The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1906-06-02
CHAPTER XXIII.-(Continued. }

| SIIhT LR -\N|OhtAhOSeD
In a short time ten or dozen sturdy
men were at work with picks and
spades, and the dirt went merrily over
the stockades.
"They are still digging; the water
grows muddier," said Fleming, who,
with Boone and the rest, remained in
the block-houses.
"If they were not sheltered by the
bank, we would soon make them
scamper away" returned the pioneer.
There's a burning arrow upon the
roof of one of the cabins" said Flem-
iEg.
II will go and put it out" added Dan
lei Boone's son, who was yet but a
mere lad.
Stay, my son; prefer to go myself!
cried his father, nervously, more willing
to expose himself than his son.
your life Is worth more than mine,"
said James.
For my sake-for your mothers
sake" cried the captain, earnestly. But
before he had finished the sentence
James was running along the roofs Of
the cabins, exposed to the enemy's fire.
The old veteran of the wilderness
stood watching his boy with a terrible
anxiety for the result, which no heart
but parents can understand. He heard
a discharge of firearms, and the balls
that whistled about his son seemed to
wound his own person. James stopped
down, and with his foot extinguished
the flaming arrow, while a literal
shower of lead cut the air, and per-
forated his clothes In many places.
The fire being out, the bold boy turned
to retrace his footsteps, when a ball
too true to its aim struck him upon the
breast, and he fell amid the shouts Of
a hundred foemen.
The pioneer staggered and groaned
as if his heart would burst, and would
have rushed forth to cover his sons
body with his own, had not Fleming
held him, while Joel Logston, regardless
Of danger, leaped out upon the roof,
raised the fallen youth in his athletic
arms, and bore him to the block-house.
The shaft had been we'll sped-the
wound was mortal. The bereaved faith
er bent over the dying boy in fearful
agony, and taking up King David's la
ment, cried out in the bitterness Of his
wounded spirit:
"My son, my son! would to God that
had died for theew
For space all stood silent, too much
affected to speak.
"Be a man, cap'n; be a man." said
, Logston.
"Ah, Joel, things have changed since
, ] bade you master your griefs," said
Boone, In a choked voice. "This makes
two darling sons and a brother that
have lost by savage hands. James,
James! my dear boy! look at me; 1t Is
your father that callsv' cried the captain,
frantically.
Contrary to all expectations, the boy
opened his eyes languidly, and smiled
family.
! And now ensued scene so tender and
affecting that the stoutest heart turned
3 away unnamed. The boys mother and
8 sister had come to gaze their last upon
| him, and to share his agonies quite down
q to the rolling river Of death.
ITS all over now-the pain Of dying
Is past the darkness has disappeared,
t and the light flows In. Farewell, loved
8 ones-I go, go. I go to the land
J. where there are no warfares and fight
! ings. and where God himself shall wipe
' all tears from all faces"
n The boy smiled and died; and an ex-
, preston Of serene Joy inexpressible lin
gered sweetly upon his young face.
II have done struggling with destiny
said Boone, In heart-broken accents. ~
n yield now to my fate; I relinquish all
earthly hopes. I shall command NO
q longer among you. This last blow has
j.. destroyed my manhood. Choose a new
leader and leave me to my private
griefs," he added sadly.
mo new leader will we have" an
b gwered Joel.
"My voice will be heard no more in
$ battle" replied Boone.
s "Daniel, Danielw exclaimed Mrs
" Boone, In a tone Of solemn earnestness
/ wiping away all traces of recent tears
= ais this like your Have you ceased to
. be the iron-nerved man chosen by God
to people this wildernessf Are you not
to these heoric men what Moses was to
g the Hebrews2 viii you falter now
g when the hopes Of all are conferred upon
Q your
you are right, Rebecca: must mas.
= ter myself" answered the forester, like
one just awakened from sleep.
Here Is your rife, Daniel" added
, Mrs. Boone, placing the trusty weapon
}, he loved so well In his hands. The
e touch of the faithful steel, and the be-
g loved voice of Rebocca, seemed to brins
n him to himself. He passed his hands
Il over his forehead, and his spirit was
. once more alive to the sound of battle.
a The settlers continued the defense
e with great obstinacy, shooting down al
D those who had the hardihood to show
themselves within gunshot Of the fort
When the night set In, the digging wa,
still progressing, judging by the muddy
% hue of the water; and the inha bita nts
Of Boonesborough remained in suspens,
until morning. expecting hourly to hea,
the spades Of the enemy In their under
ground approaches
e CHAPTER XIV.
r. The department Of Starlight wa,
\ more friendly after her return to tn,
village. The reasons for this change
were attributed to the occurrences Of
the day; We mean those relating t.
Allan Norwood and lie Bland.