Evening star., 1955-05-06
THE STORY OF ..e
Davy Crockett
By ENID LA MONTE MEADOW
The Story So For
By ENID La MONTE MEADOWCROFT

HILL DaVy strong lean lad Of H. spies deserted
cabin where they keep dry for the night Putting
pipe after eating fat rabbit shot by Davy, Siler
thinks how nice would be to keep likely boy like Davy
instead sending him home he promised.
But he says nothing Of this to Davy.
The road which ran southwest was winding and
rough. But the three covered wagons had been roll
ing along steadily all the afternoon under the gray
December sky. Suddenly the driver of the first
wagon pulled hard on his reins. whoa, there!"
John Dunn shouted.
The brake on the big wagon squealed Both
lead horses snorted and tossed their heads. Then
they stood stock STILL Mr.. Dunn jumped to the
ground .,-.. 49,,
whip at the boy who stood by the roadside "You
scared my critters half to death, running up that
way! I've good mind too"
Crockett he exclaimed. What in blazeS are you
doing 400 miles from home?"
"Working," Davy replied, painting for breath.
"I mean-I'm not working right now. II was up
the road-a bit, and spotted your wagons. II just
had to stop you'll"
He drew deep breath. "Mr. Dunn. How far
are you going?"
"Clear to Knoxville in Tennessee" Mr. Dunn
replied, wondering what was wrong
"Then you'll go right past our house!,"' Davy
exclaimed oyfully Can ride that lar with you3
me to do, if you'll just take me"
"How in thunder did you get way over here
in Virginia, anyway" MIR. Dunn asked
"Pa sent me" Davy replied. "He hired me out
promised he'd send me back home with some one
right away But now he won't do it"
"Why not?" Mr. Dunn asked.
Davy shook his head. "I don't know he said.
I'D run off but can't get home alone, cause it's
so far and haven't enough money to buy food I'll
work like anything if you'll take me with you"
"It sounds to me like your Pa bound you out
to this man, Davy, and didn't tell you about it,"
Mr.. Dunn said. "I'm liable to get into peck OF
trouble if I help you run away"
But Pa didn't bind me out" Davy protested.
"And want tn see folks so had I"
He ducked his head quickly, for. tears had
started to his eyes,
>e 'Dayy," Mr. Dunn said, putting his hand on the
boys shoulder IT amt going to help you run away
from Siler. But listen sharp, now.
There's tavern down the road about
miles ahead. aim to put in there tonight with my
wagons. And if you should happen to get to that
tavern by daylight tomorrow"
He stopped speaking and winked slowly
''Ill be there!" Davy exclaimed joyfully. Don't
you go without me!'
Cant even remember that said I'd take you"
Mr. Dunn replied with smile. He glanced at the sky.
Looks like snow" he went on. "We'd better get on
our way"
He shouted to his two sons, who had stopped
the other wagons by the roadside, Lets roll!
Davy ran off at once toward the silers' house,
which was half mile away. It was Sunday and Mr..
and Mrs Siler were visiting neighbors.
"But they'll be home soon" Davy thought 'I'l
just have time to get my things togethen Then to-
night I'll sneak Off"
Climbing to the loft quickly, Davy gathered up
his clothes. He stuffed them into his knapsack and
thrust it under the head of his bed.
The boy found it hard to eat supper that night,
for he almost too excited to choke down his
food AS soon as the meal was over, he went back
to the loft again Without taking his clothes off, he
crawed under his blanket.
At last, late in the evening, he heard Mr.. Siler
bar the door and bank the fire Half an hour later
the old Dutchman began to snore loudly
Even then, Davy waited awhile before he
crawled quietly out of bed Shouldering his KNAPP
sack, he crept to the ladder.
He began climbing down, stopping on each
rung to listen Suddenly Mrs. Siler murmered in her
sleep Davys heart pounded with excitement. He
waited for long moment Nothing happened At
last he went down.
He opened the door without sound. Stepping
outside, he closed the door carefully behind him.
Then he gasped in dismay.
1t was showing hard! Already the snow was
deep. And the path which led to the main road had
completely disappeared
s'I'll just have to guess which way to CO." Davy
thought.
An icy wind cut through Davy's clothes Snow
beat against his face and stuck to his eyelashes,
nearly binding him But he couldn't help chuckling
as he fought his way forward.
"The SHOWS filling my tracks up so fast that
old Siler will never know which way went"
He stopped for a minute to pull his coonskin
cap down over his ears. Then on he plodded-al
alone in a wet cold, white world
Soon the snow nearly up to his knees, and
his legs ached that he long to rest He tried to
whistle to keep up his courage. But the wind nearly
choked him. Better save my breath" he thought.
"I've got to keep going ahead until reach that
tavern because Wnen get Cnere I'm going 10 SCdTt
for home! I've got to keep going ahead!"
And he did keep going ahead, stumbling and
slipping in the snow. He was so tired now that he
could hardly lift his feet Still he pushed bravely
At last he rounded bend in the road. And there
was the tavern
Several men were htching horses to three
wagons which stood in the yard It was Tom Dunn
who first spied Davy, struggling along.
"Pa!" he shouted Here's young Crockett"
Lord love usl" Mr.. Dunn exclaimed, taking the
boy by the arm. II never thought you'd try to make
it in this storm"