Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1905-12-07
CHAPTER


those who had explored its fertile Levels
as another Eden
A fort had been erected on the south
ern bank of the Kentucky river by Dan
lei Boone, that daring and indomitabl:
man whom no danger could appall and
no difficulties discourage. At the dis
lance of eight miles from Boone's fort
Captain John Harrod had built a sec
ond fortifcation, while Colonel Logan
had raised a third at St. Aspah's. in Lin
coin county. The few adventurous set
tiers that had penetrated into that coun-
try were continually harassed by savage
foes, not unfrequently led on by French
men and British Canadians.
Bold men worked in the new clearings
with arms by their sides, and became
soldiers by necessity. The thrilling
scenes that were of daily occurrence at
that period eclipse the pen Of romance,
and Imagination is surpassed by start
ling reality. The shrll warwhoop grew
strangely familiar to the ears of the
pioneers. and the shafts of destruction,
hurled from the rifles of ambushed enc
mics, were continually striking down
friend and neighbor. Aided by the Brit
ish posts at Detroit Vincennes and Kas-
kaskia, the Indians began war Of ex-
termination. Against Boonesborough in
particular was their hostility directed.
A few rods below the Salt Lick, near
which a fort and stockades had been
erected by Daniel Boone and his asso-
ciates, there was q highly romantic spot,
half shut in by trees. A grassy glade
sloped down to the water. and gentle
eminences, and rocks overgrown with
verdure, formed very acceptable seats for
those who might enjoy the tranquil beau
ty of nature in her spring vestments.
young lady, in the summer of maid
en- loneliness, was reclining upon m Ossy
knoll, and the waters of the Kentucky
were flowing at her feet. She had gath
cred violets and evergreens, and a wreath
of the latter bound her brows with a
careless grace, while the former she was
leisurely forming into a bouquet. Her
face was uncommonly attractive, and her
figure very symmetrical in its outlines.
That common figure of the blending of
the lily and the rose was perhaps never
more felicitously illustrated than upon
the fair cheeks of Rosalthe Aston. The
soft, pensive expression Of the eyes, and
the sweet light of intelligence that
were enough to Ak the beholder's atten-
ton In steadfast and admring gaze.
The sound of human footsteps upon
the rivers bank caused Rosalthe to cast
hurried and alarmed glances around her.
1t was not deemed safe, at that time, for
females to venture out of sight of the
stockades. Rosalthe had in this instance
as on several other occasions, violated
in he oh
for. from the spot where she had been
reclining the stockades were not visible
The cause Of Rosalthe's alarm was di-
rectly apparent; man appeared In the
glade, and, without hesitation, approach
ed her. The young lady drew the folds
of her light scarf hastily about her per-
son. and was on the point of leaving the
spot with considerable precipitation,
when the intruder addressed her.
Stay, mademoiselle. Why should you
fly at my approach? Am l indeed a
savage? Is my skin red?"
Excuse me, Monsieur LIE Bland" she
said, rather coldly. 'if my fears appear
ed somewhat excited for l did not ex-
pect-that is, l had no reason to sup
pose that my pleasant meditations in this
agreeable retreat would be intruded
upon"
Il am, then, it would seem. to be re-
garded as an intruder?" asked lie Bland,
in a tone less courtly than at first.
No matter, sir-let the subject pass
seek no cause of disagreement" re-
turned the lady, with smile.
Neither do |, fair Rosalthe; your
frown of displeasure would make me mis-
cradle" said lie Bland, earnestly.
A scornful smile played for an instant
over the rosy lips of the lady; LIE Bland
observed it, and contracted his brows.
Goodness may not quite crush me-
he added, contempt | never could bear"
THE old theme Mr.. lie Bland the
old theme" returned Rosalthe.
1T is a theme never old with me.
Small streams may be turned aside into
Dew channels, but large and swiftly flow
ing rivers cannot be easily diverted. 1t
is thus with the human affections; when
they become fixed and strong they cannot
be changed or trained to flow in other
directions. l have sought you, Mademoi-
selle Aston. to lay bare my heart before
you. and to ask You to see the treasures
Of love that are garnered there. But
your impatient gestures. your curling lip.
your rebuking glances, forbid me to pro
coed.
Il am glad you have done" she said.
land you could not better evince the
good sense which | have always given
you credit for possessing than by so do
ing. | will now return, and hope Won
will enjoy the beauties of this pleasa Mt
morning and of this lovely spot as truly
as | have done"
mot yet, MISUNDERSTANDING vet. I
have other matters to discuss which re-
quire your earnest attention. l refer to
the dangers which environ and menace
you on every side. The red men of the
wilderness are gathering in great num-
bers to march against BooneSborough.
and level it with the dust" returned LIE
Bland.
Whence had you this information p
From one of my countrymen whom
accidentally met while out hunting yes
terday."
Who incites our savage foes? Who
supplies them with arms and ammuni-
tion?" Intercepted Rosalthe. with in
creasing earnestness.
Il know what you mean" said LIE
Bland, coloring. Il am aware that il is
reported that the British posts aid and
encourage the Indians in their move
ments. But to the subject under consd-
Grafton. | have heard. from undoubted
authority, that Captain Du Quesne will
soon appear before Boonesborough with
large body of savages, to demand its
surrender
And what will be the consequences if
Daniel Boone refuses to yield?"
The consequences will be that Du
Quesne will hurl his savages against
Boonesborough, and take it by storm.
The slaughter will, in such case,