Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1916-05-26
CHAPTER XIII CONTINUED.
THE EXCURSION CONTINUED OVER

THE EXCURSION CONTINUED OVER
THE MOUNTAIN RANGE.
The next day the doctor returned
and stayed with the hermit patient
another night, and in the morning,
much to his joy, his patient began
to improve and recovered conscious
ness. When he came to himself he
said to the doctor who was sitting
by him. Isn't this the doctor? Who
sent you here? Am l very sick? The
doctor explained how he found him,
but cheered him with assurance of
his recovery. Reaching out his thin,
feeble hand to the doctor, he said,
oh my blessed helper! would have
died had you not come to me in my
distress. Did the Angel of Mercy
bring you to me?' The doctor re-
piled, l was anxious to know how
you were getting along and called
around l can never begin to re-
pay you; God bless you for it, is all
| can say or give said the grateful
patient. And that is all | want;
am glad | could render you service,
replied the willing doctor. The her
nit recovered. Winter lapsed into
spring and spring into summer. 1t
was in mid-autumn when Alvan
Stewart was making his yearly visit
to his sisters, that he and | with an
other gentlemen took a horseback
ride over here from Wildwood to
| be refreshed with scene and air.
Upon arriving at the bride path we
have just come over, we heard the
sweet strains of flute. Curiosity
prompted US to follow up the path
until we came in here where we
found the poor solitary playing on
his flute. Alvan Stewart had long
visit with him. A short time after
that the hermit left, and has not
been seen in these parts since. He
was great friend to the mountain
folk, and his going away has beer
very much lamented by them
Turning to Marktree, the judge said,
Mr.. Marktree, you may think it
strange, but there is something ir
your looks, voice and manner that
reminds me of the hermit of the
hemlocks?'
Is it possible!" replied Marktree
much surprised; well, have hearC
so much good of the hermit, that
esteem it high compliment to be
likened to him."
1t was far in the night, and the
smouldering embers of the campfire
ceased to give light, when the hush
of the forest was broken and Hunter
Johns quick ear heard a distant
bowling. Instantly bounding UP
and Selling his gun, he examined
the printing.
What is it," exclaimed the
awakened party.
Wolves" said Hunter John.
They're sneakin' towards till
hunger gets too rank in their in.
nards, then look out fer 'em; they'll
tackle man n beast, n they rally in
pack n start out fer blood"
Any danger?" asked the party
mo, guess not; my old trusty'l
perfect US. Sect your guns are ir
fix"
He started a blaze by laying dry
brush on the embers. The bowling
came nearer, and indicated that thu
pack were assembling.
Lay down n keep still, gentle
men," said Hunter John quietly
Then varmints make noise enough
. Have your guns ready, men, and al
axe handy by"
No sooner had these cautions bee
: given than the pack of wolves cam
Looping toward the damp, and thei
white teeth and red tongues coul
be seen. Hunter John stood on
a and with quick aim fired. One vol
: gave yelp and crawled off. Tn
S others snarled more fiercely tina
ever. hardwood handed his gun
e the hunter, whose shot laid anothe
low. Marktree's gun served hif