Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-05-03
THE RED STORM
Or the Days of Daniel Boone
----W--
B Y G. E L 0 B N O
CHAPTER NXII.-(Continued J

CHAPTER XXIII.-(Continued9
In 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 burning arrow upon the
roof of one of the cabins said Flem-
Ing
81 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
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 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 ball
too true to its aim struck him upon the
breast. and he fell amid the shouts of
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 Ia
ment cried out in the bitterness of his
wounded spirit:
"My son. my son. would to God that l
had died for thee.'
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 choked voice "Ths makes
two darling sons and brother that !
have lost by savage hands. James,
- &c
your father that calls" cried the captain
frantically.
Contrary to all expectations. the boy
opened his eyes languidly. and smiled
family.
And now ensued a scene so tender and
affecting that the stoutest heart turned
away unnamed. The boys mother and
sister had come to gaze their last upon
him. and to share his agonies quite down
to the rolling river of death.
ITS all over now-the pain of dying
Is past the darkness has disappeared
and the light flows in. Farewell, loved
ones-I go. l go. | go to the land
where there are no warfares and fight
ings, and where God himself shall wipe
all tears from all faces"
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 II
yield now to my fate: I reinqush all
earthly hopes shall command no
longer among you. This last blow has
destroyed my manhood. Choose a new
leader. and leave me to my private
griefs.' he added sadly.
"No new leader will we have" an.
swered Joel.
"My voice will be heard no more In
battle" replied Boone.
Daniel, Danel.' exclaimed Mrs.
Boone In a tone of solemn earnestness.
wiping away all traces of recent tears,
sis this like you? Have you ceased to
be the iron-nerved man chosen by God
TO people this wilderness? Are you not
to these heoric men what Moses was to
the Hebrews? Will you falter now,
when the hopes of all are centered upon
you"
"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 we'll In his hands, The
touch of the faithful steel, and the be-
loved voice of Rebocca, seemed to bring
him to himself. He passed his hands
over bis forehead, and his spirit was
once more alive to the sound of battle.
The settlers continued the defense
with great obstinacy. shooting down all
those who had the hardihood to show
themselves within gunshot Of the fort.
When the night set in, the digging was
still progressing. judging by the muddy
hue Of the water; and the inhabitants
of Boonesborough remained in suspense
until morning expecting hourly to hear
the spades Of the enemy in their under
ground approaches.
CHAPTER XIV.
The department Of Starlight was
more friendly after her return to the
village The reasons for this change
were attributed to the occurrences of
the day; we mean those relating to
Allan Norwood and lie Bland.
Our heroine's emotions while In the
presence Of the former, and her evident