Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-02-08

| Allan paused to admire the natural
beauty of the spot, and the Frenchmar
observed him askance. While the parties
stood thus a small bird alighted on a
willow bush at about a distance Of ten
PAGES.
"I'll trouble you for one of those pis-
tolls. SIR" said lie Bland quietly.
Allan instantly complied with his re-
quest, and gave him his choice OF a
brace of well furnished pistols with rifle
barrels. The Frenchman took one OF
them and remarked, with his usual court
liness of style, that he was considered
very good shot. but want of practice
had untitled him for nice shooting"
With these words, and smiling again
he raised the weapon, fred without much
| apparent care, and the bird fell dead.
Rather clumsily done for me.
should have shot his head off; but 1t Is
all owing to want of practice. BE good
enough to load it, young man, and we
will soon finish this business" added
lie Bland carelessly, but sat the same
time glancing stealthily at Allan to OBJ
serve the effect of the shot.
'It is one thing to shoot at bird
and another to shoot human being, re-
piled the hunter coolly. "Such feat
does not surprise me: have done as
much myself But there is one art in
which l have never been emulous to ex-
eel; l alude to the art of dissimula-
ton"
Rash and foolish boy! You have pro-
voked your fate. Your tone and manners
are highly offensive, and add greatly to
the sin of your first rudeness," retorted
LIE Bland. angrily.
II care nothing for the loftiness which
you affect; l only remember the cause
of this quarrel. You offend an insult
to a young and beautiful maiden. | ap-
pear as her champion, and will abide the
result. whatever it may be-" answered
the hunter, firmly.
LIE Bland measured the ground by
PAGES: and then walked back to his for
mer position.
"Who will give the signal to fire, since
we have no seconds?" asked Allan
81 will arrange that. l have an alarm
watch which strikes any given time, by
a regulated movement, l will set 1t so
that it will strike in precisely two min
utes"
LIE Bland drew a repeater from his
pocket and proceeded to set it with much
nonchalance. When he had done so, he
hung it by the chain upon bush. A
minute of deathlike silence elapsed, when
the Frenchman suddenly dropped his
weapon and exclaimed:
''The game is up.'
Norwood instinctively turned his gaze
toward the spot upon which LIE BANDS
eyes were fastened, and perceived a man
of a figure bold and striking. He was
dressed in deerskin hunting shirt and
leggings, and his feet were encased in
Indian moccasins. The handle of hunt
ing knife the blade of which was thrust
into sheath under the wallet, was visi-
ble while in his right hand he held
rifle.
"'Tis Daniel Boone!" cried lie Bland.
"Put up your pistols, and we will defer
this business until another time; for
do not wish to incur his displeasure."
Allan mechanically placed his weapon
in it's accustomed place, and then Daniel
Boone approached toward them.
Mr. lie Bland, what means this"
"Pantomime, sir: nothing but panto-
mime," replied lie Bland, somewhat dis
concerted by the reproving glances Of
the far-famed forester.
"Let it end thus, sir, for we want no
more blood shed than absolute neces-
sity requires. l perceive that there is
quarrel between you and this young
stranger; but drop it right here, and let
it go no further. If you are wise, you
will take my advice, for l assure you
that your friends at the settlement yon-
der are not numerous"
The Frenchman reddened, and for a
moment was embarrassed by the sharp
tones and keen glances of the pioneer.
"As you will, Captain Boone. yield
to your cooler judgment" he said at
length.
Boone stood for few seconds as If
lost in reflection, and then turning alb
ruptly to Allan, added, with much frank
ness:
"Come with me, young man, to
Boonesborough. You appear to be Of
that class which we need at this crisis;
you shall be welcome to hunters fare"
This honest and open invitation made
Norwood's heart beat with pleasure, for
he trusted he should again see the fair
maiden for whose sake he had dared
the proud Frenchman's ire.
"Will you go with us?' asked the
pioneer, addressing lie Bland.
mot now, l will follow presently"
replied the latter. Daniel Boone and
Allan Norwood then walked toward
Bonesborough, whie the Frenchman, Civ.
ing our hero a threatening glance, moved
slowly away.
ITO be continued)