Year: 1869

connected with 1t.


Long ago, when the settlers lived in
fear of the Indians, who often came down
the river to rob and kill, fort was built
near the town, and there the people hur-
ried for protection the moment an alarm
was given.


Between this fort and the town stands
the old tree, which was vigorous young
oak at the time the story begins.


For long while the settlers had been
at peace, and began to think that the
Indians would never come again, for
their last repulse had been most disas-
trous one.


But one autumn day, when the men
were busy harvesting in the fields, boy,
who had been fishing, came flying home
pale and frightened to report that the In
dians were coming in whole feet Of
canoes, padding down the long river
of pines" as they called the Connecticut.
Then the panic began, and all hurried
to the fort, taking their women and chill
dren, their cattle and as much of their
precious harvest as they could gather in
that short time. The inmates Of few
solitary houses on the outskirts of the
town were left to their fate, for there was
no time to warn them except by the bell.


Some of the women fled to the fort,
leaving the men who were away in the
fields, or on the hills, to defend them
selves as they knew how.


Some hid in the woods, fearing to try
to reach the fort, for the canoes were
very near now, and the keen-eyed savag-
es could see the fugitives.


In one of these lonely houses lived
John Kilburn, and his twelve-year old
daughter Matty, who kept house for him
like notable little woman as she was.
On that sad day John was looking after
his sheep at the foot of Fall Mountain,
and Matty alone at home. He did not
hear the bell, but he saw the Indians
thought Of his dear little girl all alone
in the solitary house, and leaving his
sheep to their fate, he ran home through
byways, hoping to reach the settlement
before the fight began. He knew ii
would be a bloody one, for the reven ge-
ful Indians had not forgotten their last
defeat, and had turned out in full force
to destroy their conquerors.


They were already on shore, when
John Kilburn, breathless and exhausted
reached his house to find brave little
Matty preparing to defend herself will
his gun in her hand and the dogs at hel
side.


"Why didn't yourun to the fort child 2
he painted, as she let him in.


al waited for you; | knew you'd come
and now we'll go together; she said
showing him her pockets full of the few
precious things they owned ; littl'
money, her mothers gold boads, the sill
yer spoons and the queer, big watch
which her father only wore on Sundays


Away they ran, leaving the dogs be
hind lest they should betray them.


1t was not far, but when they reache,
the hill that lay between them and tn
fort, they saw that it was too late to ge
in, for the fight had begun.


Glancing back, they also saw that re
treat was cut off, for some of the Indian
were already skulking about their house


John Kilburn was brave man, bu
he trembled as he stood there among tn
bushes, so helpless in the midst of HI
relentless enemies. He trembled not fc
himself, but for the little girl who clun
to him, full of faith that he could saw
her from every danger.


A shout from the hills made him loo
up to see a party Of settlers, armed wit
sickles, scythes and guns charging dow
upon the Indians, intent on fighting the
way into the fort.


If he were alone, John could join the
and do good service with his gun b
Matty could do nothing and would on
impede his steps and endanger herself
He thought minute, then swung hir
: self up the oak under which they hs
paused. Leaning down, he drew Il
/ child after him, and without word ]
her carefully down into great lin
struck by lightning some years before.


The tree had decayed inwardly viii
outwardly it looked hale and strong, f


young shoots had sprung up round Il


broken place, and hid the hole with thiC


green branches.


Aren't you coming, too, father
: asked Matty, looking up from her dal


hiding place.


/" No, dear, I'm going to fight I; "


are safe here, no one knows of the he


but me. Stay quiet till l come for yo


Keep good heart my lass, and trust


.ather, answered John, leaning down
4 kiss the brave little face that looked