Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1906-01-11

execution Of its purposes. The events at
Boonesborough, in which Providence had
made him an actor. called out the latent
powers Of his mind, and stimulated him
to prompt and decisive efforts in regard
% ROsaIthe. Immediately after the de-
partHre of Logston, Captain Boone sum
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-
listing circumstances. It was finally de-
cfded that two or three persons Of ex-
perience should steal quietly from the
fort. to find the gentle maiden. Kenton,
Ballard and Allan Immediately offered
their services.
Ballard affected to regard our hero
with considerable contempt, for he prid-
ed himself not a little on his skill in
woodcraft, and did not wish to be con-
sidered on level with those less expert
who had perchance never followed a
trail or slain an Indian.
IF this Ohio fellow goes with US, we
cam expect anything good will be likely
to happen" he said to Kenton, in a
voice sufficiently loud for Allan to hear.
why not?" asked Kenton.
Hes got no knowledge Of these kind
o things. He wouldn't know an Indian
trail from rabbit path. And as for
rifle shootn', | don't suppose he could
hit the bigness Of man at fifty yards,
In firing as many times"
Perhaps you underrate his abilities"
answered Kenton.
That amt by no means probable" re-
torted Ballard. I'm called the shrewd-
est reader Of human character in Ken
lucky. ! don't often make mistakes in
them kind IF Ilatters The chap is too
quiet e be anything; be- got no cour-
age, and if he has, he hasn't skill enough
to follow 4 trail. As sure as he goes,
somethin' will break"
Quiet your apprehcnsions, sir said
Allan, approaching the scout. ''Do your
own duty, and if I fail to discharge
mine, the blame will not be attributed
to YOU"
That's all very we'll" replied Ballard
unahashed. I've heard people talk just
SO afore, and then be off in the time of
danger"
Come. Ballard, don't be hard; you'll
wound the young mans feelings" inter
posed Kenton
"Ugh' exclaimed Ballard. initiating
the short, cultural sound peculiar to the
Indian tribes Il reckon his feeIin's
amt much finer nor mine nor yours. I
emit disposed to put my reputation on
a level with a green hand like him"
The cool contemptuous manner and
insulting language of the spy thoroughly
aroused the Indignation of Allan. Keep
ing down, with a strong effort, the feel
lngS Of wounded pride and impatience
that We're ranking within, he stepped
forward aad laid his hand upon Bal
lard's snoul Ter, and closing it until the
fingers seemed sinking into the flesh, said
in hoarsc whisper:
Cease Il foolish bravado; or. if YOU
must quar- !, wait until we are outside
the fort wi a we will settle it like men. "
The feat 'es of the scout grew pale
and then shed with anger; he threw
n savage l. k Mt Norwood. and grasped
The handle If his hunting knife Simon
henton instantly seized Billiards. arm,
and wrenched the weapon from his hand
Are ye madmen"' cried Boone, who
appeared at that moment, and saw what
was taking place. what means this
Sighting enough d tr..... i,
ting each Others taroals! hazard. you
are always too fast. Your Immature will
cost your life, ultimately; but l will risk
this young man with you. No more de-
lay-ott with YOU, and do the best you
can"
Everything being in readiness. the gate
was opened. the trio took leave Of their
friends, and left the fort. followed by
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 Boonesborough, or dispose of him
self in any other manner he saw fit
With lowering countenance and deter
mined mir, he stopped, and returning to
henton. addressed him as follows:
You've heerd my opinion about that
young chap from Ohio, and | mean ia
abide by it, ana act up to it. He may
80 any way he plcases. and do what
he pleascs but he can't go with me
that's settled"
This is folly" exclaimed Kenton. 81
will vouch for Mr.. Norwoods courage
and address,"
We'll, if YOU like him, you can 20
with him, and Wen part company" re-
turned the scout. doggelly.
Allan had gained sufficient knowledge
Of Billiards. character to enable him
to understand that prompt and decided
action was required.
You have seen fit" said Allan, $50
insult a stranger in a manner that is
unpardonahle, nevertheless, I will bear
no malice. if your conduct in future be
such as one man expects. in decencv
from another. If you wish to be on
friendly terms, | am ready and willing
but if, on the contrary, you wish tc
fight. YOU will not find me unprepared. -
You look like it, was the laconiC
rejoinder.
You are unreasonable" demonstrated
kenton in milder tone.
Wen part company" added the
scoue
The scout heing naturally of Il very
obstinate disposition. it was impossible
10 change his determination: according
ly lie shouljered his rifle ana walked
away. thinking, doubtless, that Kcntor
would follow him: hat in this he was
mistaken: Nentan ranlaiucI with Allan
Let him 80" he added: hes in one
Of h's contrary moods. ANA WON'T lister
a. reason Villa, % you say to takta.
a h#et:"
"1aa, wanl bc the best ching w,
Ces Gn II we HAD one" answered. Nor