Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1906-03-26
CHAPTER y.

resolves, and firm and pefseyering IN the
execution Of its purposes. The events al
Boonesb0rough, In which Providence !Iau
made him an actor. called out the latcnt
powers Of his mind. and stimulated him
to prompt and decisive efforts in regard
70 Rosaithe. Immediately after the de-
parture of i.ogston. Captain Boone sutn-
moned some of the most experienced OF
his little garrison around him, to learn
their respective views in relation to the
course most proper to pursue under eX-
!stinX circumstances. 1t was finally de-
cided that two O. ihr1e persons OF OK
perience should steal quietly from the
fOrt. to find the geaile uaidcn. Nenton.
Ballard aud Allan Immediately offered
their services.
Ballard affected To regard onr hero
with considerable contempt. for he prid-
ed himself not a little on his skill in
woodcraft, and did not wish to he con-
adhered on a level with those less expert
who had perchaucc never followed a
trail or slain an Indian.
"If this Ohio fellow goes with ne. We
can't expect anything good viii lie likely
to happen" he said 10 Kcnton. in a
voice sufficiently ioud Cor Allan to hear
why notr' asked Keuton.
Hes got no knowledge Of these kind
= things. He wouldn't know an Indian
traN from a rabbit path Aud as for
rife shootin', l don't suppose lie could
hit the bigness OF man at fifty yards.
In firing as many times"
Perhaps you undcrrate his Abilities
answered Kenton.
THAT amt by no means probab e." re-
tOTtNd "a "A ri m nj ct, IL
est reader of human character in Ken
lucky. I don't often make mistakes in
them kind Of matters. The chap il too
quiet to he anything: he's got no cour-
age. and il he has, be hasn't skin enough
~ follow a trail. As sure AS he goes
somethin' will break
Quiet your apprehcnsions SIR" said
Allan. approaching the scout. "Do your
own duty, and II I fail to discharge
mine, the blame will not he attributed
to you
That's all very we'll" replied Eallar ri
uRahashcd i've heard people talk just
a. aforH and then hc of in the time Of
danger"
''Oomc. Ballard. don't he hard: you'll
wound the young man's feelings inter
posed Kenton.
oS"! eACialWeu 1'aUaFN. tInltatinE
the short. cultural sound peculiar to the
Indian tribes. Il reckon his feelin's
amt much finer nor mine nor yours. I
sint disposed to put my reputation on
level with a green hand like him"
The cool contemptious manner and
Insulting language Of the spy thoroughly
aroused the Indignation OF Allan. Keep
Ing down, with a strong effort. the feel
tngs of wounded pride aud impotence
that were rankllug within. he stepped
forward and laid his hand upon Bal
lard's shoulder, and closing it until the
fingers seemed sinking iato the nc>h said
in hoarse whisper:
Cease this foolish brayado: or, If you
must quarrel, wait urlil we are outside
the fort. when we viii sri'l" it like men :"
The features of the scout grew pale.
and then flushed with anger: he ,llrcw
savage look at Norwood. and .raSpc1
tho handle OF his hunting knife. Simon
Nenton instantly seized EaIlard's arm.
and Wrenched the weapon from his hand.
Are ye madmen.' cried Boone. who
appeared at that momcut and saw what
was tating place. what means this :
Why are ye wrangling: Is there not
fighti". enough to lie d"ne. without cut
ing 81 '.t others tlroaisI ballard, ynli
are always too fast. Your Immature will
cost year life, ultimately: but | will risk
this young man with yon. No more de.
lsy-oif with you, aud do tho best )on
can"
Everything being in readiness. the gate
was opened, the trio took leave of their
friends, and left the fort, followed toy
the prayers and good wishes Of all who
remained.
They proceeded down the river the
scout leading the way in sullen and ON
nous silence. 1t was evident that he
had not recovered his temper. He fully
resolved as he strobe on. that Allan
should not accompany them. but return
70 BooncsbOrough. or dispose Of him
self In any other manner he saw fit.
with lowering Countenance. aud deter
mined air, he stopped. and returning to
kenton, addressed him MS follows:
You've heerd my opinion about that
young chap from Ohio. aud | mean to
abide by It. and act up to IT, lie may
60 any way hs plcases and do what
ne pleases. but he cant go with me
that's settled"
This is folly" exclaimed Kenton. 81
will vouch for Mr. Norwcod's coura &c
and address,"
well. IL ycu Ike him. you can 60
with him. and we'll par, company" re.
turned tho scout doggeily
Allan had gained sufficient knowledge
OF Billiards. character to enable him
70 understand that prompt and decided
action was required.
'Nou have seen it," said Allan. "to
Insult stranger in manner that i,
unps rdonable, nevertheless. | will bear
no malice, IL your conduct in future be
such as one man expects. in dccency
from another. If you wish to he on
friendly terms. am ready and willing
but IL. on the contrary. you wish tt
tight. you will not find rae unprepared. :
you look like i"' was the laconi,
reioinder.
You are unrea sonable" demonstrated
Kenton. In a mildcr tone
We'll part compauy,' added the
scout.
The scout being naturally Of very
obstinate disposition. it was impossbl,
20 change his determine ton: according
ly he shouldcrcd his rifle and walket
away. thinking. doubtless. that Kentor