initial commit of ebook 21449HEADmain

1 files changed, 10180 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/21449.txt b/21449.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8dcf731
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21449.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,10180 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of With Axe and Rifle, by W.H.G. Kingston
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: With Axe and Rifle
+
+Author: W.H.G. Kingston
+
+Illustrator: H. Meyer
+
+Release Date: May 15, 2007 [EBook #21449]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WITH AXE AND RIFLE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
+
+
+
+
+With Axe and Rifle; or The Western Pioneers, by W.H.G. Kingston.
+
+________________________________________________________________________
+
+With great skill and sincerity Kingston depicts many of the struggles
+and efforts that the would-be settlers in the West had to make.
+Constant harrying by Red Indians, the weather, nasty neighbours,
+illness, all made life difficult, indeed almost impossible.
+
+The book is told through the eyes of a boy, as he grows to adulthood.
+His family, also Mr Tidey, who acted as family tutor, or Dominie, and
+Dio, a runaway slave to whom they give a home, form the principal actors
+in this tale, but there are many others, such as the wicked Bracher, and
+a mysterious hunter who appears several times in the book in the guise
+of a rescuer.
+
+Well into the last chapter we are presented with all sorts of dreadful
+happenings, which the hero feels to be like the imagined happenings of a
+bad dream.  But suddenly it all sorts out and we have an unexpectedly
+happy conclusion to the tale.
+
+________________________________________________________________________
+
+WITH AXE AND RIFLE; OR THE WESTERN PIONEERS, BY W.H.G. KINGSTON.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE.
+
+CAPTAIN LORAINE'S FARM IN THE FAR WEST--HOT-HEADED YOUNG MEN--OUR
+FAMILY--UNCLE DENIS TAKEN SICK--WE SET OUT TO VISIT HIM--THE CORDUROY
+ROAD--A WAYSIDE HOTEL--ROUGH COMPANY--APPEARANCE OF THE COUNTRY--
+CROSSING THE FORD AT GREEN RIVER--NEARLY LOST--A BRAVE NEGRO--GRATITUDE
+OF MY PARENTS--AT MR. SILAS BRACHER'S PLANTATION--DIOGENES--MAMMY COE--
+THE SLAVE-OWNER--MY FATHER ENDEAVOURS TO PURCHASE THE NEGRO--SLAVERY--
+UNEXPECTED RECOVERY OF DR. O'DOWD'S PATIENT--A SPORTSMAN'S AMBITION--
+TRAPPING--A RICH PRIZE--SOMETHING ABOUT TURKEYS--THE WONDERFUL CAVE OF
+KENTUCKY--OUR RETURN TO ILLINOIS.
+
+Some time after the termination of the long war which England had waged
+in the cause of liberty when well-nigh all the world was up in arms
+against her, my father, Captain Patrick Loraine, having served for many
+years as a subaltern, believing that he should no longer find employment
+for his sword, sold out of the army, and with the proceeds of his
+commission in his pocket, quitting the old country, came to the United
+States in the hopes of making his fortune more rapidly than he could
+expect to do at home.
+
+Finding that as a British officer he was looked upon with distrust in
+the Eastern States, he made his way westward until he finally located
+himself in Illinois on a fertile spot, sheltered on the north by a wide
+extent of forest, and overlooking that part of the river Ohio which
+separates the state from Kentucky.  I remember even now the appearance
+of the country.  On the eastern side was a range of hills of slight
+elevation, on one of which our house stood, while westward stretched
+away as far as the eye could reach, a vast plain, with the mighty
+Mississippi beyond.  The scenery could boast of no great beauty except
+such as lofty trees, the prairie, with its varied tints of green and
+brown, yellow cornfields, rich meadows in the valleys, and the shining
+river in the distance, canopied by the blue vault of heaven, could give
+it.  Still, it was my home, and as such I should have loved it, had it
+possessed even less pretensions to beauty.
+
+So well satisfied was my father with the country that he returned to
+Ireland to bring back a young lady who had promised to become his wife.
+Two or three years afterwards I was born, and was succeeded by my
+brother Dan, and finally by my dear little sister Kathleen.  My mother,
+whose maiden name was O'Dwyer, was, I should have said, accompanied by
+her two brothers, Michael and Denis, who came out with the intention of
+assisting my father, and ultimately settling near him, but they were
+hot-headed young men, and before even they reached the farm they had a
+quarrel which resulted in their separation.  Denis finally settled in
+Kentucky, while Michael, with a rifle on his shoulder and axe in his
+belt, saying that he should turn trapper, pushed away further west, and
+from that day to the time I am about to describe we had received no
+tidings from him.  Uncle Denis became a successful settler.  He was soon
+reconciled to my father, and occasionally paid us a visit, but preferred
+remaining in the location he had chosen to coming near us, as he had
+originally intended.  He had remained a bachelor, not a very usual state
+of life for an Irishman; but, somehow or other he had not met the girl
+he "wished to marry," as he used to say.  He was, notwithstanding, a
+merry, good-natured, kind-hearted man, and I remember that we always
+enjoyed his brief visits whenever he rode over on his fast-trotting cob
+to see us.  Uncle Denis had not come for some time, when my father
+received a message from a doctor who was attending him, stating that if
+his sister wished to see him alive, she must come over immediately.  My
+mother did not hesitate a moment, and my father agreed to drive her over
+in the waggon.  I was to accompany them.  Preparations were at once made
+for our departure, and as the Shawanees, long the foes of the white man
+in those regions, had buried the war-hatchet, and were not likely to
+come that way, the rest of the children were left without any
+apprehensions of danger, under the charge of our old black nurse, Rose.
+
+The waggon was a long, light vehicle, with little or no iron-work about
+it, having benches across, and rails on either side.  It had four wheels
+of equal size, and was drawn by a couple of horses harnessed to a pole;
+owing to the height and position of the two front wheels, we could not
+turn without making a long sweep.
+
+My father sat on the box to drive.  My mother and I occupied the front
+bench, and behind was stowed our luggage, provisions for the journey,
+and various other articles, Although I was very young at the time, I
+have nevertheless a clear recollection of some of the incidents of the
+journey.
+
+Descending by a thickly wooded valley to the level of the Ohio, we
+crossed that river in a large ferry-boat, which conveyed our horses and
+waggon at the same time, while my mother and I sat in the vehicle and my
+father stood at the head of the animals to keep them quiet.  The stream
+carried us down for some distance, and I remember my mother holding me
+tight in her arms, and looking with terrified glances at the water as it
+whirled by, apparently about to sweep the lumbering boat far down below
+the point the rowers were endeavouring to gain.  They exerted
+themselves, however, to the utmost.  The boat's head was turned partly
+up the stream, and an eddy taking her, we at length reached the
+landing-place.  My father then mounting the box, with voice and whip
+urged the horses up the steep bank, and once more the waggon rolled over
+tolerably even ground.
+
+The country through which we passed was in those days almost in a state
+of nature, with the exception of the high road traversing the State from
+one end to the other.  The first part lay across the "Barrens," a wild
+region, where the soil being inferior in fertility to that of the
+uplands, it was destitute of inhabitants.  To the south extended a level
+prairie covered with long grass, with here and there groves of oak,
+chestnut, and elm.  To the north the country appeared more undulating,
+clothed with a far greater variety of trees; hickory, black walnut,
+cherry, as well as magnificent oak and elm.
+
+"I hope we shall not have another river to cross like that," observed my
+mother, after keeping silence for some time, while she was endeavouring
+to recover from her alarm.
+
+"Not so broad a one, Kate," answered my father, "but there are several
+streams which we must manage to get over either by fords or ferry-boats,
+for I doubt whether we shall find any bridges as yet put up to drive
+over, though they will come in good time, I have no doubt.  We run no
+danger just now, and I don't suppose that we shall have the least
+difficulty in crossing any stream in our way."
+
+As we drove along we occasionally started a herd of deer feeding on the
+rich grass in the forest-glades.  Hares in abundance crossed our path,
+and a fox slunk by, casting a suspicious glance at us, as he ran out of
+sight into a bush.  Towards evening, as we were hoping soon to reach a
+log hut in which we could pass the night, our ears were assailed by a
+long, low howl.
+
+"Where can that come from?" exclaimed my mother.
+
+"Possibly from a wolf; but I'll give a good account of the brute if he
+makes his appearance," answered my father; "hand me out my rifle."
+
+My mother gave him the weapon, and he placed it by his side ready for
+use.  He had also a brace of pistols stuck in his belt, so that he was
+prepared for an encounter either with wolves, bears, or any hostile
+Indians who might have ventured thus far eastward.
+
+At last we found ourselves rumbling over a corduroy road, a sign that we
+were approaching human habitations.  It was composed of the trunks of
+large trees, placed close together across the path, over a swampy place
+into which the wheels of carriages would otherwise have been imbedded.
+The interstices had originally been filled in with earth, clay, or chips
+of wood, but in many parts the small stuff had sunk through, so that the
+waggon moved on over a succession of ridges, on which it seemed a wonder
+that the horses could keep their legs, and that we could escape being
+jerked out.  Sometimes a trunk, rotted by the wet, had given way and
+left a gap, to avoid which it required my father's utmost skill in
+driving.  Occasionally, with all his care, he could not find a space
+wide enough to enable the wheels to pass.  On such occasions, lashing
+his horses into a gallop, he made the waggon bound over it, crying out,
+as he came to the spot--
+
+"Hold fast, Kate; don't let Mike be hove overboard."
+
+The waggon was strong, and stood the jolting better than my poor mother
+did.  She, however, bore all the bumping, jolting, and rolling with
+perfect good humour, knowing well that my father would spare her as much
+of it as he possibly could.
+
+Darkness found us still on the road, although my father could still see
+his way between the tall trees.  Scarcely had the sun set than we again
+heard that ominous howl, followed by sharp yelps.
+
+"Oh! the wolves, the wolves!" cried my mother.
+
+"Never fear," said my father, "they are arrant cowards, and there are no
+large packs hereabouts to do us harm."
+
+The thought, however, that they might follow us, alarmed my mother, and
+she kept me close to her side, looking out anxiously behind, expecting
+every instant to see a hungry pack coming up in chase of us.  My father,
+perhaps, was not quite easy on the subject; he kept shouting out, and in
+spite of the roughness of the road, made the horses go at a faster pace
+than before.
+
+"Hurrah!  I see a light ahead," he shouted at last; "that's the log hut
+we were told of; and even if the wolves do come, we shall be safe from
+them in a few minutes, for they will not approach a human habitation."
+
+On we jolted; I could distinguish a clearing on the side where the light
+appeared, it grew brighter and stronger, and presently my father pulled
+up in front of a good-sized building, composed of huge logs placed one
+above another, with the doors and windows sawn out of them, and roofed
+with shingles, which are thin broad slabs of wood, split from the trunks
+of large trees.
+
+"Can you afford us shelter for the night, friend?" said my father to a
+man, who, hearing the sound of wheels, came outside the door.
+
+"Ay, and a welcome too, such as we give to all strangers who have money
+or money's worth to pay for their lodging, and I guess you've got that."
+
+"Yes, I am ready to pay for our board and lodging, but I could not tell
+in the dark whether or not this was a house of entertainment."
+
+"I guess it's the finest hotel you'll find between the Ohio and
+Harrodsburg," answered the man.
+
+"All right," said my father; "I'll see my wife and child, as well as our
+goods, safe inside; then we'll take the horses and waggon round to the
+stables."
+
+Saying this he helped my mother and me to the ground.  We entered a
+large room with a huge cooking-stove at one end, and a long table down
+the middle, flanked by benches.  A middle-aged woman, with three
+strapping girls, her daughters, advanced to meet us, and conducted my
+mother and me up to the stove, that we might warm ourselves; for as it
+was early in the year, the evening had set in cold.  Our hostess talked
+away at a rapid rate, giving us all the news of the country, and
+inquiring what information we could afford her in return.
+
+We found that we were still nearly another day's journey from Green
+River, after crossing which it would take us the best part of a third
+day to get to my uncle's location.  Three or four other travellers came
+in, armed with bowie-knives, and pistols in their belts, each carrying a
+long gun, which he placed against the wall.  A black man and a girl
+appeared, to serve at table, and we heard several others chattering
+outside, reminding us that we were in a slave-state.  On my father's
+return he took his seat by my mother's side, and talked away to prevent
+me hearing the conversation which was going on between the other
+travellers at the further end of the table, which showed they were as
+rough in their manners as in their appearance.  However, they did not
+otherwise interfere with us.
+
+At an early hour my father begged to be shown a room.
+
+"I guess it's not a very big one," answered our hostess; "but you and
+your wife won't mind a trifle like that.  There's a bunk in the corner,
+in which your young one can stow himself away."
+
+I remember the dismay with which I saw the bunk spoken of.  It was in
+reality a huge chest with the top propped up, but I tumbled into it
+notwithstanding, and was soon fast asleep.  At daybreak the next
+morning, after a substantial breakfast, in which fried eggs and Johnny
+cake formed an important item, we again started off over the same sort
+of corduroy road as on the previous evening.  On either side were
+numerous clearings with log huts, and here and there a more pretentious
+store, before each of which several persons were seen taking their
+morning drams.  My father was an abstemious man, and although invited to
+stop and liquor, declined doing so.  We drove on as fast as the horses
+could go, as he was anxious to cross the river early in the day.  The
+weather had hitherto been fine, but it now looked threatening, though as
+the day advanced the clouds blew off.  My father told my mother that he
+hoped we should escape the storm.
+
+About mid-day we stopped at another log shanty, similar to the one at
+which we had rested for the night, in order to bate the horses.  We
+afterwards passed through several forests of considerable size, with
+more open wild land covered with low bushes, where the rocky soil
+afforded no depth for larger vegetation.
+
+The country improved as we approached Green River, growing tobacco,
+Indian corn, flax, and buck-wheat, while the numerous parties of blacks
+we saw at work on plantations showed that the country was more thickly
+populated than any we had hitherto passed through.  From information my
+father gained, he understood that we should cross Green River by a ford
+without difficulty.
+
+"The river is pretty broad about there, and the shallow is not very
+wide; so, stranger, you must keep direct for the landing-place, which
+you will see on the opposite side.  Better drive up than down the
+stream, but better still to keep straight across," added his informant.
+
+"Oh, Patrick, must you positively cross that wide extent of water?"
+exclaimed my mother as we reached the bank and she surveyed the broad
+river flowing by.
+
+"There are marks of wheels on this side, and I make out an easy
+landing-place on the other," answered my father.
+
+Having surveyed the ford, my father without hesitation drove in, telling
+my mother not to be afraid, as he did not suppose that the water would
+reach above the axles.
+
+The stream as it flowed by, bubbled and hissed between the wheels,
+making me quite giddy to look at it.  The water grew deeper and deeper
+until it reached the axles; then in a little time on looking down I saw
+it bubbling up through the bottom of the waggon.
+
+My father did not turn his head, but keeping his eyes steadily fixed on
+the landing-place, urged on the horses.  They had not got more than
+half-way over when they began to plunge in a manner which threatened to
+break the harness.  Again my father shouted and applied his whip over
+their backs; the animals seemed every instant as if about to lose their
+legs, while the water not only bubbled up through the bottom, but
+completely flowed over it.  To turn round was impossible, not only from
+the construction of the waggon, but from the pressure of water, and in
+all probability had the attempt been made an overturn would have been
+the consequence.
+
+My mother suppressed her fears, but grasped me tighter than ever.
+Presently I heard a dull roar, and looking up the river I saw a
+white-crested wave--so it appeared--curling down upon us.  My father saw
+it too.  He leapt from the waggon into the water, which reached almost
+up to his shoulders, and seizing the horses' heads, endeavoured to drag
+them forward.  Every instant the current became stronger and deeper and
+deeper.  At last it seemed as if the waggon must inevitably be swept
+away down the stream.  Just then I heard a shout from the shore, where I
+saw a black man running rapidly towards us.  Without stopping a moment
+he rushed into the water, wading as far as the depth would allow him,
+then he struck out swimming, and quickly reached the horses' heads.
+
+"Here, massa stranger, nebber fear, dis boy help you," he exclaimed, and
+seizing the bridle of one of the animals he pointed to a spot, a little
+lower down the bank.  My father, being taller than the negro, was still
+able, though with difficulty, to keep his feet, and grasping the bridle
+of the other horse, he followed the advice he had received.  Before,
+however, we had gone far, the wave was upon us.  The next instant the
+waggon was lifted up and jerked violently round.  I had until then been
+holding on, but how it happened I cannot tell, for I felt myself
+suddenly thrown into the water.  I heard my mother's shriek of frantic
+despair, and my father shouted to her to hold on for her life, while he
+dragged forward the horses, whose feet almost the next moment must have
+touched the firm ground.
+
+"Me save him!" cried the black, "go on, massa stranger, go on, all safe
+now," and the brave fellow, relinquishing his hold of the horse, which
+he left to my father's guidance, swam off to where I was struggling in
+the seething water.  With one arm he seized me round the waist, and
+keeping my head above the surface, struck out once more towards the
+bank.  His feet fortunately soon regained the ground, and wading on
+while he pressed with all his might against the current, he carried me
+safely in his arms to the bank.  Having placed me on the grass, he
+hastened back to assist my father in dragging up the waggon.
+
+My mother, as may be supposed, had all the time been watching me with
+unspeakable anxiety, forgetting the danger in which she herself was
+placed.  As the banks sloped very gradually, the horses, by a slight
+effort, contrived to drag the waggon up to the level ground.
+
+"Blessings rest on your head, my brave man!" exclaimed my mother,
+addressing the black who had saved me, as she got out of the waggon and
+rushed to where I lay; then kneeling down, she gazed anxiously into my
+face.
+
+I had suffered less I believe from immersion than from fear, for I had
+not for a moment lost my consciousness, nor had I swallowed much water.
+
+"Berry glad to save de little boy, him all right now," answered the
+black.
+
+"Yes, I believe I'm all right now.  Thank you, thank you," I said,
+getting up.
+
+My mother threw her arms round my neck and burst into tears.
+
+My father wrung the hand of the black, who had hurried back to help him
+rearrange the harness of the horses.  "You have saved the lives of us
+all, my gallant friend; I thank you from my heart, and should wish to
+show you my gratitude by any means in my power."
+
+"Oh, massa, him one poor black slave," answered the negro, astonished at
+being so spoken to by a white man; "him berry glad to save de little
+boy.  Now, massa, you all berry wet, want get dry clo' or catch cold an'
+die ob de fever."
+
+"Indeed I am most anxious to get my wife and child under the shelter of
+some roof;" answered my father.  "Can you guide us to the nearest house
+where we can obtain what we require?"
+
+The black thought a moment, and then answered--
+
+"De plantation where I slave not far off; Massa Bracher not at home--
+better 'way perhaps, he not always in berry good temper, but de
+housekeeper, Mammy Coe, she take care ob de lady and de little boy.
+Yes, we will go dare dough de oberseer make me back feel de lash 'cos I
+go back without carry de message I was sent on.  It can wait, no great
+ting."
+
+I do not believe that my father heard the last remark of the black, as
+he was engaged in replacing some of the articles in the waggon which had
+escaped being washed out, for he answered--
+
+"Yes, by all means, we will drive on to Mr Bracher's plantation.  It's
+not very far off, I hope, for the sooner we can get on dry clothing the
+better."
+
+My father, as he helped in my mother, and placed me in her arms, threw
+his own coat, wet as it was, over me, as it served to keep off the wind
+and was better than nothing.
+
+"What's your name, my good fellow?" he asked of the black.
+
+"Me Diogenes, massa, but de folks call me `Dio'."
+
+"Well, jump in, Dio, and tell me the way I am to drive."
+
+"Straight on den, Massa," said Dio, climbing in at the hinder part of
+the waggon, "den turn to de right, and den to de lef', and we are at
+Massa Bracher's."
+
+My father drove on as fast as the horses could go, for although the
+weather was tolerably warm, my teeth were chattering with cold and
+fright, and he was anxious, wet as we were, not to expose my mother and
+me to the night air.  By following Dio's directions, in less than ten
+minutes we reached a house of more pretensions than any we had yet seen.
+It was of one story, and raised on a sort of platform above the ground
+with a broad veranda in front.  Behind it was a kitchen-garden, and
+plantations of tobacco, and fields of corn on either side.  Dio, jumping
+out, ran to the horses' heads, and advised my mother to go first, taking
+me with her, and to introduce herself to Mammy Coe.
+
+"Yes, go, Kathleen," said my father, "the good woman will certainly not
+turn us away, although from what Dio says, she may not receive us very
+courteously."
+
+The door stood open; as we ascended the wooden steps, two huge
+blood-hounds rushed out, barking furiously, but Dio's voice kept them
+from molesting us.  The noise they made served to summon "Mammy Coe," a
+brown lady of mature age, a degree or two removed from a negress,
+dressed, as I thought, in very gay colours, with a handkerchief of
+bright hue bound round her head, forming a sort of turban.
+
+"Who you strangers, whar you come from?" she asked in an authoritative
+tone, as if accustomed to command.
+
+My mother, in a few words, explained what had happened.  "We should be
+thankful to you to allow us to have our clothes dried," she added.
+
+"Yas, strangers, me will gib you dat permission," answered Mammy Coe;
+"come 'long dis way.  Your man too, him want change him clo'," she said,
+looking out and perceiving my father standing on the steps, still
+dripping wet.  "Dio," she shouted, "take de horses round to de stable
+and bring in de strangers' tings."
+
+Dio promptly obeyed, glad, I am very sure, that his kind intentions had
+thus far been successful.
+
+"Come 'long, young woman, and bring de boy.  You shall hab supper
+afterwards, den go to bed, you all right to-morrow."
+
+She led the way to a bed-room on one side of the entrance-hall, where my
+mother quickly stripped off my wet clothes and wrapped me up in a
+blanket.
+
+"Him better for some broth!" observed Mammy Coe in a kinder tone than
+she had yet used.  "Now, young woman, you go to me room, and me give you
+some dry clothes, while your man, him go into Massa Bracher's room."
+
+My father, however, first came and had a look at me and almost the
+minute afterwards I was fast asleep.  When I awoke I saw a person
+standing near me, dressed so exactly like Mammy Coe, that at first I
+thought it was her, but I quickly discovered that she was my mother.
+She had brought me my clothes perfectly dry.  I was very glad to put
+them on and accompany her to supper in the great hall, where several not
+very pleasant-looking personages were seated at a long table, with Mammy
+Coe at the head of it.  The people appeared to me much alike, with
+sallow faces, long hair, untrimmed beards, and bowie-knives stuck in
+their belts.  I remember remarking that they gobbled down their food
+voraciously, and put a number of questions to my father, which he
+answered in his usual calm way.
+
+Supper was nearly over when the barking of dogs announced another
+arrival.  Soon afterwards a tall man wearing a broad-brimmed hat entered
+the room, and nodding to the other persons, threw his whip into the
+corner and took the seat which Mammy Coe vacated.  He stared at my
+mother and me.  My father rose, concluding that he was the host, and
+explained how he happened to be his guest, while Mammy Coe stood by
+ready to answer any questions if required.  My father narrated our
+adventures, stating that we were on our way to visit my mother's
+brother, who was supposed to be at the point of death.
+
+"I know Denis O'Dwyer, I guess.  He was down with the fever I heard, but
+whether he's gone or not I can't say.  Some pull through and some don't.
+If you find him alive it's a wonder.  However, make yourself at home
+here, and to-morrow you may start on your journey," observed our host.
+
+My father thanked him, and remarked how much he was indebted to his
+slave Dio.
+
+"The boy's good property, I guess," answered Mr Bracher, but not a word
+did he say of the black's gallant conduct, and only laughed scornfully
+when my father alluded to it.
+
+Our host spoke but little during the remainder of the time we sat at
+table, being employed as zealously as his overseers and clerks had been
+in devouring his food.  My father then again reverted to Dio, and
+observed that he was anxious to make a suitable return to the black for
+the brave way in which he had risked his life in preserving ours.
+
+"He is my property and you may thank me, but I don't want thanks and I
+don't want a recompense, though I should have lost well-nigh five
+hundred dollars if he had been drowned."
+
+"Will you take five hundred dollars for the boy?" asked my father
+feeling sure that unless he could obtain the slave, he should have no
+means of rewarding him.
+
+"No, stranger, I guess I won't," answered Mr Bracher, putting a quid,
+which he had been working into form, into his mouth; "I don't want
+money, and I wouldn't take a thousand dollars for the black if I did: so
+you have your answer."
+
+My father saw that it would not do farther to press the subject.  As
+soon as he properly could, he begged that my mother and I might be
+allowed to retire.
+
+"This is liberty hall, and your wife can do as she likes, and so can
+you.  I shall turn in myself before long, as I have had a pretty smart
+ride."
+
+On this my mother rose, and I had to return to my bunk, in which I was
+soon fast asleep.  Next morning I remember looking out of the window
+just at daybreak and seeing a party of negroes mustered before being
+despatched to their respective labours.  Two white overseers, dressed in
+broad-brimmed hats and gingham jackets, stood by with whips in their
+hands, giving directions to the slaves, and at the same time bestowing
+not a few lashes on their backs, if they did not at once comprehend what
+was said to them.  Among them I caught sight of Dio.  One of the
+overseers addressed him, and seemed to be putting questions to which
+satisfactory answers were not given.  To my horror down came the lash on
+Dio's back, cut after cut being given with all the strength of the white
+man's arm.
+
+"O father, father, they are beating Dio.  Do go out and stop the cruel
+man," I exclaimed.  My father looked on for a moment, and then hurried
+out to the front of the house.  I followed him, but Dio had disappeared
+and the overseer was walking along whistling in the direction one party
+of the blacks had taken.
+
+"The poor fellow would only be worse treated were I to speak for him,"
+said my father stopping short; "but it is terrible that human beings
+should thus be tyrannised over by their fellow-creatures.  It may not be
+against man's laws, but it is against God's law, I am very certain.  The
+sooner we are away from this the better, but I should like to see poor
+Dio before we go, and again thank him for the service he has rendered
+us."
+
+We went round to the stables, where we found Dio, who was grooming the
+horses.  My father, finding that no one else was present, put several
+dollars into his hand.
+
+"That's no return, my friend, for the brave way in which you risked your
+life to save ours," he said; "but I have nothing else except my bare
+thanks to give you.  You must remember, however, that I wish always to
+remain your friend, and if I have the power, to repay you in a more
+substantial manner."
+
+"Dis black boy no want any reward," answered Dio, offering to return the
+money.
+
+My father, however, pressed it on him, and without much difficulty
+induced him to keep it.  As soon as breakfast was over, the horses were
+brought round.  I believe that my mother made a present to Mammy Coe of
+the gayest article of dress she possessed, which she guessed would be
+far more welcome than money.
+
+Our host treated us with but scant courtesy as we took our departure.
+
+"Just tell Denis O'Dwyer, if you find him alive, that you saw me, and
+that I hope to liquor up with him next time I go his way."
+
+My father thanked him for his hospitality, but he made no reply, and
+turning on his heel, re-entered his house.  We found Dio, who had run
+on, waiting for us out of sight of the house.  He waved his hand, but
+said nothing.
+
+Eager to reach Uncle Denis's farm, my father drove on as fast as the
+horses could trot over the rough track.  We had to endure the same
+amount of bumping and jolting as on the previous day.  My poor mother's
+anxiety increased as we approached my uncle's farm.  We met with no one
+who could give us any information.  Since the fearful danger we had been
+in, she had become much more nervous than was her wont, and consequently
+could not help expecting to hear the worst.  Great was her joy,
+therefore, when, on driving up to the door, who should we see but Uncle
+Denis himself seated in the porch, smoking a cigar.
+
+"I'm glad to see you, sister," he said, "but Doctor O'Dowd had no
+business to frighten you.  He is always so accustomed to kill his
+patients that he fancies they are all going to die under his hand, and
+faith, it's no fault of his if they get well."
+
+My uncle's appearance, however, showed that he had gone through a severe
+illness.  He was still too weak to walk without assistance, but his
+indomitable spirit, my father observed, had done much to keep him up;
+our coming also was of great assistance, as my mother was able to nurse
+him more carefully than were his usual black attendants.  We remained
+with him for several days, at the end of which time he was able to mount
+his horse and take a gallop with my father in the early morning.  Uncle
+Denis was one of the kindest-hearted men I ever met, and generally one
+of the merriest; but a shade of melancholy came over him occasionally.
+It was when he thought of Uncle Michael, or of that "dear fellow, Mike,"
+as he used to say.  He believed himself to have been in the wrong, and
+to have been the cause of his brother's leaving him, without taking an
+opportunity of acknowledging that such was the case, and asking for his
+forgiveness.
+
+My father and mother of course described to Uncle Denis the narrow
+escape we had had in crossing the river, and the somewhat doubtful style
+of hospitality with which we had been received by Mr Bracher.
+
+"He knows you, Denis," said my father.
+
+"And I know him," answered my uncle; "a more surly curmudgeon does not
+exist in these parts, or a harder master to his slaves.  He is a man
+people wish to stand well with, not because they love him, but because
+they fear his vengeance should they offend him.  I make a point of
+keeping out of his way, for fear that he should pick a quarrel with me,
+though he pretends to be friendly enough when we meet.  The slaves hate
+him, as well they may, but the lash keeps them in order, and he has a
+set of fellows about him of his own kidney, who serve him because no one
+else would willingly employ them."
+
+This no very flattering account of our late host made my father
+determine not to pay him another visit, if he could help it, on our
+return.
+
+"I'll follow your example and keep out of his way," observed my father,
+"though I should have been glad to make another attempt to purchase his
+slave Dio, for the sake of getting the brave fellow out of his power."
+
+"The more desirous you appear to obtain the slave the less likely will
+he be to part with him, so I would advise you not to allude again to the
+subject," said my uncle.  "I'll keep an eye on his proceedings, and,
+should he at any time suffer losses and be obliged to sell up, I'll take
+means to buy Dio, not letting his master know that you want to become
+his owner."
+
+With this arrangement my father was obliged to rest satisfied, as he saw
+that there was no other chance of getting Dio out of the power of his
+tyrannical master.
+
+A few days after this conversation Uncle Denis was so far recovered,
+that my father announced his intention of returning home.
+
+"Stay a few days longer; don't think of going yet," answered Uncle
+Denis; "it seems but yesterday that you came, and I shall feel more
+lonely than ever when you are gone; besides, you haven't seen the great
+wonder of our part of the country, nor have I forsooth, and I should
+like to pay it a visit with you."
+
+"Of what wonder do you speak?" asked my father.
+
+"Sure, of the big caves we have deep down in the earth, a few miles only
+from this.  It is said there are mountains, rivers and lakes within
+them, and I don't know what besides."
+
+"Oceans, forests, and valleys, perhaps," said my father, laughing, and
+scarcely crediting the account my uncle gave him; for at that time the
+wonderful Mammoth Caves of Kentucky were unknown to the world in
+general, although the native Indians might have been acquainted with
+them, and some time before, a mine of saltpetre at the entrance had been
+discovered.  My mother, more to please Uncle Denis than from any
+expected pleasure to herself; agreed to accompany him, and to my great
+delight, they promised to take me.
+
+We were to perform the trip in two or three days, and Uncle Denis said
+that in the meantime he would try and find means of amusing us.  We went
+all over the farm, on which he grew tobacco, maize, and other cereals.
+He was a great sportsman, besides which he had a fancy for trapping
+birds and animals, and taming them, when he could.  In this he was
+wonderfully successful; he had a large menagerie of the feathered tribe
+as well as numbers of four-footed beasts which he had trapped and
+contrived to domesticate.  His ambition was to tame a panther, a bear,
+and a wolf; but as yet he had not succeeded in taking any of them young
+enough, as he said, to be taught good manners.
+
+"Perhaps if you had a lady to help you, you would be more successful,"
+observed my mother, "like Orpheus of old, who charmed the savage beasts.
+She would with her voice produce a greater effect on their wild natures
+than any man can do."
+
+"I'll think about it," said Uncle Denis, looking up and laughing.
+
+My mother's great wish was to see Uncle Denis married happily, though
+where to find a wife to suit him, or, as she would have said, "good
+enough for him," was the difficulty.  There were no lack of excellent
+girls in Kentucky, daughters of settlers, but they could seldom boast of
+much education or refinement of manners, and Uncle Denis was a gentleman
+in every sense of the word; at the same time that he had as much spirit
+and daring as any Kentuckian born.
+
+It must be understood of course, that at the time I speak of, I was too
+young to understand these matters, but I heard of them afterwards from
+my mother, and am thus able to introduce them in their proper place in
+my history.
+
+Uncle Denis took great delight in showing us his various traps and
+snares, as well as other means he employed for capturing birds or
+animals.
+
+The traps had been greatly neglected during his illness.  I remember
+being especially delighted with what he called his "pens," which he had
+erected for the capture of wild turkeys, with which the neighbouring
+woods abounded.  The two first we came to contained birds lately caught;
+the third was empty, and the fourth had been broken into by a hungry
+wolf, which had carried off the captive.
+
+"There is another I built the day before I was taken ill, further away
+in the forest.  No one but myself knows of it," observed Uncle Denis;
+"we'll pay a visit to it, though I am much afraid if a bird has been
+caught, it must have starved to death by this time."
+
+The pens Uncle Denis was speaking of were simple structures formed like
+a huge cage by poles stuck in the ground sufficiently close together to
+prevent a bird from getting out.  They were roofed over by boughs and
+leaves, and were without doors or windows.  It will then be asked, how
+can a bird get in?  The trap is entered in this way.
+
+A passage or trench is cut in the ground twelve or fourteen feet in
+length, passing under the wall of the hut and rising again in its
+centre.  Inside the wall and over the trench, a bridge is thrown.  To
+induce the bird to enter, grain is strewn along the trench and scattered
+about its neighbourhood, while a larger quantity is placed on the floor
+inside the hut.  The unwary turkey, on seeing the grains of corn, picks
+them up, and not suspecting treachery follows the train until it finds
+itself inside the pen; instead however of endeavouring to escape by the
+way it entered, it, like other wild birds, runs round and round the
+walls of the hut, peeping through the interstices and endeavouring to
+force its way out, each time crossing over the bridge without attempting
+to escape by the only practicable outlet.  In this way Uncle Denis said
+that he had caught numbers of birds, one and all having acted in the
+same foolish manner.
+
+"Hereabouts is my forest pen," he said.  "Hark!  I hear some curious
+clucking sounds.  There's more than one bird there, or I am much
+mistaken."  Stepping forward he peered over the branches, when he
+beckoned us to advance, and, he lifting me in his arms, I saw not only a
+hen turkey in the pen, but a brood of a dozen or more turkey poults
+running in and out among the bars, while the hen was evidently calling
+to them, suspecting that danger was near.
+
+They were too young to fly up into the trees, which they do on being
+alarmed, when scarcely more than a fortnight old.  Uncle Denis was
+highly pleased.
+
+"I shall have a fine addition to the poultry-yard," he said, "for I
+shall tame all these young ones by cutting their wings, and they will
+not be able to follow their mother into the woods, so for their sake she
+will probably be content to share their captivity."
+
+Peter, a black boy, had accompanied us, and Uncle Denis sent him back
+for a couple of baskets.  The turkey hen, though much alarmed, having
+gathered her poults under her wings, stood ready to defend them bravely.
+Uncle Denis said that she had probably got into the pen directly after
+he had last seen it, and he recollected having left inside a quantity of
+corn, with which he was going to bait some other pens in the
+neighbourhood.  This had served to keep her alive, unless perhaps her
+faithful mate had brought her food.  If such was the case, the
+"gobbler," as the male bird is called, took good care to keep out of our
+way.  Wild turkeys in those days abounded through the whole of the
+southern states.  I have often seen--of course I speak of a subsequent
+time of my life--ten or a dozen hen turkeys, with their families
+amounting to eighty or a hundred head, on their annual migration, old
+and young moving in the same direction, making use of their legs in
+preference to their wings, unless when intercepted by a river, or
+frightened by the appearance of a hunter and his dogs.  On reaching a
+river they climb to some neighbouring height, where they remain for a
+day or two to consult apparently as to the best means of getting across:
+on such occasions the males making a loud gobbling noise, strutting
+about looking very important, as if about to perform some heroic action.
+At last, when they have settled their plan, the birds of all ages mount
+to the tops of the highest trees bordering the stream.  There they sit
+for a short time, when their leader gives a loud "cluck."  It is the
+signal to commence the adventurous passage.  Together they expand their
+wings and rise in the air; the stronger birds will thus cross a river a
+mile wide, but some of the younger ones find it impossible to sustain
+themselves so long in the air, and fall flop into the water.  Serious as
+this misadventure may appear, being birds of spirit, they do not give up
+the attempt in despair.  Closing their wings, they spread out their
+broad tails, and strike away with their feet towards the bank they
+desire to reach.  Should they find, as is sometimes the case, that the
+bank is too steep for landing, they cease their exertions and allow
+themselves to float down the stream until they reach an accessible part,
+when by violent efforts they manage to scramble up the banks and regain
+the main body.  On such occasions, should any of their human or other
+enemies be on the watch for them, they are easily taken, as they are too
+much exhausted to fly away and have not regained their shore legs.  On
+landing also they do not appear at first to know what direction to take,
+and are seen rambling about, sometimes up the stream, sometimes down it,
+or making an uncertain run inland.  Of all the birds of America, the
+turkey deserves the pre-eminence: the plumage, a golden bronze, banded
+with black, and shot with violet, green, and blue, is beautiful in the
+extreme.  We had scarcely done admiring our captive, when Peter returned
+with two large baskets, into one of which the hen turkey was trundled in
+spite of the fierce use she made of her beak and claws, while her brood,
+who were too much bewildered to run away, were caught and secured in the
+other.  We returned home with our unwilling captives.  Uncle Denis at
+once had a pen put up, and in a few days the young turkeys appeared
+perfectly reconciled to their lot, and Uncle Denis succeeded in
+domesticating them: as for the old hen, one day early in the following
+spring, a loud "gobbling" being heard in the distance, she, leaping up
+on a pailing, spread her wings and flew away in the direction from
+whence the sounds came.  Her brood, then more than half-grown, would
+have followed her example, but their wings were cut, and down they
+toppled on their backs, greatly to the amusement of Peter, as Uncle
+Denis afterwards told us.
+
+The day for our excursion to the wonderful Cave arrived, and having
+breakfasted by candle-light, we set off before sunrise in a waggon,
+attended by Peter and Caesar, another black boy, on horseback.  Uncle
+Denis drove, and it needed an expert whip to get along the rough road.
+On coming to the farm, we had been bumped and jolted enough to dislocate
+our limbs, had we not had some soft cushions to sit upon.  We were now
+tumbled about in a fashion which threatened to upset the waggon.  Uncle
+Denis shouted out--
+
+"Never fear, the machine is accustomed to it, and will go over places
+ten times as bad as this is.  Hold fast though, in case of accidents."
+
+Sometimes we crossed what might have been called, in compliment, a piece
+of corduroy, though it looked more as if trees had been blown down by a
+hurricane in close ranks.  On other occasions we had to twist and turn
+in and out among the stumps, and fly over big holes, the well-trained
+horses keeping their feet in the most wonderful manner.  At last we
+reached a hut, where in subsequent years a fine hotel was built.  As we
+pulled up before it, a tall Indian appeared and, asking if we wished to
+see the cavern, volunteered to act as our guide.
+
+"You're the man we want," answered Uncle Denis.
+
+On this the Indian, retiring to his hut, returned with a bundle of
+torches.  We had brought a couple of lanterns and a supply of candles,
+so that there was no chance of our being left in darkness.
+
+The two negro boys having taken charge of our horses, we proceeded on
+foot, followed by Peter and Caesar, to the mouth of the pit down which
+we were to descend into the cavern.  This was like a large well into
+which a stream fell with a cheerful splash.  I remember asking not
+unnaturally whether we should have to swim when we got to the bottom.
+
+We made our way down a flight of wooden steps, when, passing under a
+high archway, we proceeded along a level road to what were called the
+"vats," where saltpetre was manufactured.
+
+The torches lighted up the subterranean region in which we found
+ourselves.  As to describing it exactly is more than I can pretend to
+do.  From the large entrance-hall we made our way through a low narrow
+passage, which is known as the Valley of Humility, into another hall of
+enormous extent, the roof so lofty that our torches scarcely illuminated
+either the walls or roof.  At our feet we could see the glitter of water
+extending far away into the interior, while a bright stream flowed over
+a rocky bed into it.  Uncle Denis proposed that we should sit down and
+refresh ourselves preparatory to exploring the interior recesses of the
+cavern.  No objection being made, Peter produced some provisions from a
+basket he had brought on his back.  Having discussed them, we slaked our
+thirst from the pure water of the rivulet.  Once more moving on, in a
+short time we reached Echo River, on the shore of which we found a boat.
+Our guide invited us to embark.  Looking upwards it appeared as if a
+canopy of black clouds hung over our heads, while on every side we could
+see precipices and cliffs rising up, apparently into the sky; silence
+and darkness reigned around us, the smooth sluggish water alone
+reflecting the glare of our torches.  Not a word was uttered by any of
+our party, until the Indian's voice suddenly burst forth into one of the
+melancholy chants of his race, echoed as it appeared by the spirit of
+his departed brethren.  I clung to my father's arm, and asked where all
+those sounds came from.
+
+"They are but the echoes of the Indian's voice," he answered.  Now they
+rose, now they fell, as he gave forth the notes with the full force of
+his lungs, or warbled softly, sometimes finishing with a melancholy wail
+which produced the most mournful effect.
+
+"Come, this is more than I bargained for," exclaimed Uncle Denis; "now
+stand by for a different kind of sound.  Don't be alarmed, it's only the
+barrel of my pistol going to try what sort of noise it can make."  He
+pulled the trigger, when there was a flash and then there came a
+succession of crashing, thundering sounds echoed from every angle in
+those enormous vaults.  Backwards and forwards tore the sounds, rolling
+and reverberating from wall to wall with terrific crashes.  Half a dozen
+pieces of artillery fired in the open air could not have produced a more
+tremendous uproar.
+
+Scarcely had the sounds died away, when Peter and Caesar struck up a
+merry negro melody, contrasting curiously with the melancholy notes of
+the Indian's song; they made Uncle Denis and me, at all events, burst in
+to hearty fits of laughter.
+
+"Come, I like that style of song far better than the music of our
+red-skin friend," exclaimed my uncle.  The guide told us that although
+it was perfectly safe at most times of the year to traverse the cavern,
+there were occasions when the waters rising suddenly had prevented the
+return of explorers, but that a way had been discovered, through a
+narrow passage, the course evidently at one time of a stream, up which
+they could climb over the mud and save themselves from being either
+drowned or starved, should they have come without provisions.  This
+passage has appropriately been called "Purgatory," but as we had not to
+take advantage of it, I cannot describe it more fully.
+
+Leaving "Echo" River we entered another cavern named "Cleveland's
+Cabinet," when we found ourselves in what we might have taken for a
+fairy region.
+
+Above our heads and on either side, the roof and walls were adorned with
+delicate flowers of snowy whiteness, and domes, and turrets, and spires,
+and shrubs, and trees, as well as the forms of birds and beasts of all
+descriptions; elephants and camels, eagles and turkeys and doves; indeed
+figures of every shape which imagination without any great exertion
+might please to picture.  The representations of some indeed were so
+perfect that it was difficult to believe that they had not been carved
+by the hand of man, and yet one and all were produced by the dripping of
+water from the gypsum rock; the most delicate ice formations could not
+surpass them; indeed many equalled in form the choicest flowers growing
+in the most cultivated garden.  As we proceeded on, we found that the
+cavern was not destitute of inhabitants.  Huge crickets and spiders,
+almost of a white colour, crawled over the ground, the former not taking
+jumps, but moving steadily forward with their long legs.  Rats too,
+Uncle Denis declared they were as big as leverets, ran by us, exhibiting
+their sharp teeth and extensive tails.  When no other provisions are to
+be obtained, they live apparently on the spiders and crickets.
+
+The next cavern we entered was called "Martha's Vineyard;" the trunk of
+a vine climbed up the sides, and spread its branches over the roof from
+which hung suspended what looked like clusters of delicious grapes.
+Seeing also several which appeared to have fallen on the ground, I ran
+forward to examine them, when what was my disappointment to find that
+they were of a stony nature, thus formed by the dropping of the water.
+In another cave our guide, having lighted two of the largest torches,
+waved them about, when we appeared to be standing in a wintry scene.
+Ice above us, ice on the ground, with here and there patches of snow.
+
+We did not get nearly to the end of the cavern, and therefore missed
+seeing a beautiful grotto which our guide told us was called "Serena's
+Arbour," and that the walls are covered with a drapery resembling yellow
+satin falling in graceful folds, while through it murmurs a rivulet,
+falling into one of the many rivers running through the cavern, which is
+said to be nine miles in extent.  It appeared to me that we had been
+walking all day amid vast towering rocks.  Often the roof was so far
+above us that even the light of our torches failed to reach it.  We now
+entered another hall, when our guide told us to seat ourselves on some
+rocks and to extinguish our lights.
+
+"Don't be alarmed," he said; "I'm not going to be guilty of treachery."
+
+My father and Uncle Denis agreed to his proposal, and there we sat far
+down in the depths of the earth, not a ray of light reaching us.  I
+could feel my mother's hand, but although I placed it close to my eyes,
+I could not see it.  After waiting some time I began to grow uneasy,
+when greatly to my relief the guide returned with a lantern in his hand.
+
+"Look up!" he said, "see to what a region I have transported you."
+
+On gazing upwards, we saw stars innumerable glittering in the sky, so it
+seemed, but in vain we looked for those to which our eyes were
+accustomed, though it was difficult to persuade ourselves that they were
+not veritable stars.  The guide, holding a stone in his hand, threw it
+upwards, when it struck the roof above our heads, and we found that the
+seeming stars were produced by pieces of mica imbedded in the roof on
+which the light from the lantern, being thrown in a peculiar way, was
+brightly reflected.
+
+Relighting our torches, we saw that the walls were of a yellow colour,
+while the ceiling appeared to be of a dark undefined blue, resembling
+the midnight sky.  We visited several other caverns, some of which
+appeared to be of immense height, though the ceiling in most parts is
+not more than thirty feet from the ground.
+
+One cavern had, what looked like a mountain in that subterranean region,
+rising from the ground, with a stream running at its base.  We crossed
+several rivers; besides the "Echo," one called the "Styx," the other the
+"Lethe."  Our guide had brought a net, with which he caught some fish
+and crawfish.  On examining them we could discover no appearance of
+eyes, while, from being deprived of the warm rays of the sun, they were
+perfectly white.  Uncle Denis remarked that as they had no lamps down
+there, eyes would have been useless, but their instinct, or probably
+their keen sense of feeling, told them when they were running into
+danger.  The crickets which came hopping about around us, could however,
+we ascertained, see perfectly well, and appeared to be attracted by the
+light of our lanterns.  They were not pleasant-looking creatures, and if
+the rats can find nothing else to eat, they must have an uncomfortable
+life of it.  The guide told us that the cave was not known to white men
+until 1802, though he did not acknowledge that the natives were ignorant
+of its existence.  For many years no one could advance beyond three
+miles from the entrance, further progress being stopped by a deep chasm
+called the "Bottomless Pit."  At length, however, a daring guide threw a
+ladder over it, and thus getting across, he explored six more miles of
+this underground region.  A bridge has now been constructed, by which
+people can pass over in perfect safety.  He asserted that no dog would
+willingly enter the cavern, and that although he had made the attempt
+several times to induce his own faithful animal to follow him, the
+creature had always run back howling with dismay.  We readily believed
+this, and for my part I felt oppressed with a sensation of awe I had
+never before experienced, and which I can to this day vividly recollect.
+I have since, more than once, visited that subterranean world, and
+though aware that its dimensions are not so great as I then imagined,
+and that there was no real danger to be apprehended, I have on each
+occasion felt awestruck, though in a less degree than formerly.
+
+My father and mother acknowledged that they were thankful when we
+regained the upper world, and Uncle Denis gave a shout of satisfaction
+as he inhaled the fresh air of heaven, while the black boys leapt and
+laughed, and tumbled against each other, as they hurried off to harness
+the horses to the waggon.
+
+"Fine place dat, Caesar, for niggar to hide away if de white massa not
+know it," observed Peter to his companion.
+
+"Berry good for hide 'way, but bad for de food; nothing but rats and
+crickets to eat dare."
+
+Uncle Denis, jumping up on the box, shouted "Erin-go-bragh," and away we
+dashed as fast as we had come.  It was dark long before we reached the
+farm; my mother appeared pretty well tired out.  We remained a couple of
+days more to recruit, and then set out on our return home.  Uncle Denis
+accompanied us part of the first day's journey.
+
+"Keep clear of Master Silas Bracher," he observed as we were about to
+part.  "I have no wish to meet him again, for he is more likely to pick
+a quarrel and send a bullet through a man's body than to do him any
+good."
+
+"I'll follow your advice," answered my father; "I wish from my heart,
+though, that I could get the black, Dio, out of his power.  I really
+believe that he is jealous of the poor slave."
+
+"You may as well try to draw sunbeams out of a cucumber, as to get him
+to agree to your offer; keep clear of him altogether, and should I have
+the chance, I will not forget your wish to obtain the black, whom,
+should I succeed, you can either set free or keep in bondage, as you may
+decide; probably, were you to give him his choice, he would prefer
+remaining your slave."
+
+After an affectionate farewell, Uncle Denis turned his horse's head, and
+rode back, while we continued our journey to "Uphill," the name my
+father had given to his property.  Avoiding Mr Bracher's location, we
+drove down to the ford, and as the water was much lower than when we
+before crossed it, we got over in safety, though my mother naturally
+felt very nervous as we were making the passage.
+
+We found all going on well at home, Martin Prentis, the overseer, also
+giving a favourable account of affairs on the estate.  It may seem
+strange that, young as I then was, I should be able to give so minute an
+account of some of the incidents of our journey: but in the first place
+they made a deep impression on me; in the second, my parents have since
+assisted me to brush up my recollections of those days.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO.
+
+LIFE AT UPHILL--OUR TUTOR--MR. MARK TIDEY'S FIRST LESSON IN
+HORSEMANSHIP--STUDIES FROM THE BOOK OF NATURE--OUR TRIPS WESTWARD--A
+STRANGE COMBAT--A HASTY SHOT--SOMETHING WORTH KNOWING ABOUT SNAKES--
+CAMPING OUT--THE BEAR'S VISIT AND ITS RESULT--WOLVES--DRAWING LOTS--A
+SLEEPLESS NIGHT--TIMELY ASSISTANCE--DYING FROM HUNGER--CONSEQUENCES OF
+SHELTERING A RUNAWAY SLAVE--OUR TUTOR TURNS NURSE--CHANCES OF
+DISCOVERY--WE PART COMPANY--A MID-DAY HALT--AN UNPLEASANT MEETING--THE
+BULLY RECEIVES A LESSON--OUR MARCH HOMEWARDS--THE WAY DAN KEPT WATCH--WE
+REACH THE FARM.
+
+We had been living at Uphill for some years, the wilderness had been
+changed into a smiling garden, though I will not say a perfect paradise,
+for I am very sure that no such spot exists on earth.  Our education had
+not been neglected, for my father had engaged a tutor for Dan and me,
+when we grew too old for the instruction our mother could give us.  Our
+father was too much engaged to attend regularly to our studies, though
+very well able himself to teach us.  Mr Mark Tidey, our tutor, was a
+character; he was fond of field-sports, but fonder still of books, and
+had an aptitude for teaching which many professed tutors do not possess.
+For the sake of indulging in both his fancies, he undertook to instruct
+us at a very moderate stipend.  My father had found him during one of
+his journeys eastward at a wayside store--which he had visited for the
+purpose of obtaining a supply of powder and shot--without a cent in his
+pocket to pay for it.  He had been endeavouring to persuade the
+storekeeper that he would return in the course of a week with a number
+of skins amply sufficient to pay his debts; but the wary trader, looking
+at his ungainly figure and discovering that he was a "Britisher," was
+unwilling to trust him.  Finding that all his arguments were useless,
+taking a book from his pocket, he had sat down in a corner of the store,
+philosophically to console himself by its perusal.  My father entering
+found him thus engaged, and glancing his eye on the book, his surprise
+was considerable to find that it was a copy of one of the Greek
+classics.  My father addressed the stranger, and soon discovered that he
+was a well-informed man.  After some further conversation, he was pretty
+well satisfied that he was also an honest one.  Mr Tidey, finding a
+person who could sympathise with him, poured forth the history of his
+adventures and misfortunes.  He had come over to America with the
+intention of establishing a school, but his slender means had been
+almost exhausted before he could obtain any pupils, his attainments
+indeed being at that time such as were not generally required in the
+States.  Believing that he could replenish his exhausted exchequer more
+satisfactorily by means of his gun than in any other way, he had come
+westward; but the game of which he was in search he found had been
+driven further into the wilderness than he had expected, and an illness
+of some weeks' duration had entirely emptied his purse.  He had
+notwithstanding, trudged boldly forward, though the game he killed had
+been barely sufficient to supply himself with the necessaries of life.
+From several letters and other documents which he exhibited, my father,
+being convinced that Mr Tidey had given a true account of himself,
+invited him to Uphill farm.  The poor man jumped at the offer.
+
+"With all the pleasure in the world, my dear sir," he answered, the
+tears starting to his eyes.  "You have boys to teach, I'll teach them.
+If you've game to be shot, I'll shoot it.  If you've accounts to be
+kept, I'll keep them.  If you've any other work to be performed, which a
+gentleman and a man of honour can perform, I'll undertake it.  You would
+not ask me, I am sure, to do anything derogatory to my character."
+
+My father, however, did not accept his offer at once, wishing to see
+more of the stranger before he confided us to his care.
+
+"I have a spare horse, and shall be happy if you will accompany me to
+Uphill," said my father.
+
+"I am not much accustomed to equestrian exercise, but I'll try,"
+answered Mr Tidey; "and unless you have five-bar gates to leap, and the
+boundless prairie to gallop over, I trust that I shall stick on the back
+of the animal.  I don't like to be defeated, and I should not like to
+abandon the undertaking on account of my want of equestrian skill.
+Practice makes perfect; in the course of a few days I may perchance
+become an expert horseman."
+
+As dinner was about to be served, my father invited Mr Tidey to join
+him, and from the voracious way in which he shovelled the food into his
+mouth, it was very evident that he had long been a stranger to a
+satisfactory meal.
+
+The horses being rested, my father ordered Peter, who had left my
+Uncle's service, to bring out the steed he intended for his new
+acquaintance.  Mr Tidey showed his ignorance of horsemanship by
+attempting, in the first instance, to mount from the wrong side, until a
+hint from Peter made him try the other, when, aided by the black, he
+scrambled up into the saddle.  My father had advised him to let Peter
+carry his rifle and his slightly furnished knapsack, a fortunate
+circumstance, as was proved by the sequel.  As long as the horse
+continued walking Mr Tidey kept his seat with becoming dignity,
+endeavouring to imitate the way my father held his rein, though he
+shoved his feet far into the stirrups.  At length, coming to an even
+piece of road, my father put his horse into a trot.  For some minutes
+Mr Tidey bore the jolting to which the movement subjected him with
+wonderful patience, until my father heard him shriek out--
+
+"O captain, captain! for the love of heaven stop, or I shall be worn
+down to the bones."
+
+My father accordingly drew up, to allow his companion to recover
+himself.  After a time he again proposed moving forward.
+
+"I'll try, captain, I'll try," was the answer, "_fortes fortuna juvat_;
+but I wish that my steed could manage to move forward in a fashion less
+calculated to stir up the bile in my system, than that he has hitherto
+adopted."
+
+"A canter, or an easy gallop would suit you best," answered my father;
+"try him with a touch of your whip behind, and give a gentle jerk with
+your left rein.  Now, away we go!" and both steeds broke into a canter,
+exchanging it in a short time for a gallop.
+
+"Very pleasant, very pleasant; I only hope that my nag won't run away
+altogether," said Mr Tidey.
+
+"No fear of that," answered my father; "keep a sufficiently tight hold
+on your rein, and he'll go on well enough."
+
+As long as the ground was level his companion stuck on to admiration,
+but at length, coming to a rough part, his steed gave a bound over it,
+swerving on one side and shooting his rider, fortunately, into the
+middle of a bush, from which my father saw him struggling desperately to
+get free.  Having caught the horse, my father pulled up.
+
+"_Nil desperandum_!  I'll try again," cried Mr Tidey; "but I should be
+obliged to the animal not to play me such another trick."
+
+"You must be prepared for such tricks," answered my father, calling
+Peter to hold the horse.
+
+The Dominie at once bravely remounted, and the party moved forward, but
+before long he was again pitched off into the bed of a stream which
+flowed by the road-side, happily without any other damage than a
+thorough wetting.
+
+"It won't do, captain, it won't do!" he cried; "I must trust to my feet,
+and I may hope some day or other to reach your hospitable home.  Give me
+directions how to find it, and let me have my gun and the ammunition you
+were kind enough to obtain for me, and I doubt not but that in due
+course I shall present myself at your gate; the exercise will dry my
+clothes, and my gun will afford me as much food as I require; I am
+accustomed to the vicissitudes of fortune."
+
+My father being anxious to get home, and suspecting that Mr Tidey would
+still further delay him, somewhat reluctantly consented to his proposal,
+and slipping a couple of dollars into his hand, told Peter to give him
+back his rifle and knapsack, with his powder-horn and shot-belt.
+
+"A thousand thanks, a thousand thanks!" exclaimed Mr Tidey; "I shall
+think better of the world in future than I have been inclined to do for
+some time past."
+
+On leaving Mr Tidey my father had some doubts whether he should ever
+see him again.  He had, however, thought on his way home of the
+conversation which had taken place between them, and came to the
+conclusion that he was honest.  That he intended to fulfil his promise
+was proved by his appearance about ten days afterwards, with a load on
+his back.
+
+"I've not been idle, captain, I was anxious to return your kindness," he
+said.  "The country abounds with game, and I could live here in
+contentment for the rest of my days, provided I could occasionally
+indulge in a little literary recreation."
+
+From that day Mr Tidey became domesticated in our family.  My father
+being convinced that he was a man of sterling worth, we were duly placed
+under his care, and immediately he set to work to afford us the
+instruction which it must be confessed we at the time greatly needed.
+We made rapid progress, an evidence that he possessed the art of
+teaching; and, as Kathleen grew older, she also came in for her lessons.
+
+Mr Tidey was of opinion, much to our satisfaction, that all work and no
+play makes Jack a dull boy; and we consequently spent a portion of each
+day in shooting or trapping, often making excursions to a considerable
+distance from home.  Sometimes in summer we camped out for several days
+together.  On these occasions we gained a considerable amount of
+information from our worthy tutor on natural history.
+
+"You shall have a lesson now from the book of nature," he used to say
+when we started.  "It is a big book, and, if studied carefully, more
+knowledge can be gained from it than from any other source.  It might
+not be of so much use in the great cities down east, but I opine that
+you are not likely to spend much of your time in that direction, and it
+is well worth obtaining for many reasons, besides the satisfaction
+knowledge always affords."
+
+We used to start with our rifles in our hands and our knapsacks on our
+backs, making our beds at night on a heap of leaves, the blue vault of
+heaven for our only covering; or, when the sky looked threatening, we
+either built a hut of boughs or occasionally took shelter in the log hut
+of one of the pioneers of civilisation, as the hardy backwoodsmen are
+called, although, in most instances, but little civilised themselves.
+We preferred, however, taking up our abode at night in a bower of our
+own construction.
+
+We met with many adventures, but, owing to Mr Tidey's caution and
+judgment--though sometimes we were exposed to dangers--we always escaped
+from them without any serious mishap.
+
+We had had several encounters with bears and wolves, and now and then we
+met with more formidable enemies in the shape of a party of Shawanees
+who had ventured back to their old hunting-ground in search of game, or
+in the hopes of stealing the sheep or hogs of some solitary settler.
+
+Our tutor always spoke them fair and showed them that he was not afraid,
+and if we had any game, presented it to them as a mark of his
+friendship.  When we came across an Indian trail we took good care to
+keep a bright look-out on every side and a strict watch at night, so as
+to prevent being surprised, lest the Indians might be tempted to murder
+us for the sake of obtaining our arms and ammunition, unable to resist
+the desire of possessing what to them would be a rich prize.
+
+I must not step to describe more minutely our adventures at that period,
+interesting as they were to us.  I will however narrate the particulars
+of a curious incident which occurred during one of our excursions.
+
+We had gone further west than usual, and were traversing a space of
+low-lying land through which a wide stream flowed onwards towards the
+Mississippi.  We had expected to reach some higher ground where we could
+camp, when we found that the day was drawing to a close.  We accordingly
+looked out for a dry spot, free from long grass, on which we could light
+our fire and spend the night.  Some rocky ground just ahead, amid which
+grew a number of small trees and bushes, promised to offer us the sort
+of place we were looking for.
+
+We had just reached it, when I, happening to be a little in advance of
+our Dominie and Dan, saw a squirrel running along the ground towards a
+tree, with the evident intention of ascending it.  We had already as
+much game as we required, so I refrained from firing.  Just as the
+little creature had gained the foot of the tree, the ominous sound
+produced by the tail of a rattle-snake reached my ear, and the next
+instant an unusually large reptile of that species, darting forward,
+seized the innocent squirrel by the head, and began to draw it down its
+throat, the hind-legs of the little animal still convulsively moving.
+
+I beckoned to Mr Tidey and Dan, who ran forward to witness the
+operation, in which I knew they would be much interested.  Of course we
+could quickly have put an end to the snake, though we could not have
+saved its victim.  The reptile had got half the body of the squirrel
+down its throat, when I saw the long grass close at hand violently
+agitated, and caught sight of a large black snake moving rapidly through
+it.  The two creatures were well matched as to size.  It was the evident
+intention of the black snake to attack the other.  Instead of attempting
+to escape with its prize, the rattle-snake, though it could not use its
+venomous fangs, which would have given it an advantage over its
+opponent, whose teeth were unprovided with a poison-bag, advanced to the
+encounter.  In an instant the two creatures had flown at each other,
+forming a writhing mass of apparently inextricable coils.  In vain the
+rattle-snake attempted to get down the squirrel so as to use its fangs,
+the animal sticking in its throat could neither be swallowed nor
+ejected.  The struggle was truly fearful to look at.  Round and round
+they twisted and turned their lithe bodies.  In the excitement of the
+moment we cheered on the combatants, who appeared perfectly heedless of
+our cries.  By the most wonderful movements the rattle-snake managed to
+prevent the black snake from seizing its neck with its sharp teeth, or
+coiling its lithe tail round the other.
+
+Had the rattle-snake succeeded in swallowing the little squirrel, one
+bite with its venomous fangs would have gained it the victory.  For some
+time the result of the combat appeared indecisive.  In point of size the
+two creatures were tolerably well matched, both being upwards of six or
+seven feet long, with bodies of about equal thickness, but they differed
+greatly in the shape of their heads, and still more so in the form of
+their tails, that of the black snake being round and tapering to a fine
+point, while the thick rattle of the other was clearly discernible as
+they writhed and twisted round and round, its sound never ceasing while
+the deadly struggle continued; that and the angry hiss emitted by both
+alone broke the perfect silence which otherwise reigned around.  At
+length the black snake succeeded in seizing the body of its antagonist
+at some distance from the head, when by a sudden whisk it encircled with
+its long tail the neck of the more venomous reptile.  It then gradually
+drew the body of the latter within its coils until it had firmly secured
+its throat.  In vain the rattle-snake attempted to free itself.  At
+length, to our infinite satisfaction we saw the head of the venomous
+reptile drop towards the ground, and we no longer heard the rattle of
+its tail; still the black snake, which had from the first kept its sharp
+eyes intently fixed on those of the rattle-snake, did not appear
+satisfied that life was extinct, but held it in a fast embrace,
+carefully avoiding the risk of a puncture from its fangs.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted Dan when he saw the victory gained by the black snake.
+The reptile, the combat being now over, was startled by the sound of
+his voice.  For an instant it looked at us with head erect, as if about
+to spring forward to the attack, when Dan, before Mr Tidey could stop
+him, lifted his rifle and fired.  The big snake fell, and, after a few
+convulsive struggles, was dead beside its conquered foe.
+
+"I wish that you had let the creature live," said Mr Tidey; "it would
+have done us no harm and deserved to go free; besides which it would
+probably have killed a number more rattlesnakes."
+
+"Unless bitten itself," I remarked.
+
+"It was too wary a creature and too rapid in its movements to be taken
+at a disadvantage," observed Mr Tidey.  "It would have waited until it
+could catch another rattle-snake taking its dinner.  However, as the
+creature is killed, we will examine it and see how it differs from the
+venomous reptile.  To prevent the other from coming to life, we will
+make sure work by cutting off its head."
+
+"Be careful," cried Dan, "I thought I saw its body move."
+
+Taking his axe from his belt, our tutor, with one blow, severed the head
+from the body.
+
+"Don't prick your finger with its sharp fangs," said Mr Tidey, "for,
+although the creature is dead, the poison may exude and perhaps produce
+death even now."
+
+As he spoke he held up the head by the tail of the squirrel.  The body
+of the little creature had begun to swell and filled the whole of the
+snake's mouth.  Taking out a sharp knife and pressing the head of the
+snake with his axe, he cut open its jaws so as to expose both the upper
+and lower portions; by this means also he extracted the body of the
+squirrel.  He then showed us its poison fangs, which, on removing the
+little animal, folded back into the upper jaw, on the sides of which
+they were placed.  The points were as sharp and fine as needles.  He
+then cut out from each side of the head, close to the root of the fangs,
+the venom-bags.
+
+"You see that, to enable the head to contain these bags, it is very much
+broader than that of the harmless snake," he observed.  "We shall find
+the same breadth of head in all the venomous species.  The bags contain
+between them about eight drops of poison, one of which would be
+sufficient, introduced into the blood, to kill a man or a horse.  You
+see round the base of each fang, a mass of muscular tissue.  By its
+means the fang is elevated or depressed.  When the snake opens its mouth
+to strike its victim, the depressing muscles are relaxed, and the
+opposite series become contracted, causing the fangs to rise up ready
+for action.  Now look through my magnifying glass.  You see that the
+fang is hollow from the base to the point, from the former the poison is
+pressed up out of the poison-bag and exudes through the fang point,
+which, as you see, is in the form of a narrow slit on its concave side."
+
+"I don't see how any liquid could get through that," observed Dan.
+
+"It does though, and quite sufficient comes through to produce a deadly
+effect.  The other teeth enable the serpent to hold its prey, but are
+not in communication with the poison-bags.  I'll now show you the
+poison, but we must be very cautious how we handle it," observed the
+Dominie.
+
+On this he cut open the poison-bags and exhibited a small amount of
+pale-yellow oil-like substance.  He afterwards cleaned his knife
+carefully, and observed, "So potent is the venom, that even should a
+small drop remain, and were I to cut my finger, after the lapse of many
+days, I might fatally poison my blood.  And now, to prevent any
+accident, we will bury the poison-bags and fangs, where they are not
+likely to do any harm," he added.
+
+Having dug a hole with his axe, he did as he proposed, covering it up
+with leaves.
+
+"And now we will have an examination of the creature's tail, in which it
+differs from all other reptiles."
+
+Having cut it off, he held it up, and counted the joints, of which the
+snake--one of the largest of its species--had twenty.  Cutting them
+apart he showed us how the apparatus was arranged.  I could best
+describe it by saying it looked as if a number of small cups were placed
+one within the other, flattened on both sides, with rings round the
+edges and slightly decreasing in size towards the end, the last joint
+being the smallest and forming a knob.  These cups are horny and loosely
+joined, so as to produce the rattling sound for which the creature is
+noted.  Every year of its life a new joint is supposed to be added, so
+that the reptile killed by the black snake, must have been twenty years
+old.  Each joint was in form somewhat like the tip end of my thumb.  I
+have often since seen rattlesnakes, though seldom one so large.
+Generally I have found them coiled up among the dry herbage, with the
+tip of the tail raised in the centre of the coil.  On seeing me approach
+the creatures have instantly produced a quivering movement of their
+tails, which made the joints of the rattle shake against each other.  I
+cannot find expressions to describe the sound, but having once heard it
+I never failed to approach with caution, or to keep out of the
+creatures' way.
+
+"We will now have a look at the blue or black snake, or, as it is called
+here, `the Racer,'" observed the Dominie, "and a `racer' it is rightly
+called, for it moves along, as we saw this one do through the grass, at
+the speed of lightning.  When I first saw one I fancied from the noise
+that it made rushing through the dried grass, that it was a rattle-snake
+and shot the creature before I discovered that it was of a non-venomous
+species.  It can, however, bite very severely with its sharp teeth, and
+I once saw a poor man almost frightened to death, believing that he had
+been bitten by a rattle-snake.  You see that the head is supplied with a
+formidable array of teeth, but its tail is much longer and finer than
+that of the rattle-snake.  It can, however, open its jaws wide enough to
+gulp down a good-sized bird.  It gains its name of the blue or black
+snake from the colour of its back, which is, as you see, blue-black;
+while the underside is of an ashen slate hue.  The tints vary slightly,
+and hence the two names.  Its tail is fine in the extreme, and enables
+it to steer its rapid course through the herbage."
+
+We let our Dominie run on, though we were well acquainted with the black
+snake, for several had at different times come to the farm in search of
+rats, of which they kill a vast number.  My father gave orders that they
+should not be molested; after remaining, however, for some time, they
+invariably took their departure, for, as it may be supposed, it is
+impossible to detain them against their will, as they can climb over
+high palings or walls and insinuate their bodies into very small holes.
+
+The battle and the lecture occupied some time, when we had to hurry in
+order to get our camp ready for the night.  Our first care was to cut a
+sufficient supply of fire-wood to keep up a good blaze during the night,
+and as the air in that low situation was somewhat damp, Mr Tidey
+advised that we should build a hut, which would serve the double purpose
+of sheltering us from the heavy mist, as well as afford a protection
+from any wild beasts which might be prowling about.  We had killed a
+couple of turkeys, and as soon as we had got a good pile of hot embers
+we stuck up our game to roast, Dan having plucked them while I formed
+the uprights and spits, and Mr Tidey was engaged in erecting the hut.
+The odour from the roasting turkeys filled the air and was wafted by a
+light breeze into the recesses of the forest.  Preparations for the
+night were made.  We had taken our seats before the fire, with one of
+the turkeys already placed on a large leaf, which served as a dish, when
+a rustling sound, accompanied by that of the breaking of branches,
+reached our ears.  Dan and I started to our feet.
+
+"Stay quiet!" whispered Mr Tidey, lifting his rifle which lay by his
+side: "we will see what will happen, no red-skins make those sounds,
+they would approach far more cautiously."  The sound of the snapping of
+the branches and underwood increased, and presently we saw a shaggy
+creature, which, by the light of the fire thrown upon it, we immediately
+recognised as a huge bear.
+
+"What a monster!" cried Dan; "let me shoot it."
+
+"No, no, you might miss; the creature would become dangerous if
+wounded," answered the Dominie.
+
+We all three were at this time kneeling down with our rifles ready for
+action.  The bear advanced cautiously, sniffing up the odours of the
+roast turkey, but not liking the glare in his eyes.
+
+"Don't either of you fire until I tell you," whispered our tutor.
+
+The next instant the bear, one of the brown species, raised itself on
+its hind-legs to look round.  The Dominie pulled his trigger.  So well
+aimed was his shot, that "bruin" rolled over, giving a few kicks with
+his thick legs.
+
+"Stay, boys; don't go near his head until you're sure that he is dead,"
+cried the Dominie, who was always very careful of us; and advancing axe
+in hand, he dealt the prostrate bear a blow, which effectually knocked
+any life it might have retained out of it.
+
+"It's a pity we are not nearer home, or we might take the skin with us
+as a trophy," I observed.
+
+"Oh, I'll carry it!" cried Dan, "provided that I have not to take the
+head."
+
+"I'll help you," said I.
+
+"And I'll relieve you when you get tired," observed the Dominie.  "At
+all events we will have some bear-steaks for breakfast as a change from
+turkeys."
+
+That bear, though easily gained, cost us a sleepless night.  We had
+eaten our supper and had just thrown ourselves on our leafy couches,
+when a low howl was heard, followed by several yelps.
+
+"Those are wolves!" cried Mr Tidey, starting up; "they'll eat the bear
+and then eat us, if we don't drive them off."
+
+"They sha'n't have the bear!" cried Dan; "let's drag him up to the fire
+and fight over his body."
+
+"It would be more prudent to skin him and cut off the steaks we may
+require," said the Dominie: "we will then drag the body to a distance
+and allow the wolves to fight over it, so that we can pick them off at
+our leisure or drive the survivors away when they have done their
+feast."  Shouting and waving brands in our hands we drove the hungry
+pack to a distance, where they sat down howling with rage and
+disappointment while we, by the bright flames of the fire, succeeded in
+skinning the bear and cutting off the tit-bits; we then, as proposed,
+dragged the carcase to the borders of the forest-glade in which we were
+encamped, and returned to our fire with the skin and meat.  No sooner
+had the flames produced by some fresh wood thrown on the fire decreased,
+than the howling pack drew near the carcase.  Concealing ourselves
+behind our hut, we waited to watch what would next take place.  It was
+evident that the brutes were still wary of the fire, for they approached
+cautiously: at last one bolder or more hungry than the rest, rushed
+forward and commenced gnawing at the carcase.  His example was followed
+by his companions.  We counted upwards of thirty of the savage
+creatures, a formidable pack had we been without arms, or a fire, but
+they caused us no anxiety about our safety.  "Now, boys, wait until I
+give the word, and we'll fire together," whispered our Dominie.  "I'll
+take the one to the right; and you, Mike, take a fellow in the centre;
+and you, Dan, knock over a third to the left.  We may exterminate the
+whole pack, if we take good aim, as the survivors are sure to kill their
+wounded companions.  Now, fire!"
+
+Dan and I did as he desired, and three wolves rolled over.
+Notwithstanding this the greater part of the pack were too eager in
+devouring the bear to take much notice of what had occurred.  A few,
+apparently young wolves, who stood at a distance, howling and yelping,
+afraid to approach while the elders were enjoying their feast, ran back
+alarmed at the shots.  They, however, quickly returned.  We immediately
+reloaded, and at another signal from Mr Tidey again fired.  Two more
+wolves were killed, but Dan only slightly wounded an animal, which went
+howling away, creating a panic among the outsiders.  The rest, still
+regardless of the death of so many of their number, continued gnawing
+away at the bear, snarling and yelping, and wrangling over their feast.
+
+The third time we fired, with the same success as at first.
+
+"We may let them alone for the present until they have eaten up the
+bear, as there is no chance of their molesting us," observed Mr Tidey;
+"and we shall expend too much of our ammunition, if we attempt to kill
+the whole pack.  Let us make up the fire and they will not venture near
+us."
+
+Although the flames burnt up brightly, the wolves did not appear to be
+scared by them, but continued as before tearing the carcase to pieces,
+presenting a surging mass of heads, tails, and bodies twisting and
+turning and struggling together, while they kept up an incessant chorus
+of snarls and yelps.  The Dominie proposed that we should lie down while
+he kept watch.
+
+"No, no, we will take it by turns to do that," I observed; "let us draw
+lots who shall take the first watch; we shall all of us then obtain some
+sleep and be ready to proceed in the morning."
+
+My proposal was agreed to, three pieces of stick served our purpose held
+in Dan's hand.  I drew the longest and had the first watch, promising to
+call the Dominie in a couple of hours.  I took good care to keep up a
+blazing fire, while I paced backwards and forwards, between it and the
+hut.  I had no fear of falling asleep, while the uproar continued,
+though scarcely had Dan stretched himself on the ground, than his eyes
+closed, while the snores which proceeded from the spot where the Dominie
+had thrown himself assured me that he too was in the land of dreams.
+
+As the "patriarchs" of the pack had somewhat appeased their hunger, the
+younger members rushed, in uttering sharp yelps, to which the elders
+replied with still louder snarls, greatly increasing the horrible din.
+The Dominie and Dan started up, fancying that the wolves were upon us.
+Neither of them could after this go to sleep.
+
+"Come, Mike, I'll take your place," said Mr Tidey.  This I declined,
+for I knew it would be useless to lie down.  We therefore all three sat
+round the fire, hoping that the wolves would at length leave us quiet.
+The savage brutes, however, having finished the bear began to tear up
+the bodies of their companions, wrangling over them as they had done
+over that of bruin.
+
+At last the Dominie, losing patience, jumped up exclaiming, "We must
+drive these brutes off, though they are not worth any more of our powder
+and shot."
+
+Each of us taking a burning brand, we advanced towards the wolves, and,
+waving our torches, raised a loud shout.  The brutes hearing the noise
+and seeing us coming, took to flight, disappearing in the depths of the
+forest.  Where the body of the bear had been, part of the skull, and a
+few of the larger bones alone remained, while most of the wolves had
+also been torn to pieces and the whole ground round was strewn with the
+fragments and moist with gore.  Disgusted by the sight, we hurried back
+to our camp.
+
+"We shall get some rest now, I hope, for I don't think the wolves will
+come near us," said Dan.
+
+"Not so sure about that," observed the Dominie; "however, we will try
+and obtain some sleep."
+
+Before our eyes were closed the horrible chorus of howls and yelps and
+barking recommenced, and continued apparently on every side of our camp;
+still, while the fire burned brightly, there was no fear of the brutes
+rushing in on us.  To sleep, while those dismal howls broke the
+stillness of night, was simply impossible.  Now the creatures appeared
+to be coming nearer, now they retreated, now they seemed on this side,
+now on that; their voices had summoned a fresh pack, who, rushing in,
+quickly devoured the remainder of the feast.  All night long the tumult
+was kept up.  Occasionally Mr Tidey or I rose to attend to the fire.
+Upon each occasion I caught sight of numerous glaring eyes staring out
+at us from amid the darkness.  As morning approached the sounds
+gradually ceased, and we had the satisfaction of believing that the
+wolves had retreated to the recesses of the forest.  I immediately fell
+asleep, and when Mr Tidey roused Dan and me, the sun was already
+several degrees above the horizon.  We breakfasted on some bear-steak,
+which we had fortunately secured, then set to work to scrape the skin
+and to pack it up in a tight compass.  As we had no wish to carry the
+skin further than we could help, we put about and steered a course for
+home, which we calculated it would take us four days to reach.  Nothing
+occurred worth narrating for the next three days.
+
+We had still a march of about twenty-five miles to accomplish, and were
+looking for a convenient spot to camp in near a stream bordered by a
+wood, when we heard a low moan, which seemed to proceed from no great
+distance off.
+
+"That's a human voice," observed Mr Tidey; "some poor fellow wounded by
+the Indians, or who perhaps has been injured by some other means."
+
+We hunted about, being still uncertain of the exact spot whence the
+sound proceeded.  Again a moan reached our ears, and guided by it we
+hurried on, when behind a bush we found stretched on the ground,
+apparently at the last gasp, a negro dressed in the usual costume of the
+slaves, a rough shirt and loose trousers.  His feet were cut and
+bleeding, probably from the sharp rocks and prickly bushes among which
+he had passed.  He opened his languid eyes as the sound of our footsteps
+reached his ears, and pointing to his mouth murmured--
+
+"Eat, eat,--massa, eat."
+
+Having fortunately the remains of our last dinner in our knapsacks, we
+were at once able to give him some food, while Mr Tidey poured some rum
+and water down his throat.  The effect was most satisfactory.  In a few
+minutes he was able to sit up, when he gazed at us earnestly.
+
+"Where were you wanting to go, my poor fellow?" asked the Dominie in a
+kind tone.
+
+The black's eye brightened.
+
+"Oh, massa, you kind to poor nigger," he said in a weak voice.
+
+"White man or nigger, we are all of the same stock, whatever the
+philosophers may say to the contrary.  I won't ask where you came from,
+except you wish to tell us; but perhaps we can help you on your way if
+you have friends you desire to reach."
+
+I don't think the black quite understood the Dominie's remarks, but he
+comprehended enough to know that they were dictated by a kind spirit and
+that he might trust us.
+
+"You no gib up de poor slave to his hard massa?" he said in a whisper,
+his voice trembling as if he was divulging a secret on which his life
+depended.
+
+"No, that I'll not," said the Dominie; "I don't hold with those who
+think they have a right to buy and sell their fellow-creatures, and in
+my opinion those fellow-creatures are perfectly justified in
+endeavouring to get away from them, though if I was to say so down east,
+I might chance to be the victim of `Lynch law.'"
+
+The countenance of the negro brightened still more.
+
+"Dis nigger go whar you go, massa," he said, attempting to rise.  His
+strength, however, was insufficient for the exertion, and he sank back
+to the ground.
+
+"You are not able to journey yet, and it will take you two or three days
+to regain your strength," observed the Dominie; "so we will camp here,
+boys, and as we are not expected home for a day or two, it will be no
+great loss to us.  We have light enough yet to shoot our suppers, and I
+heard a turkey `gobble' not far off.  You stay by the black man, collect
+wood for a fire and boughs for a shanty, while I go and try my luck."
+
+Saying this, our kind-hearted tutor took his rifle and soon disappeared
+in the forest.  We, in the meantime, were too much occupied in obeying
+his directions to put any further questions to the negro, whose eyes,
+however, were turned towards us as we moved about.  We had soon
+collected sufficient fuel to last us during the night, and then employed
+ourselves in cutting down some young trees and lopping off some boughs.
+While thus engaged we heard two shots.  A short time afterwards the
+Dominie appeared, carrying a turkey in one hand and a small fawn over
+his shoulder.
+
+"We've food here, boys, for ourselves and enough to set the negro on his
+legs again," he exclaimed as he approached us.  "Well done, I see you
+haven't been idle; now kindle the fire while I fix up the shanty.  I
+should like to get our poor friend here under cover as soon as possible,
+for more reasons than one, and he'll be the better for a mug of soup."
+
+The Dominie, among other articles, had carried, I should have said, a
+small saucepan, which had served to fetch water, boil our tea, and was
+equally applicable for making a small quantity of soup.  While I made up
+the fire, Dan, having filled the saucepan from the stream, plucked the
+turkey and cut up a part of it into small pieces.  We then put it on to
+boil.  The Dominie in the meantime had flayed the deer and spitted a
+couple of joints to roast, together with the remainder of the bird.
+This done, he finished the shanty, into which we lifted the black, and
+placed him on a bed of small twigs and leaves, a far more comfortable
+couch than from his appearance we suspected he had enjoyed for a long
+time.  His looks, more than his words, expressed his gratitude, though
+he continued to murmur--
+
+"Tankee, tankee, massa; God bless massa!" his vocabulary not enabling
+him to use any set phrases.
+
+It was dark before the soup was ready.  As soon as it was sufficiently
+cool, and I had added some pepper and salt, I took it to him.
+
+"Oh, massa! dis too much good to poor nigger," he murmured as he supped
+it up; and almost immediately afterwards sinking back, he fell into a
+deep slumber.
+
+"I don't care whether the black is a runaway slave or not, but I tell
+you what, boys, we must be cautious how we proceed with him, the chances
+are that he is pursued," said the Dominie as we were seated before the
+fire eating our ample supper.  "If so, the fellows who come after him
+are likely to treat us with scant courtesy."
+
+"I'm sure my father would wish to help the black, if he is a runaway
+slave, for he hates the system of slavery as much as any man," observed
+Dan.
+
+"I tell you what we must do, then," continued the Dominie, "if any
+strangers appear, we must keep him inside the hut and cover him up with
+boughs and leaves.  They will scarcely suspect he is with us, and you
+must leave me to answer any questions they put to us."
+
+"Suppose they have blood-hounds with them, the brutes are sure to scent
+him out."
+
+"If we see the dogs approaching, we must shoot them without ceremony,
+and take our chances of the consequences.  I am only supposing what may
+not happen, but we must be prepared for contingencies."
+
+As on other nights, we kept watch, giving Dan a short one, the Dominie
+and I taking the longest.  Our object, however, was to scare away wolves
+or bears, for no human enemies were likely to approach us during the
+night.
+
+We got up as soon as it was daylight, but the black did not awake until
+the sun rose and we had finished our breakfast.  We gave him some more
+soup, which suited him better than our own fare, but it was evident that
+he was still too weak to move.
+
+"The chances are that he remains in this state several days, and your
+mother will become alarmed if you do not make your appearance," said the
+Dominie.  "You know your way home as well as I do, and I wish that you
+would set off alone, while I remain with the black.  State what has
+happened, and perhaps your father will think fit to send the waggon to
+bring us in."
+
+As there appeared no objection to this proposal, Dan and I agreed to
+start immediately.  Tears came into the eyes of the negro when we went
+into the hut to wish him good-bye.
+
+"Oh, massa, you like angel from heaven, so good to poor black fellow,"
+he exclaimed.
+
+We had a pretty long day's march before us, for although on a beaten
+road the distance would have been nothing, we had to make our way
+through forests and across streams and bogs, some pretty rough hills to
+climb, and valleys to pass.  We carried a portion of the venison with
+us, which was still uncooked, and felt sure that without going out of
+our way we should be able to kill something or other to serve us for
+supper should we not reach home in time.  At first we had some
+difficulty in making our way, and without great care we knew that we
+might be steering too far to the right or left.  Every mile we advanced
+the country became more and more familiar.  At noon we camped, lighted a
+fire, and cooked the venison.  We calculated that by this time we had
+done about twelve miles, so Dan thought, but I was not quite sure of
+that.  There was no means of ascertaining which was right.  "At all
+events, we must not spend much time here," I exclaimed, as we finished
+the last of our venison, and jumping up I buckled on my knapsack, and
+took my rifle in my hand.  Dan was in no hurry to start.  Seeing that I
+was determined to go, he got up, and we trudged on together at the same
+speed as before.  We had not got far when, as we reached the brow of a
+hill, we caught sight of two men on horseback passing along the valley
+at our feet.  We instinctively drew back, hoping that we had not been
+seen, but their voices reached our ears hailing us.
+
+"Hulloa! youngsters, have you seen a nigger-boy running in this
+direction?" asked one of the men as we drew near.
+
+"We have seen no nigger-boy running in this direction," I replied, such
+being the fact.
+
+"If you do, just take him along with you, and threaten to shoot him if
+he won't move; don't do it though, for he's worth a heap of dollars, and
+if you don't catch him, some one else will."
+
+"It's not our business to catch runaway slaves," Dan answered unwisely.
+
+"Whew! my young cock sparrow, to whom do you belong?" asked the man,
+squirting a stream of tobacco juice out of his mouth, which Dan narrowly
+escaped.
+
+"We belong to our father," answered Dan, "and to no one else."
+
+"And who is your father, master cock-a-hoop?" asked the man.
+
+"Call me by my proper name and I'll answer a civil question."
+
+"You'll answer whether I put the question civilly or not," cried the
+fellow, raising his whip and spurring his horse on towards Dan, on which
+I brought my rifle to bear on the man, exclaiming--
+
+"If you touch my brother, I'll shoot you, as sure as you're a living
+man."
+
+On this he pulled in his rein, while his companion, bursting into a loud
+laugh, exclaimed--
+
+"These young cocks crow loudly!  I say, youngsters, who is your father?
+he must be a smart fellow to own such a pair of bantlings."
+
+"Our father is Captain Loraine who lives at Uphill, and he's not the
+person to stand nonsense from you or any other man like you!" exclaimed
+Dan, whose Irish temper had risen almost to boiling pitch.
+
+The strangers, seeing that they could not get much change out of us,
+rode on; the last man who had spoken bantering his companion on their
+defeat.  I saw the other turn his head several times as though not quite
+sure that we should not fire after him.
+
+"I am glad they didn't come upon our camp this morning, although as they
+have no blood-hounds with them, we might have managed to conceal the
+negro without having had resort to force," I remarked.
+
+"But we should have had to tell lies if they had put questions to us, or
+have given him up or fought for him," observed Dan.
+
+"Still better reason why we should be thankful that they did not find
+us," I answered.
+
+We were so excited by what had occurred that we slackened our speed for
+a considerable way.  We were still several miles from home when night
+overtook us; we had therefore again to camp out.  We did not mind this,
+but we were anxious to get to the farm, to send assistance to our tutor
+and the poor black.  According to our usual plan, we built a shanty,
+lighted a fire, and one of us sat up to keep the latter blazing.  We
+heard strange sounds during the night, which kept us wakeful, and during
+my watch I caught sight of a bear, though the fire made him keep at a
+respectful distance.  After surveying us for a few minutes, and not
+discovering any tempting odour, he slunk away, convinced that he would
+gain nothing by paying us a visit.  When I roused up Dan, I told him to
+keep a look-out, lest bruin should come back, and lay down to snatch a
+short sleep, expecting to be roused up again before long.  Dan, however,
+saw nothing during his watch to induce him to call me, so I had my sleep
+out.  I was awakened by feeling him shaking my shoulder.
+
+"It is near morning, Mike, I think," he said; "I suspect that I must
+have nodded, for the fire is lower than it should be, but I have thrown
+on some sticks and it will soon be blazing up again."
+
+I sprang to my feet just in time to see a big shaggy beast emerging from
+the surrounding darkness.  I gave a poke to the fire with my foot, it
+made some dry leaves burst into a flame, and then Dan and I both shouted
+at the top of our voices.  The bear, who had again scented us out, might
+in another instant have caught Dan or me in his unfriendly embrace; but
+he stopped short, and then, turning round, retreated much faster than he
+had come.  We did not fire, as we should probably only have wounded him
+and have excited him to rage.
+
+Soon after this daylight broke.  Having eaten the remainder of our
+provisions, we started off, hoping to reach home in three or four hours.
+We met with no other adventures by the way.  The first person we saw on
+approaching our home was our father.  We told him of our discovery of
+the apparently dying black, and that the dominie had remained behind to
+take care of the poor fellow.
+
+"Mr Tidey has done as I would have had him, and acted the part of the
+good Samaritan.  We'll send the waggon off at once, to bring him and the
+negro in," said my father.
+
+Though I wanted to go too, our father declared that we looked so much
+knocked up from our long tramp and sleepless nights, that we must turn
+in and get some rest, and he said that he would despatch Peter, who knew
+the country better than we did, for the purpose.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE.
+
+ARRIVAL OF THE WAGGON--WHY DIO RAN AWAY--HOW TO ACT FOR THE BEST--
+ABOLITION OF SLAVERY--WHAT BIDDY O'TOOLE MEANT TO DO--KATHLEEN AND DIO--
+BIDDY'S INTERVIEW WITH THE STRANGERS--DIO'S PURSUERS--A FORTUNATE
+ARRIVAL--TEACHING THE BLACK TO READ--GOOD WORDS--AN INTERRUPTED LESSON--
+THE ALARM--MAN-HUNTERS--EVERY MAN'S HOUSE HIS CASTLE--WATCHING THE
+STRANGERS--AN AGREEABLE SURPRISE--MR. MCDERMONT--MY MOTHER'S
+APPREHENSIONS OF DANGER--OUR GARRISON INCREASED.
+
+The first thing I did the next morning on getting up was to hurry out to
+ascertain if Mr Tidey and the negro had arrived, and was much
+disappointed to find that the waggon had not come back.  Breakfast was
+over, and still it did not appear.  My mother suggested that possibly
+the black was too weak to be removed.  When I told my father of the two
+men we had fallen in with, in search of a runaway slave, he looked
+grave, remarking--
+
+"Possibly the fellows on their return may have fallen in with the
+waggon, and if so, they have carried off it and its occupants."
+
+"I don't think Mr Tidey would allow himself to be captured by only two
+men, or would surrender the black of whom he had taken charge," I
+remarked.
+
+"He is not likely to submit himself to be made prisoner, I grant, unless
+he should have been wounded, but possibly he may not have felt himself
+called on to fight for a stranger, should the men in search of the slave
+be able to prove that he belongs to them or their employer," answered my
+father.  "However, I'll set out to try to ascertain what has happened;
+saddle Swiftsure, Mike, while I get ready."
+
+As I was on my way to the field in which our horses grazed, I heard Dan
+shout out--
+
+"Here comes the waggon, no necessity to get the horses."
+
+On running back to the hill on which Dan was standing, I saw the waggon
+coming along, driven at a quick rate by Peter, while Mr Tidey was
+seated with his rifle between his knees, close behind him.  I could not
+discover a third person, and I began to fear that the negro had died or
+been captured by his pursuers.  This was a great disappointment, and I
+pictured to myself the misery of the poor fellow, should he have been
+dragged back into slavery.
+
+While returning by a path running alongside the hill, we lost sight of
+the waggon.  On our arrival at the house, however, it had just reached
+the foot of the hill.  We here found our father, mother, and Kathleen,
+standing at the doorway to welcome Mr Tidey, and to hear what had
+happened.
+
+At that moment a person rose from the bottom of the waggon, and, leaping
+to the ground, came running towards us.  It was the black we had
+discovered.  For an instant he stopped and gazed in my father's face,
+then darting forward, he seized his hand and pressed it to his lips,
+exclaiming--
+
+"Oh, massa! dis niggar Dio know you; nebber forget you, massa; you
+remember de poor slave niggar who pulled de little boy out of de water?"
+
+"Remember you, my good fellow!" exclaimed my father, wringing his hand.
+"I have never forgotten you; you saved my boy's life, and probably my
+wife's too.  There they both stand, though you don't perhaps remember
+them."
+
+Dio gazed at my mother, then at Dan and me.
+
+"De lady, yes! remember her," and he made an obeisance to my mother.
+"But de little boy him not know which," and he looked first at me then
+at Dan.
+
+"That's the one," said my father, pointing to me, "he has grown
+considerably since then, but he has not forgotten you."
+
+"No indeed I have not," I said, "and now I know who you are, I'm doubly
+thankful that we fell in with you."
+
+"Ah, massa, dis niggar gone coon if you hadn't found him," answered Dio.
+
+"I'm very glad that they did find you, Dio; but how did you happen to be
+in such a condition?" asked my father.
+
+The negro fixed his eyes on my father's countenance--
+
+"Massa, me tell you de tru's.  Dat cruel man, Bracher, him make de poor
+niggar's back sore wid de lash, and den, when he find I lub one darkey
+girl, him beat her too and den sell her for fifty dollars, 'cos she
+almost dead.  It almost break her heart, and her jump into de riber and
+drown herself.  Den Dio tink if him stay him shoot Masser Bracher, so
+him run 'way and say him find de good cap'n, de only white man who eber
+say one kind word to poor Dio.  Him wander in de wood, and at last, when
+he hab noting to eat, him sink down and tink him die.  Den come de tall
+doctor and de young gentleman, dey put new life into dis niggar.  Ah!
+massa, let Dio stay here, him ready to be always your slave, an' nebber,
+nebber want run 'way."
+
+"Though I cannot let you be my slave, I will gladly protect you and
+allow you to remain here until you have sufficiently recovered to make
+your way northward into Canada, where alone you can be safe," said my
+father.
+
+"Dis niggar wish always to be de cap'n's slave, no want to go to
+Canada," answered Dio.
+
+"But, my poor fellow, if you remain here, you will be recaptured to a
+certainty, as your former master would find you out before long, and
+would place men on the watch to seize you out of doors, even though I
+might protect you in the house."
+
+Still Dio entreated that even when he had recovered his strength he
+should not be sent away; but my father was firm in declining to make any
+promise both on his own account and for the sake of the black himself.
+It was in fact an illegal act to assist a slave in escaping, and much
+more to harbour one, and my father knew full well that possibly a party
+of Kentuckian slaveholders would come across and capture Dio.  The
+black, although much recovered, was still somewhat weak.  My father
+seeing this, and considering that it would be imprudent to allow him to
+sleep in the huts with the other negroes, ordered a small inner room to
+be prepared for him where he could remain in tolerable security even
+should any of those in search of him come our way.  Peter was charged to
+be cautious not to mention that he had brought Dio to the house, while
+fortunately none of the other farm hands, (as far as we knew), had seen
+him arrive.  Mr Tidey was fully alive to the importance of keeping the
+matter secret, and was as anxious as any of us to prevent the fugitive
+being retaken.  The negro himself seemed perfectly satisfied that he was
+safe from capture now that he was with us.
+
+My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him
+with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the
+night northward.  He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio,
+whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.  My father was acquainted
+with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us
+in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to
+assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held
+their principles.  At that time what was called "the underground
+railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of
+persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society
+of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were
+always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel
+taskmasters.  The movement in England in favour of the abolition of the
+slave-trade had been commenced by Wilberforce in 1787.  From that time
+the British emancipists gained strength, and in 1792 resolutions for the
+abolition of the slave-trade were carried in the House of Commons.  The
+following year, however, the House did not confirm its former vote, and
+though Wilberforce annually brought forward a motion, for seven years it
+was regularly lost until in 1799 a bill was carried limiting the traffic
+to a certain extent of coast.  It was not, however, until 1807 that a
+bill for the total abolition of the British slave-trade received the
+royal assent.  At first a penalty in money was alone inflicted on
+British subjects captured on board slave-ships, but in 1811 an act
+carried by Lord Brougham made slave-dealing felony.  This being found an
+inadequate check, in 1824 the slave-trade was declared to be piracy and
+the punishment death.  This was enforced until 1837, when the punishment
+for trading in slaves was changed to transportation for life.  Other
+nations imitated England in prohibiting their subjects from trafficking
+in slaves; the United States of North America and Brazil making the
+traffic piracy, and punishable with death.  All, with one exception, the
+United States, agreed to permit their ships to be searched at sea by the
+vessels of other nations.  Unhappily, however, the profits on the trade
+were so enormous, that the traffic in slaves continued to be carried on
+from the coast of Africa to the Brazils, Cuba, and the more southern of
+the United States in spite of the activity of the British cruisers.  Of
+course it will be understood that there is a wide distinction between
+the abolition of the slave-trade, and the abolition of slavery.  Great
+Britain abolished slavery in her colonies in 1833, at the same time
+slavery existed, with all its abominations, in the more southern of the
+United States, as well as in the Brazils and Cuba, and on the other side
+of the continent.  At the time of which I am speaking negroes were
+bought and sold and driven from one state to another.  Parents were
+separated from their children, husbands from their wives, and if any one
+was daring enough to speak a word in favour of the much-suffering race,
+he ran the risk of having his house fired, and his plantations
+devastated, or of being put to death, as John Brown was in subsequent
+years.
+
+My father was well aware of the danger he ran in harbouring Dio.  Under
+ordinary circumstances he would have hazarded much to save a slave from
+being recaptured, but he felt himself doubly bound to preserve our negro
+guest, and thus repay in the most effectual manner, the debt of
+gratitude he owed to him for saving my mother's life and mine.
+
+The fact of his being in the house was kept a profound secret from all
+the outdoor servants, and my father knew that he could trust Peter and
+Black Rose, who were the only persons in the family, besides ourselves,
+including Mr Tidey and our Irish servant Biddy O'Toole.  The latter was
+cautioned not to speak about a negro being in the house, should any
+strangers come to look for him.
+
+"Arrah! thim spalpeens w'd be mighty claver to get onything out of Biddy
+O'Toole," she answered, with a curl of her lips and cock of her nose,
+while her eyes twinkled; "sure if they force themselves into the house
+while the master is away, I'll bid them dare to disturb my old mither,
+whose troubled with a fever.  If they come near the room, I'll give them
+a taste of the broomstick."
+
+A couple of days had passed away, and we began to hope that Dio's
+pursuers had given up the search, and would not suspect where he was
+concealed.  He was rapidly recovering under the kind treatment he
+received, for he had never before in his life been so well tended.
+Either Dan, Kathleen, or I took him in his food, and Peter slept in the
+same room and looked after him at night, but of course in the day-time
+had to attend to his usual duties.  Kathleen became Dio's special
+favourite.  I am sure from the way he spoke of her, he would have died
+to do her a service.
+
+"She one angel, Massa Mike.  If such as she lib in heaven, it mus' be
+one beautiful place," he remarked to me one day.
+
+Kathleen would sit patiently by his bedside, and sing to him with her
+sweet child-voice, and then read a little or tell him a story, handing
+him some cooling drink when he was thirsty.
+
+I had one day, while chopping wood, severely sprained my right wrist.
+My mother had bound it up and put my arm a sling, so that I could not
+use it, and I therefore remained at home while my father and Dan were
+out.  The only persons in the house besides my mother, Kathleen, and
+myself, being Biddy and Dio.  Rose had gone to assist the wife of a
+settler at some distance whose child was ill.  I had been kept awake by
+the pain my wrist caused me during the night, and while attempting to
+read had fallen asleep, when I was aroused by the sound of the rough
+voices of two men at the front door demanding admittance, and abusing
+Biddy in no measured terms for refusing to let them in.
+
+"It'd be mighty curious, now, if I'd be afther lettin' strangers into
+the house while the cap'n is away," answered Biddy, who had evidently
+seen them coming, and had confronted them on the threshold; "in here you
+don't put your feet 'till the masther comes home to give ye lave, an'
+unless yez keep more civil tongues in your head that'll not be likely."
+
+"Are you the only person in the house?" asked one of the men.
+
+"An' what if I am the only person?  I am as good as a dozen such
+spalpeens as you!" cried Biddy in high tones.
+
+"You've got as good as a dozen tongues in your head, you saucy jade,"
+answered one of the men, with a laugh.
+
+"Saucy or not saucy, you don't come in here.  I'm left in charge, with
+the mistress busy in one room an' my ould mither, who came all the way
+out from Ireland when I was a slip of a girl, sick in bed in another, so
+I'll ax you not to spake so loudly, or you'll be afther disturbing them.
+Now just sit down on the bank outside 'till the cap'n comes, or mount
+your horses and ride away about your business."
+
+"Come, come, Mistress Sharptongue, whether the cap'n shows himself or
+not, we intend to look round the house inside and out.  We are hunting
+for a runaway nigger, and we understand that Captain Loraine has a black
+boy, and if he is not the one we are looking for, he's pretty sure to
+know where the other is.  These free niggers ought to be hung up on the
+nearest trees wherever they are to be found; they are a pest to the
+country!"
+
+"Sure is it Pater ye mane!" exclaimed Biddy in an indignant tone;
+"nigger though he may be, he is more honest than many a white man."
+
+"Keep a civil tongue in your head, Misess Impudence or it may be the
+worse for you," said one of the men.
+
+Biddy gave a scornful laugh.
+
+"I'll be after t'aching you to keep a civil tongue in your head; just do
+as I tell you, or--"
+
+I could suppose Biddy flourishing her broomstick.  The men laughed in
+return, and then, hearing a scuffle, fearing that she might be
+ill-treated, I thought it time to make my appearance with my gun in my
+left hand, though it would have cost me much had it been necessary to
+pull the trigger.  Biddy was standing at bay, defending herself bravely
+against the two men, who were endeavouring to force their way into the
+hall, where the scene I am describing took place.
+
+Whack, whack! down came Biddy's stick on their arms, which they held up
+to defend their heads, when one of the fellows, who had received a
+harder blow than he liked, seized the stick with one hand, while with
+the other he drew his bowie-knife and pointed it at the girl, as if
+about to strike.
+
+"Arrah! now, ye coward, would ye be afther usin' your knife on a woman?"
+shrieked Biddy.
+
+Fearing that the man would not hesitate to commit some act of violence,
+I stepped forward, and, showing my gun, shouted, "Back, you villains,
+whoever you are, or take the consequences.  I have overheard what you
+have said; the girl is doing her duty, and until my father comes back--
+and I expect him every minute--into this house you do not enter."
+
+The men, who had hitherto not seen me, observing my gun pointed at their
+heads, stepped back a pace or two; when Biddy, taking advantage of their
+eyes being withdrawn from her, struck the bowie-knife out of the hand of
+the man who had attacked her, crying out--
+
+"Fire, Mr Mike, fire; an' we shall, gain the day!"
+
+The two men, who evidently had no wish to risk their lives in the task
+they had undertaken, sprang back together through the doorway to avoid
+the expected shot, when Biddy, darting after them, slammed the door in
+their faces, instantly slipping the bolt, so that they could not again
+force it open, though they made the attempt.  As she did so she uttered
+a shout of triumph.
+
+"Arrah! the spalpeens will not be again trying to walk into the houses
+of dacent people with a cock an' bull story about hunting for a runaway
+slave.  Just let them have a taste of your rifle, and they'll not forget
+the lesson we ye given them."
+
+This she said at the top of her voice, knowing that the men outside
+would hear her.  Whether or not they would have made another attempt to
+get in I cannot say, for at that moment, looking out from the window of
+the room at which I had been seated, I caught sight of my father, Mr
+Tidey, and Dan, with guns in hand, approaching the house.
+
+I immediately cried out to them that some men had been endeavouring to
+force their way into the house.  The brave Biddy's assailants hearing
+what I said, and expecting probably to have some shot sent after them,
+took to their heels until they reached their horses, which they had left
+secured to some trees, when mounting, they galloped off as hard as they
+could go.  Biddy, the excitement over, went into hysterics, laughing and
+crying and shouting out--
+
+"We've won the day!  We did it well, didn't we, Master Mike?"
+
+My father and Mr Tidey, on hearing the account I gave them, were of
+opinion that the men were satisfied that the black was not concealed in
+the house, but that Biddy had simply fought to prevent them from
+entering.  Probably they admired her all the more for her determined
+conduct.  Dan, keeping himself concealed, followed them for some
+distance, and when he came back reported that they had taken the road to
+Kentucky, so we hoped that we should be rid of them.
+
+Several days passed away and Dio had recovered his strength sufficiently
+to get up and move about the house, though my father would not allow him
+to go out of doors.  His delight was to attend to Kathleen and do her
+bidding.  She, finding her power, kept him in constant employment.
+Young as she was, she could read remarkably well, and her great desire
+was to teach him to read.  He probably had never before seen a book, as
+any person attempting to teach the blacks in the slave-states would have
+been thrown into prison, and very possibly hung to the nearest tree.
+Except ledgers and account books, probably not a volume of any
+description was to be found in Mr Bracher's establishment.  For hours
+together Kathleen would occupy a high chair, with Dio seated on the
+ground by her side, while she taught him the alphabet or read to him
+some interesting tale out of one of her books.  My mother felt it her
+duty to instruct him in the gospel, of which he was perfectly ignorant,
+and she took great pains to impart to him its elementary truths, which
+he willingly and joyfully took in.
+
+"Dis poor niggar nebber 'fore heard Jesus Christ," he said to her one
+day in a low voice; "Him wond'ful good for die for black man like me who
+nebber do noting to please Him.  Me try an' lub Him an' serve Him with
+all my heart to de end ob my days."
+
+"Christ died for black men and white men alike; God wants all people of
+every colour, nation, and tongue to come to Him and to be saved,"
+answered my mother.  "If Dio gives God his heart, God will protect him
+and guide him through life until He calls him to that happy heaven He
+has prepared for all those who love Him here on earth."
+
+When Dio heard that the Bible contained God's loving message to man, he
+became doubly anxious to learn to read it.  It was wonderful the
+progress he made in a short time, showing that the minds of the negro
+race are as capable of imbibing knowledge as those of white men.
+
+There was still a considerable risk that Dio might be recognised by some
+of the friends of Mr Bracher who might pass that way, and my father had
+determined to start with him in a few days on his projected journey
+northwards.
+
+My father and I had just returned from a distant part of the estate, and
+were about to enter the house, when, looking along the road, I saw three
+horsemen, two of whom bore a striking resemblance to the men who had
+paid us a visit when in search of Dio.
+
+"They may be mere travellers, or may be coming without any thought of
+Dio, but it will be prudent, in case of accident, to be prepared for
+them," observed my father; "we will go in and stow away the black."
+
+We entered as we spoke.  Kathleen had taken her usual place on a chair
+with a book in her hand while several others lay scattered before her.
+Dio was seated on the ground, his eyes level with the page from which
+she read, he endeavouring to repeat the words after her.  Biddy was
+engaged at the other end of the room in making a cake, and did not
+observe us enter.  My father, afraid of alarming the little girl, did
+not speak, but beckoned Dio who just then looked up, to come to him.
+Biddy, seeing that something was amiss, hurried out of the room after
+us.
+
+"Not a moment to lose," he whispered, "run back to your room, jump into
+bed, and draw the clothes over your head; take care that nothing
+belonging to you is left in sight.  Mike will carry away your shoes and
+anything else you have.  Some suspicious persons are coming this way."
+
+"I should not be surprised, Biddy, if they are your old friends," I
+observed; "you will treat them with due hospitality if they enter the
+house."
+
+"Sure the cap'n won't be lettin' thim in at all at all," she said, when
+she observed the three men on horseback approaching, two of whom she
+recognised as her former opponents.
+
+"Biddy is right," observed my father, "and our safest plan will be to
+keep them outside until we ascertain their business.  Let your mother
+know, call Mr Tidey and Dan, and close the window-shutters as fast as
+you can."
+
+The latter order Biddy set about zealously executing, aided by Dan and
+my mother, while my father and I, joined by Mr Tidey, stood at the
+front door to receive our unwelcome guests.
+
+"What brings you here?" asked my father; "I should have thought after
+the way you behaved at your last visit that you would have been ashamed
+to show your faces."
+
+"That's neither here nor there, captain," answered one of the men; "we
+have notice that you are hiding a runaway slave, and we have come to
+demand him from you; if you don't give him up, you will learn that we
+have the power to take him by force."
+
+"No man shall enter my house unless I invite him," said my father
+calmly, "as to taking any one out of my house by force, you can only do
+that when you have conquered me.  Whether you can conquer me or not is
+to be seen."
+
+The men were somewhat taken aback by this address, and began to ride up
+and down in front of the house, casting doubtful glances at him and Mr
+Tidey.
+
+At last they once more pulled up, and one of them exclaimed, "Come,
+captain, this won't do!  I ask you whether or not you have a negro boy
+anywhere about your premises?  If you have, give him up without more
+words.  He belongs to Silas Bracher, who is not the man to allow his
+property to be stolen from him."
+
+"I have stolen no man's property," answered my father, "and as to
+allowing strangers to come into my house, under any pretext whatever, I
+don't intend to do it, so you have my answer.  I'll give you corn for
+your horses and food for yourselves, but over this threshold you don't
+step with my good will."
+
+"Then you don't deny having harboured the slave we are in search of?"
+exclaimed one of the men.  "Come, give him up, I say, or it will be the
+worse for you!"
+
+"I don't acknowledge having afforded shelter to a black, and I don't
+deny having done so.  I have a perfect right to receive any strangers
+into my house who come to me in distress, and if they trust to me I'll
+defend them with my life," said my father.
+
+"Your life's not worth the snuff of a candle, then," answered the leader
+of the party, one of Mr Bracher's principal overseers.
+
+The men, retiring to a little distance, consulted together, but seeing
+the muzzles of our rifles protruding from the windows, evidently
+considered that it would not be prudent to attempt any act of violence.
+After some time the overseer again rode forward.  He must have felt sure
+that my father would not commence hostilities, or he would have kept at
+a distance.
+
+"Captain, I give you warning that you are bringing down destruction on
+yourself and family," he shouted; "you have either helped a runaway
+slave to escape, or you have still got him in hiding.  It would never do
+for us Kentuckians to let such an act pass unpunished; we should have
+half the slaves in the state bolting for the borders, and claiming the
+protection of emancipists like yourself and others."  The speaker
+bestowed an epithet on my father which I need not repeat.  "I ask you,
+once more, have you got the slave, and if you have, will you give him
+up?"
+
+"I again answer that if I had the slave I would not give him up,"
+replied my father in a firm tone; "if you or your master attempt to
+injure my family or my property, I shall defend myself as I have a right
+to do, and should any of you be killed, your blood will be upon your own
+heads."
+
+"I call no man master, but if you mean Silas Bracher, he is not the
+person to change his intentions, so I shall give him your answer,"
+replied the overseer, who, without more ado, turned his horse's head,
+and rejoined his companions, when the three rode away in the direction
+from whence they had come.  Though pretty confident that the men had
+gone away, my father thought it prudent to keep a watch on their
+movements.  Before they could have got to any great distance I hurried
+out to follow them.  From a hill, a short distance to the south of the
+house a view could be obtained along the road they would probably take.
+A grove of trees, with some thick brushwood, enabled me to watch them
+without the risk of being discovered should they turn their heads.
+
+I soon made them out, and saw them riding on without stopping until out
+of sight.  Convinced that they had really gone away, I was on the point
+of returning when I saw two of them, as I supposed, coming back,
+spurring their horses over the level road.  It was a question whether I
+could reach the house before them.  I ran as fast as my legs could carry
+me until I got to another point whence I could take a look at them
+without being seen.  I then saw by their dress and the colour of their
+horses that they were not the men I fancied, but that one of them was
+Uncle Denis, while the other was a stranger.  I therefore ran down the
+hill to meet them.
+
+"What has happened up at the farm, Mike?" asked my uncle, after we had
+exchanged greetings; "we met just now three of Bracher's men, who were
+swearing away at your father and all of you in a fashion which made me
+fear that they had either done some mischief, or intended doing it.  I
+don't think they knew that we were coming here, or they would have
+picked a quarrel with us, for which they seemed very much disposed."
+
+I relieved my uncle's mind by telling him that the men had only used
+threatening language, but I thought it prudent not to say that the
+fugitive slave was actually in the house, not knowing the character of
+the stranger who was with him.  My uncle now introduced him to me as Mr
+McDermont, a countryman, who said he had come over to settle in the
+States, and who, not yet having any experience as a backwoodsman, had
+determined on purchasing an improved farm.  "I offered him mine, but he
+does not wish to employ slave labour, and would prefer obtaining one in
+a free state.  I therefore brought him here, feeling sure that your
+father would gladly assist him in finding the style of location he
+desires."
+
+Uncle Denis and his companion were, of course, heartily welcomed at
+Uphill.
+
+"I am so thankful that you have come, Denis," said my mother, who had
+been much alarmed at the late occurrence, "do, pray, remain and assist
+my husband in defending our property, for I dread lest those men should
+carry their threats into execution!"
+
+Uncle Denis did his best to reassure her, saying that he did not think
+Mr Bracher would venture on any act of violence, but promising to stay
+some time at Uphill, until Mr McDermont had settled in the
+neighbourhood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR.
+
+DIO IN HIDING--THE AGENT OF THE SWAMPYVILLE LAND COMPANY--THE SURVEYING
+PARTY--MR. TIDEY AND THE SLAVE SET OFF NORTHWARD--LIVING IN A STATE OF
+SIEGE--UNEXPECTED RETURN OF MR. MCDERMONT AND PETER--AN IMAGINARY CITY--
+AN OFFER TO PURCHASE UPHILL--OUR TUTOR'S SUDDEN RETURN--DIO NEARLY
+RECAPTURED--IN THE CAVE--AN EXPECTED ATTACK--DAN AND I START OFF TO
+RELIEVE THE SLAVE--BOXER DISCOVERS AN ENEMY--A BRAVE DOG--OUR RETREAT TO
+THE HOUSE--SLEEPY PETER--JUST IN TIME--PREPARE FOR ACTION.
+
+The first thing now to be done was to send poor Dio away, as my father
+had previously intended.  He was strong enough to bear the journey, but
+when he was told that it would be necessary for him to go, he looked so
+miserable that we all begged that he might be allowed to remain.
+
+"I much regret having to send him off, but for his own sake as well as
+ours, go he must," answered my father; "he shall be escorted until he is
+delivered into the safe keeping of our friends, the Greys, though there
+is a risk of his being suspected, should he be seen in my company."
+
+"Let me take charge of him, then," said Mr Tidey; "we will make our way
+through the forest by unfrequented paths with rifles in our hands as if
+on a shooting expedition, and shall run little risk of falling in with
+anyone who will interfere with us."
+
+Our tutor's offer was accepted.  My father wrote a letter to Mr Grey,
+introducing him, at the same time so carefully worded, that, should it
+fall into the hands of enemies, Dio might not be betrayed.
+
+It was arranged that they should start the following morning.  The poor
+negro was overcome with grief when he heard what was decided.
+
+"Dis poor niggar break him heart leave Missy Kathleen, him no more learn
+read!" he exclaimed, bursting into tears.  So powerful was the effect
+produced that he was taken seriously ill, and the next morning was
+utterly unable to proceed.  I am sure he was not shamming, for he tried
+to get up and prepare for his journey.  He recovered somewhat during the
+day, and acknowledging that it was his duty to go for the sake of our
+family, declared that he should be ready to start whenever Mr Tidey
+wished.
+
+That evening a report was brought to the house by one of the
+farm-labourers that two suspicious characters had been seen in the
+neighbourhood, and from the description of the men we had no doubt that
+they were the same who had before paid us a visit and had been driven
+off by Biddy's heroism.
+
+On hearing this, Uncle Denis offered to go out to try and ascertain what
+they were about.  I begged to accompany him.  We hunted round in all
+directions, and were returning home when we caught sight of two persons
+skulking in a wood at a short distance from the house.  On seeing us
+they beat a rapid retreat, and darkness coming on they managed to get
+away before we could overtake them, but Uncle Denis was of opinion that
+they were watching the house in the hopes of catching Dio.
+
+This surmise was ultimately proved to be correct, showing that by some
+means or other they had information that he was still with us.  My
+father, fearing that the black would be followed and recaptured,
+determined to postpone sending him off for two or three days; hoping in
+the meantime to mislead the slave-hunters and make them suppose that Dio
+had escaped.  We took good care during this time not to leave the house
+unguarded, my father, Uncle Denis, or Mr Tidey remaining at home with
+either Dan or me as well as Biddy and Peter while the windows, unless
+some one was on the watch near them, were kept closed and barred.  Our
+guest, accompanied by one or more of the party, made excursions in the
+direction my father thought he would most probably find a location, but
+he could hear of no farm at all likely to answer his purpose.  His
+object soon became known, and the fourth morning after his arrival a
+stranger was seen approaching the house.  He introduced himself as Mr
+Nicholas Chouse, agent for the Swampyville Land Company.
+
+In the most glowing terms he described the new township which had been
+lately formed in the north-west part of the state, advising my father
+and Mr McDermont to become purchasers of the finest allotments which he
+had to offer for sale.  Mr Chouse was a man of great volubility of
+tongue, unbounded assurance, with a look of determination which showed
+that he would not have his word doubted.
+
+"These lands, sir, will become the most valuable in the State, I may
+say, with perfect confidence, in the whole Union; unrivalled water
+power, magnificent pastures and arable land capable of producing crops
+of corn such as the world has never seen.  All that is required to
+develop their resources is capital and labour, and labour will always
+follow where capital leads the way.  When once the country is opened up,
+we shall drain Canada of her population, and the inhabitants of the
+eastern states will come flocking in crowds, some to find employment,
+others to purchase the lots improved by the early settlers, paying a
+thousand per cent at least on the capital expended.  You, sir, look like
+a man who would not neglect so favourable an opportunity of realising a
+fortune vastly surpassing that of the proudest duke in England," he
+said, turning to Mr McDermont.
+
+Our guest listened with eager ears.  If only half what Mr Chouse said
+was true, it would be well worth his while at all events to inspect the
+country.  If he found it even moderately answer the account given,
+though contrary to his previous intention, he might wisely become a
+purchaser.
+
+The land agent, seeing that he made some impression, pressed home his
+advantage.  I cannot repeat all he said, but he finally succeeded in
+inducing Mr McDermont to invest in a small allotment with the right of
+purchasing as much more of the surrounding country as he could desire.
+Had it not been for Dio, my father or uncle would have accompanied him,
+but they were unwilling to leave Uphill while there was a risk of
+annoyance from the slave-hunters.  It was finally arranged that Mr
+McDermont should set out with Peter, who was well used to travelling,
+and would be of great assistance to him.  Mr Chouse had given him maps
+of the country and a plan of the township, so that he would have no
+difficulty in finding the location of which he had become the happy
+possessor for the sum of two hundred dollars, which had been paid into
+the agent's hands.  As Mr McDermont and Peter set off in one direction,
+the agent departed in another, observing, "that he had a round to make,
+and would rejoin Mr McDermont at Swampyville."
+
+We had some hope that Peter being seen to leave Uphill might mislead any
+of the Kentuckians who were on the watch; that should they follow him,
+Dio might have a better opportunity of escaping.
+
+Accordingly, the next morning, before daybreak, habited as a hunter,
+with a knapsack on his back, a gun in his hand, a broad-brimmed hat
+completely shading his face, he and Mr Tidey set out on their journey
+northward.  All the family were up to see them off, and we offered up a
+prayer for their safety.  Dan and I wanted to accompany them, but our
+father pointed out that it might be dangerous to do so, as, should any
+of the people on the watch for Dio meet us coming back, they might
+suspect the direction the travellers had taken, and follow them up.
+
+We lived literally in a state of siege, for every day information was
+brought us that suspected persons were hovering about, and it was
+evident that Mr Bracher's emissaries had not given up hope of
+recapturing the fugitive.
+
+Some days passed away.  Uncle Denis grew impatient, he was naturally
+anxious to return to his farm, and yet was unwilling to leave my father
+and mother while matters remained in this unpleasant state.  My father
+was as firm as at first in his resolution not to allow any persons to
+enter his house without his permission, and it was impossible to say
+when we might receive another visit from the fellows who had before
+tried to force themselves in.  Should he now permit them to enter, they
+would naturally conclude that the slave had been concealed in the house,
+though he had now made good his escape.
+
+We did not expect to see Mr Tidey for some time, should he have
+succeeded in conveying Dio to a safe asylum, nor was it likely that Mr
+McDermont would return until he had made arrangements for locating
+himself on his new purchase.  He would, however, certainly send back his
+companion to report the progress he had made.  Great was our surprise,
+therefore, when one evening, soon after dark, he and Peter arrived at
+the house, looking travel-stained and weary.
+
+"I hope you are satisfied with Swampyville?" said my father, after he
+had welcomed our friend.
+
+"Faith, sir, I should be an easily pleased gentleman if I was," answered
+Mr McDermont.  "I've been thoroughly gulled by that fellow Chouse.  As
+it was my first, so it shall be my last journey in search of a new
+location.  I won't trouble you with an account of all the adventures we
+met with.  For the first two or three days we got on pretty well,
+barring the rough accommodation and the rougher inhabitants of this wild
+country.  I thought we must have taken the wrong road.  Nothing could I
+hear of Swampyville, although the map showed me that we were pursuing
+the right course.  At last we arrived at a river which I guessed fell
+into the mighty Missouri, but our location was some way farther down.
+Accordingly, leaving our horses, I hired a boat, in the expectation of
+reaching it more easily by water than by land.  Faith, sir, I was not
+wrong in that respect.  The plan showed me a fine city, rising on the
+banks of the stream, with broad, handsome streets running at right
+angles to each other, a court-house, gaol, two banks, three or four
+hotels, masonic hall, and churches and chapels innumerable, proving what
+a moral and religious people were to be my neighbours.  At length I
+reached the spot where the city should have been, but the water had
+risen and had, I concluded, flowed over the whole, for not a building of
+any sort could I discover.  Certain well defined land-marks existed, and
+I could make out that I was in the midst of Swampyville, but not a trace
+could I discover of the property of which I had become the happy
+possessor.  I stood up and gazed round me in despair.  `Yes, massa,'
+said Peter, letting his oars drop from his hands, `dis Swampyville, no
+doubt 'bout dat, only de houses and de streets not here, much easier to
+draw dem on de paper dan to build dem up.'  Peter was right; I had been
+bamboozled and lost my dollars."
+
+"You must not be cast down, my friend," said my father, "you are not the
+only person who has been taken in in the same manner.  There is however,
+no lack of first-rate localities in the country, both for cities and
+towns, or of arable and pasture land.  It will be a lesson to all of us
+not to purchase property until we have visited the spot and ascertained
+its value."
+
+"I'm half inclined to go back to ould Ireland, where, although a
+landlord gets shot now and then, and the people are not always as
+peaceable as might be desired, honest labourers can be obtained for
+money, if not for love, and the land is free from the curse of slavery.
+If, however, I could find an estate in tolerably good order, such as
+yours for instance, I would become the purchaser, and settle down in
+this new world of yours.  The dollars paid to Mr Chouse are lost, but I
+have still enough money left to buy and cultivate a fair-sized
+property."
+
+"Are you in earnest, Mr McDermont?" asked my father; "if you are, and
+would like to buy Uphill, I will consider the matter.  I had no thoughts
+of leaving the place, but circumstances may occur which might induce me
+to part with it."
+
+"Never was more in earnest in my life," said our guest.  "I should have
+wished to be your neighbour rather than your successor, but if you have
+a mind to sell, I am ready to buy."
+
+My father and Uncle Denis talked the matter over.  To our surprise, my
+uncle said that he had had an offer for his farm and had made up his
+mind to accept it, and that if we moved west he would accompany us.  My
+mother, however was very unwilling to leave Uphill.  We had all been
+born there, and she and all of us were attached to the place.
+
+Mr McDermont appeared to be in no great hurry, and told my father that
+he would give him a week to decide.
+
+That very evening as we were sitting down to supper, a knock was heard
+at the door, which was kept barred and bolted since the visit from the
+Kentuckians.  My father, thinking that they had possibly returned, got
+up, and, taking his rifle in his hand, went to the door.
+
+"Who knocks?" he asked.
+
+"Mark Tidey," was the answer.  "Quick, quick, let me in."
+
+My father, recognising our tutor's voice, withdrew the bolts.  Mr Tidey
+entered, looking pale and thoroughly knocked up, his dress torn and
+bespattered with mud.
+
+"What has happened, Mr Tidey?" asked my father; "has poor Dio been
+recaptured?"
+
+"We will close the door first, and I will then tell you, sir," answered
+the Dominie, hurriedly pushing back the bolts.  "I have been pursued,
+and before long the villains will be here, if I mistake not."
+
+"We will be ready for them if they come, and teach them a lesson they'll
+not forget in a hurry," said my father.
+
+"Oh!  Mr Tidey, has poor Dio been retaken?" asked my mother, as he sank
+into a chair at the table.
+
+"I hope not, and indeed I have good reason to believe that he has
+escaped them," replied our tutor.  "I fully expected to carry him safe
+to his destination, when, as we were making our way through a forest the
+second day after leaving this, I heard the bay of a hound, which I felt
+sure by the sound was one of those accursed dogs, used by the
+slave-owners to track runaway negroes.  Dio heard it also and gave
+himself up for lost.  I fortunately knew the country we were in, for I
+had visited it several times during my shooting excursions, and I
+remembered some rocky ground away to the left in which I had discovered
+a cave, the entrance concealed by a thick mass of brushwood.  I had
+taken shelter there during a storm, and had spent the time in exploring
+it.  It was perfectly dry, with several passages leading to smaller
+caverns, in which fifty men might lie concealed, with little risk of
+being discovered by a stranger to the place.  I at once bethought me, if
+we could reach it we might be safe from pursuit, and remain there until
+the slave-hunters had passed by.
+
+"We were making our way towards it, when the increasing loudness of the
+hound's voice convinced us that we could not reach it before we should
+be overtaken.  Had there been two dogs, I should have told Dio to remain
+with me, but as there was but one I determined to tackle the brute, and
+directed him to hurry on to the cavern, where I should join him.
+Scarcely had he disappeared in the brushwood, than the dog came in
+sight, with its nose to the ground, following up our trail.  Its masters
+must be, I guessed, close behind.  Lifting my rifle, as the hound was a
+dozen paces from me, I fired.  Its loud baying ceased, and over it
+rolled with its legs kicking in the air.  Feeling sure that it was done
+for, I turned and ran, having just time to get behind some thick bushes,
+when the Kentuckians reached the spot where the dog lay dead.  I could
+hear their loud oaths and execrations on the man who had shot their
+animal.  They seemed puzzled as to who had done the deed, and vowed
+vengeance on his head should they catch him, whoever he was.  Presently
+I heard their footsteps pass close by.  I had had no time to reload, so
+had they discovered me I should have been in their power.  I determined,
+however, to have a fight for it rather than become their prisoner, or
+allow myself to be murdered on the spot.  It was very evident that they
+had no experience as backwoodsmen, or they would have discovered my
+trail.  They had been depending on their dog, and were now completely at
+fault.
+
+"`He must have run that way, and can't have got far, for I heard the
+shot not five minutes ago,' exclaimed one of them.
+
+"`On, on, we shall soon overtake him, whoever he is.'  These words
+greatly relieved my mind and I felt sure, from the sounds which reached
+my ears, that they were hurrying on to the northward.  As soon as I
+calculated that they were out of sight, I made my way towards the
+cavern.  I found Dio crouching down at the entrance.
+
+"`We will hide until to-morrow morning and then pursue our course,' I
+whispered.  `By that time the Kentuckians will probably have turned back
+and given up the pursuit, as it is very clear they can do nothing
+without their dog.'
+
+"Dio agreed to this, and by searching about we soon discovered a hollow
+in which we could remain concealed until the following morning, when I
+proposed going out first to ascertain whether the coast was clear.
+There was abundance of dry wood not far from the mouth of the cavern.
+We soon collected enough to keep up a fire during the night, and in the
+spot we had chosen there was no fear of its reflection being seen
+outside.  It served to cook our provisions and at the same time scare
+off any wolves or bears who might visit us.  We were not disturbed,
+however, during the night, although nearly stifled with the smoke from
+the small fire we kept up.  According to my intention, soon after
+daylight the next morning, I alone first went out to reconnoitre.
+Fortunate it was that I did so, for on reaching the edge of the forest I
+found the fire still burning where our pursuers had camped, and I had
+little doubt that they were watching for the man who had killed their
+hound.  I therefore turned back, so that I could keep concealed among
+the trees, and before long I caught sight of them in the distance.  This
+showed me that it would be prudent to remain in our cavern another day,
+until the fellows had got weary of looking for me.  I was thankful that
+they had no Indians with them, or they would have tracked me without
+difficulty.  In the afternoon I again went out, making my way
+cautiously, lest I should come upon them.  I had made up my mind to
+proceed by myself some way to the northward until I could reach a
+settler's hut, from whom I could learn whether the Kentuckians had gone
+on or turned back again, when I caught sight of them in the distance,
+making apparently for the very spot where they had rested the previous
+night.  They had evidently ascertained from someone or other that the
+black and I had not gone that way.  My only course was to return to the
+cave and to remain there in the hopes of tiring out our pursuers.
+Though they were determined fellows, they knew nothing of the country,
+and were completely at fault without their hound.
+
+"As we had plenty of provisions, we could remain another whole day, by
+which time I hoped to find the coast clear.  Once more I went out,
+leaving my knapsack with Dio, and taking only my rifle and ammunition.
+Instead of following the path I had pursued on previous occasions, I
+made a circuit to the right towards a hill, from whence I expected to
+catch sight of the spot where the Kentuckians had camped.  Should I see
+no smoke ascending, I might hope that they had abandoned the search and
+gone homewards.  I had nearly reached it, and was proceeding perhaps
+with less caution than before, when I came full in sight of the fellows.
+I knew them at once, and was still more convinced who they were by
+hearing a ball whistle past my ears.  Although I might have shot one of
+them in return, I had no wish to take the life of a fellow-creature, but
+determined to trust to my heels.  Off I set therefore as fast as I could
+run, and calculated that I knew the country better than they did, and
+that I could keep well ahead, thus drawing them away from Dio's
+hiding-place.  My intention was afterwards to return, and, together with
+the black, to continue the journey.  On they came after me, and I could
+hear their voices shouting for many a mile, showing that they were still
+following.  I have never had such a run in my life, but I have the
+satisfaction of believing that I have assisted Dio to make good his
+escape, and if they come here, you will be able to assure them that you
+have no slave concealed within your doors."
+
+My father highly approved of Mr Tidey's conduct and the courage and
+judgment he had exhibited.  We had now to consider the best way of
+relieving Dio, who was certain to remain in the cave until some one came
+from us.  Mr Tidey was too much knocked up to set off immediately, so
+my father gave Dan and me permission to start away by daylight.  By
+taking a circuitous course, we hoped to avoid the risk of meeting the
+Kentuckians, should they be still on the watch for the black.  We were
+to try and reach the cave by nightfall, which, as we knew the spot and
+the country thoroughly, we expected easily to do.  We were looking out
+all the evening for a visit from Mr Tidey's pursuers, but for some
+cause or other they did not appear; had they done so, we were prepared
+to give them a warm reception.  Besides our guest and Uncle Denis, our
+father, Dan and I, we had in the house, Martin Prentis the overseer, and
+Peter, all of whom were well able to handle their rifles, while Biddy
+was as likely to make as good a fight of it as anyone of us with her
+broomstick or a hot poker, which she had kept in the stove for the
+purpose.
+
+The evening, however, passed away without any disturbance, although we
+two or three times heard the dogs barking in the huts of the
+farm-labourers, while our own animals in the outbuildings barked in
+return.  Dan and I got ready for our journey before we lay down to
+sleep.  Fancying that it was time to start, without waiting for
+daylight, we called up Peter to let us out, but we did not arouse the
+rest of the family.  We agreed to breakfast when we had got some miles
+from home, and by making an early start we felt confident that we could
+perform the distance easily before sunset.
+
+"Massa, don't let those white niggers catch you.  Better dat Boxer go
+wid you, he take care if dey come near to let you know.  Dey no catch
+him asleep," said Peter, as with candle in hand, a red night-cap, and
+his striped pink shirt-tails fluttering about his legs, he opened the
+door for us to go out.
+
+"Never fear, Peter, we will keep a sharp look-out for the Kentuckians,"
+answered Dan; "if they show fight, we shall be ready for them; we know
+how to shoot as well as they do."
+
+Following Peter's advice, we went to the stables and released Boxer, who
+leaped round and round, trying to lick our faces with pleasure at the
+thought of a day's sport, which he supposed we were about to give him.
+We had our knapsacks on our backs with our usual camp traps, besides a
+good supply of provisions, as we must remain out one night, and should
+probably have to stay with Dio until Mr Tidey could return to escort
+him on his journey.  We had not proceeded more than two or three hundred
+yards when Boxer gave a low growl, and then breaking into a fierce bark,
+dashed forward.
+
+"Curse that dog, he'll be waking up the people, and may be fixing his
+fangs into the throat of one of us," exclaimed some one in a gruff
+voice, who was concealed apparently behind a snake fence some little way
+off.
+
+"I'll stick my bowie-knife into him, if he comes near me," said another
+person.
+
+Dan was about to cry out and call the dog back, but I stopped him in
+time.
+
+"Keep silence!"  I whispered, "those must be the Kentuckians; they are
+on the watch, probably intending to make a rush for the door when Biddy
+opens it in the morning, hoping to surprise the rest of the family in
+bed.  The best thing we can do is to go back and let our father know
+what we have discovered: crouch down so that they may not see us.  I
+suppose they have been creeping forward to get close up to the house
+without being discovered."
+
+The loud barking of the dog prevented any risk of my voice being heard,
+which, low as I spoke, it might have been in the still night air.  The
+men, whoever they were, did not fire, probably because they could not
+catch sight of Boxer, who was rushing from side to side, concealed among
+some low shrubs and thick grass.  I hoped when he found that we were
+returning, he would also retreat and avoid the risk he was running of
+being shot.
+
+We hurried back, Boxer still keeping up his barking, preventing our
+footsteps being heard.
+
+"But I am afraid poor Boxer will be shot," said Dan.
+
+"No fear of that; the men, if they wish to surprise us, won't venture to
+fire," I observed, "and if we call him it will show them that they have
+been discovered; better let him take his chance, he understands what he
+is about.  While he keeps up his barking, the sound of the door opening
+will not be heard."
+
+We accordingly crept back towards the house, but on reaching it found
+that Peter had closed the door, and we had to make our way round to the
+window of the room in which he slept.  We tapped on the shutter, but
+Peter did not answer.
+
+"He has fallen asleep again, the lazy fellow!" said Dan in a low voice.
+
+We knocked louder and louder.
+
+"Who dare?" at length asked a voice from within.
+
+"Open the window and I will tell you," I said in a whisper, but
+sufficiently loud for Peter to hear me, I hoped.
+
+"Who dare?" he again asked.
+
+"Open the window, quick, quick," I repeated, putting my mouth to the
+chink where the shutters joined.
+
+"What!  Massa Mike!" exclaimed Peter, "is dat you?"
+
+"Yes, yes, open at once," I answered, almost losing patience and
+speaking louder than I had hitherto done.
+
+At that moment Boxer had ceased barking.  Scarcely had the words left my
+mouth than I feared that we might have been heard by the Kentuckians.
+
+Boxer again burst out into a furious bark, very much nearer to us,
+showing that he was retreating before the foe.  By this time Peter had
+opened the shutter, and, assisted by the black, Dan and I scrambled in
+at the window.  As we did so we heard footsteps, when Boxer, who was a
+prudent dog, as well as a brave one, feeling that he had done his duty
+in warning us and should be safer inside the citadel than outside, with
+one bound followed us into the room.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE.
+
+THE ATTACK ON UPHILL--MY FATHER'S WARNING--THE BEGINNING OF THE FIGHT--
+OUR VICTORY--A COWARDLY REVENGE--MR. TIDEY ACTS AS SCOUT--MR. MCDERMONT
+RENEWS HIS PROPOSAL TO PURCHASE OUR FARM--WE RESOLVE TO GO WEST--UNCLE
+DENIS DECIDES TO JOIN US--AN EXPEDITION TO DIO'S RELIEF--WE DISCOVER THE
+CAVE--WE FIND DIO--HIS DELIGHT AT THE PROSPECT OF RETURNING--TOO WEAK
+FOR THE JOURNEY--OUR ARRIVAL HOME--PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE--UNCLE
+DENIS WITH US AGAIN--THE MARCH COMMENCED--CROSS THE ILLINOIS RIVER--ON
+THE PRAIRIES OF MISSOURI--"WESTWARD HO!"--POSSIBILITIES OF DANGER--THE
+PROPER PLACE TO CAMP--THE WAY TO BIVOUAC--THE REAR-GUARD.
+
+No sooner was Boxer safe inside the room, than Peter began hurriedly to
+close the shutter, when we heard the report of a gun, and a bullet with
+a loud thud struck it.  Fortunately the wood was thick, or one of us
+might have been shot.  Peter, quick as lightning, closed the shutter and
+put up the bar.
+
+"Dem rascally Kentuckians do dat!" he exclaimed; "hand me your rifle,
+massa, and me pay dem back.  Stan' by to open de shutter for me to
+fire."
+
+"No, no, Peter," I said; "the men are not likely to show themselves, and
+the other is sure to fire the instant he sees the window open."
+
+The shot had aroused my father and mother and the rest of the household,
+and we heard my father and Uncle Denis calling to each other.  Peter
+having struck a light, we went into the hall, where we all soon
+assembled, with the exception of my mother and Kathleen, when I narrated
+what had occurred.
+
+"The fellows are bent on mischief, there can be no doubt about that,"
+said my father.  "They are probably not aware how many there are of us
+in the house, and expect to force their way in without much opposition."
+
+Uncle Denis proposed rushing out and getting hold of the fellows who had
+fired, supposing that they were waiting for others to come up before
+attacking the house.  My father, however, advised that we should remain
+within doors.
+
+"If we go out the fellows will see us, and may pick us off with ease,
+while, on the other hand, they cannot approach without showing
+themselves, and we shall be perfectly justified in shooting them down
+should they come with hostile intent."
+
+My father's first care was to place my mother and Kathleen in safety,
+and to insist on their going into a store-closet, to which no bullets
+could penetrate should any pierce the shutters.  Black Rose begged leave
+to accompany them, but Biddy indignantly refused to hide herself,
+declaring that she only wished "the spalpeens" would show their ugly
+faces at the door, and she would put some marks on them which they would
+carry to their graves.  Having thus expressed herself, she hastened into
+the kitchen, where she lighted the fire, blowing away with all her might
+to get the poker into a red heat.
+
+My father's first care was to set one of us to watch at the window of
+each room, to give the alarm should any attempt be made to force them,
+while he himself stood at the front entrance.  Peter was posted at the
+rear of the house.  Loop-holes had been formed in the shutters through
+which we could look and see what was taking place outside.  They had
+slides so that they could be closed in an instant.  As no lamps were
+left burning in any of the rooms, those outside could not distinguish
+the small openings, while the moon, though waning, afforded light
+sufficient to enable us to see anyone moving about round the house.
+
+Our preparations for defence were made in a shorter time than I have
+taken to describe them.  I was looking through the loophole in my
+window-shutter in the front of the house when I saw a person stealing
+cautiously forward along the road which led to it.  I could make out
+that he had a rifle in his hand, which he was holding ready for action.
+Presently half-a-dozen more men came in sight, when their leader stopped
+until they got up with him.  I instantly called out to my father that
+the enemy were close upon us.
+
+"We must be certain that they come with hostile intent.  Let no one fire
+until I give the word," he said; "I will speak to them first, and hear
+what they want."
+
+There was little doubt about that, however; before my father could open
+the loophole, a thundering blow was dealt with the trunk of a tree
+against the door, making it shake on its hinges, though the tough wood
+held firm.
+
+"Who dares thus attack my house?" shouted my father; "off with you, or
+take the consequences."
+
+A shower of bullets which pinged against the door and walls on either
+side was the reply.  Our assailants, disappointed in their first attempt
+to break open the door, hoped to alarm us into submission.
+
+"Open the door, and let us in; we come on lawful business to look after
+a runaway slave, and have him we will, alive or dead, although we burn
+your house about your heads," shouted one of the men outside.
+
+Uncle Denis thought from the sound of the voice that it was Mr Bracher
+himself who spoke.
+
+"We have no runaway slave within, but open the door we will not; so if
+you again make the attempt to force it, your blood be on your own
+heads," answered my father in a firm voice.
+
+"That's all empty boast," was the answer; "if you hurt any of our men,
+not one of you shall escape with your lives."
+
+"Faith! we're wasting time talking to the fellows," cried Uncle Denis;
+"let's begin to treat them as they deserve.  If they don't go away, I'll
+knock over that big blackguard Bracher, and his crew will soon be taking
+to their heels if they haven't him to lead them on."
+
+My father, although a soldier, was as averse as any man to shedding
+blood.
+
+"We will show them that they are not likely to succeed, and that they
+will pay dearly for the attempt if they again try to break open the
+door," he said.  "Mr Bracher," he shouted, "understand that I don't
+wish to be your enemy, and have no unkind feeling towards you.  You have
+made an unwarrantable attack on my house.  No harm has as yet come of
+it.  If you will go peaceably away I will overlook the insult and take
+no further steps in the matter; but if not, I once for all warn you that
+I am well prepared to defend my house, and that you will pay dearly
+should you try to enter it.  I again say your slave is not within my
+doors, so that you will gain nothing if you succeed, which you have no
+chance of doing."
+
+My father in speaking this had some hopes of inducing the Kentuckians to
+change their intentions, and at all events he might prolong the time so
+that daylight would surprise them before they should recommence the
+attack.  It would then be more easy to distinguish the leaders and shoot
+them down, when the rest would in all probability beat a hasty retreat.
+
+Of this Silas Bracher, if he was there in person, was probably aware.
+In spite of the warning the Kentuckians had received, they, supposing
+perhaps from our not having fired that we had no ammunition, or were
+afraid of doing so, again assaulted the door with their battering-ram;
+it, however, as before, stoutly withstood the thundering blows they
+bestowed on it.
+
+"If they will have it they must," at length exclaimed my father; and
+scarcely were the words out of his mouth than Uncle Denis, the overseer,
+and our guest fired.  I was going to fire when my father shouted to Dan
+and me not to pull a trigger.  A cry arose from the midst of our
+assailants, followed by a loud shout.
+
+"Death to all within the house!  Batter in the door, boys; a few strokes
+and it will be done."
+
+The ram thundered against the door.  I at that moment looked through my
+loophole, and I caught sight of a party in reserve, who the next instant
+sent a shower of bullets rattling against the shutters and walls, one
+shot narrowly missing my head as it whistled through the loophole.  I
+therefore thrust out my rifle and fired in the direction from whence the
+shot came.  Whether or not I had hit anyone I could not tell.  I was too
+well-trained a sportsman to lose a moment before again reloading.  All
+our little garrison were now engaged in firing and loading as fast as
+they could.  My father kept his post at the door, and Uncle Denis and
+the overseer stationed themselves at the windows nearest to him on
+either side, ready, should the door be burst open, to assist in driving
+back the miscreants, while Biddy remained intently watching the
+proceedings, with her hand on the red-hot poker, prepared to help in the
+defence.  As I could not bring my rifle to bear on the party with the
+battering-ram, I contented myself with firing at those in the distance,
+but as they kept as much as possible under cover, I could not tell
+whether my shot took effect.  The blows which the door received
+threatened every instant to break it in, and I suspected that we should
+have a fearful struggle before we should succeed in driving back our
+assailants.  Their cries and shouts increased.  Excited with rage and
+disappointment they rushed again and again to the assault.  The firing
+also became hotter and hotter.  Fortunately, so well sheltered were all
+our party, as we only went to the window to fire, then retreating behind
+the walls, that not one of us had hitherto been hurt.  From the sounds
+which reached my ears I believed that the rifles of those of the
+garrison who commanded the entrance were taking effect.  Presently,
+after another attempt to break open the door, I saw our assailants in
+the grey light of morning beating a rapid retreat and dragging along
+with them three or four of their number who had been either killed or
+badly wounded.
+
+"Victory, victory?" shouted Uncle Denis, "Erin-go-braugh, I knew we
+should do for the audacious villains.  Hurrah, hurrah?"  The rest of us
+echoed his shout, including Biddy from the kitchen, while she flourished
+her red-hot poker above her head.
+
+My father hastened to assure my mother and Kathleen that we were safe
+for the present, while we all shook hands round, congratulating
+ourselves on our victory.
+
+"We must not be too certain that we have got rid of them altogether,"
+observed my father; "those Kentuckians are persevering fellows.  If they
+think they have a chance of success they will be at us again."
+
+Increasing daylight enabled us to see for some distance around the
+house, but no one could we discover.  We all began to believe that they
+had finally gone away, when Peter, who was looking through a window at
+the side of the house exclaimed--
+
+"See, massa, see! look dare!"
+
+A bright flame shot up, its size rapidly increasing.  It was in the
+direction of a barn in which a quantity of corn and other produce was
+stored.
+
+"The scoundrels have set it on fire in revenge!" exclaimed Uncle Denis;
+"let's be out and after them."
+
+"The very thing they would wish us to do," observed my father; "probably
+one of their objects in firing the building was the hope that we should
+rush out to extinguish the flames.  Provided the fire does not extend,
+it will be wiser to remain here."
+
+Uncle Denis agreed that my father was right.  That he was so we
+afterwards ascertained from one of the farm-labourers who had cautiously
+followed the Kentuckians.
+
+The sun at length rose, when Mr Tidey insisted on going out to learn
+whether they had actually taken their departure.  To this my father
+consented, and the Dominie set off with his rifle, accompanied by Boxer.
+On going out, he found numerous splashes of blood in the front near the
+battering-ram, showing that the Kentuckians had been deservedly punished
+for the outrage.
+
+We had reason to be thankful that we had all escaped without injury.
+Towards evening Mr Tidey came back bringing the satisfactory
+intelligence that he had traced the retreating party to the Ohio.
+
+Severe as was the lesson they had received, it was but too probable that
+they would return and take another opportunity of wreaking their
+vengeance on our heads.  My father was a brave man, and had he been
+alone would have remained and defended his property to the last, but he
+thought of the danger to which my mother and we were exposed, and this
+made him more willing than he otherwise would have been, to listen to
+the proposal of Mr McDermont.
+
+"You'll be after having a troubled life of it here, captain," observed
+our guest, the next day.  "For my part I am not altogether unaccustomed
+to such proceedings in the old country, and have no wife or children to
+be troubled about, and should rather like the excitement of the sort of
+life I should have to lead here for a year or two, until I have taught
+the Kentuckians to leave me alone in peace.  This makes me bold to offer
+you a price for your farm, should you be disposed to move farther
+westward or northward, out of their way.  I know how to deal with
+fellows of their character, though I should be puzzled if I had redskins
+to guard against, or a new country to clear.  What say you now to twenty
+thousand dollars?  It will go a long way westward.  I am aware that your
+farm, under other circumstances, would be worth more than that.  Should
+you accept my proposal, I would advise you not to migrate to
+Swampyville.  You have the advantage of my experience in that matter,"
+he added, laughing.
+
+My father took time to consider Mr McDermont's proposal, and he and
+Uncle Denis had a long consultation on the subject.  He finally decided
+to accept the offer, and greatly to his satisfaction Uncle Denis told
+him that he had made up his mind to part with his farm in Kentucky and
+to cast in his lot with us.
+
+"I wish that I had done so years ago," he said.  "I had an offer just
+before I left home: I shall not be long in settling the matter."
+
+Our uncle was a man of action, and observing that he should give Mr
+Bracher a wide berth, and promising to return in a few days, at once set
+about making preparations for a start.
+
+Mr McDermont was ready to purchase the furniture and everything we did
+not require.  Dan and I meantime set off to try and find poor Dio, and
+either to escort him on his way to Mr Grey's, or should he desire to
+return, to bring him back with us, as my father considered that for the
+present he would run no risk of being captured, and he might prefer
+continuing with us to seeking his fortune among strangers.  We gladly
+undertook the duty, having little doubt of what he would like to do.
+
+"I am afraid the poor fellow must have been starving all this time, as
+the provisions Mr Tidey left with him can scarcely have lasted more
+than couple of days," observed Dan as we trudged along.
+
+"He had his rifle, you must remember," I answered, "and although he may
+not be a very good shot, he will be able to knock over a few birds or a
+racoon, or an opossum, and there are berries in abundance growing in the
+neighbourhood of the cave."
+
+Although I said this, I was well aware that there were many dangers to
+which Dio might have been exposed.  Wolves or bears while prowling about
+might have found him asleep, or he might have fallen into the hands of
+Indians, or he might have been discovered by white men, who, suspecting
+him to be a runaway slave, might have secured him in the hope of
+obtaining a reward for bringing him back.  There was also the
+possibility, should he have finished his provisions, that he might have
+been afraid of going out in search of more, and that he might be
+suffering from starvation.  We therefore hurried on as fast as our legs
+could carry us.  We did not pass a single farm on our route where we
+could obtain assistance should we require it, although there were
+several away to the eastward.
+
+In spite of the utmost exertions we could make, it was nearly sunset
+before we reached the neighbourhood of the cave.  We looked about, no
+sign of Dio could we discover, not the slightest trail to show that he
+had left the cavern or that anyone had entered it.  So far this was
+satisfactory.  Though we knew the locality, the mouth of the cavern
+itself was not very easy to find.  We had therefore to hunt about for
+some time, until at length we discovered the bushes which grew in front
+of it, when we at once began to creep through them; we crawled on till
+we found ourselves in the mouth of the cave.  Mr Tidey had minutely
+described the spot where he had left Dio.  We groped our way forward
+expecting to see the light from his fire, but not a gleam came forth
+from any of the passages to direct us.
+
+"Oh, suppose a bear and her cubs are hid away anywhere, what shall we
+do?" exclaimed Dan.
+
+"Shoot the bear and knock the cubs on the head," I answered, although I
+knew that was more easily said than done.
+
+Dan and I called to Dio in vain.  Again I shouted, "Dio, Dio, answer us,
+pray do, if you are here."
+
+"Listen!  I hear a voice; it's very faint, but not far off," said Dan.
+
+I stopped shouting, and distinctly heard the words--
+
+"Here, massa, here, all in de dark; dis niggar bery sick."
+
+On this I struck a match, and by its faint light I saw a figure lying on
+the ground in a recess of the cave.  There were a number of sticks
+collected for fire-wood piled up close to him, so putting the match to
+some dry leaves which we swept up together, we quickly had a blaze.
+
+"What has happened, Dio?"  I asked, kneeling down by his side.
+
+"No matches, massa," answered Dio; "and him eat up all de food Massa
+Tidey left.  For two days him had noting to put in him mouth."
+
+"You shall have something then without delay," I said, giving him a
+bottle, which I had fortunately filled at the last spring we had passed.
+He eagerly swallowed a draught, and we then produced the provisions we
+had brought.  Though weak from his previous illness, the poor black was
+not so far gone as to be unable to eat a hearty meal.  This quickly
+revived him.  He told us that his fear of being captured by the
+emissaries of his old master had prevented him going out in search of
+food, and that he had imprudently on the first day consumed the
+provisions left by Mr Tidey, which, eked out, might have lasted almost
+to the present time.  His joy at hearing that the Kentuckians had been
+defeated, greatly assisted to recover him, although he expressed his
+regret that we should have been exposed to danger on his account.  When
+we told him we had come to escort him on his way to Mr Grey's, his
+countenance fell.
+
+"But my father says we may take you back, if you are willing to
+accompany us to the west, where we shall be at a distance from the
+slave-states," I added.
+
+"With all dis niggar's heart," exclaimed Dio; "me go whar' massa go;
+right 'way to de Rocky Mountains, if him like."
+
+We spent the night in the cavern, neither wolves nor bears showing their
+noses, and the next morning Dio, after a good breakfast, declared that
+he was well able to go back to Uphill.  On seeing him attempt to walk,
+however, I judged that it would be prudent to let him take another day's
+rest, while we went in search of game and obtained some more water from
+a spring which rose at some distance from the cave.
+
+We had capital sport, and a fat turkey which I shot put some more
+strength into Dio's muscles.  We were very happy in our roomy cave,
+which was large enough to afford shelter to a dozen families, and we
+agreed that we should like to spend several days there.  However, we
+were wanted at home, and Dio having completely recovered, we set off at
+daybreak the following morning.
+
+We stepped out so briskly, that although we made a circuit to avoid the
+risk of falling in with strangers on the high road, we reached home soon
+after sunset.  We found the preparations for our departure much
+advanced.  My father had procured four waggons and several teams of
+stout oxen, which were considered more suitable than horses for
+traversing the prairies, as being hardier and better able to go a long
+distance without water.  My father, Mr Tidey, and I had a horse
+a-piece, and Uncle Denis would, of course, bring his own with probably
+half-a-dozen more for some of the men.
+
+Martin Prentis was to remain with the purchaser of the property; indeed,
+without his assistance, Mr McDermont would have been badly off.  Our
+overseer promised, however, when his services were not required, to join
+us.
+
+Three days after our return Uncle Denis arrived, bringing with him
+several white men, among whom was his overseer, and two blacks, slaves
+whom he had emancipated with the promise that they should labour for him
+until they had paid the price of their freedom.  "We shall see whether
+they prove faithful or not," he remarked, as he described his
+arrangements.  Besides them Uncle Denis was accompanied by his overseer,
+who, not being required on the farm, was in search of employment.
+Greatly to our satisfaction, just as we were on the point of starting,
+Martin Prentis came forward and offered to give up his situation to
+Uncle Denis's overseer, Tom Sykes, if Tom would take it, and Mr
+McDermont would agree to the arrangement.  This he did, and it was
+settled that Martin should accompany us, so that altogether we formed a
+pretty large, well-armed party.  We all had rifles, and a brace of
+pistols, besides long knives in our belts, and my father and Uncle Denis
+wore their swords.
+
+Our uncle's followers, including Sam Hodding, his factotum, were sturdy
+fellows, and if some of them were not very bright, they were all, he
+said, as true as steel, while he believed that the two blacks,
+influenced by gratitude, would prove perfectly faithful.
+
+He brought word that Mr Bracher was said to be very ill.  We suspected
+that he was suffering from a wound he had received while attacking our
+house.  There was some fear, should he hear of our intended departure,
+that he might for the purpose of revenging himself, send a party to
+follow us up and attack us while on the move.
+
+"Never fear, friends," said Mr McDermont, when the subject was spoken
+of, "I'll keep an eye on the proceedings of the gentleman, and if I hear
+of any suspicious characters going in the direction you are travelling,
+I'll dodge their steps and come to your assistance.  They'll not follow
+you far, if they follow at all, so I don't think that you need have much
+fear of being troubled by them."
+
+We exchanged kind farewells with our new friend, and not without many a
+regret at leaving Uphill commenced our march.  We all knew that it would
+be a toilsome one and not free from danger, but my father had
+determined, that as he was moving he would move far west, where the
+curse of slavery was unknown.
+
+The waggons I have mentioned were of a stronger build than those before
+described.  They had high tilts which made them comfortable
+sleeping-places at night.  My father and Uncle Denis rode alongside the
+leading waggon, in which my mother, Kathleen, Biddy, and Rose travelled,
+and Dan condescended when tired to take his seat with them.  Martin
+Prentis drove the first, Sam Hodding the second, Peter the third, and
+some of our other men the rest.  Mr Tidey and I brought up the rear.
+
+For some days we kept Dio inside, lest he might be recognised and an
+attempt made to carry him off.  Boxer and Toby generally scampered on
+ahead, coming back every now and then, and giving a loud bark as if to
+hurry on the train.
+
+We moved but at a slow pace, for although the patient oxen could travel
+on for many miles without growing weary, it was impossible to make them
+advance out of a steady walk.  We proceeded northward, having the mighty
+Mississippi on our left, until we reached the banks of the Illinois
+river, which we crossed in flat-bottomed boats, and then proceeding
+several days' journey westward, entered the wide prairies of Missouri,
+the vast river from which the state takes its name being to the south of
+us.  We were now truly in the wilderness, but "Westward Ho!" was our
+cry.  We had numerous dangers to guard against; prairie fires might
+occur and envelope us in their deadly embrace; hostile Indians might
+attack us and attempt to carry off our cattle during the night: when
+crossing rivers floods might come down and overwhelm us; or packs of
+fierce wolves might seize any of our oxen straying from the
+neighbourhood of the camp; but the fear of such contingencies did not
+deter my father and uncle, who had made up their minds to move on until
+they could find a region suited to their taste.  Many had done the same
+and failed, others had succeeded, and they hoped to be ranked among the
+latter.
+
+Our mode of camping at night, having reached a spot near water, was, to
+form a square with our waggons, leaving an opening through which the
+cattle might be driven in case of an attack; if close to a broad and
+deep stream, the water served for one side and the camp could thus be
+made of larger size.  The fires were lighted in the centre, and two or
+more men were always posted outside to give due notice of the approach
+of a foe.  We had brought a tent for my mother and Kathleen, which was
+of course pitched inside the square, that they might enjoy more room
+than their waggon afforded, although that was made as comfortable as
+circumstances would permit for sitting in during the day-time.  In case
+of being attacked by Indians, the goods in the waggons would serve, we
+hoped, as protection against their arrows or even the bullets of those
+possessed of fire-arms.
+
+We always did our best to reach a spot of this description before
+sunset.  Our first duty was to water the horses and cattle, then to
+hobble the former.  This was done by fastening the fore and hind-legs on
+one side with an iron chain, a leathern strap passing round the fetlock.
+They were then turned loose to graze, their instinct inducing them,
+provided there was plenty of grass, to remain close to the camp.  We
+then set to work to get wood for our fires, after filling the kettles
+with water; the salt meat was then put on to boil, or when we had game,
+that was spitted and placed on forked sticks to roast.  We each of us
+had our various duties to attend to, some made up the beds with blankets
+and buffalo robes; one man roasted the coffee berries in a frying-pan
+and prepared them for boiling in a primitive fashion by wrapping them in
+a piece of buffalo or deer-skin and pounding them with the back of a
+hatchet.
+
+As soon as the coffee was boiled and the meat cooked we all turned to
+with good appetites, our mother, Kathleen, Biddy, and Rose, seating
+themselves on some of the lighter packages, which were taken from the
+waggons for the purpose.
+
+After a few days' travelling we got so accustomed to the style of life
+we were leading, that having encountered no serious difficulties we
+began to hope that the dangers we had heard of were more imaginary than
+real, and that we should after all perform our journey with ease and
+safety.  Silas Bracher had either received no notice of our departure,
+or he did not suppose that Dio was with us, for we had travelled a
+hundred miles or more northward without seeing any of his people.  Mr
+Tidey and I, however, as we rode in the rear, kept a look-out for them;
+and had they come up with our train they would have found us well
+prepared to give them a warm reception.  It was satisfactory, however,
+at length to believe that there was no risk of an encounter with them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX.
+
+DAN'S EAGERNESS FOR ADVENTURES--MOSQUITOS--A TEMPEST BREWING--THE STORM
+UPON US--RISING OF THE RIVER--THE FLOOD--A FEARFUL FLASH--DIO TAKES THE
+LEAD--A MISERABLE NIGHT--STRANGERS IN CAMP--RUMOURS OF INDIANS--
+FOLLOWING UP THE TRAIL--THE PLUNDERED EMIGRANT TRAIN--THE WOLVES--A
+PRAIRIE FLOWER--ALONE IN THE DESERTED CAMP--NEW DANGERS--A SURPRISE FOR
+MY MOTHER--THE HALT--GRAVES BY THE WAYSIDE--THE ONLY RECORDS OF THE
+SLAIN--"LILY'S MOTHER SLEEPS HERE."
+
+"I say, Mike, I thought by this time that we should have fought half a
+dozen battles with the redskins, killed no end of buffalo and deer,
+unkennelled black bears and grizzlies without number, and trapped
+beavers and racoons and 'possums by scores!" exclaimed Dan, as we were
+seated round our camp-fire.
+
+"Wait a bit, my boy, until we get farther on our journey," remarked Mr
+Tidey, who overheard Dan, "we shall have adventures enough then to
+satisfy you, and enable Mike to fill up his journal to overflowing,
+though, for my part, I confess I shall be very glad, as I suspect will
+be your father and mother, if we get through without them."
+
+"Not much chance of that," I observed, "or we shall be an exception to
+the general rule.  I hope, however, if we do meet with hostile Indians,
+that we may be able to beat them off.  Martin Prentis, who has been a
+good deal among them, says that they are arrant cowards, and will only
+attack people when they find them unprepared."
+
+We were, I should have said, encamped in our usual fashion, near a
+stream, that we might obtain as much water as we required.  Along the
+bank was a belt of trees with a copse, which afforded us a supply of
+fire-wood.  The weather had been exceedingly hot, and scarcely had we
+halted than we had to encounter an enemy for which we had not bargained.
+Swarms of mosquitos attacked us the moment we left the protecting smoke
+of the fire, buzzing round our heads in countless numbers, stinging our
+faces and hands and such parts of our legs and ankles as were exposed.
+Fortunately my mother had some mosquito curtains, within which she and
+Kathleen obtained shelter at night, though we who had no means of
+resisting their assaults were so stung that we could scarcely recognise
+each other.
+
+"In my opinion we shall have a storm before long," observed Martin
+Prentis, "the way these creatures bite is a pretty sure sign of what is
+going to happen."
+
+Not long after he had made the remark, on looking up at the sky I saw a
+thick mass of clouds sweeping across it, the stars rapidly disappearing.
+Suddenly the whole horizon was lighted up with flashes of brilliant
+flame and reiterated peals of thunder burst forth with fearful loudness.
+There was, however, but little wind, and as yet no rain had fallen.  As
+Martin had advised, my father had the tilts of the waggons carefully
+secured with additional ropes over them, as he had also my mother's
+tent.  The storm drew nearer and nearer.  The lightning had hitherto
+been at a distance, but now thick bars of fire darted through the air,
+remaining visible for many seconds, zigzagging backwards and forwards
+before they reached the ground, along which they went hissing like fiery
+serpents, sometimes striking into it with loud crashes.  Again for a
+minute or two all seemed darkness, then once more the whole heaven was
+illuminated, the thunder all the time roaring and rattling, now coming
+from one direction, now from another.  Our terrified horses rushed up to
+the camp seeking protection, although the more stolid oxen appeared
+indifferent to the uproar.  Hitherto the air had been calm.  Suddenly a
+fierce blast swept across the plain, shaking the awnings of the waggons,
+and threatening to bear them off bodily, or tear them to pieces.
+Scarcely had the blast struck the camp, than down came the rain.  My
+mother and Kathleen rushed hurriedly into their tent, followed at their
+invitation by Biddy and Rose, while we sought such shelter as the
+waggons could afford.  That was rain, and not only rain but hail, each
+piece of ice the size of a pigeon's egg, some even larger.  The rain
+fell in no small drops, but in sheets of water, and soon converted our
+camp into a pond, the spot on which my mother's tent stood happily
+forming an island.  With the crashing of the thunder, the roar of the
+wind, and the fierce pattering of the rain, we could scarcely hear each
+other speak.  We were thankful that we had already encamped before the
+storm came on.  Hour after hour it raged without giving any sign of
+diminution.  I was seated alongside Uncle Denis, wrapped up in a buffalo
+robe in one of the waggons nearest to the river, which we could
+occasionally see by stretching out our necks beyond the canvas as the
+flashes of lightning darted across it.
+
+"Mike, does it strike you that the water has risen higher than it was
+when we first encamped?  Watch for the next flash, and tell me what you
+think."
+
+I did as he directed me.
+
+"It seems to me almost up to the top of the bank," I answered.
+
+"I hope it won't come higher, then," he said, "for if it does, we shall
+have to harness up, and seek for a more elevated position to spend the
+remainder of the night, though it won't be pleasant to have to move
+while the storm lasts."
+
+Again looking out, and waiting for another flash, it appeared to me that
+the water had not only risen to the bank, but had overflowed.  It was
+meandering in various channels over the ground.
+
+I told my uncle, who watched as I had done, until he was convinced in
+another few minutes that our camp would be completely flooded.  He
+shouted out to my father, who agreed with him.  Our first care was to
+get my mother and Kathleen, with their attendants, into their waggon,
+and to wrap them up as well as we could.  We then, calling to the men,
+hurried out, splashing over the wet ground, while the rain came like a
+shower-bath down on our heads, to catch the oxen and harness them up.
+It was no easy matter to find the animals, as it was only when the
+lightning flashed forth that we could distinguish them, so pitchy dark
+was the night.  First one team was caught, then another and another, we
+all shouting at the top of our voices to make ourselves heard.  There
+was no time to be lost; already the water was almost up to the axles.
+At length, however, we got the oxen harnessed and the horses saddled.
+First one waggon was drawn out, and then another, but it took some time
+before all were ready to move forward.  The next point to be considered
+was the direction to take.  We might possibly only find ourselves on
+lower ground, and consequently in deeper water.  My father and Uncle
+Denis, who had mounted their horses, rode forward, telling us to keep
+shouting, that they might find us again.  The lightning continued
+flashing as before, so that we could see them for a short time as they
+rode away.  My father had directed me to move on in as straight a line
+as we could keep at right angles from the river, and by turning round I
+could occasionally get a view of the trees which fringed its banks,
+showing me that we were as nearly as possible keeping the course he
+wished.  Still I felt very anxious.  I had remembered passing along a
+deep gully which would in all probability be full of water, and before
+we were aware of it the leading oxen might tumble in, and perhaps drag
+the waggon after them.  I told Martin and another man to go to their
+heads and feel the way with poles, while the rest of the waggons kept as
+close as possible one behind the other.  The drivers, however, finding
+the water rising, could with difficulty be induced to follow my orders.
+Behind us we could hear the sound of the rushing waters as the swollen
+river swept along, and at intervals the voices of the men driving the
+rear waggons reached my ears, shouting to us to move faster.  We were
+thus advancing cautiously when I caught sight of a dark object rising up
+almost before me and apparently reaching to the sky.  It was a tree, but
+in the darkness it seemed of gigantic proportions.
+
+At that moment a vivid flash darted from the clouds, a loud explosion
+followed with a deafening crash, and the stout trunk was rent asunder,
+the branches falling on every side, the leading oxen narrowly escaping
+being crushed.  I should have been swept off my frightened horse had he
+not sprang forward, trembling in every limb.  The flash revealed to me
+one of the gullies I had been anxious to avoid.  I shouted to the other
+men to keep clear of the danger.  At the same time a dread seized me
+lest my father and Uncle Denis might have ridden into it, and have been
+carried away by the boiling current.
+
+The men replied that they could not see their way, and from the cries
+which reached me it was evident that the whole train was in confusion.
+The roar of the waters drowned our voices.  At that moment another flash
+showed me a figure close by my side and I caught the words--
+
+"Me show de way, dare high ground little ahead, come 'long."
+
+It was Dio, who had leapt from the waggon in which he had been seated
+and had come to the front, the post of danger.  Endowed with a keener
+eyesight than the rest of us, during darkness he had distinguished the
+ground which we had failed to see.  The leading waggon followed him, and
+we were soon assured that the ground was rising.  Though this was the
+case, it might again sink and we should be in a worse position than
+before.  I was greatly relieved when I heard a shout in reply to ours
+and could distinguish the figures of my father and Uncle Denis against
+the sky.  They had found a spot, not likely to be reached by the water
+they believed, where we could camp for the remainder of the night.  They
+led us to it along the ridge we had gained, avoiding a deep dip, into
+which, had we descended, we should have been worse off than before.  Of
+course we were all wet to the skin; but, while the rain poured down in
+bucketfuls as it was doing, we could light no fire to dry our clothes.
+Still we were thankful that we had escaped the danger which had
+threatened us, and we managed to place our waggons in the usual
+position, so that at daylight we might be prepared for enemies should
+any appear.  When morning broke we had reason to be grateful to Heaven
+that we had moved away in time from the bank of the river, for the
+ground on which we had encamped was covered with water to the depth
+apparently of several feet, while the current swept by with a force
+sufficient to have carried our waggons and cattle away.  As the day
+advanced, the storm ceased, the clouds rolled off and the sun burst
+forth, his warm rays soon drying our clothes and the wet tilts of the
+waggons.
+
+The flood had so completely obliterated the trail, that my father and
+uncle deemed it prudent either to ride on ahead themselves, or to send
+Mr Tidey and me forward to ascertain the proper route to take.  They
+had gone on in the morning where the road was more difficult, and after
+our mid-day stoppage the Dominie and I took the lead.  In all directions
+were traces of the storm, trees uprooted, the streams flooded, the
+ground being covered with broken branches of trees and occasionally we
+came across the bodies of animals which had been caught by the current
+and drowned.
+
+As the day was drawing to a close we were looking out for a spot on
+which to camp for the night.  As I gazed ahead I saw some objects moving
+across the plain.
+
+"Can those be Indians?"  I asked, pointing them out to Mr Tidey; "if
+so, they may be Sioux or Blackfeet and give us some trouble."
+
+He reined up his horse, and, shading his eyes with his hand, gazed at
+them steadily.  "No, that's a waggon, and coming this way too," he
+answered, "they may be emigrants who have turned back either because
+they have been frightened by Indians, or having lost some of their
+cattle by the floods have found it impossible to proceed; supposing the
+latter to be the case, they appear to be coming on very rapidly."
+
+"They seem to me to be running away from enemies," I observed, "however,
+we shall soon know."
+
+"At all events we must try to select our camping-ground before they come
+up, or they may occupy it," answered Mr Tidey, "there is a stream to
+the right bordered by trees.  It is just the spot we want.  Ride back,
+Mike, and hurry on the waggons.  We shall have formed our camp before
+the strangers arrive."
+
+While Mr Tidey rode in the direction towards which he pointed, I
+galloped back and gave notice of the approach of a train from the
+westward.  I had observed an easy pass among the hills which led down to
+the stream, and through it I was able to guide our waggons.  We reached
+the ground selected by Mr Tidey in good time to camp before dark, and
+our arrangements had just been concluded when the strangers approached.
+As they drew near, my father and I went to meet them, to show them a
+spot near ours where they might encamp.  Two men, seeing us coming,
+advanced towards us: one of them was a sturdy, strong, bold fellow, but
+the other had nothing of the backwoodsman about him in appearance.
+
+"Glad to fall in with you, strangers," said the first; "and if you
+follow my advice, you will turn back with us, unless you wish to have
+your scalps taken by the Indians or your cattle drowned by the floods,
+or if you escape them, to die of hunger and thirst as you travel over
+the desert to the westward, though it's my opinion you'll never get many
+days journey from this."
+
+"Your report, friend, is not very encouraging," answered my father,
+"though, as I am prepared to encounter some difficulty, I cannot promise
+to follow your advice; however, as we shall spend the evening together
+we shall hear more of what you have gone through.  To save you time, we
+looked out for a spot for your camp.  You cannot do better than occupy
+it."
+
+The stranger thanked us.  "Whereabouts is it?" he asked.
+
+"It is a little to the westward of where our waggons are drawn up."
+
+"I'd rather go further east," said the stranger when he saw it, "and
+place you between ourselves and the redskins.  We've had one battle
+already, and to say the truth have no stomachs for another.  You may
+take your turn next, should they come, and I am not certain that they
+will not before daybreak."
+
+"You are welcome to camp where you like," answered my father, amused at
+the stranger's cowardice, of which he did not seem at all ashamed; "we
+shall look to you, however, to help us in driving back the redskins if
+they make their appearance."
+
+We, however, assisted the strangers in finding a suitable spot a little
+to the eastward of our camp, and in a short time they drew up their
+waggons on it.
+
+As soon as we had finished supper my father and Uncle Denis and I went
+over to the strangers' camp, to hear a further account of their
+proceedings.
+
+The story they gave of the dangers they had encountered was sufficiently
+alarming to make persons less determined than my father and uncle give
+up the expedition they had undertaken.  They had narrowly escaped being
+carried away by a flood the previous evening, and had been only the day
+before surrounded by a body of Indians, with whom, as it turned out,
+they had only exchanged shots, when the redskins had retreated without
+blood being shed.  They mentioned, however, another train of four or
+five waggons which had been some way ahead of them, and told us that
+they had considerable apprehensions as to their fate.
+
+"We will hope for the best," said my father, "if the people are prudent
+and keep a careful watch, I believe they may easily beat off any Indians
+of these parts, who never attack white men unless they can take them by
+surprise."
+
+We did our best to persuade our new acquaintances to turn back once more
+with us, but they had so completely lost heart that nothing we could say
+had any effect.
+
+"No, no, friend," answered their leader, "we committed a folly in
+leaving our comfortable farm in Ohio.  We have made up our minds to be
+wiser in future, and look out for another location eastward, beyond the
+reach of the Indians.  If you are wise, you will do the same."
+
+"From my experience I should say that we are as likely to be annoyed by
+white men as the redskins, and by treating the latter honestly I hope
+that we shall gain their friendship and have no cause to dread them,"
+said my father.
+
+"You'll act as you judge best, but I have warned you of what you may
+have to expect," was the answer.
+
+We parted the next morning with mutual expressions of good will, and
+while the returning emigrants hurried off eastward, we continued our
+course to the west, the marks made by their waggon wheels enabling us to
+proceed rapidly until we reached the spot where they had encamped the
+previous night.  Here the truth of their story was corroborated by the
+appearance of Indian trails which led away westward.  We encamped a
+little further on, and of course kept a careful watch at night, but no
+enemy appeared.
+
+Next afternoon Mr Tidey and I were riding ahead followed by Boxer and
+another of our dogs--without whom indeed, we never left the camp, as
+they were sure to give us timely warning should any Indians be lurking
+around.  We knew, however, that they would not attack the red-men, of
+whom they seemed to have an instinctive dread, but would silently slink
+close to us, should any enemies be near.  We were looking out, as may be
+supposed, for Indian trails, as well as for those of the other emigrant
+train of which we had heard, when we saw signs on the ground which at
+first puzzled us.  We dismounted to examine them more carefully.
+
+"If we had an Indian guide, he would quickly tell us what they mean,"
+observed the Dominie.  "See, here are oxen and wheel tracks, and these
+are the marks of moccasins.  I suspect that a party of Indians out on
+the war-path have followed the waggons, and I fear after all that the
+emigrants were not so far wrong in their conjectures as we supposed.  I
+only hope the people on ahead have kept a careful watch and beaten back
+their wily foe."
+
+"Let us push on, and try to overtake the Indians before they attack the
+train," I said.  "When they see another party of white men approaching,
+they may judge it prudent to give up their enterprise; and if they
+pursue us, our fast horses will enable us easily to keep out of their
+way."
+
+The Dominie, though not blind to the risk we might run, agreed to my
+proposal; the ground was open and level, and there was no brushwood
+either to the right or left which might conceal a lurking foe.  We
+accordingly put our horses into a gallop, believing that we should soon
+come up with the train, or get sight of the Indians, should they still
+be following it.  "The redskins will be looking ahead, and will not
+discover us until we have seen them," I observed.
+
+Suddenly the dogs, which had been keeping alongside us, dashed forward,
+just at the moment that we, from the unevenness of the ground, were
+compelled to pull up.  On reaching the summit of one of the undulations
+rather than hills, which rise in different parts of the prairie, we saw
+some objects in the distance which we both agreed must be waggons.  As
+we got nearer we saw that two were upset, and that from a third smoke
+was ascending, while from another the tilt had been torn off, one only
+remaining intact.
+
+"That must be the train we are in search of," observed the Dominie; "it
+has too evidently been attacked by the Indians; but I see no one moving
+about.  Perhaps the savages caught sight of us, and supposing that we
+were at the head of a large party, have gone off.  We may be in time to
+help some of the poor people, if any have escaped with their lives,
+though I fear the worst, as the redskins seldom leave their work half
+finished, and the chances are that all the white men have been killed."
+
+We rode forward as fast as the rugged nature of the ground would allow,
+prepared at any moment to wheel round and gallop back should we catch
+sight of the savages.
+
+We hoped, however, as the dogs did not return, that we should have no
+trouble on that account.  We were still at some distance from the
+waggons, when we heard a loud yelping and barking.
+
+"Those sounds came from a pack of wolves," exclaimed Mr Tidey; "I see
+the brutes, they are calling to each other, expecting to enjoy a banquet
+on the dead bodies of the slain."
+
+Directly afterwards we caught sight of the animals making their way
+through the brushwood and trees which surrounded the waggons.  Above
+their hideous yelps we could distinguish the deep honest bark of our own
+dogs.  Forgetting for the moment the risk we ran of being surprised, we
+put spurs to our horses, and galloping over the uneven ground soon got
+up to the spot.  Neither cattle nor horses were visible, they had
+evidently been carried off.  The scene which soon met our eyes filled us
+with horror.
+
+On the ground lay half-a-dozen men, each of whom had been scalped and
+their bodies partly stripped.  Farther on were two or three more, who
+had fallen between the waggons.  Some of the wolves, more daring than
+their companions, had advanced at the head of the pack, and would
+already have commenced the horrible repast had not our two noble dogs,
+barking furiously, kept them at bay.
+
+"I am afraid we are too late here to be of any use except to bury the
+dead," observed Mr Tidey as we surveyed the melancholy scene.  "But
+holloa! what is that among the bushes?  A woman,--I see her moving.
+Perhaps we may be in time to save her."
+
+Forgetting that the Indians might still be at hand, we dismounted, and
+fastening our horses to the wheels of one of the waggons, made our way
+through the brushwood.  As we did so, a couple of wolves approached from
+an opposite direction, and were on the point of seizing the woman's
+body, when Boxer and his companion springing forward, they took to
+flight.  We hurried to the assistance of the poor woman.  We now saw
+that it was not she who had moved, but a little girl whose arms were
+thrown round her.
+
+"Oh! come help Lily!" exclaimed the child, at once recognising us as
+white men: "look up mother! oh, mother, mother! speak to Lily, one word.
+White man come to help you, no fear now."
+
+In vain, however, Lily called to her mother.  While I took the child in
+my arms, Mr Tidey knelt down by the side of the poor lady.  The blood
+which flowed from her breast, and dyed the ground on which she lay, too
+plainly told that she had received a mortal wound.
+
+"She is beyond our help," he said; "but I would prevent her body being
+devoured by these abominable brutes.  Do you carry the child, and I will
+convey the poor mother into the nearest waggon.  We can cover her up
+sufficiently to prevent the wolves getting at her until we return, when
+we can bury her decently, as well as the rest of the murdered people."
+
+I did as he advised, and was making my way to where we had left the
+horses, when I heard a loud explosion, and fragments of all sorts came
+whizzing through the air: mercifully none of them struck me.  I looked
+round, and was thankful to see Mr Tidey safe.  I had forgotten the
+waggon which we had seen burning.  The horses, terrified by the sound,
+reared and plunged, and broke their bridles.  The Dominie, letting the
+body fall, rushed after his horse; fortunately catching it, he galloped
+after mine in the direction from which we had come, and I found myself
+standing alone in the midst of the blackened train, with the little girl
+clinging to my neck and crying bitterly for her mother to speak to her,
+while the wolves, driven to a distance by the explosion, howled and
+yelped around me, though kept from again approaching by the gallant dogs
+and the shouts I raised for the purpose of keeping them at bay.
+
+I felt that I was in a fearful position.  At any moment the savages
+might return, in the hopes of obtaining more plunder.  I had my rifle,
+and I determined to defend the little girl and myself to the last.  A
+new danger arose: the waggon was burning furiously; the flames might
+ignite the others, which in all probability also contained kegs of
+powder, and it was more than likely that the grass would be set on fire
+and the whole prairie would be in a blaze.  Not only should I and my
+young companion lose our lives, but my friends would be exposed to the
+most fearful danger.  I must endeavour, I saw, to make some effort to
+prevent the catastrophe; but I had not the heart to force the little
+girl's arms from around my neck, and to place her on the ground.  I
+endeavoured to tranquillise her by every means I could think of.  At
+last I bethought me of placing her in the only waggon which remained
+upright.
+
+"Stay quiet there, Lily," I observed; "no one will hurt you, and I will
+come back as soon as possible.  I want to try and put out that fire, or
+it will do us harm."
+
+"Don't leave me, don't leave me," cried Lily; but as she did not resist.
+I placed her in the waggon, and begged her to be quiet, while I seized
+a long stick which lay on the ground, and rushing up to the fire, beat
+out the flames which already rose from the grass.  Mercifully it was not
+so thick there as in other places a short distance off.  I rushed round
+and round the burning mass, now and then being just in time to reach a
+snake-like line of flame which was extending towards the brushwood or in
+the direction of the tall grass, which, had it gained, nothing could
+have stopped the dreaded catastrophe.  I was thus engaged when I heard a
+loud holloa!  For a moment I thought the Indians were upon me, but on
+looking up, I saw Mr Tidey, leading my horse and followed by Uncle
+Denis.  They were soon up to me, and leaping from their steeds, without
+stopping to ask questions, commenced stamping out the smouldering fire,
+which a sudden puff of wind might soon have raised again into a flame.
+Not until they had succeeded in overcoming the threatened danger did
+they speak a word.  Uncle Denis then told me that they had heard the
+report; and fearing that we might be exposed to danger, he had galloped
+forward to ascertain the cause, leaving the waggons under the command of
+my father, who had made every preparation for resistance in case they
+should be attacked by the Indians.  He had seen Mr Tidey catch my
+horse, and had been very anxious lest some accident should have befallen
+me.  A few words served to explain what had happened, and I then hurried
+back to poor little Lily.
+
+"We are safe now, Lily," I said, "and you must come with me.  Do you
+think you could sit on my horse, while we gallop over the ground?"
+
+"Oh yes, Lily often used to sit on Uncle John's horse.  I not afraid,"
+she answered.  "But mother, where is mother?"
+
+"That other man will take care of her," I answered evasively.  "Come, I
+want to carry you to friends; I've got a little sister, who would be so
+glad to see you, and so will my mother.  She, I know, will take care of
+you."
+
+"Lily will go with you," she answered.
+
+Mounting my horse, I called to Uncle Denis to place Lily in front of me
+on the saddle.
+
+"Go on, Mike," he said; "we will do as Mr Tidey proposed with the poor
+lady, and follow close behind you.  The sooner we rejoin the waggons the
+better, for one can never tell what tricks the redskins may play us.
+Tell your father that I think he had better camp as soon as he can find
+a suitable spot."
+
+I did not stop for further directions, but rode off as fast as I could
+venture to go, holding Lily tightly with my right arm round her waist
+before me.  I very naturally, as I rode along, kept a look-out on either
+side, half expecting to see a party of Indians creeping forward to cut
+me off.  I was thankful when I caught sight of the waggons approaching
+with my father at their head.  His astonishment at beholding my young
+companion was very great.  I stopped but for a moment to tell him what
+had occurred.  He ordered the waggons to halt, that I might give Lily
+over to my mother.  She and Kathleen uttered exclamations of surprise at
+seeing the little girl, while Dio, who was on foot, ran forward and
+lifted her into the waggon.
+
+"This is my mother, Lily," I said, "and my little sister Kathleen; I am
+sure they will be kind and love you very much."
+
+"That we will," said my mother, as Lily, looking up in her face, smiled
+faintly; but she had been too much frightened to speak.  As I left her
+in my mother's arms I whispered--
+
+"I will tell you by-and-by how I found her, but don't ask her any
+questions now, mother."  I made a sign, which I think she understood, to
+show her that something very dreadful had occurred.
+
+Without stopping further, I returned to my father, to whom I gave my
+uncle's message, and as we rode along I told him what had happened.  We
+had not got far when Mr Tidey and Uncle Denis arrived.  I saw that both
+my uncle and the Dominie looked unusually anxious.  Just as they were
+starting they had caught sight of two figures in the distance, which
+they had no doubt were Indians who had been watching them; they were
+convinced, moreover, that should an opportunity occur, the savages would
+attack our camp.
+
+We pushed on accordingly as fast as we could move, until we got within
+about a mile of the place where the emigrants' train had been destroyed.
+It was the first spot suitable for camping.  Situated in a slight
+hollow, four or five hundred yards wide, a deep and pretty broad stream
+flowing on the north side, with a small wood or copse to the east, while
+to the west and south the ground sloped upwards and then fell again down
+to the scene of the catastrophe.  We lost no time in unyoking the oxen
+and placing the waggons in a square, taking even more than usual
+precautions against an attack.  As there was plenty of grass round, we
+tethered both the cattle and horses close outside the waggons, while
+three men were told off to keep watch on the top of the ridge, whence we
+could obtain a wide view over the country.  We swept it again and again
+with our telescopes but could discover no persons moving in the
+distance.  We both saw and heard, however, the horrible wolves, who only
+waited for nightfall to rush in again on the emigrants' camp.
+
+"I don't like the thought of allowing those poor fellows to be devoured
+by the brutes," said Uncle Denis.  "What do you say, Tidey?  Will you
+accompany me, and try to bury them decently?  We will go on horseback,
+and by keeping a bright look-out, there will be no risk of being
+surprised by the redskins, should they venture to return.  I should like
+especially to pay all the respect we can to that poor lady."
+
+"With all my heart," answered the Dominie, "and if the captain agrees,
+we will take Martin and Dio."
+
+"And I'll go too," I said, "if my father will allow me."
+
+As he did not object, we immediately mounted our horses, Uncle Denis and
+the Dominie each carrying a spade, and the two men a pickaxe a-piece,
+while Boxer and Toby followed at our heels.  As we galloped over the
+ground, we were not long in reaching the scene of the massacre.  Dio,
+who had the sharpest eyes amongst us, was stationed to keep a look-out,
+while we, securing our horses, at once set about our melancholy task.
+We selected a spot under the branches of a wide-spreading oak for the
+grave of the poor lady.  As the ground was soft it was soon dug.  We
+then carried the body to it.  We were on the point of placing it in,
+when the Dominie suggested that we should take off her wedding-ring and
+any ornament about her, that they might be given to her daughter, and
+that they might also serve to identify her, so that should we have an
+opportunity we might inform her relatives and friends of her fate.
+Besides the plain gold ring, was another of curious workmanship with an
+amethyst set in it, while secured round her neck by a silk ribbon Uncle
+Denis discovered a gold locket.  Without stopping to examine it he
+placed it in his pouch.  In the waggon were a few articles for family
+use, but we found nothing of value.  No letters; no pocket-book which
+might serve to tell us who she was; everything had been carried off by
+the savages.  Her husband, probably, was among the murdered men; and if
+we could find his body, we would, we agreed, place it in the grave of
+his wife.
+
+"That's more than we are likely to do," answered Uncle Denis; "let the
+poor lady rest alone."
+
+Accordingly, lifting her up, we placed her in the narrow grave, and
+although she was a stranger to me, I confess that I burst into tears as
+we hurriedly threw the earth over her.  Martin had in the meantime
+commenced a larger grave for the men.  Had they been our most intimate
+friends, we should have been unable to recognise them, so fearfully had
+their countenances been disfigured by the savages.  The bodies too had
+been partly stripped, so that there was little difference in their dress
+to help us.  In vain we endeavoured to ascertain which was the husband
+of the poor lady, and we had no time to devote to a close examination.
+We were not long in digging a shallow grave and burying the murdered men
+side by side.
+
+"We must place some logs over the poor lady's grave," said Uncle Denis,
+"so that we may know it again."
+
+Mr Tidey agreed, and all of us plying our axes, we managed to pile up a
+number of logs over the spot.  Three fallen trees lay near the larger
+grave and these we dragged over it, so as to prevent the wolves from
+disturbing the dead.  Dio had in the meantime been riding backward and
+forwards, shouting out whenever he saw any of the brutes approaching: he
+was assisted by our two brave dogs, who kept up a constant barking,
+showing that they understood the duty required of them.
+
+The sun had already set, and as the Indians, should they have been
+watching us in the distance, might creep up during the darkness, we
+mounted our horses and rode back as quickly as we could to the camp.  My
+first inquiry was for Lily.  She had been crying bitterly for her
+mother, asking when she would come to her, but had at length fallen
+asleep, and was now resting inside the tent in Kathleen's bed.
+
+While seated round the camp-fire an idea came into my head, I procured a
+piece of board, and with my knife commenced carving an inscription.
+This I intended fixing the next morning on to the logs above the lady's
+grave.  It was a question whether I should have an opportunity of
+erecting it.  We might possibly be attacked by an overwhelming body of
+Indians and have to retreat, or perchance share the fate of the
+unfortunate people we had buried.  As may be supposed, we kept an
+anxious watch, although there was less chance of our being attacked in
+the camp than while moving on, as the redskins, in spite of their
+vaunted bravery, always watch for an opportunity of taking their enemies
+by surprise, and finding us prepared for them, would probably keep at a
+distance.  Having stood my watch during the early part of the night, I
+turned in and lay down with my buffalo robe by the side of Dan.  I was
+awakened by my father's voice arousing the camp.  In an instant every
+one was on foot, fires were made up, and a hurried breakfast taken.  We
+then caught and yoked the oxen, and in the grey of morning recommenced
+our march.  Uncle Denis and the Dominie, acting as scouts, rode a little
+way in advance on either side, so as to avoid the risk of a surprise.
+My mother kept little Lily in her arms inside the waggons, so that she
+could not see the wrecked train.  As we approached it Uncle Denis and I
+galloped forward to the grave of the poor lady, I carrying the board on
+which I had worked the previous evening.  Throwing ourselves from our
+horses, we nailed it to the large log placed over the head.  On the
+board I had carved, with the date of her death, "Lily's mother sleeps
+here."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN.
+
+ACROSS THE PLAINS--THE MARCH OF CIVILISATION--A HALT--THE TRAIL
+DISCOVERED--ON THE WAR-PATH--AN OBSTACLE--ARRIVAL AT THE RIVER--
+EXAMINING THE CAMPING-GROUND--AN INACCESSIBLE POINT--ERECTING
+FORTIFICATIONS--THE WAY TREES ARE FELLED IN KENTUCKY--STRENGTHENING OUR
+POSITION--MR. TIDEY PUTS US ON THE ALERT--RED-SKIN DARING--ROUND THE
+CAMP-FIRE--EVIDENT ANXIETY OF MY FATHER AND THE DOMINIE--OUR STRONG
+POINT--SETTING THE WATCH--DRIVING IN THE CATTLE--THE LULL BEFORE THE
+STORM.
+
+The next day's journey was an anxious one.  We had no doubt that the
+Indians were watching us, lurking behind trees or shrubs, although they
+did not show themselves.  My father directed that all the horses should
+be mounted, the men only required to conduct the waggons remaining on
+foot.  The formidable appearance we thus presented undoubtedly prevented
+our enemies from approaching, still we felt sure that should they find
+an opportunity of attacking us with advantage, they would be down upon
+us.  In a few days we hoped to reach one of the numerous forts scattered
+over the continent for the protection of the white men, advancing in
+constant streams to take possession of the fertile lands to the
+westward, which had hitherto served only as the hunting-grounds of the
+red-men.  It is not surprising that the so-called savages looked with no
+friendly eye on the intruders, or should have taken every opportunity of
+destroying them, in the vain hope of preventing other following in the
+same direction.  The idea, however, that we were intruders did not occur
+to my father, or to the thousands of other emigrants who were leaving
+the Eastern States with the object of forming homes for themselves and
+families in the desert.  They saw unlimited tracks of a fertile country
+stretched out before them without an inhabitant, and they looked upon
+the savage red man much in the same light as they looked upon the herds
+of buffalo which roam over the prairies.  We had halted for our mid-day
+rest, without having seen any Indians, though we kept a vigilant
+look-out on every side.  We began to hope therefore, that, content with
+the plunder they had obtained, they had returned with it to their
+villages, and that we should reach the fort without being molested.
+Still my father was too good a soldier not to keep as constant a watch
+as before.  As we expected when we arrived at the fort to remain some
+days, there would be time for our cattle and horses to rest; we
+therefore agreed to push on across the prairie faster than we had
+hitherto done, though of course we should be guided as to our
+camping-places by the necessary requirements of water, grass, and wood
+for fuel.  We might thus have to halt earlier in the day than we wished,
+or continue on later in the evening.  The latter alternative it was
+important, if possible, to avoid, as should any Indians be in the
+neighbourhood they might attack us.  The only means of averting the
+danger of being surprised while on the move, was to scout at a greater
+range than usual, so as to discover any lurking foes.  While travelling
+I was seldom able to exchange a word with my mother and Kathleen, but as
+soon as we halted, I went to the waggon to inquire how little Lily was
+getting on.  She at once recognised me.
+
+"Have you found mother? is she coming back to Lily soon?" she asked.  I
+pointed to my mother and then to Kathleen.
+
+"She will be your mother, and Kathleen will be your sister," I answered;
+"they will love you very much, as I told you."
+
+"Yes, they are very kind to Lily, they love Lily I know," she said,
+giving Kathleen a kiss.
+
+"You shall be my new sister; I am so glad to have one," said Kathleen,
+returning her embrace.
+
+Lily smiled, and I knew that though she might not forget her own mother,
+she would soon be happy with those who were so anxious to treat her
+kindly.  Still I observed that she every now and then gave a startled
+look around, showing that she had not forgotten the scene she had
+witnessed on the previous day.  I hoped for her sake as well as for that
+of all of us, that she would never again be exposed to so fearful a
+danger.
+
+I should have said that Uncle Denis had given my mother the locket and
+rings belonging to the murdered lady.
+
+"You will take better care of them than I can," he said, a he drew them
+out of his pouch wrapped in a piece of buck skin, and handed them to her
+without looking at them.  "When the little girl is old enough you can
+give them to her, and tell her how they were obtained: she will long
+before that have forgotten all about the circumstances."
+
+My mother, not having time to examine them, put them carefully in a bag
+containing cherished treasures of her own.
+
+We had scarcely halted two hours, when my father's voice was heard,
+ordering the men to prepare for moving on.  The oxen were soon yoked to,
+the horses saddled, and we continued our journey across the boundless
+plain.
+
+It was my turn to scout ahead with Mr Tidey.  My father had charged us
+not to go so far as to run the risk of being cut off from the train.  We
+therefore frequently halted, especially when we gained the summit of any
+of the slight elevations which are frequently met with on the prairie.
+I was a short distance ahead when I saw some marks on the ground which I
+fancied must be the trail of buffaloes.  I waited until my companion
+came up, when I pointed them out to him.
+
+"That's an Indian trail," he said, as he carefully examined the marks.
+"See, there are three paths close together at fixed distances apart.  I
+will tell you how they are produced.  The framework of their lodges are
+made, as you know, of long poles.  These on a journey are tied to each
+side of a pony, the ends trailing on the ground.  It is very evident
+from the way the grass is trampled down, that a long line of ponies has
+passed this way, one following the other.  The centre line, which is
+deepest, you see, is caused by the feet of the ponies and the two outer
+lines by the trailing of the poles over the ground.  There must have
+been women and children with them, which is satisfactory, as it shows
+that although the party was a large one, they were not out on the
+war-path.  They were going northward, crossing our course; whether the
+men who attacked the emigrant train belong to them or not, it is hard to
+say; perhaps they were the braves of another tribe, and those whose
+trail we see were escaping from them."
+
+"You read the marks as well as an Indian could do," I observed; "and I
+have no doubt that you are right."
+
+"I have given my mind to the subject, and the man who improves his
+opportunities in these wilds can soon attain the knowledge possessed by
+the redskins.  I have met with many white trappers and hunters who were
+fully equal to the most sagacious Indian scouts."
+
+"What do you advise then?"  I asked.
+
+"That we should proceed straight on, as we are going, and keep as strict
+a watch at night and as bright a look-out during the day as heretofore.
+The poor fellows who have been massacred must have been very careless,
+and allowed themselves to be deceived by the Indians.  It was evidently
+an act of treachery, and I should say that a party of the Indians made
+their way into the camp on some pretence or other, probably of trading,
+and suddenly attacked their too confiding hosts.  I observed that none
+of the white men had been killed by bullets or arrows, and it is likely
+that the poor lady lost her life by a stray shot from one of her own
+party."
+
+"We had better let my father and Uncle Denis know that we have seen the
+trails, and they will judge what is best to be done," I observed.
+
+"Ride back then, Mike, and tell them what I advise," answered Mr Tidey;
+"I will continue to look out ahead.  Just say that I think it possible
+that another war-party may be pursuing the tribe whose trail we have
+seen, and disappointed at not overtaking them, that they may make an
+attempt on our camp, or venture to attack us on the march."
+
+I accordingly galloped back, looking as I did so to the southward, as it
+was from that direction the war-party might, I thought, appear.  I
+however saw no human beings moving in the distance, but I caught sight
+of a herd of deer, and greatly longed to be able to go in chase, as we
+were much in want of fresh provisions.  We had intended to halt for the
+purpose of hunting, but the risk of falling in with enemies made my
+father deem it prudent not to allow any one to go to a distance from the
+camp.  I soon got back to the waggons, and reported what Mr Tidey had
+said.
+
+"We will follow his advice," said my father, "and if Indians appear, we
+may, I hope, send them to the right-about.  We will at all events take
+good care not to allow any strangers to enter our camp, or to come
+within range of our rifles while we are on the march.  Now go, Mike, to
+the support of Mr Tidey; but keep in sight, and fall back should you
+see any Indians approaching."
+
+I was soon up with the Dominie.  "If all travellers were as cautious as
+your father, the redskins would not so often succeed," he observed.
+
+We were now crossing an elevated plateau with slightly undulating ground
+in the far distance.  By standing up in our stirrups we could obtain a
+wide view over the country on every side.  We had not proceeded far when
+I saw, away to the southward, what seemed like a huge serpent moving
+through the grass, although I knew very well that a serpent it could not
+be.  I pointed it out to my companion, who carried a telescope at his
+back, telling him what I at first thought it like.
+
+He took a glance through the glass.  "The distance deceives you," he
+answered, as calmly as if it was a matter of very little consequence,
+"that is a band of Indians on the war-path.  I am certain of it.  They
+are moving eastward; probably they are scouts, and long ago have
+discovered our waggons.  What their intention is, I cannot say, but
+possibly it is to get into our rear, without, as they suppose, being
+seen.  We must keep an eye upon them, but not on any account alter our
+course."
+
+As before, I rode back to tell my father what we had seen.  He also had
+discovered the war-party, and had determined what to do.  The rough map
+we possessed showed us that there was a river ahead, but its character
+and the position of the fords were indistinctly marked.  His object was,
+if possible, to cross before nightfall, so as to place it between our
+camp and the enemy.  From thence a horseman could reach Fort Hamilton by
+galloping hard, in three or four days, we calculated, and should the
+Indians appear in overwhelming numbers, we might send forward for
+assistance.  Either Mr Tidey or Uncle Denis would be ready to undertake
+the expedition.  Just as I was about to rejoin him, Mr Tidey fell back
+to consult with my father and uncle.  At that moment too Dio came up
+from the rear, where he had been stationed; to tell us that he had made
+out another numerous party of Indians following our trail, but that they
+were still so far off that some time must elapse before they could
+overtake us.  On hearing this my father hurried to the rear, to take a
+look at the strangers through his telescope.  He immediately sent back
+Dio, who had accompanied him, to tell the drivers to push forward, with
+the utmost speed of which the oxen were capable, while Mr Tidey and I
+once more rode ahead to ascertain the best ground for the train to pass
+over.  We could no longer make out the Indians we had before seen to the
+southward.  We conjectured therefore that they had concealed themselves,
+and intended joining the party following our trail.
+
+"They must have halted, or we should by this time have seen them
+nearer," observed Mr Tidey.  "My idea is that they are waiting for the
+chance of our train being stopped by a break-down, and fancy that they
+shall take us by surprise while we are off our guard.  They are
+evidently under the impression that we have not discovered them, for
+though they are well aware that our rifles can shoot further than their
+bows and arrows, they are fortunately ignorant of the power of the
+telescope, and that we can see them much further than they can see us,
+keen as is their eyesight."
+
+Whatever might have been the intention of the savages, they did not
+approach.  We rode on, without having to deviate from our course, the
+ground being sufficiently level for the transit of the waggons.  In a
+short time we saw extended before us an undulating region, though we had
+little doubt that we should be able to proceed along the hollows,
+without having to make any great detour.  Already the evening was
+approaching, and as we had not found water during the day, we were
+eagerly looking out for a stream or pond at which we and our animals
+might quench our thirst.  The sun was shining brightly, and, late in the
+day as it was, the heat was considerable.  Presently I caught the sheen
+of water, but it appeared to be much below the level on which we were
+riding.  I pointed it out to Mr Tidey, and as we galloped on we saw the
+summit of a line of cliffs.
+
+"There is a river between us and the ground we wish to reach," observed
+Mr Tidey, "and I very much fear it is one we shall find it difficult to
+cross."
+
+"If you will hold my horse, I will go ahead and ascertain the nature of
+the ground," I said.
+
+"Be careful then, for I should not be surprised if you found yourself
+suddenly on the brink of a precipice," replied Mr Tidey, as I
+dismounted carrying my rifle.
+
+"Never fear," I answered as I ran forward.  I had not gone fifty yards
+when I saw a deep gully on my right hand, and in another minute
+discovered a river a hundred feet below me fringed by trees, beyond
+which rose a line of perpendicular cliffs, the tops of which we had seen
+in the distance.  Gazing up and down the stream I could perceive no
+place by which the waggons could pass.  I returned to my companion, and
+we rode together for some distance to the south-west, in the hopes of
+finding the ground slope down to a level with the water.  We were,
+however, disappointed.  It was therefore necessary to return to the
+train and to inform my father of our discovery, that he might decide
+what course to take.  This then was the point towards which the wily
+Indians had seen us proceeding and had hoped that we should not perceive
+our danger until the leading waggon had gone over the cliff, when they
+would have taken the opportunity, so we fancied, of setting on us and
+gaining an easy victory.
+
+They would, however, be disappointed, though we might find it difficult
+to select a suitable spot for camping, where we could obtain water and
+fuel, and at the same time defend ourselves should we be attacked.
+
+On getting back to the train, we learned that the Indians had not again
+been seen.  My father, on hearing our report, directed our course as Mr
+Tidey advised, to the south-west.
+
+We had still more than an hour of daylight, and we calculated that we
+should have time before dark to reach the river, though it was doubtful
+whether we should find a practicable way down to the water.
+
+Never before had the poor oxen been made to go so fast, for our safety
+might depend on our reaching the river before Mr Tidey and I once more
+rode forward.  At length we found the ground decline slightly in the
+direction we were going.  "As we are still evidently at a considerable
+height above the level of the stream, though perhaps we shall be unable
+to cross, we may camp near the edge of the cliffs, so that, at all
+events, we shall be safe from attack on that side," I observed.
+
+"Not so sure of that," said Mr Tidey.  "The Indians may know of a path
+up them which we may fail to discover, and if so, the cunning rascals
+will be sure to take advantage of it and endeavour to surprise us,
+besides which, some of our cattle and horses may chance to tumble over
+it and break their necks.  However, as we are aware of the dangers, we
+may guard against them."
+
+A few minutes after this, we found ourselves once more close to the
+river.
+
+"If you will hold my horse I will run along the brink of the precipice
+and try to discover a way down to the water," I said; "there is no lack
+of wood near the margin of the river, so if we can get down the cliffs
+we shall be able to obtain both those necessary articles."  Still the
+cliffs were so steep, that I was almost in despair when I saw another
+gully, similar to the one I had before passed.  On examining it, greatly
+to my satisfaction I found that it formed a deep notch as it were in the
+precipice, and that not only could a person on foot descend by it with
+the greatest ease to the river, but that even horses and cattle might
+make their way to the water.  I shouted to Mr Tidey, who, coming up,
+agreed with me that we could not hope for a better place for camping.
+We accordingly galloped back to the train, and soon brought the waggons
+up to the spot, with which my father was perfectly satisfied.  While the
+rest of the party were employed in placing the waggons so as to form the
+sides of a square, the cliffs and the gully serving as the two other
+sides to our camp, Mr Tidey, Dan, and I set off to explore the gully,
+for which purpose but little light now remained.
+
+"Be cautious, boys, for that brushwood may conceal a lurking foe, though
+I don't think a red-skin is likely to show himself when he sees three
+rifles which may shoot him down if he does so," said the Dominie, as we
+commenced our descent.  We found that by cutting away the brushwood and
+the trunks of a few trees we might form a road down to the level of the
+river, and that we might at once lead the horses and oxen to water.  It
+was necessary, however, first to examine the foot of the cliff above
+which we were encamped, that we might ascertain what security it would
+afford us against a surprise from Indians on that side.  On looking up
+it appeared to me to be perfectly precipitous, a few shrubs, however,
+projected here and there from the crevices of the rock, but they would
+not, I fancied, enable the most active savage to climb up, though by
+dropping from one to the other, a person might reach the bottom without
+breaking his neck.  We examined the cliffs for some distance to the
+northward, of our camp.  They retained the same character all the way.
+
+"No savages can get up there, at all events," I observed, as we were
+returning.
+
+"Not quite so sure of that," answered Mr Tidey.  "We will not trust
+entirely to them.  I will advise your father to post a sentinel on that
+side as well as the others."  We hurried back, and were in time to
+assist in leading the horses and cattle down to the river.  It would
+have been a fine opportunity for any lurking foes to have carried them
+off; probably, however, no Indians were in the neighbourhood, or if they
+were, they were deterred from approaching by seeing our rifles in our
+hands ready for action.  My father was fully alive to the importance of
+guarding the two sides formed by the gully and the cliff, and he ordered
+all hands not required to keep guard on the outside of the camp, to
+employ their axes in cutting down enough timber for forming a
+breastwork,--by so doing we should, he remarked, lay bare the side of
+the gully and deprive our assailants of the protection the brushwood
+might afford them.
+
+"If we are only to spend one night here, I wonder father thinks it
+necessary to take so much trouble," observed Dan.
+
+"If the trouble is not taken, it might prove our last night, my boy,"
+answered the Dominie, who overheard him: "if we cannot manage to keep
+the Indians out of the camp, we may find our scalps off our heads before
+the morning."
+
+Two or three of the men, who were somewhat discontented with the last
+few days' hard travelling and short commons, though they had hitherto
+gone on without grumbling, began to express themselves much as Dan had
+done.  Dio, who had been engaged in arranging the camp, and who had just
+come up axe in hand, overheard them.
+
+"What you say, you boys?" he exclaimed; "dis niggar show you how to chop
+de trees," and, raising his axe, he began to strike away with a vigour
+which quickly cut through half a stout trunk.  "Dare, dat de way dey
+chop in Kentucky!" he again exclaimed, as the tree came down with a
+crash.  Tree after tree quickly fell beneath his axe.  The rest of the
+men, put to shame by his zeal, followed his example, and we soon had
+timber sufficient for our purpose.
+
+Our next business was to drag it into the required position.
+
+This we did with the help of the oxen, for without them we should have
+been unable to accomplish the undertaking.
+
+At length we got up a rough breastwork on two sides of the camp, while
+our waggons and their cargoes, with the aid of a few additional posts,
+served to strengthen our position.
+
+We surveyed our fort with considerable satisfaction.  One side we might
+consider impregnable; the second, that along the edge of the ravine, was
+not likely to be attacked, and we had a sufficient force of rifles to
+defend the other two against a whole horde of savages without fire-arms.
+
+"Yes, our fort is a strong one," observed the Dominie, "but many a
+stronger has been captured when the garrison thought themselves secure.
+We must still be on the watch against surprise or treachery.  Depend
+upon it, the red-skins will employ their usual cunning rather than run
+the risk of losing their lives by an open assault on our position.  Your
+father is too old a soldier not to think of that, but I want to impress
+the importance of the matter on your uncle and the rest of the men, who
+appear to fancy that all we shall have to do is to remain here quietly,
+until the captain thinks fit to move on again."
+
+"I'll promise you to keep my eyes open, and to impress the same duty on
+the other men," I answered.
+
+"Especially keep them open towards the very point which you fancy so
+secure, down that cliff.  You or I might find it a tough job to climb up
+it with our boots and gaiters, and heavy coats, but a half-naked savage,
+with his scalping-knife in his teeth, would not think it so hard a
+matter, and hard or not hard, if mortal man can do it, he'll try, if he
+hopes to catch us napping when he gets to the top."
+
+We were now summoned to the supper which had been in the meantime
+preparing, and my mother, with Kathleen and Lily, followed by Biddy and
+the nurse Rose, joined us round the camp-fire.  The security which we
+now enjoyed made us forget the dangers we had passed, and those we might
+anticipate, and put us all into good spirits.
+
+Of course the usual number of men were on the watch, but I observed that
+my father was constantly in the attitude of listening; and both he and
+the Dominie frequently got up and walked round the camp, the Dominie
+especially taking many a peep over the breastwork above the cliff.
+
+"In my opinion, that part should not be left unguarded for a moment," he
+said.  "The rush of the water below prevents us from hearing anyone
+moving beneath, and we can hardly see ten feet down, while an Indian
+would not take half as many seconds to spring to the top and be in our
+midst."
+
+As it was important that the men should obtain some rest after the
+fatigues they had gone through, those not required to be on guard were
+ordered to lie down.  Before doing so, however, the horses and cattle
+were brought inside the camp, where they might be in security should the
+Indians suddenly come upon us during the hours of darkness.
+
+My father, Uncle Denis, and the Dominie divided the watch between them,
+so that one was always on duty.  I was appointed to act under Mr Tidey,
+and it fell to his lot to keep the morning watch.  I don't think I ever
+slept more soundly in my life, for I had been on horseback, or in active
+exercise since sunrise.  I rubbed my eyes when called by Uncle Denis.
+
+"We have had a quiet night, not a sign of the redskins, and I suspect,
+should they have reconnoitred our camp from a distance, they have
+thought it wise to let it alone," he said.
+
+"You may be right, Mr O'Dwyer; but, notwithstanding, the night is not
+over, and until I see the sun rise I shall not be satisfied that we are
+to move on without a skirmish," observed the Dominie.
+
+"Well, well!  I hope to get my night's rest out without interruption,"
+answered Uncle Denis, as he stretched himself on the ground, and turned
+on his side to go to sleep.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT.
+
+READY FOR THE FOE--DIO'S MASTER-STROKE--THE BATTLE--DEFEAT OF THE
+REDSKINS--WATCHING THROUGH THE NIGHT--A RECONNOITRING PARTY--A PERILOUS
+DUTY--THE COAST CLEAR--EXPLORING THE WOODS--THE RUSTLING IN THE LEAVES--
+AN AMERICAN LION--FIGHT BETWEEN A PUMA AND BOAR--FRESH PROVISIONS--NO
+ENEMY NEAR--TIM CASEY'S REDSKINS--THE START--SEEKING A FORD--CROSSING
+DISCOVERED BY DIO--A CAVALRY ENGAGEMENT--DEATH OF AN INDIAN CHIEF--A
+STRANGE COLONY--PRAIRIE DOGS--SCARCITY OF WATER--SUFFERINGS OF THE
+PARTY--SET OUT TO PROCURE RELIEF--MAKE FOR FORT HAMILTON--HORSES BITTEN
+BY RATTLE-SNAKE--A WELCOME SIGN--FRIENDS OR FOES--THE SERGEANT OF THE
+GUARD--THE CHALLENGE AFTER THE SHOT--THE FORT REACHED--OUR RECEPTION--
+THE DOCTOR'S TREATMENT OF MY HORSE--A VISIT TO THE FORTIFICATIONS.
+
+Kept on the alert by Mr Tidey's warnings, I continued racing up and
+down the portion of the camp which had been allotted to me to guard.  It
+was the north-west angle, contained by the line of breastwork which ran
+along the edge of the ravine and half of that by the brink of the cliff.
+I frequently stopped to listen, stretching over as far as I could to
+look down into the depths of the gorge below, I had been on watch about
+an hour and had just reached the eastern end of my beat, where it joined
+that of Dio, who was posted at the northern angle, when I saw the black
+come creeping towards me.
+
+"Hist!  Massa Mike," he whispered, "me tink me hear someting down below,
+may be bear or painter, or may be red-skin comin' to try and cut our
+t'roats.  He no get in so easy 'dough.  Jes' come an' say what you t'ink
+it is, Massa Mike, but not show yourself, or if red-skin savage him
+shoot his arrow."
+
+Following Dio's example, I stooped down and crept cautiously on to the
+point to which he conducted me.  We listened attentively.  The sound of
+the cattle cropping the grass, or the cry of some night-bird, and now
+and then the snore of a sleeper, alone broke the silence of night.
+
+"I can hear no sounds, Dio," I whispered.
+
+"Dat show me dat he no bear, painter, or wolf, for dey rush about de
+brushwood.  Red-skin too clever for dat."
+
+"Keep watch then, Dio," I said, "while I call Mr Tidey.  You very
+likely are right; and if he thinks so, we must rouse up the rest of the
+camp.  You must keep an eye to my post, which I ought not to quit except
+on an emergency."
+
+I ran to the opposite angle, where the Dominie had stationed himself,
+and told him that Dio had heard a movement below us.
+
+"Just what I expected," he answered; "go back to your post, and I will
+call up your father and uncle, and the rest of the men if necessary."
+
+I hurried back and had scarcely got half-way across the camp, though it
+was not many paces wide, when I saw Dio lift up his double-handed axe,
+and strike a blow with it at some object which was to me invisible.  The
+Dominie, who had seen the occurrence, rushed back to the breastwork.  We
+were just in time to catch sight of the feather-bedecked heads of two
+Indians rising above the bank, on which they were about to place their
+knees.  The next moment Dio's axe came down on one of them, while the
+Dominie struck a blow at the other which hurled him backwards.
+
+"Give a look to the side of the gully, they will be attempting to get in
+there presently.  The Indians expect to surprise us, but we will turn
+the tables on them," whispered Mr Tidey.
+
+I followed his directions, but on looking over the breastwork could see
+no one.  My father and the other men were on their feet in a moment.
+Hitherto not a word had been spoken above a whisper, so that should any
+redskins be making their way up the gully they would not discover that
+we were on the alert, unless the sound of the falling bodies of those
+who had been killed had reached their ears.  I was quickly joined by
+Uncle Denis and Dan, who had crept along so as not to show their heads
+over the fortifications.  We had thrown a quantity of brushwood on the
+logs, which served more effectually to conceal us, with here and there
+an opening through which we could look.  We each of us stationed
+ourselves at one of these loop-holes.  Several minutes had passed, I
+listened, expecting that some sound would indicate the approach of the
+enemy, but I could neither hear nor see anything, and I began to fancy
+that the three Indians we had disposed of were alone engaged in the
+attempt to surprise us, or that their companions, if they had any, on
+their being killed, had taken to flight.  What was going on, on the
+other side of the camp, I could not tell, but I felt very sure that my
+father was keeping a vigilant watch, and was prepared for whatever might
+occur.  The camp was wrapped in as perfect silence as if we had all been
+asleep.  Presently it was broken by the reports of rifles fired almost
+simultaneously, succeeded by a chorus of the most fearful yells and
+whoops I had ever heard, proceeding from the throats it seemed of a
+whole legion of savages.  The horses and terrified cattle tugged at
+their tether ropes, two or three breaking loose and rushing up to the
+side I was on for protection, being the furthest from the dreaded
+sounds.  Others stood trembling, too paralysed with fear to move.  Had
+it not been for the breastwork, I suspect we should have lost many of
+them over the cliff.  My first impulse was to hasten to the side
+attacked, but in the interval between the war-whoops, I heard my
+father's voice shouting, "Stay all of you at your posts, we don't know
+on which side we may next be attacked."
+
+Our men continued firing as rapidly as they could load, and as far as I
+could judge were successfully keeping the foe at bay; though showers of
+arrows kept falling into the camp, and we on the opposite side ran no
+slight risk of being wounded.  I was looking through my loophole, when I
+saw some dark objects creeping out from amid the brushwood on the
+opposite side of the ravine.  Under other circumstances I should have
+supposed that they were four-footed animals, wolves, or wild hogs, but
+as it was, I was very certain that they were men.  They advanced but a
+few paces, then stopped as if surveying the side of the fort in front of
+them.  Once more they began to creep on slowly.  Hurrying up to Dan, I
+despatched him to tell our father what I had seen, and that within a
+minute probably we should be attacked.
+
+"I see them," whispered Uncle Denis, "we must hold them in check until
+assistance arrives."
+
+We were not long kept in a state of suspense.  In a shorter space of
+time than I had expected another fearful shriek rent the air, and a host
+of dark forms sprang into view; at the same moment a flight of arrows
+came whistling above our heads.  The brushwood, however, deceived them,
+and the missiles flew over us, though we feared that some of the cattle
+would be wounded.
+
+"Now give it them!" cried my uncle, and we both fired, bringing down two
+of our assailants.  For a moment they were checked, but once again
+moving on, they began scrambling up the side of the breastwork, and
+would in another instant have been over it, when we were joined by my
+father, Mr Tidey, and most of the men, who, having poured a volley full
+in the faces of the foe, seized their axes and soon cleared the
+breastwork.  We quickly reloaded again, and fired on our retreating
+enemies, who sprang down the sides of the gully, to shelter themselves
+in the brushwood from which I had seen them emerge.  Scarcely was this
+done, than a shout from Martin Prentis, who was in charge of the
+opposite side, summoned back the party to defend it.  They reloaded as
+they went, and were just in time to fire a volley on the savages who had
+rallied and charged almost close up to the waggons; but meeting
+unexpectedly so determined a resistance, they once more scampered off,
+much faster than they had approached.
+
+We still kept, however, a vigilant watch on the cliff side, lest the
+cunning savages, fancying that we should be off our guard, might again
+attempt to surprise us.  As may be supposed none of us turned in.  Some
+of the men were employed in examining the wounds the cattle had
+received.  Fortunately two of the people only had been slightly hurt by
+the arrows, several of which, however, were found sticking in the
+waggons, or had gone through the tilts.
+
+Mr Tidey, Dio, and I continued pacing up and down above the cliff, over
+which we constantly looked, our eyes endeavouring to detect any movement
+in the bushes, which might indicate the presence of Indians.
+
+As far as we could see through the gloom, all was perfectly quiet.  At
+length some bright streaks appeared in the eastern sky.  Slowly the
+light increased, and we could see and hear the water as it flowed far
+down below us, the cliffs on the opposite side of the river coming into
+view; still a part of the trees across the gully were shrouded in gloom,
+and might, for what we could tell, conceal our foes.
+
+It was with a feeling of thankfulness that I at length saw the sun
+himself rising above the prairie, over which we had passed on the
+previous day, and soon the whole country was lighted up by his bright
+rays.  From the elevated position of our camp, we could obtain an
+extensive view to the eastward and south, though the rising ground
+across the river to the north prevented us from seeing far in that
+direction, while the wood which clothed the side of the ravine continued
+on some way to the westward, and shut out the prospect.
+
+"We must manage to ascertain whether any of the red-skins are lurking in
+that wood," observed Mr Tidey; "they are very likely to have stowed
+themselves away, ready to rush out upon us, while they fancy that most
+of the men are engaged with the cattle outside, or have gone down to the
+river to draw water.  It won't do to trust those fellows,
+notwithstanding the defeat they have received."
+
+I agreed with him, and arranged, if my father did not object, to make an
+excursion into the wood as soon as we had had breakfast, taking care not
+to be surprised ourselves by those whose presence it was our object to
+discover.  As soon as I was off my watch, I went to ascertain how it
+fared with my mother and her young charges.  She had remained in her
+tent, under the shelter of the waggons, during the whole time, and had
+been less alarmed, she assured me, than I had expected.  "I knew that
+your father had taken all possible means to defend the camp, and that
+the men would do their duty; and I trusted that God in His mercy would
+protect us," she said.  Kathleen and Lily, who were awakened by the
+firing, threw their arms round my neck.  Kathleen asked when the
+redskins would be driven away, but poor Lily was naturally far more
+frightened, believing that the savages would kill us all as they had
+lately killed her friends.  Rose was almost as much alarmed, but Biddy
+was ready to stand up and fight with the men, had her services been
+required.
+
+My father, I found, had determined to remain a couple of days in our
+present camp, for the purpose of resting the cattle, and in the hopes
+that the Indians, finding that we were well prepared to resist their
+attacks, would move to a distance, so that we might proceed without
+further molestation to Fort Hamilton.  My father, calling the men
+together, praised them for their conduct.
+
+"If you all are as watchful as heretofore, and behave with the same cool
+courage, I feel very sure that we shall make our way through and defeat
+the redskins, should any come near us," he observed: "we must now find
+out whether any savages are lurking in yonder wood, that we may not run
+the risk of being attacked while we are taking our cattle down to the
+river."
+
+On hearing this remark, I told him what Mr Tidey proposed, and begged
+leave to accompany the Dominie.
+
+"I cannot forbid my own son to perform a duty which I would impose on
+others," he answered.  "You may go, Mike, and I must charge you as I
+should anybody else, to be cautious; you have a wily foe to deal with,
+and you must take care not to let any of the Indians get between you and
+the camp."
+
+I of course promised to use all due precaution.  Dio, who had been
+attentively listening to what my father said, offered at once to go down
+to the bottom of the cliff and ascertain if any of our enemies were
+concealed in the brushwood which skirted the borders of the river.
+
+"It still dark down dare, an' dey not see me," he observed.  Though the
+rays of the rising sun glanced across the higher ground, the light had
+scarcely yet penetrated into the depths below; still it was doubtful if
+even Dio would escape the sharp eyes of the Indians, should any be
+concealed and lurking near.  However, as it was important to ascertain
+whether any remained, my father did not prohibit him from carrying out
+his intention.  Slipping over the breastwork, he disappeared among the
+trees in the ravine.  We listened somewhat anxiously for any sound which
+might indicate that he had discovered a foe, or rather that a foe had
+discovered him, but as we looked down over the cliff, we could neither
+see nor hear anyone moving among the dense brushwood.  In a few minutes,
+greatly to our relief, he returned, reporting that although he had found
+some marks of blood on the rocks where the Indians had fallen, that
+their bodies had been removed, proving that a number of the enemy must
+have collected there with the intention of climbing up the cliff, but
+had been deterred by the death of their companions.  We had now to
+ascertain if the wood itself was clear of them.
+
+As soon as we had taken a hasty breakfast, the Dominie and I set off;
+Martin Prentis and Dio accompanying us a short distance.  It was
+intended that they should return if no enemies were discovered, so that
+the horses and cattle might be led down to the river without delay.  As
+we made our way along, we examined every bush or rock which might
+conceal a foe, but minute as was our search we could, discover no one.
+We therefore sent back our companions, saying that we were sure there
+could be no risk in letting the thirsty animals go down to the river.
+As there were only two of us, we had now to proceed more cautiously.  It
+thus took us a considerable time to cover but a small space of ground.
+As the sun was still low, many parts of the forest were shrouded in
+gloom, though here and there the light penetrated amid the trunks of the
+trees and enabled us to see far ahead.  We kept ourselves concealed as
+we advanced, waiting occasionally to listen, but no sounds reached our
+ears.  If we spoke, it was in low whispers, when we were close together.
+
+"I am pretty well satisfied that no Indians are here," observed Mr
+Tidey, "still we must be prudent, and run no unnecessary risk."
+
+Again we advanced, when suddenly he made a sign for me to stop.  A
+rustling in the brushwood had reached his ear.  I heard it also; it came
+from a spot some way ahead.  Directly before us appeared a huge tree
+which had been partially uprooted, the trunk being at a sharp angle with
+the ground, while the boughs resting against those of its neighbours had
+prevented it from falling prostrate.  We crept towards it, and finding
+that I could easily clamber up I did so, followed by Mr Tidey.  We
+could thus see much further ahead than from the ground below.  We had
+been there about a minute, the rustling sound still continuing.
+
+"If the Indians are making their way through the wood, they cannot
+suppose that anyone is near, or they would be more cautious," I
+observed.
+
+"No Indians would make a noise like that," whispered Mr Tidey; "see!"
+
+Just then a wild boar broke through the brushwood, making its way among
+the tall grass, which he dug up with his tusks as if in search of roots.
+Presently he lay down to enjoy at his ease the repast he had thus
+procured.  Instinctively I raised my rifle to my shoulder, when my
+companion made a sign.
+
+"Don't fire," he said; "for should the Indians be in the neighbourhood,
+the sound will attract them towards us."
+
+"But the boar will escape, and we shall lose the pork, which will be so
+acceptable in camp," I remarked.
+
+"Better to lose the pork than be scalped," answered the Dominie, though
+he gazed at the boar with a wistful eye.
+
+We were still undecided what to do, when we caught sight of another
+large animal creeping along from an opposite direction towards the boar.
+So stealthily did it advance, that the boar appeared to be unconscious
+of its approach.
+
+The newcomer was the creature commonly known among the western settlers
+as the "painter," but more properly called the puma or American lion.
+It is a powerful animal with a tawny hide, larger than the largest dog,
+and more like a tiger than a lion.  It will seldom attack man, unless it
+can take him at a disadvantage, and if boldly met will run off rather
+than fight.  When pressed by hunger, however, it is very savage, and
+with its sharp claws and teeth proves a formidable antagonist.  It was
+not likely to attack us while expecting to enjoy a feast of pork.  We
+were both afraid of speaking, lest we should attract its attention, and
+the boar, being alarmed, might effect its escape.
+
+On crept the "painter" in the attitude of a cat about to seize some
+helpless bird.  The moment it came within a few paces it made a
+tremendous spring and alighted with its four paws on the body of the
+boar.  Whether or not the latter had seen it coming out of the corner of
+one of its eyes I could not tell, but as the "painter" made its bound,
+it rose to its feet and with its sharp tusks inflicted a severe wound in
+the breast of its antagonist.  A fearful struggle now commenced between
+the two animals, the "painter" endeavouring to seize the neck of the
+boar with its teeth, while the boar drove its tusks again and again into
+the breast and shoulders of the puma, giving vent, at the same time, to
+its rage and fear in angry grunts, shrieks, and squeaks, sufficient to
+attract the attention of any hungry redskins, who would guess what was
+going forward, within a mile of us.  Still, in spite of the wounds it
+had received, there was every probability that the puma, from its
+greater agility, would gain the victory.  The boar's thick skin was torn
+off in several places by the claws and teeth of its antagonist.  Its
+movements became slower and slower, till the puma, having learned to
+avoid its tusks, sprang on its back, and then rolling it over with one
+blow of its paw, tore out its inside.  The "painter" having thus gained
+the victory, began forthwith to feast on pork.
+
+"Come, that's more than I bargained for," exclaimed Mr Tidey, and
+forgetting the caution he had given me, he lifted his rifle and fired.
+His bullet went through the head of the puma, which rolled over by the
+side of its late antagonist.
+
+"You told me not to fire for fear of attracting the Indians," I
+observed.
+
+"So I did, but I am satisfied that the uproar made by the boar would
+have brought them to the spot had there been any in the neighbourhood,"
+he answered.  "I don't think we have cause to fear them.  Keep watch,
+however, where you are, while I go down and cut up the porker.  Should
+you hear or see any Indians coming this way give me timely notice, and I
+will rejoin you.  We shall be able to hold our own against them, but I
+do not expect that we shall be interfered with."
+
+Saying this, he scrambled down the trunk of the tree, and cautiously
+approached the puma.  His bullet, however, had effectually deprived it
+of life.  Accordingly, placing his rifle on the ground, so that he might
+seize it in a moment, he began to cut up the boar.  The operation did
+not take his practised hand long to perform.  I was too much occupied,
+however, in watching the approaches from all directions to perceive what
+he was about, for every instant I expected to see the painted face of an
+Indian brave emerging from among the trees.  No one appeared, and at
+length I heard Mr Tidey shout out:--
+
+"The pork is ready for transport, we will make the best of our way back
+to camp, so come down and help me, Mike.  We may report that there are
+no Indians in the wood, or we should have made their acquaintance long
+ago."
+
+I found that Mr Tidey had not only cut up the boar, but had flayed the
+puma, from the skin of which he had formed a number of thongs.  Some of
+them served to secure to our backs as much of the pork as we could
+carry, while with others we fastened up the remainder of the boar to the
+boughs of a tree, to prevent either wolves or other animals from
+reaching it until we could return with one of the horses to carry it
+into camp.  Our task being completed, we set off, taking a direct line
+back, keeping well in the centre of the wood, that we might run no risk
+of being seen by any Indians outside it.
+
+The pork we had brought was extremely welcome, as we had had no fresh
+provisions for some days.  Dio, with one of the other men immediately
+volunteered to go out and bring in the remainder, our trail being
+sufficiently distinct to enable them without difficulty to reach the
+spot.  As the Indians had not reappeared during our absence, it was
+hoped that they would not incur any danger in the expedition.  Mr
+Tidey, however, though pretty well tired, insisted on accompanying them
+as soon as he had taken some food.  The two wounded men were going on
+well, and the cattle which had been hurt by the Indians' arrows did not
+appear to be much the worse from the injuries they had received.  None
+of the people were idle, those not on watch being employed in repairing
+the waggons and harness, cleaning their arms, filling the water-skins,
+mending their clothes, or in cutting wood for our fires or cooking.
+Late in the day Mr Tidey and his companions appeared with the remainder
+of the boar's flesh, which they had found untouched, though the carcase
+of the puma had been eaten up by a pack of coyotes, the traces of whose
+feet they discovered under the bough to which the meat had been
+suspended.
+
+We now prepared for another night, every one being aware that before it
+was over we might be engaged in a deadly struggle for our lives, for it
+was more than probable that the Indians, though defeated, might make
+another attempt to surprise us.  As all the grass within the camp had
+been consumed, it was necessary to allow the cattle and horses to remain
+outside, three men being stationed to watch them.  I felt very thankful
+when I was able to wrap myself up in my buffalo robe, and go to sleep,
+and so I am sure were all hands to lie down and rest.  Some time after
+midnight my ears caught the sound of firing.  I started to my feet, and
+seized my rifle, expecting to find that the camp was attacked, every one
+else also was aroused.  The reports had come from the direction where
+the cattle we feeding, and presently Uncle Denis and I, who hurried out
+to ascertain the cause of the alarm, met them, urged on by the voices of
+their drovers, moving leisurely towards the camp.  On coming up to one
+of the men, Tim Casey by name, we inquired where the enemy had been
+seen, for we could perceive no objects moving anywhere.
+
+"Sure, didn't I catch sight of a whole tribe of the murtherin' villins
+creepin' up on all fours, loike so minny big rats towards us, and didn't
+they turn tail an' scamper off when I fired at thim."
+
+The other men had not even seen the enemy.
+
+"Depend on it, Tim, that your tribe of redskins were a tribe of coyotes,
+who might, however, have pulled down one of the oxen had you not driven
+them off," said Uncle Denis.  "You may let the cattle rest without any
+fear of an attack for the present, for the appearance of the wolves is a
+pretty sure sign that no redskins are in the neighbourhood."
+
+Uncle Denis was right in his conjectures, the night passed away without
+any further alarm.  We had hopes of enjoying a complete rest during the
+day, but the forest to the westward and the dense wood below us, caused
+my father some anxiety, as they might afford concealment to an
+approaching enemy, and we were compelled therefore to keep a constant
+watch against surprise.  As evening approached and it was necessary
+again to water the cattle, two parties were sent out, one along the bank
+of the river, and the other to examine the forest some distance from the
+camp.  Both returned reporting that they had met with neither human
+beings nor animals, and the cattle were accordingly led down as before
+to the river side.  It was somewhat difficult to account for our being
+allowed to remain in quiet.  The only way we could do so was from
+supposing that the Indians had lost so many men that they thought it
+prudent not to molest us while we remained in camp.  The question was
+whether they would venture to attack the train when we were once more
+moving on.  Still, move we must, and preparations were made for starting
+at daybreak the following morning.
+
+The weather was beautifully fine, and we were all in good health and in
+excellent spirits, considering the dangers by which we were surrounded.
+Another night went tranquilly by, and the instant the first faint
+streaks of light appeared in the eastern sky my father roused up all
+hands.  In an instant we were engaged in our respective duties,
+reloading the waggons, harnessing the cattle, and saddling the horses.
+We were quickly in order, the word was given to move on.  My father, on
+his stout horse, led the way, keeping at some distance from the wood, on
+which he directed us to maintain a vigilant watch lest a party of
+Indians, expecting to find us off our guard, might be in ambush beneath
+its shelter, and pounce out upon us.  Mr Tidey and I rode one on either
+flank, sometimes pushing on ahead, with our rifles ready to fire at any
+foe who might appear, and to retreat to the main body according to my
+father's directions.  The wood was at length passed, and we obtained an
+extensive view over the country, on every side.  Our object was now to
+find a ford by which we might cross the river.  In case of not
+discovering one, we intended to form rafts to ferry over the waggons,
+while the horses and oxen would have to swim across.  To do this;
+however, would be a work of great labour and involve the loss of much
+time, besides the risk of having the waggons upset.  They would have, we
+foresaw, to be floated down to a convenient landing-place, should one
+not be found opposite to the spot where we might embark.  Above the
+river rose a number of high bluffs one beyond the other.  While Dio, who
+now accompanied Mr Tidey and me, held our horses, we climbed to the
+summits of several of them, hoping to discover the anxiously desired
+ford.
+
+Time after time we had been disappointed as we had seen the river still
+flowing on through a narrow and deep channel, across which it would have
+been impossible for our waggons to pass.
+
+The day was drawing to a close.
+
+"If we do not discover the ford soon, we shall have to camp again on
+this side," observed my companion.  "There is another height, perhaps we
+shall be more fortunate this time!"
+
+We dismounted, and Dio took our reins, while we made our way to the top
+of the bluff.  Looking back we could see the train about half a mile
+off, slowly following in our tracks.  Beyond us, to the southward, the
+country appeared much more level than that we had lately passed over,
+while, greatly to our satisfaction, the river widened out considerably,
+the ground sloping down gradually on both sides to the water.
+
+"That part looks fordable at all events," said the Dominie, pointing it
+out to me.  "If we cannot get across in any other way, we must make
+rafts of the waggons and send a small part of their cargoes over at a
+time.  The undertaking can be easily performed, provided the Indians
+keep at a distance, but it would be awkward to be attacked while engaged
+in the operation."
+
+"We will hope for the best," I answered; "but we will take a look round
+the country, and we may perhaps discover them, should any be moving
+about in the distance."
+
+We swept our glasses round and round the horizon several times.  Once I
+thought that I caught sight of a party of Indians moving rapidly over
+the ground, but what I saw proved to be a herd of antelopes.  We
+observed also several buffaloes, which made us wish that we had time to
+go and hunt them, for a fat cow would have been welcome.  The idea
+however of going in chase of them was not to be thought of, considering
+the risk we should run of falling in with Indians who might be on the
+watch for us.  Still tolerably satisfied that no enemies were within a
+distance of several miles, we descended the hill and pushed on to that
+part of the river which appeared likely to afford us a passage.  On
+reaching it, Dio exclaimed--
+
+"Me tink me get 'cross, me go in an' try; if too deep, me swim like one
+fish!"
+
+Without waiting for permission, he dashed forward.  We watched him
+anxiously: at first the water reached scarcely above his horse's knees,
+but as he advanced it grew deeper and deeper, and presently, to our
+disappointment, we saw the animal swimming, while Dio, who threw himself
+from its back, struck out with one hand, while he guided it across with
+the other.  The horse quickly regained its feet, and after wading for
+forty or fifty yards, stepped again on dry ground.  Dio immediately
+mounted, and pointing down the stream, made signs to us that he would
+recross in that direction; we rode along the bank, very doubtful,
+however, whether a fordable spot could be found.  Once more Dio rode
+into the stream, and we watched him anxiously as the water rose higher
+and higher up his horse's legs.  Still the animal walked on, though in
+the centre the water reached nearly to the girths, soon after however
+gradually diminishing in depth.  There could be no doubt, if the ground
+was hard, that the waggons could be got over.  On this point Dio gave a
+favourable report, and we, both riding in, crossed at some distance from
+each other over even ground.  Mr Tidey sent Dio back to report our
+discovery to my father, while we rode backwards and forwards several
+times to assure ourselves that the ford was of ample width to allow not
+only one waggon but two or three to cross abreast if necessary; by the
+time the leading waggon arrived we had thoroughly surveyed the ford, and
+it at once began to descend the slope to the water's edge.  Scarcely had
+the oxens' feet entered the stream, when Tim Casey came riding up, sent
+by Uncle Denis from the rear, to say that he made out some horsemen in
+the far distance, who, he much feared, were Indians.
+
+"We shall have time to cross and form our camp on the opposite side,
+before they can reach us," answered my father.  "Tell Mr O'Dwyer to
+hurry on the rearmost waggons; but keep cool, my lads; there is no cause
+for alarm; for should there be no other ford in the neighbourhood, the
+savages cannot cross to attack us on the other side, and we can easily
+defend ourselves against any number of assailants."
+
+While Mr Tidey and Dio forded the river, to form the waggons as they
+got over, my father and I remained to direct the passage.  As they
+arrived one after the other, he ordered them to push across without a
+moment's delay.  I saw that he frequently cast a glance in the direction
+in which, from the report sent by Uncle Denis, we expected the Indians
+to appear.  He retained several of the men not absolutely required to
+attend the waggons.  The two last had got down to the brink of the
+river, when Uncle Denis, who had remained some distance in the rear,
+came galloping up.
+
+"The Indians are approaching," he exclaimed; "they will be here before
+the waggons are across."
+
+"Push on then, my lads," said my father to the drivers; "we are ready
+for them, and if they venture near, they will have to mourn the loss of
+some of their braves."
+
+The waggon wheels were in the water, the oxen tugged away, urged on by
+their drivers.  My father, Uncle Denis and I, with Martin and two other
+men, remained behind to protect them until they were safe across.  A
+little on one side, the bank was somewhat of a cliff-like form of
+sufficient height to conceal us when we stooped down from the foe.  We
+could hear the tramp of the Indians' horses as they galloped on,
+doubtlessly supposing that they should soon come on the unprotected rear
+of the train, and easily carry off two or three waggons.
+
+We remained motionless until we caught sight of the heads of the leading
+horses of the enemy, the chiefs shouting and shrieking as they were
+about to dash forward into the stream.
+
+"Now, fire!" cried my father, and half a dozen redskins toppled over
+from their saddles.
+
+"Wallop, a-hoo, a-boo, Erin-go-bragh!" shouted Uncle Denis.
+
+We echoed his cries, as, digging spurs into our steeds without stopping
+to reload, we threw ourselves on the advancing foe, pistolling some and
+cutting down others.
+
+Those who were still on the level ground, and had command of their
+horses, seeing the fall of their companions, wheeled round and retreated
+to a distance, while some, who had got too far to stop themselves, leapt
+into the river beyond the ford where their small steeds were soon
+carried off their legs and together with their riders swept down the
+current.
+
+"Now let us cross while we can, before those fellows charge again,"
+cried my father, and urging our horses into the water we followed the
+waggons, the rearmost of which were by this time more than half-way
+over.
+
+What I have described occupied scarcely a minute.  Our chief object was
+now to get the waggons across, and to place them in position, before the
+Indians, recovering from the panic, should perceive the smallness of our
+covering party and again swoop down upon us.  To be prepared for them,
+we reloaded as we crossed the stream, trusting to the sure-footedness of
+our horses not to stumble.
+
+The drivers exerted themselves to the utmost, encouraged by Dio, who
+rushed again and again into the water to urge on the oxen, most of whom
+tried to drink as they found their noses close to the refreshing liquid.
+
+There was just time for the waggons to reach the bank, and to be placed
+with their broadsides towards the ford, when we saw the enemy again
+approaching.
+
+"Let no one fire until they are half-way across, and then don't throw a
+shot away," cried my father, as the rest of the men joined us.
+
+The leading waggons formed in line along the bank.  The savages,
+unwilling to lose so rich a prize as they hoped to obtain by the capture
+of our train, came galloping forward, shouting and shrieking as before.
+
+"Let them whoop again as loud as they like, but they'll not frighten
+us," cried Martin Prentis; "we'll give them a British cheer in return,"
+and raising his voice, every person joining, a cheer was uttered which
+must have astonished the redskins: their pace slackened, but still they
+advanced, encouraged by a chief, who, waving a spear, rode on ahead.  He
+was not aware how far our bullets could reach.
+
+Uncle Denis, raising his rifle, took a steady aim.  The steed galloped
+on a few yards, when the chief, waving his spear and shouting to the
+last, fell dead to the ground.  His followers, coming up, reined in
+their horses, uttering loud wails, and then, wheeling round, bore him
+away with them, nor stopped until they were out of sight.  As they made
+no further attempt to recover the bodies of those who had before fallen,
+it was an acknowledgment of their complete defeat, and we had reason to
+hope that we should not be further molested.  We now set busily to work
+to form our camp, to cut wood for our fire, keeping, notwithstanding our
+success, a vigilant watch on all sides.  It was possible that other
+bands of Indians might be on the western bank of the river and that we
+should still have to fight our way to the fort.
+
+The night passed tranquilly by, and the next morning we proceeded as
+before.  The apparently boundless prairie stretched out ahead, covered
+chiefly with long grass and here and there small bushes, which the
+buffalo and deer had allowed to struggle into existence.  We advanced as
+rapidly as we could, steering by the compass, the scenery monotonous in
+the extreme, not a hill to be seen to break the wide circle of the
+horizon.  One advantage was that we could not be taken by surprise, as
+we could see for a long distance any enemy which might approach us.  We
+found numberless skeletons of buffaloes as well as their wallows, though
+we had not hitherto fallen in with any to which we might give chase.
+
+Mr Tidey and I were, as usual, leading ahead, taking care always to
+keep the train in view.  Every now and then he stood up in his stirrups,
+in the hopes of seeing buffalo, but no buffalo appeared.  We, however,
+after proceeding about a dozen miles from the river, saw away to the
+left, over a wide extent of ground, a number of small hillocks, which,
+had I been on foot, I might have mistaken for a range of hills in the
+distance.  As it would not take us much out of our way, we rode towards
+them, when, as we approached we saw to our surprise that the top of
+every mound was occupied either by a small animal or a bird of an
+owl-like appearance, which appeared to be watching the rest of the
+community, employed in cropping the grass or running about in the
+immediate neighbourhood.
+
+As the little creatures perceived us, they rushed to their look-out
+station at the top of the mounds, while at the same moment a number of
+small heads popped up from holes in the ground, and we were saluted by a
+chorus of sharp, angry barks, while the animals shook their sides and
+wagged their tails at every bark, as if they would wag them off; then,
+having thus exhibited either their pleasure or fear--it was difficult to
+say which--uttering a fresh volley of barks, they rushed headlong into
+their burrows, wagging their tails to the last as they disappeared
+beneath the surface.  The little owls, however, kept their posts and
+regarded us with their round eyes, utterly destitute of fear.
+
+I burst into a fit of laughter.  "What are these funny creatures, I
+wonder?"  I asked.
+
+"They are prairie dogs, and we have fallen in with a prairie dog town,
+though I little expected to find one so far north," answered the
+Dominie; "we should farther away find them covering acres of ground.  It
+is said that an owl and a rattle-snake are invariably to be found in
+each hole, living in perfect amity with its inmates, but I suspect that
+although rattlesnakes are often to be found in the abodes of the small
+rodents, their object in going there is rather to devour the young
+prairie dogs than for any friendly purpose, though it is possible that
+the owls take up their residence among them for the sake of society."
+
+The animals we were watching were of the size of a rabbit, with hair
+like that of a rat, the colour being of a light red, resembling the
+squirrel.  Their tails, however, instead of curling over, stood straight
+up over their backs and seemed formed for the express purpose of
+wagging, which they did to a prodigious amount.  They are of the most
+sociable disposition, and are generally found living in large colonies
+on the prairies.  We watched for a minute or two, but they did not again
+show their noses above the ground.  No sooner, however, had we turned
+our horses' heads, and begun to ride off, than we were saluted by a
+chorus of barks, which was kept up until we were out of hearing.
+
+We should have halted at noon, but as no water could be found, we pushed
+on, in the hopes of coming to a pool at which the cattle could drink.
+We carried, however, enough in our water-bottles to slake our own
+thirst.  The sun beat down on our heads with greater force than we had
+yet experienced, and compelled us frequently to apply to them.  The poor
+animals, we knew, must be suffering greatly, but the small portion of
+the precious liquid we could have spared would have afforded them no
+relief.  In vain we rode sometimes to the north, sometimes to the south,
+in the hopes of discovering the smallest puddle.  At last we had to halt
+to rest the weary cattle, though we could find no water, and without it
+they showed no inclination to crop the hard, wiry grass.  We therefore
+remained but a short time, and once more pushed forward.  As evening
+approached we began to feel very anxious, for without water the oxen
+ould scarcely perform their next day's journey.  The sun, verging
+towards the west, was shining in our eyes and prevented us from
+discerning objects in that direction.  At length Mr Tidey, who was on
+ahead, shouted to me that he saw a hollow, with shrubs growing round it,
+and that in all probability water would be found at the bottom; I got up
+alongside him, and we rode forward together.  As we drew nearer the
+hollow appeared to increase in size, but still we could see no water.
+
+"Surely there must be some there!" exclaimed Mr Tidey; "it cannot all
+have dried up."
+
+I felt rather doubtful about that, but when we reached the brink of the
+hollow our anxiety was relieved by seeing a pool, though of small
+dimensions and covered over with a thick coat of green, broken here and
+there by some water-fowl which had dipped into it.  Such as it was, it
+was better than no water, and we rode back to guide the waggons to it.
+As we drew up on the bank we could scarcely restrain the oxen from
+rushing down quench their burning thirst.  It was necessary, however, to
+water the horses first, though we could not allow them to take their
+fill, for fear of exhausting the supply.  As soon as the oxen were
+unyoked, some nearly rolled over on their noses in their eagerness to
+drink the stagnant water.  After they had been led back it was with
+difficulty we could prevent their returning, but it was necessary to
+preserve some of the water for the following morning.  Though we kept a
+watch as usual all night, we had not much fear of being attacked, as the
+want of water, would, we hoped, prevent the Indians from approaching us.
+
+Some time before the streak of pink and gold which announces the coming
+dawn appeared in the sky, we were all on foot and the horses were led
+down to be watered, but instead of the liquid we expected to find, a
+mass of soft mud, through which it had sunk, was alone to be discovered.
+Without stopping therefore for breakfast, we immediately yoked in the
+oxen and pushed forward, hoping that before noon we might reach some
+stream or another water-hole.  Our own supply of the necessary liquid
+was almost exhausted, and we ourselves might suffer severely if none
+could be found.  Usually the men, as they trudged forward, amused
+themselves by singing songs or cutting jokes, but even the merriest were
+now silent and their countenances grew longer and longer as the day
+advanced and no water appeared.  My father and uncle held a
+consultation.  We might have to travel on, not only for one day, but for
+two or three days, without finding water, and the fort, from whence
+alone we were certain of obtaining relief, was still far distant.  To
+turn back, however, and afterwards take a different route, would be as
+dangerous as to advance, as we should probably have to encounter the
+band of Indians with whom we had had the fight, and who would be certain
+to try and revenge the death of their warriors.  At last it was decided
+that the train should continue to advance, and that Mr Tidey, Dio, and
+I should push forward on horseback to the fort.  We there hoped to
+obtain a guide who would conduct us to where water was to be found.  Our
+horses were in better condition than the rest of the animals with the
+exception of those my father and Uncle Denis usually rode.  They however
+considered it necessary to remain with the train, and to keep their
+horses in case of requiring them on an emergency.
+
+Carrying such provisions as we might require on our backs, with a good
+store of ammunition and our rifles slung across our shoulders, we set
+out, Mr Tidey having a pocket compass by which we could direct our
+course.  We hoped to reach the fort in two or three days at furthest,
+and we might do so sooner could we find water to refresh our steeds.
+Our own water-bottles contained but a small supply, but it was all that
+could be spared.  My father charged us to keep a watchful look-out for
+Indians, and should we see any in the distance, either to hide ourselves
+or to trust to the fleetness of our steeds, rather than risk an
+encounter.  Having bid farewell to my mother, Kathleen, Lily, and Dan,
+who was disappointed at not being allowed to accompany us, I joined Mr
+Tidey and Dio, and we pushed on ahead of the train.
+
+The heat was as great as on the previous day, but, as the Dominie
+observed, "We must not care for a slight inconvenience of that sort."  I
+however twisted a white handkerchief round my hat, to keep off the rays
+of the sun, and he followed my example.  Dio seemed very indifferent to
+them, his woolly pate protecting him better than all the artificial
+contrivances we could adopt.  The only living creatures we saw were
+several deer passing in the far distance to the westward.  Of course we
+could not venture out of our course to chase them.  Neither streams nor
+water-holes could we discover, and we were obliged at length to encamp
+on the open prairie.  Having tethered our horses a short distance from
+us, where they could crop the grass, wet with the dew of night, and
+having eaten our scanty supper, we lay down with our saddles for
+pillows, taking it by turns to keep watch.  The stars shone brightly out
+overhead, enabling us to see a considerable way from our camp, but as I
+walked up and down during my watch, I could discern no objects besides
+our three horses, though I continually cast my eyes round the horizon.
+I occasionally heard the distant yelp of a pack of coyotes, though they
+were too far off to be perceived and did not come near enough otherwise
+to annoy us.
+
+I was thankful when Mr Tidey roused me up.  Without waiting for
+daylight, as we could see our way without difficulty over the prairie
+and guide ourselves by the stars, having strapped on our packs and slung
+our rifles over our shoulders, we mounted and rode forward, our animals
+going much more briskly than they had done on the previous evening.
+When the sun rose the heat became as great as ever and the poor beasts
+began to slacken their speed, but eager to get on, we urged them forward
+with spur and rein until we began to fear that they would break down
+altogether.  Suddenly, however, pricking up their ears and stretching
+out their necks, they broke into a gallop.
+
+"They smell water, though we can see no signs of it," observed Mr
+Tidey.
+
+"Yes! dare, dare some trees!" cried Dio.
+
+In a short time we perceived what his sharp sight had previously
+discovered.  It was the bed of a stream.  The horses, turning on one
+side, made their way down the bank to a small hole which as yet
+contained water, though had we gone straight forward we should not have
+discovered it, for the greater portion of the bed was perfectly dry.
+Almost stagnant as the water was, we thankfully quenched our thirst with
+it, and the horses having drank their fill, we led them again up the
+bank, where some coarse herbage grew, sufficient to satisfy their
+hunger.  Having tethered them, we sat down to eat the first food we had
+taken that day.  As it was important that the train should obtain water,
+long before they could reach this supply, we settled to continue our
+course to the fort.
+
+We had just risen to our feet and were lifting up our saddles to put on
+our horses' backs, when we saw Dio's animal give a start and almost
+break its tether; directly afterwards mine, which was feeding near, also
+started back, and I caught a glimpse of the head and neck of a snake.
+At the same moment the peculiar sound caused by the tail of the
+rattle-snake reached our ears.  We ran forward, fearing that Mr Tidey's
+horse might also be bitten, and holding our rifles ready to shoot the
+creature, but it glided away through the grass, and though we heard its
+rattle, we could not catch sight of it.  We anxiously examined the
+horses' heads, and found that they had both been bitten on the lip; as,
+however, they did not appear to suffer, we mounted, hoping that no evil
+consequences would ensue.
+
+"At all events we must gallop on and get to the fort as soon as
+possible," said Mr Tidey, "and if we reach it soon, we may be able to
+apply some remedies to counteract the poison."
+
+For some time our spirited little animals went willingly enough, but at
+length they both began to flag, and on looking down I saw that their
+heads and necks had begun to swell.  The swelling increased until they
+were fearfully disfigured, while their nostrils and gums became swollen,
+and discharged a clear mucus.  Still on they went, though their pace
+became slower and slower, and it was evident that they could only walk
+with the greatest difficulty.  At last we were obliged to dismount, lest
+they should roll over with us on the ground.  On looking at them we
+found that their eyes were glassy, the pupils greatly dilated, while the
+hair on their backs seemed literally to stand on end.  To mount again
+would have been useless, but unwilling to abandon them, we led them
+forward as fast as they could move.  Mr Tidey constantly stood up
+looking out more anxiously than ever for the fort, but no object broke
+the line of the horizon to the westward.  Sometimes we thought that we
+might possibly have passed it, and then we hoped against hope that we
+should reach it even now before dark.  Still the day wore on, and our
+poor horses followed us with feeble steps, and it was pitiable to look
+at them, so swollen and disfigured had they become, their faces
+resembling hippopotami rather than terrestrial steeds.  At last Dio's
+stumbled and fell; nothing which we could do would induce the poor
+creature to rise, so we were obliged to leave him to become ere long the
+prey of the coyotes, should they venture to devour a poisoned animal.
+Mine, which had perhaps not received so much of the venom in its system
+as the other, still followed me, but it moved so slowly that I was
+compelled to lag behind my companions.  The sun set and still nowhere
+could we discover the fort; there seemed every probability that we
+should have to spend another night on the open prairie, without fire,
+food, or shelter, or a drop of water to quench our thirst.  That my poor
+animal could survive appeared impossible, and even Mr Tidey's horse
+suffered greatly.
+
+"It seems doubtful whether my poor brute will be able to move a leg
+to-morrow, and if so, we shall all three have to trudge forward on
+foot," he observed.
+
+"Then I would advise you to gallop on at once while there is any
+daylight, and perhaps you may reach the fort and be able to send us
+help," I answered.
+
+"No, no, I cannot leave you and Dio alone on the prairie.  Should any
+harm happen to you I should never forgive myself," he answered.
+
+"But by going on alone you may obtain assistance, and in reality serve
+us more than by remaining behind," I replied.  Still I could not
+persuade the Dominie to desert us, and we trudged on as before.
+
+Mr Tidey had called Dio to his side and they were some way before me,
+when I saw them both stop.  Dio pointed ahead, while Mr Tidey leaned
+eagerly forward.  Presently a large animal came out of a hollow in which
+it had previously been concealed.  Moving on I saw to my satisfaction
+that it was one of a herd of tame cattle feeding at the bottom of the
+hollow.  Instead of running away when we approached, they came lowing
+up, as if well accustomed to the sight of white men.
+
+"Hurrah! the fort cannot be far off unless the herd has strayed away
+from it," exclaimed Mr Tidey; "at all events it is some encouragement
+to move forward, and perhaps before long we shall find ourselves among
+friends."
+
+"It is not likely that we should be able to distinguish the fort at any
+great distance, but I see a hill rising up against the sky, and perhaps
+we shall find it in that direction," I observed.
+
+While I was speaking, Mr Tidey's horse made a bolt down the slope, and
+presently, as the cattle moved aside, I saw a pool of water which,
+though muddy from the animals having trod in it, afforded a refreshing
+draught to his poor steed.  Mine was too weak even to drink, and I
+feared that if it once got into the pool it would not have strength to
+get out again.  We now advanced in somewhat better spirits than before.
+The condition of my horse, however, delayed me; but, in the hopes of
+obtaining some remedies to save its life, I still led it on.  We had not
+got far when Mr Tidey, who, as usual, was looking about in every
+direction, exclaimed--
+
+"I see a party of horsemen in the distance.  If they are Indians and
+come near us, we must stop and drive them off.  I can count but six; two
+a-piece, and we each of us must settle one of those as soon as they come
+within range of our bullets.  In the meantime we will keep on as we are
+going, and if the fort is at hand, it may be that they will think it
+wise to keep at a distance."
+
+Looking steadily in the direction the Dominie pointed, I could but just
+discern some figures appearing against the sky above the horizon, but
+whether Indians or white men I was unable to determine.  I kept watching
+them anxiously.  In a short time Dio cried out--
+
+"Dey come dis way! dey come dis way!"
+
+"Never mind, if they come nearer than we like, we must send them to the
+right-about," observed Mr Tidey calmly.
+
+I could, however, see that the strangers were approaching at a rapid
+rate, and it would soon be necessary for us to get ready to receive
+them.
+
+Mr Tidey frequently turned his head over his left shoulder, but still
+rode on.
+
+"Had we not better stop?"  I asked, "they will be down upon us
+presently."
+
+The Dominie pulled up, and attentively regarded the approaching
+strangers.  "All right!" he exclaimed, "they are friends; I see their
+uniforms, we shall not have to fight for our lives this time."
+
+In a few minutes the strangers were up to us.  They proved to be a
+scouting party led by a sergeant, and had come out from the fort on
+learning that a band of Indians on the war-path had been seen in the
+neighbourhood, but on discovering us they had ridden up to ascertain who
+we were.  The sergeant gave us the satisfactory intelligence that the
+fort was not half a mile ahead.  "You cannot miss it," he observed, "if
+you keep straight on as you are going, but we must ride round and drive
+in some cattle which have strayed away, or we shall have them carried
+off by those thieves of redskins."
+
+We followed the advice of the sergeant; still, though according to our
+calculation we had gone the distance he had mentioned, we could not in
+the gloom distinguish the fort.  Presently, however, a shot whistled
+past Mr Tidey's ears, which made him suddenly bob his head, and a voice
+was heard crying out in an Irish accent--
+
+"Who goes there?"
+
+"Friends, who would be obliged to you to challenge first and shoot if
+they prove to be enemies," answered the Dominie.
+
+The next instant we found ourselves in front of a stockade above which
+appeared the roofs of some low buildings, while in front we could
+distinguish some mounds only a few feet above the level of the plain.
+On reaching a gate between the mounds, guarded by two stone towers of
+little more elevation than the stockades, it was opened, and on entering
+we found several soldiers.
+
+One of them took Mr Tidey's horse, and another was about to take the
+rein of mine, when he exclaimed--
+
+"What creature have we here? never saw an animal with such a face as
+this!"
+
+I was explaining what had happened, when a sergeant appeared from the
+guard-room.
+
+"We will get the doctor to have a look at him, and see if anything can
+be done for the poor brute," he said in a compassionate tone.
+
+I thanked him.  Mr Tidey gave the message from my father, entreating
+that assistance might be sent to the relief of our train.
+
+"You had better see the commandant, who will judge what is best to be
+done," was the answer; and leaving our sorry steeds in charge of the
+soldiers, we accompanied the sergeant.  The commanding officer received
+us kindly, and told us that if the report of Indians being in the
+neighbourhood should prove true, it was too probable that our train
+would be attacked.
+
+"I will, however, at dawn to-morrow, send out a party to their
+assistance," he added, "and I hope that they may arrive in time to drive
+off the redskins, should any have fallen in with your friends."
+
+We both urged that they might be sent off at once, but the commandant
+replied that it would be impossible to do so until the party we had met
+returned with the cattle, as he could not weaken the garrison, already
+scarcely sufficient for the defence of the place.
+
+With this promise we were obliged to be content, he offering also to
+supply Dio and me with horses that we might accompany the party, which I
+hoped to be able to do after some rest, though just then, overcome by
+hunger and fatigue, I was scarcely able to move.  I felt much revived by
+the supper which the commandant ordered at once to be placed on the
+table.  He afterwards accompanied us out to see how it fared with my
+poor horse.  I found that the doctor had been fomenting its wounded lip
+with a strong infusion of tobacco, and afterwards poulticing it with the
+chopped leaves of the same plant.  He had also given the animal half a
+pint of whisky slightly diluted, and half an ounce of ammonia.
+
+"If that doesn't cure it, I don't know what will," he remarked.
+
+I regretted that Dio's horse was too far off to receive assistance--
+indeed, probably by that time the poor animal was dead.  The commandant
+afterwards took us round the fort, remarking--
+
+"Perhaps before the night is over we may be attacked, and it is as well
+that you should know the localities."
+
+In the centre were the barracks with the officers' quarters' on one
+side, the stables on the other, and a barn for the stowage of hay and
+other stores.  Behind us was a yard in which the horses could be turned
+loose.
+
+From these buildings, four subterranean passages, about three feet wide
+and five high, led each to a rifle-pit beyond the stockades, about
+twelve feet long and ten wide, roofed over with stone supported by
+wood-work.
+
+Just on a level with the ground, below the roof, were loop-holes opening
+on all sides.  In racks round the walls of these pits were placed a
+number of rifles, all loaded and ready for immediate use; so that, as
+the commandant explained, should a whole army of redskins approach, the
+garrison would be at once prepared to give them a warm reception.
+
+The account he gave us of trains stopped and emigrants massacred
+increased my eagerness to set out to the assistance of our friends.  By
+his advice, therefore, we turned in to try and get some rest.  I could
+not sleep, however, but lay awake listening for the return of the
+soldiers who had been sent to bring in the cattle; for as the distance
+was not great, I calculated that they ought to have arrived not long
+after us, and I began to fear that they must have encountered the
+Indians, and perhaps themselves have been cut off.  Overcome, however,
+with fatigue, I at length dropped off into a troubled slumber.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE.
+
+THE RELIEF PARTY SET OFF--ON THE PRAIRIE--INDIANS DISCOVERED ATTACKING
+THE TRAIN--OUR CHARGE--NO QUARTER ASKED NOR GIVEN--MY FATHER AND UNCLE
+WOUNDED--THE TRAIN DELAYED AT FORT HAMILTON--PROVISIONS RUN SHORT--A
+HUNTING-PARTY ARRANGED--A HERD OF WAPITI--DOG TOBY ON THE SICK-LIST--
+CHASING THE DEER--A GAME AT FOLLOW MY LEADER--A FIGHT BETWEEN STAGS--THE
+MYSTERIOUS SHOT--THE SOLITARY HUNTER.
+
+I was aroused by feeling a hand on my shoulder, and looking up, I saw
+Mr Tidey by the light of a lamp which burned on the table.
+
+"It will soon be dawn," he said; "the troopers are preparing to set off.
+But you are knocked up, Mike, and had better sleep on.  I should have
+let you do so, but I did not like to set off without telling you that I
+was going.  I hope, however, that we shall soon meet our friends, and
+find them all safe and sound."
+
+"I must go!"  I cried, jumping up; "the commandant will lend me a horse,
+as my own is not likely to be of much use, even if the poor brute is
+still alive."
+
+Notwithstanding the Dominie's expostulations, I was quickly ready.  The
+commandant was on foot.  Sympathising with my anxiety, he at once
+ordered a horse to be saddled for me.  The eight troopers who were to
+accompany us mounted, and directly afterwards a half-breed guide made
+his appearance.
+
+"He will conduct your train, wherever you may fall in with it, to the
+nearest stream or water-hole," observed the commandant.  "I cannot
+promise you that your friends have not been attacked, as the Indians are
+certainly in the neighbourhood, and have carried off some of our cattle;
+but I trust that, should such be the case, they will hold out until you
+arrive."
+
+This remark increased my anxiety, and made me more eager than ever to be
+off.  I was looking out for Dio, and was inquiring for him, when he
+appeared mounted on a little mustang, with a brace of pistols in his
+belt, a soldier's carbine slung over his back, and a sword by his side.
+
+"Dey no want me to go," he said, "but I say I fight as well as dey."
+
+I said I was very glad he had come, and inquired for my horse, which, to
+my satisfaction, he informed me was still alive, and that the doctor
+thought it would recover.  I was thankful to have Dio with us, for he
+was as brave as man could be, and I could rely on him in any emergency.
+We thus formed a party of twelve, and the troopers considered themselves
+capable of coping with any Indians we were likely to encounter.  The
+sergeant in command of the party was a cautious man, and, afraid of
+knocking up the horses, would not move as fast as I in my impatience
+desired.  We had, however, made good about four or five miles when day
+dawned.  As we moved on, we kept a look-out for Indians on both sides,
+not knowing in what direction they might appear; but even should they
+have crossed our course, we could not in the darkness discover their
+trail.  As the light increased, our guide searched diligently for it,
+but he declared that he could perceive no signs of Indians having
+recently passed that way, though he observed the trail which we had made
+on the previous evening.  At length I saw some way ahead the wings of
+several large birds flapping just above the ground.  As we drew nearer,
+six or seven turkey buzzards rose into the air, and circling round flew
+to a short distance, where they remained watching us.  They had been
+feeding on the body of Dio's horse, utterly indifferent to the venom
+with which the flesh was impregnated.  We kept to windward of it, and
+directly we had passed the foul birds flew back to their banquet.  This
+showed us that the guide had led us aright, and that we could trust him.
+Losing patience, I entreated the sergeant to move on faster, reminding
+him that even should our friends not be attacked by the Indians, they
+were certainly suffering from want of water.  He inquired how far off I
+calculated we should find the train.
+
+"From fourteen to twenty miles," I answered, "though, as I hope that
+they may have been able to move on, perhaps they may be still nearer."
+
+He still hesitated, but Mr Tidey joining his entreaties to mine, he put
+his horse into a gallop, ordering his men to advance.  We now moved
+forward at as fast a rate as I could desire, the guide keeping his eye
+on the ground.  Mile after mile of the level prairie was quickly
+covered, we in the mean time looking out for the plumed heads of any
+redskins which might show themselves above the horizon.  Noon was
+approaching.  I saw the guide attentively examining the ground.
+
+"Indians have passed this way, but they have swept round again, off to
+the southward.  It would take us much out of our way to follow up their
+trail, and I think it likely that we shall fall in with it again."
+
+"I hope not," I remarked; "for if so, they may discover our train."
+
+He shrugged his shoulders and said nothing.  The ground had now become
+more uneven than heretofore.  Before us rose an undulating hill of no
+great elevation, but of sufficient height to prevent us from seeing any
+distance to the eastward, and we had to rein in our horses as we mounted
+it.  On reaching the top, the sergeant gave the order to halt, unslung
+his telescope, and swept the horizon from north to south.
+
+"There's the train," he exclaimed, "coming this way, about three miles
+off."  Directly afterwards he added, "and there to the southward I see a
+troop of mounted Indians; there must be a hundred or more of them.  They
+have discovered the train, and are galloping towards it as fast as their
+horses can go, hoping, I doubt not, to gain an easy victory."
+
+Borrowing the Dominie's glass, I took a look through it, when to my
+dismay I perceived that the Indians were much nearer the train than we
+were, and might have time to swoop down upon it and be off again before
+we could arrive.  My father apparently had not discovered them.  While,
+however, I was still looking through the telescope, I saw the leading
+waggons stop and the others move up.  I had no doubt that my father,
+having discovered the approaching foe, as preparing to meet them by
+forming a square.  Just then the sergeant cried out--
+
+"We must ride direct for the train, as we shall not be in time to cut
+off the redskins before they reach it.  Forward!"
+
+On we dashed at headlong speed.  We had far to go, and in some places
+the ground was uneven; but if we were to save our friends from being cut
+to pieces, we must not pull rein until we were up to them.  On and on we
+pressed.  The train, formed in square, came in sight to the naked eye,
+as did the body of Indians who appeared close to it.  Except the tramp
+of our horses over the yielding ground, not a sound was heard, until
+suddenly some puffs of smoke were seen and the rattle of musketry
+reached our ears.  The Indians halted for an instant, but they were too
+far off to enable us to see whether or not they shot their arrows at the
+camp.  Again and again the sound of fire-arms was heard, followed by
+war-whoops which, even at that distance, had a fearful sound.  A belt of
+trees by the side of a dry water-course concealed the Indians from view,
+and, their eyes being fixed on their expected prey, they had hitherto
+probably not seen us.  Louder and louder grew the noise of fighting,
+showing us that our friends were still holding out.  I knew full well
+indeed that my father and uncle would fight to the last.  Whether they
+had discovered that succour was at hand, we could not tell.  It would
+not have prevented them from fighting hard, but it would have encouraged
+the men to hold out till we had reached them.
+
+The sergeant, when he heard the sounds of battle was as eager to press
+forward as we were.  The combatants at length saw us coming.  Our own
+people raised a lusty cheer, while the Indians reined in their steeds,
+probably supposing, as we galloped on surrounded by clouds of dust, that
+a large body of cavalry were upon them.  Some of the chiefs turned their
+horses' heads to meet us, but we, charging furiously at them, pistolled
+some and cut down others, while the rest wheeling round galloped off,
+hoping to get beyond the reach of our shot.  Before, however, they could
+do so, we pulled up and fired a volley at them, which emptied several
+saddles.  While we were reloading they got out of our reach.  The
+troopers then sweeping over the ground sabred all who had fallen and
+still showed signs of life.  Not a prisoner was taken.
+
+"You came in the nick of time," said my father; "for we were fearfully
+overmatched, and many had been wounded,--your uncle, I fear, very
+badly."
+
+I saw to my dismay, as he spoke, that an arrow was sticking in his own
+side, while Uncle Denis lay under a waggon where he had crawled, his
+head bleeding, and with two severe wounds in the leg and shoulder.
+Martin Prentis and three of the other men were also badly hurt.  They
+were all crying out for water, as not a drop remained, and the cattle,
+they said, could scarcely proceed.  My mother, as may be supposed, was
+fearfully agitated and alarmed, as were the two little girls; but they
+were cheered by hearing from the guide that a stream existed about two
+miles on, nearer the fort.
+
+The wearied oxen were therefore at once again yoked up, and we knew that
+they would eagerly press on the moment they scented the water.
+
+The Dominie and I, aided by my mother, lost no time in attending to the
+wounded.  My father insisted on waiting until Uncle Denis had been
+looked to, while Dio and Dan gave their aid to the other wounded men.
+
+We first sawed off the head of the arrow sticking in my uncle's
+shoulder.  This done, the shaft was extracted; and his other wounds
+being bound up, we placed him in one of the waggons.
+
+We had next to perform the same operation on my father, who bore the
+pain without flinching.  He then consented to lie down in the waggon,
+when, the train being ready, we moved forward, led by the guide.
+
+Soon after we had started, I saw Dio galloping off with a couple of skin
+bottles over his saddle.  My fear was that the Indians would discover
+him, and cut him off, but he was quickly out of sight.  In a wonderfully
+short time he came galloping back again with both the bottles full.
+
+His arrival was hailed with gratitude by the wounded men.  The fresh
+water he had brought greatly revived them.  Even those who had not been
+hurt were complaining bitterly of thirst.  We could scarcely restrain
+the eagerness of the cattle as they reached the water.  The sergeant,
+however, would not allow us to remain longer than was absolutely
+necessary to enable the cattle to quench their thirst, stating that his
+orders were to return as soon as possible to the fort.  This indeed, for
+the sake of my father and uncle and the other wounded men, we were
+anxious to do.
+
+We kept, as may be supposed, a look-out for the Indians.  The lesson
+they had received, however, had taught them that we were not to be
+attacked with impunity, but we saw them from time to time hovering in
+the distance.
+
+Night set in while we were still far from the fort, but the sergeant
+advising us to keep on, we did so, but it was nearly midnight when we
+arrived.  The commandant received us most kindly, giving up his own room
+to my mother and her young charges, while my father and Uncle Denis were
+skilfully treated by the surgeon of the garrison, as were the other
+wounded men.  His opinion was, however, that they would be utterly unfit
+to continue their journey for some time to come.  This was a severe
+trial to them, as they were anxious to proceed in spite of the dangers
+we were likely to encounter.  The commandant, however, kindly invited us
+to remain until they were in a fit state to travel.
+
+So effectually had the surgeon treated my horse, that the animal
+recovered rapidly, and in a couple of weeks, though somewhat thin, was
+fit for work.
+
+Scouts were daily sent out to watch the movements of the Indians, but
+the lesson they had received when attacking our train appeared to have
+produced a good effect, as none were discovered in the neighbourhood.
+It was hoped, therefore, that they had taken their departure to the
+southward, and that we might not be molested.  The fort was, however,
+provisioned only for its proper garrison, and as the stores we had
+brought were nearly exhausted, a difficulty arose about feeding so many
+additional mouths.  Anxious as was the commanding officer to be
+hospitable, he could not use the provisions required for his own men.
+He therefore inquired whether any of our party were hunters, as he could
+not venture to allow any of his own officers or men to go out in search
+of game.
+
+"We will start off at once, then, Mike!" said Mr Tidey to me when he
+heard this, "and soon prove, I hope, that we do not wish to eat the
+bread of idleness."
+
+Dio begged that he might accompany us, and Dan wished that he might come
+also; but our mother, fearing the dangers to which we might be exposed,
+was unwilling to let him go, and he without a word of complaint gave up
+the idea.  The commandant supplied Dio and me with two good horses, and
+the Dominie had his own, which after a few days' rest was perfectly fit
+for work.
+
+Taking with us four horses to bring home the game we expected to kill,
+and followed by Boxer and Toby, we started off.  A river, I should have
+said, flowing from the northward, swept near the fort, and then ran
+south-west.  Although the country immediately round was open, about five
+or six miles off was, we were told, a forest about ten miles long and
+several deep, with open glades, in which, as there existed abundance of
+grass, deer were sure to be found, as well as other animals.  We had no
+difficulty in finding our way, and in a short time came in sight of the
+borders of the wood.
+
+We of course kept a look-out for Indian trails, but we could discover
+none.  We rode on in full expectation of having good sport.  We had not
+got more than half a mile into the wood, when we caught sight of a dozen
+or more wapiti feeding in a large glade.  To approach them on horseback
+would be impossible; we therefore dismounted and crept round under
+shelter of the brushwood, hoping to get within easy shot of them.  After
+going some distance, the glade sweeping round to the left more than we
+had expected, we found to our disappointment that we could not approach
+within three hundred yards without being discovered.
+
+"We must return to our horses, and try to reach them from the other
+side," whispered Mr Tidey.  "Do you stay here, Dio, and if they come in
+this direction you may bring one of them down, but keep back the dogs,
+unless you see that you with them can turn the herd back towards us."
+
+By keeping on our hands and knees until we ran no risk of being seen by
+the deer, we regained our steeds, and then rode to the westward for
+nearly half a mile, when we once more tied them up and made our way in
+the same fashion as before towards the herd.  By looking through the
+brushwood we could see them feeding unsuspicious of danger, when just as
+we expected to be able to bring down a couple, greatly to our
+disappointment a fine antlered fellow, the watchman of the band, lifted
+up his head with a startled look, and the whole herd following him moved
+off.  At first we thought that they were going up the glade, but instead
+of so doing they approached the spot where Dio was concealed.  The next
+instant we heard a shot, and the affrighted herd bounded off at full
+speed.  We saw, however, that one, a fine stag, by the way he moved was
+wounded, and presently the dogs, let loose by Dio, turned him from the
+course he was pursuing, and once more he approached us; suddenly he
+stopped, and, lowering his head, rushed at the dogs, and lifting one in
+the air threw it on its back.  Immediately afterwards, while attempting
+to treat the other in the same way, down he came on his knees.  He was
+still, however, a formidable antagonist, and might make poor Boxer pay
+dearly for his boldness.  The Dominie rushed forward to the dog's
+rescue, but as there was a risk of wounding him, as well as the stag, I
+refrained from firing.  The Dominie, more confident, lifted his rifle,
+and the stag rolled over dead.  We ran forward to seize our prize.  Dio
+did not appear.
+
+"He perhaps has gone round to bring up the other horses, or he may hope
+to get another shot at the herd," observed the Dominie, as he drew out
+his knife and commenced flaying the deer.
+
+My first impulse was to see how it fared with poor Toby.  He licked my
+hand, and struggled to get on his feet.  I was at first afraid that his
+ribs were broken, but I could discover no wound, and after a few minutes
+he began to revive, and tried to crawl up to share in the feast Boxer
+was enjoying.  We had nearly completed our task, when we heard another
+shot, and after a short time Dio appeared at the end of the glade,
+leading the two horses.  He brought the satisfactory intelligence that
+he had killed another deer.  We accordingly packed up the meat, and
+having placed Toby, who was still unable to walk, on the top of the
+cargo, guided by Dio we mounted and proceeded to the spot where the
+animal had fallen.  Hitherto the black had been the most successful of
+the party, but we did not grudge him the honour.  We afterwards killed
+two more deer; the Dominie shot one, and I the other.  Our horses laden
+with the welcome supply, we turned our faces towards the fort.
+
+It was one of several equally successful expeditions we undertook, and
+so pleased was the commandant with the amount of meat we brought in,
+that he begged we would remain as long as we pleased, assuring us that
+we paid amply for whatever other stores we consumed.  My father and
+uncle were now almost recovered, and proposed that we should continue
+our journey in a few days.  Mr Tidey and I agreed in the mean time to
+make another expedition in search of game, hoping to catch enough to
+take a supply with us, and leave the remainder with our friends.  On
+this occasion Dan got leave to accompany us, and he, with Dio and Martin
+Prentis, formed our party.  We had three pack-horses, and followed by
+our two dogs, we set off.
+
+Dan was in high spirits.
+
+"Even if we do fall in with any Indians, we shall be able to give a good
+account of them, I hope," he said, laughing; "they would be bold fellows
+to attempt attacking five well-mounted men."
+
+Dan stood up in his stirrups, and looked as big as he could.
+
+Mr Tidey smiled, and observed, "You have the heart of a giant, Dan,
+though I don't know that a red warrior would reckon you as a man."
+
+"But I can fire a rifle and pistol, and my bullets may tell as well as
+those of bigger people," answered Dan, a little indignant at the remark.
+
+We had determined to go farther from the fort than we had hitherto done,
+as the game in the wood we had before hunted in had become scarce,
+frightened away by the report of our fire-arms.  As we proceeded, we
+found the traces of deer become more and more abundant.  Frequently we
+came suddenly upon one, which started off before we could get a shot.
+Now and then we caught sight of a long file of antelopes, who, however,
+took care to keep out of our way, and we might as well have chased the
+wind as have attempted to overtake them on horseback.  It was curious to
+observe the manner they imitated the movements of their leader.
+Sometimes he would turn round his white breast, and then exhibit his red
+flank, when at the same moment a whole line of white breasts or red
+flanks were to be seen.  Then he would stop, when they would all stop at
+once; then he would stamp and advance a step, they all, obedient to the
+signal, doing the same.  The Dominie remarked that it reminded him of
+when he was at school and he and his companions played follow my leader.
+Again the headmost animal would wheel to the right, as did his
+followers.  At last, carrying on this game for some time, they suddenly
+winded us and away they all scampered as fast as their agile legs would
+carry them, like clouds before the gale.
+
+Although game was thus abundant on the open prairie, we were as well
+aware that we should not load our horses, unless we took proper measures
+to get near the deer; as the angler is, who sees the fish leap through
+the calm surface of a lake in the bright sunshine, that he will not fill
+his basket if he does not use the right bait.
+
+There was a wood away to the right, which would, we hoped, afford us an
+ambush and enable us to conceal our steeds.  We accordingly rode towards
+it.  As we were moving along the Dominie suddenly pulled up.
+
+"Look at that trail," he said; "that is not the foot-mark of a deer, or
+buffalo, or a wolf.  If ever I saw the print of a moccasin, that is one.
+See, however, the toes are pointing from the wood, though the red-skin,
+when he found that he was stepping on soft ground, sprang back, but
+probably did not think it worth while to obliterate the mark."
+
+"Possibly there was only a single hunter, and he can do us no harm, even
+if he should desire it," I observed; "perhaps indeed, that is the print
+of a white man's foot, for many wear moccasins, even in summer."
+
+We searched about, but although we discovered several marks which we
+believed were produced by human feet, we could not be certain.  Had an
+Indian been with us he would have solved the question in a minute.  We
+therefore remounted, and believing that we were not likely to fall in
+with enemies, continued our course.
+
+We soon reached the wood, which was very similar in character to the one
+we had before hunted in, with an undergrowth of willows near a stream,
+while in other places were clumps of wild rose trees, still covered with
+bloom.  Penetrating into the wood, we selected a spot for our camp,
+where we could leave our horses under charge of Martin and Dan while we
+went in search of game.  In a short time we reached the borders of a
+glade, in which, from the appearance of the grass, we hoped to see some
+deer browsing.
+
+After proceeding some distance we caught sight of a herd at the farther
+end coming leisurely own towards us, cropping the grass on their way.
+The wind blowing from them to us, we settled to remain concealed behind
+some thick bushes until they should come within range of our rifles.
+Presently a fine stag advanced ahead of the herd.  He halted when still
+too far off to give us a hope of killing him.  His movements were
+singular, as he pawed the ground and butted with his horns.  The reason
+of this was soon apparent, for from the opposite side another stag
+issued forth from among the trees, and advanced rapidly towards him.  On
+seeing his antagonist, the first rushed to meet him, and the two stags
+engaged in a fierce combat.  We might possibly have got close enough to
+shoot both, but by so doing we should have lost our chance of killing
+any of the rest of the herd, whose flesh was of more value than that of
+the old stags.
+
+We were waiting the issue of the battle, supposing that the deer would
+then approach, when we heard a shot and caught sight of a number of
+animals scampering across the glade.  The report of the gun came from an
+opposite direction to that of our camp.  For an instant I thought that
+Dio must have crept away, but looking round I saw that he was close to
+us, the shot must therefore have been fired by a stranger, who could not
+have been aware of our vicinity.  Fearing to lose the stags, we sprang
+forward; at the same time our two dogs dashed out.  Mr Tidey aimed at
+one of the animals and I at the other.  Though both fell, each creature,
+under the belief that his hurt had been received from his antagonist,
+though brought to the ground, continued to butt furiously at the other,
+until the dogs came up, and they turned their rage towards them.  We
+stopped to reload and call off the dogs, for fear of their being
+injured.  But the stags were fast succumbing from loss of blood; and
+getting up to them, we put an end to their struggles.
+
+We were still standing over their bodies, forgetting for a moment the
+shot we had heard, when Dio shouted out--
+
+"See dare, see dare!"
+
+Looking up the glade, we saw a man in hunter's garb, who, having sprang
+out of the wood, had seized by the horns a wounded deer which was
+endeavouring to escape.  The animal was making violent efforts to
+release itself, throwing back its head in a way which made it difficult
+for him to hold on.  To protect himself he lifted up his rifle; one of
+the deer's hoofs missed him, but the other struck his weapon, and
+breaking his ramrod, brought him down on his knees.  The creature was
+now about to renew the attack and a blow from his hoof might have
+shattered his skull, or at least have seriously injured him.  Not a
+moment was to be lost.  Scarcely thinking of the danger I ran of
+wounding the stranger, I lifted my rifle and fired, when the deer
+bounding up fell lifeless on its back.  The stranger, rising from his
+knees, advanced towards us.  He was a good-looking youngish man, though
+his face, naturally fair, was bronzed by summer suns and winter blasts.
+He was dressed in a blue blanket coat trimmed with red, a cloth cap of
+the same colour, with a broad peak, and ornamented moccasins.  An axe
+and long knife were stuck in his belt; he had a serviceable-looking
+rifle in his hand, and behind his shoulders was strapped a pack,
+containing his buffalo robe and blanket, some provisions apparently; and
+several other requisite articles.  He put out his hand in a frank manner
+as he walked up to Mr Tidey.
+
+"You have done me a service, friend; for that animal showed more fight
+than I expected, and might have injured me severely had not your shot
+taken effect, though it narrowly missed my head, I suspect."
+
+"Very glad to have been of use to you, but here's the person you should
+thank," said the Dominie, pointing to me.
+
+"I confess that it would have been more prudent not to have fired, for
+fear of hitting you," I answered as he shook me by the hand.
+
+"Though it was a risk, I am equally thankful.  The shot was well aimed,
+and you have the right to the venison, my young friend," he said,
+looking at me.
+
+We told him that we had no wish to deprive him of it, but he insisted
+that the deer should be ours.  We settled the point, however, by making
+him take a haunch, which was all he would accept.
+
+We now sent off Dio to bring up the horses, that we might load them with
+the meat: we in the meantime set to work to flay and cut up the animals,
+assisted by the stranger.
+
+"You will come to our camp and pass the night with us," said the Dominie
+as we were thus engaged.
+
+To our surprise the stranger declined our invitation.
+
+"I should prove but a poor companion, for I have been too long
+accustomed to live by myself to have any desire to join the society of
+my fellows," he answered, turning aside; "if I find that you are exposed
+to danger from the redskins, I will give you warning, and may be of
+assistance in enabling you to escape from them."
+
+We in vain pressed him to alter his decision.  He waited until the
+horses arrived, and having assisted us in packing the meat, took his own
+share, put up in a piece of skin, and after bidding us farewell went off
+in an opposite direction to our camp.  We had forgotten to mention the
+mark of the moccasin we had seen in the morning, but we had little doubt
+that the stranger had gone over the ground, and our apprehensions of
+Indians being in the neighbourhood were dispelled.  We, however, kept as
+usual a strict watch at night.  As our camp was placed in the recesses
+of the wood, we knew that our fire could not be perceived at any
+distance beyond it.
+
+As we sat round the cheerful blaze of the fire, we naturally talked of
+the stranger, wondering who he could be.  His dress was that of a
+Canadian trapper, but he spoke without any French accent, and the
+Dominie remarked that he recognised a touch of the Irish brogue on his
+tongue.
+
+"It is odd that he should prefer camping out by himself, to joining us,
+when he might sleep in much greater security than he can all alone," I
+observed.
+
+"Tastes differ, and although it is not complimentary to us, he may
+prefer his own society to ours," answered the Dominie, laughing.
+
+"Perhaps he is on bad terms with the garrison of the fort, and
+consequently does not wish to associate with us, because we have been
+staying there," remarked Dan.
+
+"It may be that he has shot one of them, or sided with the Indians, or
+has committed some offence against the Government," said Martin.
+
+"We might talk all night, and yet come to no satisfactory conclusion,"
+replied the Dominie, "and now, it's time to turn in, to be ready for our
+work to-morrow morning."
+
+We accordingly lay down wrapped in our blankets round the fire, Martin
+taking the first watch.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TEN.
+
+A TIMELY WARNING--THE PURSUIT--INDIAN HORSEMEN--THE CAVALRY ENGAGEMENT--
+A SHARP SKIRMISH--DIO SAVES MY FATHER'S LIFE--PREPARATIONS FOR
+CONTINUING OUR JOURNEY--I ENCOUNTER THE SOLITARY HUNTER--USEFUL
+INFORMATION--REJOIN THE TRAIN--FIRST SIGHT OF THE MOUNTAINS--THE "GROSSE
+CORNE"--LOOKING OUT FOR A PASS--MOUTH OF THE CANON DISCOVERED--A GLOOMY
+PASSAGE--OVERTAKEN BY DARKNESS IN THE GORGE--FIRST GLIMPSE OF "SMILING
+VALLEY"--SELECTION OF THE SITE OF OUR FUTURE HOME--BRINGING THE WAGGONS
+OVER THE MOUNTAINS.
+
+The stars were shining brightly in the sky, the fire casting a glare on
+the trunks and branches of the surrounding trees beyond which was
+darkest gloom, when having been aroused by the Dominie, I took the
+morning watch.
+
+No sound broke the stillness which reigned through the forest at that
+period of the night.  Feeling still drowsy, and afraid of dropping off
+to sleep again should I sit down, I continued pacing backwards and
+forwards, now approaching one side of the glade, now the other,
+occasionally giving the fire a poke, or throwing on a few sticks.
+Though I had no fear of Indians, a bear or panther, or a pack of hungry
+wolves, might pay us a visit, attracted by the smell of the venison
+which was packed and ready for transport.  As the trees shut out the
+view to the eastward, I could only judge when day was approaching by
+observing the stars beginning to grow dim.  I had gone farther than
+usual from the camp-fire, towards the west, when, as I stopped for a
+moment, I thought I heard a sound among the underwood in that direction,
+as of branches pushed aside and feet pressed on dry leaves.
+
+Expecting to see some animal break through, I brought my gun ready to
+shoot, when much to my surprise a man stepped forth from out of the
+darkness.
+
+Supposing him to be an Indian and that he might be followed by a number
+of others with scalping-knives in their hands, I slowly retreated,
+holding my gun ready for action.
+
+"Do not fire, my friend," said a voice which I recognised as that of the
+stranger we had met the previous day.  "I come as I promised, to give
+you warning should you be in danger.  I have discovered that a party of
+redskins are out on the war-path, and that you are certain to fall in
+with them should you continue hunting.  I would advise you forthwith to
+saddle your horses and return to the fort."
+
+I thanked the stranger for his information and instantly aroused my
+companions; he repeated what he had said to Mr Tidey, advising him to
+lose no time in starting.
+
+"I will guide you by the shortest cut out of the wood," he said; "after
+that you must push on as fast as your horses can go, and you may keep
+ahead of the savages, who are now away to the westward, but will soon
+discover your trail, and seeing that you are a small party, will be
+certain to follow you up."  The idea for a moment glanced across my mind
+that perhaps the stranger wished to get rid of us, for the sake of
+having all the sport to himself, but his frank air and the earnest tone
+in which he spoke made me banish the suspicion.  Without a moment's
+delay all hands set to work to get ready for starting, our friend
+energetically assisting us.  Our pack-animals were soon ready and our
+steeds saddled.
+
+"Now we will be off," said the stranger, and going ahead he led the way,
+winding in and out among the trees at so rapid a rate, that we could
+with difficulty keep him in sight.  Every now and then he turned,
+however, to ascertain that we were following.  He evidently seemed to
+consider that not a moment was to be lost.  At length the border of the
+wood was gained.
+
+"You can make your way now by yourselves," he said; "the dawn will soon
+break, and the rising sun will serve to guide you.  Keep slightly to the
+right, and you will pass the confines of the next wood.  The ground is
+even for some miles, and if you press forward as fast as your horses can
+go, I trust that you may keep ahead of your enemies.  They are sure to
+discover your trail, and therefore, although you may not see them, when
+looking behind, you must not venture to halt.  Whether they intend to
+attack the fort, I cannot say, but it is as well that the garrison
+should be on the alert."
+
+We thanked him heartily for the important service he had rendered us.
+
+"But will you not come with us," said Mr Tidey; "you yourself may be
+exposed to danger from the Indians."
+
+"I have been too long in their territory to have any fear on that score,
+and know their ways well enough to avoid them," he answered; "but time
+is precious; give your horses the rein.  On, on!"
+
+Waving his hand as a farewell, he retreated again into the wood: when I
+again looked round he was not to be seen.  We galloped forward, the
+Dominie, Martin, and Dio leading the pack-animals, which as they were
+lightly laden, kept up with us; Dan and I rode alongside each other
+ahead of the rest.
+
+"This is capital fun!" cried my young brother; "I would not have missed
+it on any account.  I only wish that fine fellow had been with us, and
+should we be overtaken by the Indians; we might face about and drive
+them back."
+
+"If we are overtaken, we shall have to do that at all events," I
+replied; "but I hope that we may not be compelled to fight them, and I
+have no wish to hear their war-whoops in our rear."
+
+I was not at all certain, however, that those unpleasant sounds would
+not reach our ears before we gained the fort.  I knew the rate at which
+the half-naked savages could scour across the prairie, and when once
+they got on our trail, they would, I was convinced, press on at their
+utmost speed.  But darkness favoured us for some time, though we ran the
+risk of one of our horses stepping into a hole or stumbling over the
+skeleton of a buffalo or deer, numbers of which strewed the plain.  At
+length the first streaks of dawn appeared ahead; the light rapidly
+increased and the sun which was to guide us rose above the horizon.
+
+Our horses kept up their speed, seeming to be well aware that an enemy
+was behind them.  My eyes being dazzled by the bright beams of the sun,
+I could scarcely see the way, and had to shade them with my hand, while
+I bent forward towards my horse's neck.
+
+After a few seconds I made out the wood on our left, and knew that we
+were pursuing a right course.
+
+Few words were exchanged by any of the party: at last Dan cried out that
+he was getting very hungry, and proposed to stop for breakfast.
+
+"Our scalps are of more value than the refreshing of our inward man,"
+answered the Dominie.  "We must not think of breakfast, dinner, or
+supper, until we get inside the fort, and then we will take all three in
+one.  Go on, lads, go on."
+
+Urging on our horses, we had already reached the ground over which we
+had previously hunted on our first expedition, and knew the way
+perfectly, but still the fort was far distant, and we could not yet
+distinguish the flag which waved above it.
+
+"We shall get in safe enough now, and perhaps be laughed at for running
+away from an imaginary foe," cried Dan.
+
+I was about to answer, when Dio, who had turned in his saddle to look
+behind him, exclaimed--
+
+"Dare am de Indians.  I see de heads of dem an' de horses 'bove de green
+grass far 'way."
+
+We all looked, to be certain that the black was right.  There could be
+no doubt about the matter.  To escape them by concealing ourselves was
+impossible, even though the sun might have prevented them as yet from
+seeing us.
+
+They had got hold of our trail and were following that up.  All we could
+do was to trust to the fleetness of our steeds and endeavour to reach
+the fort before they should overtake us.  Martin proposed that we should
+let go the laden animals as they detained us considerably.
+
+"We will not do that until the enemy are much nearer than they are now,"
+answered the Dominie.  "On, boys, on! we will still keep ahead of them."
+
+We used our spurs and whips to encourage our poor beasts, which were
+already showing signs of "knocking-up."
+
+From a glance I took of the pursuing foe, I saw that they were a large
+band, against whom it would be useless to make a stand.  If overtaken
+they would to a certainty kill us for the sake of our scalps.  They were
+getting nearer and nearer; I looked out anxiously for the fort.  At
+length the flag appeared in sight; it was a cheering spectacle.
+
+"Oh, massa, massa, go on!"  I heard Dio cry out in an anxious tone.  I
+turned round; it seemed to me that already the savages were almost near
+enough to reach us with their arrows.  None of us required urging, but
+our panting beasts could scarcely keep their legs.  A few moments more
+and we might have a shower of missiles whizzing about our heads.  On we
+went until we could see the top of the stockades and the buildings in
+the fort.  Still the Indians followed, their dreadful war-whoop burst on
+our ears, making our horses tremble.  It was enough to do so, for no
+more terrific sound had I ever heard.  At length, when it seemed that we
+had no chance of escaping, I saw the gate of the fort open, and a party
+of horsemen streaming forth came galloping towards us: the Indians saw
+them too.  They approached, and as they did so opened their ranks to let
+us pass through them, and then with a loud cheer, dashing forward, they
+charged the enemy.  The savages wheeled and fled, but before the
+troopers could get up to them the recall was sounded.  The commandant
+evidently well knew the danger of pursuing so wily a foe, who only fled
+that they might turn round at a favourable moment, or that they might
+lead their pursuers into an ambush.  Soon after the trumpet-call had
+been heard and the cavalry had begun to retire, a far larger band than
+those who had followed us appeared on the brow of a hill about half a
+mile to the southward.
+
+One of the men cried out that, from their dress and appearance, they
+were Cheyennes and Arapahoes, first-rate horsemen.  We could see them
+clearly against the sky flourishing their spears, their chiefs riding
+backwards and forwards in front of their ranks, evidently encouraging
+them to come on and attack us.  These "buffalo Indians," as they are
+called, from spending their time in chase of the shaggy monsters of the
+prairie, are accustomed to the saddle from their childhood.  They use no
+reins, but guide their horses by pressing their heels on whichever side
+they wish them to turn, consequently both hands and arms are free to use
+their weapons as may be requisite.  They carry long spears and powerful
+bows, which can shoot their arrows to a great distance, and in their
+belts tomahawks, with which they can deal the most deadly blows in a
+hand to hand combat.  In battle they secure themselves to their saddles,
+so that they can bend down on their horses' sides, and thus entirely
+hide themselves from the view of their enemies, as they dash forward in
+the fight, thus also avoiding the bullets aimed at them.  Even when
+wounded they are carried away off the field, unless their steeds are
+shot down.  Our small party of retreating cavalry did not at first
+perceive the enemy gathering in their rear, until the trumpet again
+sounded, when they halted and faced about.  It was not a moment too
+soon.  Scarcely had they done so, than down swept the savages like a
+whirlwind towards them, led by a tall chief with a plume of dark
+feathers waving above his head, on a white horse, whooping and shrieking
+in the most diabolical manner.  We could see their faces through our
+glasses, and fierce and terrible they looked, as they held their lances
+poised, or their bows bent ready to shoot as they got within range.  Our
+rear-guard, who were acting as skirmishers, fired, and then fell back on
+the main body, with the exception of two or three, who as they were
+retreating fell pierced by arrows shot at them from the ranks of the
+approaching enemy.  Our cavalry were far outnumbered.
+
+On came the savages, a flight of arrows filled the air, and then, with
+reiterated whoops and shrieks, the Indians swooped down upon us.  With
+sorrow, not unallied with dismay, we saw several of our friends fall
+from their saddles, while every trooper was engaged in a deadly struggle
+with a dozen foes.  Amid the smoke of the fire-arms, we could see the
+spears thrusting, sabres and tomahawks gleaming, pistols flashing,
+horses plunging and rearing, while shouts and cries rent the air.  It
+was too evident that our party were getting the worst of it and were
+being forced back, over the ground towards the fort.  Fresh hordes were
+seen coming on, probably those who had before retreated.  Again the
+trumpet sounded the recall.  The commandant now summoned every available
+man in the fort; some to garrison the pits, others to advance to the
+support of the cavalry.
+
+We had dismounted and were soon joined by my father and Uncle Denis,
+with about twenty men led by the commandant himself.  We advanced
+rapidly in two parties, so as to allow the troopers to pass between us.
+My father took command of one of the parties.  As we advanced we could
+see horses and men struggling on the ground, many pierced through and
+through with arrows; the tall chief stooping down from his horse, seized
+one poor fellow and lifting him up, struck him a deadly blow with his
+tomahawk and then hurled him back lifeless.
+
+Some of the troopers, unable to extricate themselves, were still
+fighting bravely and dearly selling their lives, while those who could,
+obeying the recall, came galloping back.  The Indians, now seeing us
+advance, the tall chief, dashing forward, with poised spear, was about
+to pierce my father, when Dio lifted his rifle and fired.  The warrior
+bent forward, the blood gushing from his mouth, but still coming on,
+when the black, seizing the sabre of a fallen soldier, struck him on the
+side and his body fell, his hands touching the ground, while his legs
+remained lashed to the saddle.  The cross-fire, which, at the word of
+command, was poured in on the ranks of the savages, stopped their onward
+course.  A successful attempt was made, however, to recover the body of
+their chief, and his horse though wounded, wheeling round, was seized by
+one of the band and carried off, in spite of the bullets aimed at him.
+We continued pouring in volley after volley, until the Indians were
+beyond our range, but our men fired too high and but few saddles were
+emptied after the retreat began.
+
+The battle had been terribly severe, and we had to mourn the loss of
+nearly a dozen men killed and as many wounded.  Those who had fallen
+were dreadfully mutilated by the savages.  Horses and riders had been
+stripped of their trappings and clothes, most of the men scalped, with
+terrible gashes on their bodies, while all around, the trampled
+blood-stained ground showed the fierce struggle which had taken place
+before our brave fellows had succumbed.  Severe as had been our loss, a
+still greater number of the Indians must have been killed, although the
+majority had been carried out.  None of our party who had gone out on
+foot had suffered, shewing how much wiser it would have been had the
+garrison remained in the fort, without attempting to pursue the enemy.
+The object of the commandant, however, had been to drive the savages to
+a distance, and to show them that the white men were as ready to meet
+them in the open, as within the protection of the stockades.
+
+We watched the enemy as they rode slowly back over the hill, carrying
+their dead and wounded.  Though defeated, we could not be at all certain
+that they would not renew the attack during the night.  The belief,
+however, was, that dispirited by the loss of their chief, they would,
+with blackened faces, be mourning for his death and that of the rest of
+the warriors who had fallen, instead of thinking of more fighting.
+
+"It is sad work," observed my father, as we returned from burying our
+poor fellows; "the Indians act, of course, according to their instinct,
+and consider themselves justified in attacking the forts and trains of
+the white men, whom they see advancing to take possession of their
+hunting-grounds.  I wish that means could be found to induce them to
+remain at peace with us, but though over and over again they have signed
+treaties they have broken through them whenever they have fancied that
+they could gain an advantage by so doing.  I do not mean to say for one
+moment that the white men are not to blame; they have too often deceived
+the Indians and have driven them without compunction from the region
+they once called their own.  If I could discover a tribe whose
+confidence in the pale-faces, as they call us, has not been abused, I
+would settle down among them and endeavour by kindness and justice to
+work upon their better feelings and induce them to become friends."
+
+The garrison remained under arms during the night, but it passed off in
+quietness, and the next day the scouts who went out reported that the
+enemy had moved off to a distance.  It was hoped that their chief, who
+had instigated them to attack the fort, being dead, they would be
+inclined in the future to leave it unmolested.
+
+We were now all fully prepared to continue our journey, still, anxious
+as was my father to proceed, he was unwilling to expose my mother and
+the rest of us to the dangers we might have to encounter.  On finding
+that the country to the westward was at present free from hostile
+Indians, we made several hunting expeditions, by which we supplied
+ourselves and the fort with fresh provisions.  While one day in chase of
+a deer which I had wounded, I got separated from my companions.  The
+animal plunged into a willow brake, and I thought had escaped me.
+Finding, however, an opening in the wood, I made my way through it, on
+the chance of coming again upon the deer.  Calculating the course it was
+likely to take, I pushed forward so as to cross it.  Coming upon several
+splashes of blood, which showed me the direction the deer had gone, I
+was following up the trail, when just before me a person rose suddenly
+from behind a bush, and to my surprise I recognised the solitary hunter.
+I rode towards him, putting out my hand: "I am glad to meet you again,"
+I said; "though I little expected to do so: I wish to thank you for the
+warning you gave us; had it not been for you, we should probably have
+been killed by the Indians."
+
+"I require no thanks," he answered somewhat coldly.
+
+"We gave the Cheyennes and Arapahoes a lesson they will not forget, and
+have been able to hunt since without fear of interruption," I observed.
+
+I asked him whether he considered that our train could pass on towards
+the Rocky Mountains without the risk of being attacked.
+
+"If you make haste, you may get through; but you must not idle on the
+way," he answered; "the savages have united in a grand expedition
+against the forts to the southward, and although they will probably be
+defeated, it will give them employment for some time to come."
+
+This was satisfactory intelligence.  I thanked him for it.  I then asked
+him if he had seen a wounded deer pass that way.
+
+"There lies your game," he answered, leading me forward, where behind a
+bush I saw the animal I had wounded.  "I was employed in cutting it up
+when you appeared," he added; "although I brought it to the ground, your
+shot enabled me to kill it, and it is therefore yours.  I will help you
+to load your horse with the meat."
+
+I in vain attempted to induce him to take the whole or a portion.  "No,
+no," he answered, "I have but one mouth to feed, while you have a
+garrison to support," and he continued his task.
+
+"You may have some difficulty in finding your companions," he observed,
+when my horse was loaded; "I will lead you to them."
+
+We set off together.  After going some distance he stopped, and, shaking
+me by the hand, said--
+
+"Go on there, you will soon find your friends; but you need not mention
+having met with me."
+
+This remark convinced me more than ever that the stranger had some
+reason for not wishing to have any intercourse with the garrison.  I
+wished him "good-bye," and he plunging into the forest, I soon rejoined
+my companions.
+
+We returned with a large supply of venison.  My father, to whom I
+privately communicated the information I had received from the stranger,
+announced his intention of setting out next morning.
+
+The harness during our stay had been put in good order.  My horse,
+thanks to the remedies applied by the surgeon, had completely recovered,
+and we purchased another for Dio.
+
+Everything being ready at the time appointed, we recommenced our
+journey, saluted by the cheers of the garrison.  Our course was now
+towards the north-west, which would lead us across the Laramie plains,
+over a range of the Rocky Mountains, beyond which my father expected
+from the report of hunters and trappers to find a fertile region, in
+which he would be content to establish himself.  We had added, I should
+have said, two light carts, in which we intended to transport the
+cargoes of the waggons, should we find it impossible to drag them when
+laden over the heights.  As we travelled on I fully expected to fall in
+with the stranger, but day after day went by and he did not make his
+appearance.  Following the advice given, we halted only to rest our
+animals.  On such occasions we employed the time in hunting, and seldom
+returned without a supply of either buffalo meat or venison.  The
+Indians we met with appeared disposed to be friendly, or at all events,
+seeing our large well-armed party, and the vigilant watch we kept, they
+did not venture to interfere with us.  We were approaching the range it
+was our purpose to cross.  We had heard that many of the heights were of
+great elevation, but that there were passages or canons between them,
+through which we might make our way, provided no enemy should appear to
+impede our progress.  We had during the last day caught sight of what
+appeared a bank of white clouds, their outer edges lighted up by the
+rays of the sun.  During, however, the next couple of days' journey a
+light mist hung over the country, which prevented us from seeing objects
+at a distance.  Having no longer the fear of Indians, the Dominie, Dan,
+and I frequently went ahead, sometimes on horseback and sometimes on
+foot, for the purpose of killing game or exploring the way.  Thus one
+day, the ground being rugged and the waggons making but slow progress,
+we had proceeded some distance further than usual when we caught sight,
+on the top of a rock, of an animal with long horns, which Dan declared
+was a sheep, and which I thought was a deer.
+
+"Dan is more nearly right, for it is the sheep of these mountains, but
+in its habits it is very like the chamois of Switzerland," observed the
+Dominie; "we have very little chance of getting that fellow, but we may
+kill others if we are on the watch for them.  It is the big-horn, or
+`grosse corne,' as the French call it, of the Rocky Mountains.  It has
+already seen us, and away it goes to some place where it knows we cannot
+reach it."
+
+I may as well say that this wild sheep is of stout build, and has feet
+stronger and larger than those of the deer.  Its light dusky brown
+colour is similar to the tint of the rocks among which it lives.  About
+its ears and neck and legs it carries a small quantity of wool, the rest
+of its coat consisting of coarse hair, white on the rump, while the tail
+is tipped with black.  Both the male and female have horns, those of the
+former being remarkable for their enormous size, while those of the
+latter somewhat resemble the horns of the ordinary goat.  The horns of
+some of the sheep we afterwards killed measured upwards of two feet six
+inches in length.  The head is provided with cartilaginous processes of
+great strength, and they with the frontal bone form one strong mass of
+so solid a nature that the animal can, when making his escape, fling
+himself on his head from considerable heights without injury.
+
+We watched the big-horn as it bounded away, until it speedily
+disappeared.
+
+Almost immediately afterwards the mist lifted, and we saw before us a
+range of mountains with a snow-capped peak, apparently of great
+elevation, rising beyond them, while at their foot slept a lake of clear
+water, shining like a polished mirror in the rays of the sun.
+
+"What! shall we have to cross all those mountains?" exclaimed Dan, "we
+shall be brought to a stand-still, I fear."
+
+"We shall have to get through them somehow or other, but I hope that a
+passage may be found up a canon, between the rocky heights, so that we
+shall not be compelled to climb over their tops," answered Mr Tidey.
+"The sooner, however, we get back to camp and look out for the required
+pass the better.  It may take us some days, and as the season is
+advancing there is no time to be lost."
+
+We accordingly turned back, and on reaching the train found that the
+mountains were as clearly visible as from where we had first seen them.
+Near at hand was a rocky height, to the top of which my father and uncle
+climbed with us, carrying their spy-glasses that they might take a view
+of the range, and endeavour to discover some opening through which we
+might hope to make our way.
+
+"Others have gone through yonder rocky barrier, and so may we," said my
+father, sweeping the range from north to south with his telescope.
+After surveying the mountain for some time, he exclaimed, "I see what
+looks like a canon where the cliffs appear to rise almost
+perpendicularly out of the plain.  We will direct our course towards it.
+We shall not reach it to-night, but we will explore it with our carts
+to-morrow morning, while we leave the waggons in a safe position, so
+that they may be effectually defended should any Indians venture to
+attack them, though I have no apprehensions on that score."
+
+The plan being arranged, we returned to the train, and, verging to the
+right, moved towards the gap my father had discovered.  We reached one
+end of the lake which we had seen in the morning, and as the sun had
+already disappeared over the mountains, a halt was called, and we
+encamped in our usual fashion.  We chose a spot with the lake to the
+south; on one side a rocky height rose precipitously out of the water,
+on the other was a thick wood; we had thus two sides of the camp
+strongly defended by nature, and by throwing up a breastwork round the
+other two sides the camp might be made as strong as could be required.
+Although an enemy might climb to the top of the rock, yet by posting a
+couple of men there with rifles, it might be defended against a whole
+host of foes.  The wood being but a short distance off from which the
+timber required could be obtained, all hands setting to work, before
+dark the camp was as strongly fortified as we thought requisite.
+
+It was the first time for many days that we had enjoyed a feeling of
+perfect security.  Dio had lighted a fire a little apart from that of
+the men, that its smoke might keep off the flies, which were inclined to
+be troublesome.  To utilise it, he had hung up one of our pots to boil.
+Kathleen, being somewhat tired, was asleep in our waggon, while my
+mother and Lily were seated on the ground near it.  Boxer and Toby lay a
+short distance off, as Lily said, looking at themselves in the lake,
+into which the oxen, having taken their fill of the luscious grass
+growing on the bank, had come down to drink.
+
+My father, accompanied by Dan and me, having made a circuit of the camp,
+to see that all was right, had just joined my mother.  Dio, who had been
+attending to the pot, drew my father aside, to propound some knotty
+point with regard to the waggon which was under his especial charge,
+while Dan threw himself down by our mother, to have a game of play with
+Lily, Rose and Biddy being at a little distance off, busily washing
+clothes in the lake and singing at the top of their voices, the one a
+negro, the other an Irish melody, the result, as may be supposed, far
+from melodious, each stopping, however, every now and then to exchange
+jokes with the men who happened to be passing near them.
+
+That evening-scene in our camp near the mountains made an impression on
+me, which is as vivid at the present day as then, and I describe it more
+perhaps for my own gratification than for any it may afford the readers
+of my journal.
+
+The next morning we set off on our expedition, Martin Prentis being left
+in charge of the camp.  Our exploring party consisted of my father,
+Uncle Denis, Mr Tidey, Dan, and I, Dio, and two of the men.  My mother
+begged that she might go with us, and as she would not leave the two
+little girls behind, Biddy came to assist in taking care of them.  We
+carried one tent, with provisions and everything requisite for forming a
+camp, so that we might send the empty carts back to bring on more
+stores, should we find that we could not get the heavy waggons through.
+Though the ground at a distance appeared to be level, we had a
+considerable ascent to make before we reached the foot of the cliffs.
+As we looked ahead, it seemed impossible that we should ever get through
+the massive rocks piled up before us, but my father, confident that an
+opening would be found, persevered, and at length we saw some way off,
+what looked a mere cleft in the rock.
+
+"That's the mouth of the canon," he exclaimed, "though it seems so
+narrow, it is wide enough for our cart-wheels and that is all we
+require."
+
+We eagerly pressed forward and in a short time entered a gloomy defile
+where the rocks towered up on either side, and in some places hung
+completely over our heads, but as they had stood for centuries, we had
+no fear of their tumbling down while we were passing beneath them.
+
+On and on we went, the rocks becoming higher and higher, and forming
+precipitous cliffs, their summits many hundred feet above us.  It was
+evident that the mountain had been rent asunder by some mighty
+earthquake without the assistance of water.
+
+The ground on which we travelled rose but slightly.  As we continued our
+course the scenery became more gloomy and barren, and, except on the
+ground beneath our feet, scarcely a blade of grass or plant of any
+description was to be seen growing in the clefts of the dark and sombre
+rocks.  The atmosphere, seldom warmed by the rays of the sun, felt
+chilly in the extreme, and depressed our spirits, and had it not been
+for the assurance of my father, that we should discover an outlet on the
+other side, some of the party would, I think, have turned back, under
+the belief that we should only arrive at last before some vast cavern,
+or towering cliff, beyond which all further progress would be barred.
+Even the Dominie, I saw, did not half like it, but he was too much
+attached to my father to hesitate about proceeding.  Our chief anxiety
+was about water, as yet not a single cascade had we met with, nor the
+smallest rivulet trickling down the sides of the mountains.  So lofty
+were the rocks, that we could nowhere see even the tops of the mountains
+above us.  We concluded that we were at some distance from the snowy
+peak we had discovered the day before, which would probably have sent
+down a stream to afford us the water we required.  We stopped to rest at
+noon, where the gorge opened out slightly and the ground bore a
+sufficient amount of grass to enable our horses to crop a scanty meal.
+As we were anxious to get into a more fertile region before nightfall,
+we did not remain longer than was necessary.  The shades of evening came
+on far sooner than would have been the case in the plain.  The cliffs
+rose on every hand, towering as high, or even higher, than at the
+entrance of the gorge.  Unwilling to encamp in a place where we could
+get neither fire nor water, Mr Tidey and I volunteered to push on
+ahead, hoping that we might find a pleasanter spot for camping than in
+the narrow defile, even though we might not succeed in altogether
+emerging from the pass.  We hurried on as long as a ray of light
+penetrated into the gorge, but at length it became so dark that we could
+scarcely see a yard before us.  Were we to proceed further we might
+knock our heads against a rock or fall into some yawning chasm.
+
+"Stop, Mike!" said my companion, "better to suffer present evil, than to
+rush into greater we know not of.  We must return to our friends, if we
+don't break our heads in the meantime, and advise them forthwith to come
+to a halt."
+
+So pitchy was the darkness, that we could not see the rocks on either
+hand, and we were afraid, should we stumble or turn round by any chance,
+that we might be going away from, instead of nearing our friends.  In
+vain we looked up to catch sight of a star by which we might have guided
+ourselves, but not a single one could we see.
+
+"It won't do to halt here," observed the Dominie; "depend upon it, the
+captain has come to a stand-still long ago."
+
+Every now and then we stopped and shouted as we groped our way forward,
+but no answer came, and at last I began to picture to myself all sorts
+of accidents which might have happened to my family.  Perhaps their
+footsteps had been dogged by the Indians, or a rock had fallen and
+crushed them, or the horses, suffering from want of water, had sunk down
+exhausted.
+
+When I mentioned my apprehensions to Mr Tidey, he laughed at me, and
+tried to dispel them.  "The thing is, Mike, we came over the road in
+daylight, and we are now going back in the dark, and whereas we were
+walking four miles an hour, we are now progressing at a quarter that
+speed."
+
+Still, I was not convinced, and dreaded that at any instant we might
+come upon the dead bodies of our friends.
+
+Again and again I shouted out.  How my heart bounded when I at length
+heard my father's cheery voice replying to our hail.  Turning an angle
+of the pass I saw the light of a fire, by the side of which I could
+distinguish the carts, the white tent, and the figures of our friends.
+Guided by the blaze, we soon reached the little encampment.  My father
+and Uncle Denis were as glad to get us back as we were to return, though
+we had no satisfactory intelligence to communicate.  Dio had found some
+bushes, from which the fuel for our fire had been procured and what was
+of of equal consequence, a small pool of water, to which our thirsty
+cattle had been led to drink.
+
+"Had we pushed on we should have missed it, so that we must not grumble
+at being detained in the pass," observed my father.
+
+"Provided no storm comes on until we are clear of it," remarked Uncle
+Denis; "however, we will not anticipate evils."
+
+So soundly did I sleep, after the fatigues of the evening, that Uncle
+Denis had to give me a pretty rough shake, and then looking up, I saw
+that it was daylight overhead, though it was still almost dark in the
+depths of the pass.
+
+We lost no time, as soon as breakfast was over, in moving on, hoping
+that before long we should emerge into the open country.  For hours we
+trudged on, ascending but slightly, and the horses had no difficulty in
+dragging up the carts, when suddenly the bright glare of daylight
+appeared before us and we found ourselves looking down on a broad valley
+bathed in sunlight, but with another range of mountains beyond.  The
+sides sloped gradually towards a sparkling stream which flowed at the
+bottom, clothed with rich vegetation.  Was this valley to be our home,
+or were we to cross the second range, into a still more fertile region?
+
+"This is just the sort of spot we have been looking for, and I hope my
+father will stop here!"  I exclaimed to Mr Tidey, with whom I was
+walking.
+
+"Very good possibly, but where are we to find a market for our produce?
+Unless there is a pass through the second range, no emigrant trains are
+likely to come this way, and I do not think your father or any other
+sensible man would wish to exclude himself from the rest of the world,
+though undoubtedly we might manage to exist if big-horns, and deer, and
+buffalo are to be found in the neighbourhood."
+
+When my father came up, he stopped and surveyed the valley.
+
+"Its beauty consists in its contrast to the dark gorge we have passed
+through," he remarked; "see those black rocks cropping up in all
+directions through the grass: the soil is of but little depth, and we
+could nowhere find an acre of arable land."
+
+Uncle Denis agreed with him, but observed that it would be as well to
+camp in the valley, for the sake of giving the horses a good feed, while
+we searched a passage either through or over the next range.
+
+I should occupy too much space, were I minutely to describe the next few
+days' journey, the steeps we climbed up, the descents we made, now
+keeping along the edge of a roaring torrent, now ascending by the brink
+of precipices, over which there appeared a great risk of the carts and
+horses falling to the bottom.
+
+Still we worked our onward way, my father being confident that we should
+encounter no insuperable obstacles.  We had climbed to a height early in
+the day, from which, through his glass, he had obtained a view over the
+region we had to pass.  Though wild and rugged in the extreme, it was of
+no great elevation.
+
+"If we cannot get through in one direction, we may in another," he
+remarked.
+
+Twice we had to return for some distance the way we had come, but
+perseverance conquered all difficulties, and at length we gained a
+ridge, far away beyond which we saw stretching a magnificent country, a
+stream flowing down from the mountains, a wide extent of prairie, a
+shining lake, and an extensive forest, with trees of giant growth.  We
+had only to descend to take possession of any spot on which we might fix
+for our future residence.  The stream and lake would afford us fish,
+herds of deer browsed on the rich grass, and far away we caught sight of
+some buffaloes, while numerous "big-horns" were seen bounding amid the
+crags on either side.
+
+Another day was spent before we were fairly in the valley, but my father
+and Uncle Denis agreed that we were well repaid for the toil we had gone
+through.  They selected a spot for our habitation on the side of a hill,
+sloping gradually up from the stream, where we might be out of the reach
+of its swelling waters and yet make use of it for irrigating the land.
+We at once pitched my mother's tent, and set to work to cut down timber
+for a log hut for ourselves.  As soon as this was done, I and two of the
+men were despatched by my father to fetch more of our stores, or to
+bring on the waggons, should we find a more practicable road than the
+one by which we had come.  I felt duly proud of the important charge
+committed to me, and set off in high spirits.
+
+By keeping more to the left than we had done, I was fortunate enough to
+discover a road over which I felt sure that the waggons could make their
+way, and once more, after three days' journey, we entered the valley
+which had at first so enchanted me.  It now wore a very different aspect
+to my eyes.  The sky was cloudy, and we had come from so far superior a
+region that I was very thankful we had not selected it for our location.
+As we passed through the gorge, the light of the sun being shut out
+from us, my spirits sank, and I began to dread lest our camp might have
+been attacked, and we should find it in the same condition as that from
+which we had rescued Lily.  I forgot how confident my father was that it
+would be safe, and that I ought not to be doubtful of his judgment.
+
+Emerging at last from the pass, I caught sight of the white tilts of the
+waggons, arranged in perfect order.  A cheer rose as we approached, and
+Martin hurried out to greet us, and to report "all well."
+
+The journey across the mountain with the heavy waggons, was a far more
+difficult undertaking than with the carts, but by caution, perseverance,
+and judgment, we succeeded in getting through without any accident, and
+I was rewarded on my arrival by the approbation of my father.
+
+For some time after this, we were busily engaged in putting up a house
+and outbuildings, with cottages for the men, and in fencing in land for
+a garden, and fields, so that during that period we met with no
+adventures worth narrating.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN.
+
+OUR NEW HOME--FORTIFICATIONS--SNAKE-FENCING--EDUCATION OF MY SISTER AND
+LILY--DIO MEANS TO CATCH A BEAR--DEPREDATIONS ON OUR POULTRY-YARD--
+CAPTURE OF DAME BRUIN--A CONTRIBUTION TO UNCLE DENIS'S MENAGERIE--
+TRAINING THE CUBS--HUNTING EXPEDITIONS--A COLONY OF BEAVERS--HOW THE
+DAMS ARE BUILT--DIO'S MAGIC STICKS--WE TURN TRAPPERS--FIGHT WITH A
+GRIZZLY--VISIT OF A WOLVERINE TO OUR HUT--TRAPS SET--OUR SUCCESS--LEFT
+IN CHARGE--AN INDIAN TAKES ME BY SURPRISE--KLUKO'S WARNING TO THE
+PALE-FACES--COMMENCE OUR RETURN JOURNEY.
+
+The grand point had to be settled, the name we should give to our new
+home in the wilderness.  Kathleen and Lily begged that it might be
+called "Smiling Valley Farm," and all voices were unanimous in deciding
+as they wished.  A dwelling-house was constructed of rough logs, like an
+ordinary log hut but larger, the trunks being placed above each other
+horizontally, with a groove in the lower to receive the upper one and
+the ends fitting into each other, while the interstices were plastered
+with clay and the interior lined with shingles or planks split by wedges
+and afterwards shaped and planed down smooth.  A broad veranda ran round
+it, which afforded shade during the summer, and prevented the snow from
+beating into the windows in winter.  Surrounding it was a strong
+palisade which it was considered necessary to put up, in case we should
+be attacked by the Indians, who, although at present we understood were
+peaceably disposed, might at any time take it into their heads to
+attempt our destruction.  Still my father hoped, by treating the tribes
+in the neighbourhood fairly and kindly, to win their friendship.
+Outside the palisade we dug a deep ditch which served both to drain the
+house and strengthen the fortifications.  Over it was a drawbridge,
+which was raised by tackles and so constructed as greatly to strengthen
+the gate.  We calculated, should it ever become necessary, that we
+should be able to maintain a lengthened siege in our stronghold, though
+my father, old soldier as he was, said he earnestly hoped that we should
+never be compelled to resort to our means of defence.  "It is wise
+however to be prepared, and the redskins, seeing that we are ready for
+them, will not, I trust, venture to molest us," he added.
+
+Up to the present time, indeed, no Indians had come near the farm, and
+the scattered families we occasionally met in our more distant hunting
+expeditions seemed unaware of its existence.  The huts of the men, also
+surrounded by stockades, were so placed on either side of the
+dwelling-house that they could sweep the front by a cross-fire should an
+enemy ever attempt to escalade our walls.
+
+As we brought the ground under cultivation, we surrounded the garden and
+fields with snake fences, which are made in a rough fashion, the rails
+being placed one upon another in a zigzag form, and secured at the
+angles by stakes driven into the ground.  They were formed by splitting
+trees into four or five portions, according to their girth, an operation
+carried on by means of wedges driven in with sledge-hammers.
+
+When once the rails were split, the fence was very quickly put up.  As
+in a short time creepers grew over them, they had a very picturesque
+appearance.
+
+When we were fairly settled, Mr Tidey resumed his duties as our Tutor.
+
+A large portion of our time, however, was still passed in outdoor
+occupations.  We had indeed to make frequent hunting excursions to
+supply ourselves with meat until our stock of cattle, pigs, and poultry,
+had increased sufficiently to allow us to kill any of them for food.
+
+The winter, which rapidly came on, though severe, was shorter than in
+more northern latitudes, but by that time our house was in a
+sufficiently forward condition to resist the cold, and our stoves were
+kept well supplied with logs.  I must pass over the events of that
+period.
+
+Our evenings, and a portion of every day, when the Dominie was at home,
+were spent in receiving instruction from him; my sister and Lily being
+also his pupils.  He at all events, stored their minds with useful
+knowledge, although unable to instruct them in those feminine
+accomplishments which young ladies in eastern cities consider of so much
+importance.  A piano they had never seen, but they knew what it was like
+from pictures.  They, however, had guitars, which Uncle Denis purchased
+from some Mexicans, and they became very fair musicians, being able to
+accompany their voices on the instruments with taste and skill.  My
+father taught them drawing, albeit their lessons were few and far
+between; but they showed an aptitude for the art, and made good use of
+their pencils.  They were, notwithstanding this, accomplished in all
+household matters, while they diligently plied their needles and made
+puddings and cakes of unsurpassed excellence.
+
+I have mentioned this merely to show that young ladies in the wilderness
+may, if they have the will, obtain as fair an amount of useful knowledge
+and elegant accomplishments as those who are generally supposed to be
+their sole possessors.  I am, however, describing them as they were in
+subsequent years.  At present they were but young girls, though
+improving daily in mind and person.
+
+Uncle Denis had long wished to carry out his cherished plan of forming a
+menagerie by taming the wild animals of the country, which he averred he
+could do by proper treatment.
+
+The difficulty, however, was to take them alive when young enough to
+benefit by his proposed training.
+
+"I should like to have a fine young grizzly, though I suspect he would
+prove rather an obstinate pupil," remarked Uncle Denis in Dio's hearing.
+
+Some time after this Dio came to me and said, "Me tinkee me get b'ar
+'fore long for Massa Denis an' gib him pleasant surprise."
+
+On inquiring how he expected to do this, he told me that he had
+discovered a nest of honey-bees in a wood a short distance from the
+house, and that twice on returning home late in the evening he had seen
+a shaggy beast, which he was sure was a bear, going in that direction,
+but that having no bullets in his pouch at the time, he did not wish to
+become better acquainted with it.  After each occasion he had found that
+the nest had been robbed of a portion of its contents, and that from its
+position the plunderer had been unable to carry off the remainder.  He
+was sure that the bear was the thief, and he had formed a plan for
+catching it; he would then, he said, bring Uncle Denis to the spot, and
+exhibit his captive.  I asked him how he intended to proceed.
+
+"Come an' see, Massa Mike.  I will show you," he replied.
+
+We accordingly went together into the wood, when he showed me a large
+tree, the lower part of the trunk being hollow from age.  At the higher
+part of the cavity, which had an opening outside, was the bees' nest; up
+this it was very evident that the bear had put his paw, but, unable to
+reach higher, had to content himself with the lower portion of the comb,
+which the industrious inhabitants had set to work immediately afterwards
+to restore.
+
+"But, Dio," I observed, "though the bear may possibly go into the hollow
+to obtain more honey, how are you to make him stay there.  As soon as he
+hears your footstep he will be off, unless he is in fighting humour, in
+which case we shall be compelled to shoot him to prevent him injuring
+us."
+
+"Wait 'bit, massa, you see some day," answered Dio.
+
+Whether the bear was fond of honey, we had soon evidence that he or some
+other animal was of our pigs and poultry.  One night a tremendous
+cackling was heard in the poultry-yard.  The next morning it was
+discovered that a fat turkey, captured by Uncle Denis, and a couple of
+ducks, were carried off, and during the next night we were aroused by
+several piercing squeaks, and afterwards found that one of our porkers
+had disappeared.
+
+We watched for several following nights, but if Master Bruin had been
+the depredator, he was too wary to repeat his visits.  As he would not
+come to us to be shot, we searched for him in all directions among the
+neighbouring rocks, where, in some hitherto undiscovered cave, it was
+thought probable he had his abode.  No traces of him, however, could we
+discover.  Dio during this time was not idle.  I inquired whether the
+bear had again robbed the bees.
+
+"No, he not come back yet, but he soon come, an' den you see," he
+answered, looking very mysterious.
+
+At length, one evening, I met him running towards the house in a state
+of great excitement.
+
+"Wha'r Massa Denis?" he asked; "me tinkee me got b'ar for him now.
+Wha'r is he?"
+
+For a wonder, he was in the house, as was Dan; so I called them both.
+
+"We must get some cords to bind our prisoner, or otherwise he may not be
+quite ready to accompany us," said my uncle.
+
+Having procured some pieces of strong rope, we set off.  We overtook
+Dio, and asked him how he knew that the bear had got into the hollow
+trunk.  He then described his plan of proceeding.  He had filled the
+lower part of the cavity with dry leaves, branches, and twigs, and had
+laid a train so that he could fire it in an instant.  He had also
+blocked up a portion of the entrance, and had placed some stout sticks,
+sharply pointed, directed inwards, so that although the bear could
+squeeze through one way, he would find it a difficult task to back out
+again.
+
+As we approached the tree described by Dio, he advised us to get our
+rifles ready, and to have our lashings prepared to bind Bruin's legs
+when he tried to come out, as he probably would, tail first.  Still the
+animal did not make his appearance.
+
+"Perhaps he is afraid of descending for fear of burning himself, as you
+have lighted a fire at the bottom of the hollow, and he would have to go
+through it," observed Uncle Denis.
+
+Dio asserted that it was because the dogs kept up a barking, and he
+advised that we should retire to a short distance, while he remained
+near to listen when the bear was descending.  We kept the dogs back and
+held our guns in readiness, should Bruin come forth, indignant at having
+his hide singed, and make a rush at us.
+
+We waited several minutes, but with the exception of some low growls,
+which grew fainter and fainter, no sounds reached our ears.  Dio every
+now and then popped his woolly pate out from behind the tree where he
+was hiding himself, showing his white teeth, evidently wondering what
+was going to happen.  Presently a loud crashing noise was heard, and the
+sticks which Dio had placed at the entrance of the hollow giving way,
+out fell a huge bear headlong to the ground.  Dio rushed forward.
+
+"Come here, Massa Denis; come here, make fast de bear!" he shouted.
+Then he looked at the animal as Uncle Denis advanced, adding, "Me tink
+him dead."
+
+The two dogs also, which now ran forward, seemed to be very much of the
+same opinion, for without hesitation they ran up and placed their paws
+on the monster, sniffing fearlessly round him.  The smoke from Dio's
+fire had effectually suffocated him.
+
+"I am afraid that he will not become an inhabitant of my menagerie,"
+said Uncle Denis, laughing, "and I doubt, if we had caught him alive,
+that he would have proved amenable to my instruction."
+
+Lest the bear should recover at an inconvenient moment, we put a shot
+through his head, and then proceeded to cut him up, that we might carry
+home the flesh, which was likely to prove very acceptable at the farm.
+
+It was one of the largest of the she-bears of the brown species I ever
+met with, and, though not so fierce as the grizzly, would have proved a
+formidable antagonist had it been encountered when hard pressed by
+hunger.
+
+The smoke which had killed the bear had also suffocated the bees, and
+Dan and I, climbing up, secured the remainder of the comb which Bruin
+had left.
+
+"We shall probably find Dame Bruin's cubs somewhere or other, if we
+follow up her trail," observed Uncle Denis, as we were employed in
+cutting up the bear.  "Though she would have proved a difficult subject
+to tame, we may have more hope of succeeding with them."  As soon as the
+operation was performed, and we had hung up the meat to the bough of a
+tree--a necessary precaution in that region--we set off to look for the
+cubs.  The animal, not having the instinct of the red man, had left a
+clearly marked trail as she made her way through the forest.  Guided by
+the marks of the grass trampled down, boughs bent aside, and twigs
+broken off, we had no difficulty in following it up, though it continued
+for a far greater distance than we had expected.  It led us towards a
+rocky spur of the mountain, mostly covered with trees and thick
+brushwood, so that we could see but a short distance ahead.
+
+"Take care, massa, p'r'aps he b'ar dare lookin' after de pickaninnies,
+so, if he come out, better be ready to shoot him," observed Dio.
+
+"We'll soon make him show himself," answered Uncle Denis, and he called
+to our dogs, who had obediently followed at our heels, to range ahead.
+Off they started, delighted with the duty entrusted to them.  After
+ranging backwards and forwards, occasionally showing themselves amid the
+brushwood, their loud barks and yelps convinced us that they had found
+either the young bears or some other animal.  We made our way towards
+the spot from whence the sounds proceeded, with our guns ready should we
+discover any formidable antagonist.  As we got up we saw the shaggy
+tails of our dogs wagging vehemently outside a cavern, within which it
+did not seem possible that any large animal could be hidden.  Now Boxer
+would rush further in, now Toby, while a whimpering sound, mingled with
+an occasional infantine growl, showed us that the cave was alone
+occupied by the cubs of which we were in search.  Fearing that the
+animals would be injured, we called off the dogs, when their bloody
+mouths and the brown hair sticking to their jaws, proved that they had
+had a battle with the occupants of the cave.  The difficulty was now to
+get the creatures out without further injuring them.  Though I might
+easily have crawled in, yet it would be at the risk of being bitten by
+the young bears, who would, should I do so, naturally mistake me for one
+of the dogs about to renew the fight.
+
+"Stay, massa," said Dio at length; "I do it!"  Without delay he cut down
+a young sapling, which he quickly stripped of its branches.  He had
+still tied round his waist a piece of the rope we had brought to secure
+the bear.  With this we formed a noose at the end of the pole.  "Now I
+get him out," he observed creeping into the mouth of the cavern and
+pushing the pole before him.  After moving it about for a few seconds,
+he shouted--
+
+"Pull 'way, massa, got one of dem!" and, he quickly backing out, we
+hauled away on the rope.  The resistance we found told us of Dio's
+success, and presently we hauled out a good-sized cub, but it was
+bleeding from its mouth and shoulders, an evidence of the severe way in
+which the dogs had worried it.  Though it struggled and tried to bite,
+it was so much hurt, that Uncle Denis, believing that it would not live,
+at once put it out of its misery.
+
+"Dere is 'nodder inside," observed Dio, listening at the mouth of the
+cave; "git him next."
+
+Once more he shoved in the pole.  Some time elapsed before he again
+shouted out to us to haul away, when we pulled forth by the front paws
+another cub, which, although it had some blood-stains about it, seemed
+to be unharmed.  The smaller one did not struggle so violently as his
+companion had done.
+
+"Just the creature I wanted," exclaimed Uncle Denis, delighted.  "I must
+muzzle Master Bruin at present, to prevent him from biting our
+favourites, but he'll soon become as gentle as a lamb."
+
+The little bear made violent efforts to retaliate, but a piece of rope
+put round his nose, prevented him from opening his mouth, while we
+fastened his fore-legs together; we then, taking two sticks, placed them
+under his body and Uncle Denis and I carried him along, while Dio
+brought the little dead bear on his back.  The bear's flesh we carried
+home was very acceptable, but our hunting expeditions had of late not
+been so successful as before, many of the animals having migrated
+southwards to escape the approaching winter.
+
+At first Master Bruin was very snappish, but as he grew hungry, he was
+glad to take a sup of goat's milk, which Uncle Denis gave him from a
+bottle, and in a short time he gratefully received food from the hands
+of anyone of us.  He showed from the first great fondness for honey, to
+which his mamma had probably accustomed him, or he may have inherited
+the taste from her.  Uncle Denis taking him in hand, taught him all
+sorts of tricks, and before long he became a most tractable and
+well-behaved bear.
+
+A few days after we had captured "Bruno," Dan and I, with Uncle Denis,
+accompanied by Dio, set off on a hunting expedition down the valley,
+towards a broad river, which after feeding a large lake found its way
+into the Missouri.  It was itself fed by other streams which came down
+from the mountain ranges, but varied greatly, according to the season of
+the year.  Sometimes they were mere rivulets; at others, they were
+swelled by the melting snows.  In case of becoming separated, we always
+fixed on some well-marked spot, where we could assemble at an hour
+agreed on, or at the end of the day's sport, either to camp or return
+home.  Dan and I always kept together.  On this occasion we had lost
+sight of Uncle Denis and Dio, though we heard their shots in the
+distance.
+
+We had found no deer, though we had killed some wild fowl on the banks
+of the stream, when we heard, as we supposed, the report of our uncle's
+gun, some way up it.  We set off to try and rejoin him; twice again we
+heard a shot in the same direction, but apparently further off.  Still
+we persevered, making our way as well as we could through the thick
+wood.
+
+Near the stream, willow, lime, and other water-loving trees grew to a
+large size, with a fringe of thick reeds through which it was difficult
+to penetrate.
+
+After going some distance, we struck a trail, which we guessed was our
+uncle's, certainly not that of an Indian, who would have been careful
+where he trod, so as not to have crushed the grass, or broken off leaves
+and twigs in his way.  The trail, as we advanced, became more and more
+clear, and we expected every moment to catch sight of our uncle.  Though
+we had not heard a shot for some time, we suddenly came upon him, when
+he put up his hand as a signal to us not to speak, and crept forward
+through the reeds.  We followed him, until he stopped behind a tree, and
+leaning forward looked up the stream, which flowed over a rocky bed
+close to us, while a short distance off a dam, which seemed to have been
+constructed by human hands--so considerable was its extent--was thrown
+across from side to side, the water beyond it being perfectly smooth.
+Out of it rose a number of round-topped artificial structures, some two
+feet or more above the surface, while a large community of animals,
+which we knew at once were beavers, were busily moving about, some
+employed in either repairing or increasing their dam, others in dragging
+pieces of willow across their lake, either to form new abodes, to mend
+any fractures in the old ones, or to serve as food, the fresh bark being
+their chief article of diet.  Some again were on shore gnawing away at
+young trees with their sharp teeth, and two fell directly over the
+stream while we were watching them.  Instantly the whole community
+hurried forward to assist in cutting off the branches and reducing the
+log to a more manageable size.
+
+Unwilling to disturb them, we remained perfectly silent.
+
+Of course we might have shot several; but had we done so, it would have
+been difficult afterwards to obtain them, and possibly the community
+might have moved off to some other locality.  Having, therefore,
+satisfied our curiosity, we retired, and made our way back to the spot
+where we intended to camp, and where we hoped Dio would join us.
+
+It is seldom that beavers can be seen at work in the day-time, as they
+usually perform their various tasks during the hours of darkness.  I may
+as well here describe the beaver.  It is about three and a half feet
+long, including the tail, which is flat, covered with scales, and shaped
+like a paddle, being about a foot in length.  Its back is covered with
+long thin hair of a light chestnut colour, beneath which lies a fine
+wool of soft greyish brown.  The head is rather round than pointed, the
+jaws of extraordinary strength, its teeth being also of great power and
+extreme sharpness, to enable it to gnaw through wood as well as to bite
+off the bark from the trees on which it chiefly lives.  The object of
+the animals in building the wonderful dams they often construct, is that
+they may form ponds in which a sufficient depth of water can be
+maintained at all seasons of the year.  Instinct rather than reason
+prompts them to do this; still, on examining the dams, it is difficult
+to suppose that they have been formed by animals.  They are composed of
+young trees, or of branches cut into lengths, each of about three feet,
+and laid horizontally, one upon the other.  While one party brings the
+log, another follows with mud and stones, which they place upon it to
+keep it from rising.  At the bottom they are actually twelve feet thick,
+though as they rise towards the top they diminish to the width of two
+feet.  When it is understood that some of these dams are between two and
+three hundred yards long, it may be supposed what an enormous number of
+small logs are required to make one.
+
+What appears still more extraordinary is that when the stream runs
+slowly, the dam is built directly across it, but should the current be
+strong it is curved, with the convex side pointing up the stream, so
+that it should the better withstand the force of the water.  I
+frequently found these dams with small trees growing out of them,
+showing that they must have existed a number of years.  In the lake thus
+formed by the dam the beavers build their houses, or lodges, as they are
+called by trappers.  They are constructed in the same way as the dams,
+with small logs kept together by clay and lined with moss, the roof
+being plastered thickly with mud, which in time becomes so perfectly
+hard, that it is difficult to break through it.  It is a task which the
+cunning wolverine--who is fond of beaver meat--can never accomplish, and
+he prefers to pounce down on any of the animals which incautiously
+venture forth, when he is in the neighbourhood.
+
+These "lodges" outside measure as much as seven or eight feet in height,
+and they are often from sixteen to twenty in circumference, but the
+walls are so thick that the interior does not exceed three feet in
+height and from six to eight in circumference.  The entrance, which is
+under water, is at such a depth that they cannot be frozen in.
+
+It is a common idea among trappers, that the beaver uses his tail for a
+trowel to flatten down the mud, but this is denied by more observing
+naturalists, who assert that the tail is merely employed for swimming,
+although when he is at work with his paws, he may flap it about, but not
+for any other object.
+
+One of the most extraordinary characteristics of the beaver is, that it
+secretes from certain glands a peculiar odoriferous substance called
+"castoreum," or "bark-stone" by the trappers.  So strangely are the
+beavers attracted by this substance, that sniffing it up with their
+nostrils, they will hurry towards it to enjoy the scent.  It is
+consequently the bait used by trappers.  The trap is placed five or six
+inches below the water, and just above it is stuck a stick dipped in
+bark-stone.  The unwary beaver eagerly swims up to it and is caught by
+the treacherous trap below.  Old beavers are, however, generally too
+cunning; and it is said that on discovering a trap they will carry mud
+and stones, and drop them over it until it is completely buried.  Such
+was the account which Uncle Denis gave us as we sat round our camp-fire
+that evening.  Dio had listened attentively; he merely observed--
+
+"Dis niggar know all 'bout it."
+
+The next morning he invited us to accompany him to the beaver pond,
+saying, "You shall see what you shall see."  Uncle Denis's curiosity had
+been excited by Dio's mysterious remark, and he accompanied us.  Dio
+produced a bundle of small twigs, which he carried under his arm as we
+went along.  Approaching the pond he begged that we would remain
+concealed while he went forward.  After a little time he summoned us and
+told us to sit down on the bank of the stream.  I had always heard that
+beavers were the most timid of creatures, and that they would disappear
+on the approach of human beings, but to our surprise, immediately after
+Dio had begun to throw in some of his magic twigs, a shoal of beavers
+popped up from their lodges and rapidly approached, utterly regardless
+of our presence.  So close did they come without perceiving us, that we
+might have knocked several on the head, but it would probably have been
+the signal for the disappearance of the whole of them.  They appeared to
+be animated with but one thought, that of carrying off the twigs dipped
+in their beloved "bark-stone."
+
+A few old fellows swam off to a distance and began to devour the twigs,
+which were evidently much to their taste.  Beaver-skins were at that
+time of great value.
+
+"We have here a mine of wealth, if we work it properly," observed Uncle
+Denis; "probably no trappers have as yet discovered this beaver-dam, and
+we must take care not to let anyone else know of it until we have
+captured the inhabitants.  I brought a dozen iron traps among my stores,
+though I have as yet been too busy to use them.  We will go home
+to-morrow morning, look them out, and return with them at once.
+Remember that we must keep our discovery a secret.  We shall I hope give
+a pleasant surprise to your father."
+
+The plan proposed by Uncle Denis was adopted.  Laden with the traps and
+such stores as we required for a week's residence in the wilderness, we
+started, accompanied by Mr Tidey.  On reaching the spot we built a
+substantial hut, in which we could store our provisions, and by closing
+the entrance, we expected to be able to preserve our beaver skins from
+the attacks of wolverines during our absence from camp.  We lost no time
+in setting the traps under the water in the runs made by the beavers
+when passing backwards and forwards to the woods from whence they
+obtained the bark on which they fed.  We observed that they had cut down
+numbers of young trees, for a considerable distance along the banks of
+the stream above their town.  This, Uncle Denis surmised they had done
+that they might, after they had divided them into proper lengths, allow
+them to float down to the spot where they were required.  By hiding
+ourselves during a moonlight night we had an opportunity of seeing them
+engaged in their labours.  It was truly wonderful to observe the rapid
+way in which the industrious creatures nibbled through a tree and
+reduced it to the dimensions they required.
+
+On examining our traps for the first time, we found each had caught a
+beaver, some by the legs, others by their noses.  The latter were
+drowned, as even a beaver cannot remain beyond a certain time under
+water, but I must own I felt compunction when I witnessed the struggles
+of the other poor creatures to free themselves, though they were put out
+of their pain as soon as possible by a blow on the head.  Resetting the
+traps, we returned to camp to take off the skins and dress them.  We
+dined on the meat, which we agreed resembled flabby pork.  Mr Tidey,
+however, undertook to provide better fare the next day.  I accompanied
+him while the rest of the party went back to look after the traps.  We
+had killed a deer, and had loaded ourselves with as much venison as we
+could carry, intending to return for the remainder, when Mr Tidey fired
+at a turkey, for the sake of having a variety for our dinner.  At that
+instant a huge grizzly she-bear rose up from behind a thicket, and
+before he could reload, charged right at him.  I was too far off to fire
+with any certainty of hitting the animal.  Fortunately, close to Mr
+Tidey was a large clump of rose bushes, behind which he immediately
+sprang, when the bear, missing him, rose up on her hind-legs, and,
+looking about, came towards me.  I knelt to receive her, knowing that,
+were I to run, I should be overtaken and destroyed.  She was within
+thirty yards when Mr Tidey, having reloaded, fired and hit her on the
+back.  She stopped and began to turn round and round, snapping at her
+side and tearing at the wound with her teeth and claws.  Expecting to
+gain an easy victory I advanced a few paces and fired, but so rapid were
+her movements, that my bullet missed.
+
+"Quick, quick! reload, Mike!" cried Mr Tidey, who saw what had
+happened.
+
+The warning did not come too soon, for at that instant the bear rose
+again on her hind-legs, with a furious growl, preparatory to springing
+on me.  Mr Tidey was still too far off to fire with any certainty of
+mortally wounding the bear, and, should his bullet miss her, it might
+hit me.  My life depended, therefore, on my next shot; should I miss,
+one blow from her tremendous paw would bring me to the ground, and the
+next instant I should be torn to pieces.  I loaded as rapidly as I
+could, while I kept my eye on my antagonist.  Scarcely had I time to ram
+down the ball when she was close up to me.  I dared not look to
+ascertain what help Mr Tidey was likely to afford me.  As the bear
+approached I lifted up my rifle to my shoulder and fired.  The bear gave
+a tremendous growl, but still advanced.  With a desperate bound I sprang
+on one side, when over she rolled, and lay struggling on the ground.
+She might be up again, however, at any moment, so I ran off to a
+distance to reload, catching sight, as I did so, of Mr Tidey, who,
+coming up, fired at the bear's head, and, greatly to my relief, her
+struggles ceased.  Having thrown some sticks and stones at the creature
+to ascertain that it was really dead, we approached, and found that she
+measured no less than seven and a half feet in length, with claws four
+and a half inches long.  I shuddered as I thought of the dreadful wounds
+she might have inflicted with them.  We skinned her, and as we were
+already heavily loaded, we hung up the hide and part of the flesh to the
+branches of a neighbouring tree, carrying only a little of the meat for
+our supper.  We had got close to our camp, when Mr Tidey exclaimed--
+
+"Holloa! our hut has been broken into; some rascally wolverine has paid
+us a visit."
+
+I ran forward, and just as I got up to the hut, out darted the thief,
+almost knocking me over; before I could recover myself it had made its
+way round to the back of the hut.  I sprang to one side, hoping to get a
+shot at him, but he had disappeared.  We hurried in, when we found our
+beaver-skins scattered about, most of them being so gnawed as to be
+utterly valueless.
+
+"This will be an annoyance to your uncle; but we may congratulate
+ourselves on having secured a fine bear and deer-skin, which will make
+some amends for our loss," he observed.
+
+We had just made up our fire, and stuck the meat on spits to roast
+before it, when Uncle Denis and his companion arrived, with a dozen more
+beaver-skins.
+
+As soon as the meat was cooked, we sat down and made a hearty meal,
+during which we told Uncle Denis of our loss.
+
+"We must take care that the cunning rogue does not play us such a trick
+again," he observed; "should it find out your venison and hear's meat,
+it will leave us but a small share by the morning."
+
+"Then we shall be wise to bring both into the camp to-night," said the
+Dominie; "if anyone will accompany me, I will go and get them."
+
+Dan and I at once offered to go, and Dio begged that he might accompany
+us.  We were just in time to catch sight of a wolverine climbing up the
+tree to which we had secured the bear-skin.  Mr Tidey fired, but the
+animal leaped off a bough from a considerable height, and scampered
+away, as far as we could see, unwounded.
+
+While Dio and Dan were packing up the meat Mr Tidey and I hastened on
+to where we had left the venison.
+
+On this occasion the wolverine had been too quick for us.  He must have
+gone direct to the spot, for we saw him busily engaged in devouring our
+meat.  On hearing us approach he decamped, carrying off a joint in his
+jaws, so that scarcely one load remained.  We secured this, and then
+rejoined the black and my brother; and the former carrying the bear-skin
+in addition to a huge ham, we returned to the camp.  Uncle Denis had
+been busily employed in forming a trap in which he hoped to catch the
+depredator.  He finished it off by the light of the fire.  It consisted
+of two heavy beams with holes in them, and so placed that the upper
+would fall down on the bait being touched, and kill the animal.  That
+the wolverine, should he fail to be caught by the trap, might not
+revenge himself by destroying our skins or carrying off our meat, we
+constructed a strong framework in the top of our hut, in which we placed
+everything of value, and, to make it additionally secure, we stuck in
+some thick stakes round the entrance, intertwining them with branches.
+
+"The brute will be clever enough if he breaks through that," observed
+Uncle Denis, as he surveyed our work the following morning before we set
+out.
+
+We were as successful as on the previous day, and in the evening we
+returned heavily laden with our spoils.
+
+"Hurrah!" exclaimed Uncle Denis, as he ran forward on seeing the body of
+an animal sticking out of his well-contrived trap; caught by the head
+and claws as the robber had seized on the bait.
+
+It was the wolverine which had at length been outwitted: though nearly
+strangled, it required several heavy blows before it was killed
+outright.  The creature was about the size of a small wolf, of a
+brownish-black colour, the paws being perfectly black, contrasting with
+the extreme whiteness of the claws, which were of great size, resembling
+those of a bear; indeed the animal was not unlike a young bear.  We
+dragged it away from our camp and flayed it, that we might preserve the
+skin to carry home.  Our success had been greater than we expected, and
+as we could not carry all our skins, Mr Tidey and Dan set off to the
+farm, to bring back a couple of horses to convey them home.  Uncle Denis
+considering that it would be unwise to leave so much property without
+protection, asked me to remain in camp, while he and Dio continued
+trapping.  This of course I willingly undertook to do, keeping my gun in
+readiness to shoot any animal which might approach.  It was about noon,
+and as I was getting hungry I had placed a piece of venison to roast
+before the fire, and had sat down to watch it, when I was startled by
+seeing standing at no great distance from me an Indian who had
+approached so silently that I had not been aware of his presence.  I
+rose to my feet, holding my rifle ready, should he come as a foe.  But
+his bow was at his back and his arrows in the quiver.  He spread out his
+hands to show that he held no weapons in them, and then, coming forward,
+sat down opposite to me.  I imitated his example, keeping my eye fixed
+on him, for at any moment he might draw his tomahawk or scalping-knife
+from his belt.  I pointed to the meat, and made signs that he should be
+welcome to some of it as soon as it was sufficiently cooked.  He nodded
+in return, but still did not speak, and I concluded that his ignorance
+of English prevented him from addressing me.  As soon as the venison was
+sufficiently cooked, I handed him the larger portion with some salt and
+a piece of corn bread which I had baked in the morning.  He ate the food
+with evident satisfaction.
+
+"Good, good!" he said.
+
+They were the first words he had spoken, and he then made signs that he
+should like something to drink.  We had no spirits; my father had always
+refused to give the Indians "fire-water," I therefore brewed some tea,
+and offered him a tin mug with plenty of sugar in it.  He was evidently
+disappointed at the taste, but drank it off and then held out his cup
+for more.  When he appeared to be satisfied, I asked him if he spoke the
+language of the "pale-faces."
+
+He nodded.
+
+"Then perhaps you will say why you come to pay me a visit?"
+
+"I was hungry, and I knew you had meat to give," he answered.  "I have
+lived long with the `pale-faces' when I was a boy, and know that some
+are good and kind, and others bad and cruel.  I have heard of the white
+chief up at the farm, and that he is just and generous to all the
+red-men who go there.  It is right, therefore, that he should be
+preserved from harm.  A short time back it came to my knowledge that the
+Blackfeet, who are jealous of any of the pale-faces coming into their
+country, have formed a plan to destroy the farm, and to kill all the
+inhabitants.  I was on my way to give them warning, when I discovered
+traces of white men hunting in this neighbourhood.  Following up a
+recent trail, I was led to your camp.  I guessed you belonged to the
+farm, and would save me from the necessity of going there.  I must
+charge you not to tell any of the red-men you may meet with from whom
+you obtained the information.  I have warned you, be wise.  The attack
+may be immediate, or it may not be made for some moons to come, but one
+thing is certain, that when the Blackfeet think you are off the watch,
+they will try to surprise you, and having resolved on a deed they seldom
+change their minds."
+
+I, of course, thanked the Indian for his warning, assuring him that my
+father was too wise a man not to profit by it, and that he would be glad
+to reward him for the important service he had rendered us.
+
+"Kluko requires no reward.  Gratitude prompts him to try and save the
+lives of his pale-faced friends," answered the Indian.
+
+I, of course, do not give the exact expressions he used; indeed I had
+some difficulty in understanding his language.  I begged him to remain
+until the return of my uncle and his companion.  This, after some
+pressing, he consented to do, and to show his confidence in me, having
+rolled his blanket around him, he lay down before the fire, and was soon
+fast asleep.
+
+Knowing that he would be very glad of more food on awaking, I spitted a
+double supply of venison and bear's flesh.  Sooner than I had expected,
+Uncle Denis and Dan made their appearance.
+
+As they approached the camp Kluko started to his feet, even in his sleep
+hearing their footsteps.  They were much astonished on seeing him, but
+still more so on learning the object of his visit.
+
+My uncle tried to recollect whether he had ever seen Kluko before, but
+the Indian asserted that they had never met.  He remained with us until
+the following morning; then, charging us earnestly not to forget his
+warning, took his departure.
+
+Early in the day the Dominie and two of the men arrived with the horses,
+which we at once loaded and set off as fast as possible on our return
+home.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE.
+
+OUR HOMESTEAD--MY SISTER AND LILY LOST--ANXIETY OF THE BLACK NURSE--WE
+SET OFF TO TRY AND FIND THEM--FOLLOWING UP THE TRAIL--TRACKS FOUND--DIO
+PUSHES AHEAD--ON THE SHORES OF THE LAKE--APPEARANCE OF A CANOE--WE
+DETERMINE TO TAKE THE OCCUPANTS PRISONERS--THE CAPTURE--ROSE ACTING AS
+GUARD--THE WHITE MAN SECURED--I RECOGNISE AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE--THE WAY
+WE TREATED HIM--SEARCHING ALONG THE LAKE SHORE, WE COME UPON AN
+ENCAMPMENT--OVERHEAR THE CONVERSATION--OUR PRESENCE DISCOVERED--EFFECTS
+OF THE WAR-WHOOP--FLIGHT OF THE PARTY WITH DIO--THE MIDNIGHT PURSUIT--AN
+UNLOOKED-FOR REINFORCEMENT--RELEASE OF THE BLACK--OUR PRISONERS--LYNCH
+LAW--A VILLAINOUS PLOT REVEALED--WE ARRIVE AT SMILING VALLEY FARM.
+
+We were approaching the farm with our packages of skins and meats; Dio
+and I had hurried on ahead, as I was anxious to inform my father of the
+intelligence we had received from the Indian.  The house, perched on the
+side of a hill, was already in sight, and very picturesque it looked,
+with the stream flowing below it, and backed by ranges of mountains
+towering one beyond the other, the more distant capped by eternal snows.
+Evening was approaching, but the sun still tinged the eastern slopes
+and the summits of the tall trees with a ruddy glow, when we caught
+sight of a person running towards us.
+
+"Why! dat is Rose?" exclaimed Dio; "what she want?"
+
+As she got near us I saw that her countenance exhibited unusual alarm
+and anxiety.
+
+"What's the matter?"  I asked.
+
+Panting from her exertions and the long run she had had, she was at
+first unable to reply.
+
+"De young ladies! de young ladies! you seen dem?  Dey went out long dis
+path, and have not yet come back.  Oh, dear! oh, dear! can anything have
+happened to dem?"
+
+On hearing this I became alarmed, for as we had not met the girls, it
+was very certain that they had taken some other path.  Rose further said
+that they had been absent for some hours, though they had promised to
+return early in the afternoon.  She confessed that she had not told my
+mother or Biddy, and she was the only person in the house who knew of
+their having intended to go farther than usual.
+
+Grizzlies, wolves, panthers, and prowling Indians instantly flashed
+across my mind; still I hoped that even before this they might have
+returned home by some other way.
+
+Dio, who was evidently far more alarmed than I felt, suddenly, without a
+moment's warning of his intention, darted away through some thick
+brushwood to the eastward, exclaiming, "Me find 'em! me find 'em!"
+
+As he disappeared in the wood, I fancied I saw him stoop and wave a
+handkerchief, but the light was uncertain, and I thought I must have
+been mistaken.  My first impulse was to follow Dio, but on looking back,
+I saw Mr Tidey coming along the path in the distance, and I reflected
+that our object was far more likely to be attained by getting him to
+accompany me, as, should we discover the direction taken by Kathleen and
+Lily, we might follow up their trail together, and be more likely to
+rescue them, if they had, a was possible, been captured by Indians.  Mr
+Tidey was naturally very much alarmed at the tidings I gave him.
+
+"We will set off at once and send Rose back to let our friends know the
+way we have gone," he observed, as we hurried towards the spot where the
+black woman was standing.  On nearing the place, however, we found that
+she had gone after Dio, and we accordingly ran on in the same direction.
+It was some time before we overtook her, and we then in vain
+endeavoured to persuade her to go back.
+
+"No!" she exclaimed.  It was her fault, as she should have accompanied
+them, and return home without them she would not.
+
+As valuable time would be lost in persuading her to do what we wished,
+we allowed her to accompany us.  We soon had to regret this, as we were
+frequently compelled to assist her, but we had now gone so far that it
+would have been cruel to leave her behind.  We shouted as we went on, to
+Dio, but his voice did not reply.  That we were on his trail was
+certain, for we could see the twigs, which he or some one else had
+broken off, but whether the girls had gone in the same direction, we
+were doubtful.  At length we came to a spot where we discovered the
+marks of several feet.  Mr Tidey stopped, and, stooping down, examined
+them minutely.
+
+"The marks are those of moccasins!" he exclaimed.  "Indians must have
+been here, and if so, it is too probable that the dear girls may have
+fallen into their hands.  Even the worst savages cannot intend to harm
+them, but may hope to obtain a ransom, or perhaps when we set off to try
+and recover them, they may expect to cut us off in detail, or to attack
+the farm when most of the defenders are away, with a better chance of
+success.  We must be cautious, therefore, as we proceed, but still I
+hope we can defeat their object."
+
+"Though Indians may have been here, we have no proof that they have
+taken Kathleen and Lily prisoners," I observed.
+
+We had not gone far, perhaps ten paces, after I made this remark, when
+Rose, darting towards a bush, picked up from beneath it a small piece of
+ribbon, which she at once pronounced to be part of the tie of Lily's
+large straw hat.  This settled the question, though how she managed to
+tear off the string so as to leave it as an indication of the direction
+they had taken, it was difficult to say.  Was it done on purpose, or had
+it been torn off in a struggle she might have made to escape.  One thing
+was certain.  We must continue the pursuit.  We hoped every instant to
+overtake the black, but we were now afraid of shouting, lest the Indians
+should hear us, and be warned of our approach.  On and on we went.  The
+sun had set, and darkness shrouded the lower part of the forest.  In a
+few minutes the moon, still almost at the full, rose and enabled us to
+see our way as well as in daylight, accustomed as we were to be out at
+night; at the same time it was difficult to distinguish the trail which
+had hitherto guided us.  We had been going for some time in the
+direction of the lake, the western edge of which extended along the base
+of the mountains.  It was fed by streams descending from them.  Although
+not a broad lake, it reached a long way to the southward, and I began to
+fear that should Indians have carried off the girls, they might have
+embarked on the lake, and if so, our chances of overtaking them were
+small indeed.  I now regretted that I had not waited to communicate with
+Uncle Denis before we had started.  He would probably have gone on to
+the farm, and, having obtained horses, set off with a strong party,
+which by proceeding along the eastern side of the lake, might have
+headed the people, whoever they were, who had committed the outrage.  We
+were satisfied, however, that there were not many of them.  They would,
+however, should we come up with them, have a great advantage over us,
+for we could not venture to fire at them for fear of wounding their
+captives, whereas they might blaze away at us with impunity.  I said
+something of this in effect to the Dominie.
+
+"If they are Indians, they are not likely to have fire-arms," he
+remarked, "and I cannot fancy that white men would have any object in
+carrying off the dear girls."
+
+Fast as we were going, Dio must have gone faster, for still we saw
+nothing of him.  Whenever we slackened our pace, Rose exclaimed--
+
+"Go on, Massa Tidey, go on Massa Mike, no stop for me, I keep up, me got
+wind now!"
+
+Her eagerness enabled her indeed to exert herself in a way she could not
+otherwise have done.  At length we caught sight of the water between the
+trees, and in a few minutes we were standing on the shore of the lake.
+The moon shed her bright light on the calm surface of the beautiful
+sheet of water, enabling us to see a great distance along it.  At one
+side rose the mountains, on the other the banks were fringed with trees
+of magnificent growth, except here and there, where grassy glades came
+down to the edge of the water, or points jutted out, forming sheltered
+bays and nooks, which might conceal those of whom we were in search.  We
+stood for some minutes straining our eyes, in the expectation of seeing
+a canoe gliding rapidly away from us, but not a speck could we
+distinguish on the unruffled bosom of the lake.  We searched about to
+try and discover any signs of a canoe having touched the shore, but we
+could find nothing to indicate that one had been there.  That we had not
+lost the trail, however, we felt nearly certain.  We had now to decide
+what probable direction the fugitives had taken; it was not likely that
+they would have gone towards the mountains, and indeed, on further
+search, we found that the wood in that direction was almost
+impracticable.  Not a single clear track or opening through it could we
+discover, while to the left, people could easily have made their way
+either close to the shore, or a short distance from it.
+
+We accordingly advanced in that direction, moving with the greatest
+possible caution, so that we might have a chance of discovering the
+marauders before they would be aware of our approach.  The Dominie went
+first, I followed, and Rose brought up the rear, for nothing would
+induce her to return.
+
+"If you fight, I fight too, so dat we get back de young ladies!" she
+exclaimed in a determined tone, and possessing herself of a thick stick
+which lay on the shore of the lake, she trudged on after us.
+
+We trod as carefully as we could, keeping ourselves as much as possible
+concealed by the trunks of the trees and brushwood.  Sometimes we had to
+get down close to the lake when we could discover no other way through
+the wood.  The Dominie was trying to find a path between the trees when
+I heard Rose exclaim--
+
+"Hist!  Massa Mike, dare come canoe ober de water!"
+
+I called to Mr Tidey, who stopped, and, sheltering ourselves under the
+shadow of the trees, we looked in the direction Rose pointed.  There,
+sure enough, was a canoe skimming lightly over the moonlit waters.  She
+appeared to be of large size, though I could only see two paddles going.
+We watched eagerly to know to what part of the bank she was directing
+her course.  Twice it was altered, as if the people in the canoe were
+uncertain where to land.  At length they paddled on towards the very
+spot where we had first struck the lake.
+
+"There are only two of them, and we shall be able to tackle the fellows,
+whoever they are," whispered the Dominie to me; "they are connected with
+those who carried off the little girls, and have probably come to meet
+them; there is no time to be lost, follow me," and he led the way back
+by the path we had come.
+
+We could occasionally get a glimpse of the canoe, which came slowly on.
+She was of large size, and there were to a certainty but two paddlers.
+I could hear poor Rose behind me panting and puffing as we hurried
+along; still she persevered, prompted by her desire to help us.
+
+We reached a thick clump of bushes, close by the spot towards which the
+canoe was directing course, and, crouching down, we remained concealed,
+waiting until the Dominie should give the signal for action.  What he
+intended to do I could only guess, as it would have been imprudent to
+have spoken, lest our voices should be heard, though the splash of the
+paddles prevented the sound we made in passing along from reaching the
+ears of the people in the canoe.  Of course we could easily have shot
+the two men, but as we had no proof of their being enemies, such an act
+would have been unjust.  They shoved in carefully, for fear of knocking
+the bows against any logs or branches beneath the surface, and then one
+of them stepped out.  As he stood up, with the moonlight pouring full
+upon him, we saw that he was a white man, with a broad-brimmed hat, a
+brace of pistols in his belt, and a rifle in his hand.  The other person
+was an Indian, who, after his companion had secured the canoe by a rope
+to the trunk of a sapling, remained seated, as if waiting his return.
+The white man looked about him, but did not appear to discover the signs
+of our having been there.  It was a wonder, however, that he did not see
+us, probably his eyes were dazzled by the bright moonlight.  Had the
+Indian landed, there could be little doubt that he would have perceived
+us, though we all three sat as motionless as the objects around.
+
+The white man whistled shrilly several times, but receiving no response
+to his signal, he began to make his way in the direction from whence we
+had first come, as if he expected to meet his associates.  I was
+doubtful whether the Dominie would follow and attempt to seize him, or
+would wait until he had got out of hearing and then endeavour to capture
+the Indian.  This would not be a very easy undertaking, unless he was
+less watchful than is usually the case with his people.  At last the
+Dominie touched my arm as a signal to me to be prepared for instant
+action; he then began to creep cautiously forward, so as to get round
+the bush and close to the canoe, before making the rush which would
+indicate our presence.  I imitated his example, and had no doubt that
+Rose was creeping after us.  Should the Indian possess a rifle, he would
+probably have time to fire it and recall his companion to his
+assistance, even if he failed to hit either of us; and at all events he
+would cry out, and we must master him quickly to be in time to deal with
+the other man, who would not probably stand on ceremony about using his
+weapons.  On we crept: I could hear my own heart beating, and expected
+every moment that the Indian would discover us.  Presently we saw him
+stand up in the attitude of listening, as if he had heard some
+suspicious sounds; his eyes were directed towards the very spot where we
+were concealed, but the thick bushes prevented a gleam of light falling
+upon us.  He was evidently on the alert, and the difficulty of seizing
+him was increased.  He looked round, but appeared to have discovered
+nothing.  It was important to master him without delay, before the
+return of the white man, when we should have two people to deal with
+instead of one.
+
+Again the Dominie began to creep forward; careful as he was, the Indian
+must have heard the noise, for he again stood up with a bow in his hand
+ready to shoot.  Seeing nothing, he drew in the painter and stepped on
+shore, advancing a few paces and gazing round him, peering towards where
+we were crouching down.  Should he discover us, he would have time to
+shoot and afterwards bound away out of our reach.  Presently we heard a
+sound as if some creature, if not a human being, was passing through the
+forest at a short distance on the farther side of where he stood; he
+turned his head as if satisfied that it had caused the sounds he had
+heard, and with his arrow on the string he advanced a pace or two, as if
+searching for the animal.  As we could not expect a more favourable
+moment for our purpose, the Dominie and I simultaneously sprang forward.
+With one bound we were upon the Indian, before he had time to turn and
+defend himself.  The Dominie seized him by the neck, and striking his
+legs we brought him to the ground, when Rose, as he opened his mouth to
+cry out, thrust into it the handkerchief she had torn from her head.  He
+struggled violently to free himself, but as the black woman was also as
+strong as a man, we were able to hold him down until she had secured my
+handkerchief round his legs.  The Dominie and I then fastened his arms
+behind him, turning him over with very little ceremony.  So effectually
+had Rose gagged him that he was beginning to grow black in the face from
+suffocation, but we were unwilling to withdraw it, lest he should shout
+out and warn his companion of what had happened.  Lest the latter should
+hear us, we also did not speak above a whisper.
+
+"The sooner we place our prisoner at a distance from this the better,"
+said the Dominie, and with the assistance of Rose, we lifted him up and
+carried him almost to the point we had reached when we at first saw the
+canoe.
+
+He allowed himself to be carried unresistingly along, but we were not
+deceived by this, as we knew perfectly well that he was but waiting an
+opportunity to get free.  We now thought that we could with prudence
+take the gag out of his mouth, to try and learn from him what object he
+and his companion had in view, though we had little doubt about the
+matter.  Mr Tidey made signs that if he cried out, it would be the
+worse for him.  Rose then carefully pulled out the handkerchief.  Not a
+word, however, could we elicit from him; he seemed to suppose that we
+were going to put him to death, and, stoically resigned to his fate,
+nothing we could say had any effect.
+
+"Perhaps he doesn't understand English," observed Mr Tidey; "and as he
+has not his hands at liberty, he cannot make signs; our only safe
+course, however, is to treat him as an enemy, and keep him bound.  Rose,
+we will leave him under your charge, while we go back and try and tackle
+his companion.  You will not let him escape?"
+
+"No, massa, no fear ob dat," answered Rose, stuffing the handkerchief
+back into the Indian's mouth, "if he try to move, I soon make him keep
+quiet."
+
+As the white man might be returning, we hastened back to be ready for
+him.  I suggested that we should haul up the canoe, and knock a hole in
+her, to prevent the stranger, should he escape us, from getting off; but
+Mr Tidey thought that she might be of use to us, and advised instead
+that we should hide the paddles, which would answer the purpose equally
+well.
+
+We listened as we drew near the spot where the canoe lay, but we could
+hear no one approaching.  Without hesitation, therefore, drawing her to
+the bank, I stepped into her, and searched about to ascertain what she
+contained.  I soon discovered several pieces of rope, a basket of
+provisions, and a bottle of rum.  It was possible that the Indian's
+apparent stupidity had arisen from his having drunk a portion of the
+latter.  The rope confirmed us in our belief that the men in the canoe
+had come for the purpose of making a prisoner of some one or other.
+Bringing the rope and paddles, I returned on shore.  Scarcely had we
+hidden them in the bushes than, hearing footsteps approaching, we
+hurriedly concealed ourselves.  Presently the white man we had before
+seen emerged from the gloom of the trees.  We saw him looking towards
+the canoe.
+
+"What can have become of the rascals?" he exclaimed with an oath,
+speaking to himself.
+
+He was advancing towards the canoe, expecting probably to find the
+Indian asleep within her, when Mr Tidey and I sprang so rapidly on him,
+that before he had even time to turn round, we had him stretched on the
+ground, the Dominie holding him tightly with one hand on his throat and
+the other on his right arm, while I held down his left arm and presented
+one of his own pistols, which I drew from his belt, at his head.
+
+"You know best if this is loaded; and, if it is, should you make the
+slightest resistance, I will shoot you," I said in a firm tone.
+
+"Who are you, villains, who dare thus attack a free and independent
+citizen?" exclaimed the stranger, following the inquiry with a volley of
+abuse.
+
+"Keep a civil tongue in your head and answer the questions we put, or
+you may have to repent it," said the Dominie.  "Why did you come here?"
+
+"I came to look after a rascally black who escaped from his owner, and
+you will be sorry for having interfered with me in my lawful business."
+
+"We are ready to take the consequences," answered Mr Tidey.  "Before we
+set you free, we intend to learn whether your story is true; so submit
+quietly, or we shall be obliged to resort to more violence than we
+wish."
+
+While we were holding down the man, I examined his countenance, and was
+sure that he was one of those who had so outrageously attacked our
+house, I therefore felt no compunction at the way we were treating him.
+Had he shown any courage, he might possibly have freed himself, but we
+managed--not without some difficulty--to lash his arms behind him, and
+to bind his legs so that he could move neither hand nor foot.
+
+"The best thing we can do with him is to place him in the canoe, and let
+him remain there until we have discovered the little girls, for, depend
+upon it, his companions have carried them off, probably with the
+intention of holding them as hostages until we deliver up Dio," observed
+Mr Tidey.
+
+We had also another reason for keeping him a prisoner, to which,
+however, Mr Tidey did not allude in his presence.  Without loss of
+time, we partly dragged and partly lifted him up to the canoe, into
+which we tumbled him without much ceremony.
+
+"If you attempt to struggle, you'll kick a hole in the canoe and go to
+the bottom, my friend; so I would advise you to keep quiet," said the
+Dominie.
+
+The man only answered with a volley of oaths, but no further information
+could we draw from him.  We therefore left him to his own reflections,
+while we hastened back to Rose, whom we found seated by her prisoner.
+
+"He stay berry quiet," she said, "an' me no tinkee he run 'way."
+
+"That may be, but we will secure him as we have done his companion,"
+said Mr Tidey, producing a piece of rope which he had brought with him
+from the canoe; and, dragging the Indian to a tree, we lashed him so
+securely to it, that we believed with all his cunning he could not set
+himself free.
+
+"Now let us continue our search for the little girls and Dio," said the
+Dominie; "depend upon it, they cannot be far off.  Probably they are
+somewhere near the shores of the lake, and if we approach their captors
+cautiously, we may master them as we have the other man."
+
+I suggested that we should paddle round the shores of the lake in the
+canoe, and as they were probably expecting her arrival with two men in
+her, they would not suspect who we were until we got close up to them.
+
+The Dominie, after a little consideration, agreed to my proposal.
+
+"What are we to do with Rose?" he asked.
+
+"She can lie down at the bottom of the canoe, and assist in keeping our
+prisoner quiet, unless she will consent to remain behind," I observed.
+
+"No, no, me go with massa!" she exclaimed.
+
+As she might be useful, Mr Tidey agreed to her going.  We hurried back
+once more to the canoe, and, lifting in Rose, placed her in the bows
+near the head of our prisoner, in a position which would enable her
+speedily to tighten his gag, should he attempt to cry out.  We then,
+taking the paddles, commenced our voyage, I sitting in the bows, Mr
+Tidey in the stern.  We paddled in towards every opening which was
+likely to afford a spot for camping, but no object could we see besides
+the tall trees rising up above the water.  We had gone some distance,
+and I had begun to fear that those we were in search of had moved off
+from the shores of the lake, and that we might have a long march to come
+up with them, should we discover the direction they had taken, when I
+perceived a more ruddy tint on the surface of the lake than that
+reflected by the silvery moon.
+
+"There must be a fire somewhere near the shore," I whispered, "people
+are encamped there, depend upon it; how shall we proceed?"
+
+"We will land close in here, and then try to steal upon them unobserved,
+so as to reconnoitre them first.  If there are too many people to
+master, we must wait until some of the party fall asleep, and then try
+to surprise them.  One at least is sure to be on guard; we must knock
+him over and then spring on the rest.  We shall be able to judge better
+when we ascertain how matters stand," observed the Dominie.
+
+As he spoke he turned the head of the canoe to the shore, which we soon
+reached.  Rose had crammed the handkerchief tight down into the mouth of
+the prisoner, or he would to a certainty have betrayed us.  Even now I
+was afraid that we might have been seen, but no hail reached us.  Making
+as little noise as possible with our paddles, we soon reached the beach,
+and, making a sign for Rose not to follow us, we landed, leaving her in
+charge of the canoe.  We both crept forward as cautiously as any Indians
+could have done.  As we approached the fire we heard the sound of
+voices, and by getting a little nearer we could hear what was said.
+
+"I wonder that fellow Jowl hasn't found us out yet," observed one of the
+speakers; "we shall have a long tramp for it if he doesn't appear very
+soon, and the captain and his people will be down upon us.  Now that
+we've got the black, I wish that we had let the girls alone, they'll
+only cause trouble, for old Bracher won't know what to do with them."
+
+"We'd better leave them, then, to shift for themselves, they'll find
+their way home somehow or other; it matters little to us if they don't,"
+answered another.
+
+"But they'll betray the whereabouts of our train to the captain, and
+he'll be after us with his people and demand satisfaction.  If he proves
+the strongest, he'll carry off the black, about whom we have had all
+this trouble, into the bargain," observed the first.
+
+"If he comes at all, it will give old Bracher an opportunity of shooting
+him, that's what they'd like to do better than anything else," remarked
+a third.
+
+The men continued talking on the same subject, but they had said enough
+as to the girls being carried off.  From it I gathered that Mr Bracher
+was travelling eastward with a waggon train, probably having failed in
+the west, and that, finding himself in the neighbourhood of our new
+location, he had despatched a party to try and recapture Dio, but that
+meeting Kathleen and Lily, they had made prisoners of them with the
+intention of keeping them as hostages until the slave was delivered up.
+I also ascertained that Dio had fallen into their hands, and that
+consequently my sister and Lily were of less value in their sight than
+would otherwise have been the case.
+
+Although we heard but three persons speaking, there might be many more,
+but this we could only determine by getting nearer to the camp.  I made
+a sign to Mr Tidey to remain quiet while I crept forward.  I stopped
+whenever there was a pause in the conversation, and stole on when the
+sound of the voices would prevent them from hearing any noise I might
+make.  My fear was that they might have with them some Indians who would
+be much more likely to discover me than they were.  At length a clump of
+bushes alone intervened between me and their camp-fire.  Carefully
+raising my head, I looked through an opening, when I saw four men seated
+on the ground, with their rifles by their sides.  A short distance off
+lay Dio, with his arms bound behind him and secured by a rope to a tree.
+Still farther was a rude hut formed of branches, beneath the shelter of
+which, I had no doubt, Kathleen and Lily were resting.  So far the men
+had shown some humanity.  To recover the "captives" it was evident that
+we must use stratagem rather than force.  We could scarcely expect to
+overcome four well-armed men, even should we first succeed in setting
+Dio at liberty.  We might, however, easily shoot two of them, and then
+spring upon the other two, but as I felt that we should not be justified
+in so doing, I was about to retire and tell Mr Tidey what I had seen
+when one of the men started up, exclaiming--
+
+"I saw some one watching us through the bushes."
+
+I was conscious that the glare of the fire had for a moment fallen on my
+face.  All hope of our surprising them was lost.  I heard some one
+approaching behind me.
+
+"Whoop!" whispered Mr Tidey; "we will try what effect terror will
+produce."
+
+Raising our voices, we imitated, with some effect, the terrific Indian
+war-whoop, dropping on the ground as we did so, to avoid a shower of
+bullets aimed at us.
+
+"Get hold of the black, and let us be off!" cried one of the men; "we
+must not have had our expedition for nothing."
+
+Before we could regain our feet, one of the fellows cut the rope which
+held Dio, and, seizing him by the neck, dragged him along across the
+glade on the opposite side of which the whole party disappeared, passing
+close to the hut in which we guessed that Kathleen and Lily were
+confined.  Had we before been inclined to fire, we were less willing to
+do so now, for fear of wounding either the girls or poor Dio, who was
+placed as a shield by the man who was dragging him along.  Our first
+impulse was to run and rescue the dear ones who had caused us so much
+anxiety.  They shrieked out, overcome with terror, as they heard us
+approaching, until my voice reassured them.  By the light of the fire
+which streamed into their hut they saw who we were.  A few words served
+to calm them, and make them understand what had happened, and in another
+minute Rose came running up, unable to restrain her anxiety, she having
+heard the firing, and fearing that we might be killed or wounded.
+
+"We must not let Dio be carried off if we can help it!"  I exclaimed.
+"Come on, Mr Tidey; let us pursue the fellows, and perhaps they'll grow
+tired of dragging him along, and set him at liberty."
+
+"Yes, yes, Massa Tidey, you go 'long, me take care ob de little girls.
+See dar' is rifle, me fight for dem if anybody comes!" exclaimed Rose.
+
+Sure enough one of the men in his terror had left his rifle behind him.
+We should thus find only three armed antagonists, unless he had also
+pistols.  At all events, without stopping to consider the risk we ran,
+we rushed on, again and again uttering a war-whoop.  It had only the
+effect, as far as we could judge, of expediting the movements of the
+fugitives.  Unfortunately the moon became obscured by clouds, and
+increased the difficulties of our progress.
+
+I began indeed to fear that, after all, we should be baffled, and I knew
+the sad fate which awaited Dio, should he be carried back to his former
+master.  We had two prisoners, to be sure, but I felt very certain that
+Mr Bracher would not give up his slave for the sake of recovering them,
+indeed he would be well aware that we could not keep them in captivity.
+Several times I thought we were on the point of overtaking the men, but
+on each occasion they managed to elude us.  Whether they still fancied
+that Indians were following them, we could not tell.  Possibly they
+might have guessed that we were white men, though they could not tell
+the number of our party, and at all events did not think it worth while
+to hazard a conflict, now that they had obtained the object of their
+expedition.  How far off Silas Bracher's train was encamped we were
+uncertain, but we knew that the men could not possibly reach it, if it
+was on the usual route, until some hours after noon, indeed they could
+not get out of the wood bordering the lake, until daylight.
+
+"Can you go on, Mike?" asked Mr Tidey.
+
+"I will until I drop, and I don't feel at all inclined to do that just
+yet," I answered.
+
+"Then let us continue the pursuit, but we'll not whoop again, so that we
+may possibly come upon them when they least expect it."
+
+The forest was tolerably open, and had it been daylight, we should have
+been able to see to a considerable distance.  I several times took a
+glance towards the east, and at length I saw the dawn breaking through
+an opening in the trees.  Our only fear was that the fugitives might
+have turned aside, and that we had passed them.  This, however, was not
+likely to be the case.  The light increased, and just we got near the
+edge of the forest, we caught sight of the four men still dragging on
+poor Dio.
+
+I don't know what we might have been tempted to do.  I saw Mr Tidey
+more than once raise his rifle, and I confess I was merely waiting for a
+fair shot at one of the fellows, in spite of the risk of wounding Dio,
+when my eyes fell on a party of horsemen galloping along from the
+northward, having apparently skirted the edge of the forest.
+
+The Kentuckians saw them also, and knowing that if the horsemen were in
+pursuit of them, further flight would be useless, halted and appeared to
+be consulting what to do.  In another minute I recognised my father and
+Uncle Denis leading the party.  Our friends dashed forward at the
+fellows.  My father was just in time to knock down one of them who had
+presented his pistol at the black's head, and I fully expected that the
+four men would be killed on the spot.  I saw Dio, however, holding up
+his hands to protect them, while he explained apparently what had
+happened.  We now showed ourselves, and, hurrying forward, assured my
+father of the safety of Kathleen and Lily.
+
+"You may go, then!" he exclaimed, turning to the Kentuckians, who now
+appeared thoroughly cowed, "and tell Silas Bracher, should he again
+venture to send any of his men to capture this honest negro, they will
+be more severely dealt with than you have been."
+
+The fellows, without a word of thanks, moved sulkily away towards the
+south, at a much slower pace than they had hitherto been going.  Three
+of our men now got off their horses, to allow Mr Tidey, Dio, and me to
+mount, and we rode on through the forest as fast as we could go, until
+we reached Rose and her two charges; the little girls, having recovered
+from their fright, had fallen asleep in their bower, while the black
+nurse sat watching over them.
+
+I had almost forgotten our prisoners, when Mr Tidey exclaimed, "We
+mustn't let the Indian and that fellow in the canoe starve to death,
+which they certainly will unless we release them."
+
+"They can do no further harm if set at liberty, though they deserve a
+pretty severe punishment," said my father.  "Where are they?"
+
+"Not far off, and if some of you will come with me, we will send them
+about their business, with a warning that, should they again attempt to
+play such a trick, they will not escape so easily," observed the
+Dominie.
+
+Martin Prentis, I, and two of the men, at once set off with Mr Tidey.
+We first made our way to the canoe, where we found our prisoner groaning
+with pain, for, by endeavouring to release himself, he had only
+tightened the cords with which his arms and legs were lashed.  We took
+him out of the canoe, and from the expression of abject terror exhibited
+in his countenance, I suspected that the fellow believed he was then and
+there to undergo the penalty of `Lynch law,' for he looked up at the
+bough of a tree above his head, as if he expected immediately to be
+triced up to it.  I never saw a man so crestfallen.
+
+"Now, my fine fellow, you know what you deserve," said the Dominie, as
+Martin and the other men placed him on his feet.  "You were employed by
+a greater rogue than yourself; but as you have failed in your
+undertaking, we do not want to be hard on you, and if you will tell us
+the intentions of your master, we will set you at liberty.  But, if
+not--," and Mr Tidey pointed to the bough overhead.
+
+"I'll give you all the information you require," exclaimed the man,
+trembling.  "Bracher had sworn to be revenged on you for sheltering his
+runaway slave, and was determined to get hold of him if he could.  He
+had heard that you were located in this neighbourhood, and he sent a
+party with orders to capture the black at all costs."
+
+"That doesn't excuse them for carrying off the young ladies, and
+frightening us well-nigh out of our wits, on their account."
+
+"I had no hand in that matter," said our prisoner.  "I suppose that by
+getting hold of them our people thought that they could force you to
+come to terms about the nigger."
+
+"Probably," observed Mr Tidey; "but what were your orders, should you
+fail to recover the black?  Remember, we have your Indian guide in our
+hands, and if you do not speak the truth, we shall be able to learn what
+we want from him."
+
+"I will tell you everything," answered the man, as the Dominie again
+glanced up at the overhanging bough.  "Silas Bracher has come to grief,
+and being compelled to sell up, is moving westward with a pretty
+good-sized party whom he has persuaded to accompany him.  We heard on
+our way that Captain Loraine was located in the neighbourhood.  Mr
+Bracher managed, somehow or other, when we got near this, to make
+friends with one of the chiefs of the red-skins, who, bribed by the
+promise of a case of whisky and some fire-arms, undertook to attack
+Captain Loraine's farm as soon as a good chance of success should offer.
+The chief, you'll understand, was to bide his time and to bring Silas
+word directly he had done the work."
+
+"And when is the attack to be made?" asked Mr Tidey.
+
+The man protested that he could not tell, but concluded that it would
+not long be deferred, probably not more than a week or two, before the
+train could have got to any great distance, indeed he had an idea that
+some of their people were to be employed in assisting the Indians.
+
+Mr Tidey, though he cross-questioned the man, could elicit no further
+information of importance.  We therefore conducted him to my father,
+who, after charging him to keep his own counsel, and not let Silas
+Bracher know the information he had given, told him that he was at
+liberty to return to his friends.
+
+Great indeed was his look of astonishment.  He not only promised that he
+would say nothing to Silas Bracher on the subject, but that he would
+separate himself from him and his party, and join some other emigrant
+train on the first opportunity.  We watched him until he disappeared in
+the forest, though, judging by the pace he went, we suspected that he
+was in no great hurry to join his companions.
+
+"We have now to look after the Indian," said Mr Tidey, "and as we shall
+pass not far from the spot where we left him, we will learn what he has
+to say for himself, and send him about his business."
+
+As we were anxious to get home as soon as possible, to relieve my
+mother's mind of anxiety, we lost no time in setting off.  My father
+took up Kathleen and Uncle Denis Lily before them, and, after some
+persuasion, Rose consented to allow herself to be lifted and placed in
+front of Dio's saddle.  Mr Tidey and I, with Martin, pushed on ahead,
+that we might without delay set at liberty the unfortunate Indian, who
+was less to blame than his white employers.  On reaching the spot,
+however, we could nowhere see him.  We searched about in every
+direction.  It was evident that by some means or other, he had been set
+at liberty.  Whether he had himself cast loose the lashings, or whether
+anybody else had liberated him, we could not discover, for although
+there were the marks of several feet on the ground, they might have been
+ours.  As there was little probability that the Indian would have
+remained in the neighbourhood, we soon abandoned the search and rejoined
+the party.
+
+It was late in the evening when we approached the farm, and recollecting
+the threatened attack by the Indians, I felt more anxiety than I can
+express, lest during our absence, they should have carried out their
+project.  Great therefore, was the relief to my mind when I saw Biddy
+running down the hill to welcome us, followed by my mother to whose
+charge we soon committed Kathleen and Lily.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEEN.
+
+AN UNCOMFORTABLE STATE OF THINGS--KLUKO PAYS US A VISIT--STARTLING
+INTELLIGENCE--THE FATE OF SILAS BRACHER--RETURN TO THE FARM--THE
+INDIAN'S FRIENDSHIP FOR DIO--THE RED MAN'S OPINION OF SLAVERY--UNCLE
+DENIS'S MENAGERIE--WINTER AT THE FARM--WE HAVE AN ADVENTURE--FIGHT
+BETWEEN A SABLE AND PORCUPINE--WE CAPTURE THE COMBATANTS--THEIR
+APPEARANCE--TREATMENT IN THE CAGE--TAMING OF THE SABLE AND URSON--LOSS
+OF POULTRY--IMPRISONMENT FOR LIFE--SOMETHING ABOUT OURSELVES.
+
+The warning we had received of a projected attack on the farm by the
+Indians compelled us to be on our guard.  We kept a strict watch at
+night, and two or three of us were constantly employed in scouting in
+the neighbourhood, so as in good time to discover any red-skins who
+might be approaching with hostile intent.  Cunning as they may fancy
+themselves, they are in reality easily outwitted by the superior
+intelligence of white men.
+
+We had got so accustomed to this state of things that we took them as a
+matter of course.  Even my mother, Kathleen, and Lily, were not in the
+slightest degree alarmed, though they became somewhat anxious when my
+father and uncle, or Dan and I did not return at the hour they expected.
+We were annoyed chiefly by the interruption to our usual avocations,
+as, when we had been out all day, neither our worthy Dominie, Dan, nor I
+were much inclined for lessons.  We, however, managed to hunt as usual,
+as we could at the same time act as scouts, though we ran, it must be
+confessed, some risk of being caught by any hostile Indians who might be
+in the neighbourhood.  Impunity, however, made us bold, and we were
+inclined to think that the threatened attack would never take place.
+The men continued cutting down trees, putting up fences, ploughing, and
+sowing, as regularly as before, though, by my father's orders, they
+always carried their arms with them, and piled them close at hand, so as
+to be ready for instant use.
+
+Mr Tidey, Dan, and I had started on horseback one morning just before
+daybreak, agreeing to meet at noon at a certain spot about ten miles
+from the farm, by the side of a stream near a wood, where we could light
+our fire and cook any game we might have shot.  I had had a successful
+morning's sport, having shot a fawn, a couple of turkeys, and several
+small birds; and at the hour agreed on I arrived with my horse well
+loaded at our proposed camp.  Finding that the Dominie and my brother
+had not yet reached it, I collected sticks and lighted a fire, so that I
+might have dinner ready for them.
+
+While I was so employed, occasionally taking a look round in the
+expectation of seeing either the Dominie or Dan approaching, I was
+startled by discovering an Indian who had suddenly emerged from the wood
+about twenty paces off.  My first impulse was to seize my rifle which
+lay on the ground near me, but a second glance showed me that although
+he had a bow in his hand, there was no arrow in the string.
+
+"You are not as cautious as you should be, young pale-face," he
+observed, as he came up to me.  "This is the second time I have caught
+you off your guard; an enemy approaching as I did might have shot you
+before you had discovered him."
+
+As he spoke I recognised our friend Kluko.  We shook hands, and he
+seated himself by the fire, when I offered him some of the food I was
+cooking, which would, I knew, suit his taste, though not sufficiently
+roasted to please our palates.
+
+"I heard the sound of your rifle several times, and I tracked you here,
+as I wanted to bring you good news," he said.
+
+"I thank you, pray speak on," I answered; "I know that it will give
+Kluko as much pleasure to tell good news as it will afford me to hear
+it."
+
+"When I saw you last, I warned you that a party of Blackfeet, instigated
+by a white man, had undertaken the destruction of your farm: I have now
+to tell you that they quarrelled with their white friend, and, following
+his trail as he journeyed westward, they have attacked his camp, and cut
+him and his people to pieces, carrying off their scalps as trophies."
+
+"Do you speak of Silas Bracher?"  I asked.
+
+"That was the name of the white chief; I have no doubt about the matter,
+although I could not remember it," answered Kluko.  "As the red-men
+obtained all the booty they could carry off, many times more than the
+amount of the reward they expected to receive, they are not likely to
+attack your farm, indeed they are already on their road back to their
+own hunting-grounds, so you may now rest in peace for some time to come.
+Should I again hear that they are out on the war-path, I will give you
+timely notice.  You know Kluko is your friend, and that you can trust
+him."
+
+I assured the Indian that I put full confidence in the information he
+had brought, and invited him to accompany us to the farm, as I was sure
+my father would be glad to see him and thank him for the service he had
+rendered us.  He was evidently pleased, and said he would come and see
+his pale-faced brothers.  In a short time Dan and Mr Tidey arrived, and
+after they had saluted our Indian friend in the usual fashion, I told
+them of the news he had brought.
+
+"I was very sure that that wretched man would come to a violent end,"
+observed Mr Tidey; "although he intended evil against us, we are bound
+not to rejoice over his fate; we have been protected by a higher power."
+
+"The great Spirit takes care of those who trust him," observed Kluko
+reverently.
+
+Having as much game as our horses could carry, we set off to return
+home.  The Indian, although on foot, easily kept up with us, and I could
+not but admire his firm step and graceful carriage as he moved over the
+ground, whether rough or smooth.  The information he brought, relieved
+my mother's mind of a constant source of care, but though my father
+believed it to be true, he still considered it possible that the farm
+might some day or other be attacked, and insisted that we should
+continue the precautions we had hitherto adopted to escape being
+surprised.
+
+Kluko remained with us nearly a month, and won our regard by his quiet,
+intelligent, and unobtrusive manners.  Although dressed in skins, he was
+perfectly the gentleman, moreover an enlightened and sincere Christian,
+for he had thrown aside all heathen customs and superstitions.  His
+great object appeared to be to benefit his fellow-creatures.  He became
+strongly attached to Dio, whose history he had heard, and expressed
+himself highly indignant that any people should reduce another race to
+slavery.
+
+"They speak with contempt of the red-men, but no red-men, cruel and
+blood-thirsty as they are, ever do that," he observed.  "When they take
+prisoners they torture them, it is true, for a short time, but they then
+put them to death; they would not subject them to a long life of torture
+of soul and body."
+
+Kluko accompanied us on several hunting expeditions, but he was much
+less expert than we were in the use of the rifle.  He could shoot very
+well when he got his weapon on a rest, but could never manage to bring
+down game on the wing.  The first time he saw me kill a bird flying, he
+expressed his astonishment.  He had been accustomed to the bow from his
+boyhood, he said, and, that his people never attempted to shoot at any
+creature except on the bough of a tree, or running along the ground.
+
+At length he took his departure, promising to pay us another visit ere
+long, should his life be spared.  Month after month went by without any
+alarms from Indians, while we heard nothing more of the threatened
+attack on the farm by the Blackfeet.
+
+Uncle Denis was successful in trapping several animals to add to his
+menagerie.  One day he arrived with two wolf cubs, which, although
+ill-tempered at first, soon became as tame as puppies, though less
+playful.  We obtained also three young fawns, of different species of
+deer; charming little creatures they were, great pets with Kathleen and
+Lily, and would follow them round the farm and into the house.  They
+were of course not allowed to go to a distance, lest they might be
+carried off by any wild animal prowling about.  The young wolves at
+first showed an inclination to bite at them when they came near, but
+were soon taught better manners, and afterwards never attempted to
+molest them.
+
+Bruin soon became on the most friendly terms with them, and would roll
+on the ground, while they leapt over and over his body, and frolicked
+round and round him.  One of the last animals added to the menagerie,
+was the most difficult to tame, and great doubt was entertained whether
+it would be prudent to allow it to associate with the other members of
+the happy family.  Uncle Denis arrived with it on horseback in a big bag
+hung to the saddle-bow, late one evening.
+
+"What have you got there?" we all asked eagerly, as we saw that there
+was a living creature kicking about in the bag.
+
+"Something which, although at present somewhat inclined to be unruly,
+will, I hope, before long become as gentle as Lily's pet lamb.  I must
+send it to school, however, at first, to receive instruction, before I
+allow it to mix in the world.  Here, Mike, take it to the cage; don't
+let it out until I come and help you."
+
+I took the bag from him, and by the weight I supposed that it contained
+an animal the size of a large cat.  The cage, I should say, was about
+six feet high and eight square, composed of strong hickory, or oak bars,
+placed so close together, that no animal could force its way out, while
+only such as had teeth as strong as those of the beaver, could have
+bitten through the wood.  The door was made to slide from side to side,
+in order that only as much of it as was necessary need be opened at a
+time.  Uncle Denis, having untied the string of the bag, put the mouth
+inside, when out bounded a beautiful little animal of a tawny hue, with
+a long tail and a remarkably small head, somewhat more elongated than
+that of a cat.  On its back and sides were several rows of dark streaks,
+and on its shoulders some spots of similar colour, resembling those of
+the leopard.  It made towards the opposite bars, but finding it could
+not get out, began circling round and round the cage, looking very much
+astonished on finding that, although out of the bag, it could not
+escape.
+
+"Why, that's a young panther," exclaimed Dan.  "Do you hope ever to tame
+it, Uncle Denis?"
+
+"A `painter' it is, or rather a puma, to give it its proper name: I have
+no doubt that in a short time, it will be as gentle as a domestic cat,"
+answered our uncle; "but we must take care not to irritate it, as its
+temper is none of the sweetest."
+
+The little creature continued running round and round, sometimes leaping
+up, and trying to scramble to the top of the cage, expecting, probably,
+to find an outlet in that direction.  When at length it found all its
+efforts of no avail, it seemed to resign itself to its fate.  Uncle
+Denis having brought it some small pieces of meat, it devoured them
+greedily, and looked towards his hands, expecting more.  He gave it a
+very small portion at a time, refusing to give it any food, until it
+came humbly crawling up to receive the morsel.  He then put in a number
+of leafy boughs, under which it crawled and went to sleep.  The next day
+it was evidently tamer, and more accustomed to the sight of human
+beings, and after this, the moment he appeared, it came towards him in a
+suppliant manner to receive its food.  In less than a week, it was
+perfectly tame, and before a month was over, followed him about like a
+dog, while it became on perfectly friendly terms with the rest of the
+animals.  At first it evidently stood in awe of Bruin, conscious that
+the bear had the power of giving it an unpleasant gripe, but finding
+itself unharmed, began to play with its shaggy coated companion, and the
+two in a short time became fast friends.
+
+Once more wintry blasts blew up the valley, the ground was covered with
+snow, and lakes and streams were frozen over.  We had plenty of
+occupation, both indoors and out, and although the days were short, the
+moon for nearly half the month afforded us light sufficient to move
+about with as great ease as in summer.  Habited in dresses of fur, we
+hunted often at considerable distances from home, either bison or deer,
+or smaller animals.
+
+On such occasions we built a shanty in some sheltered wood, of birch
+bark, when it was to be procured, or boughs stuck into the ground close
+together, with a thick mass of snow piled up against them, while a
+cheerful fire blazed in front.
+
+Very frequently, however, we dispensed with any shelter beyond such as
+the wood afforded, and, wrapt in our blankets, lay down to sleep on the
+snow, canopied by the starry vault of heaven.
+
+Uncle Denis and I were out on one of these hunting expeditions, when, as
+we were following the tracks of a deer through a wood, accompanied by
+Boxer and Toby, my uncle, who was ahead, made a sign to me to advance
+cautiously, while he, stopping, concealed himself behind a tree.  I
+crept forward as he desired, not knowing whether he had sighted a deer
+or a party of Indians on the war-path.  On getting up to him, I found
+that he was observing the movements of two animals, very different in
+appearance to each other.  On the trunk of a fallen tree, stood a
+porcupine, or urson, with quills erect, looking down on a smaller
+animal, which I at once recognised as a marten, or rather, a sable,
+which was gazing up in a defiant way, apparently meditating an attack on
+the other.
+
+"I should like to catch and tame both those animals," whispered Uncle
+Denis.  "Keep back the dogs or the sable will escape and the urson will
+treat them in a way they are not likely to forget."  The sable was
+evidently bent on having some porcupine meat for breakfast, and kept
+moving backwards and forwards, meditating a spring at the nose of its
+formidable antagonist; but, aware of the power of the latter's tail, was
+waiting for a favourable opportunity to seize it.  The porcupine, though
+so much larger, and naturally moving only at a slow pace, seemed aware
+of the superior agility of the sable, which would enable it to spring
+from side to side, or dash forward and attack it in front, when its
+armed tail would have been of no avail.  Presently the sable retired to
+a distance, and I thought would have discovered us, but at that moment
+it made a dash at the nose of the porcupine, who, whisking round its
+tail in an extraordinary fashion, sent a shower of darts into the body
+of its opponent.  This did not, however, prevent the latter from seizing
+it with its sharp teeth and dragging it to the ground.
+
+"Now is our time," whispered Uncle Denis, putting down his rifle and
+unstrapping his blanket, and I imitating his example, we rushed forward
+and threw them over the two combatants.  The sable, however, managed to
+spring out, when the dogs gave chase, but we were too much occupied to
+see with what result.  The porcupine in its struggles whisked about its
+tail, sending several of its quills through the blanket, but the rest of
+its body being unarmed, we managed to press it down until we had tied
+the blanket tightly round it.  Having secured the urson in a way which
+made its escape impossible, we turned our attention to the sable, which
+the dogs had brought to bay, but the brave little creature was becoming
+faint, from the wounds inflicted on it from the porcupine's tail, the
+quills from which were sticking out all over one side of its body.
+Seeing that there was no other way of capturing it, I picked up a stick
+and dealt it a blow on the head, sufficient to stun it, but not to
+deprive it of life.  While I kept back the dogs, Uncle Denis, kneeling
+down, pulled out the quills, and then throwing my blanket over the
+animal, he secured it as we had done the urson.  It seemed very
+doubtful, however, whether it would revive, but my uncle said that he
+would take it home, and should it recover, would try, with gentle
+treatment, to tame its fierce spirit.  To carry our unusual prizes, we
+formed a long pole from a sapling, to which we secured the creatures
+side by side.  Placing the pole on our shoulders, we began our homeward
+march.  We had the best part of the day before us, and hoped to reach
+the farm before dark.  The urson, weighed heavily, and sometimes it made
+a convulsive struggle and very nearly worked itself out of the blanket.
+The sable for some time lay perfectly quiet, but at last we observed a
+movement in the blanket, which gave us hopes that it was reviving, and
+we had to put on additional fastenings lest it should escape.  To make a
+long story short, we at length arrived, pretty well tired with our heavy
+burden.  Our friends were somewhat disappointed on finding that we had
+brought a couple of living animals instead of the fat venison or buffalo
+they had expected.  We, however, relieved their minds by telling them
+that we had left the meat of a couple of wapiti and a big-horn sheep _en
+cache_, and Martin and another man were sent off with the horses to
+bring it in.  We had now to dispose of our captives.  The urson was
+tumbled into the cage, which had before served as a prison to the young
+puma, while one of smaller dimensions, with iron bars, served as the
+present habitation of the sable.  I cannot stop to describe the process
+by which both creatures were tamed.  The next morning Kathleen and Lily
+came eagerly to look at them, as they had never seen anything of the
+kind before.  They were greatly surprised at the size of the urson,
+which was nearly four feet long; the body measured upwards of three
+feet, and the tail rather less than nine inches.  At first they thought
+it was a young bear, which, from the long blackish brown hair which
+covered it, concealing the quills, it somewhat resembled, it having also
+lost a considerable number of the longer quills in its fight with the
+sable.  It had, however, others on the head and hind-quarters, which
+were more visible than the short ones on the rest of its body.  The
+urson plays a not unimportant part in the destruction of the forests of
+North America, as it feeds entirely on the bark of trees.  This it
+separates from the branches with its sharp teeth, commencing at the
+highest and working its way downwards.  Having destroyed one tree, it
+climbs up to the top of another, and carries on the same process, always
+proceeding in a straight line, and I have often, when passing through a
+forest, been able to trace its progress by the line of barked trees,
+which are sure ultimately to die.  It is asserted by some hunters, that
+a single urson will consume the bark of a hundred trees in the course of
+a year.  Our urson, though it became attached to Uncle Denis and would
+feed out of his hand, was always an object of awe to the rest of the
+animals, who seemed well aware of its power of inflicting punishment on
+any of them who might offend it.  Even Bruin held it in respect, and
+none of them ever attempted to be on too familiar terms.
+
+The sable took even longer to tame than the urson.  We used to feed it
+partly on vegetable and partly on animal diet.  In winter it preferred
+the latter.  After it had had its meals, it had the habit of going to
+sleep so soundly that it was difficult to awaken it.  It was about
+eighteen inches long, exclusive of its bushy tail, and much resembled
+the ordinary marten in shape.  The fur was of a rich brown, with white
+about the neck, and on the head there was a grey tinge.  It was of
+unusual length for so small an animal, and its most remarkable
+peculiarity was, that in whatever way the hair was pressed down, it lay
+smoothly on the animal's back.  It extended down the legs to the end of
+the claws.  So tame did it at last become, that it was allowed to roam
+about at large.  Shortly afterwards Kathleen and Lily lost a favourite
+hen and several young chickens, and as there could be no doubt as to who
+was the criminal, the sable was doomed to imprisonment for life.  Its
+health suffered in consequence, and in a couple of years it died, but
+Uncle Denis got 10 pounds for its skin, so that it thus became far more
+profitable dead than alive.
+
+I have said little of the doings of my sister and Lily.  Both were
+growing into charming young girls, and certainly looked older than they
+really were.  They were also--which was of more importance--sensible and
+good, devoted to our mother.  I always looked upon Lily as a sister;
+indeed our mother treated her with the same affection as she did
+Kathleen.
+
+Months and years went by, faster than I could suppose possible.  We
+brought more and more ground under cultivation, our cattle increased, as
+did our herds of swine even still faster, while the few sheep we had
+brought became a large flock.  Mr Tidey still acted as tutor to the
+family.  Dan had, however, become almost a young man, and I had long
+considered myself grown up.  We laboured on the farm, hunted and fished
+and traded in furs; some of the furs we bought from the Indians, and a
+considerable number we trapped or shot ourselves.
+
+Uncle Denis remained a bachelor, although, when urged by my mother, he
+sometimes talked of going eastward to look out for a wife.  I had no
+intention of following his example even if he did go.  I could not tell
+whether Lily would consent to marry me, but I determined some day to ask
+her, feeling now that I should never find her equal in any part of the
+world.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
+
+MY MOTHER IS TAKEN DANGEROUSLY ILL--DIO AND I SET OFF TO FORT HAMILTON--
+BOXER DISOBEDIENT--END OF OUR FIRST DAY'S JOURNEY--AN AGREEABLE ADDITION
+TO OUR SUPPER--CAT-FISH--MY DOG ON THE WATCH--A MIDNIGHT INTERRUPTION--
+OVERTAKEN BY THE SNOW--A TRYING DAY'S MARCH--WE ARE AT LENGTH ABLE TO
+CAMP--STRONG INCLINATION TO SLEEP--BOXER KEEPS WATCH--THE RED-SKINS
+NEAR--OUR HORSES AND RIFLES STOLEN--WE SUFFER FROM HUNGER--WE CONTINUE
+OUR WAY ON FOOT--SLEEP IN A HOLLOW TREE--PURSUED BY WOLVES--WE KILL ONE
+OF THE PACK--SAVED BY OUR DOG AND A BUFFALO CARCASE--WORN OUT--CAMP.
+
+Hitherto our community had enjoyed the most uninterrupted good health,
+no accidents had even occurred requiring more surgical skill than my
+father or uncle were able to afford.  In this we were especially
+fortunate, for we knew of no doctor nearer than Fort Hamilton, and we
+could scarcely expect him to come in any ordinary case of illness.  At
+length our dear mother began to ail, and her pale cheek and sunken eye
+showed that she was suffering greatly.  One evening, towards the end of
+the year, the trees being already stripped of their leaves, Lily came to
+me.
+
+"Our dear mother is, I fear, very, very ill," she said; "I don't think
+that your father is aware how serious her case is, and unless we can get
+a doctor to prescribe for her, I am afraid that she will die.  I should
+be sorry to frighten you unnecessarily, Mike, but I am sure it is of the
+greatest importance that a medical man should see her without delay."
+
+"I am ready to set off this moment, and I will endeavour to bring back a
+doctor at all costs," I answered.
+
+"Do go, Mike," she said; "and yet I fear that you may encounter dangers
+on the way, the journey is long, and the Indians are less peaceably
+disposed, it is reported, than they have been of late, but I pray that
+God will protect you, and I am sure that He will, when you are
+performing an act of duty."
+
+"Neither difficulties nor dangers shall prevent me from going, and I
+feel as you do, that it is most important our mother should have medical
+assistance.  I am the fittest person to go, and I shall have no fears,
+knowing that you, dear Lily, are praying for me."
+
+"Remember too, Mike, that God will hear my prayers, and grant them too,
+as He has promised," exclaimed Lily; "what an encouragement it is to
+know that He does hear faithful prayer, and never fails to attend to
+it."
+
+As may be supposed, this was not the whole of our conversation.  When my
+father came in, I broke the subject to him; not wishing to alarm him
+more than necessary about my mother's health, at the same time anxious
+to obtain his permission for going.  He at first hesitated, as I
+expected that he would do, being more aware even than Lily was of the
+difficulties of such a journey at that season of the year, when at any
+time a snow-storm might come on and cover the ground many feet in depth.
+At last, however, when I told him what Lily had said, he consented.  I
+had intended to go alone, trusting to my rifle for support, should I
+require more provisions than I could carry on my horse.  As soon as I
+announced my intention of starting, Dio entreated that he might
+accompany me.
+
+"I will keep up wid you, Massa Mike, however fast you may hab to go.
+Watch at night when you camp, and will remain by you while I have life,
+should you be attacked by Indians or grizzlies.  Do let me go?"
+exclaimed the faithful fellow.
+
+"I only hesitated, Dio, lest you might suffer from the weather, should
+the winter begin before we can get back," I answered.
+
+He thanked me when I consented, as much as if I had granted him a great
+favour.  He at once proposed that, as the winds were already cold, we
+should put on our warm clothing, so as to be prepared for snow and
+frost, should it overtake us.  As his advice was good, I of course
+agreed to follow it.
+
+The next morning we were on foot before daybreak.  My father had
+authorised me to offer a large fee to the surgeon, and he sent a message
+entreating the commandant to allow him to come, and promising to send
+him back under a strong escort if necessary.
+
+Kathleen and Lily were up to get my breakfast and to see us off.
+
+"May Heaven protect you, my boy, and bring you back in safety with the
+doctor," said my father, as he wrung my hand.
+
+Other farewells were said, and mounted on our favourite horses, with our
+rifles and pistols ready to our hands, our buffalo robes and blankets
+strapped behind us, and our haversacks filled with provisions and
+cooking utensils hung to our saddles, we set off.  The increasing light
+enabled us to go at a good speed.  We had got some distance from home,
+when looking round I saw that Boxer was following us.  I ordered him to
+go back, but though always obedient, after stopping an instant, he came
+on again, and as he had volunteered to undergo the fatigues of the
+journey, I allowed him to come.  As soon as I called him, he rushed
+forward, leaping and barking to show his delight, and then fell behind
+again, steadily making his way at the heels of our horses.  With the
+first part of the country we were well acquainted, and as the weather
+promised to be fine, we hoped to make a rapid journey.  We got over a
+good distance during the first day, and camped comfortably in the
+sheltered nook of a wood near a stream, where our horses could obtain
+plenty of grass.  As it was important to husband our provisions, Dio,
+who had brought a fishing-line and hooks, fitted up a rod, and was
+fortunate enough to catch two fine cat-fish.  The cat-fish, although its
+name is not attractive, is excellent when cooked.  It has, indeed, a
+very fine flavour, is firm, white, and very rich.  In appearance it is
+like a diminutive dolphin.  It has double fins in addition to those on
+its back, and a long beard-like excrescence hangs from each side of its
+mouth.  One was more than sufficient for our supper, but Boxer had no
+objection to eat the remainder.  I was very glad my faithful dog had
+come, as he assisted to keep watch, and was not likely to allow any foe
+to approach the camp without giving us warning.  Having built a lean-to,
+we arranged our beds, composed of twigs and leaves, of which there were
+abundance on the ground, and with our saddles for pillows and our feet
+to the fire, we rolled ourselves up in our blankets, feeling as
+comfortable as any people could do on feather beds.  I, however, had not
+been long sleeping, when I was awakened by hearing Boxer barking
+furiously close to my ears.  Starting up I saw a huge white animal, with
+glaring eyes, staring at us from a respectful distance.  Boxer, though a
+brave dog, had apparently thought it prudent not to attack the creature
+without arousing me to be ready to assist him.  Leaping to my feet, I
+instinctively seized my rifle, and, remembering the tricks played by
+Indians, my first idea was that it was an enemy covered up by a
+wolf-skin, trying to inspect our camp, and perhaps to steal our rifles
+and other property, should he have an opportunity.  I then recollected
+that an Indian was much more likely to carry off our horses, and looking
+round I saw them feeding quietly at the spot where they had been left.
+They could not have seen the wolf, and the wolf could not have seen
+them.  I was convinced, however, that the animal I had seen was really a
+wolf.  On observing me move, huge as it was, it began to slink away,
+showing that it was alone, and had not the courage to attack a man and a
+dog.  Though I could have knocked it over with my rifle, I did not think
+it worthy of powder and shot, but calling to Dio, I picked up a thick
+stick, that had served to poke up the fire, and ran forward.  The
+creature now took the alarm, and bounded off at full speed, Boxer and I
+following close at its heels.  The dog, exerting itself to the utmost,
+at last made a spring and fixed his teeth in the hind-quarters of the
+wolf, somewhat impeding its progress.  This enabled me to get up and
+deal several hard blows on the creature's head, one of which, given with
+more force, or better aim, brought it to the ground, and Dio coming up,
+we quickly deprived it of life.  The skin, from the size of the animal
+and its rare colour, was of some value, but as we could not carry it
+with us, we hung it up to the branch of a tree, on the chance of finding
+it on our return, merely taking some of the flesh to reward Boxer for
+his vigilance and exertions.
+
+"Dis not good ting to do, Massa Mike," observed Dio, as we returned to
+camp; "maybe other wolves come, too many for us, when we sleep, and we
+find hard job to get away from them."
+
+"I don't see why, because we have killed one white wolf, we are more
+likely to be attacked by the brown ones," I answered; "had we let it
+escape, we might with more reason suppose that it would tell its
+fellows."
+
+Dio shook his head, but he let the subject drop, and once more, on
+reaching camp, we went to sleep, trusting to Boxer to call us if
+necessary, and as we could not take the wolf-skin, he benefited most by
+the adventure.
+
+The night had been lovely, the stars were still shining brightly
+overhead when we awoke.  Knowing that it was nearly morning, I proposed
+that we should breakfast and ride on.  There was daylight sufficient to
+enable us to see our way.  Boxer, not content with his plentiful supper,
+as soon as he saw us moving, started off in the direction of the dead
+wolf, and when we were on the point of mounting, reappeared with his
+mouth besmeared with blood, showing how he had been employed.  From the
+way he moved on, I was afraid he had over-eaten himself; he, however,
+contrived to keep up with our horses.  During the night there had not
+been a breath of wind, but as the sun rose, it began to blow fresh from
+the east, and soon shifted to the northward, from which quarter a bank
+of clouds rising rapidly, formed a dark canopy over the sky.  On one
+side the sun shone brightly across the prairie, lighting up its vivid
+tints of green and brown and yellow, while on the other the whole
+country wore a wintry aspect.  Every instant the wind became stronger
+and stronger, and the cold increased.  Unbuckling our buffalo robes, we
+put them over our shoulders, drawing down the flaps of our caps to keep
+our ears warm.  Before long it began to rain, but the rain soon changed
+into snow, which came down thicker and thicker, until, in the course of
+an hour, the whole face of the country was covered by a sheet of white,
+making it difficult to distinguish the marks which had hitherto guided
+our course.
+
+"Dis not pleasant, Massa Mike," observed Dio; "we must push on to a
+wood, for if de snow falls as it now does, before many hours de horses
+will not be able to travel through it."
+
+Dio was perfectly right, but the question was whether we could find the
+desired wood.  From my knowledge of the country, I believed that no
+forest existed for many miles, the intermediate space being one
+extensive prairie, the very worst description of country to be caught in
+by a snow-storm.  Still it would not do to pull up where we were, as we
+had no means of lighting a fire.  We urged on our horses therefore,
+trying to keep as direct a course as possible.  The snow, however, fell
+so thickly, that we could no longer discern objects at any distance.  It
+was difficult, indeed, to steer a straight course, for the flakes
+quickly obliterated the tracks of our horses' hoofs.  We could only
+judge that we were going right by the wind, which blew on our left
+cheeks.  That, however, veered about, coming in fitful gusts, and
+driving the snow against our eyes with a force that almost blinded us.
+Our horses, too, began to grow weary by their efforts to make their way
+through the snow, and I feared, after all, that we should have to
+dismount, and lead them on by the bridle.  Still it would not do to give
+in.
+
+"We must push forward, Dio, and perhaps the snow before long will
+cease," I observed.
+
+"Nebber fear, Massa Mike," answered the faithful black whose teeth were
+chattering with the cold; "worse things dan dis happen 'fore now, and we
+got safe out of dem."
+
+I remembered, indeed, my many former providential escapes, and I had not
+forgotten that my dear little Lily was praying for us.  Still matters
+looked worse and worse.  The snow gave no sign of ceasing, while the
+wind blew more keenly and fiercely than before.  The day, too, was
+drawing to a close.  A night on the prairie under such circumstances
+would be truly dreadful.  There was no moon, and with the sky obscured,
+should the snow continue to fall, we might even possibly become
+separated.  I urged Dio to keep close to me, and I knew that Boxer would
+not fail to do so.  We rode on and on, but our steeds went slower and
+slower, while the cold had become so intense that I feared we should be
+frozen if we continued to ride; I therefore, in the hopes of getting my
+blood into quicker circulation, by the exertion of walking, got off, as
+did Dio, and we led our horses.  I went first, he following close behind
+me, and Boxer bringing up the rear.  The snow had become so deep, that I
+had to lift up my feet at every step, making the exertion excessively
+fatiguing.  Our horses went on readily enough.  As I beat a path, Dio
+had somewhat less difficulty than I had.  At last he begged that he
+might lead the way to relieve me, but this I would not allow.  Severe as
+was the exercise, I still preferred it to riding.  At last, our horses
+being somewhat rested, having brushed the snow from our saddles, we
+remounted and endeavoured to urge them on at a faster rate than we had
+lately been going.  The snow suddenly ceased falling.  I stood up in my
+stirrups to look round, in the hopes of distinguishing a wood in one
+direction or another where we might find shelter, but one uniform sheet
+of white covered the whole ground as far as the eye could see.  Our
+great object was to keep in a straight line towards the east, but, as
+before, we had only the wind to guide us.  Scarcely had we gone a
+hundred yards, when the snow again fell as thickly as ever.  I felt the
+cold creeping over me.  Poor Dio I knew must be suffering even more than
+I was, but not a word of complaint did he utter.
+
+"Long lane, massa, dat hab no turnin'!" he cried out, trying to laugh.
+"Perhaps 'fore long we come to de wood where plenty of sticks, and we
+light fire, build hut, an' de horses find grass, an' we sit down warm
+and comfortable."
+
+"I shall be very thankful if we do," I answered; "but it has become
+terribly dark.  It will be a difficult matter to see a wood, even should
+we get near one."
+
+"Yes, Massa Mike, but de hosses find it out, even it we don't," answered
+Dio in a cheery tone; "what we best do is to let dem take dare own way;
+dey know what the wood is, dough we no see him."
+
+I followed Dio's advice, but our horses showed no inclination to turn
+either to the right hand or to the left, but ploughed on through the
+snow, as though unwilling to remain exposed to it as we were; I took out
+my watch, but could scarcely see the hands, though I managed to make out
+that it was about five o'clock, and that the sun must have set; indeed,
+the rapidly increasing darkness assured me that in a short time night
+would overtake us.  I soon could only barely distinguish the outline of
+my horse's head against the white ground.  I frequently spoke to Dio,
+for fear any accident should make him drop behind, when he might have a
+difficulty in finding me again.
+
+"Do not lose sight of my horse's tail, whatever you do," I shouted out.
+
+Dio promised to keep me in sight, but that was not so easy, though
+probably his horse would from instinct keep close behind mine.  At last
+I could scarcely see my own hand when I held it up, and my horse's ears
+were totally invisible.  I had heard of travellers crossing the open
+prairie perishing in a snow-storm, and I began to fear that such might
+be our fate, but then I recollected Lily and my little sister.  They
+were praying for us, and I took courage.  Several times Dio and I got
+off to warm ourselves, but as I found on the whole that we made slower
+progress on foot than on horseback, we again remounted.  I have since
+wondered how we could have endured the chilling breath of that piercing
+wind for so many hours.  On and on we went, the time appeared longer
+indeed than it really was, but we had no means of calculating how it
+went by.  Dio continued talking, both to assure me that he was close
+behind, and to keep up my spirits, though the idea of giving in as long
+as we and our horses had strength to move, never occurred to me.  At
+length it seemed to me that my horse was verging to one side, as I felt
+the wind blowing in my teeth, more directly than it had hitherto done,
+then, after some time longer, a low murmuring sound reached my ears.  It
+was, I fancied, the soughing of the wind among the branches of tall
+trees.  Still I could see no object ahead.  Next there came a lull, but
+the snow did not decrease.  Presently I made out what seemed like a
+large column close to me, on the right hand side, then I saw another on
+the left.  They were the trunks of trees, and from the irregular way the
+snow flakes fell, I was sure that we had gained the confines of the
+wood.
+
+"We all right now, Massa Mike," sang out Dio; "dis is de wood: we get
+off and build a hut under some of dese trees."
+
+On dismounting, as Dio proposed, I found that the snow was scarcely an
+inch deep.  By creeping about we discovered a clump of trees, under the
+lee of which but little snow had rested.  We could feel that there was
+grass, and were consequently sure that our horses would not stray from
+the spot.  We therefore took off the saddles and saddle-bags, and,
+having put on their halters instead of their bridles, left them to feed,
+while we broke off, from the lower branches and bushes, a sufficient
+amount of dead wood to kindle a fire.  It was somewhat doubtful,
+however, whether the wind would allow us to light it, or if we succeeded
+in doing so, whether it would scatter the sparks about, and perhaps
+ignite some of the underwood, so as to set the whole forest in a blaze.
+Against such a catastrophe as this we had especially to guard.  The idea
+also occurred to me that possibly some old bear might have taken up its
+winter-quarters in the hollow trunk of one of the trees, but I was
+satisfied from Boxer's quiet behaviour that such was not likely to be
+the case; he followed close at my heels wherever I went, and I knew that
+he would spring forward, should any savage animal be near, to do battle
+in my defence.  Dio and I kept talking the whole time, that we might not
+run the risk of being separated.  As I was groping about, I observed a
+luminous appearance, somewhat like the embers of a fire, though of a
+paler hue.  It was a mass of touchwood in the hollow of a tree.  I put
+my hand in and broke off a lump.  Though it would not afford flame
+itself, it would enable us to kindle a blaze.  Close below it I
+discovered a quantity of dry leaves, and we now had the means of making
+what we so much required, a fire to warm our benumbed limbs.  No hunter
+in the prairies is ever without a flint and steel, and we soon had a
+cheerful fire, burning away between the roots of a thick tree, round
+which we crouched with our buffalo robes over our shoulders, Boxer
+joining us to enjoy the warmth.  We had had no food since the morning,
+and as we began to grow warm our hunger also increased.
+
+"Where are the saddle-bags?"  I asked, thinking they were close at hand.
+
+"I put dem down whar' we unsaddled the horses--I go get dem," said Dio.
+Jumping up he speedily returned with them, bringing also the saucepan
+and tin mugs, with a water-bottle which was still quite full, but he
+left the saddles, where they had been first placed on the ground.  Our
+hunger made us immediately apply to the contents of the saddle-bags,
+while we put on our saucepan to brew some tea, which served more quickly
+than anything else to restore warmth to our bodies.  Poor Boxer,
+however, came off but badly, as we could only afford to give him a small
+portion of the bacon and bread, being disappointed of the game we hoped
+to shoot to feed him.  As to building a hut, besides the difficulty of
+obtaining materials, both Dio and I were so fatigued, that once having
+sat down we felt no inclination to move about more than was necessary.
+All we could do, indeed, was to collect a further supply of wood to keep
+up our fire.  On looking at my watch I found that it wanted scarcely
+three hours to morning.  I felt by this time an overpowering inclination
+to sleep, and Dio, I saw by the way he uttered his words, was affected
+in the same manner.  As far as we could judge the snow continued to come
+down as heavily as before, but as we were protected by the thick
+overhanging limbs of the trees, very little fell on us.  We could hear
+our horses cropping the grass, where we had tethered them, and we hoped
+they would obtain sufficient to enable them to continue the journey the
+next day.  To keep awake any longer I found was impossible, so, drawing
+my blanket tightly round me, I lay down with my feet towards the fire,
+as near as I could venture to place them without fear of being burned.
+Dio was already asleep, and I dropped off immediately afterwards.  I do
+not know how long it was after I had closed my eyes, when I became
+conscious that Boxer was crawling close to me, licking my face,
+trembling and whining in a peculiar manner.  I was, however, so heavy
+with sleep, that I did not comprehend for some time the cause of this.
+Finding that he could not rouse me, he rushed across to Dio, whose voice
+I soon heard.
+
+"Some ting de matter, Massa Mike.  Wake up, wake up.  Boxer know dat
+red-skin not far off."
+
+Boxer again came back to me and gave a pull at my blanket, which
+effectually awakened me.
+
+"Red-skins!"  I cried out, sitting up and listening.  "I can hear
+nothing."
+
+"Boxer does dough," answered Dio.
+
+The fire had burnt low, a few glowing embers alone remained,
+insufficient to cast a light to any distance, I sprang up, intending to
+put some more wood on to kindle a blaze, when the sound of horses' feet
+reached my ears.  "Our animals have got loose at all events, and if we
+are not quick about it, we shall have a hard job to recover them," I
+exclaimed.
+
+Without a moment's delay I dashed forward in the direction in which we
+had left the horses tethered, followed by Dio.  They were both gone.  If
+they had pulled up the tether-pegs, and we were under a mistake in
+supposing that Indians had carried them off, we might easily catch them
+in the morning.  Should we follow them now, we might run the risk of
+losing ourselves, and indeed it was too dark to see their tracks in the
+snow; still, hoping that we might come up with them before we lost sight
+of our fire, we went on, until Dio stumbled over the trunk of a fallen
+tree, and I, knocking my head against a bough, was almost stunned.  I
+heard Dio cry out, but I was too much hurt to reply.  Boxer was close at
+my heels; he uttered a bark which brought the black to my assistance.
+In less than a minute I recovered.
+
+"We must go back to the fire," I said, "for we shall be frozen if we
+remain long away from it."
+
+Just at that moment, looking in the direction of our camp, I saw--unless
+I was deceived--two figures, on which a flickering flame cast an
+uncertain light, pass by on the other side of the fire.  The alarming
+thought occurred to me, that we had come away without our rifles, and
+that, should the persons I fancied I had seen prove to be enemies, we
+were entirely in their power.  On looking again, I could see no one.  I
+told Dio, but he had not seen the figures.  My first impulse was to rush
+forward, to ascertain if our rifles had been taken; then I thought, if
+hostile Indians are on the watch, they will shoot us down as soon as we
+appear within the light of the fire.
+
+"It will be more prudent to ascertain whether any enemies are near," I
+whispered to Dio; "we will creep up, keeping as close as possible to the
+trunks of the trees, until we get nearer the fire, and learn what has
+happened."
+
+We did as I proposed, Boxer keeping close to my heels.  This was
+somewhat suspicious, as it showed that he, at all events, believed that
+Indians were not far off, he sharing the dislike of all white men's dogs
+to the red-skins.  We managed to creep up to within a short distance of
+our camp, without, as we supposed, exposing ourselves to view.  When we
+looked round from behind the trunk of a tree which we had gained, we
+could see no one.
+
+"After all I believe that my fancy has deceived me," I whispered to my
+companion; "probably the horses have only gone a short distance, to find
+more grass.  We may as well go back and sleep quietly until morning."
+
+We accordingly, without hesitation, returned to the camp.  The first
+thing I did was to look about for the rifles; what was my dismay not to
+find them where I felt sure they had been left.  Our saddle-bags, too,
+were gone.  We walked round and round the fire, to be certain that we
+were not mistaken, but we could discover neither the one nor the other.
+We were now convinced that Indians must have visited our camp during our
+absence, and that our horses also had been carried off.  The only
+surprising thing was, that they had not attacked us.  Perhaps they only
+waited until we were seated before our fire to shoot us; they might
+suppose that we had pistols, and were afraid of venturing near while we
+were on the watch.  My first impulse was to fly and try to escape, but
+in what direction should we go?  Until daylight, we could not find our
+way out of the forest.  We should in all probability fall into their
+hands.  I never before felt my scalp fit so uncomfortably to my head.
+The thieves, whoever they were, had, however, left us our blankets,
+which perhaps had escaped their observation.  To stay where we were,
+with the prospect of being shot, would be madness.  Snatching up our
+blankets, therefore, we secured them over our shoulders, and, followed
+by Boxer, endeavoured to make our way through an opening, which as far
+as we could calculate, led towards the east.  We went on groping our
+way, sometimes falling over logs, but managing again to recover our
+feet.  It was better to keep moving than to sit down.  Although the cold
+in the forest was much less than in the open prairie, it was still very
+severe, and we might very easily be frozen to death.  Our chief
+consolation was, that day would soon return, and that we might at all
+events be able to see our way.  We were still a long distance from the
+fort, and even should we ultimately reach it, the delay of sending
+medical assistance to my dear mother might be of serious consequence.
+Daylight at last returned, but not a break in the sky indicated that the
+snow was about to cease.  It was important to keep under the shelter of
+the trees as long as we could.  Should we venture after we got out of
+the forest to cross the open prairie without weapons to defend ourselves
+against enemies, or any means of obtaining food?  Dio and I decided that
+it must be done at all risks; that on we would go as long as our legs
+would carry us.  It was now broad daylight.  We were making our way on,
+when we came to a stream, which flowing but slowly, had been frozen over
+during the night.  As I knew the rivers in that locality ran more or
+less to the eastward, it would assist in guiding our course, but the
+appearance of the ice did not encourage us to use it as a high road.  We
+settled therefore to keep along the bank, crossing it or cutting off
+angles as might appear advisable.
+
+"Before we go far, I tink we get arms," said Dio; "dat saplin' make good
+spear."  And taking out his axe, he cut down the young tree, while I
+formed a heavy club from a branch of hickory, which had been torn off
+apparently by a storm.  If we had had time, we might have formed bows
+and arrows, but the cold was too great to allow us to do so, until we
+had put up a hut in which to work; besides, before they could be
+finished, we might starve with hunger.  We therefore contented ourselves
+with the weapons we had formed, and Dio having scraped one end of his
+pole into a sharp point, we continued our journey.
+
+We had not gone far, when we discovered a hollow tree, and as we were
+very weary, besides being hungry, after examining it, to ascertain that
+it was unoccupied, we crawled in.  We had not much fear of being
+attacked by the Indians, who, although they certainly could have
+followed our trail, would, we concluded, have made us prisoners or put
+us to death when they had us in their power, should they have been so
+disposed.  The tribes of red-skins are not all equally blood-thirsty,
+some being addicted rather to stealing horses and cattle than to
+murdering the whites; and we had no doubt that such were the people who
+had carried off our horses and rifles.  We therefore, squatting down in
+the confined space of the tree, folded our arms across our breasts, and
+immediately dropped off asleep.  Weary as I was, my slumbers were
+troubled and far from sound.  I did not intend to rest more than an hour
+at the utmost, as I was afraid of wasting too much precious time.
+Before that period had elapsed, I opened my eyes and awoke Dio.  Looking
+out, I found that the snow had ceased.  I could nowhere see Boxer.  I
+called to him again and again, but he did not come.
+
+"He gone to de hunt for himself," observed Dio; "perhaps he come back
+with young hare or 'possum."
+
+We waited a few minutes.  As I knew that Boxer would follow up the trail
+as well as any Indian could do, I did not think it necessary to wait for
+him.  Scarcely had we recommenced our journey, when the well-known howl
+of a wolf reached my ears, repeated by several other brutes of the same
+species.  Had we possessed our rifles, we should not have been afraid of
+a hundred of them, but, unarmed as we were, it would be difficult to
+defend ourselves against them, should they follow us.  To retreat to the
+hollow tree would be useless, for although we might keep them at bay,
+should they besiege us, we might starve before we could regain our
+liberty.  We therefore continued our course, hoping that they would not
+scent us out.  The sounds of barking and yelping increased.  It made me
+fear that Boxer had fallen into their power; if so, he would long ere
+this have been torn to pieces, and there would be no use in going to his
+rescue.  We were close to the stream, when, on looking round, I saw an
+animal coming out of the wood on the opposite side.  At first I thought
+it was my faithful dog, but a second glance showed me that it was a
+wolf--a savage looking brute it was too.  The sight of one wolf however,
+did not give us the slightest alarm, and even if I had had my rifle in
+my hand, I would not have shot it.  When we stopped, the wolf stopped
+and looked at us, but as soon as we went on again, I saw that it was
+following, though at a respectful distance.
+
+"Nebber fear; if he come near, I gib him poke with my spear," said Dio;
+so on again we went.
+
+The howls which we had before heard, again broke out, and the brutes
+appeared to be coming nearer.
+
+"We must keep ahead of them at all events, Dio," I observed; "if we
+cross the river, they are less likely to follow.  Let us push on!"
+
+We reached the ice, which appearing firm, we ventured on it.  As it bore
+our weight better than we expected, we could now run on at a quick pace.
+I led, Dio following close behind me.
+
+"Go on, massa! go on!"  I heard him sing out continually.
+
+I kept verging towards the opposite side of the stream, where the ground
+was more open, and I hoped that we should make better progress.
+Presently I heard Dio utter an exclamation, and looking round, I saw a
+wolf close at his heels, while several more were following at a short
+distance.  Should the brute once attack us, it would be the signal for
+the others to set on us.
+
+On the impulse of the moment, not thinking of what he was about, Dio
+took off his cap and threw it at the brute, which stopped, and quickly
+tearing it to pieces, came rushing on faster than before.  Dio, now
+again turning round, pole in hand, stood ready for the attack, the next
+instant he plunged it into the wolf's side, pinning the creature to the
+ice.  Even then, so violent were its struggles, that it would have
+broken away, had I not come up and finished it with a blow of my club.
+
+"On now, massa! on!" cried Dio; "dey rest stop an' eat their friend, and
+we get 'way."
+
+This was obvious enough, and we set off running as fast as we could over
+the ice.  Several loud cracks, however, warned us that it would be
+prudent to gain the shore as soon as possible, although we might not
+make our way so fast over it as we had been doing on the ice.  As I
+glanced over my shoulder, I saw that the pack had attacked their
+comrade, and were busily employed in devouring his carcase.  They would
+not, however, take long in doing that, and we might soon expect to have
+them at our heels.  Hungry as we were, our strength was not exhausted,
+and we resolved not to give in while life remained.  We might hope to
+reach some place where we could defend ourselves until the savage pack
+had grown weary of besieging it.  We had gained a considerable distance,
+and were almost out of hearing of the yelping and barking, when again
+those horrid sounds began to draw near.  The brutes had eaten up their
+companion, and were once more on our trail.  How many miles we had run I
+could not tell, when we saw that the pack were rapidly gaining upon us,
+and that we should have to stop and fight for our lives.  As I was
+expecting every instant that we should have to turn round and commence
+the battle, I saw a dark object on the ground, and at the same moment I
+heard a bark, uttered certainly not by a wolf.  Presently a dog came
+rushing towards us whom I at once recognised as Boxer, holding a huge
+piece of meat in his mouth.  Regardless of the wolves, he leapt up as if
+to offer it to us.  A short distance off lay a buffalo bull, which
+probably had been shot by some hunter, and had there fallen down and
+died.  Taking the meat, I threw it towards the wolves, then Dio, Boxer,
+and I continued our flight, passing close to the bull.  We were saved
+from the imminent danger which had threatened us, for the wolves would
+certainly be delayed long enough over the carcase to enable us to make
+good our escape.  I was rushing on, when Dio cried out--
+
+"Stop, massa, I git out some meat for our supper."
+
+With his axe he quickly cut off a huge piece of the flesh.  The morsel I
+had thrown to the wolves, had delayed them longer than I might have
+supposed.  The brutes having stopped to quarrel over it, had furiously
+attacked each other, so that we were already a considerable distance
+beyond the buffalo before they reached it.  So completely did it occupy
+their attention, that they no longer thought of us, and at length, when
+we from a distance looked back, we could see a tossing, moving mass of
+animals, their barks and yelps sounding faintly in our ears.  Hungry as
+we were, I thought it prudent not to stop until we could reach some
+sheltered place where we could light a fire, and at the same time,
+defend ourselves, should any of the pack follow us.  We had been saved
+from one danger, we might hope to escape others.  The wind had fallen,
+though it still blew from the north, and the cold was severe.  The
+exercise, however, kept us warm.  We were again in open ground, but we
+could see the wood ahead, bordering the stream, an angle of which we had
+cut off.  Continuing on, we once more gained the wood, and soon fixed on
+a spot for camping.  Near it was a tree, the branches of which we could
+reach, so that should the wolves again come near us, we might climb up
+out of their reach.  Collecting sticks, we soon had a fire lighted, and
+a part of our meat spitted and roasting before it.  As we had lost our
+buffalo robes, it was absolutely necessary to form some sort of shelter,
+and while our supper was cooking, we began to collect materials for
+forming it.  Well accustomed to such work, we did not take long about
+it.  The necessary stakes were cut, the branches and pieces of bark
+collected, and by the time Dio pronounced the meat "done," we had our
+hut up, resting against the trunk of a tree.  Had we not been so busily
+employed, we could not have waited so long without food.  Tough as was
+the meat, it greatly restored our strength, while we quenched our thirst
+with handfuls of snow.  I had not before felt sleepy, but scarcely had I
+swallowed the food, than I became almost overpowered by drowsiness, and
+had just sense enough to crawl into the hut, when I dropped off to
+sleep.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTEEN.
+
+SUFFERINGS FROM COLD--KINDNESS OF DIO--A WEARY MARCH--TRAILS OF BUFFALO
+AND DEER--MORE SNOW--WE REACH A WOOD WHERE WE CAMP--INDIANS--DIO
+SCOUTS--POSSIBILITY OF BEING SEPARATED--I CHARGE THE BLACK WITH MY
+FATHER'S MESSAGE--WE STEAL NEAR THE INDIANS' CAMP--RECOVER OUR HORSES--
+THE FLIGHT AND PURSUIT--DIO AND I PART COMPANY--JACK PUT ON HIS METTLE--
+ON THE EDGE OF A PRECIPICE--MY HORSE FAILS ME--A LAST EFFORT TO ESCAPE--
+RESCUED--THE MYSTERIOUS HUNTER--A BLANK IN MY EXISTENCE--I RECOGNISE MY
+PRESERVER--A STRANGE DISCOVERY--LILY'S FATHER FOUND--UNCLE MICHAEL--
+REGAINING HEALTH AND STRENGTH--SPRING--RETURN TO SMILING VALLEY--MEETING
+OF THE BROTHERS--CONCLUSION.
+
+Accustomed as I was to a life in the wilds, to endure the extremes of
+heat and cold, and what most persons look upon as hardships; I am sure
+that I should have perished with cold had it not been for my faithful
+companions Dio and Boxer.  The dog, I will not say from instinct,
+because I believe, that he was influenced by a higher power, stretched
+himself upon me, giving me the warmth, of his body, while Dio chafed my
+feet, and then wrapped them up in a part of his own blanket, while he
+sat up, having raked the fire as near as he could venture to bring it.
+During the whole night I am convinced that he did not once drop asleep,
+at all events for more than a few minutes at a time.  After several
+hours I awoke, feeling thoroughly warm.  I was somewhat astonished at
+the heavy weight above me, and it was not until I put out my hand and
+felt Boxer, that I was aware how I had been cared for.  By the light of
+the fire, which was still burning brightly, I saw Dio seated at the
+entrance of the hut.  I told him how much refreshed I felt, but I had
+great difficulty in persuading him to crawl in and take the rest he so
+much required.  Having put on my boots, I sat up and took his place, I
+was thus able to judge of the suffering he had endured for my sake, for
+even with my blanket round me, and a fire near my feet, I could scarcely
+bear it: I was very thankful when in less than an hour I saw daylight
+appear.  Without delay I made up the fire and spitted some more of our
+buffalo meat to roast, that we might take breakfast before starting.  I
+waited until the meat was cooked before arousing Dio.
+
+"Go on, massa," he exclaimed, starting up, "I wonder whether we get to
+the fort 'fore night."
+
+"I am afraid not," I answered; "on horseback, in fine weather, we might
+have reached it in five days, but we have performed scarcely half the
+distance.  Never mind, we have got meat for one day more, and we may
+trap an opossum or beaver, or perhaps Boxer may catch us something."
+
+As soon as we had breakfasted, and bestowed a small portion of our meat
+on Boxer, Dio shouldering his spear, and I my club, we began our march.
+As the sun rose, the clouds cleared away, and we knew that we were
+proceeding more or less in the direction of the fort.  Still I could not
+tell how much out of our proper course we had gone during the last two
+days, and we might possibly pass the fort, either to the north or south,
+without seeing it.  Had the ground been free from snow, I should have
+hoped, without much difficulty, to have struck the trail running east
+and west, followed by emigrants; but none were likely to have passed
+since the snow had fallen, and the country was generally so level that
+there were no land-marks to steer for; all we could do, therefore, was
+to push on, and keep up our spirits.  Had I not been anxious about my
+mother, I should have cared much less for the delay; but as it was, I
+determined that no difficulties or dangers should stop us.  As we went
+on, I looked out eagerly for marks of footsteps; of either men or
+horses, but the same uniform sheet of white appeared on every side,
+though our own feet left their impression more clearly than we desired
+on the snow, showing that two men and a dog had passed that way.  Should
+any Indians come across our trail, knowing that they could obtain an
+easy victory, they would too probably follow us up.  At length I saw the
+snow disturbed by a long line running at right angles to our course.  On
+reaching it, I at once saw that the trail was that of a herd of buffalo
+moving southward, but none of the animals were in sight, though from the
+marks I calculated that they could only just before have passed.  Soon
+after we met with the tracks of several deer, but they too had
+disappeared.  The country ahead had a more hilly aspect, and I observed
+that the snow had melted from the southern sides of the slopes.  It was
+of the greatest importance that we should reach another wood before
+nightfall, and hoping to find one on the other side of the range, we
+hurried on.  I became conscious of my decrease of strength by finding a
+greater difficulty than usual in climbing the slopes, and on looking at
+Dio, I found that he too was toiling on with less activity than was his
+wont.  We had only enough meat for one more meal for ourselves and dog,
+and I saw that it would be necessary, for the sake of our future
+progress, to bring our day's journey to an end as soon as possible.
+There was another reason for this.  As we looked northward, we saw the
+clouds again gathering in the sky; and the wind, shifting round to that
+quarter, quickly drove them towards us, blowing as keenly as before.
+Once more the snow began to fall.  When I turned round I observed how
+quickly it obliterated over footsteps.  I had carefully noted the
+direction of the wood which commenced at the foot of the hill, and we
+therefore reached it without difficulty.  Making our way onwards, we
+soon selected a spot for camping, and although it was still early in the
+afternoon, I resolved to remain there, at all events, until the next
+morning.  While looking about for fire-wood we discovered a large hollow
+tree, and as we had plenty of time, we cleaned it out, so that it would
+serve as a comfortable abode for the night.  We collected also a
+quantity of dry leaves, with which we could cover ourselves up, should
+the cold become as intense as on the previous night.  We also searched
+about for some slabs of bark, to line the rougher parts and to close up
+the aperture.  While I was arranging our intended abode for the night,
+Dio, followed by Boxer, went off to catch, if he could, some small
+animal or bird which he might kill for our supper; I had lost sight of
+him, but felt very sure that he and his companion could find their way
+back.  Having made up the fire, I was on the point of lighting it, when
+Dio appeared running towards me.
+
+"Oh!  Massa Mike!" he exclaimed, almost breathless, "I see de Indians on
+top ob de hill!"
+
+The snow, which blew in their faces, had, however, prevented them from
+seeing him.  What should we do?
+
+"Fortunately, as the falling snow will have filled up our trail, they
+will not know we are here," I observed; "the best thing we can do is to
+creep into our hollow tree and remain quiet; perhaps they will choose
+some other part of the forest to camp in, and if so, they will not
+discover us.  Were we now to try and escape through the forest, they
+would nearly to a certainty fall on our trail and follow us up, whereas
+we may hope that they will not enter it to camp, until they have got
+further to the eastward; if, however, they do camp close to us, our only
+safe course will be to walk boldly in among them, and tell them that we
+wish to be friends, and that we will reward them for any assistance they
+may give us."
+
+"Den, massa, we hide in de tree," said Dio.
+
+Had the snow not been falling, I knew that, should they pass within
+fifty yards, they would discover our footsteps; but even in the thickest
+part of the forest, it so quickly covered the ground, that I hoped they
+might not see our trail.
+
+Having scattered the sticks we had collected for our fire, we clambered
+into the hollow tree, followed by Boxer, and drew in after us the pieces
+of bark, one of which was of sufficient size to block up the whole of
+the entrance.  We kept two small apertures, through which Dio and I
+could look on the proceedings of the red-skins.  I was of course well
+aware that should the eyes of any of the party fall on the tree, our
+place of concealment would immediately be discovered, as they would at
+once detect a difference in the bark.  The opening was towards the
+south, and enabled us to command a view for a considerable distance
+through the trees, to the very edge of the forest.  We had not long
+taken our posts, when a body of Indians came in sight, some on
+horseback, others on foot.  There were no women among them.  Even at
+that distance, we could see that their faces were painted, and their
+heads bedecked with feathers, showing that they were out on the
+war-path.  As we watched, we felt greatly relieved to find that they
+kept outside the forest, apparently not intending to enter it, though
+they rode as much as possible under the trees, for the sake of the
+shelter they afforded.  At the rear of the line came two warriors,
+mounted, I knew, from the appearance of their saddles and the look of
+the animals, on our horses.  I thought it probable, however, that they
+were not the thieves, but had stolen them from another party, because,
+being on the war-path, I felt confident that they would have taken our
+scalps as well as our property.
+
+For fear that any stragglers might be following and see us, we remained
+carefully shut up in the hollow tree, until we believed that they had
+got to a distance.  Still it would be unsafe to light a fire, in case
+they should encamp even at a mile distance, for they would observe the
+smoke, although they might not see the glare of the fire.
+
+Dio at last begged that I would allow him to go and try to find out
+where they were, promising to take very good care not to be caught.  I
+would rather have gone myself, but he entreated me to remain with Boxer.
+Should we find that they had gone on, we might then safely light our
+fire, and cook the remainder of our buffalo meat, which we should
+otherwise be compelled to eat raw.  To keep myself warm, I climbed into
+the tree, and closed the entrance, with Boxer by my side.  Anxious as I
+felt, I before long fell asleep.
+
+I was awakened by Dio putting in his head.
+
+"Dey camp too near to let us light fire," he said, "but nebber mind, dey
+turn de horses loose, and our two mustangs come dis way."
+
+"The red-skins don't think we are near them, that's very clear," I
+answered.  "We will try to recover our own horses, though I am afraid it
+will be more difficult to get back our saddles and saddle-bags, or our
+rifles.  Our horses know us, and will come at our call, even though they
+may be hobbled.  If we can manage to get them, we must ride directly for
+the fort.  Now, Dio, it is possible that we may be separated, and if so,
+I charge you to deliver the message I received from my father, to
+entreat that the surgeon may be sent off immediately.  If there is no
+one else to accompany him, you must go, should I not have arrived.  I
+only say this in case of accident.  We will do our best to keep
+together, but still we may fail to do so.  Do not suppose, however,
+though I may not appear, that I am lost; I can picture a dozen events
+occurring, which may prevent me from soon reaching the fort, though I
+may do so at last.  You understand me, Dio?  Take care also not to alarm
+the family, but repeat to them what I say to you.  You will promise me?"
+
+"Yes, Massa Mike," answered Dio, looking me earnestly in the face; "but
+it break dis niggar's heart, if you nebber come home."
+
+"Have no fears on that score," I answered, wishing to encourage him.
+"If you manage to catch one of the horses and I should fail, I repeat
+again, that it is of the greatest consequence that you should push on to
+the fort; of course we may get there together, or you may lose your way,
+or I may get there first.  Do you understand my object?"
+
+"Yes, yes, massa; an' I promise to try and get to de fort, and to take
+de doctor to Missie Loraine," answered the faithful Black, in a
+melancholy tone, showing that though ready to follow out my injunctions,
+he grieved at the thoughts of being separated from me, when perhaps I
+might be caught and killed by the Indians.
+
+"But, Massa Mike, we try and keep togedder, won't we?" he added.
+
+"Of course, Dio, both for your sake and my own, you may depend upon
+that; I give you these instructions only on the chance of our being
+separated."
+
+Dio clambered inside, and closing the entrance, we sat down, with Boxer
+at our feet, thus enjoying more warmth than we should otherwise have
+done.
+
+We passed the time in chewing pieces of the raw buffalo meat, which,
+tough as it was, served to keep up our strength.  Boxer came in for a
+larger share than he would have obtained probably, had it been cooked.
+
+We might, of course, have avoided the Indians and continued our journey
+during the night, but, should no more snow fall, we felt sure that they
+would discover our trail, and follow us up, whereas, could we regain our
+horses, we might, before daylight, get to such a distance from them,
+that they would be unable to overtake us.  The other alternative was to
+stay in our place of concealment, until they had taken their departure,
+but then our food was exhausted, and as they might possibly remain two
+or three days, we should be starved.  We decided, therefore, that our
+best plan was to try and recover our horses, as we had proposed.
+
+We waited until darkness came down on the earth, and then, getting out
+of our hiding-place, stole cautiously towards the Indian camp.  We could
+proceed but very slowly, as we had to make our way among fallen logs,
+between the trunks of trees, and round clumps of bushes, too thick to
+penetrate.  We stopped also frequently to listen for any sounds which
+might show us that we had got near the horses.  Dio had been enabled to
+ascertain on which side of the camp they had been turned loose.  Boxer
+kept close at our heels, apparently understanding the danger of our
+expedition.  At length a glare on the leafless boughs of the trees some
+way ahead showed us that we were approaching the camp.  On we crept;
+once more we stopped to listen.  Although I could not distinguish what
+was said, I was satisfied, from the loud and continuous tones, that one
+of the chiefs was addressing his braves, perhaps exciting them to attack
+the fort of the pale-faces.  The rest of the people kept a perfect
+silence while he spoke.  I knew therefore that their attention would be
+absorbed, and that we consequently should have a better chance of
+catching the horses unobserved, than had the people been moving about
+and engaged in the usual occupations of a camp.  Still I did not forget
+that they were habitually on their guard, and might have sentries on the
+watch outside the camp.  We had now to consider in which direction we
+should most probably find the horses.  We might have to make almost a
+circuit of the camp.  I resolved to go to the right, where, as the
+forest was more open than on the other side, there would be a greater
+probability of the animals finding grass.  I touched Dio's arm, and we
+moved away in that direction.  We had already got to the south of the
+camp, when we came to the edge of a glade, in which we could distinguish
+several horses feeding.  Unfortunately, however, but few trees
+intervened between them and the fire, and, should we alarm them, the
+quick eyes of the Indians would probably observe their movements.  It
+was impossible in the dark to distinguish our own animals from the
+others.  We waited, in the hope that they might come near us, and,
+recognising our voices, allow us to mount them; whereas, the Indians'
+horses, knowing us to be strangers, would keep at a distance.  Still it
+was important not to lose time.  The chief might bring his speech to an
+end, and there would be a greater chance of our being discovered.  To my
+satisfaction I saw that the heads of some of the animals were directed
+towards us, and, as they turned up the snow to get at the grass beneath,
+they came nearer and nearer.  I could hear my heart beat with eagerness.
+Presently one of them stopped feeding, and, looking about, gave a low
+whinny, then shuffled forward.  Directly afterwards another, a little
+way behind, did the same, and I felt assured that they were our own
+horses, which had scented us out.
+
+"You catch the first, I'll look after the other," I whispered to Dio;
+"steer for that star appearing above the trees, it will at all events
+take us clear of the forest."
+
+The first horse, from a white patch on his shoulder, I recognised as
+Dio's, and knew that it would readily consent to his mounting.  I had
+little doubt that the other was mine.  We had our knives ready to cut
+the hobbles, the work of a moment.  If we could once mount we should get
+a good start, as the Indians would be delayed in catching their steeds
+and setting their legs at liberty.
+
+"Now is your time," I said to Dio.
+
+We both crept forward on our hands and knees, so that we might perform
+the first necessary operation of cutting the thongs which secured our
+horses' legs, before showing ourselves.  I saw Dio reach his horse,--in
+an instant his sharp knife had set its legs free; following my
+directions, he mounted.  Mine gave another whinny, and came up to me.
+The Indians must have heard the sound, for I saw them start, and several
+who had been seated round the camp-fire sprang to their feet.
+
+"On, Dio, on; I'll follow you in an instant," I cried out, as I worked
+away with my knife; but it was blunter than usual, and I had to make
+several hacks before I could cut through the tough hide.  Ere I had done
+so, Dio, urging on his animal, was already at a considerable distance.
+Whether or not the Indians had discovered him, I could not tell; but
+they must have seen me, for as I rose to my feet, about to mount,
+leaving their camp-fire, they came rushing forward.  I sprang on to my
+horse's back, and pressing my knees into his side, patted him on the
+neck.  "Now, Jack," I cried, "show what you're made of.  Don't let those
+fellows catch us."
+
+The horse, knowing my voice, obeying as if he had understood what I
+said, galloped forward.  I looked ahead, but could nowhere see Dio.  I
+believed that my animal would follow the course of the other horse.  I
+was very certain that in a few moments I should have the whole pack of
+Indians at my heels.  If I could lead them on one side or the other, I
+might give Dio a better chance of escaping.  Brave Boxer kept close to
+me.  I stooped to avoid the boughs under which my horse carried me.  He
+seemed as eager to get away from the Indians as I was.  I could hear
+them shouting and shrieking as they ran to catch their horses.  Several
+arrows whistled over my head, or fell beside me, but they were afraid of
+shooting low, for fear of wounding their own horses, which were between
+me and them.  In another minute, however, I was out of their sight among
+the trees.  Although it was night, there was sufficient light, I feared,
+to enable them to discover my trail.  Not that I thought much about that
+at the time, or anything else but the idea of escaping.  My horse made
+too much noise as he galloped over the crisp ground, to allow me to hear
+whether they had yet mounted, and the only sounds from behind me which
+reached my ears were their shouts.  Presently, however, these ceased,
+and I then knew that they were pursuing either Dio or me.  I had had,
+however, a fair start.  My hope rose high that I should be able to keep
+ahead of my pursuers.  It was important, however, to get out of the wood
+as soon as possible, or they would, by going faster over the ground,
+make their way round, and be ready to meet me as I emerged from it.  A
+narrow glade opened out before me, leading in the direction I wished to
+take; it was formed either by deer or buffalo, who, from constantly
+following the same tracks, are the chief road-makers of the primeval
+forests.  I dashed along it; fortunately neither fallen trunks nor
+stumps impeding my progress.  As may be supposed, I looked out eagerly
+for Dio, and I thought it very possible that I might fall in with him,
+but no signs could I discover of his having passed that way, as the snow
+lay unbroken along the whole path.  I dared not turn my head to
+ascertain whether the Indians had yet entered the opening.  I was
+encouraged, however by believing that they were not better acquainted
+with the country than I was, and that they would have no advantage over
+me in that respect.
+
+It was no easy matter to stick on to the bare back of my horse, and had
+he not gone steadily forward, I could scarcely have done so.  On and on
+I went; if I could continue my course until daylight, I hoped that I
+might get into the neighbourhood of the fort, and perhaps meet with some
+of the garrison out hunting deer or buffalo.  It was a question,
+however, whether my horse would hold out so long.  At present, he was
+behaving beautifully, and showing no signs of flagging.  My earnest
+prayer was that Dio's would behave as well.  As long as the glade was
+level I had little doubt about his keeping up the same pace, but should
+it come uneven, with rocks to pass over, or hills to climb, I feared
+that he might give in.  How many miles I had gone over, I could not
+tell.  The open prairie was at length reached; no Indians had appeared.
+Some way farther on I caught sight of a rocky height against the deep
+blue sky, running directly across my course.  If there was no path
+through it, I must surmount it, and with my tired steed, this would
+cause delay, and probably, should the Indians be pursuing, they would
+catch me up.  The task, however, had to be accomplished; I rode forward;
+it was farther off than I expected, but at length I reached it.  I soon
+found from the way my poor horse went, that I must dismount.
+
+Taking him by the halter, which had served as my bridle, I began to
+climb up over the uneven ground.  On gaining the top, I took one glance
+round and made out some dark objects moving over the plain towards me.
+A shout reached my ears; I had been seen; but my pursuers would have to
+climb up as I had done, and could I reach the bottom in safety I should
+gain on them.  I was well aware that the descent was more difficult and
+dangerous than the ascent.  On I went: to my dismay I came to the edge
+of a precipice; it was of no great depth, but both my horse and I might
+break our legs should we attempt to leap it, though Boxer might have
+performed the operation without danger.  I rode along, hoping to find a
+more practicable path; I had, however, to ascend some distance, and then
+continue along the side of the hill, before the slope was sufficiently
+gradual to permit me again to descend.  I was aware that I had spent
+much precious time in searching for a way down, and that, should I be
+delayed much longer, my enemies would be upon me.  I felt like a person
+in a dreadful dream.  I had got but a short distance down, when I saw
+that, even although I was leading my horse, there would be a great risk
+of our being rolled over.  Still I hurried on, when again a precipice
+yawned before me.  Its depth I could not distinguish.  Once more I led
+my horse upwards, and then continued, as before, along the side of the
+hill.  At length I came to a slope, which, although rough, seemed
+practicable.  I might even ride down it if necessary, but without a
+saddle there was the danger of slipping over the horse's neck.  Boxer,
+as if satisfied that we could get down, sprang forward.  I followed, my
+tired steed slipping down on his haunches.  I had got about half-way to
+the bottom, when I heard a shout, and for a moment looking round, I
+caught sight of the figures of several Indians standing on the brow of
+the hill, their outlines clearly marked against the sky.  The next
+instant a flight of arrows came flying after me.  I heard them strike
+the rocks behind, and on either side.  Others followed, and I felt that
+I was wounded; I hoped, however, but slightly.  It would be better to be
+dashed to pieces than be made a captive, or a target; so, springing on
+my horse's back, I urged him down the steep descent.  Gathering up his
+legs, he dashed forward, while I leant back as much as possible, to
+throw the weight off his shoulders.  How I reached the bottom I could
+scarcely tell.  By this time the dawn had broken, and the daylight was
+rapidly increasing.  It enabled the Indians to see me more clearly, and
+I knew that they would soon be close at my heels.  My poor horse, too,
+was becoming weaker and weaker, although, as he heard my voice, he
+endeavoured to spring forward.  The ground was far more uneven than any
+I had passed over on either side of the hill.  My pursuers' horses,
+however, were probably suffering as much as mine was, but, then, should
+theirs fail them, they might dismount and follow me on foot.
+Notwithstanding this, I had no thought of giving in, and determined,
+should my horse fall, that I would try the speed of my legs.  I could
+run as fast as most Indians, boasting as they do of their swiftness of
+foot.  Some distance before me appeared a wood, bordering a stream: I
+determined to try and gain it, and dismounting, to leave my poor horse
+to his fate, when I would make my way along the bank, and then cross the
+stream, if it was sufficiently shallow to allow me to ford it, so that
+the Indians might possibly lose my trail.  The intermediate ground,
+however, was very rough.  Twice already my horse had stumbled and nearly
+come down on his knees.  Not having a bit in his mouth, I had no power
+to keep him up.  In spite of the difficulties to be surmounted, I had
+hopes that I was once more distancing my pursuers, when my poor steed
+fell.  I was thrown over his head but alighted on my feet.  My first
+impulse was to turn round and help him to rise.  As I did so, I saw the
+Indians coming on, several of them on horseback, but others on foot.
+Although my horse was trembling in every limb, I leaped on his back, and
+with indomitable spirit he sprang forward.  It was but for a few
+minutes; before I could reach the wood he came down again, and I, being
+thrown with far more violence than before to the ground, was almost
+stunned.  I lay for some seconds unable to move.  I could hear the
+shouts of the Indians, as they thought that they had at length secured
+their prey.  Boxer barked furiously in return and ran to my horse to try
+and make him get up, but the poor animal's strength was exhausted.  I,
+too, made an attempt to rise.  It was with difficulty that I could get
+on my feet.  I saw at a glance that my horse could no longer avail me.
+The Indians were advancing with their scalping-knives in their hands; in
+another minute, unless I could escape, I should be in their power.  Life
+was sweet, notwithstanding the pain I suffered from the fall, and from
+the wound I had just received.  Mustering up my remaining strength, I
+turned to fly.  In vain, however, were all my efforts; the Indians came
+on whooping and shrieking; at every bound they were gaining upon me.
+Had I possessed a weapon, I would have fought for my life, but escape by
+flight was impossible.  Their scalping-knives flashed in the rising sun.
+I raised my eyes to take one farewell look, as I supposed, of the blue
+sky above me, and patted the head of my faithful dog, who affectionately
+licked my hands, conscious of the fearful predicament in which we were
+placed, and as if to say, "I am ready to stop and die with you, my
+master."  Had they chosen it, the Indians might have sent a dozen arrows
+into my body, but, although they had their bows in their hands, they
+refrained from shooting.  At that moment, when all hope seemed lost, I
+heard a shout coming from out of the wood behind me, and the words--
+
+"Run for it, friend!"
+
+I did not require a second summons, exerting all my remaining strength,
+I turned and hastened in the direction whence the voice proceeded.  I
+saw two persons with rifles in their hands, one a white man, the other
+an Indian.  The next instant I fell fainting to the ground.  I heard
+loud voices, but no shot was fired.  The white man was addressing the
+Indians, and they replied.  I in vain endeavoured to arouse myself, and
+in a short time became totally unconscious of what was passing around.
+
+When my senses returned, I found myself in a roomy wigwam of birch bark,
+the floor was lined with fine mats, and there were two skin-covered
+couches, besides the one on which I lay.  Several weapons, cooking
+utensils, and other articles, hung to the supports, while round the
+walls were piled up packages of skins.  At my side lay Boxer, looking
+sleek and fat, as if he had recovered from his fatigue and had been well
+cared for.  He and I were the only inmates of the hut.  Though I talked
+to him he could give me no information as to what had happened, or how I
+came to be there.  It was some time, indeed, before I recollected the
+events which had occurred, and I then knew that I was indebted for my
+life to the white hunter I had seen just as the Indians were on the
+point of capturing me.
+
+I dozed off once more after this, when I was aroused by the cool air
+coming in owing to the curtain in front of the tent being drawn aside as
+the hunter entered.  After looking at me for a few seconds, and
+discovering that I was awake; he said in a kind voice, "I am glad to
+find, my young friend, that you have come to yourself.  You'll do well
+now, I've no doubt, but you have had a tough struggle for life, though
+by the way you made your escape from the red-skins I had great hopes
+from the first that you would come off the victor."
+
+"Have I been long here?"  I asked.  "Pray let me get up; I want to get
+to Fort Hamilton, to send the doctor to my mother, who is very ill; and
+if he doesn't go, I am afraid she will die."
+
+"I won't keep you in suspense; the doctor went away the day after you
+were brought here, and I sent word by him that you were safe.  The brave
+black fellow, who managed to reach the fort, after escaping from the
+Indians, took the message, but he considered that you were not fit to be
+moved, and were better off with me than you would be in the crowded
+fort.  To tell you the truth, you've been here six weeks or more, and
+the chances are that you will remain another six weeks."
+
+"I have much to thank you for," I answered, "the news you have given me
+will restore my strength faster than anything else, and I should feel
+still happier if you can tell me that mother benefited by the doctor's
+visit."
+
+"Of that I can assure you, for I way-laid him, and got him to come and
+see you.  He informed me that she is in a fair way of recovery."
+
+I reiterated my thanks to my host.  It was not until he was seated
+before the fire, cooking some venison steaks from a deer he had just
+killed, and the flame fell on his countenance, that, examining it, I
+recognised the white hunter we had met so long before, on our way to
+Smiling Valley.  He had, however, greatly changed since then, and had
+evidently been leading a wild hunter's life, his dress was of skins, and
+except his rifle and hunting traps, and cooking utensils, everything in
+the hut appeared to have been of his own manufacture.
+
+"We have met before," I said, "and I had then to thank you for saving me
+and my companions from the Indians.  Don't you remember me?"
+
+"I recollect the circumstance, though you have altered so much, that I
+did not recognise you," he answered.  He then made inquiries after the
+Dominie, and expressed his satisfaction at hearing of our success at
+Smiling Valley.  "Indeed, I knew that some white people had settled
+there from my Indian friend Kluko, who has been for a long time my firm
+ally, and frequently assisted me to escape from the red-skins.  He will
+be here before long, as he visits me frequently."
+
+I replied that I knew the chief, who had shown his friendly disposition
+towards us, and should be happy to meet him.  I then inquired whether he
+had been eastward since the time of which we were speaking.
+
+"Once, and for the last time," he answered, a shade of melancholy
+passing over his countenance.
+
+Though afraid that I might pain him if I put further questions, my
+curiosity prompted me to inquire what had taken him to the settlements,
+since he appeared wedded to his wild life.
+
+"Your question arouses the recollection of circumstances I have been
+endeavouring to forget.  I had at one time resolved to abandon my
+hunter's life and to return to civilisation.  I married and settled at
+Ohio, but misfortune overtook me, floods destroyed my crops, and all the
+capital I had saved by years of toil was lost.  To regain it I resolved
+once more to plunge into the wilderness, and set off, leaving my wife
+and infant child with her father.  I was as successful as I expected,
+and having realised a considerable sum from the furs I had obtained, I
+returned to the settlement, expecting to find my wife and child with her
+family.  On reaching it, bitter was my disappointment to learn that my
+father-in-law's farm had been destroyed by a fearful fire which raged
+over the country, and that he, taking my wife and child, had set off
+with some of his neighbours to migrate westward.  A report had been
+circulated that I had been killed by the Indians, my wife consequently
+had left no message for me.  Once more I turned my face westward, hoping
+to overtake the train, or to find out where the party had located
+themselves.  In vain I searched for them, but at length had too certain
+evidence that the train had been cut off by Indians, and every person
+belonging to it massacred."
+
+"I am afraid in most respects your information was correct," I observed;
+and I then told him how on our journey we had come up with a train which
+had been destroyed as had the one he spoke of, "though it might not be
+the same," I added, "for one person escaped, a little girl, who told us
+that her name was Lily."
+
+"Lily!" exclaimed the hunter, "that was the name of my child.  Did she
+survive?  Where is she?"
+
+I replied that she had lived with us ever since as my parents' adopted
+daughter.  "Indeed my father and mother and Uncle Denis love her as much
+as they do any one of us," I added.
+
+"Uncle Denis!" repeated the hunter, and he seemed lost in thought.
+
+"Young man," he said at length, "what is your name?"
+
+"Michael Loraine," I answered.
+
+"And your uncle's surname?"
+
+I told him.
+
+"And they are loving and cherishing my Lily?"
+
+"Yes," I replied; "and there is no being an earth I love so well."
+
+For some minutes the hunter was silent, but I saw that he was much
+agitated.  At length he asked, in a low voice, "Have you ever heard your
+uncle or mother speak of a brother, who came over to America with them?"
+
+"Yes!"  I answered, "I was named after him.  They both cherish his
+memory, and I know that Uncle Denis much blames himself for his conduct
+towards him, and would give all he possesses to see him again."
+
+"Are you speaking the truth?" asked the hunter.
+
+"Indeed I am, why should I do otherwise?"  I answered, a suspicion
+rising in my mind of who he was.  "Are you my Uncle Michael?"  I asked,
+looking in his face.  "I am nearly certain that you are, and if so, I am
+confident that my father and mother will rejoice if you will return to
+them, and Lily too; she must be your daughter."
+
+In spite of my anxiety to get well, the winter snows had melted, and the
+trees were once more budding before my long-lost uncle and I were able
+to set forward on our journey.  By means of Kluko he had taken care to
+let my family know of my progress towards recovery, but strange as it
+may appear, he had not informed them who he was, being anxious to do so,
+I suspect, personally.  Kluko had also taken charge of his bales of
+skins and peltries; and the wigwam which had so long served as our abode
+was left for the benefit of any person who might choose to take
+possession of it.
+
+The hunter, for so I will still call him, was unusually nervous as we
+approached "Smiling Valley."  We were nearly in sight of the farm, when
+we saw my father approaching.  I threw myself from my horse and after
+our first greetings were over, I introduced the hunter, as he had
+desired me to do, as the person who had been the means of saving my
+life.
+
+"Now go forward, Mike," he said, for so he had taken to call me; "your
+friends at home will be longing to see you.  I will follow with your
+father."
+
+I bounded on, and was soon receiving the joyous welcomings of the loved
+ones from whom I had been so long parted, while the Dominie almost wrung
+my hand off, as he congratulated me on my return.  Uncle Denis had been
+absent shooting, but he at that moment came in.  I was burning to tell
+them who the stranger was, but having been forbidden to do so, I
+restrained myself.  In a short time, however, my father and his
+companion arrived.  Uncle Denis gazed at the latter for a few seconds.
+
+"Michael!" he exclaimed, and the two brothers rushed in each other's
+arms.
+
+Kathleen and Lily were standing by.  Uncle Michael turned from his
+brother, and gazed at Lily: he advanced towards her.
+
+"I am not mistaken!" he said; "come to my arms, my child; I thought you
+lost with your poor mother, or I should have searched the world over for
+you.  Do not be alarmed, I will not take you from those who have
+cherished you so lovingly."
+
+Lily returned her new-found father's embrace, but it was some time
+before she could recover from her astonishment, which was still further
+increased on finding that he was our Uncle Michael of whom she had so
+often heard.  My father now took him in to see my mother, who was not
+yet well enough to come out of doors.  Dio quickly made his appearance,
+and showed his joy at my return by bursting into tears as he exclaimed--
+
+"Dis nigger just 'bout de happiest man in de 'ole world."
+
+I did not fail to inform my father of the coolness and bravery the black
+had displayed in overcoming his desire to remain with me, and making his
+way to the fort for the sake of bringing assistance to my mother.
+
+It was not the last time that Dio rendered us essential service, as he
+ever remained faithfully attached to my father and family.
+
+My two uncles were not only reconciled, but became as affectionate as
+brothers should be, and before long set off for the settlements, from
+whence they returned with two suitable wives, who proved admirable
+helpmates to them, and kind aunts to us.
+
+Lily ere long became my wife, by which time, thanks to my father's
+assistance, I had a house and farm of my own.
+
+The Dominie, to our great surprise, soon after the arrival of Uncle
+Michael took his departure.
+
+"You'll see me again," he said, with a knowing smile: and so we did, but
+he did not come back alone; he was accompanied by a curious specimen of
+woman-kind, at least so we thought her at first, but she proved of
+sterling worth, and made the Dominie an excellent wife and became the
+mother of several sturdy sons and daughters.
+
+Other settlers pitched their tents in the neighbourhood of Smiling
+Valley, and at length a large and flourishing community was gathered
+round us, well able to resist any attack which hostile Indians might
+have made on the settlement.  Most of the tribes in the vicinity
+however, had long before buried the war-hatchet, and we and they dwelt
+at peace.  Years have passed away since the time of which I have been
+speaking, but Lily and I often talk over the adventures of our younger
+days, and, as we narrate them to our children, we lift up our hearts in
+gratitude to Him who preserved us from all dangers and has showered so
+many blessings on our heads.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+People often ask what is the moral of the tale.  As far as my narrative
+is concerned I did not write it with the idea of evolving a moral, but I
+can say that, if it contains one, it is this: "Trust God--do your duty
+in His sight, and leave all else to Him."
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of With Axe and Rifle, by W.H.G. Kingston
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WITH AXE AND RIFLE ***
+
+***** This file should be named 21449.txt or 21449.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/1/4/4/21449/
+
+Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.