Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1906-02-19
CHAPTER I

those who had explored lis 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 IIarrod had built sec
Ond fertilization. while Colonel Logan
had raised 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 unfreuuently 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 shrill 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.
\ few rods below the Salt Lick. near
which fort and stockades had been
erected by Daniel Boone and his assoc
cates. there was highly romantic spot.
half shut in by trees. A grassy glade
soped down to the water. and gentle
eminences. and rocks overgrown with
n hi a
those who might enjoy the tranquil beau
ty of nature in her, spring vestments.
\ young lady. in the summer of maid
en- lovelness. was reclining upon Il messy
knoll and the waters of the Kentucky
were flowing at her feet. She had gath
cred violets and cvergreens. and Il wreath
of the latter bound her brows with
careless grace. while the former she was
leisurely forming into bouquet. Her
face was uncommonly attractive and her
figure very symmetrical in its outlines.
Tina. 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
streamed from beneath the penciled lids.
were enough to fix the beholder's atten
ton in a steadfast and admrng 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 some degree the established custom;
for. from the spot where she had been
reclining the stockadcs were not visible.
The cause of Rosalthe's alarm was di-
rectly apparent; a man appeared in the
glade, and. without hesta ion. approac CHI
ed her The young lady drew the fold.
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 indeed a
savage? Is my skin re1!"
Excuse me. Monsieur lie Bland" she
said, rather coldly. "if my fears appear
ed somewhat excited. for | did not ex-
pect-that is, I had no reason to sup
pose that my pleasant medtations 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.
mo matter, sir-let the subject pass
! seek no cause of disagreement" re-
turned the lady. with a smile
Neither do |, fair Rosalthe: your
frown of dispeasure 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"
''rhe old theme. Mr. lie Bland; tho
old theme" returned Rosalthe.
at is Il theme never old with me.
Small streams may be turned aside into
new channels, but large and swiftly flow
Ing rivers cannot he easily diverted. Ii
is thus with the human affections: when
they become fixed and strong they cannot
be changed or trained to flow in other
directions. | have sought you. Madrmo-
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 lin.
your rebuking glances. forbid me to pro.
coed.
IL am glad you have done" she said.
"and you could not better evince the
good sense which | have always given
you credit for possessing than by so do
ing. l will now return, and hope you
will enjoy the beauties of this pleasant
morning and Of this lovely spot as truly
as l have done
"Not yet, mademoiselle--not yet.
have other matters to discuss which re-
uuire your earnest attention. | refer TO
the dangers which environ and menace
you on every side. The red men of tho
wilderness are gathering in great mum.
hers to march against Booneshorough.
and level it with the dust" returned lie
Bland.
whence had you this informa ion 2"
From one of my countrymen whom |
accidentally met while out hunting yes
terday."
"Who ncites our savage foes? Who
supplies them with arms and ammuni-
tion?" interrogated Rosalthe. with in
creasing earnestness.
Il know what you mean. said lie
Bland, coloriug. Il am aware that it Is
reported that the British posts aid and
encourage the Indians in their move
ments. But to the subject under consid-