Year: 1872

him, but he gave us the slip. We tracked
him as far as the upper creek there he
came out on the bank, and fred at us and
killed one of our horses, and then drove
into the woods. We set the dogs on, but
they lost him." ,.t,...,...,


"And you had to come back horseless ?"
said.


eyes" tho landlord growled. "But"
he added with knowing shake of the head,
che can't run clear much longer. The
country is up in arms, and he will either
leave these huntings or be dropped"


"What sort of man is he ?" / asked.


"The very last man, in the world you
would take for Gus. Karl. He is small not
bit over five feet, with light, curly hair, a
smooth white face, and not very stout.
But, love ye, he is as quick as lightning,
and his eyes have got fire in them. He
dresses in all shades, but generally like a
common hunter. Oh, he is the very devil,
do believe ~


After the tubful of whiskey and water
which.the landlord had prepared was all
drank, the crowd began to disperse, and
shortly after went up again to bed, and
this time slept tuninterruptedly till morning.


had just eaten my breakfast, and had
gone to the front door, when herseman
came dashing up to the place. Himself
and animal covered with mud 1t had been
raining all night. The first thing the new
conner did was to inquire for me. / an
swered to the name. He then informed
me that Lyman Knapp could not live, and
he wished to see me as soon as possible.


"The doctor said he must die," said the
messenger, "and the poor fellow now only
seeks for life long enough to see YOU"


"Poor LYMAN" murmured to myself
$50 young, SO hopeful, with so many
friends and relatives in his far-off homo and
taken down to die in strange land"


told the man would set out on my re-
turn as soon as possible. He ate his break
fast and then resumed his journey, being
bound as far as the Pottawatomie border.


settled my bill and then sent for my
horse; but bitter disappointment awaited
me. l found the foot swollen very badly,
and it panied him so that he could scarcely
step on it. Had the road been good,
should have been tempted to try him; but
1 knew that in some places the mud would
be deep. went to the host, and asked
him if he could lend me or sell me a horse.
He could do neither. His only spare horse
had been shot the night before by the Wa
bash robber. There was not horse in the
place to be obtained for any amount OF
money. returned to the stable and led
my horse out but he could not even walk
with any degree of ease. could not use
him. was in despair.


"Look here" said mine host, as l began
to despond, "can't you manage canoe2'


eyes, very WE'LL" told him.


"Then that is your best way. The cur
rent is very strong this morning, and with.
out the stroke of paddle it would take
you along as fast as a horse could wade
through this mud. You shall have one OF
my canoes for just what it is worth, an6
you can sell it at Logansport for as much. I"


caught at the proposition Instantly, fol
l saw that it was good one.


eff you dan't shoot the rapids" added
the landlord, you can easily shoulder the
canoe, and pack it round. 'Tisn't far"


found the boat to be well-fashione6
"dug out" large enough to bear four mer
with ease, and at once paid the man his
price--ten dollars-and then had my lug
gage brought down. l gave directions
about the care of my horse, and then put
off. The current was quite rapid, say foul
or five miles an hour, but not turbulent
and soon made up my mind that it wai
far better than riding on horseback. The
banks of the river were thiclSly covered
with large trees, and saw plenty of game
and more than once was tempted to fire til,
contents Of my pistols at some of the bold
est "varmints," but had no time t.
waste, and so l kept on. But one thing
seemed wanting, and that was compan
ion; but / was destined to find one sooi
enough. mff


1t was shortly after noon, and had jus
eaten my dinner of bread and cold meat
when come to place where the rive
made an abrupt bend ito the right, and
little further on came TO an abrupt bash
where the current formed perfect whirl
pool. did not notice it until my cano
got into it, and / found myself goinl
: around instead Of ahead piled my woo'
paddle with all my power, and soon sue
ceeded in shooting out from the current
a In doinn 80 / ran nnon a lnw sandy sloro