Year: 1872

phi ysiognomist could not have failed to de-
tect the villain at once.


During the rest of the afternoon we con-
versed some, but not SO freely as before.
could see that the Villains eyes were not
so frankly bent on me as he spoke, and
that he seemed inclined to avoid my direct
glances. The movements on his part were
not studied, or even Intentional but they
were instructive, as though his very nature
led thus. At length night came on. We
ate our supper and then smoked our pipes,
and finally my companion proposed that I
should sleep before he did. At first l
thought of obiecting but a few moments
reflection told me that had better behave
as though he were an honest man; SO l
agreed to his proposition. He took my
ward, and having removed the thwart upon
which my companion had been sitting, l
spread my cloak in the bottom of the canoe
and then having placed my valise for pill
low, laid down. AS soon as possible l
drew out one of my pistols and beneath the
cover Of a cough cooked it. Then NOV
ed my body SO that my arm could be at
liberty, and grasping my weapon firmly,
with my finger on the guard, drew up my
mantle, slouching my hat, and then settled
down for my watch.


Fortunately for me the moon was up,
and though the forest threw q shadow upon
me, yet the beams fell upon Karl, and
could see his every movement. We were
well in the Wabash, having entered it
about three o'clock.


"You will call me at midnight" said I,
drowsily.


Yes," he returned.


"Good night"


"Good highland pleasant dreams. I'll
have you further on your way than you
think ere you wake up again."


"Perhaps So" thought to myself, as
lowered my head, and pretended to CON-
pose myself to sleep.


For half an hour my companion steered
the canoe very well, and seemed to take nc
notice of me but at the end of that time
|
menced to snore with a long and regular.
drawn breath, and on the instant the villain
started as starts the hunter when he hears
the tread of game in the woods.


But bark Aha--there was before one
lingering fear in my mind that might
shoot the wrong man, but it was gone now
AS the fellow stopped the motion of the
paddle, ! distinctly heard him mutter:


30 no my dear sheep, you little dream.
ed that Gus Karl was your companion
But he'll do you good turn. If you
I'll take your traps to pay for your pas
| sage to heaven" lis


l think these were the very words. A.
any rate they were their drift. AS he thu
spoke he noiselessly drew in the paddle ant
then rose to his feet. l saw him reach ovel
his left shoulder, and when lie brough
back his hand he had large bowie knifi
in it. l could see the blade CLEAN in the
pale moonlight, and saw Karl run hi
thumb along the edge, and then feel thu
point. My heart beat fearfully and my
breathing was hard 1t was with the ut
most exertion that could continue snor
ing, but managed to do it without in
terruption. Slowly and noiselessly the fou
wre tch approached me. D his step woulC
not have awakened ound--and his long
! cleaning knife was half raised-I coult
hear his breathing plainly, and coult
hear the grating of his teeth, as he nerveC
himself for the stroke.


The villain was by my side and he meas
ured the distance from his hand to m,
heart with his eye. In his left hand ht
held thick handkerchief all wadded up
That was to stop my mouth with. Every
nerve in my body was now strung, and my
heart stood as still as death. OF course my
snoring ceased and at that instant the
huge knife was raised above my bosom
Quick as thought brought my pistol up
the muzzle was within a foot OF the rob
ber's heart-he uttered a.quick cry--I saw
the bright blade glitter in the moon light
but it came not upon me- Ipulled thu
trigger, and the last fear was passed.
had thought that the weapon missed, bu
itdid not. There was sharp report, ant
as sprang up and backed heard fierc'
yell, and at the same moment the robbe
fell forward his head struck my knee al
it came down.


Weak and faint l sank back, but a sud
den tip of the canoe brought mo TO m.
Senses and l went aft and took the paddle
As soon as tho boats head was once right