Year: 1860

g The axe Of the woodman had rcsounded
through the deep forest wood of Kentucky,
and the wild denizens Of the forest, as
they heard its prolonged ccho started from
the rolling tide of the noble river, and
listened for a moment to the before un-
heard of noise, and then in alright bound
ed into the deep forest wild wood, until
many hill and vale was between them
and the object of their alarm. The sharp
report of the rife had awokc the echoes
of the wild wood glades, and the white
wreath of smoke that foated upwards
through the leafy boughs of the forest
trees, telling the fate of some noble buck
that had stood gazing at their destroyer
with staring eyes, little thinking that harm
would come to them. The crystal waters
of the river had received the boats of the
pale faces and the strong block house of
the great pioneer Of the then great west,
Daniel Boone, was reflected from the bold
bluff upon its shining waters.


The time Of which VIC write is in the
spring of 1916, one year later than when
Boone and few hardy companions had
erected their stronghold in the wilderness
preparatory to the removal of their fami-
lies, and on the day of their arrival at the
block house is the time we have chosen to
open the first scene Of our story.


Never could there be more glorious
day than that of the 9TH of May, 1915,
the day that saw the dozen boats of the
hardy pioneers push from the forest where
they had encamped the previous night,
and bounded over the ripping waters of
their last days journey; for when the un-
clouded sun had sunk behind the western
wilderness, they had arrived at their
chosen home.


The day was perfectly fair, not cloud
obscured the horizon, but the gentle breeze
that rustled tho forest trees that grid tho
shore, only served to cool the air, which
otherwise would have been oppressive
The forest was clothed with its dark mantle
of green, and the wild, melodious songs
or the thrush aud oriolc poured forth from
the depths of the forest, served to render
IL almost scene of enchant, combined with
the sight that every few rods presented of
the noble deer that stood on the banks of
the river gazing with curiosity not com
mingled with fear at the passing boats
or peeped out from some glade in the back
ground, nearly discernable through the
forest thicket.


The advancing boat that contained
Boone, also bore beside his family youth
full couple that had been united by the
man of God but the day previous TO their
starting for the forest, aud with buoyant
hopes they had Joined the expedition, and
hand in hand will struggle for heritage
in the wilderness,


Casper Vincent had won her simply by
self alone for he could boast not Of the
wealth that other competitors for her favor
had at their disposal but in the eye OF
the lady true manhood was far better than
gold, and deciding accordingly, she bestow-
ed her heart and hand upon him she knew
would make her happy, although he could
mot boast much of this worlds goods and
although his rivals were ohagrinod that
the poor hunter should bear away the fair
est flower Of the settlement, they ALL save
one, kept their peace.


Royal Morton was cousin to tho lady
and man of passionate temper. lie had
laid siege to the maidcn's heart, but sh,
knew of his deeds of villainy to well tC
listen to his suite aud so she plainly told
him after he had importuned her for sI
answer, although he might have read il IL
her words and acton, towards him anC