The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-05-08

"The beaver-did you find the beaver
yohder?" demanded the voice of
swarthy man who had attended them.
1t was Manuel Liza, fur trader, his
eyes glowing in his interest in that re-
ply.
Beaver" William Clark waved a
hand. "How many could not tell you
Thousands and milIions-more beaver
than ever were known in the world be-
fore. Millionsof buffalo-elk In droves
bears such as you never saw-ante
lope, great, horned sheep, offers, musk
rat, mink-the greatest fur country in
all the world. We could not tell you
half"
The men themselves shook their
heads in despair. Yes, they said, they
had found a thousand miles of coun-
try ready to be R1owed. They had
found any quantity of hardwood for
ests and pine groves. They had seen
rivers packed with fish until they were
half solid-more fish than ever were
in ali the world before. They had
found great rivers which led far back
: to the heart of the continent. They
had seen trees larger than any man
ever had seen-so large that they hard
ly could be fe1led by an ak.
Captain" inquired Chouteau at
length, your luggage, your boxes
where are they?"
Meriwether Lewis pointed to a skin
parfeche and knotted bandanna
ha- 3,l,
carried for him.
"That is all 1 have left" said he.
"But the mail for the east-the mail,
M. Chouteau. We must get word to
the president"
'The president has long ago been
advised Of your DEATH" said Choteau,
laughing. 'sAll the world has said
goodby to you. No doubt you can read
your own obituaries"
I'VE bring them better news than
that. What news for us?' asked the
two captains Of their host.
"Newsr' The volublel Frenchman
threw up his hands. Nothing but
news! The Burr duel
Yes, we did not know of it for two
years." said William Clark. "We have
just heard about it..
'The killing of Mr.. Hamilton ended
the career of Colonel Burr" said
Chouteau But for that we might
have different times here in Mississippi.
He had many friends. But you have
heard the last news regarding him?"
1t was the dark eye of Meriwether
Lewis which now compelled his atten-
ton.
mo? Well, he came out here through
this country once more. He was ar.
rested last summer on the hatcher
Trace and carried off to Washington
The charge is treason against his gov.
eminent. The country is full of it
His trial Is to be at Richmond. Even
now it may be going on
He did not notice the sudden change
IN Meriwether Lewis face.
"And all the world is swimming in
blood across the sea-" went on their
garrulous informant. NAPOLEON and
Great Britain are at war again. Were
it not so one or the other Of them would
be at the gates of New Orleans; that
is sure. This country is still discon.
tented There was much in the plan
Of Colonel Burr to separate this valley
into a country Of it's own, independent
Ito force a secession from the repub-
lie, even though by war on the flag. In.
deed, he was prepared for that, but
low his conspiracy is done. Perhaps
however, you do not hold with the the
DRY Of Colonel Burr?"
"Hold with the theory Of Colonel
Burr, sir" exclaimed the deep voice Of
Meriwether Lewis. Hold with it? This
was. It was treason! If he had any
join him, that was in treason! He
sought to disrupt this country. Agree
with him? What is this you tell me.
I had never dreamed such thing as
possible Of him!'
"He had many friends" went OF
Chouteau, Every many friends. They
, I are scattered even now all up and dowr
this country-men who will not give
up their cause All those men needed
was a leader"
But, M. Chouteau," rejoined Lewis
II do not understand cannot! VIVA
Colonel Burr attempted seems actua
treason to this republic. I find it diff
ficult to believe that!'
Chouteau shrugged his shoulders.
There may be two names for it," b.
said
"And every one asked to join thu
cause was asked to join in treason t,
his country. Is it not so?" Levi
went on.
There may be two names for it,
smiled the other, still struggling.
HE was my friend said Meriwethe
Lewis. 81 trusted mimi"
Always, l repeat. there arc tw,
names for treason. But what puzzle
me is this" Chouteau continued. s.Wha
halted the canse Of Colonel Burr her
Ito be continued.)