Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-07-31

habit of deep thought which he mad
contracted than of any physical cause.
His hair was gray-a dark, granite-like
gray, and he wore it long over bis shout
ders, whittier it depended in loosely flow
ing curls. His features were very regu-
lar and handsome, but pale and thought
full. His dress was mostly of black vel
vet, and its few ornaments of jet. he
was. in truth, noble-looking man, and
just such an one as the common class
would love TO obey and instinetiyely re-
spect. Hence his servants We're fondiy
attached TO him, and his slaves loved
him.
He had nearly gained the southern
edge Of the eopse, when he was startled
from his reyerie by hearing crashing
sound among the dry sticks near him. He
stopped quickly, and on the instant bis
pistol was in his hand. He bad time TO
see a dark object glide from the path in
front of him towar y the river, and he
immediately resolved that this was some
thing hich wished to escape him. An
and that was that no man could escape
by the way the mystic objecl had taken;
for not over six feet from the path in
that section was a deep, wide ditch,
which he had caused to be dug for the
purpose Of draining Il piece Of wet land
beyond the hickory wood.
The marquis stopped. and as he did so,
a tall, powerful man ) ped back in the
path. 1t was an Indian, who stood near
" a head taller than st. Julien, ami
whose form was straight and muscular,
"How?' uttered the marquis, stepping
back and lowering the muzzle of his pis-
tol; what does the Stung Serpent here =
HE is only in the path which his white
brother has made through the forest.
returned the red man, standing proudly
erect.
But wherefore art thou in his path?'
"The Stung Serpent is on his way to
his people
And are there none Of thy people with
thee? Does the Stung Serpent~-he who
stands second among the Suns of Nat
chez--wander alone so far from home"
Yes. for he is not afraid. He knows
the white chief is his friend, and where
fore should he fearf"
but why did you come herey' asked
the marquis. coming more directly TO the
point.
II came to guide some traders on their
way to the town Of the great white chief.
and my boat Is left above where the
great river turns toward the setting
sun" answered the Indian
Then let my red brother return with
me to my home, and there rest for the
night"
But the Indian would not accept the
invitation. He professed to be in haste.
and in few moments more, he turned
on his way and was soon out OK sight.
As the marquis turned once more home
ward, he pondered upon this thing. He
knew the Stung Serpent well. He was
the only brother of the Great Sun, or
chief, of the Natchez, AMI was the most
noted warrior of the whole tribe. Thus
far, in all their intercourse. st. Julien
had found him upright and honorable.
but he well knew how treacherous the
Natchez could be. and how the crime of
one white man against them could be Wis
tied upon the heads Of all with whom
they might come In contact. That Stung
Serpent should have come fifty miles
from his village to guide few traders
did not seem probable, and yet the mar.
quis was at a loss for any other cause
of the visit At all events, be resolved
to be prepared for danger, 80 when he
reached his dwelling. he called his peo-
pie together. and having informed them
of what be had seen, he babe them be on
their guard.
After having done this, he was about
to turn towards the house, when one Of
his blacks. d huge Guineaman Of Ashante,
named Tony, came up to him aud spoke.
Look heah mar, | seed dat ar Injun
when he went down. m he did hab two
white men with i'm. But he's been
lookin all bout heah dis long while Dis
AFTERNOON seed him on de hill ober heah
by de cattle, an he was lookin sharp
all round. S'pose he wants some Of your
fat oxen, ELI, mas'r?"
When did he 90 down, Tony
''Arly dis mornin'.
And when did you SEE him first on his
return
Jus bout an hour after noon
Then see that the dogs are confined
among the cattle. The red scamps may
mean mischief"
And with this, the marquis turned and
went into the house. He did not wish to
lose any of his cattle, though he would
ready have given hountfuIiy OF them
to those in absolute need
All, st. Julien, watch this cattle. but
the red man wants them not. His quest
is nearer thy heart.