clear space in the grove, and back of
this was barn. The surrounding gar
dens showed thrift, and the vines and
| flowers indicated more refinement III
The occupants Of the place than is usual
| ly seen i'll that wild land. AS Henry
KYLE was hitching his horse to tree
before the house beautiful girl Of II
or IS ran out, and, with a cry OF My
brother! Ny brotherr' she threw her
arms about him.
"Glad to see you, Nora, said Henry
Kyle, kissing her; then holding her at
arms length, while admiration filled
| his eyes. he continued:
"Why, you grow more and more
beautiful every time / see you All, It's
a pity that 50 fair a mountain flower
should be shut in from the admiration
of the worldv
''The worldv' she repeated This Is
my world" and she lifted her eyes
with an expression Of alteration from
the valley to the mountains. Away
| from this home could not be happy.
"Well, well! Where one is content
knowledge Of better things may not be
prudent But tell me, how is mother"
Before the girl could answer gray
haired woman, with calm, patient
face and an indescribable look Of having
seen better days in other scenes, came
out and greeted the young man with
warmth and tenderness which only
mother can feel.
"Put away your horse, she said
"You have surely come to stay with nj
now.
"Only few hours" he answered
Then he added, with forced laugh: -
have too often broken the peace OF th'
valley. do not think that my fathel
and Louis will care to have me will
them for even that time.
| "You know they will. All, Henry, i
you would only stay with us we NIGH
be very happy!"
i They had now entered the house, ant
an Indian boy, who acted as a servant