The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-03-24
CHAPTER X.

weak and Irres0aute, but strong ia az
resolves, and firm and pe,seyerlng In lux
execution OF its purposes. The -eVe'hs n,
Boonesborough, in which Providence had
made him an actor. called out the lateh'
powers Of his mind, and stimulated him
to prompt and decisive efforts In regard
to Rosalthe. Immediately after the de-
parture 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 e1'
listing circumstances. 1t was finally de
cided that two or three persons of ex-
perienee 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 II
woodcraft, and did not wish to be con
sidered on level with those less expert
who had perchance never followed
trail or slain an Indian.
"If this Ohio fellow goes with us. we
can't 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 a rabbit path. And as for
rife shootin' / don't suppose he could
hit the bigness Of a man at fifty yards,
In firing as many times"
arb 10 H. I'LL Inc
answered Kenton.
THAT amt by no means probable. re-
torted Ballard. "I'm called the shrewd-
est reader of human character in Ken
tucky. / don't often make mistakes in
them kind Of matters The chap is too
quiet to be anything: he's got no cour-
age. and if he has. he hasn't skill! enough
tn follow trail. AS sure as he goes,
somethin' will break
"Quiet your apprehensicns, SIR" said
Allan, approaching the scout "Do your
own duty, and If l fail to discharge
mine, the blame will not be attributed
to you"
THAT'S all very we'll" replied Ballard
unabashed. 1--WE heard people talk just
40 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
tho short, cultural sound peculiar to the
Indian tribes. 81 reckon his feelin's
amt much finer nor mine nor yours. I
s'n't disposed to put my reputation on
q level with 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
ings Of wounded pride and impatience
that were ranking within. he stepped
forward and laid his hand upon Bal
iard's shoulder. and closing it until the
fingers seemed sinking into the flesh. said
in hoarse whisper:
Cease this foolish bravado: or. if YOU
must quarrel, wait until we are outside
the fort. when we will settle it like men,
The features of the scout grew pale
and then flushed with anger; he threw
a savage look at Norwood. and grasped
the handle Of his hunting knife. Simon
kenton 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
Why are ye wrangling? Is there not
fighting enough to be done. without cut
ting each others threats? Ballard. you
are always too fast. Your Immature will
cost your life, ultimately: but will risk
this young man with you. No more do.
lay-of with you, aud do the best yoa
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. tho
scout leading the way In sullen and ON
nous silence. 1t was evident that he
had not recovered his temper. He fuilv
resolved as he strobe on. that Allan
should not accompany them, but return
70 boonesborough, or dispose Of HIM
ser IN any other manner he saw fit.
win lowering countenance, and deter
mined air, he stopped, and returning to
henton, addressed him as follows:
You've heerd my opinion about that
young chap. from Ohio. and l mean to
aoide by it. and act up to it. He may
SO any way he >pleases, and do what
ne pleases. but he can't 60 with me
that's settled"
This is folly" exclaimed Kenton. 81
viii vouch for Mr.. Norwood's courage
and address"
well. II you like him. you can 20
with him, and we'll part COMPANY" re-
turned the scout. doggedly.
Allan had gained sufficient knowledge
OF Billiards. character to enable him
70 understand that prompt and decided
action was required.
You have seen fit" said Allan. 'to
Insult q stranger ia a manner that Is
objectionable, nevertheless. / will bear
no malice, If your conduct in future be
such as one man expects. In decency
from another. If you wish to be or
friendly terms. am ready and willing
but II. on the contrary. Won wish r.
hgnt, you viii not find me unprepared. "
You look like it.'' was the laconie
rejoinder.
Aou are unreasonable" remonstro ted
henton. In milder tone.
Wen part company" added the
scout. INK
Ihe scout being naturally Of = varv
obstinate disposition, 1t was imncssihle
to change his determination: eccord,re.
~ he shouldered his rife and waIked
way. thinking. doubtless, that Kentou