Year: 1872

The lofty oaks swayed in the fierce
West wind like reeds, while their moss.
grown branches cracked and snapped,
with the tempes.'s might. The birds
flew round in circles, bewildered and
tempest driven, while no living thing else
was visible in the wild forest around
Just ahead was little clearing, where a
log house showed its rough gray sides,
the only token Of human skill or human
life the lonely spot held. From its rude
chimney: built of clay and sticks, thrown
up against the north side of the rude
cabin, the smoke poured forth in fi,ful
puffs, as if it shared the general tumult


Within its walls was warmth and cheer.
A hardy old backwood... an. ore whose
sturdy shoulders the gray hairs hung iu
a mass. was polishing a rifle whose bar
rel shone like silver, while young girl
sat near the blazing fireplace, drsamily
watching him, and now and again cast
ing a longing look towards the door.


Father, the boys will say your rife
is rather too bright to have seen much
service she ventured, with sly laugh
at the old mans rising color.


And there's not one o them bit
knows I CAN use it, he replied. starting
as a loud tap sounded on the stout oaken
door.


"If W are friends, enter!'


The door was pushed open, and a
young Indian Of remarkable presence
entered, who crossed the cabin With
naughty tread, and placed his gun up
right in a corner. as he threw himself
upon pile of skins which lay near by.


The night has fallen; the storm has
driven the birds to their nests darkness
and danger are abroad" he said, in
clear, low tones, as he turned his stern
dark eyes npon the young girl with a
meaning glance. She had sprung up at
his entrance, and was at the foot Of
the rough steps which led to the loft
above. but the chiefs words drew her
back to her fathers side.


Il know it, and the signs point strong
for an awful rough day following this
nights work." as the trapper shook his
head anxiously as be looked at his
daughter.


The Indians gaze. too, rested on her
pale features. and as the freight shone
on his proud supple figure and handsome
face, it was lit by an expression one
might fancy portended revengeful salts
faction; but for a moment only. 1t
faded away, and left shade of scornful
sadness on the fine, olive-tinted features


II wish | knew where the boys were.
They surely would not try to ford the
river in this storm. They know it's
mighty treacherous and uncertain
stream"


"Oh father is there danger Why the
river where they are camped is but
thread; and once over on this shore
they could not loose their way" Janet
responded earerly.


The waters are giants the strength
of the young warriors would be as the
doe when the hunter is upon her y


"Cheer up. Janet girl,' said the bluff
old man. Henry and Tom are not babes.
The have seen worse storms than this !:
ay, and fought them too"


Not word further escaped the lips Of
Janet Turner. What ever her heart felt
or dread and anxiety for the absent. or
impatience at the presence Of the red
man, she showed it not. She was proud
as the Indian himself, and would not
have him read her thoughts. and deem
her full Of boyish fancies.


Her father returned to his rife in
gloomy silence, while the Indian rose,
aud approached Janet.