Initial commit of ebook 77515 filesHEAD main

author: www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> 2025-12-20 20:29:10 -0800
committer: www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> 2025-12-20 20:29:10 -0800
commit: efcbe967de57a7cccb77a87159b82a1d57a5d9dd (patch)
tree: 44889891427acd855686a7731522854fa6dae32a /77515-h
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+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77515 ***</div>
+
+
+<figure class="figcenter x-ebookmaker-drop" id="cover_sm">
+  <img class="x-ebookmaker-drop" src="images/cover_sm.jpg" alt="book cover" title="book cover">
+</figure>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p class="noi halftitle">THE WOODRANGER</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<figure class="figcenter" id="i_frontispiece">
+  <img src="images/i_frontispiece.jpg" alt="" title="">
+  <figcaption>
+      <p class="noic"><a href="#Page_75">“‘I’M UNDER OATH.’”</a></p>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<h1 class="nobreak">THE WOODRANGER</h1>
+
+<p class="noi smcap subtitle">A Story of the Pioneers of the Debatable
+Grounds</p>
+
+<p class="p2 noic">BY</p>
+
+<p class="noi author">G. WALDO BROWNE</p>
+
+<p class="noi works">AUTHOR OF<br>
+“TWO AMERICAN BOYS IN
+HAWAII,” ETC.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 noic oldenglish">Illustrated by</p>
+
+<p class="noi author">L. J. BRIDGMAN</p>
+
+<p class="p4 noic">NEW YORK<br>
+A. WESSELS COMPANY<br>
+1907</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p class="noic"><i>Copyright, 1899</i></p>
+
+<p class="noic smcap">By L. C. Page and Company</p>
+
+<p class="noi works">(Incorporated)</p>
+
+<p class="noic"><i>All rights reserved</i></p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p class="noic">TO</p>
+
+<p class="noi author oldenglish">Norman Stanley Browne</p>
+
+<p class="noic">MY MERRY LITTLE SON<br>
+HOPING IT WILL INTEREST AND INSTRUCT HIM<br>
+THIS VOLUME IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<table>
+<colgroup>
+  <col style="width: 20%;">
+  <col style="width: 70%;">
+  <col style="width: 10%;">
+</colgroup>
+<tr>
+  <th class="pr smfontr">CHAPTER</th>
+  <th class="tdl"></th>
+  <th class="smfontr">PAGE</th>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">&#160;</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#INTRODUCTION">Introduction</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">7</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">I.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">The Deer’s Leap</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">11</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">II.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">The Woodranger and the Deer Reeve</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">16</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">III.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">Norman Meets His Enemy</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">23</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">IV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">A Perilous Predicament</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">30</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">V.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Johnny Stark</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">43</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">VI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">The Man Who Knew It All</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">53</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">VII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Norman’s Trial</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">63</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">VIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">End of the Trial</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">75</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">IX.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">The Shooting-match</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">84</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">X.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">An Alarm</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">97</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">A Fiery Girdle</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">103</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Bad News at Home</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">112</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">The Honour of the McNiels</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">119</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XIV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">Norman Works in a Stump-field</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">126</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">Hanging a Bear</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">139</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XVI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">Gunwad Takes Decisive Action</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">149</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XVII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">The Canoe Match</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">163</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XVIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">The Fall Hunt</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">180</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XIX.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">Deer Neck</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">188</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XX.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">The Cry for Help</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">196</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXI.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span></td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">A Peculiar Predicament</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">202</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">The Gun-shot</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">209</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">The Forest Tragedy</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">215</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXIV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Bear’s Claws—The Turkey Train</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">221</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">The Place of the Big Buck</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">229</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXVI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">Around the Camp-fire</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">234</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXVII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">“Creeping” the Moose</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">242</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXVIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">The Battle of the Monarchs</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">250</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXIX.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">Test Shots—The Snow-storm</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">255</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXX.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">The Burning of Christo’s Wigwam</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">262</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXXI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">The Woodranger Surprises Mr. MacDonald</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">270</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXXII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Zack Bitlock’s Deer</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">278</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXXIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">Raising the Meeting-house</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">286</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXXIV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">The Freshet</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">294</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXXV.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">The Woodranger’s Secret</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">300</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXXVI.</td>
+  <td class="tdl smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">The Turning of the Tide</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">308</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="ILLUSTRATIONS">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<table>
+<colgroup>
+  <col style="width: 90%;">
+  <col style="width: 10%;">
+</colgroup>
+<tr>
+  <th class="smfontr">&#160;</th>
+  <th class="smfontr">PAGE</th>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdl hang smcap"><a href="#i_frontispiece">“‘I’m Under Oath’”</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb"><i>Frontispiece</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdl hang smcap"><a href="#i_fp014">“The Deer Sprang Out over the Dizzy Brink”</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">15</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdl hang smcap"><a href="#i_fp144">“Archie Improved His Opportunity to Drop
+the Noose over Her Head”</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">144</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdl hang smcap"><a href="#i_fp278">“His Right Arm Moved Slowly To and Fro”</a></td>
+  <td class="tdrb">278</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="INTRODUCTION">
+    INTRODUCTION.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>In order to understand the scenes about to be
+described, it is necessary to take a hasty glance at
+the general situation in 1740 of the colonists in the
+vicinity of the Merrimack River. It should be borne
+in mind that New England was only a narrow strip
+of country along the seacoast, and was divided into
+four provinces,—Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts,
+and New Hampshire.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately for the welfare of the pioneers in
+the last-named province, the boundary line between
+New Hampshire and Massachusetts was a matter
+of dispute for nearly a hundred years. The difference
+had arisen from a misconception at the outset
+in regard to the source of the Merrimack River,
+which was believed by its early discoverers and
+explorers to rise in the west and follow an easterly
+course to the ocean. Accordingly, the province of
+Massachusetts claimed not only all of the land to
+the southwest of the other province, but a strip
+three miles wide along the east bank of the stream
+to its supposed source in the great lake (Winnepesaukee),
+including not only the debatable
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span>ground of Namaske, but a tract of country to its
+south and east, called the “Chestnut Country,” on
+account of the large number of those trees growing
+there.</p>
+
+<p>In 1719 a part of this territory was settled by a
+party of colonists from the north of Ireland, known
+as Scotch-Irish, from their having previously emigrated
+to that country from Scotland. These settlers,
+who called their new town first Nutfield and then
+Londonderry, in honour of the county from whence
+they had come, supposed that the deeds and grants
+which they had received from the province of New
+Hampshire would allow them to hold the debatable
+ground. They were upright, courageous men and
+women, but were rigid Presbyterians, and for this
+reason met with little favour from their equally
+austere Puritan neighbours from Massachusetts.</p>
+
+<p>In order to colonise the disputed territory, Massachusetts
+at about this time began a system of granting
+lands as a reward for meritorious service in
+fighting the Indians, and among others was a grant
+to the survivors of the famous “Snow Shoe Expedition”
+of the tract of land below Namaske Falls,
+which had gained the disreputable name of Old
+Harrytown. The leader of the expedition, Captain
+Tyng, was dead, but in honour of him the new town
+was named Tyng Township.</p>
+
+<p>In one respect the settlers of Tyng Township were
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span>fortunate. They arrived during one of those transitory
+intervals of comparative peace, which came and
+went during the long and sanguinary struggle with
+the Indians like flashes of sunlight on a stormy
+day. In 1725, following several victories of the
+whites over their savage enemies, foremost of which
+was Lovewell’s fight, the chief of the Abnaki Indians,
+then the leading tribe in New England, signed a
+treaty of peace at Boston. This treaty was not
+broken until 1744, and the whole history of Tyng
+Township is included within these two dates.</p>
+
+<p>As stated above, some of the Scotch-Irish, under
+grants from New Hampshire, had already settled in
+the territory granted by Massachusetts to Tyng’s
+men, and an intense rivalry at once sprang up between
+the settlements. The English were determined
+and aggressive, the Scotch stubborn and
+ready to fight to the bitter end for what they considered
+their rights, and before long both sides were
+ready to resort to arms the moment an overt act of
+their rivals should seem to call for such measures.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+  <span class="smcap">G. Waldo Browne.</span>
+</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span></p>
+
+<p class="noi title">THE WOODRANGER.</p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I">
+    CHAPTER I.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE DEER’S LEAP.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>As the distant baying of a hound broke like a discordant
+note upon the quiet of the summer afternoon,
+a youth sprang upright on the pinnacle of a cliff
+which reared its bald head above the surrounding
+forest, and listened for a repetition of the unexpected
+alarm.</p>
+
+<p>The young listener presented a striking figure,
+the strong physique of limb and body brought into
+bold relief against the sky, and each feature clearly
+outlined, as he gazed into space. He was in his
+nineteenth year, above the medium height, but so
+symmetrical in form that he did not look out of
+proportion. His high cheek-bones, clear blue eyes,
+straight nose, well-curved chin, and firm-set mouth
+showed the characteristics of the Lowland sons of
+old Scotland. His name was Norman McNiel.</p>
+
+<p>For nearly an hour he had lain there on the summit
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span>of Rock Rimmon, gazing in a dreamy way over
+the broad panorama of wilderness, while his mind
+carried him back across the stormy sea to his early
+home in Northern Ireland, which he had left a
+year before to come to this country with his young
+foster-sister Rilma and their aged grandfather, Robert
+MacDonald, last of the noted MacDonalds of
+Glencoe.</p>
+
+<p>“It was Archer’s bark!” he exclaimed. “He
+must have followed me, and now has started a deer
+from its favourite haunt in Cedar Swamp. Hark!
+there he sounds his warning again, and never bugle
+of bold clansman rang clearer over the braes o’
+bonny Scotland. He is coming this way! Forsooth!
+A bonny hunter am I with not a grain of
+powder in my horn, and the last bullet sent on a
+fruitless errand after a wild bird. A pretty kettle of
+fish is this for a McNiel!”</p>
+
+<p>Another cry from the hound at that moment,
+clearer, louder, nearer, held his entire attention, and
+sent the warm blood tingling through his veins.
+Far and wide over the valley rang the deep bass
+baying of the hound, the wooded hills on either side
+catching up the wild sound, and flinging it back and
+forth, until it seemed as if a dozen dogs were on
+the heels of some poor hunted victim.</p>
+
+<p>The chase continued to draw swiftly nearer and
+nearer. As if the race had become too earnest for
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span>it to keep up its running outcries, only an occasional
+short, sharp cry came from the hound. Soon this
+too ceased, and Norman was beginning to fear the
+chase was taking another course, when the sharp
+report of a firearm awoke the silence.</p>
+
+<p>A howl from the hound quickly followed, while
+this was succeeded by a more pitiful cry, and the
+furious crashing of bodies plunging headlong through
+the thick undergrowth.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately succeeding the renewed baying of the
+hound, Norman became aware of the sound of some
+one pushing his way rapidly through the growth off
+to his right, and at an acute angle to the course
+being taken by the deer. The next moment he was
+surprised to see a human figure burst into the opening
+at the lower end of the cliff, apparently making
+for the summit of Rock Rimmon. His surprise was
+heightened by a second discovery swiftly following
+the first. The newcomer was an Indian, carrying
+in his hand the gun with which he had shot at the
+deer.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing Norman, instead of approaching any nearer
+the cliff, the red man abruptly changed his course,
+disappearing the next moment in the forest with the
+Indian’s peculiar loping gait.</p>
+
+<p>“Christo, the last of the Pennacooks!” exclaimed
+Norman. “It was he who fired the shot. I—”</p>
+
+<p>He was cut short in the midst of his speculation
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span>by the sudden appearance of the hunted deer on the
+opposite side of the clearing.</p>
+
+<p>Though Rock Rimmon has a sheer descent of
+nearly a hundred feet on the south, its ascent is so
+gradual on the north as to make it an easy feat to
+reach its top. A growth of stunted pitch-pines
+grew to within fifty yards of Norman’s standing
+place. The ledge was covered with moss in spots,
+while here and there a scrubby oak found a precarious
+living.</p>
+
+<p>Although expecting to get a sight of the deer, as
+he imagined the fugitive to be, Norman was still
+considerably surprised to see the hunted creature
+bound out from the matted pines, and leap straight
+up the rocky pathway! Close upon its heels followed
+the hound, no longer keeping up its resonant
+baying.</p>
+
+<p>The fugitive deer seemed to have a purpose in
+pursuing this narrow course, as it might have turned
+slightly to the right or left, and escaped its inevitable
+fate on the cliff. The large, lustrous eyes, glancing
+wildly around, saw nothing clearly. The blood was
+flowing freely from its panting sides, and it was evident
+its strength was nearly spent. To Norman, who
+had seen but a few of its kind, there was a human
+expression in the soft light of its great, mournful
+eye, and intuitively he shrank back, as he saw the
+doomed creature approaching.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span></p>
+
+<p>In its fatal alarm the terrified animal had not seen
+him. In fact it seemed to see nothing in its pathway,—not
+even the precipice cutting off further
+retreat. As if preferring death by a mad leap over
+the chasm, it sped to the very brink without checking
+the speed of its flying feet! Norman held his
+breath with a feeling of horror at the inevitable fate
+of the poor creature. The hound, as if realising the
+desperate strait to which it had driven its prey,
+stopped. Then, with a last mournful glance backward,
+and a sharp cry of pain and despair, <a href="#i_fp014">the deer
+sprang out over the dizzy brink</a>, its beautiful form
+sinking swiftly upon the stony earth at the foot of
+Rock Rimmon!</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="i_fp014">
+  <img src="images/i_fp014.jpg" alt="" title="">
+  <figcaption>
+      <p class="noic"><a href="#Page_15">“THE DEER SPRANG OUT OVER THE DIZZY BRINK.”</a></p>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">
+    CHAPTER II.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE WOODRANGER AND THE DEER REEVE.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>So sudden and strange was the leap to death of
+the hunted deer, that Norman McNiel stood for a
+moment stupefied by a sense of horror at the strange
+sight. The hound, a magnificent animal, as if sharing
+its master’s feeling with an added shame for the
+part it had taken in the matter, crept to his side,
+and sank silently upon the rock at his feet.</p>
+
+<p>“He escaped you, Archer,” said the young master,
+patting the dog on its head, “and me, too, for
+that matter. But I cannot see that either was to
+blame. The poor creature met his fate bravely.”</p>
+
+<p>Then, to satisfy himself that the deer was really
+killed, he approached to the extremity of the cliff,
+and peered into the depths below. He discovered,
+at his first glance, the mutilated form of the creature.
+There could be no doubt of its death. The sound
+of footsteps at that instant arrested his attention.
+Looking from the shapeless body of the deer, he
+saw two men pushing their way through the dense
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span>growth skirting the bit of clearing at the foot of
+the ledge.</p>
+
+<p>The foremost of the newcomers was an entire
+stranger to him, though he guessed that he belonged
+to the Tyng colonists, who had settled below the
+falls. He wore a suit of clothes made from the
+coarse homespun cloth so common among the Massachusetts
+men, and his firearm was of the English
+pattern usually carried by them. He was not much,
+if any, over thirty years of age, with a countenance
+robbed of its slight share of good looks by a stubble
+of reddish beard.</p>
+
+<p>His companion, whom Norman remembered as
+having seen once or twice the previous season, was
+several years the senior of the other, and of altogether
+different appearance. He was clad in a well-worn
+suit of buckskin, the frills on the leggins badly
+frayed from long contact with the briars and brushwood
+of the forest. His feet were encased in a pair
+of Indian moccasins, while he wore on his head a
+cap of fox skin, with the tail of the animal hanging
+down to the back of his neck. Though bronzed
+by long exposure to the summer sun and winter
+wind, scarred by wounds, and rendered shaggy by its
+untrimmed beard, his face bore that stamp of frank,
+honest simplicity which was sure to win for the
+man the respect and confidence of those he met.
+The silver streaks in the hair falling in profusion
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span>about his neck told that he was passing the prime
+of life. Still there was great strength in the long,
+muscular limbs, and, while he moved generally with
+a slow, shuffling gait, he was capable of astonishing
+swiftness of movement whenever it was called for.</p>
+
+<p>He showed his natural instinct as a woodsman by
+the noiseless way in which he emerged from the
+forest, in marked contrast to the slouching steps of
+his companion. Stuck in his belt could be seen the
+handle of a serviceable knife, while he carried a
+heavy, long-barrelled rifle of a pattern unknown in
+this vicinity at that time. The weapon showed that
+it had seen long and hard service.</p>
+
+<p>Norman was about to speak to him, when the
+other exclaimed, in the tone of one announcing an
+important discovery:</p>
+
+<p>“Look there, Woodranger! if you want to believe
+me. It’s the critter that got the shot we heerd, and
+it’s a deer as I told ye. A shot out o’ season, too,
+mind ye, Woodranger. Ef I could clap my eyes on
+the fool he’d walk to Chelmsford with me to-morrer,
+or I ain’t deer reeve o’ this grant o’ Tyng Township,
+honourably and discreetly ’p’inted by the Gineral
+Court o’ the Province o’ Massachusetts.”</p>
+
+<p>“It seems to me, Gunwad,” said his companion,
+speaking in a more deliberate tone, as he advanced
+to the deer’s mutilated form, “that the creetur must
+have taken a powerful tumble over the rock hyur.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span>I reckon a jump off’n Rock Rimmon would be nigh
+’bout enough to stop the breath o’ most any deer.”</p>
+
+<p>“What made the deer jump off’n the rock, Woodranger?
+It was thet air dog at its heels! And ef
+there ain’t a hunk o’ lead in the critter big ernough
+to send the man thet fired it to Chelmsford I’ll eat
+the carcass, hoofs, horns, and, hide.”</p>
+
+<p>With these words he bent over the still warm
+body of the deer, and began a diligent search for
+some sign of the wound supposed to have been made
+by the shot.</p>
+
+<p>Woodranger dropped the butt of his rifle upon the
+ground, and stood leaning on its muzzle, while he
+watched with curious interest the proceeding of his
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>Gunwad’s search was not made in vain, for a minute
+later he held up between the thumb and forefinger
+of his left hand, which was reeking with blood
+from its contact with the dead deer, the bullet he
+had hoped to find.</p>
+
+<p>“What do you think of it now?” he demanded,
+showing by his tone and manner that he was highly
+pleased with his discovery. “What do ye call
+thet?”</p>
+
+<p>“I suppose it would require no great knowledge
+o’ warfare to pronounce it a bullet,—leastways a
+pellet o’ lead fit for the weepon o’ a red. It was
+never the bullet o’ a white man’s gun. But that
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span>does not enter into the question. That bullet was
+not the death o’ this deer.”</p>
+
+<p>“You’re talking at random now. Mebbe it didn’t
+kill the deer, but ef the dog hadn’t driven the critter
+over the rock, thet lead would hev fixed it for
+salting.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m not so sure o’ that, friend Gunwad. If
+you’ll look a leetle cluser you’ll see that the bullet
+didn’t touch any vital. It sort o’ slewed up’ards and
+side—”</p>
+
+<p>“Much has thet got to do erbout it!” broke in
+Gunwad, beginning to show anger. “I shall begin to
+think ye air consarned in the matter. Fust ye say
+it wasn’t the bullit o’ a white man, and I should like
+to know what cause ye hev for saying thet.”</p>
+
+<p>“It was never run by any mould,” replied Woodranger,
+calmly, as he took the bullet in his hand; “it
+was hammered out.”</p>
+
+<p>“Say!” exclaimed Gunwad, suddenly changing
+the drift of the conversation, “Ye’re a sharp one,
+Woodranger. They say ye’re the best guide and
+Injun trailer in the two provinces. Help me fasten
+this bizness on that Injun at the Falls, and I’ll gin ye
+the best pair o’ beaver skins ye ever sot eyes on for
+years.”</p>
+
+<p>“You mean Christo,” said the other.</p>
+
+<p>“I reckon he’s the only red left in these parts,
+and ’arly riddance to him! Jess show thet is an
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span>Injun bullit, and I’ve settled his ’count, sure’s one
+and one make two.”</p>
+
+<p>“That savours too much o’ wanton killing, Gunwad.
+I ain’t no special grudge ag’in this Christo,
+though it may be I have leetle fellowship for the
+race. There be honest men, for all I can say, among
+the dusky-skins, and Christo may be one o’ ’em. At
+any rate till I ketch him in red devilryment I’m not
+going to condemn him. Ah, Gunwad, I ’low I live
+by the chase, and if I do say it, who has no designment
+to boast o’ the simple knack o’ drawing bead
+on wildcat or painter, bear or stag, Old Danger
+never barks at the same creetur but once; but he
+never spits fire in the face o’ any creetur that can’t
+do more good by dying than living.”</p>
+
+<p>“Look here, Woodranger!” exclaimed Gunwad,
+impatiently, “I can see through yer logic. Ye air
+ag’in this law o’ protecting deer.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m ag’in the law that’s ag’in man. ’Tain’t natur
+to fill the woods with game, and then blaze the trees
+with notices not to tech a creetur. Mind you, I’m
+ag’in wanton killing, and him don’t live as can say I
+ever drew bead on a deer out o’ pure malice. I have
+noticed that it’s the same chaps as makes these laws
+as are the ones to resort to wanton destruction. To
+kill jess for the fun o’ killing is wanton. It is the
+great law o’ natur for one kind to war on another,
+the strong on the weak, from the biggest brute to
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span>the smallest worm, and man wars on ’em all. If he
+must do so, let there be as much fairness as is consistent
+with human natur. No, I’m not a liker o’
+the law that professes to defend the helpless, but
+does it so the wanton slayer can get his glut o’
+slaughter in a fall’s hunt. I—”</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger might have continued his rude
+philosophy much longer had not a movement of the
+hound on the cliff attracted their attention, and both
+men glanced upward to see, with surprise, Norman
+McNiel looking quietly down upon them.</p>
+
+<p>“Hilloa!” exclaimed Gunwad, divining the situation
+at once, “here is the deer slayer, or I’m a fool.
+Stand where ye air, youngster!” raising his gun to
+his shoulder, as he spoke.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">
+    CHAPTER III.
+    <br>
+    <small>NORMAN MEETS HIS ENEMY.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>“Don’t make any wanton move,” warned Woodranger.
+“If I’m not mistaken the younker is one o’
+the Scotch settlers on the river, and he’s a likely lad,
+or I’m no jedge o’ human natur’.”</p>
+
+<p>“I jess want him to know he ain’t going to play
+Injun with me,” replied Gunwad. Then, speaking
+in a louder key to Norman, he said:</p>
+
+<p>“Climb down hyur, youngster, and see thet ye air
+spry erbout it, for I don’t think o’ spending the
+night in these woods.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will be with you in a moment,” said Norman,
+starting toward the west end of the cliff, where he
+could descend with comparative ease. He had overheard
+enough to understand that Gunwad would
+prove no friend to him, though he did not realise the
+deer reeve’s full intent.</p>
+
+<p>“One o’ ’em condemned furriners!” muttered Gunwad.
+“I’d as soon snap him up as thet copper-skin.
+Hi, there, youngster! be keerful how ye handle thet
+shooting-iron,” as Norman inadvertently lifted the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span>weapon toward his shoulder in trying to avoid a
+bush.</p>
+
+<p>“You have nothing to fear, as it isn’t loaded.
+I—”</p>
+
+<p>“Isn’t loaded, eh?” demanded the deer reeve.
+“Let me take it.”</p>
+
+<p>Norman handed him the firearm, as requested,
+and then turned to look at Woodranger, who was
+watching the scene in silence, with a look in his blue
+eyes that it was difficult to read.</p>
+
+<p>“I reckon I’ve got all the evidence I shall need,”
+said Gunwad, after hastily examining the gun.
+“You’ll need to go with me to Chelmsford, youngster,
+to answer the grave charge of shooting deer
+out o’ season. It’ll only cost ye ten pounds,
+or forty days’ work for the province. Better have
+waited ernother day afore ye took yer leetle hunt!”</p>
+
+<p>“I have shot no deer, sir,” replied Norman.
+“Neither have I hunted deer.”</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t make yer case enny wuss by trying to lie
+out o’ it. The circumstances air all ag’in ye. Air
+ye coming erlong quiet like, or shall I hev to call on
+Woodranger to help me?”</p>
+
+<p>“Where are you going to take me?” asked
+Norman, feeling his first real alarm. “Grandfather
+will be worried about me if I go away without telling
+him—”</p>
+
+<p>“Old man will be worrited, eh? O’ all the oxcuses
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span>to git out’n a bad fix thet’s the tarnalest.
+D’ye hear thet, Woodranger?”</p>
+
+<p>Nettled by the words, Norman showed some of
+the spirit of the McNiels, exclaiming sharply:</p>
+
+<p>“Sir, I have hunted no deer, shot no deer, and
+there is no reason why you should make me prisoner.
+I have transgressed no law, as far as I know.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ignerance is no excuse for breaking a law,
+youngster. The facts air all ag’in ye. Ain’t this
+yer dog? and weren’t he chasing thet deer?”</p>
+
+<p>“He was chasing the deer, but surely you do not
+blame the hound for doing what his natural instinct
+told him to do? To him all seasons are as one, and
+the laws of man unknown.”</p>
+
+<p>“A good p’int, lad,” said Woodranger, speaking
+for the first time since Norman had reached the foot
+of the cliff.</p>
+
+<p>“But it does not clear yer frills from the law
+made by honourable law-makers and sanctioned by
+good King George,” retorted Gunwad, angrily.
+“Ye ’low yer dog was chasing the deer?”</p>
+
+<p>“I have not said he was my dog, sir. He came
+to my house about a week ago and would stay with
+us. I—”</p>
+
+<p>“’Mounts to the same as if he wus yers. I s’pose
+ye deny this is yer gun and thet it’s as empty as a
+last year’s nutshell?”</p>
+
+<p>“The gun is mine, sir, and it is empty because I
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span>wasted my ammunition on a hawk an hour since. I
+had no more powder with me.”</p>
+
+<p>“A story jess erbout in keeping with the other.
+Afore ye take up lying fer a bizness I should ’vise
+ye to do a leetle practising. But I hev got evidence
+ernough, so kem erlong without enny more palaver.”</p>
+
+<p>Norman saw that it would be useless to remonstrate
+with the obstinate deer reeve, and he began to
+realise that he might have serious trouble with him
+before he could convince him and his friends of his
+innocence. Accordingly he hesitated before he
+said:</p>
+
+<p>“I am innocent of this charge, sir, but if you will
+allow me to go home and tell sister and grandfather—”</p>
+
+<p>“Go home!” again broke in Gunwad, who had
+no respect for another’s feelings. “If thet ain’t the
+coolest thing I ever heerd of. I s’pose ye think I’m
+innercent ernough to let ye take yer own way o’
+going to Chelmsford to answer to the grave charge
+o’ shooting deer out o’ season. Did ye ever
+see the match o’ thet consarned audacity, Woodranger?”</p>
+
+<p>“It seems ag’in reason for me to think the lad
+means to play you double, Gunwad,” said the Woodranger,
+deliberately. “It seems too bad to put the
+lad to this inconvanience. I ’low, down ’mong ’em
+strangers it’ll be a purty sharp amazement for him
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span>to prove his innercence, but the lad’s tongue tells a
+purty straight story. I disbelieve he was consarned
+in the killing o’ the deer.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, ho! so thet’s the way the stick floats with
+ye, Woodranger? Mebbe ye know crossways, but
+Captain Blanchard has the name o’ being square and
+erbove board in his dealings. Ye can go down ef ye
+wanter, jess to show thet the deer jumped off’n the
+rock o’ its own free will. Ha, ha! thet’s a kink fer
+ye to straighten.”</p>
+
+<p>“It would be easier done ’cording to my string o’
+knots, than to fairly prove the lad was to blame for
+its killing. I’ve heerd o’ deer jumping off’n sich
+places out o’ a pure wish to end their days. Up
+north, some years sence, I see, myself, an old sick
+buck march plumb down and sort o’ throw hisself
+over a cliff o’ rock, where the leetle life left in him was
+knocked flat. I was laying in ambushment for him,
+but seeing the creetur’s intentions I jess waited to
+see what he would do. As I have said afore, I do
+not believe in wanton killing, and deer, ’cording to
+my mind, is next to the human family. This air
+rock has peculiar ’tractions for the low-spirited, and
+ther’ are them as say the ghost o’ poor Rimmon
+haunts the place, and it ain’t so onreasonable in the
+light o’ some other things.”</p>
+
+<p>Woodranger’s speech had reference to the legend
+current among the Indians that a daughter of the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span>mighty chief of the North, Chicorua, once fell in
+love with a Pennacook brave; but her dusky lover
+proved recreant to Rimmon, as the maiden was
+called, and she, unable to credit the stories told of
+her betrothed, sought this locality by stealth to learn
+if reports were true concerning him. Alas for her
+hopes! she was soon only too well satisfied of their
+truthfulness, and, rather than return to her home,
+in her grief and disappointment, she courted death
+by leaping from this high rock. Hence the name
+Rock Rimmon.</p>
+
+<p>“How long has it been sence the Indian killer
+turned philosopher and begun to preach?” demanded
+Gunwad, whose coarse nature failed to appreciate
+the sentiments of his companion.</p>
+
+<p>“Let’s see,” said Woodranger, ignoring the other’s
+sneering words, “the law ag’in killing deer will be
+off afore you get the lad tried. If I remember right
+it was to last from the first day o’ January to the
+first day o’ August, and it being now nigh about six
+o’clock on the last day o’ July, there are only six
+hours or so left—”</p>
+
+<p>“What difference does thet make?” cried Gunwad,
+with increasing anger. “Ef ye keep me hyur
+till to-morrow morning it’ll be the same. But I ain’t
+trying the youngster. Ef he’ll kem erlong Squire
+Blanchard will settle his ’count.”</p>
+
+<p>“And give you half the fine, I s’pose,” continued
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span>the imperturbable Woodranger, with his accustomed
+moderation.</p>
+
+<p>“I shall ’arn it!” snapped the other. “But it’s
+ye making me more trubble than he, Woodranger.”</p>
+
+<p>“I have a plan by which I may be able to more
+than even things with you, Gunwad, as bad as I have
+been. What time will you start for Chelmsford in
+the morning?”</p>
+
+<p>“An hour erfore sunup.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where do you think o’ taking the lad to-night?”</p>
+
+<p>“Down to Shepley’s.”</p>
+
+<p>“He’s away, and the women folks might object to
+having a deer slayer in the house.”</p>
+
+<p>“I shall stay with him.”</p>
+
+<p>“They might object to you, too! But that ain’t
+neither here nor there. I reckon the lad’s folks are
+going to be greatly consarned over his disappearance,
+so I have been thinking it would be better to let him
+go home now.”</p>
+
+<p>Gunwad was about to utter an angry speech, when
+the three were startled by the ringing note of a bugle
+sounding sharply on the still afternoon air. The
+first peal had barely died away before it was followed
+by two others in rapid succession, louder,
+clearer, and more prolonged each time.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s grandfather!” exclaimed Norman, excitedly.
+“There is something wrong at home.”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">
+    CHAPTER IV.
+    <br>
+    <small>A PERILOUS PREDICAMENT.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>“If I should agree to answer for the lad’s being
+on hand to-morrow morning an hour afore sunup,
+would you let him go home till then?” asked Woodranger,
+the calmest one of the three, continuing the
+subject in his mind as if no interruption had occurred.</p>
+
+<p>As a matter of fact, Gunwad had been puzzling
+himself over the best method to adopt in order to
+keep his prisoner safely until he could deliver him
+over to the proper authorities. Of a cowardly,
+treacherous nature, he naturally had little confidence
+in others. He believed the youthful captive to be
+a dangerous person, knowing well the valour of the
+McNiels, though he would not have acknowledged
+to any one that he feared him. Woodranger’s proposition
+offered a way out of his dilemma without
+compromising himself, in case it should fail. Accordingly
+he asked, with an eagerness the woodsman
+did not fail to observe:</p>
+
+<p>“Would ye dare take the risk, Woodranger?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span></p>
+
+<p>“In season and out I have a knack o’ following
+my words like a deerhound on the track o’ a stag.”</p>
+
+<p>“I know it, Woodranger, so I hope ye won’t
+harbour enny feeling fer my question. Ef ye say
+ye’ll hev the youngster on hand at Shepley’s at
+sunrise, I shall let him be in yer hands. But, mind
+ye, I shall look to ye fer my divvy in the reward if
+he’s not on hand.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will walk along with you, lad,” said the Woodranger,
+without replying to Gunwad, who remained
+watching them as they started away, muttering
+under his breath:</p>
+
+<p>“I s’pose it’s risky to let the youngster off in his
+care. Twenty-four dollars ain’t to be picked up in
+these sand-banks every day, and I’m sure of it if
+I get the leetle fool to Chelmsford. It’s a pity to
+let sich a good fat deer go to waste, and I’ve a mind
+to help myself to as much meat as I can carry off.
+It’s no harm, seeing the killing is done, and I had
+no hand in it.”</p>
+
+<p>Glancing back as they were losing sight of Rock
+Rimmon, the Woodranger saw the deer reeve carrying
+out his intention, and laughed in his silent way.</p>
+
+<p>Norman was not only willing but glad to have the
+company of the woodsman, whose fame he had heard
+so often mentioned by the settlers. As soon as they
+were beyond the hearing of Gunwad, he thanked his
+companion for his kindly intervention.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I have nary desire for you to mention it, lad.
+But if you don’t mind, you may tell me what you
+can of this deer killing. It may be only a concait o’
+mine, but my sarvices may be desirable afore you
+get out’n this affair. In that case it might be well
+for me to know the full particulars.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are very kind, Mr.—Mr.—”</p>
+
+<p>“You may call me Woodranger, as the rest do.
+Time may have been when I had another name,
+but this one suits me best now. If you have been
+in these parts very long, you may have heard
+of me, though I trust not through any malicious
+person. I ’low none o’ us are above having enemies.
+But I can see that you are anxious to get home, so
+tell me in a few words all you can about the deer.”</p>
+
+<p>“There is really little to tell, Mr. Woodranger.
+I was lying on the top of Rock Rimmon when I
+heard Archer bark, and I felt sure he had started
+a deer near Cedar Swamp. Soon after, I heard some
+one fire a gun. A moment later I saw Christo, the
+friendly Indian, coming toward the cliff, but at sight
+of me he turned and went the other way.”</p>
+
+<p>“So it was, as I thought, Christo who shot the
+deer. I’m sorry for that. The poor fellow has
+enough to answer for to pacify those who are determined
+to persecute him, simply because he is
+a red man. As if it was not enough to see the last
+foot o’ territory belonging to his race stripped from
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span>his tribe, and the last o’ his people driven off like
+leaves before an autumn wind.”</p>
+
+<p>This speech, coming from one whom he had heard
+of as an Indian fighter, seemed so strange to Norman
+that he exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>“So you are a friend to the Indians! I supposed
+you hated them.”</p>
+
+<p>“We are all God’s critters, lad, and I hate not
+even the lowest. Though it has been my fortune to
+be pitted ag’inst the dusky varmints in some clus
+quarters, I never drew bead on an Injun with a
+wanton thought. Mebbe on sich ’casions as Lovewell’s
+fight, where the blood of white and red ran
+ankle deep, and that Injun fiend, bold Paugus—
+Hark! there’s the horn ag’in! Your kin must be
+anxious about you. Ha! how the old bugle awakes
+old-time memories. But don’t let me hinder you. I
+will meet you by the river to-morrer morning at sunrise,
+when we can start for Chelmsford. By the
+way, I wish you wouldn’t say anything about Christo
+until I think it best.”</p>
+
+<p>Without further loss of time, Norman darted away
+from the Woodranger in a course which soon brought
+him in sight of the river.</p>
+
+<p>On the opposite bank of the stream the young
+refugee discovered his grandfather, still holding to
+his lips the horn which was awakening the wild-wood
+with its clear notes, as in years long since past it
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span>had rung over the hills and vales of his native land.
+At sight of Norman the aged bugler quickly removed
+his beloved instrument from his bearded lips, and
+while the echoes of the horn died slowly away he
+watched the approach of his grandson, who had
+pulled a canoe out from a bunch of bushes on the
+river bank and began his laborious trip across the
+rapid stream.</p>
+
+<p>In the years of his vigorous manhood Robert
+MacDonald must have been a typical Highlander of
+Bonnie Scotland. As he stood there on the bank
+of the river, in the shifting light of the setting sun,
+his thin, whitened locks tossed in the gentle breeze,
+and his spare form half supported by a stout staff,
+he looked like one of the patriarchs of old appearing
+in the midst of that wild-wood scene. If the passage
+of time had left deep tracks across a brow once lofty
+and white as snow, if the lines about the mouth had
+deepened into wrinkles and the loss of teeth allowed
+an unpleasant compression of the lips, his clear blue
+eyes had lost little if any of their old-time lustre.
+His face kindled with a new fire, as he watched the
+approach of Norman.</p>
+
+<p>“He’s a noble laddie, every inch o’ him!” he
+mused, falling deeper into his native dialect as he
+continued: “Weel, alack an’ a day, why should
+he no be a bonnie laddie wi’ the bluid o’ the MacDonalds
+an’ McNiels coorsin’ thro’ his veins.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span>Shame upon the ane wha wud bring dishonour tae
+sic a fair name. He has nane o’ his faither’s weakness.
+He’s MacDonald, wi’ the best o’ the McNiel
+only. Hoo handy he is wi’ the skim-shell o’ a craft
+that looks ower licht tae waft a feather ower the
+brawlin’ burn.”</p>
+
+<p>“What can be the matter, grandfather, that you
+are so excited?” asked Norman, as he ran the canoe
+upon the sandy bank and leaped out.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s the wee lassie. She left me awhile since
+tae look for the geese, an’ she hasna cum back.
+She’s been awa a lang time.”</p>
+
+<p>“I would not worry, grandfather. You know the
+geese have an inclination to get back to their kind
+at old Archie’s. But I will lose no time in going to
+help Rilma fetch them home.”</p>
+
+<p>“Dae sae, my braw laddie, for I’m awfu’ shilly
+the day. I canna tell thee it was a catamount’s cry,
+but it did hae the soond tae my auld ear. But dinna
+credit ower muckle an auld man’s ears, which dinna
+hear sae clear as on the day the redcoats mowed
+doon the auld clan at Glencoe.”</p>
+
+<p>At the mention of the word “catamount” Norman
+felt a sudden fear. He knew that a pair of the dreaded
+creatures had been seen in the vicinity several times
+of late, and that the presence of the geese would be
+likely to call them from their skulking-places in the
+dense forest skirting the few log houses near by. So
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span>leaving his aged relative to follow at his leisure, he
+bounded up the path leading to the house. Thinking
+of his empty gun, he was anxious to get a new supply
+of powder before putting himself in the pathway of
+any possible danger.</p>
+
+<p>All of the dwellings of Tyng Township were of
+the most primitive character. There being no sawmill
+on the river at that period, the houses were built
+of hewn or unhewn logs, as the fancy or capacity for
+work of the owner dictated. The MacDonald cottage
+was smaller than the average, but the logs
+making its four walls had been hewn on the inside.
+The building was low-storied, and had small openings
+or loop-holes for windows, over which small
+mats of skins had been arranged to stop the apertures
+whenever it was desired. Originally the space
+of the building had been divided into only two apartments
+on the lower floor, but one of these had been
+subdivided, so there were two sleeping-rooms, one
+for Rilma and another for Mr. MacDonald, besides
+the living room, on the first floor. Norman occupied
+the unfinished loft for his bedchamber. Some of the
+houses of Tyng Township, or Old Harrytown, as it
+was quite as frequently called, had no floor, but in
+this hewn logs embedded in the sand and cemented
+along the seams or cracks afforded a solid foundation.
+A stone chimney at one end carried off the
+smoke from the wide-mouthed fireplace, which added
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span>a cheerfulness as well as genial warmth in cold
+weather to the primitive dwelling.</p>
+
+<p>The furnishing of this typical frontier house was
+in keeping with its surroundings. The kitchen, or
+room first entered, which served as sitting-room, parlour,
+dining-room, and living apartment, was supplied
+with a three-legged table, a relic of ancient days that
+had been the gift of a neighbour, two old chairs
+which had been repaired from some broken ones,
+while a rude bench answered for a third seat. In
+one corner was an iron-bound chest, which had been
+the only piece of furniture, if it deserved that name,
+that had been brought from their native land. It
+held the plain wardrobes of the three. Hanging to
+the sooty crane in the fireplace was an iron pot,
+while in a niche in the rocky wall was a pewter pot,
+a frying-pan, and a skillet. In another small opening
+cut higher in the side of the building reposed the
+scanty supply of household utensils, a couple of pewter
+spoons, two wooden spoons, three knives, a couple of
+broken cups, a pewter dipper, and three wooden forks,
+with four rude plates made from two thicknesses of
+birch bark. There was also a small earthen pot.</p>
+
+<p>Over the fireplace, hung on pegs driven in the
+chinks of the logs, was a long-barrelled musket of
+Scottish pattern, whose bruised stock and dinted
+iron bespoke hard usage. This was the weapon
+Robert MacDonald had carried in the desperate
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span>fight at Glencoe, when his clan had been completely
+routed by the English. Near by hung a powder-horn,
+grotesquely carved like an imp’s head, and in
+close companionship was a bullet-pouch. Near it
+was another peg, the usual resting-place of an even
+more highly prized relic than any of these ancient
+pieces of property, namely, the bugle with which
+the old Highlander had called home the truant
+Norman.</p>
+
+<p>The room, though rudely furnished, bore every
+trace of neatness and thrift, with an air of comfort
+in spite of its simple environments. The rough
+places in the walls were concealed by wreaths
+of leaves and ferns, and the table was bordered
+with a frill made of maple leaves knit together
+by their stems. On a shelf, made of pins driven into
+the wall, lay three books, one of them a volume of
+hymns, the second a collection of Scottish songs and
+ballads, while the third was a manuscript book of
+records of the Clan MacDonald, with some added
+notes of the McNiels.</p>
+
+<p>The door was made by four small poles fastened
+together at the corners with wooden pins and strings
+cut from deer hide, the whole covered with a bear
+skin carefully tanned and the fur closely trimmed.</p>
+
+<p>In his anxiety to go in search of Rilma, Norman
+did not stop to replenish his horn from the general
+supply of powder, but snatched that of his grandfather
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span>from its peg, and, loading his gun as he went
+along, left the house.</p>
+
+<p>His home was near a small tributary of the Merrimack,
+which joined the main stream a short distance
+below the falls. The house stood a short distance
+back from what was considered the main road of the
+locality, a regularly laid out highway running from
+Namaske to the adjoining town of Nutfield or Londonderry,
+and following an old Indian trail. This
+road also led, a short distance (half a mile) above the
+falls, past two or three dwellings, to a more spacious
+log house which was the home of another Scottish
+family by the name of Stark. Archibald Stark, the
+head of this household, was a fine representative of
+his race, and he and his beautiful wife, with their
+seven children, four boys and three girls, were a
+typical frontier family, cheerful, rugged, hospitable,
+and progressive.</p>
+
+<p>As the geese which had caused Rilma to leave her
+home had been the gift of Bertha Stark, the oldest
+daughter of the family, Norman hurried toward the
+home of these people, never doubting but he should
+find Rilma loitering there to continue some girlish
+gossip.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after crossing the brook, however, his sharp
+eyes discovered fresh footprints in the soft earth
+near the bank of the stream and along a path leading
+to a small pond in the brook, where the water had
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span>been held back by a dam of fallen brushwood. He
+was sure the tracks had been made by Rilma.</p>
+
+<p>“The geese have got away from her and gone to
+the Pool,” he concluded. “I shall find her there.
+Better still, by waiting here I can head off the foolish
+geese from going back to their old home, as they
+will be pretty sure to do.”</p>
+
+<p>He had barely come to this conclusion, when he
+was startled by a loud squawk, quickly followed by a
+scream.</p>
+
+<p>Something was wrong! He bounded along the
+narrow pathway toward the scene, while the outcries
+continued with increasing volume.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Rilma, having been obliged to go quite
+to Mr. Stark’s house to find her truants, was returning
+with them, as Norman had imagined, when, on
+reaching the path leading to the little pond, the contrary
+creatures darted toward the Pool with loud
+cries. She followed, but not swift enough to stop
+the runaways.</p>
+
+<p>The geese had gained the bank of the little pond,
+and she was following a few yards behind them,
+when a dark form sprang from a thicket bordering
+the pathway, and seized the foremost goose.</p>
+
+<p>Thinking at first it was a dog attacking her geese,
+Rilma called out sharply to the brute, as she bounded
+toward the spot. But a second glance showed her
+not a dog but a big wildcat!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span></p>
+
+<p>Nothing daunted by this startling discovery, the
+brave girl flourished the stick she carried in her hand
+and ran to defend the poor goose. So furiously did
+she rain her blows about the wildcat’s head that it
+dropped its prey and sprang upon her! With one
+sweep of its paw it tore the stout dress from her
+shoulder and left the marks of its cruel claws in
+her flesh. But the squawking goose, fluttering about
+on the ground, seemed a more tempting bait for the
+wildcat, which abandoned its attack on Rilma and
+sprang again on the goose.</p>
+
+<p>Flung to the ground by the fierce assault of the
+beast, Rilma quickly regained her feet, and, seeing
+her favourite goose in deadly danger, she again
+attempted its rescue, although the blood was flowing
+in a stream from the wound in her shoulder. It was
+at this moment that Norman appeared on the scene.</p>
+
+<p>Rilma and the catamount were engaged in too
+close a combat for him to shoot the creature without
+endangering her life, so he shouted for her to retreat,
+as he rushed to her assistance. But it was now
+impossible for her to do that. Having torn her
+dress nearly from her, and aroused at the sight of
+the blood flowing so freely, the enraged beast was
+in the act of fixing its terrible teeth in Rilma’s body,
+when Norman pushed the muzzle of the gun into the
+wildcat’s mouth, and pulled the trigger.</p>
+
+<p>A dull report followed, and the catamount fell
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span>over dead. Norman was about to bear Rilma, who
+was now unconscious from pain and fright, away
+from the place, when a terrific snarl rang in his
+ears from over his head! Looking up, he saw to
+his horror a second wildcat, mate to the other, lying
+on the branch of an overhanging tree, and in the act
+of springing upon him!</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">
+    CHAPTER V.
+    <br>
+    <small>JOHNNY STARK.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Norman McNiel did not possess an excitable
+nature, and his thoughts did not flow with that
+acute swiftness so common to some persons, but
+he more than made up for this by a clearer comprehension
+of matters. The sight of the wildcat,
+preparing to give its fatal spring, did not rob him
+of his presence of mind, though he realised that
+in a hand-to-hand encounter with the brute he was
+likely to become its victim. Still, the possibility of
+deserting Rilma was something he did not for a
+moment consider. He would defend her until the
+last. Accordingly, as the second growl of the
+aroused animal grated harshly on his ears, he
+caught his gun by its barrel and stood ready to use
+it as a club.</p>
+
+<p>Then the long tail of the creature lashed its sides,
+and its lissom form shot toward him like a cannon
+ball. But, as the wildcat left its perch, there was
+a flash so near Norman’s head that he was almost
+blinded, and the report of a firearm rang out. Another
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span>and louder growl came from the catamount, as
+it fell at his feet in the throes of death.</p>
+
+<p>“Look out she don’t get her claws on you!” cried
+a voice at his elbow, a warning Norman quickly
+obeyed, pulling Rilma away with him.</p>
+
+<p>“She dies hard,” affirmed the newcomer, advancing
+to the side of Norman, “but I reckon that lead
+was run for her. If I had been a minute later you
+would have had a tussle old Woodranger himself
+might not have cared for.”</p>
+
+<p>The speaker, who made this remark with the
+unconcern and cool criticism of a man with years
+of experience as a hunter, was in reality but a boy
+of eleven years of age, though as large as the majority
+are at thirteen or fourteen. He was not prepossessing
+in his looks. His countenance was marred
+by a beaked nose and chin inclined to meet it, while
+his skin was abundantly tattooed with freckles, and
+his coarse hair verged on an unhappy reddish hue.
+But the dark blue eyes redeemed somewhat the
+plainness of the other features, and his independent,
+perfect self-control of spirit more than made up
+for the slight Dame Nature had given him in other
+respects. He was familiarly called Johnny or Jack
+Stark by his playmates and companions, and he
+afterward became the celebrated General Stark, the
+hero of Bennington.</p>
+
+<p>“You are right, Johnny,” exclaimed Norman,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span>“and if your hand had not been steady and eye
+true neither Rilma nor I would ever have lived to
+thank you for your coming. Poor lassie! I fear she
+has been—no! She opens her eyes,—she lives!
+You have no more to fear, dear sister; they are both
+dead. Don’t move if it hurts you. Jack and I will
+carry you home.”</p>
+
+<p>Though not inclined to show deep emotion,
+Norman exhibited great joy at the returning consciousness
+of Rilma, whom he loved with all the
+tender regard of one who feels that another is all the
+world to him. Gently he placed the tattered dress
+about the bleeding form and with his hand wiped away
+the blood from the wounds made by the wildcat.</p>
+
+<p>“Old Mother Hester!” cried Rilma, quickly gaining
+her feet, “did the horrid creature kill her?”</p>
+
+<p>Norman understood that “Mother Hester” was
+the name she had given to the poor goose, whose
+mangled body, torn and lacerated beyond recognition,
+lay a short distance away.</p>
+
+<p>“She is dead, Rilma, but let us be thankful that you,
+too, were not killed. If I had been a minute later you
+would have been overpowered by the fearful cat,
+and then Jack saved us both from the other. But
+they are dead, and we have no more to fear from
+them.”</p>
+
+<p>Although grieved over the loss of her favourite
+goose, Rilma felt thankful that she had escaped with
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span>even the dreadful scratches of the wildcat, none of
+which had been very deep.</p>
+
+<p>“I can walk, dear brother; and I want to get
+away from this place as soon as possible. Jack will
+look after the other goose for us.”</p>
+
+<p>Taking the hint, Norman led her gently along the
+path, saying as he did so:</p>
+
+<p>“Won’t you come with us, Jack?”</p>
+
+<p>“I think I will, Norman, as I have something
+I want to say to you as soon as you feel like hearing
+it. I was on my way to your house when I heard
+your shot, and hurried to your assistance. I will
+make myself useful, too, by carrying home the body
+of the dead goose and driving the other along.
+Some one can come up and look after the wildcats
+later.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are very thoughtful, Jack, as well as brave.
+I do not believe there is another boy of your age who
+could have shot that wildcat as you did.”</p>
+
+<p>“You say that because you do not know Rob
+Rogers. He shot a big black bear, that was nosing
+around his father’s house, when he was only seven,
+and you know I am almost eleven. Robby, since
+he has begun to go with Woodranger, has become
+a mighty hunter, and he’s only fourteen now.”</p>
+
+<p>The conversation was checked at this point by the
+appearance of Mr. MacDonald, who had heard the
+firing and was greatly excited over the affair.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Oh, my bairns!” he cried, “hoo gled I am tae
+find that ye hae na been— Why, my wee lassie!
+What hae they been doing to ye?”</p>
+
+<p>Norman gave a brief account of the encounter
+with the wildcats, his grandfather catching up Rilma
+in his arms and bearing her toward the house as he
+finished, forgetful of his infirmities. The old Highlander
+sobbed like a child at intervals, while alternately
+he would burst forth into expressions of
+endearment and thankfulness in his picturesque
+speech.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that Rilma was being cared for, Norman
+started back to help Johnny Stark find the surviving
+goose, which was found skulking in the bushes nearly
+frightened to death. Catching it after some trouble,
+Norman carried it homeward in his arms, while
+Johnny bore the body of its dead mate.</p>
+
+<p>“I will get father to send Goodman Roberts to
+look after the carcasses of the wildcats, as soon as
+I get home,” said the latter, as he walked at the
+heels of Norman, the path being too narrow at
+places for a couple to walk abreast. “What I
+wanted to speak to you about,” he continued, “was
+the canoe match which is talked of to take place on
+the river next month. You know three Scotch boys
+are to race against three English boys. Brother Bill
+and Robby Rogers have been chosen to represent
+our side, and we want another. We have spoken
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span>to father about it, and he agrees with us that you are
+the one. Now will you do it?”</p>
+
+<p>“Of course I am willing to do anything I can, but
+I am afraid I have not had as much practice as I need.
+You know I have not been here as long as the rest
+of you, though nothing suits me better than a paddle
+on the water.”</p>
+
+<p>“You’ll have over a month in which to practise.
+I’ll risk you, and so will the others. I understand
+John Goffe is to be one of their crew, though no one
+seems to know who the others will be. Johnny is
+a good one with the paddles, but he is nowhere with
+Rob. Bill will beat anybody else they can get, and
+with you to help our side will be safe.”</p>
+
+<p>“You mustn’t be overconfident, Johnny, but if
+I take hold I will do the best I can.”</p>
+
+<p>By the time they had reached the house Norman
+had decided to accept the invitation to take part in
+the canoe match, and Johnny Stark, having performed
+his errand successfully, lost no further time
+in running home to tell the good news.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. MacDonald dressed Rilma’s wounds as best
+he could, with the simple means at his command,
+though she bravely declared that she did not suffer
+any pain.</p>
+
+<p>It was then getting to be quite dark, and, lighting
+his corn-cob pipe, Mr. MacDonald took his favourite
+position in the doorway to smoke and meditate over
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span>the events of his checkered life. These had ever
+been hallowed occasions to Norman and Rilma, who
+had sat at his feet for many an hour listening to the
+pathetic tales of which he seemed to have no end.
+In these twilight talks they had heard him tell over
+and over again, until every word was familiar to them,
+the stories of the fate of the brave MacDonalds in
+the Pass of Glencoe, and the downfall of the last of
+the McNiels.</p>
+
+<p>On this evening Rilma had lain down on her
+simple couch for rest and release from the pain of
+her wounds, so that Norman was alone with his
+grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>“Ha, ma laddie!” broke in Mr. MacDonald.
+“Ye’re that glum ye dinna seem like yersel’ the
+nicht. Trouble na ower the few scratches o’ a cat,
+the bonnie lassie wull sune be hersel’,” he continued,
+attributing Norman’s silence to thoughts of
+Rilma.</p>
+
+<p>“I must confess, grandfather, I was not thinking
+of poor Rilma, though I ought to be ashamed to
+own it. I was thinking of a little affair which
+happened this afternoon, and how best I could
+break it to you. I would have spoken of it before,
+but I did not wish to arouse Rilma’s fears.”</p>
+
+<p>With the characteristic reserve of his nature, the
+old Highlander removed his pipe from his lips without
+speaking, signifying as plainly by his silence as
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span>he might have done by words his desire for an explanation.
+At a loss how to begin, Norman hesitated
+for a time, the only sound heard above the steady
+roar of Namaske being the mournful cries of a
+whippoorwill in the direction of Rock Rimmon,
+until finally he gave a detailed account of his arrest
+by Gunwad for hunting deer out of season.</p>
+
+<p>“Ha, ma laddie!” exclaimed his grandfather, when
+he had finished. “Ye dinna want tae be low-speerited
+wi’ anxiety ower that, though it does look a bit squally
+for ye. I’m gled ye telt the auld man, for noo he’ll
+ken just hoo tae trim his licht. Then, tae, an auld
+man’s coonsel may na cum amiss wi’ a young
+heid.”</p>
+
+<p>“Grandfather, I had no more to do with hunting
+or killing that deer than you did.”</p>
+
+<p>“In intent, my braw laddie. But ye maun remember
+I never crossed the brawlin’ stream. But avaunt
+wi’ sic nonsense! It behooves us tae see what can
+be dune for ye, noo ye hae fa’en in the net.”</p>
+
+<p>“Can they do anything with me, grandfather?
+Woodranger bade me be hopeful.”</p>
+
+<p>“Wha is this Woodranger, laddie, that ye speak
+sae freely o’? I dinna ken but I may hae heard the
+name afore.”</p>
+
+<p>“He is a man who lives by hunting and scouting,
+grandfather. During the Indian troubles he did
+great service to the families who were molested by
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span>the red men, and everybody seems to like him. He
+has been all over the country, and he is very friendly
+to me.”</p>
+
+<p>“Is he Scotch, laddie? That maks a’ the difference
+in the warld in this affair.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am not sure, though I should say he is. He
+seems very honest.”</p>
+
+<p>“Hoot! awa wi’ yer nonsense if ye canna tell an
+Englishman frae a Scotchman. Let me but get my
+auld een on him an’ I’ll tell ye if he’s a true
+laddie. What’s his name?”</p>
+
+<p>“Just what I told you, grandfather,—Woodranger.
+At least that is all he would give me.”</p>
+
+<p>“A bit against him, laddie. But allooin’ he is yer
+freend, I am a bit feart ye’re nae pleasant fixed. This
+Gunwad ye say is an Englishman?”</p>
+
+<p>“I have no doubt of that. I can see that this
+foolish feeling between the colonists is going to be
+against me.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, ma laddie, that’s whaur the shoe grips!
+Every Englishman, wumman, and bairn looks on us
+as intruders, as they dae every Presbyterian, wha they
+hate waur than wildcats. I see noo I did mak’ a bit
+o’ a mistak’ in droppin’ here, but auld Archie Stark
+thocht it was best for us. I dinna ken whaur this
+misunderstandin’ is gaen tae end. Seems tae me it
+will be the destruction o’ baith pairties. But dinna ye
+lat this little maitter cum intae yer dreams, my
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span>laddie. Sleep gie’s ane a clear heid, an’ it’s a
+clear heid ye’ll need the morn amang the Britishers
+at Chelmsford.”</p>
+
+<p>Taking this hint, Norman, after having seen that
+Rilma was as comfortable as could be expected,
+sought his humble couch under the rough rafters
+of his pioneer home.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">
+    CHAPTER VI.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE MAN WHO KNEW IT ALL.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>After a restless sleep Norman was astir an hour
+before sunrise. His grandfather was already up and
+preparing a breakfast for him.</p>
+
+<p>“You maun eat, ma laddie. It seems unco’ that ye
+maun gang tae meet thae Britishers alane. I fain
+wad gang wi’ ye.”</p>
+
+<p>“That cannot be, grandfather. It would not do
+to leave Rilma here alone. Never fear but I shall
+come back safely.”</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he had eaten hastily of the plain meal,
+Norman kissed Rilma and taking his gun started to
+leave the house.</p>
+
+<p>“If the lassie disna mind, I’ll walk wi’ ye tae the
+river’s bank,” said his grandfather. “I’ll nae be
+gane lang, lassie, so hae nae fear.”</p>
+
+<p>Norman felt that his grandfather’s real object in
+accompanying him was to get a look, if possible, at
+the Woodranger, who was expected to meet him on
+the river bank. But nothing of the kind was said
+until they came in sight of the stream, when they
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span>discovered the forester already on hand. He had
+crossed over to the east bank, and at sight of
+Norman said:</p>
+
+<p>“I am glad you are so promptly here, lad; it
+shows a good mark to be prompt. It always pays to
+be prompt. As we shall have to go down on this
+side, I thought I would come over and save—”</p>
+
+<p>Woodranger, with a sudden change in his demeanour
+unusual to him, stopped in the midst of
+his speech, to fix his gaze closely on the old Highlander.
+The latter was eyeing him no less intently.
+Anxious to break the embarrassing silence, Norman
+said, quickly:</p>
+
+<p>“My grandfather, Woodranger. He felt so anxious
+about me that he has come down to see me
+fairly started.”</p>
+
+<p>“So yo’ air Woodranger?” asked Mr. MacDonald,
+as if such a thing was not possible, while shifting
+looks of doubt, curiosity, fear, and confidence crossed
+his features. The forester soon recovered his wonted
+composure, replying to the other’s interrogation:</p>
+
+<p>“Men call me that, MacDonald. I have heerd o’
+you, and I’m glad to meet you. I hope you have no
+undue consarn over the lad.”</p>
+
+<p>“Th’ laddie is puir, Woodranger,” cried the old
+man, putting aside further reserve and grasping the
+forester’s hand. “Yo’ll hel’ him out o’ this trouble?”</p>
+
+<p>“He shall not lack for a friend. I trust the lad
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span>will have no great difficulty. Where is the dog,
+lad?”</p>
+
+<p>“Gone, Woodranger, but I do not know where. I
+thought perhaps Gunwad took him with him. I did
+not see him after I met you.”</p>
+
+<p>“I see him sneaking through the woods as if he
+had committed some grievous misdeed, but thought
+he might be pulling home.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ye’re no in sympathy wi’ thae Britishers?” asked
+Mr. MacDonald at this juncture.</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, old man; I’m neutral. It is a foolish
+quarrel and no good can come o’ it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Neutral!” exclaimed the old Highlander, to
+whom, with his stubborn, aggressive nature, such a
+thing seemed impossible, and then a new shade of
+misapprehension came over his countenance, as he
+scrutinised the ranger’s rifle.</p>
+
+<p>“A French weapon!” he exclaimed. “Nae guid
+can come o’ a man’s bein’ neutral an’ a-carryin’ a
+French gun.”</p>
+
+<p>“We are in luck, lad,” said Woodranger, ignoring
+the last speech of Mr. MacDonald. “I l’arned last
+evening that Captain Blanchard had come to Tyng
+Township yesterday, so I see him and he says you
+can be tried without going to Chelmsford. That will
+save you twenty-five miles o’ walking.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am glad of that!” exclaimed Norman, “and I
+hail it as a good omen. Do you hear that, grandfather?
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span>I have not got to go to Chelmsford to have
+my trial.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. MacDonald only shook his head, seeming too
+much engrossed over the appearance of the Woodranger
+to reply by words.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t like to cut short any speech you wish to
+make to the old man, lad, but it’s time we were on
+our way. A mile or more o’ the river has run by
+sence we stopped here. It’s an ’arly start that
+makes an ’arly end to the jarney. Good morning,
+Mr. MacDonald; have no undue consarn over the
+lad.”</p>
+
+<p>Fully understanding the Woodranger’s anxiety to
+meet Gunwad promptly, Norman hastily caught the
+hand of his grandfather, as he murmured his good-bye,
+while the forester moved silently away.</p>
+
+<p>“I jest want to say a word to ye, ma laddie,” said
+Mr. MacDonald, in an undertone. “I dinna ken whut
+to mak o’ this man ca’d Woodranger, but ye canna
+be owre careful. He carries a French weapon, an’
+is neutral in a quarrel whin every true Scot shud
+stan’ by his colours. I dinna ken what tae mak o’
+the man.”</p>
+
+<p>With this dubious warning, which no words of
+Norman could shake, he stood there watching the
+twain until their forms had disappeared in the distance.
+Even then he hesitated about starting homeward.
+His head continued to move back and forth,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span>and his lips became tightly compressed, as if fearful
+they might allow something to escape that he was
+anxious to conceal.</p>
+
+<p>Tyng Township comprised a strip of territory
+three miles wide, and extending six miles along the
+east bank of the river, so it was not necessary for
+them to cross over. In fact, that would have necessitated
+a return to that side before reaching their destination.
+After leaving his home Norman saw but
+a few houses for some distance, the land being little
+more than sand patches, and too poor to support a
+crop of any kind.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not wonder it is called Old Harrytown,” Norman
+said, as he noticed this, “and they say only the
+Old Harry could live here.”</p>
+
+<p>“Tyng’s men got a bad bargain when they got it,”
+said the Woodranger. “Though it may be that they
+think more of the fish than the soil. They be fat
+and plenty. The deer, too, are sleek; but they are
+fading away with the red hunter. Sich be the great
+unwritten law that a man’s associates must go with
+him.”</p>
+
+<p>They had not gone more than a mile before they
+were met by Gunwad, who showed his satisfaction at
+seeing them.</p>
+
+<p>“Was afeerd th’ feller mought gin ye th’ slip,
+Woodranger.”</p>
+
+<p>The forester making no reply to this statement,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span>the three walked on in silence, the appearance of
+the deer reeve putting an end to all conversation.</p>
+
+<p>Another mile down the stream they began to come
+in sight of the log houses of the pioneers, who were
+trying under adverse circumstances to found themselves
+homes in the new town. As they came in
+sight of one of these typical homes, they saw a tall,
+cadaverous man mounted on the top of a blackened
+log fence surrounding a cleared patch bordering the
+house. He was bareheaded, and had no covering
+for his feet, save a generous coating of dirt, and his
+lank body was clad in a coarse shirt, made, by long
+contact with the earth, the colour of the soil, and a
+pair of gray homespun trousers stopping short in their
+downward career a little below the knees. As he
+sat there on his elevated perch, his long arms were
+doubled akimbo over his knees, which stuck up
+sharp and pointed.</p>
+
+<p>At first it looked as if his occupation was the
+watching of the gyrations of one of his big toes, as
+it scraped back and forth on the charred surface
+of the log, but a closer inspection showed that he
+was gazing at a patch of broad-leaved plants looking
+suspiciously like that much despised weed of lane
+and pasture, the mullein. But if so, it had been cultivated
+with assiduous care, and had flourished like
+“the green bay-tree” of the story-writer.</p>
+
+<p>At sight of our party he suddenly checked the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span>movements of his toe, his jaws stopped their rapid
+grinding, and he cried out in a shrill, piping voice:</p>
+
+<p>“Hello, Ranger! Wot in creation is yer sweeping
+by fer like a falling hemlock? Ain’t fergot an ol’
+man in his weakness, hev ye?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not a forgit, Zack Bitlock, but as we have a
+lettle amazement with ’Squire Blanchard we wanted
+to be sure and get to him afore he should leave for
+down the river. A fine morning.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mornin’s well ’nough; ’bout as ye air mind to
+look at yit. But it’s pesky gloomy to me. Say,
+Ranger, I kalkilate ye mus’ be a tol’rable good jedge
+o’ ’backer?”</p>
+
+<p>“Mebbe I know the leaf from dock root, though
+I can’t say as I’m much o’ a jedge o’ the quality,
+Zack, seeing I never—”</p>
+
+<p>“Look a-here, Ranger! I want yer honest opine
+consarnin’ thet air stuff,” pointing, as he spoke, to
+the rows of green, broad-leaved plants adorning his
+primitive garden, and comprising most of its contents.</p>
+
+<p>Approaching the fence, the Woodranger looked
+over, saying, after a brief survey of the scene:</p>
+
+<p>“I see leetle but mullein, though I must say, while
+not claiming to be an apt jedge in sich matters, it
+has made a good growth. How is it, Zack, you give
+so much ’tention to raising sich useless truck, though
+it be said it is excellent for cattle?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span></p>
+
+<p>“It’s my gol-danged foolishness, Ranger, which
+made me spend my valer’ble time raising sich truck.
+I ain’t got no cattle to feed it. My ol’ woman ’lowed
+it was mullein a goodish spell ago, but I larfed at
+her. An’ then, when I see thet she wuz right an’
+I wuz wrong, like the hog I wuz, I had to hol’ my
+mouth and keep on growing mullein! Gol dang! To
+think, I, Zack Bitlock, in my sound mind an’ common
+sense, sh’u’d be a-weedin’ out an’ prunin’ up an’
+’tendin’ mullein, thinkin’ all th’ while ’twas ’backer!”</p>
+
+<p>“How did it happen, Zack?” asked Woodranger,
+who could not help smiling at the look of utter disgust
+and shame on the other’s wrinkled countenance.</p>
+
+<p>“It all kem o’ my blamed smartness! Ye see I
+figger yit out like this. Joe Butterfield, he don’t
+pertend to know more’n other folks, an’ so las’ year
+he kem to me an’ wanted to know what was th’ bes’
+thing to make taters grow. He had seed mine
+climbin’ like all creation, and seein’ he wuz too
+blamed green to raise ennything but fun fer his
+betters, I tole him th’ very bes’ thing was rotten
+hemlock, an’ to put a chockin’ handful in each hill.
+Well, what did th’ dried-in-the-oven fool do but follow
+my ’vice, only he put a double portion in each
+hill, so as to beat me at my own game, I s’pose. I
+larfed to myself all th’ while ’em taters didn’t stick
+up a top. Ye see th’ hemlock wuz so durned dryin’
+it jess baked the taters afore they c’u’d sprout. Joe
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span>laid it to th’ seed, an’ I s’posed thet wuz the las’ o’
+it, ’ceptin’ a good stock o’ jokes I had laid in fer
+spare talk with Joe.</p>
+
+<p>“But I can see now th’ critter was sharper’n I
+’lowed, an’ he mus’ hev smelled a mice. So when
+I kem to ’quire fer backer plants he gin me more’n
+I wanted. Leastways he give me what I s’posed
+wuz backer plants, an’ now, drat my pictur’! ef I
+ain’t been ’tendin’ an’ nussin’ ’em blamed ol’ mulleins,
+an’ a-workin’ my jaws all th’ while, thinkin’ what
+a Thanksgivin’ I’d hev chowin’ th’ backer. Oh!
+th’ fool ingineuity o’ some men!”</p>
+
+<p>Smiling at the evident disappointment and chagrin
+of Zack Bitlock, Woodranger started on, when the
+other called out to him:</p>
+
+<p>“Say! seems to me ye hev got a smart start fer
+th’ shootin’-match.”</p>
+
+<p>“I can’t say that I’ve given the matter a thought,
+Zack. Been away perambulating the forests for a
+good space o’ time.”</p>
+
+<p>“A shootin’-match, an’ ye not know yit, Ranger?
+I do vum! thet’s amazin’. But there is to be a
+tall shoot at th’ Pines this mornin’. Cap’en Goffe
+is to be there, an’ Dan Stevens; an’ I overheerd
+las’ evenin’ Rob Rogers wuz to kem. Everybuddy’ll
+be on hand. Coorse ye’ll go now, Ranger?”</p>
+
+<p>“Onsartain, Zack, onsartain. If we have time
+the lad and I may be there. Good morning.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Ye may be thar, Woodranger, an’ I see no
+reason w’y ye shouldn’t; but with th’ youngster
+it’ll be different. I reckon he’ll be fur from hyur
+then, ’less my plans miscarry,” said Gunwad, who
+had been silent.</p>
+
+<p>Without noticing this speech, the forester moved
+ahead at a rate of speed which showed he was
+anxious to make up for the few minutes lost in
+conversation with Goodman Bitlock. Norman kept
+close beside him, while Gunwad, the deer reeve,
+followed at his heels.</p>
+
+<p>Zack Bitlock did not shift his position on the
+fence until he had watched them out of sight, when
+he left his perch, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>“Blamed queer ef th’ ol’ Ranger is goin’ to er
+shoot an’ won’t own yit! Thar’s sumthin’ afoot.
+But I’ll l’arn their dodge or I ain’t up to shucks,”
+and without further delay he shuffled down the road
+after the others.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">
+    CHAPTER VII.
+    <br>
+    <small>NORMAN’S TRIAL.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The destination of Norman and his companions
+was a small settlement at the lower end of Tyng
+Township called Goffe’s Village, out of respect to
+one of its foremost inhabitants, John Goffe, afterward
+known as Colonel Goffe the Ranger.</p>
+
+<p>This little hamlet stood at the mouth of a small
+stream known as Cohas Brook, which flowed into
+the Merrimack five miles below the Falls of Namaske.</p>
+
+<p>Before reaching Goffe’s Village, Norman and his
+companions passed a cross-road leading over the
+hill and toward the Scotch-Irish settlement on the
+east. About a mile up this road, at a point called
+“The Three Pines,” or “Chestnut Corners,” the
+shooting-match was expected to take place during
+the forenoon.</p>
+
+<p>As Tyng Township was settled during an interval
+of peace, there was no fort or garrison within
+its limits. Neither was there a public house of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span>any kind, so Norman must be tried at the house
+of one of the most active inhabitants of the town,
+this having been arranged for by the Woodranger.</p>
+
+<p>Somewhat to our hero’s surprise, several persons
+were gathered about the house, as early as it was,
+and he knew by their looks and low-spoken speeches
+that they had been watching for his coming. In
+fact, though he did not know it, Gunwad had taken
+great pains to circulate the story of his arrest, and
+had boasted loudly that his trial would be worth
+attending. News of that kind travels fast, and, as
+short as the time had been, quite a crowd had
+collected, some coming several miles from the adjoining
+town, Londonderry, the former home of the
+Scotch-Irish now in Harrytown.</p>
+
+<p>Among the others was a boy of fourteen, who
+attracted more than his share of attention. His
+name was Robert Rogers, and he was destined to
+be known within a few years, not only throughout
+New England but the entire country, as chief of that
+famous band of Indian fighters, “Rogers’s Rangers.”
+Already he was considered a crack shot with the
+rifle, and the fleetest runner in that vicinity. A
+strong bond of friendship bound him to the Woodranger,
+who had become his tutor in the secrets and
+hidden ways of woodcraft. No doubt he owed much
+of his future success to this early training. He
+was strongly and favourably impressed by the appearance
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span>of Norman, and he said aside to a companion:</p>
+
+<p>“He’s a likely youth; and mind you, Mac, if they
+are overhard with him there’s going to be trouble,”
+an expression finding an echo in older hearts there,
+though the others were more cautious in their
+utterances.</p>
+
+<p>“Hush, Robby!” admonished the boy’s friend;
+“say nothing rash. Captain Blanchard has the
+credit of being an extremely fair man, and, withal,
+one with a handy knack of getting out of a bad
+scrape easily. Here he comes, as prompt as
+usual.”</p>
+
+<p>Norman was being led into the house by Gunwad,
+who had now assumed charge of his prisoner. They
+were met at the door by a tall, rather austere appearing
+man, whom our hero knew by the little he
+had overheard was ’Squire Blanchard.</p>
+
+<p>“You are promptly on hand, Goodman Gunwad,”
+said the latter; “come right in this way,” escorting
+the little party into the house, which was more commodious
+than most of the dwellings.</p>
+
+<p>The deer reeve frowned at the salutation of Captain
+Blanchard, for it did not please him. Notwithstanding
+the simplicity of those times, a stronger
+class feeling existed than is known to-day. As a
+distinguishing term, the expression “Mister,” which
+we apply without reserve or distinction, was given
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span>only to those who were looked upon as in the upper
+class, “Goodman” being used in its place when a
+person of supposed inferior position was addressed.
+The cause for Gunwad’s vexation is apparent, as he
+aspired to rank higher than a “Goodman.” But he
+thought it policy to conceal his chagrin, though no
+doubt it made him more irritable in the scenes which
+followed.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time that the prisoner was led into
+the house by his captor, a small group of men, in the
+unmistakable dress of the Scotch-Irish, and headed
+by a tall, bony young man named John Hall, gathered
+about the door.</p>
+
+<p>Woodranger nodded familiarly to these stern-looking
+men, but before entering the house he turned to
+speak to a medium-sized man, with the air of a
+woodsman and the breeding of a gentleman about
+him. He was none other than Captain Goffe, who,
+while he did not belong to the Tyng colony, was
+living in the midst of these men. It is safe to say
+that he was on friendly terms with every person
+present, or who might be there that day. The spectators,
+noticing this brief consultation between the
+forester and the soldier-scout, nodded their heads
+knowingly.</p>
+
+<p>’Squire Blanchard then put an end to all conversation
+by saying:</p>
+
+<p>“I understand this is your prisoner whom you
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span>charge with killing deer out of season, Goodman
+Gunwad?”</p>
+
+<p>“He is, cap’en.”</p>
+
+<p>“Are your witnesses all here?”</p>
+
+<p>“All I shall need, I reckon.”</p>
+
+<p>“Are your witnesses here, prisoner?”</p>
+
+<p>“I have none, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then, unless objection is raised by the prisoner
+or the complainant, the case will be opened without
+further delay. I think there is a little matter several
+are anxious to attend to,” alluding to the forthcoming
+shooting-match.</p>
+
+<p>“Th’ sooner th’ better, cap’en,” said Gunwad,
+showing by his appearance that he was well pleased.
+“I reckon it won’t take long to salt his gravy.”</p>
+
+<p>“I understand you charge this young man, whose
+name I believe is McNiel—”</p>
+
+<p>“A son, cap’en, of thet hated McNiel—”</p>
+
+<p>“Silence, sir, while I am speaking!” commanded
+’Squire Blanchard. “You charge this Norman McNiel
+with shooting deer out of season?”</p>
+
+<p>“I do, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“You will take oath and then describe what reason
+you have for considering the prisoner guilty.”</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he had been properly sworn Gunwad
+went on to describe in his blunt, rough way how he
+had been attracted to Rock Rimmon by a gun-shot.
+Upon reaching the spot he had found a dead deer
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span>there, while the prisoner and his dog were the only
+living creatures that he saw in the vicinity. The
+youth’s gun was empty, and he acknowledged his
+hound had started and followed the deer.</p>
+
+<p>“I knowed the youngster o’ a furriner,” he concluded,
+“as the boy livin’ with thet ol’ refugee o’ a
+MacDonald at the Falls, so I lost no time in clappin’
+my hands on him.”</p>
+
+<p>These allusions to Norman’s father and grandfather
+it could be seen were given to antagonise, as
+much as possible, the Scotch-Irish spectators. But
+’Squire Blanchard ended, or cut short, his speech by
+asking if he had witnesses to prove his statements.</p>
+
+<p>“Woodranger here was with me, an’ I reckon his
+word is erbout as good as enny the youngster can
+fetch erlong. Woodranger, step this way, an’ tell th’
+’squire whut ye know erbout this young poacher.”</p>
+
+<p>In answer to ’Squire Blanchard’s request, but not
+to Gunwad’s, the forester took the witness-stand, and,
+after being duly sworn, answered the questions asked
+him without hesitation or wavering.</p>
+
+<p>“You were with Gunwad yesterday, Woodranger,
+when he met the prisoner at Rock Rimmon?”</p>
+
+<p>“I was, cap’en.”</p>
+
+<p>“And you saw the deer he had shot?”</p>
+
+<p>“I see the carcass o’ a dead deer laying at the foot
+o’ Rock Rimmon, cap’en.”</p>
+
+<p>“It was the deer the prisoner is supposed to have
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span>shot?” asked ’Squire Blanchard, noticing the Woodranger’s
+cautious way of replying.</p>
+
+<p>“It was the only deer I see.”</p>
+
+<p>“You saw Gunwad take a bullet from its body?”</p>
+
+<p>“I did. I see, too, that the lead had not found
+a vital spot.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you mean to say the deer was not killed by
+the shot?”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s what I mean.”</p>
+
+<p>Gunwad was seen to scowl at this acknowledgment,
+while the spectators listened for the next
+question and reply in breathless eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>“What was the cause of the creature’s death,
+then?”</p>
+
+<p>“It was killed by its fall from Rock Rimmon.
+To be more correct, I should say its leap from the
+top of Rimmon, which you mus’ know is a smart
+jump.”</p>
+
+<p>“But it was driven over the cliff by a hound at its
+heels?”</p>
+
+<p>“It could have gone round if it had wished. I
+’low it was hard pressed, but it looked to me the
+critter took that way to get out o’ a bad race.”</p>
+
+<p>A murmur of surprise ran around the crowded
+room, while Gunwad was heard to mutter an oath
+between his teeth.</p>
+
+<p>“You say that for the benefit of the prisoner?”
+demanded Blanchard, sharply.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I do not need to, cap’en. Besides, I’m under
+oath.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you mean to say that a deer would jump off
+Rock Rimmon intent on its own destruction, Woodranger?
+Now, as a man who lives in the forest,
+knows its most hidden secrets and worships its solitudes,
+answer me if you can.”</p>
+
+<p>Even Gunwad was silent now, and the knot of
+talkers outside the door, realising that the conversation
+between the justice and the witness had reached
+a point of more than ordinary interest, abruptly ended
+their discussion, to listen with the others.</p>
+
+<p>“Cap’en Blanchard,” said the Woodranger, in his
+simple, straightforward way, “I ’low I’ve spent a
+goodish portion o’ my life in the woods, ranging ’em
+fur and wide it may be, sometime on the trail o’ a red
+man, sometime stalking the deer, the bear, or the
+painter. Being a man not advarse to l’arning, though
+the little book wit I got inter my head onc’t has
+slipped out, I have picked up some o’ Natur’s secrets.
+I can foller the Indian’s trail where some might not
+read a sign. The trees tell me the way to go in the
+darkness o’ night; and the leaf forewarns me the
+weather for the morrer. If I do say it, and I think
+I may be pardoned for the boasting, few white men
+can show greater knack at trailing the Indian or
+stalking the four-footed critters o’ the woods. My
+eye is trained to its mark, my hand to its work, and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span>Ol’ Danger here,” tapping the barrel of his long rifle,
+“never has to bark the second time at the same
+critter. I hope you’ll pardon me for saying all this,
+seeing no man has enny right to boast o’ the knacks
+o’ Natur’. If I have been a better scholard in her
+school than in that o’ man, it is because her teachings
+have been more to my heart. Her ways are
+ways of peace and read like an open book, but the
+ways o’ man are ways o’ consait and past finding
+out. Though I live by my rifle, I do not believe in
+wanton killing, and I never drew bead on critter with
+a malicious thought.</p>
+
+<p>“But pardon me for so kivering the trail o’ your
+question as not to find it. One is apt to study the
+manners o’ ’em into whose company he is constantly
+thrown. So I have studied the ways o’ the critters
+o’ the woods very keerfully, to find ’em with many
+human traits. They have their joys and their sorrers,
+their loves and hates, their hopes and despairs,
+just like the human animal. In the wilds o’ the
+North I once saw a sick buck walk deliberately up
+to the top o’ a high bluff, and, after stopping a
+minute, while he seemed to be saying his prayers,
+jump to death on the rocks below. At another
+time, I sat and watched a leetle mole, old and sick,
+dig him a leetle hole in the earth, crawl in, and
+kiver himself over to die. I remember once I had
+a dog, and if I do say it, as knows best, he was the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span>keenest hound on the scent and the truest fri’nd a
+man ever had. But at last his limbs come to be
+cramped with rheumatiz, his eyesight was no longer
+to be trusted, and his poor body wasted away for the
+food he had no appetite to eat. In his distress he
+lay down in my pathway, and asked me, in that language
+the more pathetic for lacking words, to put an
+end to his misery by a shot from my gun.</p>
+
+<p>“I say, Cap’en Blanchard, I’ve witnessed sich as
+these, and, mind ye, while I do not pretend that deer
+leaped to its death o’ its own free will on Rock Rimmon,
+in the light o’ sich doings as I’ve known it
+might have done it rather than to find heels for the
+hound any longer.”</p>
+
+<p>Though the Woodranger had spoken at this great
+length, and in his roundabout manner, not a sound
+fell on the scene to break the clear flow of his voice.
+It was evident his wild, rude philosophy had taken
+effect in the rugged breasts of those hardy pioneers.
+Even ’Squire Blanchard paused for a considerable
+space before asking his next question.</p>
+
+<p>“Granting all that, Woodranger, it has but slight
+bearing on the fact of the prisoner’s guilt or innocence.
+I understand you to say it was his hound
+which had started the deer, and which was driving
+the creature that way—to its death, according to
+your own words.”</p>
+
+<p>“If I ’lowed as much as that, cap’en, I said more’n
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span>the truth will bear me out in. I will answer you by
+asking you a question.”</p>
+
+<p>“Go ahead in your way, Woodranger,” consented
+the other. “I suppose I should accept from you
+what I would from no other person.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you, cap’en. This is the leetle p’int I’ve
+to unravel from my string o’ knots: If a nigger
+should come to your house and stop overnight,
+would that make him your slave for the rest o’ his
+life?”</p>
+
+<p>“No.”</p>
+
+<p>“I figgered it that way. Wal, that deerhound,
+and he was a good one, come to this lad o’ his own
+free will and stayed with him whether or no. Yesterday
+the critter took it into his head to start a deer
+from Cedar Swamp, and he did so without the knowledge
+o’ the lad. The dog left, too, as soon as he
+see the mischief he’d done. Dogs may not understand
+man’s laws, but they sometimes know when
+they have broke ’em.”</p>
+
+<p>“But there is no denying that the prisoner shot
+the animal?” demanded ’Squire Blanchard, as if determined
+not to be beaten at every point.</p>
+
+<p>“Not if that chunk o’ lead will fit the bore o’ his
+gun,” holding out the bullet Gunwad had taken from
+the deer’s body. “The lad has his gun with him, if
+I mistake not.”</p>
+
+<p>A ripple of excitement ran around the room at this
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span>speech, and Gunwad, as if fearing the trial was going
+contrary to his wishes, broke in with the exclamation,
+directed to no one in particular, but heard
+by all:</p>
+
+<p>“This is er purty piece o’ tomfoolery!”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">
+    CHAPTER VIII.
+    <br>
+    <small>END OF THE TRIAL.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>’Squire Blanchard rapped smartly on the table
+in front of him for order, before he said:</p>
+
+<p>“You may try the bullet in the prisoner’s gun,
+Woodranger.”</p>
+
+<p>Reaching forward and taking Norman’s firearm,
+he held it in his left hand, with inverted muzzle,
+while he laid the bullet on the top. There the round
+piece of lead rested, being too large to drop down the
+long, slender throat. For the first time a murmur
+of applause was heard.</p>
+
+<p>Gunwad stamped his foot, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>“It isn’t the weepon he had yesterday!”</p>
+
+<p>In answer to ’Squire Blanchard’s questioning look,
+Woodranger said:</p>
+
+<p><a href="#i_frontispiece">“I’m under oath.”</a></p>
+
+<p>The three short words, spoken so impressively by
+the man who would have sooner given his life than
+lie, were sufficient,—sufficient for all except the
+angry deer reeve.</p>
+
+<p>“That will do for the present, Woodranger,”
+declared the justice.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Hol’ on!” exclaimed Gunwad. “I want to ask
+him a question.”</p>
+
+<p>“You will have plenty of time as soon as I have
+examined the prisoner.”</p>
+
+<p>Compelled to remain quiet, the deer reeve then
+listened to Norman’s straightforward account of the
+little affair. Of course his version exactly agreed with
+what the Woodranger had given, and at its conclusion
+’Squire Blanchard was frank enough to say:</p>
+
+<p>“There doesn’t seem to be sufficient evidence to
+hold the prisoner. The complainant fails to prove
+that it was his dog which started the deer, or that
+it was he who shot it, therefore, I command the
+release of Norman McNiel. But according to your
+own account of shooting at the hawk, young man,
+I should not advise you to have very high hopes at
+the shooting-match. This court stands adjourned.
+Now, boys, for the Three Pines!”</p>
+
+<p>A loud cheer greeted “his Honour’s” unique
+way of dissolving his court, while the infuriated
+Gunwad pushed his way forward, crying, in a loud
+voice:</p>
+
+<p>“Ye betrayed me, Woodranger! I thought ye
+wuz my fri’nd and ye proved my Judas! It wuz a
+miserable sneak game to cheat me out’n my reward,
+but I’ll hev the skunk wot fired thet shot, be he
+a white-livered furriner or a copper-skin.”</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger managed to leave the room
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span>without coming in contact with the irate speaker.
+Some of those present tried to check the deer reeve’s
+bitter utterances. The majority seemed well pleased
+with the way the trial had ended, though it had
+called forth several animated discussions among the
+spectators. Naturally the Scotch-Irish, to a man,
+complimented ’Squire Blanchard on his way of disposing
+of the case. This very state of satisfaction
+among those they so thoroughly disliked, however,
+awakened keen distrust among the Tyng colonists,
+who began to develop a strong opposition to the
+course the matter had taken. ’Squire Blanchard
+was the town’s clerk, and one of the most active
+of the grantees. But some declared that he had
+favoured their rivals, though he had been perfectly
+honest in his treatment of the case. Gunwad, naturally,
+was determined to get what advantage he could
+from this mixed situation.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s nothin’ but downright insult to ’low this
+young furriner to come in hyur an’ shoot down our
+deer without regard to our laws. I ain’t ag’in
+sayin’ thet Cap’en Blanchard didn’t ’vestigate as
+he oughter.”</p>
+
+<p>“Woodranger ain’t inclined to the belief that the
+boy did it,” ventured a bystander. “There ain’t
+many who doubt the word of him. He fit with
+Lovewell and is parfectly honest.”</p>
+
+<p>As if the last was the natural result of the first
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span>act, and beyond dispute, the speaker retired in a
+satisfied manner.</p>
+
+<p>“He lied in this!” exclaimed Gunwad, but quickly
+qualifying his statement, for fear he had made it
+stronger than would be accepted. “At least he
+put it in sich light as to deceive the cap’en. A deer
+killin’ itself,—the idee! He didn’t give me a fair
+chance.”</p>
+
+<p>“Better let it drop here, Gunwad,” said a friend.
+“No good will come of stirring the mess.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ef ye had been trod on as I hev ye wouldn’t feel
+so easy erbout yit. I’d like to git er rope eround the
+hull Irish gang an’ be th’ one to shake ’em over
+Namaske! Bet yer life I w’u’dn’t hol’ on to thet
+rope only long ernough to see thet they were in
+a way to git wet to their livers.”</p>
+
+<p>“Bet you wouldn’t hold on to that rope any longer
+than I could get my fist on you, you little runt of
+a Britisher!” exclaimed a voice at his elbow, and
+turning about the deer reeve was startled to find the
+tall, muscular figure of young Hall confronting him.</p>
+
+<p>“Better be careful how you talk such foolery
+here!” declared the latter. “Unless you want
+more trouble than you can handle.”</p>
+
+<p>The cowardly Gunwad offered no reply, breathing
+easier when the other had gone beyond hearing.</p>
+
+<p>The shooting-match was an event important
+enough to arrest the attention of the spectators, and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span>turn their thoughts into another channel than shooting
+deer out of season. The majority at once started
+toward the shooting grounds.</p>
+
+<p>Still Gunwad remained just outside the house discoursing
+to a little group of listeners, who were in
+sympathy with him, on the grievous wrong he believed
+had been done him, and to embitter the others
+as much as possible against their rivals.</p>
+
+<p>“I s’pose ye know who this young upstart is,” he
+half questioned, and, as if to answer it himself, continued:</p>
+
+<p>“I know as well as ef it was writ in a book. One
+o’ ’em Irishers tole me, so I got it straight. They
+hate him like pizen, but don’t like to let on. Ye all
+know th’ Irishers air all refugees, an’ thet they fust
+fled from Scotland for treason to th’ king, who got
+arter ’em like a mad bull. They went to Ireland,
+which they soon had to quit fer more treason. Ye
+see it’s in him, bone and blood. Finally they concluded
+to come to this kentry in a body, an’ mus’
+needs git out in th’ dark. Some o’ their inimies got
+hol’ o’ their scheme, but didn’t let on. So when th’
+lot got ready to start they found their way stopped
+by armed men. They managed to git away, when
+some on ’em looked round for th’ traitor, an’ it
+weren’t long afore th’ Judas was found. He was
+Arch McNiel, this boy’s father. He got away, but
+he killed two o’ ’em afore he got clear. His escape
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span>didn’t do him much good, fer he was shot dead on
+th’ king’s highway two days later. His wife, ol’ man
+MacDonald’s darter, took it so to heart she died right
+off. Thet left th’ ol’ Scotchman with th’ boy on his
+hands, only he was a baby then. Now if there is enny
+ones I despise it’s Judases, and it’s sich fellers as th’
+McNiels as kem hyur to rob us o’ our—”</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had his release become known than
+one after another of the onlookers crowded around
+Norman to congratulate him, among the rest being
+Robert Rogers, who wrung his hand heartily.</p>
+
+<p>“The ’squire was perfectly fair,” he said. “Of
+course Gunwad had no proof against you. He is an
+evil man, anyway. If you had been sent to gaol there
+would have been some lively times in Old Harrytown,
+and some of the Londonderry boys might have had
+a finger in the stew.”</p>
+
+<p>“Such language is ill-timed,” said the Woodranger.
+“I find it is well never to resort to wanton talk, as
+talking but leads to fighting. There is enough of
+that to do with the red men. The whites have
+enough to answer for in bounty on scalps of the
+misguided savages, without killing each other.
+Harrytown is not worth the spilling o’ a drop o’
+innocent blood.”</p>
+
+<p>“I wish to thank you for your kindness to me,
+Woodranger,” said Norman, improving his first
+opportunity to express his appreciation of the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span>forester’s proof of friendship. “I am sure if it
+hadn’t been for you I should have had to go to
+Chelmsford.”</p>
+
+<p>“I was under oath, lad, and told of the affair just
+as it was. I’m very thankful I’m not given to deceiving.
+True, men resort to such manner o’ doings
+when tracking the red man, but that is only the natural
+artifices o’ warfare. In peace it is—”</p>
+
+<p>“Look there, Woodranger!” interrupted young
+Rogers, pulling the speaker’s sleeve; “you upbraided
+me for talking trouble. Will you listen to the arguments
+of Gunwad?”</p>
+
+<p>At first the Woodranger was inclined to merely
+glance toward the man, whom it was evident he
+despised. But, as his gaze ran over the deer reeve
+and his knot of listeners, his countenance quickly
+changed its hue, and he became an intent hearer of
+the other’s garbled account of Norman’s father. He
+trembled from head to foot, and as Gunwad reached
+that point where he used the words “to rob us o’
+our”—the forester, with that swift, silent step so
+natural to him, glided to the deer reeve’s side. Before
+the story-teller realised his presence, he seized
+him with one hand by the throat. As the powerful
+fingers tightened, their victim was lifted clear from
+his feet, and held at arm’s length by the iron-like
+grasp of Woodranger.</p>
+
+<p>The deer reeve could not utter a word, and he
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span>seemed in imminent danger of being choked to death,
+but he struggled violently to break from the hand
+which had so unexpectedly caught and held him like
+a huge bat twisting and squirming in mid-air.</p>
+
+<p>“Utter another word o’ sedition and I’ll warp your
+head from your shoulders!” exclaimed the forester,
+sharply. “Let this be a warning to sich petty
+whippers and growlers as you,” flinging the other to
+the ground, and striding away from the place as if
+escaping from some obnoxious creature.</p>
+
+<p>This violent display of anger on the part of the
+Woodranger, who had never shown anything of the
+kind before, so startled the onlookers that not a word
+was spoken until he had gone beyond hearing. As
+soon as the dazed Gunwad had begun to recover his
+senses, he shook his fist after the retreating forester,
+muttering maledictions he was careful the other
+should not hear. Fortunately the few left about
+the place did not care to engage in any row, so the
+affair was speedily forgotten, except by Gunwad,
+in the interesting and exciting scenes which followed.</p>
+
+<p>As he strode away in righteous wrath, Woodranger
+caught Norman by the hand, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“Come with me to the shoot, lad. I fear me much
+I’ve committed a foolish indiscretion in letting my
+temper run away with my jedgment. A man never
+knows his strength till he has tried his weakness.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span>Oh, the shoot will not detain you more than a couple
+o’ hours. You will get home as soon as your grandfather
+will expect you. You have that shot at the
+hawk to redeem, and this is your time.”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">
+    CHAPTER IX.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE SHOOTING-MATCH.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>A shooting-match in the days of the pioneers was
+always sure to attract a large crowd of spectators and
+a goodly number of marksmen. Such was the case
+in Tyng Township. It is true there had been a
+spirited trial of the kind at the last Thanksgiving,
+among the Tyngsmen, but over eight months had
+elapsed since then, and as keen an interest was felt
+on this occasion as before. In fact, there was greater
+excitement and anxiety, as certain elements had entered
+into this contest which had been unknown in
+the other. Previously there had been merely a
+friendly rivalry among kindred spirits. Now scores
+were to be settled between antagonistic parties.</p>
+
+<p>The match had been the outcome of a boyish dispute
+and quarrel. Willie Tyng, a grandson of the
+celebrated Captain Tyng of the “snow-shoe expedition,”
+and Archie Gamble, son of one of the foremost
+Scotch-Irish settlers, had together shot at an eagle.
+One shot missed the bird, while the other brought
+the victim to the ground. Then each claimed the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span>honour of the successful shot, each being really at a
+loss to prove his assertion. From angry words they
+came to challenge each other to a test with the gun,
+in order to show who was the better marksman.
+Then, the friends of the two taking up the dispute,
+plans were made for a general match, which all could
+enter who wished.</p>
+
+<p>As the most convenient grounds for the affair, the
+plateau on the summit of the elevation known as
+Chestnut Corners, or the Three Pines, was selected.
+This had really been chosen as the site for a proposed
+meeting-house, so a clearing large enough for
+the occasion had been made.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, the day did not promise the excessive
+heat of the closing of July, and the fog which had
+hung over the river during the morning had lifted, so
+the weather was all that could be asked.</p>
+
+<p>“I suppose you will win the prize in the first class,”
+said Norman to the Woodranger, as he walked along
+on the right hand side of the forester, while Rob
+Rogers kept step on the other side.</p>
+
+<p>“Doubtful, my lad, doubtful. Such sport does
+well enough for boys, but it seems to me a wanton
+waste o’ powder to an ol’ man, who has but enough
+for the game he must o’ necessity bring down.
+Then, too, having been perambulating the woods so
+much of late, I had nary inkling o’ such doings.
+However, I ’vise you to try a bead, just to show ’em
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span>that with proper practice you can ketch the bird’s
+eye, e’en if it be a hawk.”</p>
+
+<p>“You must enter on our side, Woodranger,” said
+Rob. “We’re going to beat ’em to-day if it takes a
+tooth.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ordinarily that is right, Robby, but it is good
+reason why I should not mix in the ’fair. ’Twould
+only stir bad blood and aggravate the ol’ wound. No,
+no, lads, I’m neutral in this quarrel. It’s my humble
+opinion this match had better been settled ’mong the
+lads, where it begun. A shooting-match is a dangerous
+’fair where there is hot blood ready to be spilt.
+It looks so there was going to be a goodish
+crowd.”</p>
+
+<p>They were then approaching the grounds, which
+were already thronged with loud-talking men and
+boys, who had come early so as not to miss any
+of the “fun.”</p>
+
+<p>Already the committee, consisting of three men
+from each party, had perfected the preliminary
+arrangements. The contesting marksmen had been
+divided into two classes. The boys, or younger
+members of the rival factions, were to pit themselves
+against each other first, after which the men were to
+try their more experienced hands. This decision
+meeting with the approval of all, the names of the
+youthful claimants for the honour were listed, until
+six on each side had been included.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span></p>
+
+<p>Among those on the Tyng Township part were
+Johnny Goffe, Willie Tyng, John Spaulding, and
+Burton Woods, with two others. The Scotch-Irish
+were represented by Norman McNiel, Robert Rogers,
+Archie Gamble, and three more, whose names need
+not be given.</p>
+
+<p>Our hero had been somewhat loath to participate
+in the trial, though he felt certain he need not feel
+ashamed of his skill with his rifle. Woodranger had
+advised him to enter the list, so he had done so.
+Some objection was raised at first to Robert Rogers,
+as he lived out of town. But when he cheerfully
+offered to withdraw, it was almost demanded by all
+that he remain.</p>
+
+<p>This selection of the marksmen took nearly half
+an hour’s time. Then a hundred yards, the distance
+agreed upon, was measured off, and the target put
+up against the trunk of a big pine. The object at
+which they were to shoot was a stave about six
+inches wide and a couple of feet long, which had
+been rived from a pine expressly for this occasion.
+Near its centre had been marked a spot the size of
+a bullet, which was called the bull’s-eye. Around
+this a line had been traced, making a circle just an
+inch in diameter. Outside of this mark were two
+more circles, each an added inch in size, so the
+largest was three inches across. Whichever side
+should succeed in placing the greater number of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span>bullets inside the inch ring would be declared the
+victor. Should all fail to come so near to the bull’s-eye,
+the party which should put the most inside the
+second or middle circle would be the winner. Failing
+in this the third circle would count, but no bullet
+hitting the stave outside that should, under any
+circumstances, be counted at all.</p>
+
+<p>By this time seventy-five persons had gathered
+on the clearing, an anxious, curious, excitable
+crowd, anticipating the result with conjectures in
+regard to the relative skill of the different contestants.
+It was pretty generally agreed that the parties
+were very evenly matched, though the ability of
+Norman was less known than that of his companions.</p>
+
+<p>“Now, stand back, so the boys can have a chance
+at a clear field,” said Captain Goffe, who had been
+unanimously chosen master of ceremonies. A skurrying
+to get out of the way followed. Woodranger,
+who had scarcely spoken since the beginning, took a
+position where he could command a view of the
+whole situation. Assuming his favourite position,
+with arms akimbo across the muzzle of his rifle, he
+watched and waited in silence.</p>
+
+<p>It had been decided that the firing should be
+done alternately by the two parties. It fell to the
+Tyng boys to lead, and young Goffe stepped into
+the small arena designated as the marksman’s stand.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span>Taking careful aim, he sent the first ball inside the
+smallest ring, amid the cheers of those who were in
+sympathy with him.</p>
+
+<p>“Beat that with yer Gambles and McNiels if you
+can!” called out a lusty voice. “Three cheers for
+Johnny Goffe!”</p>
+
+<p>Three hearty huzzas were given for the boy marksman,
+while the name of the first on the list of the
+Scotch-Irish was called. He was a tall, strapping
+youth by the name of MacKnight, afterward noted as a
+sturdy patriot in the French and Indian wars and in
+that of American Independence. Perhaps he was
+overconfident of his skill, for, with a hasty aim, he
+sent his bullet barely in the second ring. Groans on
+the part of the English succeeded, but not a cheer
+from their rivals. The disappointed lad retired crestfallen
+from the scene.</p>
+
+<p>Again the Tyng portion of the crowd was on the
+alert, as the second of their favourites took his position.
+Put on his guard perhaps by the failure of
+MacKnight, he raised his gun slowly and carefully
+until it was on a line with the mark. His hand
+trembled, showing the suppressed excitement under
+which he was labouring. Hesitating a moment, he
+lowered the weapon, while the Scotch-Irish took
+advantage of the action to break forth into loud jeers.</p>
+
+<p>The lack of confidence the boy marksman evinced
+was manifested by the result of his shot. His bullet
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span>fell outside of the second line, and the opposing
+party gave shouts of derision.</p>
+
+<p>Archie Gamble’s turn came next. He took a
+careful aim, occupying what seemed to the bystanders
+a long time, but fired at his first poise.</p>
+
+<p>“First ring!” cried the foremost of those who
+rushed forward to examine the stave. A deafening
+cheer went up from the Scotch-Irish. But this
+applause proved premature, for, upon closer examination,
+it was found that the lead, while it had cut
+the line, lay with its larger part outside of the mark.
+The Tyng boys were still ahead.</p>
+
+<p>Willie Tyng then took the stand, sending a bullet
+with such accuracy that it lodged inside the smallest
+ring. The applause from his admirers was
+louder and more prolonged than any before.</p>
+
+<p>This so disconcerted the next marksman that he
+missed the stave altogether! At least that was the
+excuse his friends made. Be that as it might, the
+result was the same.</p>
+
+<p>One-half of the rivals had now tried their hands
+and the Tyng boys were well ahead. As soon as
+he could make himself heard for the wild cries uttered,
+the person, who had interjected his boastful
+words before, again shouted:</p>
+
+<p>“Git home, ye sons o’ Scotch-Irish Macs, and
+take yer blunderbusses with yer. They may do to
+hang yer pots an’ kittles on, but they never—”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span></p>
+
+<p>Captain Goffe tried to check this foolish speech at
+the outset, but the speaker would not stop, though
+the cheers of his companions drowned his concluding
+words.</p>
+
+<p>The sun of the Tyng boys seemed to be in the
+ascendant surely, for their fourth representative
+placed his bullet inside the magical circle. Their
+score now stood at three. Every Scotch-Irish boy
+left on the list had got to score the centre circle in
+order to make a record even with their rivals. Even
+the most candid of their opponents could not blame
+the English crowd for the loud huzzas which followed
+their last triumph.</p>
+
+<p>“Norman McNiel!” called off Captain Goffe, as
+soon as he could make himself heard above the confusion
+of voices. Then the young refugee stepped
+quickly into the ring, and silence again fell on the
+scene. No one present really knew his ability as
+a marksman, and it is safe to say he was watched
+with keener interest and deeper anxiety than any
+one before him. Should he fail, the Scotch-Irish
+might as well bid adieu to their hopes. More curious
+than anxious, the rival party looked on in silence,
+somewhat indifferent as to the result.</p>
+
+<p>This being his first appearance before a crowd,
+and realising how much was depending upon himself
+and his two companions, Norman felt a nervousness
+which was ominous of his failure. It was with difficulty
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span>he quieted his nerves enough to hold his gun
+steadily. He had been taught that the first sight
+was best, and the report of his weapon rang out
+before the spectators were prepared for the shot.</p>
+
+<p>But, as usual, some one was beside the stave in
+the twinkling of an eye. No one was expecting the
+announcement he yelled forth in wild excitement,
+unless it was the Woodranger, who had smiled as he
+had seen Norman pull the trigger:</p>
+
+<p>“The bull’s-eye! He’s cut out the dot!”</p>
+
+<p>At first the spectators could not realise the truth
+of these words, but as soon as it was found to be so
+such shouts went from the Scotch-Irish as awoke the
+surrounding woods and put to shame the applause of
+their rivals.</p>
+
+<p>“It is the handsomest shot I’ve seen for many a
+day,” frankly declared Captain Goffe, who made no
+attempt to still the shouts, though his sympathies
+were really with the other side.</p>
+
+<p>It was a proud moment for Norman, though he
+retired modestly to the background. Woodranger,
+speaking for the first time since the opening of the
+match, was heard to say:</p>
+
+<p>“The lad has it in him. It is a natural knack few
+can boast of. Aweel, it will be so much to the red
+man’s cost, or I cannot read the futur’.”</p>
+
+<p>The fifth Tyng representative failed to get nearer
+the bull’s-eye than the outer edge of the second ring.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span>His competitor sent his bullet so as to cut the inside
+circle, very similar to the shot of Archie Gamble.
+His effort was considered better than the others,
+however, as he made a perfect line shot.</p>
+
+<p>The sixth and last contestant for the honour of
+Tyng Township proved himself worthy of the confidence
+placed in him. His bullet struck by the
+side of Johnny Goffe’s. The Tyng boys had now
+assured their triumph beyond dispute, no matter
+what the result of the concluding trial. So they
+were jubilant, while the Scotch-Irish were correspondingly
+low-spirited.</p>
+
+<p>The latter party had, wisely or not, kept their
+most hopeful champion for the last. For his years,
+Robert Rogers had been considered the best shot
+in Silver River country. Thus some persisted in
+cheering, as he took the stand. A portion of the
+opposition improved the opportunity to deride the
+boy marksman.</p>
+
+<p>“Give ’em all th’ chance that belongs to ’em,”
+cried a burly onlooker. “We’re safe. See Rob’s
+hand tremble. It’s ten to one he couldn’t hit th’
+broadside o’ a deer. Say, Rob, did ye ever hev
+th’ buck fever?”</p>
+
+<p>“Close your mouth or I’ll take your head for a
+target, Bill Exeter, and I’ll hit the bull’s-eye, too,”
+cried young Rogers, sharply, as he prepared to take
+aim. He was nettled and disappointed by the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span>blundering shots of all his associates, except Norman.
+“’Taint no fair show, anyway,” he continued,
+“when a bull’s-eye don’t count more’n a ringer. I
+told ’em so and—”</p>
+
+<p><em>Spang!</em> rang out the sharp report of his weapon,
+in the midst of his own speech. The smoke had
+not cleared away before the cry came tauntingly
+above the medley of sounds:</p>
+
+<p>“Rob ain’t hit the stave!”</p>
+
+<p>“Prove it or I’ll make you eat them words!” he
+exclaimed, fiercely, starting toward the target.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s so, and I can prove it by Captain Goffe.
+There ain’t no new hole made in the stave since Ben
+Butterfield fired. Where’s your boasts now, Rob
+Rogers?”</p>
+
+<p>“As sound as a nut. No new hole in the stave,
+eh? Does that prove that I ain’t hit the bull’s-eye?
+Look where Norman McNiel put his lead, and if I
+ain’t got a chunk of lead there on top of his I’ll
+never draw bead again on buck nor redskin.”</p>
+
+<p>The youthful scout showed that he was terribly
+in earnest, and a deep silence fell on the scene,
+while Captain Goffe, removing the target, began an
+examination for the bullet in the pine. In a minute
+he had extricated a piece of lead, somewhat flattened,
+but with the shape of the bullet still remaining. As
+he held this up to the gaze of the spectators, he
+said:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span></p>
+
+<p>“McNiel’s bullet is still left in the tree, directly
+beneath where this was embedded. Rob was right;
+he put his bullet through the bull’s-eye in the exact
+track—”</p>
+
+<p>He was not allowed to finish. The Scotch-Irish
+spectators began to yell themselves hoarse. The
+score of their team, though lower than the other
+side, showed two of the best shots which had been
+made. If they had been defeated, it was a proud
+defeat.</p>
+
+<p>Rob Rogers crossed over to where Norman and
+Woodranger were conversing, and grasping our
+hero’s hand, exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>“Mac, I like your style, and I want you for a
+friend. When you go on the trail of the red enemy
+I want you to let me go with you. Woodranger, I
+wish to thank you for training me in the way you
+have.”</p>
+
+<p>“Tut, tut, lad! the knack o’ drawing a true bead
+is God’s gift, not man’s. He who gave life sees fit
+to give the power to take it. It is the manner in
+which that gift is used that counts in the great
+string o’ knots at the last. You both made good
+shots, lads, and you’ll make a powerful team—a
+powerful team, lads.”</p>
+
+<p>“I shall be glad to go with you, Rob,” said Norman,
+as he clasped the other’s hand.</p>
+
+<p>Little did either of them dream of the stern reality
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span>which was to cement the boyish pledge so impulsively
+made. Little did any of those young marksmen
+dream of the more trying test of their skill which
+was so soon to come. Those who now hung their
+heads with shame were destined to lift them with a
+proud consciousness of duty well done in the savage
+warfare so soon to carry terror to their New England
+homes.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">
+    CHAPTER X.
+    <br>
+    <small>AN ALARM.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The English were exultant over the victory won
+by their champions, while the Scotch-Irish claimed,
+as they well could, that the best shots had been
+made by two of their competitors. If decided upon
+the real merits of the match, they believed the
+championship belonged to them. Still, that was not
+exactly according to the rules of the trial, which,
+it could now be seen, had not been made so as to
+obtain the fairness intended. The truth was, no one
+had anticipated such marksmanship among the young
+rivals.</p>
+
+<p>With the contest of the youthful members over,
+talk concerning the trial among the men speedily
+put the other in the background, except to a few.
+If excitement had run high before, it was evident it
+would reach boiling pitch this time, and the more
+timid began to tremble for the result.</p>
+
+<p>As in the other match, representatives were to be
+chosen for each side, the difference being that only
+three were to participate from each party this time.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span>But in order to satisfy others who were desirous of
+showing their skill, a third trial was to be had, in
+which all were to be allowed to take part in a sort
+of off-hand shooting.</p>
+
+<p>Knowing his unerring skill with his rifle, it was
+natural the Woodranger should be urged by both
+sides to champion their cause. But the forester was
+wise enough to see that it would be better for him,
+if not for the rest, to keep in the background.</p>
+
+<p>“Such doings may be well and fitting for lads,
+but it seems to me a grievous waste o’ powder for
+ol’ men to be shooting at a stave. No good can
+come o’ it. It’s the unwritten law o’ natur’ that
+men should war on the wild creatur’s o’ the forest,
+and if they must, it is enough to burn their powder
+for the helpless and innocent that cannot speak for
+themselves. The lads have made a good showing, if
+I do say it. When the war-whoop o’ the red man
+is heard again in our midst, as it is sartin to be at no
+distant day, it shows we shall have bonnie boys to
+take our places. No; these doings ain’t to my consarn.
+I may have a knack at drawing bead on the
+buck or the b’ar, or the red man if he crosses my
+path, but I do not believe in wanton waste o’ powder.
+Besides, I’m no man’s inimy. The wild, boundless
+forest is my free domain, and the good Lord gave it
+to me as neutral ground.”</p>
+
+<p>These words, spoken in his deliberate, impressive
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span>way, emphasised with a shake of the head, convinced
+the others that it was useless to urge the forester
+further to enter the match. But if he would not
+become a principal in the proceedings, would he
+not act as manager? Finally, with great reluctance,
+seeing what no one else foresaw, that an open rupture
+was imminent before the affair was well over,
+he consented to accept the responsible part. He
+did this more in the hope of averting a crisis than
+for any other reason.</p>
+
+<p>The distance for the men was to be the same as
+for the boys, but with the former only bull’s-eye
+shots were to count, except in case no one should
+hit the centre, when the nearest shot would be considered.
+After one round at the target, a trial at a
+living mark by the successful ones was to end the
+matter.</p>
+
+<p>It soon proved that the men were more unreasonable
+than the boys had been, and more competitors
+wished to enter than were called for. It required all
+of the tact at the command of the Woodranger to
+select those who should enter the competition. In
+the midst of his perplexing duties, Zack Bitlock, still
+barefooted and dishevelled in appearance, pushed
+his way forward to the forester’s side, saying, in his
+peculiar tone:</p>
+
+<p>“Ef yit’s all th’ same to ye, Ranger, I want the
+taking o’ yer rifle a leetle bit. I thought mebbe I
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span>sh’uld wanter be in th’ shoot at live things, an’
+yit mought be prudent fer me to try th’ iron a bit
+aforehand, seein’ yit’s new to my hand, an’ Frinch,
+too.”</p>
+
+<p>Woodranger paused in his work, to gaze on the
+speaker fully a minute before he replied:</p>
+
+<p>“Sich a request passes my comprehension, seeing
+a man’s rifle is the last thing he should surrender.
+I remember when I was with that brave, but misguided
+man, Cap’n Lovewell, that a red man asked
+that same question o’ me. It may be he lacked your
+politeness about it, for the ways o’ a red man ain’t
+the ways o’ a white man, and something must be
+’lowed for the difference. Well, as I was saying,
+when I interrupted myself, the red man asked, in his
+way, for my rifle. I ’lowed Old Danger to answer
+for himself. I reckon the red was satisfied with the
+reply, for he never repeated his request. No, Bitlock;
+I will give the last crumb o’ dried bread or
+the last shred o’ venison in my wallet to a suffering
+fellow man; but my rifle, never! I would not do
+that for my brother, had I been blessed with sich.
+A man’s rifle is a part o’ himself.”</p>
+
+<p>“Put the Puritan fool off the ground!” cried a
+brawny Presbyterian, starting forward, as if to carry
+out his threat. This aggressive action instantly
+called forth decisive opposition, and the rash speaker
+was seized and rudely flung to the earth. The spark
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span>which alone had been needed to set fire to the
+combustible natures of the rival factions had been
+unwittingly applied. Words and blows lie near together.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing the inevitable result, the Woodranger was
+about to appeal to the hot-headed leaders, when a
+most unexpected turn was given to the situation. It
+was so sudden and startling as to carry a new terror
+to every heart.</p>
+
+<p>A newcomer appeared upon the scene,—a young
+boy, bare-headed, bare-footed, and so nearly exhausted
+from long running that he could scarcely
+get his breath. Facing the wondering crowd a
+moment, he finally managed to utter the single word:</p>
+
+<p>“<em>Fire!</em>”</p>
+
+<p>There are few words in the language of man
+which carry greater terror with them than that monosyllable,
+and the personal differences of the spectators
+were quickly forgotten, as every one waited for
+the explanation expected.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing the boy was going to fall, Captain Goffe
+sprang forward to catch him in his arms. After a
+brief rest the young messenger aroused enough to
+say:</p>
+
+<p>“There is a fire in the pines above Lund’s. It’s
+going like the wind toward Benson’s house. It’s licking
+up everything before it. They sent me to tell
+you here, and I ran as fast as I could.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span></p>
+
+<p>A forest fire at that season was always a source of
+danger, and this one, beyond the control of those
+who had set it, meant more than the usual peril.
+Several homes were menaced, to say nothing of the
+threatened loss in other ways. It was perhaps fortunate
+that a part of those homes in danger belonged
+to Scotch-Irish people, who had settled in the vicinity
+of Cohas, for that would surely enlist them in
+fighting the flames. Of course the shooting-match
+was instantly abandoned. All feelings of animosity
+quickly put aside, the two factions, as one, ran down
+the road toward the scene of the conflagration.</p>
+
+<p>Now that their attention had been turned in that
+direction, huge columns of black smoke could be seen
+rising above the tree-tops, and some declared they
+could hear the crackling and rumbling of the flames.
+In a little more than a minute after the news had
+reached them every person had left the grounds about
+the target pine, so swiftly did one and all awaken to
+their duty.</p>
+
+<p>Norman had been talking with Robert Rogers and
+Johnny Goffe when the announcement came, and
+they were among the foremost in the rush for the
+scene of the fire.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">
+    CHAPTER XI.
+    <br>
+    <small>A FIERY GIRDLE.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>In less than twenty minutes the leaders of the
+approaching party were within plain sight of the conflagration,
+and paused for a hurried survey of the
+wild scene. The fire had gained great headway, and
+every moment was of priceless value. Starting in a
+piece of brushwood to the south of the small stream,
+it had spread to the right and left, crossing the
+Cohas in half a dozen places, and now was menacing
+the homes of several colonists in the vicinity.</p>
+
+<p>The foremost of the comers, as cool and collected
+as at the outset, was the Woodranger, and it was he
+who first comprehended the situation and formed a
+plan of action.</p>
+
+<p>“Half a dozen o’ you come with me to the defence
+o’ the houses,” he said, in a tone heard plainly above
+the roar of the fire. “The rest divide into two parties,
+and going ahead of the columns o’ fire, on the
+east and west, dig trenches, so as to stop the flames
+both ways. A few men along the road ought to keep
+the fire from crossing it.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span></p>
+
+<p>Captain Goffe quickly led a gang to do the fighting
+of the fire on the east, while Alexander McMurphy,
+with as many more men, went to the south
+on the Londonderry line. Others remained to guard
+the road, while the Woodranger and ten others rushed
+to save the threatened houses.</p>
+
+<p>Norman, Rob Rogers, and Johnny Goffe joined this
+last party.</p>
+
+<p>It was soon found that the owners of the dwellings
+had already left them, taking with them to a safe
+distance all they could of their household effects.
+With such rude tools as the colonists had to work
+with, home-made hoes and shovels, the rescuers began
+to dig trenches around the menaced homes, and to
+clear away whatever combustible matter lay in the
+way.</p>
+
+<p>They had barely begun, however, when the wind
+shifted, so as to drive the fire directly down upon
+them. A portion of the men retreated back into the
+woods, unable to stand the heat.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that the Woodranger showed no signs of
+giving up, Norman held to his post, digging with
+renewed vigour, though the smoke encircled him
+and the heat fairly took away his breath. It was
+terrible working there, but so long as any of his
+companions stood the test, he was determined not
+to give up. He knew Robert and Johnny were
+keeping stubbornly at their digging.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span></p>
+
+<p>The fire licked up the underbrush like chaff,
+hissing, crackling, roaring with demoniac glee, as it
+spread through the dwarf pitch-pines, or leaped up
+the tall monarchs of the forest faster than the most
+nimble wildcat or the swiftest bird, until the doomed
+giant would be enveloped in a fiery shroud, the
+crimson folds of which twisted and fluttered in fantastic
+shapes, or leaped high into the air, making a
+grand, but terrible, spectacle.</p>
+
+<p>The air was filled with bewildered birds driven
+from their retreats in the woods, while snakes and
+other creeping things glided hither and thither in a
+wild race away from the pursuing flames. The cries
+and hisses of the terrified creatures added to the
+horror of the conflagration.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of the exciting work the Woodranger
+called to his companions to seize the pine brushes
+they had provided themselves with in case of an
+emergency, and go with him to help fight back the
+fire which was crossing the danger line below
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The three boys quickly obeyed the forester, and
+some of those who had previously sought flight now
+returned to battle manfully beside them. In this
+way the flames were baffled in their attempt to reach
+the houses. As if maddened by this repulse, the
+conflagration suddenly swerved to the right.</p>
+
+<p>“The wind didn’t change any too soon,” declared
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span>the Woodranger, as he stopped to wipe his perspiring
+brow. “Rest a bit, lads; you did nobly. Unless
+I’m mistaken, and no man has the knack o’ telling
+what a fire may do next, there is leetle to fear here
+now. If the wind does take a notion to send it back,
+it cannot make the showing it did before. It is
+swinging around toward Perham’s. Lads, you had
+better run out to that opening and make a stand.
+The rest o’ you may come with me. If we can hold
+it in check fifteen minutes longer, I opine the worst
+will be over.”</p>
+
+<p>The opening in question was a clearing of about
+three acres in extent, which had been sown with
+barley, and the grain was then ripe for the scythe.
+Norman led the way to the upper side of this field,
+where the three found themselves with their hands
+full. A manful fight enabled them to keep back the
+encroaching flames, until a shrill scream rang in their
+ears, and caused them to pause in their wild work
+long enough to glance around for the object of the
+alarm.</p>
+
+<p>The flames beat down upon them so at that
+moment that they were obliged to retreat toward the
+centre of the opening. As soon as the smoke had
+cleared from their eyes sufficiently for them to look
+about, they found themselves beside a big rock-pile,
+which Mr. Perham had heaped up in clearing his
+land.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span></p>
+
+<p>Upon the top of the stone heap they were startled
+to find a girl, about a dozen years old, crouching
+on the rocks, too terrified to move or speak, except
+to utter her heartrending screams. She had started
+to cross the clearing, and suddenly found herself
+surrounded by the conflagration; for, unnoticed by
+the boys in their excitement, the fire had swept
+around to the lower side of the clearing, so they
+were all encircled by a fiery girdle. Licking up the
+ripe barley, like shavings strewn in its pathway, the
+flames were rushing toward them with the speed of
+a race-horse.</p>
+
+<p>“We are lost!” cried Johnny Goffe. “We shall
+be burned to death!”</p>
+
+<p>Knowing that they could not long remain there,
+though it would be equally futile to try to break
+through the fiery circle, Norman sprang up the rock-pile,
+and caught the trembling girl in his arms. If
+he could escape himself he was determined to save
+her. How it was to be done he had no idea.</p>
+
+<p>As he descended with his burden, wild shrieks of
+despair came from outside the circle of flames. It
+was the child’s mother calling for her lost little one!
+It was a moment none of them would ever forget.
+Under the dark pall of the lowering smoke, Rob and
+Johnny gazed on each other in silent terror. But
+a most unexpected way of deliverance was opened
+to them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span></p>
+
+<p>In reaching little Alice Perham, Norman dislodged
+a round stone from the pile, which went bounding
+down to the edge of the fire. Then into the fiery
+girdle it went, making for itself a narrow pathway,
+as it crushed down the grain and extinguished the
+blaze where it tore up the loose earth.</p>
+
+<p>Norman saw the effect, and, seating Alice safely
+one side, with a glad shout he began to roll other
+stones that way, calling on his companions to do the
+same.</p>
+
+<p>“Keep them in one track as much as you can, and
+we will soon have a path for us to follow.”</p>
+
+<p>The second stone rolling through the gap of the
+first, crushing more of the barley into the light earth,
+made the rent wider. Robert and Johnny quickly
+followed Norman’s example, and for a brief while a
+perfect shower of rocks went bounding down the
+hillside, until a considerable opening had been torn
+in the blazing band. But the flames were getting
+so near on other quarters that it was impossible
+for the boys to remain there longer.</p>
+
+<p>“Now’s our time!” cried Norman, catching Alice
+again in his arms. “Follow me!”</p>
+
+<p>Running at the top of their speed, they soon burst
+through the burning barrier into the group of excited
+women and children which had huddled together just
+out of reach of the conflagration.</p>
+
+<p>Their clothes torn and burned in places and their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span>hair pretty badly singed and skin blistered, the boys
+presented a sorry appearance. As Norman had
+protected her somewhat by his jacket, Alice had
+escaped with the least injury. But no one had
+received any serious harm, and, like the rugged
+boys they were, they thought little of their slight
+burns.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Perham, who, a minute before, had been
+wringing her hands and shedding scalding tears of
+grief, was now crying with joy, as she held Alice in
+her arms.</p>
+
+<p>The women and children had nearly all gathered
+in this vicinity, and as the wind continued to carry
+the fire away from that quarter there was little
+trouble in stopping its advance. In other places,
+too, the men were getting control of the conflagration,
+so fifteen minutes later the fighting was practically
+over, unless the fire should break out in some new
+section.</p>
+
+<p>Though of brief duration, it had been hot work
+while it had lasted, so one and all were glad to
+drop upon the ground wherever they might be,
+or seek some more comfortable resting-place, until
+they should regain something of their wasted
+vigour.</p>
+
+<p>The shooting-match was quite forgotten for the
+time being, and even the rancorous feeling, resulting
+from it, unheeded as the rival colonists talked of the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span>great danger which had been barely averted by their
+timely and almost superhuman efforts.</p>
+
+<p>“It was well we came to the fire in a body,”
+declared the Woodranger, who had suffered less
+from his exertions than any one else, though no
+man had equalled him in effective work. “So many
+coming at once fresh for the fight could do more
+than four times the number coming singly or in
+pairs. I ’low continual dropping will wear away a
+stone, but fire isn’t to be worn out in that way. It
+is a matter of thanksgiving that no lives were lost,”
+and every one agreed with him.</p>
+
+<p>Norman was generously praised for his rescue of
+Alice Perham, and he was urged to remain until he
+had entirely recovered from his exertions. But he
+knew his grandfather and Rilma would be anxiously
+awaiting him, so he started homeward at once. As
+it was not considered safe to leave the fire without
+watchers, to see it did not catch in some new place,
+the Woodranger volunteered his services.</p>
+
+<p>Having escaped so easily the charges brought
+against him by Gunwad, Norman felt in good spirits,
+notwithstanding his recent experience. He often
+found himself thinking of his new-found friend, the
+Woodranger, and he could not help wondering why
+the singular man had taken such an interest in him.
+The pleasant reflections filling his mind made him
+poorly prepared to meet the startling intelligence his
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span>grandfather was trembling to communicate to him
+the moment he should appear. That Rilma should
+not hear it, he had stood for an hour anxiously
+awaiting him by the river’s bank where he had parted
+from him in the morning.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">
+    CHAPTER XII.
+    <br>
+    <small>BAD NEWS AT HOME.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Upon seeing Norman approaching, Mr. MacDonald
+hurried forward to meet him, so excited and alarmed
+that he could not speak.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it, grandfather?” asked Norman, anxiously,
+as he half supported his aged relative, while
+they began to move slowly up the path. “Something
+has happened since I went away. Have—have
+Rilma’s injuries proved more serious than we
+thought?”</p>
+
+<p>“It’s nae that, ma laddie. It’s th’ sorriest bit o’
+news I hae heard since comin’ tae this place. A
+man has been here this day an’ telt me that this
+hame is nae oors—that we maun leave it!”</p>
+
+<p>It was some time before Norman could fully understand
+the incoherent account of his grandfather, but
+gradually he learned the truth. Two men had been
+there and served a notice for them to move away
+from the place, which they claimed was theirs.</p>
+
+<p>“Tae think we are again fugitives!” moaned the
+broken-hearted man. “What hae I dune tae merit
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span>this? An auld man i’ th’ wilda’, far frae the terrible
+scenes whaur I’ve suffered an’ lost sae muckle, I hae
+hoped for peace,—a few days o’ quiet to see the sun
+o’ my life set. Weel, it is feint tae be. An’ this
+seems the mair cruel deed o’ them a’, an’ God wists
+the last was terrible. A refugee amang strangers in
+an alien wilda’!”</p>
+
+<p>By the time they reached the house he was weeping
+like a child, and, leading him to one of the seats,
+Norman placed his hand on his gray head, saying,
+softly:</p>
+
+<p>“Do not despair, grandfather; it may not be as
+bad as you think. Who came to see you, and what
+did he say?”</p>
+
+<p>“There were twa o’ them, laddie, an’ ilk said
+we’re on lan’ which is theirs. I denied the lee, when
+they ca’d me a thief an’ a leear! Oh, could I but
+laid my haun’ on my staff then I wadna hae spared
+the skellum! I—”</p>
+
+<p>“I hope you did not strike one of them, grandfather,”
+said Norman, who could see that such a
+course would only add to the seriousness of their
+situation.</p>
+
+<p>“I dinna care! I dinna care!” moaned the old
+Highlander.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed that neither of the visitors had given
+any name, but from such fragments of description as
+Norman could gather, he concluded that one of them
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span>had been Gunwad. Now that he came to think of
+it, he remembered that he had not seen the deer
+reeve at the shooting-match or the fire. No doubt,
+upon his failure to prove his charges of shooting
+deer out of season, he had taken this move to renew
+his persecution. How serious it might become he
+had yet no way of judging.</p>
+
+<p>When Mr. MacDonald became calmer, he was able
+to converse with Norman more intelligently.</p>
+
+<p>“I hae kep’ this frae Rilma,” he said. “Puir
+bairn! I couldna bear to hae her ken it. Hoo lang
+it seemed afore ye cam!”</p>
+
+<p>“But I have come safely, grandfather, and I come
+free! They did not prove me guilty, and let us
+hope this new trouble will be as easily overcome.
+How is dear sister?”</p>
+
+<p>Before a reply could be given her own sweet voice
+fell on their ears, and, looking around, they were
+surprised to find her standing in the opening leading
+to the inner apartment.</p>
+
+<p>“I am better, dear brother,” she said. “Please
+do not blame me, but I have heard every word that
+has been said, so I know your troubles, as it is right
+I should. Why did you want to rob me of the
+privilege of trying to comfort you in your grief,
+grandfather? Is it because you prize home more
+than me?”</p>
+
+<p>“The gude Lord forgie me, bonnie lassie! Ae
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span>kiss frae your sweet lips is worth mair than a’ the
+hames in the wilda’.”</p>
+
+<p>“Here is the kiss, dearest of grandfathers, with
+one for count! So cheer up and let the sun shine.
+Tears ill become a MacDonald.”</p>
+
+<p>“Till ye hae seen a MacDonald weep ye canna
+ken what weepin’ is. But forgie me, bonnie lassie,
+sic a little angel as ye is enough to cheer the heart
+o’ an auld man, though it be hardened as leather.”</p>
+
+<p>She had twined her arms about his neck and was
+kissing away the tear-drops, while he folded her to
+his bosom.</p>
+
+<p>“Easy, grandfather,” said Norman; “remember
+the hurts on her tender shoulders.”</p>
+
+<p>“Never mind them, grandfather, but hug just as
+hard as you want to. You don’t hurt a mite, and
+I was never so happy in my life!”</p>
+
+<p>Rilma’s tender entreaties were not without avail,
+for soon the other lifted his gray head, and as she
+brushed back the thin locks from the noble temple,
+he said, in a merry tone:</p>
+
+<p>“I dinna ken how tae thank ye, ma bonnie lassie.
+Ye hae lifted the load frae ma heart. See! I smile!
+I’m a MacDonald again.”</p>
+
+<p>The childish joy of the old Highlander was something
+pathetic to witness. Knowing how quickly
+it might be driven away, Norman turned aside to
+conceal his emotion. Rilma, younger, more confiding
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span>and confident, continued her caresses, until
+he laughed in genuine happiness.</p>
+
+<p>“What do we care for an old log cabin, grandfather?
+Norman can build another, better than this;
+but he cannot bring us another grandfather like you.
+I am going to enjoy your dear old self while I can.”</p>
+
+<p>Her light-heartedness was contagious, and it
+wasn’t long before all three were chatting as
+merrily as if no unscrupulous enemy were trying
+to rob them of home and peace of mind.</p>
+
+<p>“There is one thing certain, grandfather,” said Norman,
+“this Gunwad cannot say we robbed knowingly.
+The good names of MacDonald and McNiel—”</p>
+
+<p>“Wheesht, ma laddie! wad ye mar the sunlicht
+by the darkness o’ that name? Ye dinna ken what
+ye say,” and as his transition from childlike grief
+to childlike joy had been swift, so did he instantly
+assume something of the fire of his earlier years.
+The broad, high brow contracted with a frown, and
+the deep, sunken eyes flashed with a lustre which
+gave a wild appearance to his countenance, showing
+the intensity of his pent-up feelings. The slim,
+bony fingers clutched his staff closely, while he
+brought it smartly down upon the floor.</p>
+
+<p>This sudden change in his demeanour frightened
+Rilma, but Norman showed that he was prepared
+for it. Instead of trembling for what he had said,
+he exclaimed, boldly:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I am sorry to have pained you, grandfather, by
+my words. Why is it you always fly into a rage
+when father’s name— Please do not interrupt me,
+or think me rude. I must speak and I will! I
+claim the right to speak his name to you, who have
+been so kind to me. You know I have persisted in
+bearing it, when you have wished me to take that of
+MacDonald. I do not love it less for that, neither
+will I believe in the dishonour of McNiel until I
+know some reason for doing so. You have never
+allowed me to speak of father, but the time has come
+when you must speak. I am old enough and brave
+enough to know the truth, be it ever so dreadful.
+Nothing can be worse to me than this bitter silence.”</p>
+
+<p>“Lad, hae I e’er been unkind to ye?”</p>
+
+<p>“You have been as kind as any father to Rilma
+and me, dear grandfather, in everything but this
+silence. I would not pain you for the world by
+asking that which it seemed to me I had no right
+to hear. But I do believe I ought to know this
+secret hanging over my father’s name and mine, for
+what he bore must I bear.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ye hae trouble enough o’ yer ain withoot that
+that anither was only owergled tae lay doon. Lad, it
+is better I remain silent as I hae sae lang.”</p>
+
+<p>“You wrong us all when you say that, grandfather.
+It is your duty to tell; it is my duty and
+Rilma’s to know. If you persist much longer in
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span>keeping it from me, I will learn it from some other
+source, if I have to cross the sea and get it from
+strangers. I have for some time been thinking of
+asking it of you, and I feel that the occasion has
+come. Now, under the cloud of this other oppression,
+let me know all,—remember, be it ever so
+shameful or ever so sad, <em>all</em>.”</p>
+
+<p>Robert MacDonald buried his face in his hands
+and groaned aloud, saying, while his young companions
+waited anxiously:</p>
+
+<p>“Alas! it never rains but it pours! Maun I tell
+it? A’, Jeannette, ma ain wranged, kilt bairn, the
+dearest, sweetest that e’er blessed a fond faither’s
+heart, shall I speak anither word?”</p>
+
+<p>Then, as he lifted his head and met Norman’s
+clear, unflinching gaze, and beheld Rilma’s innocent
+surprise, his heart seemed to tell him it was right
+that he should tell all.</p>
+
+<p>As he began, unheard and unobserved by the
+three, the figure of the Woodranger appeared in
+the doorway, he having drawn near with his natural
+silence, but with no thought of listening to that
+which might not concern him. At the sound of the
+narrator’s voice he stopped, and something in the old
+Highlander’s tones or words caused him to remain
+motionless as a statue, his long rifle resting its butt
+on the ground, while it supported on its muzzle the
+forester’s bearded chin.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">
+    CHAPTER XIII.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE HONOUR OF THE McNIELS.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>“The McNiels are a bonnie race o’ men,” began
+the old Highlander, “an’ those o’ them are yet
+livin’ wha honour their memory. The braw Daniel,
+then ane o’ the Council o’ Londonderry, writ the
+resolutions o’ opposition tae the cowardly an’ treacherous
+Lundy, governor of Ireland an’ tool in the
+hauns o’ James, an’ which, signed by twenty ithers
+o’ the council, was placarded in the public places an’
+read to the people, awakenin’ them tae that braw
+defence o’ the cause. Frae him are ye descended,
+Norman, wi’ the best bluid o’ the MacDonalds in
+your veins.</p>
+
+<p>“Forgie an auld man’s weakness, ma laddie, but
+it was a prood day when my Jeannette became the
+bride o’ Archie McNiel, she ne’er dreamin’ o’ the
+cloud sae low ower her happiness, nor I o’ the day
+when I should speak the name in shame. I ne’er
+minded my loneliness in seein’ her gang awa’ frae
+the auld hame, for I had a son, Alick, the same age
+as Archie, an’ he had come hame wi’ a bonnie bride.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span>Weel micht I be prood o’ my Alick, for he was a
+handsome lad, wi’ a’ the pride an’ bravery o’ his
+grandfaither, the bauld but headstrong Chiel o’
+Glencoe.&#x2060;<a id="FNanchor_1_1" href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> Yer grandmither, Heaven bless her
+sainted memory, ne’er recovered from her terrible
+experience in the mountain o’ Glencoe on that fearful
+day. She died soon after yer mither was born,
+leavin’ her a wee, wee bairn in ma airms.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p class="noi"><a id="Footnote_1_1" href="#FNanchor_1_1" class="label">[1]</a> A stalwart Highlander who led his clan against the English in
+the bitter struggles of those times, until he and his followers were
+completely routed, those who were not killed defending their homes
+and loved ones, perishing in the mountains of hunger and cold. To
+this day the wild, gloomy Pass of Glencoe, where this tragedy took
+place, is fittingly known in the Gaelic tongue as the “Glen of
+Weeping.” Among the few who escaped were Robert MacDonald,
+the youngest son of the chief, and his young wife.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>“The same year this double marriage in ma familie
+took place the good Faither MacGregor started wi’
+his flock for Ameriky, an’ at the same time cum
+that awfu’ affair that finished wreckin’ an auld man’s
+life.</p>
+
+<p>“The wicked James o’ England had deed in
+France, but he had left a son, the Pretender, as
+ilka ane cam’ to ca’ him, wha tried to carry oot
+the plans o’ his faither. Twa years afore Faither
+MacGregor an’ his pairty started for Ameriky, this
+Pretender tried to stir up anither strife amang the
+Scots, but miserably failed. But it cam’ oot that he
+left ane ahint tae play the spy an’ betrayer. That
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span>ane was Archie McNiel! God forgie that I should
+be the ane to say it.</p>
+
+<p>“This traitor planned to hae the little band o’
+emigrants waylaid an’ slaughtered while on their
+journey to the coast. But ane he took into his
+confidence confessed the secret, and he was frustrated
+in his evil ettle. In escapin’ he killed ane o’
+the pairty. A fugitive frae that day, withoot tellin’
+Jeannette o’ his infamous doings, he fled wi’ her tae
+the highlands. While in his concealment, ma lad,
+Alick, ran ower him quite accidental like. Thinkin’
+the braw laddie was after him, he killed his brother!
+My bonnie boy lived long enough to reach hame an’
+tell me what his brother had done, an’ also telt me
+that the ither had fa’en under his avengin’ blow.</p>
+
+<p>“In my double grief I searched for Jeannette,
+until I succeeded in gettin’ her hame. She lived
+only lang enough for ye tae be born, when her white
+soul fled to whaur weepin’ is na kent. She deed o’
+grief an’ shame, Archie McNiel her murderer. Left
+alane wi’ Mary an’ you, I lived for you twa until
+Mary married again, an’ goin’ to her new hame left
+Rilma, a bit o’ a bairn, in my keepin’. I ne’er wist
+what become o’ her frae that day. In ma loneliness
+I cam’ tae this country, hopin’ tae begin life anew,
+and wi’ the sorrow left out.</p>
+
+<p>“There, ma braw laddie, ye hae the truth o’ him
+wha should hae been the licht an’ strength o’ oor
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span>lives, but wha flung a’ awa’. Do you wonder I hate
+him, him wha twa times took my ain life by killin’
+those dearest tae me? Ay, I’m an auld man noo,
+but e’en in my weakness I rise to curse his name!”</p>
+
+<p>Here the narrator broke down, burying his face in
+his hands, while he wept scalding tears. Norman
+crossed to his side, and, gently raising his head, said,
+softly:</p>
+
+<p>“I am sorry to have caused you so much pain,
+grandfather. I am sorry for father’s sin. I am
+sorry for poor mother,—for you,—for Rilma,—for
+all. Now that I know the sad truth, we will let
+the matter drop. Poor, misguided father, he must
+have been deceived some way; but I promise you his
+name shall not be spoken again.”</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture the Woodranger, who had remained
+a silent listener to this pathetic story, turned
+on his heel, and, with a look on his countenance no
+man had ever seen, stole away as noiselessly as he
+had come.</p>
+
+<p>When his grandfather had become more calm,
+Norman told him of the forenoon’s adventure,
+hoping thus to draw the other’s mind from the
+affairs which it could be plainly seen were resting
+heavily on his heart.</p>
+
+<p>“I am going up to see Archie Stark,” said
+Norman, finally. “He can tell us better what to
+do than any other man, and his advice will be more
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span>trustworthy. His word will have more weight with
+the others, too. So cheer up, grandfather, while I
+am gone. I will be back soon. Rilma, you must
+keep as still as possible. There, I won’t be away
+long this time.”</p>
+
+<p>In order to keep even with the events as they
+transpired, it will be necessary to mention a little
+incident which occurred on that forenoon, before
+continuing with the fortunes of Norman. Unknown
+to him, Mr. MacDonald had not been the only one
+Gunwad and his companion had come to Namaske to
+see on that summer day. On leaving the old Highlander,
+they sought a humble cabin on the bank of
+a small stream tributary to the Merrimack River, and
+known to this day in memory of its dusky occupant,
+at that time the sole survivor in the vicinity of the
+once powerful confederacy of the Pennacooks.</p>
+
+<p>The two approached the bark dwelling with all
+the caution of hunters on the trail. Gunwad’s companion
+led the way, dodging from tree to tree, or
+crawling on his hands and knees through the undergrowth,
+where it was thick enough to conceal his
+form, the deer reeve imitating his example. Why
+the twain should have adopted this cautious way of
+reaching the humble home of the solitary Indian,
+in a time of peace, can only be explained by the fact
+that both were arrant cowards. Christian, or Christo,
+as his name had been shortened, was what was known
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span>as a “praying Indian,” and on amicable terms with
+the white settlers. Still, there were always those
+who were so prejudiced against the race as not to
+believe one of them under any circumstance. So
+Christo had a hard time of it, though he went about
+his simple methods of getting a living with apparent
+unconcern.</p>
+
+<p>Gunwad now bore in his pocket a warrant for
+Christo’s arrest for shooting deer out of season.
+Having failed in proving his charge against Norman,
+and remembering what the Woodranger had said
+about the bullet found in the deer belonging to
+an Indian, he had lost no time in seeking his capture.
+This Pennacook being the only red man
+known to be in the vicinity, he felt sure he was
+on the right track this time. He had, in his own
+mind, two reasons for this cautious way of attack.
+He was afraid, if he gave the Indian the opportunity,
+he might resist, or else take to the forest, and thus
+escape.</p>
+
+<p>The deer reeve, after half an hour’s loss of time,
+found that he and his companion had taken their
+trouble for nothing. Upon closer approach, the rude
+dwelling gave every appearance of being empty.</p>
+
+<p>“He may be hidin’ inside, ready to shoot us down
+in cold blood,” declared the deer reeve, with a
+shudder.</p>
+
+<p>“The bird has flown,” said the other. “There’s
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span>no doubt of that,” starting boldly toward the
+wigwam.</p>
+
+<p>“I might have known he would take advantage o’
+the time thet young refugee cost me,” muttered
+Gunwad, following at the other’s heels. “Let’s
+look in an’ see ef there’s enny trace o’ the red
+rascal.”</p>
+
+<p>A few primitive cooking utensils, an old net for
+catching fish, a pair of discarded moccasins, and
+a pile of boughs in one corner were about all that
+caught the gaze of the intruders.</p>
+
+<p>“He’s gone, sure ’nough,” acknowledged Gunwad.
+“So has my share in the reward. They’re bound to
+beat me out’n it. But the redskin, if he ever dares
+to come back, shall pay dearly for the trouble he has
+made me. It’ll add interest, too, to my ’count with
+them Scot refugees, or I don’t know black from
+white. Let’s git back to Cohas.”</p>
+
+<p>As nothing better could be done, the couple
+started for the lower end of the town, Gunwad but
+poorly satisfied with the result of his visit, though
+he was well pleased with the fright he had given Mr.
+MacDonald.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">
+    CHAPTER XIV.
+    <br>
+    <small>NORMAN WORKS IN A STUMP-FIELD.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Norman made a wiser choice than he realised at
+the time in seeking Mr. Archibald Stark, or “Old
+Archie,” as he was generally called, though he was
+then only forty-seven years old. This Mr. Stark,
+the father of Johnny, who figured in our hero’s
+adventure with the wildcats, was a native of Glasgow,
+Scotland. When a young man he had emigrated
+to this country, settling first in Nutfield, but afterward
+moving to Old Harrytown, upon a lot he had
+bought of a grantee of the Massachusetts province.
+The Stark homestead contained about five hundred
+acres of land, of better quality than the land below
+it, and extended for about half a mile along the east
+bank of the river above the falls. Mr. Stark was
+an educated man, and his wife a beautiful, kind-hearted
+woman. They had seven children, four boys
+and three girls, and as there were no schools in the
+vicinity at that time, these were taught at home. It
+was under that kindly and unselfish instruction John
+Stark got the education which was so much help to
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span>him in the important part he was to act in the coming
+wars against Indians and foreign enemies.</p>
+
+<p>Imbued with the true spirit of progress and a
+hard worker, Mr. Stark was the best farmer in Harrytown.
+He had chosen his location with happier
+results than many of the Tyng men, who had been
+obliged to get theirs by lot, and he bent his whole
+attention to improving his land, and gave but little
+time to fishing and hunting.</p>
+
+<p>“The abundance of fish in the river and game in the
+woods,” he used to say, “is both a blessing and a
+curse to the settlers. It is a blessing, as it affords
+a means of sustenance to some who might go hungry;
+a curse, as many spend their time on the hunt when
+they should be improving the soil and their homes.
+The spade and the hoe are the staffs of life, not the
+fishing-pole and the gun. Living by the hunt is well
+enough for the savages, but it is not the true way
+for civilised people. I am sorry that my boys have
+such an inclination for living in the woods. I do
+believe that Johnny had rather tramp all day through
+the wilderness in pursuit of a deer than to eat a good
+meal of victuals when he is hungry.”</p>
+
+<p>Norman found Mr. Stark at work, with his two
+older boys, William and Johnny, on a new lot he
+was clearing off. Johnny was driving a yoke of
+oxen, “twitching off” some fallen trees, which had
+to be drawn together to be burned.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span></p>
+
+<p>Archie Stark and Mr. MacDonald had been on
+intimate terms ever since the latter had come to
+Harrytown, and he was perfectly familiar with the
+old Highlander’s sorrows and anxieties. He knew
+the sad story of the massacre of Glencoe, as well as
+the siege of Londonderry, and even of the mistaken
+course of Archie McNiel, though he never hinted
+of the latter to Norman, whom he respected none
+the less for the mistakes of his parent. His greeting,
+on this August afternoon, was in keeping with his
+genial nature:</p>
+
+<p>“Ho, me lad! come to give an old man a lift? I
+was thinking of you this morning and wondering
+where I could find a likelier lad to help me clear
+away these stumps and trees, so as to get this into
+fit mowage. I tell you, my lad, it has got to be
+done, let them fish who will. Civilised men and
+women need bread and butter, and oxen and cows
+must have hay these long, cold winters. I’ll give
+you three shillings a day. Is it a bargain?”</p>
+
+<p>Three shillings is equal to seventy-five cents, as
+we reckon it, but colonial money of those days was
+of less value than the pound sterling of Great
+Britain, which would reduce that amount to about
+fifty cents a day.</p>
+
+<p>Though this offer had come most unexpectedly to
+Norman, it instantly appealed to his judgment as an
+opportunity too good to be lost.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[129]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I thank you, Mr. Stark; I think I will accept.
+But I must free my mind of another matter before
+I can begin work. I am sorry to—”</p>
+
+<p>“Tut—tut, lad! don’t let any excuses trouble
+you. Take a seat on this fallen tree and tell me all
+about it. It is always best to have a free mind.
+It is too hot this weather to keep at it all the time.
+Let the oxen rest, Johnny. Billy, you run down to
+the spring and get a gourd of cool water. Now, go
+ahead, my lad, and mind you make a clean breast
+of it.”</p>
+
+<p>Encouraged with these kindly words, Norman at
+once began his account of the shooting of the deer,
+and of Gunwad’s subsequent course of action, the
+other listening without interruption until he had
+finished.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, lad,” said Mr. Stark, “I can see why you
+worry; but cast that off. I am willing to allow that
+this Gunwad has it in his power to work you evil, if
+his plans succeed. You, or your grandfather, which
+amounts to the same, got your lot of a New Hampshire
+grantee, while I got mine of a Massachusetts
+party, one of which had just about as good a title
+as the other. But you are in the way of these Tyng
+colonists. This Gunwad has bought the right or
+title, or whatever you may call it, of the Tyng man
+who drew that lot. Now he, Gunwad, claims it, and
+warns you off. Several others have done the same,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[130]</span>and cases are in the court unsettled. In fact, they
+cannot be settled until this boundary line has been
+settled. If the lower province (Massachusetts)
+makes good her claim, you will have to lose your
+home, always supposing you will get a little for
+improvements.”</p>
+
+<p>“So you advise grandfather and me to move
+away?”</p>
+
+<p>“Hold right on, lad! I advise nothing of the kind.
+These Tyng grantees have shouldered a burden they
+little thought of at the outset. Though they are
+carrying matters with a high hand now, it is by no
+means certain they are going to win in the end.
+Candidly, I do not think Gunwad’s warning will
+amount to much at this time. At the next Proprietors’
+Meeting a vote may be passed to sustain such
+action, for he will have the township behind him.
+But even then, with the boundary line settled to
+their satisfaction, there is something concerned with
+their success here which few seem to have taken
+into serious consideration. In getting these grants
+the colonists have certain conditions to carry out, in
+order to hold their title. They have got to build
+a house of seven foot stud, that is wall, and eighteen
+feet square; have got to clear four acres of ground
+and help build a church within four years. Now
+none of these conditions were complied with by the
+grantee of the lot you occupy. Neither has Tyng
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[131]</span>Township yet built any meeting-house or settled
+a minister, though they can be excused for this on
+account of the failure of any one to raise a mill, as
+was expected. The mill is now nearly done, and I
+expect the lumber will be sawed in season to build
+the meeting-house this fall. I mention these facts
+that you may understand the exact situation. Within
+a year I believe this boundary dispute will be settled
+for ever. If Massachusetts loses, these grants of
+Harrytown will not be worth a fig to these Tyng
+men.”</p>
+
+<p>“What will happen then?” asked Norman.</p>
+
+<p>“The Scotch-Irish grant from New Hampshire
+will hold the territory, all except the reserve about
+Namaske. Your homestead comes in that territory,
+but I think you will have no trouble. I have been
+studying the situation considerably, and these are
+my honest convictions. Wait and see what Gunwad’s
+next move will be. Now I come back to my
+question. Are you going to help me this month,
+beginning to-morrow?”</p>
+
+<p>“I shall be glad to do so, as there is not more at
+home than grandfather can do.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am glad of it, as I want to get this lot cleared
+before the fall rains. I mean to sow a piece of winter
+rye. And while you are coming here to work, and
+after, I want Rilma to attend our studies. She can go
+home with you, if she comes up in the afternoon.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[132]</span></p>
+
+<p>Norman thanked Mr. Stark for his kindness, and
+returned home in better spirits than when he had
+left. His report, too, awakened the hopes of Mr.
+MacDonald.</p>
+
+<p>The following morning he began work in Mr.
+Stark’s stump-field, beginning by driving the oxen to
+draw off the fallen trees and uproot the stumps,
+learning a lesson of patience and fortitude from
+those useful creatures he never forgot.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Stark worked busily in the new clearing with
+his help, always willing to take hold of the butt end
+of the log if it happened to come nearest to him.
+Nothing seemed to fret him, except a shirk. He
+despised a lazy person.</p>
+
+<p>On the second day that Norman worked for him
+Zack Bitlock came shambling into the lot, to begin
+work. He was still barefooted, his lank figure
+clothed in earth-coloured shirt and trousers. He
+was accompanied by a youth of fifteen, the exact
+counterpart of the father, even to the bare feet, the
+sunburned face, the shirt and trousers. He led, by a
+piece of deer thong, a lean, lank dog, clay-coloured,
+like the clothes of its master. Its most remarkable
+feature was its ears, which were of such enormous
+size as to flop up and down with a sort of “gushy”
+noise as the creature jogged along at the heels of its
+human companions.</p>
+
+<p>“Gol dang yit, ’squire!” greeted the new arrival,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[133]</span>Goodman Bitlock, senior, “seen the cur’usist sight
+an’ heerd the cur’usist noise down yander on th’ sand
+piles ye ever sot eyes an’ ears on. Me an’ Lige an’
+th’ tarnal dorg—Lige w’u’d take ther critter erlong—wuz
+comin’ erlong when th’ dolefulest sound ye
+ever sot hearin’ on come frum th’ side o’ th’ road.
+Sez I to Lige, sez I: ‘Wot in creation mought thet
+be?’ An’ th’ dorg pricked up his ears, an’ when
+thet dorg pricks up his ears set yit down fer good
+an’ all there’s sumthin’ round!</p>
+
+<p>“Wul, Lige an’ me looked, but all I c’u’d see was
+a leetle albiner squirrel a-sottin’ on th’ sand pile, but
+I c’u’d see th’ leetle runt wuz cryin’ so yit had los’
+yit’s pa an’ ma an’ other ’lations. I wuz natcherly
+struck by yits ’pearance, an’ I says, says I:</p>
+
+<p>“‘Whut’s th’ tarnal trubble, leetle feller?’</p>
+
+<p>“Then th’ poo’ thing rubbed th’ tears erway with
+one fore paw, an’ yit says, says yit:</p>
+
+<p>“‘Mister, ye air kind, but ye can’t hel’ me.’</p>
+
+<p>“‘But I can show ye my good-will,’ says I, I says,
+‘so pipe erhead, my eetle fri’nd.’</p>
+
+<p>“Then yit give yits big, sorrerful eyes anuther dab
+with yits paw, an’ says, says yit:</p>
+
+<p>“‘Ye can’t hel’ me, mister. Me pa died yesterday
+an’ he willed me th’ hull o’ Ol’ Harrytown, but
+yit wuz with th’ perwision thet I live in yit, an’ I,’
+givin’ ernuther dab fer yits eye with yits paw, ‘<em>I hev
+got to starve to death!</em>’</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[134]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Gol dang ef I don’t think thet poo’ albiner wuz
+erbout right. Ef we don’t all starve to death on
+these sand heaps yit’ll be becos we hev got so dried
+up thet th’ wind will blow us erway.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s a pretty good story, Zack,” declared Mr.
+Stark. “If you were as good in breaking in stump-land
+as you are at story-telling, you would be worth
+your wages.”</p>
+
+<p>“Which is saying as much thet I ain’t now. Go
+erlong, ’squire, ef I weren’t so tarnal good-natured
+I’d git mad.”</p>
+
+<p>Norman had now turned the oxen over to Johnny
+Stark, and with Goodman Bitlock was helping Mr.
+Stark fell the big trees growing on the edge of the
+clearing, which the owner wished to make larger.
+These pines, many of them of huge size, after being
+felled had to have their branches cut away, so the
+cattle could pull them together. In some cases they
+had to be chopped in twain before the stout oxen
+could draw them. Those best suited to his purpose
+Mr. Stark was saving to be hewn for the timbers of
+a sawmill he was intending to build at an early day.</p>
+
+<p>Lige Bitlock, though he was older and bigger than
+the Stark boys, did not offer to do any work. He
+spent the most of his time following his dog through
+the adjacent growth, or fishing from the bank of the
+river.</p>
+
+<p>“If I had such a shiftless boy as that of yours,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[135]</span>Goodman Bitlock,” said Mr. Stark, bluntly, “I’d tie
+a deer thong around his neck and throw him over the
+falls.”</p>
+
+<p>“Go easy, ’squire, go easy. Thet boy ain’t no
+fool, an’ he says, says he, he’s goin’ to make a big
+hunter like Woodranger.”</p>
+
+<p>“Got a mighty poor showing, then. What would
+a whole regiment of Woodrangers amount to? The
+more we have of such men the less there is done in
+improvement.”</p>
+
+<p>“Woodranger fit with Lovewell,” replied Bitlock,
+in whose mind such a deed made a man a hero fit to
+worship afar off. “If my Lige c’u’d ’a’ fit with
+Lovewell—”</p>
+
+<p>“He’d been killed long before this, and that would
+have been a wise dispensation of Providence to get
+rid of refuse matter. But if he is so smart I want
+him to go down to Mr. Perham’s, and get my long
+deer rope which he borrowed more than six months
+ago. I do wish men would return as readily as they
+borrow. We shall need the line in pulling over the
+leaning pine up yonder. It will give the oxen more
+than they can pull if it falls back over the ridge.”</p>
+
+<p>“Is th’ rope heavy, ’squire?”</p>
+
+<p>“Weighs about half a ton! Perhaps you think
+Johnny had better go along with him. I can’t spare
+him. If I could I would send him alone. The oxen
+must be kept to work.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[136]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Why can’t Archie go?” asked Bitlock.</p>
+
+<p>Archie was two years younger than Johnny, and,
+as he was not at work, his father did not object
+to his going.</p>
+
+<p>“Min’ ye, Lige, ye come right back,” said his
+father. “Don’t go off inter th’ woods, ’cos ye know
+erbout thet wildcat screech we heerd.”</p>
+
+<p>Lige promised to return as quickly as possible,
+and with his dog at his side, and little Archie Stark
+following behind, he set out down the road.</p>
+
+<p>“Dunno but I oughter gone with thet boy,” muttered
+Bitlock, as he gazed after his hopeful son,
+scratching his head with sluggish movements. After
+standing five minutes looking vacantly at the space
+where he had last seen Lige, Goodman Bitlock leisurely
+picked up his axe, and, after spending five minutes
+more in flicking off an accumulation of dirt with
+a pine bough, he got to work again.</p>
+
+<p>When it was getting to be time for the boys to
+return, he began to cast anxious glances down the
+road, until he was startled by the sight of a well-known
+figure approaching at a swift run. It was
+Lige, and he was startled because it was unusual to
+see him running at that rate, unless he was in pursuit
+of a squirrel or some frightened denizen of the
+woods. Lige showed, too, that he was labouring
+under great excitement, while his dog kept close
+beside him, uttering quick, short yelps.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[137]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Why! whut’s happened now?” cried Bitlock,
+dropping his axe, and standing with extended arms
+and wide-opened mouth. “Whut’s scart ye so,
+Lige?”</p>
+
+<p>By this time all in the clearing had stopped work,
+to learn what the trouble was.</p>
+
+<p>“I ain’t scart, dad!” replied Lige, as soon as he
+could get his breath enough to speak. “I ain’t a
+bit scart, dad; and I’ve come right back, as ye tole
+me.”</p>
+
+<p>Goodman Bitlock drew a breath of relief, while
+the others resumed work. The proud father said, in
+a complimentary tone:</p>
+
+<p>“Ye’re a smart boy, Lige, an’ ye’ll ermount to
+sumthin’. How ye mus’ hev run to git hyur so
+soon.”</p>
+
+<p>“I did, dad.”</p>
+
+<p>He said nothing of Archie or the rope, and Mr.
+Stark, thinking his son would soon appear with the
+deer thong, asked no questions, until five minutes
+had passed without bringing the missing boy.</p>
+
+<p>“We want that rope,” declared Mr. Stark, impatiently.
+“Why didn’t you bring it along, Lige?”</p>
+
+<p>“I left it with Arch.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where is Archie?”</p>
+
+<p>“With th’ rope, mister. I had to run to get hyur
+right back.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Stark grumbled a little because of the non-appearance
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[138]</span>of Archie, but for fifteen minutes more
+nothing wrong was suspected. Then, upon being
+questioned more closely, Lige blurted out:</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know but th’ b’ar eat him up! I had to
+run ’way from him to git right back.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Stark’s inquiries grew more pointed, and the
+frightened youth explained that a big bear had
+attacked them, and that he had barely escaped by
+running for his life.</p>
+
+<p>“And what has become of my poor boy?” cried
+the distracted father.</p>
+
+<p>Though realising that it was too late to save
+Archie, if he had fallen into the clutches of the
+bear, Mr. Stark, Norman, and the others at once
+started down the road as fast as they could run.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[139]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">
+    CHAPTER XV.
+    <br>
+    <small>HANGING A BEAR.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Meanwhile what has happened to little Archie
+Stark? Bears, as well as other wild beasts, were
+prowling about in the forests, often coming very near
+to the scattered dwellings of the pioneers, and at that
+season of the year were inclined to be ugly. If Archie
+had met one there was small chance that his father
+and friends would find him alive. This was the more
+certain from the fact that fully half an hour had
+elapsed since Lige Bitlock had returned to the
+clearing, and they would have a mile to go before
+reaching the scene of his peril, according to the
+frightened youth’s incoherent report.</p>
+
+<p>The boys had made the journey to Mr. Perham’s
+in safety, and, getting the rope, started on their return
+with as little delay as possible. As the long line of
+deer thong was quite heavy, they took turns in carrying
+it, Lige having the first task at lugging.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had Archie taken the rope than, notwithstanding
+his repeated promises to his father
+about getting “right back,” Lige began to leave the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[140]</span>road at intervals, to make détours into the adjoining
+forest, always led in these wanderings by his dog,
+Pluck. Archie remonstrated with him in vain, trying
+to frighten him by declaring that he would start up
+a wildcat or a bear.</p>
+
+<p>“I sh’u’d jes’ like to scare up a cat an’ see Pluck
+pull its fur! Dad says there is one on th’ island an’—hark!
+thet dorg has scart up sumthin’! When thet
+dorg barks it means sumthin’!” and he bounded in
+the direction of the sound.</p>
+
+<p>But Lige Bitlock had not fairly vanished from
+sight before he reappeared with redoubled speed, the
+yelping dog close beside him. At the same time was
+heard the crashing of a huge body lumbering through
+the undergrowth at their heels.</p>
+
+<p>“A b’ar!” yelled Lige, “a b’ar! Run fer yer life,
+Arch!”</p>
+
+<p>It proved that the dog had run upon a couple of
+cubs in the woods, but it had scarcely begun to bark
+at them before the old mother bear appeared. Now
+a bear is not the most ferocious creature in the
+world if not aroused by some unusual action. But
+a mother bear, filled with the idea that harm is threatening
+her cubs, is about as ugly a customer as any
+one could wish to meddle with. Lige Bitlock was
+prudent to flee, but he was a coward to leave his
+younger friend to the mercy of the enraged beast.</p>
+
+<p>In order to carry the rope with as much ease as
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[141]</span>possible, Archie had coiled it about his shoulders.
+When he saw the brute rushing toward him he
+found it difficult to free himself from his burden
+without stopping in his flight. So he was obliged
+to flee, his speed greatly retarded by the coil of deer
+thong. He called to his companion, but Lige, looking
+back over his shoulder, and seeing the bear close
+on Archie, sped away faster than before, while his
+dog, Pluck, proved itself anything but true to its
+name.</p>
+
+<p>Archie quickly realised that he could not outrun
+the bear, though he was favoured in his flight by
+the fact that one of the cubs, which kept beside its
+mother, was continually getting in the clumsy creature’s
+way, thus checking her pursuit. He was a
+brave boy, and determined to fight for his life when
+he found that further flight was useless. Seeing a
+chestnut-tree standing a short distance back from
+the road, and with branches coming down within
+easy reach, he resolved to try and climb it before the
+bear should overtake him.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly he plunged through the brushwood,
+and, quickly reaching the tree, seized one of the lower
+limbs, and swung himself up just as the brute snapped
+at his bare feet. It was a narrow escape, but, having
+fairly got into the chestnut, he ascended like a squirrel
+to the top. There he paused for his first breathing
+spell, and to see what the bear would do next.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[142]</span></p>
+
+<p>Not to be cheated of its prey, the aroused creature,
+after giving a furious growl, began to climb the tree
+with a celerity wonderful for one so clumsy in its
+movements on the ground. As she mounted higher
+and higher, Archie began to tremble lest she should
+reach him. So up he went, until the branches became
+so slender and pliant as almost to refuse to
+bear his weight. Surely the bear could not reach
+him there.</p>
+
+<p>After gaining a perch as high as she could very well
+get, the bear stopped, glaring up fiercely at him and
+renewing her savage grunts and growls. She was
+within eight or ten feet of him, and Archie was desperate.
+He felt that he must surely be caught, as
+she soon began to ascend still higher, the chestnut
+swaying far over on one side, as her ponderous body
+rose.</p>
+
+<p>But Mistress Bruin had really climbed as high as
+she could. After a few futile attempts to reach her
+victim, she settled back into her resting-place, and
+resumed her threatening cries.</p>
+
+<p>Thinking that at the worst he would only be compelled
+to remain there until friends should come to
+his rescue, Archie was beginning to feel hopeful,
+when the bear began new tactics, which were to
+prove more dangerous than any before.</p>
+
+<p>She began to shake the tree vigorously, and the
+whole top of the chestnut shook as if assailed by
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[143]</span>a September gale. At the outset Archie was nearly
+flung from his precarious perch. Soon succeeding
+in getting a firmer hold, he held on for dear life, until
+the bear stopped, grunting and threatening to renew
+her attacks.</p>
+
+<p>He was so high in the air that he knew a fall to
+the ground meant broken limbs, if not instant death.
+He could not pass the bear, so that escape was cut
+off. During the brief respite allowed him his mind
+was very active, until he believed he had hit upon
+a plan which might enable him to escape. He could
+not be any worse off if it failed.</p>
+
+<p>He still carried the rope coiled about his shoulders,
+and he at once began to remove it, the bear
+watching his work with evident curiosity, growling
+occasionally, and trying to reach the line with one of
+her fore paws. He wasn’t a great while in getting
+the line free, and, calculating on the length needed
+for his purpose, he proceeded to fasten that part to
+the trunk of the chestnut, as far below him as he
+could without getting in reach of the watchful
+brute. Then he made a running noose in the opposite
+end of the thong, being careful to see that the
+loop would slip freely.</p>
+
+<p>With an earnestness a human being might have
+exhibited the bear continued to watch him, abandoning
+for the time her attacks on the tree. As Archie
+lowered the noose toward her she snapped at it
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[144]</span>furiously, and, missing it, snarled and tried to hit
+it with her paw.</p>
+
+<p>Anxiously Archie waited his opportunity, allowing
+the line to dangle above her head, though careful to
+keep it just out of her reach. By and by she
+seemed to lose interest in it, and renewed her
+assaults on the chestnut, more determined than ever,
+it seemed, to accomplish her intentions.</p>
+
+<p>The critical moment for the brave boy had come,
+and, not without many misgivings as to the result,
+and holding to his precarious perch with one hand,
+as she began her vigorous shaking <a href="#i_fp144">Archie improved
+his opportunity to drop the noose over her head.</a>
+So adroitly did he perform this act that the stout
+line fell fairly above her big neck.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="i_fp144">
+  <img src="images/i_fp144.jpg" alt="" title="">
+  <figcaption>
+      <p class="noic"><a href="#Page_144">“ARCHIE IMPROVED HIS OPPORTUNITY TO DROP THE
+    NOOSE OVER HER HEAD.”</a></p>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>The moment she felt the line straighten she
+stopped her attack, and tried to free herself from
+the entangling rope. Finding herself unable to do
+that, the brute became enraged, and loosened one
+paw from the tree to seize on the offending object.
+The movement was fatal to her. Archie, watching
+his time, gave the tree a vigorous shake, feeling that
+it was his turn. The result surprised even him.
+The huge beast suddenly lost her hold, and, with
+a furious growl, went crashing down through the
+thick branches.</p>
+
+<p>At first Archie’s heart was filled with fear. He
+thought he had miscalculated the length of the rope,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[145]</span>and that the bear would fall to the ground before
+reaching its limit. Then he was frightened lest the
+rope should break. These thoughts flew rapidly
+through his mind. Then there came a shock which
+nearly threw him from the tree. As soon as it had
+passed he looked anxiously downward, to see a dark
+form struggling in mid-air a few feet above the
+ground. It was the bear, which soon became quite
+motionless. He could hardly credit his eyes, but
+upon looking a second time he found the huge
+carcass still there, helpless now.</p>
+
+<p>The danger over, Archie felt very weak from
+reaction after the excitement, and as he descended
+the tree he came near losing his hold several times.
+But that was really no evidence of fear. He had
+shown himself extremely courageous in the moment
+of great peril, and had acted with wonderful fortitude
+and forethought.</p>
+
+<p>The dead bear’s cubs were whining piteously
+under the tree, trying in vain to reach the lifeless
+form of their mother dangling above their heads.
+Archie watched his opportunity to drop to the
+ground beyond their clutch, not knowing but they
+might make him trouble in their distracted state.</p>
+
+<p>A minute later he was running up the road as
+fast as he could go, though with different feelings
+stirring his bosom from those which had caused
+Lige Bitlock to use his long legs in covering the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[146]</span>ground. After running a short distance he slackened
+his speed to a walk, and he was pursuing his
+way in this deliberate manner when he was discovered
+by his father and the others. At sight of
+him Mr. Stark ran forward and clasped him in his
+arms, with terms of endearment.</p>
+
+<p>Showing considerable surprise at this greeting,
+Archie broke loose, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“Did you get tired of waiting for the rope, father?
+I had to leave it in the chestnut, but if you will let
+me have your stout knife I can soon get it for you.”</p>
+
+<p>“My bonnie boy! what has happened? The bear—where
+is it?”</p>
+
+<p>“Hanging high and dry, father, in the old chestnut
+in the hollow. Hilloa, Lige! I see you got
+home all right!”</p>
+
+<p>Then, upon being questioned, Archie told his story
+in a modest way, and was at once the hero of the
+hour. Around the Stark hearthstone that evening
+bear stories were the one absorbing topic of conversation.
+The skin of Mistress Bruin was kept for
+many years in the family, as a memento of her
+youthful conqueror.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Stark had been so wrought up over the affair
+that he declared no more work should be done that
+day. But, as it was then half past five, Norman did
+not feel that he was losing very much time. As
+Rilma came daily to recite her lessons, he waited as
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[147]</span>usual to go home with her. No sister could have
+been dearer to him than she, and those walks were
+never forgotten, when in later life they were both
+called into the midst of more exciting scenes. She
+delighted to go over with him her studies, gathering
+new light and interest from his kindly suggestions,
+while he told her whatever of interest had happened
+to him during the day. And dull and dreary
+as were those hours of toil in the stump-field, he
+found many an incident which pleased her.</p>
+
+<p>One evening he had to tell her that Gunwad had
+been seen in the neighbourhood of Christo’s lone
+cabin, but they felt easier when they found that he
+had not been at their home.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps he will not try to harm us again,” she
+said.</p>
+
+<p>“We will hope not,” he replied, though he knew
+only too well that such a hope was vain. The unprincipled
+deer reeve was not one to give up so easily.</p>
+
+<p>His worst fears were realised a week later, when,
+as he and Rilma were returning from Mr. Stark’s,
+they heard the sound of angry voices, as they approached
+their home. There was no mistaking the
+speakers. The first was their grandfather, whose
+tone, as well as words, showed that he was in a
+raging passion:</p>
+
+<p>“Out o’ ma house, ye uncanny fule, afore I brak’
+this staff ower yer thick heid!”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[148]</span></p>
+
+<p>The reply was Gunwad’s, lower, and with an
+aggravating inflection in the speech:</p>
+
+<p>“Lay so much as a finger on me ef ye dare, ye ol’
+Scot refugee. I say, strike me ef ye dare, ye cowardly
+furriner!”</p>
+
+<p>“I must get there before grandfather strikes him,
+or it will fare ill with us,” cried Norman, rushing
+toward the house at the top of his speed.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[149]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">
+    CHAPTER XVI.
+    <br>
+    <small>GUNWAD TAKES DECISIVE ACTION.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Though expecting to meet an exciting scene,
+Norman was not prepared for the startling tableau
+which greeted his gaze as he bounded into the house.
+Two men, companions of Gunwad, stood like guards
+at the door, while the deer reeve had advanced to
+the opposite side of the room, and was shaking
+his fist in Mr. MacDonald’s face. The latter, who
+had allowed all the intense passion of his nature to
+assert itself, had retreated to the corner, and was in
+the act of bringing his stout staff down on the head
+of his tormentor.</p>
+
+<p>With an exclamation of warning, Norman sprang
+between the two, catching his grandfather’s uplifted
+arm in an attempt to turn the intended blow from
+the deer reeve. He succeeded in his purpose at
+the cost of a stinging stroke on his own shoulder,
+caused by a sudden turning of the cane.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t strike him, grandfather!” he cried. “Be
+calm; don’t you see it is his desire to make you do
+him harm, and then—”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[150]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Stand aside, lad! nae sic a dog insults me in my
+ain hoose! Let me get but ae whack at him, lad!”</p>
+
+<p>“No—no, grandfather! you must not so much as
+touch him. Goodman Gunwad, please leave this
+house at once. Grandfather is an old man and so
+broken down as not to be himself. When he has
+recovered from the excitement your visit has given
+him we will talk with you. But now, please spare
+him.”</p>
+
+<p>Norman’s appearance had been so sudden and
+unexpected that the two men in the doorway had
+not yet comprehended the situation, while it was
+not until he had finished speaking that the deer
+reeve recovered sufficiently to say a word. Then he
+exclaimed, in his blustering way:</p>
+
+<p>“So—so, my Scotch bantam! so ye pick up th’
+quarrel? Jest lay a hand on me ef ye wanter. I
+kem hyur peaceful to ask th’ ol’ furriner when he
+was goin’ to git out’n my house, and he flew at me
+like a cat. Be keerful how ye use me,” retreating
+a step, as Norman started forward, showing by his
+manner that he had no fear for the other. “Here,
+Holster, Lawton, don’t let the hot-headed Scotchmen
+kill me. They air two to one.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am not going to lay a hand on you, Goodman
+Gunwad, if you will go your way peacefully,” said
+Norman, as the deer reeve’s companions advanced
+into the centre of the room.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[151]</span></p>
+
+<p>“It’s ernough thet ye hev threatened me, an’ I
+can prove it. I order you, Holster and Lawton, to
+take th’ ripscallion off. The sooner these furriners
+air driven out o’ Tyngstown th’ better ’twill be fer
+all honest people.”</p>
+
+<p>“You shall not lay a hand on grandfather,” cried
+Norman, as the man called Holster again moved
+forward. “If grandfather has offered to do one of
+you harm it was because you drove him to it. I—”</p>
+
+<p>“Bah!” exclaimed Gunwad, “I ain’t foolin’
+round hyur fer nothin’. Pull ’em both—”</p>
+
+<p>Though no one had heard the approach of a newcomer,
+a shadow at that moment fell across the
+pathway of the irate deer reeve, and he stopped in
+the midst of his excited speech as the stalwart figure
+of the Woodranger confronted him.</p>
+
+<p>“So you are stirring a bit o’ an amazement, Gunwad?”
+demanded the forester, sternly. “Sich
+conduct on your part seems ill-timed to me, who is
+not an adept in the wanton ways o’ men. What
+would you have with this old man and the lad?”</p>
+
+<p>“I want ’em to git out’n my house! I jes’ come
+civil like, armed with proper authority, and this
+youngster has sassed me and th’ ol’ man has tried
+to club me. I can prove it by my friends here.”</p>
+
+<p>“No matter about that. Did my ears hear aright,
+or was it the whispering o’ a pine, which said that
+this is your abode?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[152]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I said plain ernough thet this is <em>my</em> house! I
+own this lot, seein’ I come into fair possession by
+law. I bought it of one of the grantees of Tyng
+Township, of which this is a part. There was no
+trouble till those ’demned furriners kem hyur.”</p>
+
+<p>“Easy, Gunwad, easy! When you talk o’ furriners
+you hit us all on the head. It is only the poor
+red man who can say that, and not many o’ them,
+seeing the way we’ve kicked ’em from our path, as
+we would dead leaves. It is them as have reason
+to complain.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ye know well ernough what I mean, Woodranger.
+It’s these miserable Scotch intruders.”</p>
+
+<p>“Who got here afore you did, Gunwad. It may
+be, without wishing to be other than neutral in a
+flame which should never have been kindled, that I
+have—”</p>
+
+<p>“How long has it been sence ye hev sided with
+these dogs?” broke in the deer reeve. “So ye hev
+been a snake in—”</p>
+
+<p>“Be keerful, Gunwad!” warned the forester, this
+last statement being more than he could listen to in
+silence. “Be keerful and not awaken an old man’s
+ire. A snake in the grass, never! I seek no quarrel
+with man, and I find none in the free domain o’
+natur’. It is only where the contentions o’ civilisation
+come that men get at cross purposes. I ’low
+that wild creeturs fight, but that should be a lesson
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[153]</span>to man and not an example. Don’t you so much as
+lay a finger on the old man, Gunwad, or I shall forget
+my prudence.”</p>
+
+<p>Woodranger showed that he was making a mighty
+effort to keep his feelings under control, while he
+appeared unusually excited. Gunwad feared him,
+and yet with his two companions behind him, and,
+what he considered of greater benefit, the law, he
+tried to think he had nothing to fear. Happily for
+him, the man named Lawton came to his assistance
+at that moment.</p>
+
+<p>“You forget the notice I have to read, Gunwad.
+Perhaps that will bring them to their senses.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, read the document, Lawton,” said Gunwad,
+with a look of relief. “Mebbe that will bring ’em
+to their senses.”</p>
+
+<p>By this time Lawton had produced from his pocket
+a formidable-looking paper, which he quickly unfolded
+and began to read:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>“‘At a meeting of the Proprietors of Tyng
+Township, so called, regularly warned and assembled
+at the house of Mr. Isaac Farwell, Innholder, in
+Dunstable, the 21st of August, 1740:</p>
+
+<p>“‘Voted that those persons whose lands in said
+township and part of the original Proprietary are
+trespassed upon, or are possessed by any person
+claiming them under grant from New Hampshire,
+shall within three months from this meeting prosecute
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[154]</span>such persons, who are and be deprived for the
+future of any benefit or assistance from the Proprietary
+in the defence or recovery of any such lands.</p>
+
+<p>“‘Also voted that Messrs. Ephraim Hildreth,
+William Lawton, and Joseph Blanchard be a Committee
+fully empowered and directed at the charge of
+this Proprietary (by taking a legal owner) to assist
+in suing and defending in any action commenced
+or to be commenced of trespass or ejectment for or
+against any person or persons in trial of the title or
+trespass, as aforesaid, on any land belonging to the
+Proprietary or grantee. Thereof said Committee, or
+any one of them, are directed also at the cost of
+the Proprietary that if Proprietor, as aforesaid, be
+arrested and carried into the Province of New
+Hampshire&#x2060;<a id="FNanchor_2_2" href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> by any writ or process for improving on
+their lands there to redeem them from such arrests
+or arrest, and to take a power of attorney to appear
+in their names to prosecute and defend in any matter,
+jointly or severally according to the whole tenor of
+this vote.</p>
+
+<p class="noi">“‘[Signed]</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+  <span style="margin-right: 1.0em;">“‘<span class="smcap">Ephraim Hildreth</span>,</span><br>
+  <span style="margin-right: 1.5em;">“‘<span class="smcap">William Lawton</span>,</span><br>
+  “‘<span class="smcap">Joseph Blanchard</span>.’”</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p class="noi"><a id="Footnote_2_2" href="#FNanchor_2_2" class="label">[2]</a> Tyng Township was claimed to belong to Massachusetts.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>“What d’ye think o’ thet?” demanded Gunwad,
+triumphantly, as the other finished reading. “I
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[155]</span>reckon thet settles matters at one clip. I’ve got the
+province o’ Massachusetts and good King George
+the Second behind me.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is not for me, who is better varsed in the
+open ways o’ the free woods to dissemble, Gunwad,
+and I must confess that the course taken by the new
+town is most ill considered. I’m afeerd they will
+see disappointment soon, and have reason to regret
+such thoughtless—”</p>
+
+<p>“Air ye a fool or crazy, Woodranger? We’ll hev
+every furriner out o’ Tyngstown inside a year. Thet
+new law jes’ fixes every one o’ ’em, and I ain’t goin’ to
+let my chance slip. I shall hev to ax ye to step one side.”</p>
+
+<p>“Not to allow you to harm a hair on the head o’
+this old, innocent man, who never wronged—”</p>
+
+<p>“So ye stan’ in fer him? Holster and Lawton,
+take keer o’ him an’ I’ll throw th’ ol’ ripscallion out!”</p>
+
+<p>It was a critical moment. Norman felt that a
+fight was coming. Robert MacDonald showed it by
+the wild light in his eye and the look of stern determination
+upon his countenance, as he drew his tall
+figure up until he fairly towered, like a blazing column,
+above Gunwad. Fearing the worst, Norman
+gently pushed Rilma to a safer distance, while he
+moved nearer his grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>The bronzed features of the Woodranger suddenly
+lost their look of wonted calm. With his habitual
+swift but silent movement he glided to the side of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[156]</span>the deer reeve, the fingers of his left hand closed
+on Gunwad’s long nose, and before that worthy
+could realise what was taking place he was led to
+the door. Then, fairly lifted from his feet, he was
+sent several yards away, where he fell in a heap on
+the ground. Before his companions could interfere,
+if they had any intention of doing so, the forester
+turned toward them, pointing without a word in the
+direction of the door.</p>
+
+<p>“I have no quarrel with you, Woodranger,” said
+Lawton, beginning to retreat. “Come, Holster, let’s
+get out of this.”</p>
+
+<p>Without further words the two joined Gunwad,
+who, as he regained his feet, shook his fist at the
+house, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“Ye shall pay dearly fer this, Woodranger. Ye’re
+a traitor, and every man in Tyngstown shall know it.
+Ez fer ye, ye ol’ Scotch dunderhead, ye shall be driven
+out o’ Tyngstown with a withewood at yer heels.”</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger was trembling from head to foot,
+but he offered no reply, saying to himself rather
+than to any one else:</p>
+
+<p>“Man’s consait is beyond comprehension. Ill
+fares it with him who loses command o’ himself. I
+much fear me I’ve committed an indiscretion. The
+babbling creetur’ did arouse me more than I knew.
+Well, alack! I’m not overmuch pleased with myself.
+Man never knows his weakness till he lets his temper
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[157]</span>overrule his jedgment. I very much fear I’ve committed
+an indiscretion.”</p>
+
+<p>“Are the dolts a’ awa’, Norman, ma laddie?”
+asked Mr. MacDonald, still trembling from the
+effect of his recent excitement.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, grandfather, and let us hope they will not
+come back.”</p>
+
+<p>“They will, ma laddie, mark an auld man’s words.
+Sir,” addressing the Woodranger, “I like the wey
+ye handled th’ auld skellum, only I wad hae liked tae
+hae had my ain fingers in the place o’ yours.”</p>
+
+<p>“I very much fear me I have committed an indiscretion,
+and that my fingers pinched a bit harder
+than I knew. But he vexed me exceedingly. I
+hope you will not suffer for my indiscretion.”</p>
+
+<p>“We wish to thank you, Woodranger,” said Norman,
+“for helping us get rid of the men. Do you
+think Gunwad can really drive us away?”</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll warrant he will not without some stern
+opposition. This trouble between the two factions
+of settlers is an amazement no man can read, though
+I am of the opinion the end is nearer than most
+calculate. My advice, and such offering cannot be
+counted high on account o’ its commonness, is not
+to let the varmint give you a worry.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, kind sir,” cried Rilma, “is it such a dreadful
+thing to be a refugee? You are an honest man
+and you will tell me truly.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[158]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Nay, my bonnie lass, let not your heart run away
+with your jedgment, as my temper did with mine.
+You are too young and too gentle to let such matters
+trouble your pretty head. But I will say this much,
+and I have no wish to dissemble, that it is seldom
+a term of dishonour. He who wears it lightest wears
+it best. For that matter we’re all refugees, my
+bonnie lass, and can only make the best o’ it.”</p>
+
+<p>“What! maun ye gang awa’ sae soon, maister, an’
+withoot givin’ us yer name?” asked the old Highlander.
+“If I mistake not you’re ca’d Woodranger,
+but I fain wad ca’ ye by a dearie name.”</p>
+
+<p>“No name is so dear to man as that he bears
+amid the scenes he loves best. That race, which
+is seldom at fault in such things, deemed it suited
+to me. I have no desire to exchange it for another.
+Nay, ol’ man, it has stood by me many a year and
+it must remain until the eend. Ol’ Danger would
+lose his faith in me, and my foot would lose its
+lightness, should I change it now,” and shaking his
+head, he moved swiftly and silently away.</p>
+
+<p>“I dinna read, I dinna read him!” muttered Mr.
+MacDonald, shaking his own head, as he watched
+the forester out of sight.</p>
+
+<p>“He is brave and kind-hearted,” said Norman,
+warmly. “I cannot help liking him.”</p>
+
+<p>Then their conversation naturally turned upon the
+deer reeve and his companion, even Norman being
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[159]</span>obliged to acknowledge that their visit meant them
+trouble if not serious harm. To give up their home
+was a sacrifice which seemed too great to be met.
+At any rate, they resolved to wait and see what Gunwad’s
+next movement would be toward evicting them.</p>
+
+<p>Day after day, however, passed without any
+change in the situation, as far as they knew. Gunwad
+had not reappeared, but what his silence boded
+them was more than they could foresee. Perhaps he
+had some deeper laid scheme, which was requiring
+further time to perfect. It might be he had given up
+his intentions, though they could not believe that.</p>
+
+<p>The real cause of the prolonged delay was not
+from any willingness on the part of Gunwad, but
+rather a natural necessity arising from the slow
+methods of law. Among the early settlers of New
+England there were few who understood the principles
+or the workings of legal force, and thus the
+jurisdiction of courts was limited. The few judges
+who had been invested with power to sit upon suits
+were generally men without any legal education to
+prepare them for their perplexing duties. Thus
+there was no system or harmony in their rulings,
+and the inhabitants were commonly compelled to
+apply to the General Assembly, which assumed and
+exercised jurisdiction in imitation of the English
+Parliament, as a Court of Errors and Chancery. So
+the deer reeve was obliged to prepare a petition and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[160]</span>send it to Boston, that it might in its order be
+placed before the proper officials.</p>
+
+<p>While he was fretting and fuming over the slow
+process of law, his intended victims were gradually
+forgetting his threat, and Norman, who was still
+working for Mr. Stark, became greatly interested in
+the proposed canoe match. Though of frequent
+occurrence on the frontier, a boat race never failed
+to arouse a keen and wide-spread interest, being
+second only to a trial with arms. This trial, planned
+by the youth of Harrytown, was of greater novelty
+than usual, and sure to awaken more than ordinary
+rivalry. In fact, owing to the opposing spirits existing
+among these colonists, old as well as young
+could talk of little else.</p>
+
+<p>Norman McNiel, Robert Rogers, and William
+Stark were unanimously selected to represent the
+Scotch-Irish settlers, while Johnny Goffe, William
+Tyng, and James Hazard made up the English crew.
+It is needless to say that both sides began at once
+to practise earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>During one of these careful trainings on the part
+of Norman and his companions, they were delighted
+to see the Woodranger paddling swiftly and silently
+down the stream.</p>
+
+<p>“Let’s watch him, and perhaps we can learn
+something from him. Woodranger, you know, is
+considered the best paddler in these parts.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[161]</span></p>
+
+<p>To the general spectator there is something fascinating
+in the way a boat glides through the silvery
+water under the propulsion of an expert oarsman.
+And if this is true of the clumsy boat, the fascination
+is doubled and trebled at the sight of the birchen
+craft of the Indian, which seems to skim the current
+without touching,—to fly without wings! As
+Billy Stark had said, the Woodranger was not
+equalled in the use of the paddle. His canoe was
+of Indian make, about eighteen feet long, and built
+from the winter bark of the white birch, which is
+tougher than that of the summer. His smooth,
+wide-bladed paddle was of the clearest poplar, “as
+light as a feather and as strong as ironwood.” In
+his skilful handling it touched the water without
+making a sound, each stroke sending his frail bark
+yards on its course.</p>
+
+<p>The forester had seen the young canoeists, and it
+wasn’t long before he sped alongside of them.</p>
+
+<p>“A fine evening for your practice, lads, which
+I hope my coming will not check. In my humble
+opinion you will need all the benefit you can get
+from such trials.”</p>
+
+<p>“We are right glad you have come, Woodranger,”
+said Billy Stark, who seemed inclined
+to do the talking, “and we want you to give us
+a lesson.”</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, nay, lads, that I cannot do! I have no
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[162]</span>desire to dissemble in this amazement, and I am free
+to confess that I am neutral in the quarrel hanging
+over this affair. It would be ill-advised for me to
+lend counsel or assistance even to my friends.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you think the Cohas boys are going to beat
+us?” asked Billy, showing disappointment at the
+forester’s reply.</p>
+
+<p>“It is not my knack to be able to tell you, seeing
+there are true lads at Goffe’s. I can tell you that
+nothing is ever lost in being prepared to do your
+best. It isn’t so much what you can do individually,
+as what you are able to do all together. I see Rob
+has the bow paddle, Billy the middle, and Norman
+the stern. In my humble opinion, that shows good
+jedgment. Your craft is a good one, its brown
+colour showing that it is made of winter bark, and
+your paddles appear to be clean ash. I prefer
+poplar, which is lighter and less inclined to spring,
+but that is only an old man’s whim. It all lies with
+you; good evening,” and, without further words, the
+Woodranger sped away as silently as he had come.</p>
+
+<p>“Funny he couldn’t give us just a hint!” said
+Billy.</p>
+
+<p>“It seems to me he did give us two hints, which
+may be the winning of the victory for us. Let us be
+prepared to do our best, and to work together. Let
+that be our key-note. Now, boys, together!”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[163]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">
+    CHAPTER XVII.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE CANOE MATCH.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>It was a still September day,—an ideal day for
+the canoe match. The sky had taken on that peculiar
+sapphire hue so common to the season. Never
+had the limpid current of the Merrimack shone
+clearer along the two-mile course where it moved
+with sluggish motion toward the Falls of Namaske.
+If the day was ideal, so was this portion of the
+sparkling stream an ideal track for the light barks of
+the rival canoeists.</p>
+
+<p>At a point where a bend in the bank curved
+sharply toward the west, cutting in twain the beach
+of white sand, a crowd of spectators had gathered to
+witness the great event of the autumn. A dozen
+feet above these twin knots of anxious watchers,
+standing on a wide, smooth breadth of land,—a
+natural terrace,—were twice their numbers. Under
+the giant pines, rearing their straight trunks from
+seventy-five to one hundred feet into the air without
+a branch to mar their symmetry, and tufted at the
+top with oval masses of foliage, the view was extended
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[164]</span>and beautiful. A hundred yards to the rear the
+ground ascended abruptly in a far-reaching hill, which
+was covered with a heavy growth of trees.</p>
+
+<p>Not satisfied with such advantages as the others
+had obtained to watch the race, four adventurous
+boys had climbed into the topmost branches of a pine
+growing on the river’s bank, and which some storm
+had so far uprooted as to cause the forest monarch
+to lean far out over the water. Foremost of this
+quartette was Lige Bitlock, for once obliged to leave
+his dog in the background. From this position a
+good view of the river was had for the entire distance
+of the course, so straight does the stream flow at this
+portion of its journey.</p>
+
+<p>It was now a quarter to two o’clock, and in fifteen
+minutes the race was expected to start. Both parties
+of the rivals were already on the ground, or rather
+water, the observed of all and the subjects of a continual
+flow of running comments. All of the preliminary
+arrangements had been made, excepting that
+most important one of selecting a judge. That was
+the exact situation, though in the minds of all a
+unanimous selection had been made by both sides.
+Woodranger was that choice. But the forester for
+some reason had not appeared, and until he came
+and accepted the trust, it could not be said a judge
+had been obtained. No one knew where he was.
+Neither was it certain he would come at all. In that
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[165]</span>dilemma Captain Goffe was expected to decide the
+match. It was generally understood that he would
+not accept if the Woodranger came. So you see
+that while the judge was really chosen, no one knew
+who he would be.</p>
+
+<p>In this anxious delay, though the time set had not
+fully arrived, the onlookers, as they generally do, got
+impatient. The two committees were besieged with
+questions.</p>
+
+<p>It was to be a three-mile race, the canoeists going
+up-stream a mile, and turning and going down-stream
+a mile below the starting-place. This rather unusual
+way of conducting the match had been decided upon
+from a wish to give the spectators the best possible
+opportunity to witness the trial. Both teams were
+claimed to be in fine condition, and certainly everything
+else was in their favour.</p>
+
+<p>Naturally, none were more impatient for the match
+to open than the contestants, who had paddled to
+positions nearly opposite the spectators, and were
+discussing the prospect in whispers among themselves.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you think we shall win?” asked Billy Stark,
+who was a little nervous over the trying situation.</p>
+
+<p>“Let us think so until we are fairly beaten,” replied
+Norman. “Remember very much depends on
+the last mile. Don’t get winded going up the
+stream. If Johnny does get ahead of us, don’t let
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[166]</span>that fact discourage you. It is the last part that
+counts.”</p>
+
+<p>“And be careful how you drop your paddle,” said
+Robert Rogers, who was not inclined to talk much
+on occasions like that. “You must not get ahead
+of Mac and me. Remember, Billy, that we must
+move exactly together.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ay, you remember those were the last words of
+Woodranger,” said Norman.</p>
+
+<p>“I wonder where the old fellow is,” commented
+Billy. “I believe I could do better if he were here.
+I had rather he would be judge than Captain Goffe.
+It doesn’t seem right to have Johnny’s father to
+decide a race in which his own boy is captain.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is why Captain Goffe does not like to
+accept. Captain Blanchard was asked, but he said
+he couldn’t be here. What is that cheering for?”</p>
+
+<p>Until then the crowds had been silent, but now a
+lusty cheer was given by those on the terrace, though
+the spectators below them remained quiet. The
+cause of the outburst was soon explained by the
+appearance of Captain Blanchard, who had been seen
+by those from their elevated position before their
+companions.</p>
+
+<p>“I had rather he would be umpire than Goffe,”
+declared young Rogers.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile a conversation of somewhat similar
+nature, though varied to suit the desires of the rival
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[167]</span>crew, had been carried on. It is, perhaps, needless
+to say that the Cohas boys were as confident of
+winning the match as their opponents. The spectators
+seemed about equally divided in their favours
+and hopes.</p>
+
+<p>“I tell you what it is, Mac, I’ll wager my first
+fall pelt that the Namaske boys are going to whip
+’em others!” exclaimed a tall, bony looker-on, whose
+appearance showed plainly his place of nativity.</p>
+
+<p>“Ne’er fear o’ my taking ye up, Archie, though
+it do seem Goffe’s crew air in deadly ’arnest,” replied
+a companion.</p>
+
+<p>“An’ going to bite vict’ry right out o’ th’ Scotch
+boys’ teeth!” exclaimed a third. “I’ll take yer bet,
+Archie, ef McPherson daresn’t!”</p>
+
+<p>“Done!” was the quick rejoinder of the first
+speaker. “I’m sure o’ doubling my game.”</p>
+
+<p>“Th’ Goffes were never beaten!” interjected
+another. “See whut a breadth o’ chist Johnny has.
+Jis’ like his father. An’ sich forearms! Then there’s
+Jimmy! Jimmy’s going to last till th’ last stroke.
+Ah, Cap’n Goffe knowed who to pick. With him
+fer judge we’re sure.”</p>
+
+<p>“Avaunt wi’ yer nonsense! Whut’s Johnny
+Goffe’s brawn compared to young McNiel’s arm?
+Mac can take one in each hand an’ flip their heels
+togither. Whut’s Johnny’s craft compared to Robby
+Rogers’s cunning? Robby is Woodranger’s favourite
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[168]</span>and trained in his ways. Them two air th’ boys fer
+me,—the boys who made th’ handsomest shots at
+th’ Pines. But whut air th’ committees doing now?
+Why be they buzzing Cap’n Blanchard so?”</p>
+
+<p>The committees, aided by Captain Goffe, were
+urging Captain Blanchard to accept the position of
+judge of the race, when a louder cheering than any
+before broke upon the scene, the wild cries prolonged
+into a series of huzzas which rang far and
+wide up and down the river. Nor had they far to
+look for the explanation, for a canoe, skimming the
+water with bird-like swiftness, and holding the well-known
+figure of the Woodranger, was to be seen near
+at hand.</p>
+
+<p>The chairman of the committee at once beckoned
+to the forester, who sped his light craft near to the
+anxious group.</p>
+
+<p>“You’re the one we’ve been looking and waiting
+for, Woodranger. We want you to act as judge of
+the match. You’re better versed in canoeing than
+any of us, and you’re just the one to decide the
+race.”</p>
+
+<p>To the surprise and disappointment of all, the forester
+shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>“I durst not do it, man, I durst not do it. Varsed
+in the ways o’ dipping a paddle I may be, and though
+it be not proper for me to say it, I may have picked
+up the knack o’ the red man’s cunning. But there
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[169]</span>be personal p’ints in this matter, which would make
+it an indiscretion for me to meddle. I might be
+accused, and mind you I say not without reason, o’
+partiality. Robby, you mus’ remember, is my pupil
+in the great school o’ natur’. And the lad, McNiel,—but
+I need not detail my mind. They’re six likely
+lads, and I love and respect them all. I thought
+mebbe I’d sort o’ trail along behind, and if anything—mind
+you, I say if anything unforeseen does happen,—not
+that I’m expecting it,—I’ll be near to
+lend a helping hand. More’n that I durst not undertake.
+I cannot dissemble; I’m neutral in this
+matter.”</p>
+
+<p>Understanding that it would be useless to urge
+the Woodranger to do what his judgment did not
+dictate, the committee then pressed Captain Blanchard
+to accept the trust. The latter did not hesitate,
+after finding that their first choice could not be
+pressed into service. His acceptance was very
+agreeable to both sides, for though the Proprietors’
+clerk of Tyng Township at the time, he was known
+to be always fair in his dealings with both factions.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner was this decision reached than Chairman
+Hall jumped upon a handy stump, and shouted
+so as to be heard by every one:</p>
+
+<p>“Arrangements completed. ’Squire Blanchard will
+decide the race. Are you in the canoes ready for
+the word?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[170]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Ready!” rang out the word in six voices, as if
+spoken by one, falling clearly on the profound
+silence which had now bound the spectators.</p>
+
+<p>“Ready it is, then. Time! One, two, three—go!”</p>
+
+<p>So well had the starter timed himself that it was
+exactly two o’clock by Captain Blanchard’s watch as
+the signal was given.</p>
+
+<p>As one the six paddles dropped into the water,
+and side by side the two canoes shot up the stream,
+while loud, prolonged cheers from the spectators
+made the woods ring.</p>
+
+<p>“It were a fair start and above discussion,” said
+the Woodranger to himself, as he sent his light bark
+in the silvery track of the rival canoes. “I’m afeerd
+Robby has set a stroke that’ll puzzle ’em to hold to
+the eend. Three miles ain’t like spinning a few
+yards for fun. But, Lordy’s me! how I do take on,
+and the race only begun.”</p>
+
+<p>It was a beautiful sight to witness, to see the six
+paddles rise and fall with such automatic precision
+that they seemed to be moved by machinery, while
+the heads and bodies of the rowers rose and sank
+with equal regularity. After the first outburst the
+crowds again became silent, and, except the splash
+of a paddle now and then, as one of the rowers
+failed to feather the edge as he wished, not a sound
+broke the stillness of the autumn air.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[171]</span></p>
+
+<p>But it was soon evident that the boys of Cohas
+were gaining on the others. At first the spectators
+were in some doubt of this, but it soon became certain,
+even to the most skeptical. Renewed cheering
+was then begun, though only the friends of the
+English boys now did the shouting.</p>
+
+<p>“What’d I tell ye!” cried an overzealous admirer.
+“Johnny Goffe is sure to come in ahead. Hurrah
+for the boys o’ Cohas!”</p>
+
+<p>Others took up the cry, until it rang far and wide,
+encouraging the three from the lower settlement to
+greater exertions. Woodranger, hearing the cries and
+realising the situation, shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>Straight as a bee-line did the canoes speed up the
+river toward the buoy in the middle of the stream,
+around which they were expected to pass and then
+return to the goal two miles down the watery course.
+The boys of Cohas were showing themselves to be
+of true metal, as well they might and should, for
+the work they were destined to perform in later
+years. Every one of the three earned a name that for
+border sagacity and intrepidity still lives in colonial
+history. Johnny Goffe, well worthy of the name of
+his father, who trained John Stark in the manual of
+arms and was General Sullivan’s master of tactics,
+sufficient honour for one, to say nothing of his own
+proud career, had set the stroke for his crew; and
+if it was begun at a tremendous pace, he showed no
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[172]</span>signs of faltering, as slowly, inch by inch, yard by
+yard, they continued to gain on their rivals. At the
+turning-point, as they swung silently and swiftly
+around the buoy, the boys of Cohas were three
+canoe lengths in the lead!</p>
+
+<p>Some of the spectators had followed as near as
+they could in canoes, while others had tried to keep
+the race in sight by running along the bank. Foremost
+of all flew the Woodranger, casting furtive
+glances, ever and anon, toward the rivals.</p>
+
+<p>“The boys of Cohas have turned the buoy four
+rods ahead!” some one shouted, and others catching
+up the cry, it rang from throat to throat, until it was
+heard from start to finish.</p>
+
+<p>“The boys of Cohas lead—the race is theirs!
+Hurrah for the Tyng boys! Hurrah for Johnny
+Goffe!”</p>
+
+<p>If the latter was getting the lion’s share of the
+praise, he was the coolest of the trio.</p>
+
+<p>“Well done, my hearties!” he cried, as they sent
+the canoe head down the stream. “It will be easier
+now, and we ought to win!”</p>
+
+<p>“We will!” exclaimed Jimmy Hazard, from between
+his clenched teeth. But, while he would not
+own it to himself, he was sorely tried with the long
+up-pull.</p>
+
+<p>If the boys of Namaske felt any undue anxiety,
+they did not show it, but continued to rush ahead
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[173]</span>with a stroke which their rivals did not equal for
+precision and silence.</p>
+
+<p>“They handle their paddles like Indians,” said the
+Woodranger to himself, paying them the highest
+compliment he could. But shaking his head, he
+resumed, “I have strange misgivings. I hope they
+have not committed an indiscretion by letting the
+others get so far ahead of them. No—no! it cannot
+be. Alack! how childish I am getting to be.”</p>
+
+<p>Now that the canoes had turned the upper end of
+the course, there was a scramble on the part of the
+spectators to get where they could best witness the
+close struggle they believed must take place on
+the last quarter. Captain Blanchard, in a canoe,
+had already stationed himself where he could command
+a close view of the finish, the critical point in
+the trial.</p>
+
+<p>The boys of Cohas, confident of victory, and with
+the strength such confidence gives, were still sending
+their canoe gliding over the water at an amazing
+rate of speed, their friends now continually urging
+them on with exultant cries.</p>
+
+<p>Neither were the boys of Namaske idle. They
+realised that it would not do for them to allow their
+rivals to gain another foot, and as they swept around
+the buoy they quickened their movements, soon
+lessening the distance between them and the others.
+So closely were the spectators watching them, that
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[174]</span>even the fraction gained was noticed, and the Scotch-Irish
+improved their opportunity to cheer. But their
+cries were drowned by renewed yells from the others,
+who felt that the honours belonged to them.</p>
+
+<p>“Robby has a good arm for a lad o’ his age,”
+soliloquised the Woodranger, as he witnessed the
+spurt of those whom it was plain he favoured in
+spite of his wish to remain neutral; “but he’s too
+young to hold out to the eend. I’m much afeerd—alack
+a man! why will I fill my ol’ mind with sich
+foolishness. They are all likely lads, and the best
+must win.”</p>
+
+<p>As one better versed in canoeing, as well as in
+all phases of wildwood life, Norman had gladly consented
+to allow Robby Rogers, though younger than
+himself, to be the leader of their crew; but now he
+was beginning to think the boy ranger was making
+a mistake in not giving their rivals a closer pull at
+the outset. It was true he felt as fresh as at the
+opening, but of what avail would be all of their
+reserved energy if they delayed too long the effort
+to recover the distance they had lost? Certainly it
+would soon be too late for them to hope to gain the
+victory. Filled with these thoughts, he said, in a low
+tone, but plainly heard by the others:</p>
+
+<p>“Has not the time come for us, Rob?”</p>
+
+<p>The reply came in a clear tone:</p>
+
+<p>“Quicker—deeper, lads!”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[175]</span></p>
+
+<p>Then something of the reserved strength of the
+three was brought into action. The paddles flashed
+forth a continual stream of sunlight, while the silvery
+trail behind the flying canoe was unbroken for a long
+distance. Their friends on the river bank, realising
+the change, gave an encouraging cheer. This was
+drowned, however, by the shouts of the Tyngs party,
+who seemed determined to do all the applauding.</p>
+
+<p>Johnny Goffe caught something of the meaning of
+this new outburst on the part of the Cohas party,
+and he endeavoured to arose his companions to still
+more effective work. Then, for the first time,
+he learned that his crew had begun to feel the
+effect of their overtasked strength. But this did
+not disconcert him. With the advantage they had
+already won, it was only necessary for them to hold
+their own now. He never doubted their ability to do
+that.</p>
+
+<p>It was a beautiful sight to see the rival canoes
+skimming the silvery current like twin birds, the
+swift-moving paddles looking not unlike the white
+wings of a pair of snowy swans. If the friends of
+the boys of Namaske boasted that their champions
+had begun to gain on the Cohas crew, the admirers
+of the latter claimed that it was not enough to give
+them any alarm. The Woodranger, than whom no
+one had watched the contest closer, or with nicer
+calculation, knew that half a canoe’s length had
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[176]</span>been taken from the gap lying between the two
+crafts.</p>
+
+<p>Two-thirds of the distance had now been made,
+and both crews were apparently doing their best.
+Slowly but surely the boys of Namaske were overhauling
+the others. As this became certain, all
+cheering ended, as if the situation was now too
+momentous for any display of feeling, and every
+one stood in silence, intently watching the race.
+With the skill and rapidity which seemed to be a
+sort of second nature to him, the Woodranger was
+keeping almost abreast of the rivals, when he thus
+was the first to see the disaster which befel the rear
+crew.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, as Billy Stark plied his paddle with
+increasing power, a sharp crack, sounding like the
+report of a firearm, rang loud and clear, and he
+reeled over as if shot, and fell in the bottom of
+the canoe. Nearly every spectator thought he had
+been shot, and cries of horror were heard in every
+direction.</p>
+
+<p>But there had been no gunshot, no foul play, as
+far as any person was concerned. Instead, an accident
+had occurred almost as disastrous, as far as the
+match seemed concerned. His paddle had snapped
+asunder under his great exertions, sending him upon
+his back at the feet of his companions.</p>
+
+<p>The frail bark careened, and as Norman and Rob
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[177]</span>realised the disaster to their assistant, both felt that
+their hopes were lost. In the face of such odds they
+could not hope to win.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s no use,—our race is over!” gasped Rob.
+He had hardly given utterance to the hopeless words,
+when a clarion voice rang over the water, crying:</p>
+
+<p>“<em>The brave never give up!</em>”</p>
+
+<p>It was the Woodranger who uttered the stirring
+declaration, and the words came like an inspiration
+to Norman McNiel, who quickly rallied, saying to his
+companion:</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t give up, Rob! We <em>must</em> win!”</p>
+
+<p>It was fortunate then they were comparatively as
+fresh as at the outset. The exertions of the race so
+far had only served to temper the vigour in their
+strong limbs. Rob Rogers instantly threw off his
+fears, and, himself again, he handled his paddle as
+he had never done before. Norman had already set
+the example, and as if the strength of two Billy
+Starks had been imparted to their arms, they sent
+the canoe ahead like an arrow sprung from a bow
+with giant power. Before the spectators had recovered
+from their surprise enough to realise what had
+taken place, the two boys had covered half of the
+distance between them and their rivals.</p>
+
+<p>It was true it was now two against three, but
+they seemed possessed of the strength of four. The
+scene which followed held the onlookers dumb with
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[178]</span>wonder. In his excitement Lige Bitlock climbed so
+far out on his perch that the branch beneath him
+broke with a loud snap, sending him headforemost
+into the water. But no one heeded his cries or
+appeals for help, while he floundered in the river.
+Every eye and every thought was concentrated on
+a more stirring sight.</p>
+
+<p>Johnny Goffe heard and realised enough to know
+that something had befallen his opponents, but he
+felt that it must have been to their advantage, for
+he found that they were gaining on him faster than
+ever.</p>
+
+<p>“They must not—they shall not beat us!” he
+cried. “On, Jimmy, Willy, win or die!”</p>
+
+<p>It was a stirring appeal, but Jimmy Hazard was
+too worn out to rally successfully, while his companions
+lacked the iron will and reserved strength of the
+sturdy limbs of Norman McNiel and Robert Rogers.
+Swifter and swifter this couple sent their light craft
+onward toward the goal, gaining on their rivals at
+every bite of the paddles. Nearer and nearer they
+flew, foot by foot, yard by yard, until they were now
+abreast!</p>
+
+<p>But both were now down close to the finish line.
+The Tyngs spectators still believed and hoped that
+their champions could hold their own for the short
+distance left.</p>
+
+<p>“Hold ’em a jiffy, Johnny!” yelled an excited
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[179]</span>onlooker. “Don’t let ’em get ahead. Hurrah for
+the boys of Cohas!”</p>
+
+<p>The other side was silent, breathless, during that
+brief interval of fearful suspense.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[180]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">
+    CHAPTER XVIII.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE FALL HUNT.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>With the cries of frenzied spectators ringing in
+their ears, with such wild energy in their limbs as
+they had never known, Norman and Rob sent their
+canoe ahead of the boys of the Cohas. The next
+moment they crossed the line four yards in the lead
+of their rivals.</p>
+
+<p>The boys of Namaske had won! What cheering
+followed! Never was such a scene witnessed on
+the banks of the Merrimack River, never, unless in
+the unwritten history of the red men some such race
+had been made and won by the dusky champions
+of the birchen skiff. The Scotch-Irish shouted
+until they were hoarse, and shouted still, when
+hardly an articulate sound left their lips. Let it
+be said to their credit, the Tyng colonists acted a
+most generous part.</p>
+
+<p>Johnny Goffe was the first to clasp the hands of
+his successful rivals, expressing his honest congratulations.</p>
+
+<p>“And to think,” said the humiliated Billy Stark,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[181]</span>“they did it without me. No, Johnny, I deserve
+none of your praise. That miserable paddle of mine
+broke like a pine limb in the midst of it, when I was
+needed most. Woodranger told me that knot would
+sometime spoil it, but I thought I knew better than
+the old man, with all his cunning. I am sorry, Norman,
+Rob, that I failed so, but honestly it was no
+fault of mine.”</p>
+
+<p>“We know it, Billy,” said Rob. “But candidly I
+think we did better than we could have done if you
+had not broken your paddle. Do you know that put
+such strength into my arm as I had never felt
+before. It seems to require some great crisis to
+bring out a feller to his best.”</p>
+
+<p>“That and Woodranger’s words,” said Norman.
+“Do you know, Rob, it seemed just as if he had
+given me his strength when he shouted to us. Where
+is he now?”</p>
+
+<p>“Why, there he goes up the river! What has
+happened? There is a great commotion going on
+up by the leaning pine.”</p>
+
+<p>“Some one is in the river. Looks as though he
+was drowning.”</p>
+
+<p>“And there goes Woodranger to save him. He’s
+all right now. Let’s talk some more about the
+match. Don’t you boys feel grand?”</p>
+
+<p>“Why shouldn’t they?” asked a brawny spectator,
+who had elbowed his way down to the river’s bank.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[182]</span>“I want to get hold of their hands. Boys,” he continued,
+as he held a hand of each of the victors, “I’d
+rather walked a hundred miles than to miss that
+sight.”</p>
+
+<p>That seemed to be the sentiment of all, even
+among the Tyng colonists. It was noticed that day,
+and Archie Stark commented upon it, that there
+appeared to be less bitter feeling among the younger
+generation than was shown by their parents.</p>
+
+<p>“It shows that this difference of opinion is going
+to wear away,” he declared.</p>
+
+<p>In the congratulations showered upon him from
+every side, and among them the sweet praise of
+Rilma, Norman ought to have felt proud and satisfied.
+But there was one who had not come near
+him or Rob, whom he had desired to see at that
+time above all others. That one was the Woodranger.
+So he looked and waited for the opportunity
+to speak to him, as soon as Lige Bitlock had
+been rescued from his ducking. But no sooner had
+the forester saved the half-drowned boy than he
+disappeared, and no one saw him again that day.</p>
+
+<p>Somewhat to Norman’s surprise, his grandfather
+had come to witness the match, and he praised him
+as only he could. Probably no one there felt prouder
+of the victory than the old Highlander.</p>
+
+<p>“Yer a true MacDonald wi’ the best o’ McNiel,”
+he said.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[183]</span></p>
+
+<p>After the trial was over the majority of the spectators
+lingered about the place, several participating
+in impromptu races on the river. Norman, Rilma, and
+Mr. MacDonald, however, soon sought their home.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole, the match had passed off satisfactorily,
+and it was much talked of for many days. No
+one, not even the defeated boys of Cohas, felt worse
+than Billy Stark. But of course no blame was
+attached to him, and in the joy of the others he
+soon forgot the mishap which had robbed him of his
+share of the coveted glory.</p>
+
+<p>In the month of October, generally during the
+full moon, it was customary for many of the pioneers
+to take what was considered “the fall hunt,” just as
+the Indians had done before them. Some did this
+from a desire to lay in a stock of meat for the
+winter, and many others from the pleasure they
+found in it. These excursions were not usually
+extended to a great distance on account of the
+plentiful supply of game near home.</p>
+
+<p>Though this was his second season in the country,
+Norman had not taken one of these trips, which he
+felt must be filled with sport and adventure. He
+had found that his friends, the Scotch-Irish, were
+less inclined, as a rule, to pursue such expeditions.
+But upon speaking his wishes to Rob Rogers, the
+boy ranger, he at once found a congenial spirit.</p>
+
+<p>“I have been thinking of the same thing, Mac,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[184]</span>and I have decided on the direction to go. The rest
+are scurrying toward the Uncannoonucs or up the
+river. We want to go to old Pawtuckaway Mountain,
+taking Massabesic Pond on our way. I will
+tell you what else I have been thinking of. Let’s
+ask Woodranger to go with us. He’s the best
+company we could have. And ask the Stark boys
+to go.”</p>
+
+<p>“Just what I would like to do. I am sure Billy
+and Johnny will be glad to do so. But can we get
+Woodranger? I have not seen him since the canoe
+match. Wasn’t it singular he left in the way he
+did?”</p>
+
+<p>“To you it may seem so, but to me it was just
+like him. He has been ‘perambulating the woods,’
+as he calls it, ever since, I dare say. He’ll come in
+soon, and then I’ll speak to him about it. I am sure
+he will go with us, so you can make your calculations
+accordingly.”</p>
+
+<p>The boy ranger proved himself a true prophet in
+more ways than one. The very next day the Woodranger
+appeared at Goffe’s Falls, and he readily consented
+to accompany the boys on the proposed hunt.
+That evening Rob came up to see Norman and tell
+the good news.</p>
+
+<p>“I have seen the Stark boys,” said our hero, “and
+they are as anxious to go as we are. Mr. Stark has
+consented, provided Woodranger is to go, and grandfather
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[185]</span>has kindly promised that I may be gone four
+days. I can get ready any time the rest can.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then we’ll start Monday morning, and I predict
+that we’ll have a grand old time. Have you got
+plenty of powder and ball?”</p>
+
+<p>“Plenty of powder, and I will run up some balls
+to-morrow. I suppose we shall want to take some
+skins with us, as a protection from the night air?”</p>
+
+<p>“Just a blanket apiece. Don’t want to load down
+with such articles. A blanket, a bough house, a
+sheltered spot in the woods, and you will sleep like
+a bear in winter.</p>
+
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">“‘Oh, a rifle good,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent2">In the merry greenwood,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent4">And a hunter’s life for me!’”</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+
+<p>Now that they began to get ready to go, the greatest
+fear of the boys was that a storm might set in at
+the time they wished to start, and last for a week or
+more. But the eventful Monday was ushered in with
+a clear sun. Norman felt more reluctance than he
+had anticipated about leaving home; but, knowing
+his desire to go, both his grandfather and Rilma
+earnestly desired him to improve the opportunity,
+declaring they would have no difficulty in getting
+along for a few days without him.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s yersel’ I am worried ower, laddie. Ye maun
+be unco careful. An’ mind ye, laddie, tak the auld
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[186]</span>horn. It’ll prove handy, always remembering it was
+that which sounded the ca’ to airms in Glencoe, it
+was that which rallied the lads to battle when the
+Britons swarmed ower us like bees, an’ that which
+sounded the retreat when it was a’ ower wi’ the
+bauld clan. Tak it, laddie; ye’re worthy o’ it.”</p>
+
+<p>Nothing loath, Norman did as he was requested,
+and kissing Rilma a tender good-bye, and clasping the
+old Highlander’s hand in his, he hastened after his
+companions, who were waiting for him a little below
+the house.</p>
+
+<p>It was the first time he had met the Woodranger
+since the canoe race, and the forester’s greeting was
+most cordial.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t think I am less glad to see you, lad,
+because I ran away that day. I have always noticed
+that the best trait a man has is that o’ caution, and,
+the truth be told, I durst not meet you then. I
+feared me much I had committed a blameful indiscretion
+in bawling out like a loon, as I did. Tell
+me truly, lad, hast heerd any one speak very bitter
+o’ that indiscretion o’ mine?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not one has mentioned it within my hearing,
+Woodranger. But I want to tell you that it saved
+us the match. We should have given up after
+Billy’s mishap, if you had not spoken as you did.”</p>
+
+<p>“I feared it, lads, I did. It seemed a sorry
+amazement to spoil sich a fine race. It pleases me
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[187]</span>much to know people were so considerate o’er my
+foolishness. Aweel, now’s me, lad, we are but weak
+mortals, no stronger in our greatest strength than
+our weakest p’int. It was a handsome race. I’m
+proud o’ sich lads.”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[188]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIX">
+    CHAPTER XIX.
+    <br>
+    <small>DEER NECK.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The outfit of the little party was very simple.
+The Woodranger was content with his faithful
+Danger thrown over his shoulder, and plenty of
+ammunition. Of course the boys had been careful
+to take a good supply of powder and ball. The
+Stark boys, at the urgent request of their mother,
+had a bagful of bread and doughnuts, which she
+knew would not come amiss. Johnny had strenuously
+opposed this, as he considered it showed a
+weakness on the part of hunters. Each of them,
+excepting the forester, carried a wolf-skin made into
+as small a roll as possible, and fastened on their
+backs. Johnny had objected even to this, but before
+their return he was glad to have heeded a
+mother’s thoughtful interest.</p>
+
+<p>They left the Falls by the main road leading to
+the centre of the Scotch-Irish settlement, but upon
+reaching the few scattered homes of these pioneers
+the Woodranger plunged boldly into the primeval
+forest, stretching away in every direction farther
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[189]</span>than the eye could survey, mile on mile of wildwood,
+broken only here and there by some small clearing
+of an adventurous settler. Extending over such a
+vast area, the forests covered mountain and hillside,
+valley and plain, margined the banks of numerous
+ponds, or fringed with overhanging branches innumerable
+silvery streams.</p>
+
+<p>Norman, who had not seen as much of wildwood
+life as his companions, felt a strange, awe-inspiring
+sensation on entering deeper and deeper into the
+trackless and sunless region. The Woodranger
+showed that he was in his true element, and it
+was not long before the exuberance of spirit, welling
+up in his heart, as the fountain in the forest finds an
+outlet for its overflowing treasures, sought an escape
+in his rude, philosophical speech:</p>
+
+<p>“Man is nearest human natur’ when alone with
+the works o’ his Creator. I do not have to go to
+the haunts o’ man to find the imprint o’ his hand.
+It is on the forest everywhere. What better evidence
+do you want o’ man’s pride than in yon pine,
+which lifts its cap a good fifty feet above the heads
+of its neighbours? What is more typical o’ man’s
+aggressive natur’ than that oak, which claims, and
+holds too, double the sarcuit o’ territory that even
+the proud pine possesses? In that silver birch, growing
+by the bank o’ that leetle stream, is the very
+personification o’ grace and beauty and modesty.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[190]</span>See how the tiny vines cling to it, as if it were their
+natural mother. I love the birch best o’ all the
+wildwood trees. It may be there are more useful
+ones, and I am mindful of the ash that makes a tolerable
+paddle, and the poplar, better yet. There be
+many others better and more useful, I allow, but
+still I love the birch.</p>
+
+<p>“The other day, at the shooting-match, which was
+’p’inted to take place on sacred ground ’cording to
+my idee, I thought o’ the forests then. To him who
+could ’a’ looked down on that mob there was only an
+uneven flooring o’ heads, one looking very much like
+another. But underneath were all kind o’ visages,
+and some were black with hate, and some were white
+with rage; some wore peaceful looks, and some looks
+o’ trouble and o’ fear. Everywhere was a spirit o’
+rebellion and extermination o’ the other. Some were
+men o’ intellect and eddication, stalwart o’ figure
+and handsome o’ feature; others were dwafted in
+body, stunted in mind, and poor in the knowledge
+that comes from others’ experience. I pity sich,
+and none more than myself.</p>
+
+<p>“To him who stands on the mountain and looks
+down on the forest, the sight presents a scene o’
+many hues, but symmetrical and suggestful o’ quiet
+and repose. But below is a gnarled and tangled
+mass o’ drooping branches, mossy trunks o’ fallen
+trees, stunted undergrowth stifling for the sunlight
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[191]</span>o’ which it has been robbed, distorted limbs and
+knotted roots that will thrust their forbidding bodies
+into sight, all festooned, here and there, with draperies
+o’ ferns and vines reeking with the cold sweat
+o’ their damp environments. Dead trees, like spectres
+o’ departed greatness, thrust their skeleton
+arms mutely toward the sunlight, while lean, starved
+trees eke out a miserable existence beside more
+fortunate kindred, which have grown to undue girth,
+just as some men fatten on their relations. An
+asthmatic beech, a consumptive pine, a stunted birch
+live only at the mercy of some big overbearing oak.</p>
+
+<p>“So you see it is continual warfare among the
+trees,—a case o’ the survival o’ the strongest, as it
+is among men. A hundred infant trees have been
+dwarfed and suffocated by this giant pine, which,
+like some big general, will stand lordly and grand
+until the silent axe o’ the gray destroyer shall fell it
+to make room for another, which will grow and fatten
+on its decaying carcass. Unnumbered seedlings
+spring each season from the rich mould o’ them which
+have perished afore ’em, and they, too, become food
+for the next generation. Not one in a thousand survives
+in the struggle for the sunlight which means life
+to them, and yet in the grand march o’ ages those
+few have made the innumerable host surrounding us.</p>
+
+<p>“I never see one o’ the Massachusetts men without
+thinking o’ the tall, haughty, defiant pine, unbending
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[192]</span>to the strongest blasts, and as changeless
+as the December sky on a moonlit night. The
+Scotch-Irish remind me o’ the stubborn, aggressive
+oak, spreading out its branches where it listeth,
+severe and fearless, but generous and hospitable to
+those who find the way to its heart. The two clans
+o’ trees can never live together, as many other
+species o’ the forest do.</p>
+
+<p>“But forgive me, lads, for running off into this
+sarmon at the outset. You must think me a pretty
+companion to let my foolish tongue lead me sich a
+race. I fear me much my tongue is like a runaway
+brook, for ever babbling o’ what it cannot in reason
+know. I often find myself listening to its lectures,
+when there be none other to hear, unless the trees
+have ears.”</p>
+
+<p>“But your talk is always interesting. You have
+such new ideas.”</p>
+
+<p>“As old as natur’, lad, as old as natur’.”</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, very much to the surprise of
+Norman, they came upon a hard-beaten path, winding
+through the forest.</p>
+
+<p>“It is an old Indian trail,” said the Woodranger,
+“and it leads down to the shore o’ a pond, which we
+shall reach sooner than you now think. Look! even
+now we ketch a glimmer o’ the water through the
+tree-tops. You see that neck o’ land holding that
+leetle patch o’ earth out into the pond by the throat?
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[193]</span>Weel, that is called Deer Neck. It was a favourite
+drive for the red men, who delighted in chasing the
+deer down here by the dozen, and, having cornered
+’em, kill ’em off at their pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>“It was a plan o’ the reds to lop down brushwood
+wherever they found a deer path, until they had
+built an enclosure of considerable extent. They
+were never particular about having the fence
+straight; in fact, it was better to let it jog as it
+happened. But they were sure to bring the
+ends close together at the mouth, so there was
+leetle chance for the creatur’ to get out once he had
+entered the pound. Some o’ ’em, too, would always
+guard the gap. Inside the grounds was filled with
+hedges and mazes o’ brushwood, while at every corner
+they set snares made o’ deer thongs o’ amazing
+strength. One end o’ the thong was usually made
+fast to a sapling, if one was convanient. If not, a
+loose pole was used, they being keerful to have it
+heavy enough so the deer could not drag it away.”</p>
+
+<p>“But with their tools I should have thought it
+would have taken them a lifetime to build such
+a pen.”</p>
+
+<p>“Hast seen the beavers work, lad? These patient
+creatur’s, with only their teeth for axes, have felled
+some o’ the biggest trees o’ the forest. The industrious
+beaver can teach the red man no lesson o’
+patience. There were many hands, too, you must
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[194]</span>remember, working for the general good and not for
+individual gain, as the whites do.</p>
+
+<p>“The red, too, had a way o’ running down the
+deer, in case he was hunting alone and missed his
+mark. It was a sort o’ unwritten law with ’em that
+if the hunter missed his shot, he must run down the
+creatur’ to save himself from disgrace. So, when
+the frightened deer bounded away, he would give
+one o’ his unyarthly screeches and follow. But he
+knew better than to keep running at first. A moose
+never stops running, once he starts, until he either
+escapes or falls dead in his tracks. But a deer, after
+running a little way and finding it is not pursued,
+will stop to browse. The red knew this, and would
+creep upon his game, and when near enough give
+another yell, which would send the animal on another
+spurt. In this way the red would follow the deer
+for hours, and worry it by these jerky pursuits. It
+would get dry then, and drink its fill of the first pool
+or stream. That would load down its stomach so it
+could no longer make its big jumps, while its runs
+would be shorter. Each stop stiffened its joints.</p>
+
+<p>“The cunning red, no matter how parched his
+tongue was, would not allow a drop o’ water down
+his throat. Dashing a handful into his face, as he
+crossed some brook, he would keep repeating his
+manœuvres, until at last the poor hunted brute would
+turn hopelessly at bay. The red then makes short
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[195]</span>work o’ it. Without stopping for the flesh to cool,
+he cuts a piece from behind the fore shoulder, and
+begins to eat it. Neither does he allow himself, in
+his overheated condition, to stand still a minute.
+Slinging as much o’ the carcass as he can well carry
+o’er his shoulder, he starts on a trot to his home.
+He knows if he stops he will soon be too stiff to move.
+It may be he has run a hundred miles in this race.
+Such races generally average fifty miles, though it
+may end near where it started, the bewildered deer
+going in nearly a circle. The endurance o’ the red
+is wonderful. I have known one to run continually
+for twenty-four hours, and kiver every hour from
+four to five miles through a wilderness o’ swamp and
+upland. But here we are at old Massabesic, which is
+an Indian name for Place o’ Much Water. It is a
+goodish sized pool, and there is another off yender as
+large as this, hitched on by a narrer rim o’ water,
+so the two look like a pair o’ spectacles.”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[196]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XX">
+    CHAPTER XX.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE CRY FOR HELP.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>While the boys stopped to admire the silvery
+sheet of water, hedged with wildwood growing to
+the very edge, the Woodranger reached silently into
+a dense thicket of bushes hanging out over the shore
+of the pond, and pulled from its hiding-place a birch
+canoe, with its paddle.</p>
+
+<p>Norman and the Stark boys could not help expressing
+surprise at seeing this done, but Rob
+Rogers said:</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t let Woodranger surprise you, Mac, by
+pulling a canoe out of a thicket like that. I honestly
+believe he has one in every pond and stream in
+New England. And the fun of it is he can always
+lay his hand on one when he wants it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, lad, it is one o’ man’s weak p’ints to be o’er
+confident. I remember this summer o’ coming to a
+leetle strayed-away corner o’ water that I generally
+skim in my birch rather than tramp around, but I
+didn’t find the canoe. Mebbe some red took it;
+mebbe it had drifted away. I do not purtend to
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[197]</span>say. I know it cost me twenty miles o’ perambulating
+through a dense briar.”</p>
+
+<p>“How many canoes do you suppose you have,
+Woodranger, in hiding like this?” asked the boy
+ranger.</p>
+
+<p>“I trust it is no indiscretion o’ mine to say that
+I have a goodish number. I find ’em very convanient,
+too. Step in, lads, and we’ll cross this bit o’ water in
+a jiffy.”</p>
+
+<p>To four such boys, who revelled in the life of the
+woods, this trip was already proving delightful. With
+that easy movement, born of the forester, the
+Woodranger pushed the light bark out from its
+shelter, and, springing nimbly in with his passengers,
+sent it flying over the sparkling water. The
+day was clear, and the refreshing breeze coming
+over the lake brought a feeling of exhilaration to
+the five.</p>
+
+<p>“This is better than dragging through the brushwood,
+with the vines and briars tugging at your
+jacket,” declared Billy Stark. “For my part, I wish
+we could go this way all of the distance.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where would be your deer you have boasted of
+bagging?” asked Rob.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, well, perhaps I should want to go ashore
+long enough to capture that. But I didn’t know
+Massabesic was so large, Woodranger.”</p>
+
+<p>“As I said, it is a goodish sized pool. It was
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[198]</span>a favourite spot o’ the reds, who had a village on
+the north shore, until the plague killed so many o’
+’em there weren’t enough left to be sociable. That
+was just afore the whites kem, and over yender,”
+pointing to the right, “is the ruined cabin o’ the
+last o’ their tribe in this vicinity, an Indian maiden.
+She married the first settler in these parts, who kem
+here while her people were dying at short notice.
+He was a negro, who had kem with John Smith on
+his v’yage to this country. He was an escaped slave,
+and their union seemed to me pathetic, being, as they
+were, the outcasts o’ two races. But how the water
+has taken on its winter clothes within a few days.
+There is snow in the air.”</p>
+
+<p>“Water with winter clothes!” exclaimed Billy
+Stark, while the other boys did not try to conceal
+their wonder at such a statement. “I never heard
+of water having clothes.”</p>
+
+<p>“Neither did you ever o’ the bear wearing a
+jacket, and yet his suit o’ warm fur is in every
+sense his clothes. So it might be said o’ every
+creatur’ that runs or flies. I can’t say so positive
+o’ the fish that swim in the water, but I have marked
+a difference in dress o’ the streams and ponds in
+which they live. Take the babbling brook in the
+summer and you will find it merrily dancing in its
+white and silvery frock, just as if, like the human
+creatur’, it had thrown off its gray garb o’ winter.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[199]</span>But when cold weather comes you see that same
+brook with a deep blue on. Then, too, in summer
+its song has a gentle, babbling sound, as if it felt
+good-will toward all, but in the cold season it rushes
+on with a harsh, gurgling noise, as if it were fretting
+over the prospect ahead, for all the world like man,
+scolding for what he knows not. It is the same with
+the pond. Last summer old Massabesic had a sunny
+smile rippling all over her fair figure; but now she
+is donning the dull, leaden hue o’ winter. How
+much more cheerless, too, do the waves dash and
+break on her beaches. All things change with the
+seasons, even to the coats o’ the bear and the beaver,
+the wolf and the rabbit. But hark! do my old ears
+deceive me, or is that the cry o’ human throat?
+Your ears are keener than mine.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is a cry for help from some one,” said Norman,
+and the others nodded their heads, as they
+continued to listen.</p>
+
+<p>“It comes from the east shore,” said Rob. “Who
+can it be and what is the trouble?”</p>
+
+<p>“We will soon know, lad, we will soon know,”
+and the Woodranger began to send the canoe over
+the water at redoubled speed.</p>
+
+<p>“If I only had a paddle,” said Rob.</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, lad, let not that consarn thee. Whoever
+it be, he has lusty lungs. Keep a sharp lookout,
+for were it not in peaceful times one might be only
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[200]</span>called discreet if he looked on sich bawling as lacking
+common sense.”</p>
+
+<p>The boys needed no urging to maintain a close
+watch ahead, and it wasn’t long before the blue line
+of the distant shore loomed up into a rugged breastwork
+of forest. As the forester continued to ply
+his paddle with vigorous strokes, they watched with
+increasing earnestness the scene ahead. To their
+wonder, the shouts of the person had stopped.</p>
+
+<p>“Look sharp, lads,” were the Woodranger’s words,
+while he kept at his task with unabated power.</p>
+
+<p>“I see something dark in the top of that maple
+off to the left, which may be a man,” said Rob,
+pointing in the direction he was looking.</p>
+
+<p>“So do I,” said Norman. “It is a man, who has
+climbed into the top, or I am mistaken.”</p>
+
+<p>As the canoe bore them nearer the boys became
+certain of this fact, though the person remained perfectly
+quiet. The tree into which he had climbed
+was not as high as others standing close at hand,
+while it grew so near the shore that its branches
+hung out over the water.</p>
+
+<p>“What does he mean by staying there?” asked
+Billy. “Hadn’t we better shout to him, Woodranger?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not yet, lad, not yet. Watch him as close as
+you would a cat, and have your weepons handy. He
+may be there for a bit o’ an amazement against our
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[201]</span>peace o’ mind, thinking we are greenies. It is a
+man sure, and he do lay amazing still, seeing he has
+clumb so high.”</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger had himself taken a good view
+of the mysterious stranger in the tree-top, before he
+resumed his paddling.</p>
+
+<p>As the canoe continued to approach the spot the
+man remained without moving, though once Rob
+believed he was motioning to them.</p>
+
+<p>“He has seen us, that is certain. But what can
+his queer actions mean? I can see his white face
+turned toward us.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is Zack Bitlock!” exclaimed Norman, recognising
+the strange person. “He cannot mean us
+any harm.”</p>
+
+<p>By this time the canoe had got quite near, and
+with another vigorous stroke the Woodranger sent it
+gliding within easy view of the man in the tree-top,
+and then stopped to take a careful survey of him.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[202]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXI">
+    CHAPTER XXI.
+    <br>
+    <small>A PECULIAR PREDICAMENT.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>“Sha’n’t I speak to him?” asked Billy Stark,
+as he watched the peculiar action, or rather non-action,
+of Goodman Bitlock, who remained perfectly
+motionless.</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger silenced the young speaker with
+a motion of the hand, while he said, in a low tone:</p>
+
+<p>“There be nothing without reason, and there be
+reason for that silence. Do you not see under the
+maple that leetle varmint o’ a skunk? Can it be
+possible the simpleton has been treed by a skunk?
+Maybe it is not harder to believe than that a man
+could be drove into ambushment by a porcupine.
+Sich I have known.”</p>
+
+<p>Now that the forester had called their attention in
+that direction, the boys saw an animal of the unpopular
+family named by their companion. It was sitting
+quietly on its haunches, looking up into the
+tree with an air of triumph at having run its big
+game to earth, or rather into air. But before either
+of the boys could express their surprise at the situation,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[203]</span>the Woodranger made another and more startling
+discovery.</p>
+
+<p>“Look in the pines on the right, lads. D’you see
+them dark balls curled up in the crotch? They are
+what keeps our man so still. They be a couple o’
+wolverines, and, seeing they be tough leetle customers
+to handle sometimes, it looks so we had
+a lively leetle amazement ahead. Hi!”</p>
+
+<p>The single exclamation was called from the Woodranger
+by a sudden commotion in both maple and
+pine. Zack Bitlock, either becoming too tired of
+remaining in his cramped position longer without
+moving, or else alarmed at some threatening movement
+of his enemies, shifted himself slightly higher.</p>
+
+<p>He had barely done so before two short screams
+came from the pine, and a pair of lissom forms shot
+out toward the frightened man, who uttered a wild
+yell of terror, and pitched head first into the water.
+The forester’s ever handy rifle was brought to his
+shoulder, and its ringing report rang out as the twin
+creatures were midway in their flight. The next
+moment Rob Rogers fired, but whether his bullet
+hit its mark or not, or whether he had shot at the
+same animal the Woodranger had, one of the wolverines
+suddenly plunged downward, while the other
+reached the maple.</p>
+
+<p>It was the turn of Norman and the Stark boys
+now, and simultaneously they fired at the snarling
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[204]</span>brute in the tree, which, with an angry growl, dropped
+headlong into the pond. But the creatures seemed
+to die hard. The first had struck almost on top of
+the struggling man, and instantly attacked him, with
+snarls and growls of rage.</p>
+
+<p>Zack Bitlock shrieked for help, while he strove to
+beat off his ferocious assailant. The second, with
+a willingness to succour its mate really creditable,
+went to its assistance, and between the two the situation
+of the half-drowned man was getting to be
+serious.</p>
+
+<p>Rob began to reload his weapon with all haste
+possible. Norman shifted his gun, so as to club off
+the angry brutes, while Johnny Stark proposed to
+carry “war into camp” by jumping into the water,
+that he might mingle in the fight.</p>
+
+<p>With a few swift, silent movements of the paddle
+the Woodranger sent the canoe alongside the struggling
+combatants, churning the water into foam with
+their desperate endeavours. Drawing the long, keen
+knife he always carried, the forester quickly buried its
+blade to the handle in the nearest wolverine. But
+before he could reach the other it retreated out of
+harm’s way. Then, as if determined on a last furious
+resort, <em>it charged on the canoe</em>!</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger thus found it necessary to turn
+his efforts toward keeping the frail craft right side up.
+Johnny Stark hit the wolverine a tremendous blow
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[205]</span>over the head, just as its claws grasped the rim of
+the canoe, and Norman next dealt it such a whack
+that it fell back into the water. As if possessed of a
+charmed life, it still offered battle, but it finally
+retreated, swimming rapidly toward a little headland
+projecting into the pond a dozen yards below.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s going to get away!” cried Johnny, and he
+would have followed it into the water had not the
+hand of the Woodranger held him back.</p>
+
+<p>“Let the varmint go, lad! You can do no good,
+and you may get a scratch you’ll remember. Let
+the pesky leetle varmint go.”</p>
+
+<p>But the plucky wolverine was not destined to
+escape. As it crawled upon the rocky shore, Rob
+Rogers had his rifle to his shoulder, and, with a good
+aim, he sent a bullet into its brain. Springing high
+into the air, with an angry snarl, the doomed creature
+fell upon the rocks.</p>
+
+<p>“Well done, Robby!” said the Woodranger.
+“That fixes him. On the whole I’m glad the
+creatur’ weren’t allowed to get away. O’ all the
+four-footed denizens o’ the wilderness I set the wolverine
+down as the meanest. It’s a sort o’ cross between
+the bear and the weasel, having all the vices
+and cunning o’ both, with their good qualities left
+out, and the temper o’ the wolf added. It shows its
+ugliness in its looks, its only claim to beauty being
+its bushy tail, which it seems to have got from the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[206]</span>wolf. Its savageness is only equalled by its cunning.
+It is not as clumsy as a bear, and it can climb trees
+almost as well as a wildcat. It is nothing unusual
+for one to lie on some perch overhead, and wait for
+something to come along for it to pounce on to and
+devour. It don’t hesitate to take man for its victim,
+and I tell you, with its long, sharp claws and teeth,
+it’s no frolic to have it clinging to your back, as
+I have found more’n once. But Goodman Bitlock
+has crawled out o’ the water, and we must see what
+we can do for him.”</p>
+
+<p>As the water was not over four feet deep where
+he had fallen into the pond, Zack Bitlock had easily
+reached the shore, the moment he had managed to
+get clear from the wolverines. The water was dripping
+from his clothes, and as he stood there, trembling
+from fright and the chilling effects of his
+impromptu bath, he presented a most ludicrous
+figure.</p>
+
+<p>“Is thet ye, Ranger?” he asked between his
+chattering teeth, as the forester brought the canoe
+close to the shore. “I’m mighty glad to see ye.”</p>
+
+<p>“What sort o’ an amazement was you up to?”
+asked the other. “Looked so you were handsomely
+treed.”</p>
+
+<p>“Wuss’n thet, Ranger! I was clean, teetotally
+cornered. I was jes’ beginning to wonder how I
+was goin’ to git out, when ye hove in sight.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[207]</span></p>
+
+<p>“How did it happen?”</p>
+
+<p>“It didn’t happen, Ranger; it jes’ did. Ye see
+I was comin’ down through th’ woods a-harkin’ fer
+a deer, when all ter-wunst one o’ th’ gol-dangest,
+meanest lookin’ skunks you ever seed slid under my
+feet! Mebbe I didn’t holler, knowin’ whut th’
+pesky creetur’s air liable to do. When I’d got over
+my holler I ups ol’ Ginger—they say guns do
+better ef ye name ’em, so I chucked on mine th’ bes’
+I could think of, an’ th’ most ’propriate. Wull,
+I let ol’ Ginger flop. Thet is I gin him a chaince,
+but he didn’t flip a yip! He didn’t so much as
+wink. Seein’ then th’ skunk wus purty lively, I
+shinned the nearest tree in double-quick time. Then
+I s’posed the tarnal warmint would git erway, but it
+sort o’ set up guard duty like right under thet tree,
+an’ th’ Lord only knowed when it’d git off. So I
+begun to holler like blazes. When I had fetched
+erbout my third whoop, I heerd a move in thet pine,
+an’ I looked thet way, an’ saw thet pair o’ wolverines,
+which I s’pose had been thar all th’ time waitin’ fer
+me. I see thet my hollerin’ wuz goin’ to make ’em
+take me at short notice, so I shet my mouth an’
+kept as still as I could fer th’ tree shakin’. But,
+Lord Harry! I don’t know how I sh’u’d kem out ef
+ye hadn’t kem erlong.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where’s your gun, Bitlock?”</p>
+
+<p>“Where I drapped yit when I clumb the tree.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[208]</span>Didn’t expect me to climb a tree with a gun in my
+fist, did ye?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I see the leetle varmint that driv you to
+roost has left in a hurry, so get your weapon and
+come with us, if you want to.”</p>
+
+<p>“I sh’u’d be most s’prisin’ happy to do so,
+Ranger, but ye see ’twon’t do fer me to git inter
+thet canoo in my wet clothes. I sh’u’d git my sartin
+death o’ cold. No, Ranger, I must keep on my feet
+till I git th’ circulation to movin’. Much obleeged,
+though.”</p>
+
+<p>“Just as you say, Bitlock. We expect to camp
+down by the Devil’s Den to-night, and you can follow
+the shore to the place if you want to.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mebbe I will; I’ll see. I’m jes’ on aidge to
+bark a deer.”</p>
+
+<p>Seeing they could not help him any further, the
+Woodranger turned the canoe again toward the
+north and sent it flying over the pond, leaving
+Bitlock still standing on the shore wringing the
+water from his clothes.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[209]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXII">
+    CHAPTER XXII.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE GUN-SHOT.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Little was said by the occupants of the canoe,
+while the Woodranger continued to use the paddle
+with his swift, silent strokes, until a cove on the
+northeast shore of Massabesic loomed plainly into
+view. The pines in that quarter grew quite to the
+water’s edge, their long arms at places falling over
+into the pond.</p>
+
+<p>“Take the paddle awhile, Rob,” said the forester,
+“and I will drop a line for our supper, seeing we
+have taken no game this afternoon. To-morrow
+we surely shall not have to depend on sich supplies.
+Not that I object to a good meal o’ Massabesic
+perch or pike. At the mouth of some of its streams
+I have pulled in as fine a salmon trout as you’d care
+for. Ha! there’s enough for any two o’ you hungry
+boys,” he declared, as he hauled in a fine specimen
+of the finny tribe. “Two more sich as he, and we’ll
+run in ashore.”</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later Rob was sending the canoe
+into a little bay, hidden from view until the beholder
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[210]</span>was close upon it by a dense border of bushes encircling
+the horseshoe-shaped shore. To the surprise
+of the boys, they saw a well-worn path leading
+back into the growth from the apex of the circular
+retreat.</p>
+
+<p>“Is it possible you have been here so many times,
+Woodranger, as to have made a beaten path into
+the woods?”</p>
+
+<p>“Possible, my lad, but not probable. ’Tis another
+trail o’ the reds. It leads back to another camping-place
+o’ the dusky tribe. I generally seek this
+place, as just above here it is extremely dry and
+sheltered for a camping spot. It is elevated enough
+to command a goodish survey o’ the water.”</p>
+
+<p>By this time the canoe had touched on the sandy
+beach. The boys jumped out, and began at once to
+remove their outfits. When the forester had concealed
+his frail bark to his satisfaction under some
+overhanging bushes, he led the way back into the
+depths of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>After following the path for a short distance, the
+little party found itself under the low-spreading arms
+of a giant pine, which stood on the backbone of a slight
+ridge of land. A background of high rocks on the
+north and west formed a protection from the cold
+winds, while the south was open to receive the sun,
+making an ideal camping-place.</p>
+
+<p>“There is a cave just back here called the Devil’s
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[211]</span>Den,” said Rob, who alone of the boys had been
+there before. “We’ll visit it by and by. But first
+I imagine Woodranger will want us to bring together
+some wood for a fire.”</p>
+
+<p>“Sartin, lad, sartin; and while you be about that
+I’ll set things in order here. If you go near the
+cave I would not advise you to go in, as it is damp
+and cold within at this season.”</p>
+
+<p>The four boys at once went in quest of the wood,
+and they were so successful that in a few minutes
+they had brought a good-sized pile of dried branches
+and fallen saplings, so that the Woodranger was
+enabled soon to have a cheerful fire blazing. Seeing
+that the latter was busy about the forthcoming meal,
+and that they were not needed, the boys started up
+the hillside under the lead of Rob, to visit the cave
+with the ominous name of Devil’s Den.</p>
+
+<p>They soon found themselves at the foot of an
+immense cliff, which was rent and seamed in several
+places. The largest of these fissures was nearly in
+the middle of the rocky wall, and the young explorers
+found that it led an unknown depth into the earth.
+Billy and Johnny started to penetrate its recess, but
+it was so dark and damp that, after going a short
+distance, they were glad to turn back.</p>
+
+<p>“If I had a torch,” said the resolute Johnny, “I’d
+go to the end.”</p>
+
+<p>“You’d have a smart tramp to get back for supper,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[212]</span>if you went to the end,” said Rob. “There is
+an account which says a dog once ran in here after a
+fox, and though the dog was never known to come
+out, he was heard barking underground two miles
+away from here!”</p>
+
+<p>“Fudge, Rob! you know that is a story,” declared
+Billy.</p>
+
+<p>“Ask Woodranger if it isn’t so—I mean the
+story.”</p>
+
+<p>“Look here, boys!” called out Johnny, who had
+left the others to wander into the forest; “here are
+what look like two graves under this chestnut. Can
+anybody have been buried here?”</p>
+
+<p>“Injuns!” declared Billy.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment the report of a gun rang out
+clearly in the distance, quickly succeeded by a human
+cry.</p>
+
+<p>“Who can that be?” asked Johnny.</p>
+
+<p>“Zack Bitlock, I think,” replied Norman. “I
+wonder what trouble he has got into now.”</p>
+
+<p>Putting all thoughts of the grave mounds from
+their minds, the four boys returned to the Woodranger
+to consult with him in regard to this new
+alarm. The forester was busily engaged in tending
+the fish, which he had impaled upon spits improvised
+from hazel sticks, and placed over the fire. Not
+until he had seen the delicious morsels browned to a
+nicety, and removed them from the fire, did he offer
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[213]</span>to reply to the anxious inquiries of his young companions.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I heerd the gun-shot, and likewise I heerd
+a goodish part o’ the holler, as if the feller was a loon.
+Likewise I hear him coming through the breshwood
+near at hand.”</p>
+
+<p>As the Woodranger finished speaking, they, too,
+heard a heavy, lumbering step in the woods just
+below them, and as they listened to the sounds the
+ungainly figure of Zack Bitlock burst into sight.
+He had evidently seen the fire some time before, for
+he was headed directly toward it. He had a wild,
+scared look on his homely face, which made him look
+more unprepossessing than ever.</p>
+
+<p>“Lord Harry!” he gasped, as he staggered into
+the little arena holding our group of hunters, “I
+never was so scared in my born life. That air
+weepon o’ mine has gone stark, starin’ mad! A
+leetle spell ago I axed it to speak its piece, an’ it
+never yipped. Jes’ now, as I was walkin’ erlong, it
+begun to hiss and sputter, and then flew off like a
+wildcat! I hove it aside an’ run fer life.”</p>
+
+<p>Bitlock was greatly excited, and he could not
+stand still while he told his story. Instead of replying
+to him, the Woodranger said:</p>
+
+<p>“Draw round, lads, and help yourselves to the fish.
+Br’iled fish to be good must be eaten warm from the
+coals. Then, too, as soon as you have satisfied your
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[214]</span>appetites, you had better lop down some of them
+boughs, if you want any protection for the night.
+As for myself, I’m fain to allow I do not care for
+sich contraptions. But seeing you are less used to
+outdoor life, and the nights be a bit coolish at this
+season, I want to know that you are comfortable.
+Come up, Zack, and eat a bit o’ br’iled fish. It will
+warm you ’mazingly.”</p>
+
+<p>“Gol dang it, Ranger! I’m going home. That is,
+if I can get Rob to take me over th’ pond.”</p>
+
+<p>“’Twon’t do, Zack. Ketch your death o’ cold in
+that soaked skin. Stop till morning, sure. Eat and
+get dry now.”</p>
+
+<p>Goodman Bitlock was glad enough to obey, and a
+minute later he was eating voraciously, and after
+supper he hovered over the fire, so as to dry his wet
+clothes. Under the direction of the forester the
+boys soon constructed a comfortable bough house.
+By the time this was finished it was quite dark, and
+the stars were beginning to peep out in the sky.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[215]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">
+    CHAPTER XXIII.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE FOREST TRAGEDY.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>When at last the party had got comfortably
+settled around the cheerful camp-fire, Rob asked:</p>
+
+<p>“Are those mounds up near the Devil’s Den the
+graves of white people, Woodranger?”</p>
+
+<p>“One is and one isn’t, lad, though I reckon the
+good angel has writ out their records alike. Them
+graves were made for an Indian maid and her white
+lover. It was one o’ them ’fairs with which these
+parts be all writ over.”</p>
+
+<p>“So there is a story, Woodranger,” said the four
+boys, in a chorus. “You must tell it to us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mebbe it will while away a few minutes, and if
+you’ll pile a leetle more bresh on the fire, I’ll tell you
+the sad story o’ Princess Avawanda.</p>
+
+<p>“Among the first white settlers in this vicinity
+was a Frenchman by the name o’ Le Roche. He
+built him a cabin six or eight miles, as the crow flies,
+to the east o’ this place. His wife came with him,
+and a son about one and twenty.</p>
+
+<p>“This youngster, whose name I disremember, was
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[216]</span>fond o’ the chase, which shows to me that he was
+above dissembling. I opine he was a likely lad.
+During one o’ his perambulations o’ the woods he
+run ’pon a deer. It was just above here, and, heedless
+o’ any harm from it, he shot the varmint.
+Scurcely had it toppled over before half a dozen reds
+leaped out o’ their ambushment and caught him as
+fast as a fish in a net. He was taken to their camp
+on a goodish sized stream which flows into the pond.</p>
+
+<p>“The youngster, Le Roche, was knowing to leetle
+o’ Indian warfare, but he supposed the reds weren’t on
+the warpath at that time. So they weren’t, but this
+was their fishing and hunting grounds, and, ’cording
+to their idee, the deer hereabouts belonged to ’em.
+But the older warriors seemed to persuade the younger
+into the belief that it was best to let the young man
+off, on the expectation that he would do better. Not
+understanding a word o’ that which was said to him,
+the youngster was ’lowed to depart in peace, though
+he was not given back his gun.</p>
+
+<p>“Joyed to get off so easy, he didn’t mind his loss,
+but when he come along hereabouts, he was overtaken
+by the chief’s daughter, Avawanda, who had
+brought his gun. She told in that tongue which he
+did not understand that he must leave that corner at
+once. She told him some o’ the warriors were ill-pleased
+with ’lowing him his liberty. More by her
+gestures than her words, she made him realise the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[217]</span>risk she had run in coming to him, and the danger o’
+his situation. She had seen him during the council
+o’ her race, and in the manner o’ a woman’s way her
+heart had gone out to him. I don’t say she told him
+as much as this, though it was an Indian’s way.</p>
+
+<p>“The youngster went boldly on his way, but he
+hadn’t gone twenty yards afore some arrows whistled
+around his head, and two reds leaped in front o’ him
+flourishing their tomahawks and howling like wolves.</p>
+
+<p>“Though taken unawares, the youngster killed the
+foremost, and engaged in a hand-to-hand grapple with
+the other. It must have been a tough battle, for at
+last, when the Indian girl, attracted by the cries and
+struggles, reached the spot, both lay as if dead.</p>
+
+<p>“In the short time she had known the young
+Frenchman he had awakened a strong passion in her
+breast for him, and she bent tenderly over him to see
+if there was any sign o’ life left. After a hasty examination,
+she was joyed to find that he lived. But
+it would be impossible for him to reach home. Not
+daring to leave him there, she carried his well-nigh
+lifeless body to the cave. Laying it down on a bed
+o’ leaves, she started for his home, to tell his father
+what she had done.</p>
+
+<p>“It was a bolder amazement than she knew in
+going to the youngster’s father with the story of his
+adventure, but she was honest and fearless, as the
+innocent ever are. When Le Roche heard o’ the fate
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[218]</span>o’ his boy, at first he could ne’er believe it. But
+Avawanda seemed honest, though he swore she
+should die if she had deceived him. Poor child! As
+if she had not risked enough in going there to him.
+Should her father l’arn o’ it, he would put her to
+death at once. But Le Roche got two or three
+friends to go with him, and started for this place,
+under the lead o’ the girl.</p>
+
+<p>“’Pon getting here, the wounded youngster was
+not to be found. Sartin, then, that Avawanda had
+led him into a trap, Le Roche swore he would kill
+her. She fled for her life, and he and his companions
+follered her.</p>
+
+<p>“Their anger making them resky, the leetle party
+crept down to the Indian village. There they see
+the boy a captive, and undergoing a course o’ torture.
+It seemed the reds had found him at the cave while
+Avawanda was gone, and, knowing he’d killed two o’
+their number, set about avenging their deaths. Maddened
+by the sight, Le Roche called upon his friends
+to attack ’em with him.</p>
+
+<p>“A bloody fight must have followed, though none
+o’ the whites were killed. But do his best, Le Roche
+did not manage to bear off his son, who somehow
+was lost in the scramble. At last, having killed three
+o’ the reds, and his companions being so hard hit they
+could do no more fighting, the Frenchman was fain
+to get away.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[219]</span></p>
+
+<p>“He was coming up the path just below here,
+when he was surprised to see the Indian girl coming
+toward the cave, with his boy’s body in her arms.
+Without stopping to think that she might have resked
+her life to save his son, and was then trying to get
+him away from his enemies, though they were her
+kin, Le Roche could think only o’ treachery. Believing
+she was trying to hide his body, he shot her dead
+with her loved one in her arms.</p>
+
+<p>“Upon reaching the side o’ his boy, he found that
+the same bullet o’ his which had taken Avawanda’s
+life had given him his death-wound! The youngster
+lived long enough to tell his father that she had saved
+him from the torture, and was bearing him to that
+place until she could find some way to get him home.</p>
+
+<p>“‘She died for me, father! and the same bullet has
+cost me my life, for otherwise I might have got well.
+I have one favour to ask. Bury us here side by
+side.’</p>
+
+<p>“The grief-stricken father could promise nothing
+less, and so you see their graves here on this little
+hill, within sight of the beautiful sheet o’ water
+Avawanda loved so well. The granite walls o’ the
+hillside, which were silent witnesses o’ that day’s
+awful work, guard through the long years their
+lonely rest. But don’t let the sad story rob you o’
+your evening’s enj’yment. How beautiful old Massabesic
+looks under the starry eyes o’ the night. So
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[220]</span>your gun is getting to be onsartain, Zack. Is as
+glum as a beetle when you want it to talk, and pops
+off in the most onreasonable way when it should
+hold its tongue, eh?”</p>
+
+<p>By this time Bitlock had got his clothes pretty
+well dried, and he had also got into a more amiable
+frame of mind, so it was a free and cheerful group
+gathered there under the pines amid the solitude of
+the forest. For a long time the six talked about the
+topics interesting them most, the Woodranger filling
+in the waste places of conversation with many incidents
+of his checkered life, until at last he signified
+that it was time to seek rest.</p>
+
+<p>Scraping a few leaves together, and selecting a
+moss-covered stone for a pillow, he stretched his
+stalwart figure at full length on his primitive couch.
+In a brief time he sank into a child-like slumber, a
+smile, now and then, hovering over his bronzed and
+bearded countenance, as if some sweet vision of
+happy days gone by had flitted through his dreams.
+Bitlock was soon snoring loudly close by the fire.
+Norman and the other boys gladly lay down on
+their simple beds of leaves and boughs, covered with
+their skin robes, and were soon enjoying their well-earned
+rest.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[221]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">
+    CHAPTER XXIV.
+    <br>
+    <small>BEAR’S CLAWS—THE TURKEY TRAIN.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>When the boys awoke in the morning they found
+the Woodranger already astir. In fact, he had not
+only brought the wood and re-kindled the fire, but
+he had some fine fish broiling and had completed the
+other preparations for breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>“Why didn’t you speak to us,” said Norman,
+“and we would have helped you?”</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, lad, that would have been childish in me.
+You will find afore night that you have needed every
+bit o’ rest you have got. You have a goodish walk
+afore you to-day.”</p>
+
+<p>“I think you said we should reach Pawtuckaway
+Mountain to-day?”</p>
+
+<p>“I trust we shall be ’lowed to reach there by sundown,
+though we shall have no water-courses to help
+us out. But you have none too much time in which
+to wash for breakfast. This fish to be at its best
+needs to be eaten smoking hot. That is the great
+secret o’ the flavour o’ all food. Nothing is so good
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[222]</span>that has been ’lowed to lose the flavour o’ its
+cooking.”</p>
+
+<p>During the meal, at Bitlock’s request, the Woodranger
+concluded to let Norman and Rob take him
+across the pond in the canoe, in order that he might
+return home. Before they started, Johnny Stark
+went in quest of the firearm, which the frightened
+man had thrown away the previous night.</p>
+
+<p>The journey across the pond and back proving
+uneventful, upon the return of Norman and Rob
+the Woodranger carefully concealed his canoe, so
+they might have it on their way back, after which
+they “broke camp” at the Devil’s Den.</p>
+
+<p>Their course now lay through a wilderness of
+vegetation. At first they advanced quite rapidly
+through the pine forest, but upon reaching the
+expanses of smaller hard woods, such as gray
+birches, hazels, dogwoods, alders, sumachs, ironwoods,
+water-bushes, grapes, apple shrubs, and running
+hemlocks, which grew almost everywhere in the
+swamp and along the margins of the streams, they
+often found it difficult to get along. Here the
+Woodranger showed the advantage of his training
+by the greater ease and speed with which he picked
+his way.</p>
+
+<p>“It comes very much o’ practice,” he said, as
+Billy Stark for the twentieth time was sent flying
+headlong to the ground by getting caught in a network
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[223]</span>of vines. “If you had brought your foot
+around with a swinging stride, and not tried to step
+so boldly over it, lad, you ne’er would have got
+caught as you did. But, alack a man, a lad like
+you ne’er minds a tumble like that. I do believe
+you enj’y it. It does you good. Look hyur,
+lads!”</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger’s speech had taken a sudden
+turn, and ended with an earnestness which caused
+the boys to hasten to his side with what speed they
+could. He had stopped near the bank of a small
+stream, and, as they joined him, pointed to some
+freshly made tracks in the soft earth near the water’s
+edge. The imprint was as wide as that made by
+the forester’s moccasin, though shorter, so as to
+give it a more round shape. Rob Rogers was the
+first to recognise it, and he exclaimed, with some
+excitement:</p>
+
+<p>“A bear’s track, Woodranger!”</p>
+
+<p>“B’ar sign sure, lad. And the creatur’ has been
+here inside an hour. See how it has trod its way
+to its drinking-place.”</p>
+
+<p>The boys had already seen a beaten path leading
+to the place, and at once they said:</p>
+
+<p>“Shall we follow him up, Woodranger?”</p>
+
+<p>The forester shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>“We have no use for him just now. Mebbe when
+we come back we’ll try a hand with him. But you
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[224]</span>remember it is buck or moose that we are the most
+detarmined to find. Until we have satisfied our
+peace o’ mind in that direction other game must
+wait.”</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour’s advance was then made in comparative
+silence, when again the Woodranger stopped,
+and, with a smile on his lips, pointed to the ground,
+saying:</p>
+
+<p>“Can you read that sign, Robby?”</p>
+
+<p>The boy ranger and his young companions quickly
+reached the spot, to see a smaller imprint than that
+made by the bear, but which bore some resemblance
+to it.</p>
+
+<p>“Wildcat!” was Rob’s prompt reply.</p>
+
+<p>“How do you know but it’s a cub’s track?”
+asked the forester.</p>
+
+<p>“In the bear’s tracks there were traces of the
+claws, but here there are none to be seen. Besides,
+the track is not so round.”</p>
+
+<p>“Good for you, lad. It is a wildcat, and a big
+one, jedging by its foot. How long since it was
+here?”</p>
+
+<p>“Less than an hour. The earth is scarcely dry
+here where the sun does not fall.”</p>
+
+<p>“Good jedgment, lad. But I reckon we have as
+leetle use for cat as we have for b’ar at this time.
+We’ll let the varmint go his way, while we go ours.
+In the hollow o’er that ridge, if I mistake not, we
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[225]</span>shall find something for our dinner. Hark! hear
+that?”</p>
+
+<p>The loud, piercing scream of a hawk had broken
+the silence of the forest, and looking up through a
+rift in the forest canopy they discovered the lone
+bird circling in the air, as it kept up its cries of
+alarm.</p>
+
+<p>“Let me get a shot at it!” cried Billy, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>“A wanton waste o’ powder, lad,” said the Woodranger.
+“Instead o’ firing away your ammunition,
+let’s watch the bird a bit. I opine it is pretty well
+frightened.”</p>
+
+<p>“What can have frightened it?”</p>
+
+<p>“A man and a white one at that. Just wait
+a minute and see if I’m not right.”</p>
+
+<p>“How can you know it is a white man?”</p>
+
+<p>“Because a red is too often seen to raise all that
+rumpus for, and—ha! just as I expected. And
+the fool has burned his powder for nothing.”</p>
+
+<p>The report of a gun had been heard in the midst
+of the forester’s speech, immediately following which,
+with a louder scream, the hawk flew to a greater
+height.</p>
+
+<p>“Who can it be?” asked Norman.</p>
+
+<p>“Not one you would be hankering to meet, if my
+ol’ ears don’t deceive me,” replied the Woodranger,
+resuming his advance.</p>
+
+<p>“You don’t mean Gunwad?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[226]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I do. None but sich a varmint would be wasting
+his ammunition on a hawk. No truer saying
+than ‘birds o’ feather flock together’ was e’er
+spoken; and it is equally true that birds o’ feather
+war on each other.”</p>
+
+<p>“But how could you tell this was Gunwad? You
+must have had another reason for being so sure.”</p>
+
+<p>“Exactly, lad. I knowed it was the deer reeve
+by the peculiar sound o’ his gun. If you want the
+proof o’ sight we’ll perambulate that way.”</p>
+
+<p>“No—no! But can you tell any one by the
+report of his gun?”</p>
+
+<p>“Ginerally, lad, after a fair trial. I find it is a
+handy knack.”</p>
+
+<p>After this, little was said for half an hour. Norman
+was thinking of the near presence of Gunwad,
+and was wondering if his having come into that
+region meant anything to him. In one respect
+he was relieved to know the unprincipled deer reeve
+was near; he could not be troubling those at home.
+This fear had made him loath to leave them. In
+the midst of his speculations he found that the
+Woodranger had again stopped, and the boys had
+imitated his example. As the little group waited in
+silence, the younger members of the party wondering
+what this sudden halt signified, a tremulous,
+guttural cry, repeated three times in rapid succession,
+reached their ears.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[227]</span></p>
+
+<p>“There’s our dinner,” said the forester, in a low
+tone, “and I will warrant you he is a fat old gobbler.
+Mind you how husky his voice is. To save running
+after him I will ask him to come and deliver himself
+up.”</p>
+
+<p>When the Woodranger had finished speaking, he
+placed his left hand to his lips, and half closing it, he
+gave expression to a cry so like that of the wild
+turkey that even Rob Rogers looked surprised. Giving
+this sound three times in quick succession, he
+stopped and listened with his companions.</p>
+
+<p>They didn’t have to wait long before the answer
+was sounded, louder and clearer than the notes before.
+Again the Woodranger gave forth his challenge,
+and again he received his reply. When these
+calls and replies had been made alternately half a
+dozen times, it was evident the turkey was near at
+hand. Each time the answering cry grew nearer
+and clearer, until the forester, parting the shrubbery
+with one hand, and pointing into the forest ahead
+with the other, said, in a whisper:</p>
+
+<p>“See the old fellow and his brood! I s’pose you
+are anxious to try your hands, lads, and you’ll have
+no fairer chance. Take your pick, and fire when I
+give the word.”</p>
+
+<p>It was a beautiful sight that greeted the eyes of
+the boys, as their companion ceased speaking, and
+one that must have stirred the heart of any sportsman.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[228]</span>Marching through the forest, with head held
+high, with the air of one leading a victorious legion,
+strutted the largest turkey gobbler any of them had
+ever seen. Close behind him came the hen, and at
+her heels, following in single file, like a war-party
+of red men going to battle, were the family brood of
+ten, the young nearly as large as the parent turkeys.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding his great weight, the leader
+stepped noiselessly over the leaf-strewn pathway,
+while he was continually looking upward or sidewise,
+on the alert for the least suspicion of danger. He
+stopped abruptly in full view, his head bent slightly
+over and his small, clear eye looking sharply ahead.
+So suddenly had this been done, as if he had in some
+unknown manner been warned of peril, that one foot
+remained raised. In a moment every member of the
+turkey train was motionless.</p>
+
+<p>The old chief of the feathered legion seemed about
+to give expression to another cry, and the Woodranger
+raised his hand as a signal for the boys to
+fire. Norman had chosen a fine bronze gobbler of
+good size, and his young companions had each selected
+a victim, but before they had time to aim and
+fire, a dark, lissom form was seen to spring from behind
+a huge boulder upon the leader of the troop.
+The hen gave a quick, sharp cry of alarm, and in the
+twinkling of an eye disappeared with her brood.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[229]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXV">
+    CHAPTER XXV.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE PLACE OF THE BIG BUCK.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>An exclamation of disgust left the Woodranger’s
+lips, and at the same moment his long rifle leaped to
+his shoulder. No sooner had his eye ran along its
+barrel than the ringing report of the firearm awoke
+the solitude of the forest. So swiftly had one act
+followed another, that the triumphant cry of the
+nimble assailant ended in a howl of pain, while it
+made a second involuntary leap into the air in the
+struggles of death. It fell about midway between
+the little group of spectators and the now lifeless
+turkey.</p>
+
+<p>“Rob me o’ my dinner in that way, will ye, ye
+sneaking thief! I reckon it will be the last turkey
+you’ll ever try to carry off afore my eyes.”</p>
+
+<p>With these words, showing more excitement than
+was his wont, the Woodranger began to leisurely
+reload his weapon.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it?” asked Johnny, without stopping to
+look at the creature; “and where did the turkeys go
+to so quick?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[230]</span></p>
+
+<p>“It’s a cat, lad, and a monster. It thought to
+cheat us o’ our dinner, but I reckon Ol’ Danger gin it
+a dinner it won’t digest. Let’s take a peep at the
+creatur’.”</p>
+
+<p>As the Woodranger had said, the wildcat, for such
+it was, was a big one, and as it lay there, though harmless
+enough then, the boys could not help shuddering.
+They found the turkey dead, too, though its slayer
+had not mutilated its body.</p>
+
+<p>“It’ll make us a good dinner,” declared the Woodranger,
+“and half a mile yon is a fit spot for us to
+make our nooning. First I’m going to skin the cat.
+While I’m doing it, you might pluck the gobbler.”</p>
+
+<p>The spot selected by the Woodranger for a stopping-place
+was in one of the most beautiful valleys
+they had ever seen. Through the centre a good-sized
+brook ran merrily on its way, while a pine-clad
+hill on the north completely sheltered them
+from the cold wind, and the sun shone down upon
+the spot with a genial warmth. The boys at once
+set about gathering some dried wood with which to
+build a fire. During one of these searching trips,
+Norman ran upon an apple-tree standing in a sheltered
+nook, which was still laden with fruit. These
+apples were uncommonly large and fair for wild fruit,
+and so well had the tree been protected from the
+frosts that they still retained their flavour. Upon
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[231]</span>tasting one of them and finding it so good, Norman
+called to the others to join him.</p>
+
+<p>Such a feast of fruit followed as none of them had
+ever enjoyed, while the Woodranger was nothing
+loath to eat his share. In the joy of this find, the
+turkey feast was put in the background, and baked apples
+became an important part of that festive meal.</p>
+
+<p>“I wonder if the Injuns ever eat any apples?”
+said Billy, regardless of his grammar.</p>
+
+<p>“Weel, lad, do not flatter yourself that they have
+never been to this very tree. I have heerd o’ there
+being sich a tree somewhere in these parts, but I
+ne’er had the good fortune to stumble upon it.
+Apples and nuts made a goodish part o’ the living
+o’ the reds during the autumn. I must say these
+are the best apples I ever tasted. Neither does this
+turkey require much effort to swallow. It was a
+plump creature.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do wildcats often attack turkeys in that way?”
+asked Billy, as they finally moved back from their
+dinner, to seek comfortable resting-places for half an
+hour before resuming their wanderings.</p>
+
+<p>“That is the cat’s favourite way,” replied the
+Woodranger, as he made himself comfortable at
+the foot of an ash which threw out its gnarled roots
+in such a way as to afford arms upon which to rest.
+“In fact, it is their only successful way. The turkey
+is a wary bird, and the wildcat is its worst enemy.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[232]</span>Still, the four-footed creatur’ stands but leetle chance
+o’ ketching even a young turkey, so cautious is it by
+instinct, and so fleet o’ foot. You have seen how
+it can get out o’ the way o’ danger, to-day. Afore
+you could wink an eye, every one was out o’ sight,
+and a goodish hunt you would have had to find one
+on ’em. The cat knows that its only chance o’
+ketching a turkey is by springing from a tree, so it
+resorts to a trick. Ah! the cat is as full o’ quirks
+and quibbles as a porkypine is o’ quills.</p>
+
+<p>“Getting its evil eye on a brood o’ turkeys, instead
+o’ trying to keep them from knowing it is round, it
+takes particular pains to be seen. It steals up
+behind ’em, until it is seen, when it steals away with
+well-feigned sheepishness. Then it reappears, and,
+after having got the attention o’ the turkeys, skulks
+out o’ sight ag’in. This it keeps doing until it has
+got the direction the turkeys are going fixed in its
+cunning head. After that, it steals away by a roundabout
+course and conceals itself in the path of the
+turkeys, where it waits till they come along. Thinking
+their enemy is behind them, the turkeys are not
+so watchful in front, and so they fall into the trap.
+You have seen the result o’ the cat’s manœuvring
+to-day. It is not often at this season one sees such
+a brood o’ turkeys still together, but these were,
+doubtless, on their way to the sea-coast, where they
+like to spend their winters, to return in the spring.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[233]</span></p>
+
+<p>After a short rest, the party again were on the
+move, and, having now fairly entered the game-lands,
+were wide-awake for sport and adventure. The incidents
+of that afternoon were rapid and exciting
+enough to satisfy their most prodigal desires, but it
+would be scarcely interesting to detail them all.
+Norman and Rob each shot a deer, while of smaller
+game they got more than they could well care for.
+The deer they dressed, and the Woodranger spitted
+the meat upon tall, slender saplings, from whence it
+could be taken home whenever they could do so,
+while in the meantime it was safe from the clutches
+of prowling beasts.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, as the sunlight was fading from the corrugated
+crest of Mount Pawtuckaway, toward which
+they had been going all day, the Woodranger halted
+at the foot of a high, moss-covered cliff, near the base
+of the mountain, saying, as he cast his keen eyes
+about him:</p>
+
+<p>“I ne’er think we shall find a likelier place to
+pitch our camp. It is well protected from the north
+and west; there be plenty o’ pines to get your
+boughs for your bed; and here be a goodish fountain
+o’ the purest water in the world. I see no need to
+go farther, and I jedge you lads are tired enough
+to be glad to hear the news.”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[234]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">
+    CHAPTER XXVI.
+    <br>
+    <small>AROUND THE CAMP-FIRE.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Mount Pawtuckaway is the highest of three
+mountain peaks. Rearing its serried heights nearly
+a thousand feet above sea level, this rocky range is
+about as rugged a place as can be found in New
+England. At that time it was covered, wherever
+there was earth enough upon the rocks to support a
+shrub of any kind, by a forest of stunted pines, hemlocks,
+spruces, and cedars. But at frequent intervals
+the naked head of some granite cliff raised its gray
+crown into plain sight. Surrounding the heights at
+their base were forests of pines, divided at certain
+angles and corners by patches of white beeches,
+black maples, or walnuts. In the distance a silvery
+disc, glimmering above the tree-tops, marked the
+shores of a sheet of water.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were tired, but they took hold with a
+hearty good-will to assist the Woodranger in preparing
+the evening meal, for they were hungry as well
+as weary. Generous portions of the venison had
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[235]</span>been reserved, and as soon as a fire had been kindled
+the forester was roasting goodly slices to an appetising
+brown.</p>
+
+<p>At that season of the year evening comes on
+quickly after sunset, and as the five finished their
+camp meal, the last rays of daylight had faded from
+the mountain crags.</p>
+
+<p>“You said, Woodranger,” ventured Rob, during
+a lull in the conversation, “that there was a story
+connected with the naming of this mountain Pawtuckaway.
+We should like to hear it.”</p>
+
+<p>“There <em>is</em> an Indian legend, lad, which pretends
+to explain why it is called by the name you give,
+which means the place o’ the big buck. I don’t
+mind telling the tale, though mebbe it be but a bit
+o’ fancy work cleverly wrought by the red man’s
+cunning. The reds <em>did</em> have a knack o’ weaving
+pretty consaits together, the better than the white
+man, perhaps, because he lived nearer to natur’.</p>
+
+<p>“’Cording to the traditions o’ the red man, this
+locality has always been a favourite stamping-ground
+for the brown deer. Among the many which lived
+hereabouts was a buck, bigger, fleeter o’ foot, and
+more cunning than any o’ his kind. So wide did his
+fame become that hunters came from afar to trail
+him down. But he had the knack o’ outwitting his
+pursuers, none of whom were able to track him arter
+he had reached the side o’ this mountain. So the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[236]</span>simple red man kem to believe this buck possessed a
+charmed life.</p>
+
+<p>“’Mong the others that come and hunted in vain
+the cunning creatur’ was the Pennacook brave,
+Kinkinnasett, the warrior o’ the flying foot. He
+vowed by the stars that he’d run down the big buck
+or ne’er follow the trail ag’in. There was a girl
+mixed up in the ’fair, too, for Kinkinnasett loved an
+Indian maid, who was also beloved by another. But
+with sich coyness had she shown her favours that
+both warriors were hopeful. At last, to settle a
+matter that was beginning to stir bad blood, the
+maid said she would marry the one who would bring
+her the antlers o’ this buck. Kinkinnasett and his
+rival at once set forth on a hunt which later became
+a legend among the red men, the bold and fiery relating
+it while the more timid held their breath. It
+was told to me by an old chief in a low tone, while
+he kept the camp-fire burning its brightest, for one
+and all believed that the foolish braves had angered
+the Great Spirit by their action.</p>
+
+<p>“Kinkinnasett, so the story runs, was the one to
+start the big buck from its favourite haunt just below
+here. It was then about midday, and he at once
+gave chase. It was such a chase as Kinkinnasett
+had ne’er known, as no living red man had e’er taken.
+He had failed three times, with fair range, to bring
+down the buck with his far-flying arrows, and now
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[237]</span>he tried all the artifices known to him to entrap the
+wary creatur’. When he had given it chase for
+awhile, he paused to see if the hunted buck would
+stop to look back.</p>
+
+<p>“Unlike the brown deer, many o’ which he had
+run down ’twixt sun and sun, the star-eyed buck
+did not stop,—did not look back! With his head
+thrown back on his shoulders, and his broad antlers
+cutting a path through the forest wherever he went,
+the very mountain resounding with his terrible
+tread, he bounded on and on, Kinkinnasett following
+as best he could. Once completely around the
+mountain did he pursue the buck, and, though he
+boasted o’ the flying foot, he ne’er got any nearer
+the fugitive.</p>
+
+<p>“From a high perch the rival Pennacook, Sagawa,
+the Fox, looked down on the failure o’ his brother
+brave, and he resolved, notwithstanding that he, by
+doing it, broke the true code o’ hunters, to bring
+down the buck with the charmed life, or prove that
+it could not be done. Unknown to any one, he had
+that morning dipped his arrow in the oil o’ the witch-hazel,
+and under sich incantations as to ensure it the
+power to pierce the spell that might be thrown o’er
+a common shaft.</p>
+
+<p>“Seeing the buck finally coming near him, he
+poised his stout bow that was fitted with the arrow
+of cur’us power. The flying creatur’ was just below
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[238]</span>him, when he sent the winged shaft on its deadly
+mission. Then his joy knew no bounds, as he saw
+the star-eyed buck o’ the charmed life actually fall
+on his knees!</p>
+
+<p>“Sure now o’ his victim, if he could reach it
+before Kinkinnasett should come along, he leaned
+out over the rock, holding on by a shrub, so as to
+swing himself downward. Under his weight the
+bush parted from its frail support, and he was sent
+headlong toward the rocks below, to what seemed
+certain death. So thought Kinkinnasett, who had
+got near enough to see the accident to his rival. To
+his surprise, the warrior struck on the back of the
+crippled buck. Then, instead o’ throwing off his
+burden, the wounded animal sprang upon its feet
+and bounded away, with Sagawa clinging to it!</p>
+
+<p>“Not one whit slower did the buck flee, so Kinkinnasett
+was still obliged to do his utmost to keep
+in sight o’ the wildest flight he had e’er seen.</p>
+
+<p>“After going half-way around the mountain ag’in,
+and seeing that there was a chance to cut off the
+fleeing buck, Kinkinnasett climbed a spur o’ rock,
+and let himself down right in the pathway o’ the
+creatur’. It was a critical p’int, where a gulf o’ a
+hundred feet opened at his feet, and, on the other
+hand, a sheer wall o’ granite reached upward from
+a rocky shelf not more’n a gun-rod wide. Sure o’
+his game now, Kinkinnasett raised his bow for his
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[239]</span>last shot. Then the heels o’ the buck rattled around
+his head, and he was flung back upon the narrow
+shelf o’ rock, while the desperate animal, with
+Sagawa still on its back, leaped o’er the brink
+into the depths below! A terrific noise followed,
+and, with the sound of rushing water ringing in his
+ears, Kinkinnasett was left in darkness.</p>
+
+<p>“A party o’ Pennacooks, in search o’ the missing
+warriors, found Kinkinnasett the next day, where
+the heels o’ the star-eyed buck had sent him. It
+was seen that he must soon depart to the happy
+hunting-grounds, but he lived long enough to tell
+them o’ the fate o’ Sagawa and the strange buck.
+In the gorge, which had been dry before, a tempest
+o’ boiling water was raging, the only evidence ever
+found o’ Sagawa and the star-eyed buck. The reds
+have always believed that the pond is bottomless and
+that it would be death to the warrior who should be
+bold enough to go near it. So the tale ends in
+a tragedy, as most Indian tales do. It is natural
+they should, for their lives were tragedies in themselves.”</p>
+
+<p>“I have been to the pond,” said Rob, “and an
+ugly place it is. A quaking bog encircles it, so one
+cannot very well get to the water. The first time
+I was there it was still enough, but the next it was
+boiling and tossing just as if there was a big fire
+under it.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[240]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Ah, lad,” said the Woodranger, “it is a onnatural
+spot, and I have no hankering to hang around it.”</p>
+
+<p>“But I should like to have seen the star-eyed
+buck,” said Johnny. “Do you suppose it was
+bigger than a moose, Woodranger?”</p>
+
+<p>“Scurcely, lad, scurcely. I opine the reds exaggerated
+in their descriptions. It was but human
+natur’ for ’em to do it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t you suppose we could find a moose, Woodranger?”</p>
+
+<p>“We can find one pretty soon if we want to,”
+replied the forester. “I have heerd the call o’
+a bull moose twice sence I was telling that Indian
+tale. It was fur away, but it is coming nearer.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then we can see one! Can’t we stalk it,
+Woodranger?”</p>
+
+<p>Billy Stark asked this question, but he was
+scarcely more excited than his young companions.</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, nay, lads! Calm yourselves. Stalking
+moose is dangerous bizness for youngsters, and I
+may be committing a sinful indiscretion in permitting
+it. You must promise me you will keep by me and
+do just as I say.”</p>
+
+<p>“We promise that, Woodranger. Lead the
+way!”</p>
+
+<p>“Hush, lads! it may not be the old fellow’s whim
+to come any nearer, though it be a fine night for
+creeping. List, lads!”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[241]</span></p>
+
+<p>In answer to the Woodranger’s request, the boys
+instantly became perfectly still, though their hearts
+beat with unwonted quickness, as they listened and
+waited. A perfect silence lay on the scene around
+them. After five minutes of this breathless stillness,
+when a strange feeling of oppression bound
+one and all, the dull, heavy cry of an owl came from
+the beech. It was actually a relief to hear it. Then,
+from far away, was borne faintly to their ears the
+plaintive, prolonged howl of a restless wolf. This
+was answered from another direction, soon succeeded
+by the scream of a wildcat not far distant. Again
+the uneasy owl broke forth with his glum <em>tu whoot,
+tu whoot</em>!</p>
+
+<p>These outcries, of nightly occurrence, had died
+away, and silence once more reigned, when a wild,
+peculiar sound filled the forest, ending more abruptly
+than it had begun, as if the creature giving it utterance
+had been suddenly checked in the midst of its
+cry. It seemed a sort of cross between a grunt
+and a roar, with a harsh, grating sound at the end.
+Appearing to open from a far distance, it ended
+apparently near at hand.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[242]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">
+    CHAPTER XXVII.
+    <br>
+    <small>“CREEPING” THE MOOSE.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>“The moose!” exclaimed Rob Rogers, unable to
+remain silent any longer. But a warning gesture
+from the Woodranger enjoined silence again, and,
+wondering what his object could be now, the boys
+obeyed without a word.</p>
+
+<p>Three minutes passed, seeming to them half an
+hour, when for the second time they heard the
+strange call. This time, however, it came from an
+opposite direction to the one before, and was farther
+away.</p>
+
+<p>“It is as I opined,” declared the Woodranger;
+“there be two o’ ’em. But they be drawing together.
+It means a fight at their meeting-place.”</p>
+
+<p>“I wish I could see it!” exclaimed the four boys
+in the same breath and using exactly the same words.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s a good night for moose-creeping,” mused
+the Woodranger. “The wind is right for us,” wetting
+one of his fingers and holding it up to prove
+what he had said. “I may be committing a great
+indiscretion, seeing you are mere novices in woodcraft,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[243]</span>but if you have a mind to obey me, I’ll resk it.
+It’ll be a goodish tramp, and it has got to be made
+as the painter creeps. The moose is wary,—is a
+tough creatur’ when aroused. At this time o’ the
+year he is the most dangerous o’ all the quadrupeds
+that stalk the forest. Them out to-night are on the
+war-path. Foller me if you want to see a sight
+worth a night’s perambulating, but do it with light
+heels and a clear head.”</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger then carefully covered the fire,
+and without further words started into the forest,
+skirting the base of the mountain with that silent,
+rapid step of his, which puzzled the boys to imitate.
+By this time the full moon was peering over the
+crest of the mountain on the east, giving the wild
+scene that peculiar lustre belonging to its light.
+Not a breath of air stirred the tree-tops, while the
+atmosphere had that clear crispness belonging to
+October.</p>
+
+<p>Speaking to his young companions only at rare
+intervals, and then in whispers, the Woodranger continued
+to thread the forest like a shadow for more
+than a mile. The boys did their best to move
+as silently as he, but somehow the dry twigs always
+seemed to be where they stepped, though in all that
+distance the moccasined feet of their guide had not
+given back a sound.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as they had left the base of the mountain,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[244]</span>their course had been through a growth of hard
+woods, beech, maple, walnut, with the accompanying
+smaller growths of kindred nature. The surface of
+the ground was, for the most part, uneven, and often
+they were forced to make considerable detours in
+order to get around huge boulders piled in their way.
+Sometimes, too, they were forced to climb sharp
+ascents, and then descend broken declivities. During
+all this time, no sound of the moose had reached
+their ears.</p>
+
+<p>But now the Woodranger paused on the summit of
+a rocky hill, covered with a growth of oaks, which
+was not so dense but that the moonlight threw broad
+bars of silver across their path. As if anticipating
+what was coming, the forester bent his head forward
+in a listening attitude, while his whole form remained
+as motionless as a statue. The four boys, without
+questioning his motives, did as he did, though keeping
+so quiet soon brought pains to every joint.</p>
+
+<p>The call of the moose was now plainly heard, and
+freighted with greater anger and impatience than
+before. Its reply came almost instantaneously this
+time, and from so near at hand that the younger listeners
+could not help starting with surprise.</p>
+
+<p>“They are going to meet, as I thought, by the
+little pond half a mile below here,” said the Woodranger,
+in his cautious whisper. “Lads, if we go on,
+it must be with a proper trailing o’ good jedgment.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[245]</span>It isn’t the knack o’ a good guide to worry his comrades,
+but knowing a lad’s wanton waste o’ care and
+patience, I don’t want you to run your heads into
+the slipping noose without proper words spoken. I
+have promised to get every one o’ you home in presentable
+shape, and I ’low I think more o’ that leetle
+word’n all the moose round old Pawtuckaway. Let
+me see your weepon, Norman.”</p>
+
+<p>Our hero handed the forester his rifle, and the
+other, holding it so the moonlight fell fairly upon it,
+looked carefully at its priming, and also scanned the
+firearm from butt to muzzle.</p>
+
+<p>“You put in the amount o’ powder I told you,
+lad?”</p>
+
+<p>“I did, Woodranger.”</p>
+
+<p>“And rammed the lead down keerfully, properly
+wadded?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes.”</p>
+
+<p>“Let me take your hand, lad.”</p>
+
+<p>When the guide had taken the proffered hand and
+held it fully a minute, he loosened his clasp, and,
+giving back Norman his rifle, declared:</p>
+
+<p>“You’ll do, lad. Robby I know o’ old; but it
+won’t do any harm for me to look at your priming,
+Robby. Often one’s futur’ depends on the way he
+has placed a grain o’ powder.”</p>
+
+<p>Rob’s weapon passing satisfactory examination, he
+then looked at the guns of the Stark boys, both of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[246]</span>which he re-touched with a few grains of powder
+from his horn, after which he looked closely at the
+flints. As he had done with Norman, he held the
+hand of each, and found Billy labouring under great
+excitement. Saying nothing of this, the Woodranger
+continued:</p>
+
+<p>“You will walk next to me, Norman, then Johnny
+and Billy, with Robby to kiver the rear. Remember
+under no circumstances are you to fire until I give
+the signal. I know o’ a good kiver for us, which we
+will reach at our next perambulation. The breeze
+still comes from the west-sou’west, and the night is
+favourable for you to see an amazement you’ll ne’er
+disremember, unless that ol’ bull disapp’ints us. You
+ne’er can tell what a bull moose is going to do next.
+Mebbe this one is mad enough to foller to the eend.
+<em>Creep!</em>”</p>
+
+<p>With the utterance of the last word, the Woodranger
+stealthily advanced again, his companions at
+his heels in the order mentioned. To Norman, more
+than to his young companions, this noiseless march
+through the wilderness was something strange and
+thrilling, though he had never felt calmer in his life.
+While he had never seen one, he knew that the
+moose was the monarch of the New England forests.
+If the Woodranger had shown unusual caution in
+allowing them to accompany him so far, he understood
+the reason underlying his action, and he resolved
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[247]</span>it should be no fault of his if the other ever
+had reason to regret the risk he was taking.</p>
+
+<p>He was in the midst of these reflections when the
+forester again stopped, and motioned for his companions
+to do the same. They had now gained the
+edge of a thicket of hemlocks, a few rods in length,
+which grew on a slight eminence of land. Through
+this brush barrier was to be seen, here and there,
+a glimmer of water. But they had not taken a second
+glance about them before the cry of one of the
+moose, now clearer and more startling than ever,
+was heard.</p>
+
+<p>“He’s near by!” whispered Rob. “I wonder
+where—”</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger checked him with a motion of
+the hand. Then he dropped silently upon his hands
+and knees, and began to crawl into the midst of the
+hemlocks, beckoning for the others to follow. Nothing
+loath, they soon gained his side. At that moment
+a loud splash in the water was heard. Then
+they gazed on a sight well worth all the pains they
+had taken.</p>
+
+<p>Outlined in the clear moonlight, with a vividness
+which exaggerated his size and made him seem to
+the boys like a monster beast, the moose stood in
+plain sight of the curious watchers. The water
+of the pond reaching nearly to his knees, he had
+thrown his antlered head up, expanded his nostrils,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[248]</span>and sniffed the still air for danger, or an answer to
+his challenge.</p>
+
+<p>As they watched the giant creature, he swayed his
+head to and fro with a sort of seesaw motion, without
+moving the body or limbs. At that moment
+Norman felt the Woodranger’s hand laid on his
+arm, and, as the grasp tightened, he was led, as if
+by intuition, to look toward the forest on their left.
+He could scarcely suppress an exclamation of
+amazement, as he looked on an exact counterpart
+of the first moose, except that the newcomer,
+which was moving through the growth at a shambling
+trot, was larger and more fierce-looking than
+the other.</p>
+
+<p>How the ponderous and ungainly creature, with
+an apparently clumsy, unwieldy gait, could move
+with such ease and silence, was a mystery to the
+young onlookers. But, as noiselessly as he had
+come, it was certain his rival had been warned of
+his approach. The head of the waiting moose stopped
+its gyrations, but the grating of his teeth was
+plainly heard.</p>
+
+<p>When within fifty yards of the moose in the
+water, the newcomer halted. He was now nearly
+opposite our little party, and would have afforded a
+good mark for the Woodranger’s rifle. But his
+weapon, as well as those of the boys, was single-barrelled.
+Should he prove successful with his shot,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[249]</span>it would in all probability arouse the other moose to
+attack them, and prudence demanded that he move
+with extreme caution in challenging two such foes.
+Then, too, he had a desire nearly as strong as that
+of his young companions to see what the fierce
+animals would do to each other.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment, however, a change suddenly came
+over the attitude of the smaller moose, which began
+to sniff the air in an uneasy manner. The meaning
+of this was made apparent by the words of the
+Woodranger, spoken in a cautious whisper:</p>
+
+<p>“The wind has changed! He has scented us.
+We are in for an amazement!”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[250]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">
+    CHAPTER XXVIII.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE BATTLE OF THE MONARCHS.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The boys understood at once their danger. Happily
+for them, however, the situation was quickly
+changed by a short, hoarse, rasping roar from the
+larger moose. This cry, which made the young
+hunters tremble, brought from the other animal an
+answer even more terrific, leaving no doubt of his
+acceptance of the challenge.</p>
+
+<p>What followed baffles detailed description. Renewed
+splashing came from the edge of the pond.
+The big, staring eyes of the second moose glowered
+with rage and jealousy, his teeth champed together
+with a harsh, grating sound, his hair stood erect,
+while he lowered his horns so the points of his
+mighty head stood out in front like the lance of
+a doughty knight of old. Then his ponderous form
+shot through the bushes, immediately following
+which the breathless listeners heard another splash
+of water, another grunt of defiance, a clash, like
+the ringing of many swords, and the battle of the
+monarchs was begun.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[251]</span></p>
+
+<p>The scene that succeeded was one never to be
+forgotten by the witnesses. It was evidently from
+the start a combat to the death, and its whole aspect
+was appalling. The clashing of their huge antlers
+could have been heard for miles on that clear, still,
+frosty night. Reeling back from the first shock,
+the furious antagonists rallied with redoubled vigour,
+swaying from side to side, twisting their ponderous
+necks, each striving with limb and body, head and
+antlers, to overpower his rival.</p>
+
+<p>Such a struggle could not last long. Soon the
+smaller moose was pushed back toward the shore
+of the pond, whose water was churned into foam by
+the combatants. It was already evident that the
+other was to be the victor. Then, above the clashing
+of the terrible horns, sounded a bellow of pain.
+The huge antlers of one of the opposing monarchs
+was now crimsoned with blood. The next moment,
+with another roar of rage and suffering, the other
+staggered sidewise, and then was hurled to the
+ground with a shock which made the earth tremble
+for rods away.</p>
+
+<p>With a grunt of triumph the victorious brute,
+shaking aloft his cruel, reeking horns, looked around,
+as if expecting another enemy ready for him. Save
+for his heavy breathing, not a sound broke the stillness
+of the scene. As far as the little group of spectators
+could see, the fallen monarch lay perfectly still.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[252]</span></p>
+
+<p>The victor stood under the edge of the forest
+overhanging the pond, where the bars of moonlight
+showed his gigantic form plainly to the concealed
+hunters.</p>
+
+<p>“He scents us!” whispered the Woodranger.
+“He’ll find us in a jiffy, onless he takes it into his
+head to go away, which it ain’t at all likely he will
+do in his ugly mood. No, he won’t run off now,
+and we don’t want him to if he would. Stand firm,
+lads, and when I give the word fire. Don’t waste
+your powder.”</p>
+
+<p>The big animal had begun to roll its heavy head,
+and show signs of greater uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s too far to resk a shot,” muttered the Woodranger,
+but not loud enough to be heard any distance.
+“The time to take him will be when he crosses that
+bar o’ moonlight yonder. Norman, hold your shot.
+’Twon’t be best for all to fire at first, as one can
+ne’er tell what a bullet is going to do with a moose.
+Be ready for the signal, Rob, and kiver that dark
+spot behind the fore leg. Johnny and Billy follow.
+Now for an amazement!”</p>
+
+<p>As he finished speaking in his low tone, the
+forester drew the barrel of his rifle across one of the
+small hemlocks, making a noise like the scraping of
+a moose’s horn against a tree.</p>
+
+<p>He had no sooner done this than the moose,
+evidently believing it to be the movement of another
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[253]</span>rival, gave a deep grunt, and started noiselessly
+toward the little group in the thicket. Knowing
+that the critical moment was at hand, the boys
+clutched their weapons with firmer holds, and the
+three who were to fire at the Woodranger’s signal
+raised themselves, as silently as possible, on one
+knee, and held their rifles in readiness for the
+word.</p>
+
+<p>“When his shoulder comes under the moonlight,”
+whispered the Woodranger. But, as if knowing by
+some strange intuition that it was the danger-line,
+the moose paused in the shadows of the deep forest
+before reaching the little opening. For three or
+four minutes he stood there peering into the space
+around him, listening for some sound to guide him.</p>
+
+<p>At last, as if intending to circle the dangerous
+ground, as is the habit of the creature, before charging
+an unknown enemy, the moose began to move
+off into the deeper woods. The boys felt their
+muscles relax, though big lumps had come into their
+throats and they could hear each other breathe. It
+was a disappointment to see the big fellow go away
+without trying to get him.</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger was evidently as anxious as they,
+and he had no intention of losing the opportunity of
+capturing the monster, or to risk a more unfavourable
+situation. Again he scraped his rifle barrel across
+the hemlock, and then he gave expression to a grunt,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[254]</span>imitating the moose so perfectly and sounding so
+near that the four boys gave starts of terror in spite
+of their schooling. But this was forgotten in the
+exciting scenes quickly following.</p>
+
+<p>The moose stopped abruptly in his silent advance,
+turned sharply and, regardless of the consequence,
+bounded forward with all of his former rage.</p>
+
+<p>Ever on the alert, Rob Rogers was ready for the
+monster, and as his huge form dashed into the opening
+his rifle rang out on the night air. A moment
+later the weapons of the Stark boys pealed forth
+simultaneously. But the moon makes an uncertain
+light for the best marksman, and if the boys hit
+the desperate animal, their shots did not in the least
+check his advance. With more fury than ever he
+charged on the little party in the hemlocks.</p>
+
+<p>Norman, feeling that it was time for him to act,
+had raised his rifle to take aim at the next favourable
+opportunity, when he felt a thrill of horror at the
+sound of another moose at his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger had already heard the cautious
+movements of the moose in the rear, and its low,
+harsh grunt had barely fallen on Norman’s ears
+before the forester exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>“Look to the other, lad! I’ll care for the creatur’
+in front.”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[255]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">
+    CHAPTER XXIX.
+    <br>
+    <small>TEST SHOTS—THE SNOW-STORM.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>It was indeed a moment fraught with great peril
+to the little party. As if it were not enough to meet
+the enraged monster in front without the appearance
+of this second giant, stealing upon their rear so
+swiftly and silently!</p>
+
+<p>Quickly understanding the situation, and vexed
+to think he had missed the moose at which he
+had fired, Rob Rogers began to reload his gun
+with a dexterity an older woodsman might have
+envied. In a trice he had poured a stiff charge
+of powder into the barrel of his weapon, and, as
+brief as was the interval, he was actually dropping
+a bullet down its throat as the ringing sound of the
+Woodranger’s firearm awoke the silence. In answer
+to “Old Danger’s” loud alarm, the oncoming moose
+gave a terrific roar of pain, staggered for a moment
+in his advance, and then fell in a huddled heap a few
+yards away.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Norman had not been idle. Knowing
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[256]</span>that not only his life but the safety of his companions
+as well depended on his efforts, he calmly faced
+the newcomer. The report of the forester’s rifle had
+scarcely rung out before that of his own succeeded.
+Then there was a second outburst of pain, a crash
+in the undergrowth, and Norman suddenly felt himself
+hurled fiercely to the earth.</p>
+
+<p>The charge of the dying moose was its last
+movement, for it fell near the young ranger, one
+long fore limb over his body and the bulky neck
+over his head!</p>
+
+<p>“Norman’s killed!” cried Billy Stark, the first to
+break the silence following the end of the startling
+fight. “The moose—”</p>
+
+<p>“God spare him!” cried the Woodranger, ignoring
+everything else, as he sprang to the side of
+the unconscious youth. With swift action he lifted
+the moose’s leg, and gently dragged our hero away
+from the body of the dead creature. Then he fell
+upon his knees over him and began to rub his hands
+and chafe his temple. “I’ll ne’er lift head again if
+he be dead. Look up, lad! Open your eyes. Smile
+once a-more!”</p>
+
+<p>The other boys had now gathered about the
+spot, upon which the pale moon threw a weird light,
+making their forms look phantom-like, as they flitted
+to and fro.</p>
+
+<p>“Is he dead?” asked Rob, in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[257]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I pray not, lad. Get me a leetle water from the
+pond.”</p>
+
+<p>Rob lost no time in obeying the simple command,
+and then, as the Woodranger bathed Norman’s brow
+with the cooling liquid, he exclaimed, happily:</p>
+
+<p>“He lives, lad! Thank God I am not his slayer
+in dragging him down here.” Then, as if this were
+not sufficiently plain, he added: “It would have
+seemed like wanton killing for me to have ’lowed
+him to be taken away in that keerless manner. I
+oughter knowed! I oughter knowed!”</p>
+
+<p>The strong man showed great emotion, and as
+Norman started to a sitting posture he caught him
+in his arms, crying:</p>
+
+<p>“Forgi’ me, laddie, forgi’ me! Say that you are
+not hurt and that you forgi’ an ol’ man’s keerlessness.
+I love thee none the less, lad, that I ’lowed
+you to fall in sich a trap.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am not hurt, Woodranger,” said Norman, now
+able to think and act clearly. “The old fellow did
+give me a hard thwack over the head, but I think I
+came out of it better than he did. Is the other one
+dead?”</p>
+
+<p>“I think I may be safe in saying so, seeing Ol’
+Danger spoke his purtiest piece. But that was an
+awful indiscretion o’ mine. I do not wish to dissemble,
+but I was deceived o’er that other creatur’.
+I had no idee he had the life to do that.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[258]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Do you think it is the moose which was beaten
+by the other on the shore of the pond?” asked Rob,
+who showed great joy to find that his friend had
+come off so well, after all.</p>
+
+<p>“I think so, lad. He wasn’t so hard hit as we
+s’posed. But you may see for yourself.”</p>
+
+<p>Taking the hint, Rob ran out to where the battle
+between the giants had taken place, and though he
+found ample evidence of the fight, he failed to find
+the body of the smaller moose. There could be no
+longer any doubt. He had rallied sufficiently to
+make his attack on Norman. It was a light-hearted
+group of moose hunters which gathered about the
+huge forms of the monarchs of the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>“You have got a knack at shooting, lad,” said the
+Woodranger, addressing Norman, “or you could
+ne’er have fired a shot like that. Your life depended
+on it. I had to use my ammunition on the other,
+or it might have fared ill with us from him. Mind
+you, I say <em>might</em> have fared ill, for no man can foretell
+what a mad moose may do.”</p>
+
+<p>“To think,” said Rob, who had not recovered
+from his chagrin at the thought that he had missed
+his mark, “that I should have blundered so. Don’t
+blame me, Woodranger, but I never felt more certain
+of my aim.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ne’er chide thyself, lad. Older gunners than
+you have missed their moose. But ere we mourn
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[259]</span>let us see if you did not after all send the bit o’ lead
+where it oughter done its duty.”</p>
+
+<p>Upon examination, it was found that all three of
+the bullets fired by the three boys had hit the animal,
+and one of them had touched a vital spot. This
+proved to be Rob’s bullet beyond dispute, so that he
+felt in better spirits.</p>
+
+<p>“You see, lad, you have no reason to complain.
+You did remarkably well; but a moose, like a red,
+dies hard. Perk up, lad! it’s myself who desarves
+the chiding for throwing away my lead on a creatur’
+a’ready death-struck. They be monster moose.
+This a-one will not weigh less’n thirteen hundred,
+while the other is scurcely a hundredweight lighter.”</p>
+
+<p>Continuing to talk while he kept his hands busy,
+the Woodranger soon removed the antlers of the
+giant brutes. The horns from the larger, as near as
+they could estimate, were over five feet, and the
+blades were over a foot in width. This pair had
+twenty-six points, while those of the other, but a
+trifle smaller, had twenty-four. Both pairs were in
+good condition, and the boyish possessors felt extremely
+proud of them, it having been voted that
+Norman should have those belonging to the moose
+he had killed, while Rob seemed entitled to the
+others. The Woodranger waived all claim to them.</p>
+
+<p>“You fairly ’arned ’em, lads. I have memory
+sufficient o’ this amazement without sich reminders.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[260]</span></p>
+
+<p>Altogether it was an adventure none of them would
+be likely to forget, but it had ended happily, and all
+were pleased with their night’s work. It was past
+midnight before they got back to their camping-place
+under the cliff of old Pawtuckaway, and the boys
+were glad of an opportunity to rest. Both moose
+had been dressed by the Woodranger, and the meat,
+after reserving a generous portion to take to camp,
+had been spitted upon trees, whence they could get
+it later.</p>
+
+<p>The sky was then overcast, and inside of two hours
+it was snowing hard, so that four or five inches fell
+before sunrise. It continued to snow until noon,
+and the hunters remained in camp under such poor
+shelter as they had hastily raised. The tedium of
+the occasion was removed by the Woodranger’s
+quaint stories of forest life, of which he seemed to
+have no end. His keen power of observation was
+apparent in all that he said, and the boys learned
+more that day than they had ever dreamed before of
+the lives and habits of the dumb creatures of the
+wilderness. That afternoon they had a grand hunt
+for deer, succeeding in getting two fine specimens.</p>
+
+<p>The next day the boys were glad to return to their
+homes, loaded down with as much game as they
+could carry, with several loads carefully placed where
+the wild beasts could not reach it, for them to go
+after whenever they should find it convenient. While
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[261]</span>we are speaking of the matter, it may be well to
+say that this was done at one trip, through the kindness
+of Mr. Stark, who lent the boys his oxen to
+draw home the load. There were roads and cart-paths
+to within two or three miles of Pawtuckaway,
+which they followed with the team, making it easier
+to go and come, though there had to be a goodly
+amount of lugging and tugging to be done at the
+end of the route.</p>
+
+<p>Of course warm welcomes greeted them at home,
+and Norman was relieved to find that nothing had
+been seen or heard of Gunwad. However, they were
+all to be forcibly reminded of him a few days later,
+when one of the most disgraceful affairs which blot
+the history of Old Harrytown took place.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[262]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXX">
+    CHAPTER XXX.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE BURNING OF CHRISTO’S WIGWAM.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The Monday following his return from the hunt
+Norman resumed work at Mr. Stark’s, and on his
+way there in the morning he saw Christo, the praying
+Indian, sitting in his doorway smoking his
+blackened pipe with complacent ease. As he had
+not seen the red man for some time, he stopped to
+speak to him, little realising under what different
+circumstances they were next to meet. Though the
+Pennacook was inclined to be morose over the misfortunes
+of himself and his race, he had learned to
+like the lad. On this occasion Christo seemed very
+glad to see him, and asked him particularly about
+his hunt to Pawtuckaway, and his eye kindled with
+some of its old-time fire as he spoke of the deer
+hunts his tribe had made in that vicinity in the years
+gone by.</p>
+
+<p>“Were the deer very plenty there then, Christo?”</p>
+
+<p>“Many moose; many bear; good hunting
+grounds.”</p>
+
+<p>Though he usually carried his dinner, that day
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[263]</span>Norman went home for his noonday meal. He was
+seated at the table, eating, when he and his grandfather
+saw Gunwad, with two strange men, coming
+up the road. Expecting that the deer reeve was
+about to pay them another visit, they were relieved
+to see him keep on past the house. When he was
+about to pass out of sight, however, he stopped in
+the middle of the road, to shake his fist toward them
+and stamp his foot in evident rage.</p>
+
+<p>“He disna want tae cum within reach o’ my staff!”
+exclaimed Mr. MacDonald, moving uneasily on his
+seat.</p>
+
+<p>“Never mind him, grandfather; he is not worth
+a thought.”</p>
+
+<p>“He’s a fit hireling for the British usurpers!”</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, grandfather, now you do an honest body of
+men an injustice. Gunwad is no more the representative
+of the Tyngs men than—”</p>
+
+<p>“Tut, tut, laddie! I houp the Woodranger has
+got nane o’ his simple jabberings into yer noddle.”</p>
+
+<p>“I try to do all justice, grandfather. It is possible
+the English will show that they have better
+rights here than we and our friends. It is a foolish
+quarrel, and it seems to me we are being made into
+catspaws for those higher in power. But don’t let
+anything I have said worry you. Mr. Stark tells
+me the Tyngs men are planning to raise their
+meeting-house the last of the week. He is going
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[264]</span>to the raising, and I think I shall. I believe it is
+the duty of all to turn out, for they have had a hard
+time in getting it.”</p>
+
+<p>“A’ their ain faut, laddie. They hae nae business
+here. I’m feart ye hae got ideas intae yer heid that
+are nae healthy.”</p>
+
+<p>Leaving Norman to return to Mr. Stark’s as soon
+as he had finished his dinner, let us keep in sight of
+Gunwad, whose purpose in coming to Namaske was
+to make another attempt to find and arrest Christo.
+He had good reasons to believe he should be successful
+this time, as he had been informed from a reliable
+source that the red man was again at home.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, though he approached with somewhat
+more boldness than before, he advanced with
+some caution toward the humble abode, which again
+had every appearance of being deserted.</p>
+
+<p>“If the red fool has run away this time I’ll scour
+th’ woods till I find him!” muttered the deer reeve,
+as he continued to draw nearer with his companions.
+A little later he was no longer in doubt. Christo
+was again missing!</p>
+
+<p>“The coppery sneak somehow got wind I was
+comin’!” he exclaimed. “But he can’t be fur away;
+he’s hidin’ somewhere in th’ woods. Mebbe he’s
+watchin’ us, and thinks he can keep foolin’ me in this
+way. I calculate two can play at some sich game.
+I’ll tear down his ol’ shanty afore I’ll go back empty-handed
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[265]</span>this time. I hev a scheme thet’ll call him
+in. Jes’ ye wait a minnit.”</p>
+
+<p>The deer reeve then scraped together a few leaves
+and small sticks from the edge of the forest, and with
+his flint and steel and tinder-box, which every man
+carried in those days, he quickly set fire to the
+combustible pile.</p>
+
+<p>“Ain’t ye afeerd ye’ll excite the onery cuss to fire
+on us?” asked one of his companions, who could see
+that this was a dangerous course to pursue.</p>
+
+<p>“It would be the dearest shot he ever fired,” replied
+Gunwad. “Get me some more underbrush,
+so the fire’ll rise higher. Ha, ha! nobody would
+shed enny tears ef th’ ol’ bark hull itself should
+burn.”</p>
+
+<p>He had barely uttered the words when a puff of
+wind caught up the pile of burning matter and carried
+it through the opening leading into the cabin.
+Fanned then by the wind, the blaze spread rapidly
+right and left.</p>
+
+<p>“For the Lord’s sake, Gunwad!” cried his companions,
+“put it out before the old hut burns up!”</p>
+
+<p>Then, seeing the deer reeve showed no inclination
+to stop the fire, one of them started forward to do so,
+when Gunwad caught him by the arm and held him
+back, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“Let it burn, Bedlock! It’s the best sight I have
+seen for many a day. If that don’t call th’ red fool
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[266]</span>home, I don’t know what will. Let’s get back where
+we sha’n’t ’tract so much ’tention.”</p>
+
+<p>Gunwad seemed really pleased at the result of his
+work, and he watched the fire streaming higher and
+higher, until the home of Christo was fairly enveloped
+in the flames. While the three stood gazing on the
+burning wigwam, without lifting a hand to extinguish
+the fire, new actors appeared on the scene.</p>
+
+<p>The newcomers were none other than Norman
+and the Woodranger, the latter having come along
+just as our hero was starting to return to Mr. Stark’s.
+They had barely exchanged greetings before the fire
+arrested their attention, and, realising the direction
+from whence it appeared, they hurried toward the
+place. But they reached the scene too late to save
+the dwelling, which, being little more than a bark
+shell, had burned quickly.</p>
+
+<p>The presence of Gunwad, who had not been able
+to get out of sight in season to escape the eyes of
+the forester, suggested to him that the deer reeve
+had knowledge of the cause of the fire, and he said:</p>
+
+<p>“Did you, like us, Goodman Gunwad, get here too
+late to save the red man’s home?”</p>
+
+<p>“’Pears to me yer eyes oughter tell ye,” replied
+the deer reeve, who moved uneasily under the other’s
+close scrutiny. “I reckon there won’t be any tears
+shed over th’ cleanin’ up. Th’ fool might hev stayed
+at home.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[267]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Where is Christo?”</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know as I’m obleeged to keep track o’
+th’ red nigger.”</p>
+
+<p>“I can ne’er dissemble, Gunwad,” said the Woodranger,
+with more directness, as if the truth was
+evident to him, “I hope you ne’er had any hand in
+this. I say it for your sake, and for the sake o’
+every man in Harrytown.”</p>
+
+<p>“Bah! Th’ ol’ shell weren’t worth what has already
+been said. The red was never overfriendly to me,
+or any white man, for that matter, except it was <em>ye</em>.”</p>
+
+<p>This insinuation was lost upon the Woodranger,
+who continued to make the deer reeve uneasy by his
+steady look.</p>
+
+<p>“It isn’t the worth o’ the building, Gunwad, but
+the principle at stake. It was all the abiding-place
+the last o’ the red race had. Here, in sight o’ his
+ancestral home, he had hoped to pass the remainder
+o’ his natural days in peace. So he told me. I cannot
+dissemble, Gunwad, but to me it seems a greater
+wrong to fire the simple dwelling o’ this untutored
+red than it would be to set torch to the proudest
+home in the king’s land. Alack a man! I’m sorry
+to see this and to know—”</p>
+
+<p>“As it happens, I did not set fire to th’ miserable
+ol’ wigwam!” broke in Gunwad, who moved away,
+muttering under his breath words he was careful the
+other should not hear.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[268]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I am glad to hear you say that, Gunwad, for I
+feared me you had committed an indiscretion which
+would work you naught but evil. If you know how
+the fire caught, I would advise you to see the unhappy
+red man, and explain it to him.”</p>
+
+<p>“I shall do nothing of the kind!” exclaimed the
+deer reeve, who the next minute disappeared from
+the scene with his companions following at his heels.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m sorry o’ this,” said the Woodranger to Norman,
+when the others had left them standing alone
+by the smoking ruins. “I fear me it bodes harm to
+the white settlers along the valley. It is just sich
+amazements as this, as keeps the reds on edge.”</p>
+
+<p>“But there is peace with the Indians now, Woodranger,
+and has been since Lovewell’s victory over
+the Pequawketts.”</p>
+
+<p>“Soon to be broken, lad, soon to be broken, I fear
+me. Alack a man! if the whites would remember
+that they are civilised, and not lower themselves to
+the level o’ savages in treating with ’em, far less
+o’ innocent blood would be shed. But there’s no
+reason in an angry man’s heart, and one like Gunwad
+will kindle more fires than a hundred better
+men can put out.”</p>
+
+<p>“Gunwad has gone down by the house,” said Norman,
+who could not forget that fact. “I hope he
+will not trouble grandfather, who is easily aroused
+at sight of him.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[269]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I read your thoughts, lad. Go on to your work,
+and I will see this Gunwad does not vex the old
+man.”</p>
+
+<p>“Thank you, Woodranger. I shall feel safe if you
+are near him. I suppose I must go on to Mr. Stark’s.
+The days are short at this season of the year.”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[270]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXI">
+    CHAPTER XXXI.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE WOODRANGER SURPRISES MR. <span class="smcap">MacDONALD</span>.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Though the Woodranger started away from the
+scene of the burned wigwam with Norman, he lingered
+somewhat in sight of the place, as if loath to
+depart. Even after he passed down the road from
+sight of the spot, he cast anxious glances back, as if
+he were looking for the homeless Pennacook.</p>
+
+<p>“I must try and see him, and counsel with him,”
+he said, aloud. “I am sure the whites will gladly
+make his loss good to him. But, alack a man! it is
+not that. It is the arrow o’ wrong which will enter
+his heart. He cannot understand that one Gunwad
+does not represent the white population, as a red
+may represent a whole tribe o’ his race.”</p>
+
+<p>As the Woodranger came in sight of Mr. MacDonald’s
+home, he saw the old Highlander standing
+in the middle of the road, looking anxiously in the
+direction whence he was coming. At sight of him,
+the other started to retreat toward the house; then,
+as if thinking better of it, he remained by the side of
+the highway, saying, as the forester approached:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[271]</span></p>
+
+<p>“What means yon fire, Maister Woodranger? I
+felt it was a hame burnin’.”</p>
+
+<p>“So it was, my good man, and no home less than
+that of Christo, the praying Indian.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m sad for Christo, though I ne’er felt weel acquaint
+wi’ the strange coloured man. Say, Maister
+Woodranger, I houp there was nae unfair work in it.”</p>
+
+<p>“So do I, Mr. MacDonald. I trust that Gunwad
+has passed by in peace?”</p>
+
+<p>“He did, maister. I dinna like that man.”</p>
+
+<p>“Not the best o’ company, sir. I trust you are
+feeling well to-day.”</p>
+
+<p>“As weel as an auld man should expect. This
+weather is tryin’ on sic’ a broken-doon frame as
+mine.”</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, my good friend, you are not one who should
+talk o’ a broken-down frame. You are ne’er an ol’
+man.”</p>
+
+<p>“Auld in sorrow, sir, if nae in years.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is because you live too much in the past,
+my good friend. Live so the light o’ the futur’ shall
+build beacon-fires along your trail. He who lives in
+the past lives a life o’ double sorrow. It makes him
+ol’ in his prime. It has made you ol’ in your sixties,
+when sich a stalwart frame as thine should be
+erect as the pine.”</p>
+
+<p>There was truth in the bold declaration, and even
+in the bitterness of his heart the old Highlander
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[272]</span>knew it. But to be told the fact in that sudden
+manner amazed him. It was some time before he
+could manage to exclaim:</p>
+
+<p>“Who taught thee that, man?”</p>
+
+<p>“I did not have to look to man to l’arn it. The
+leetle, nimble-footed squirrel, his merry heart the
+target for every thoughtless youth, taught me the
+blessed secret. The bird has retold it in his song.
+I read it in the heart o’ natur’. Man don’t want to
+go to the school o’ civilisation to be told the things
+which make life worth living. Your days have been
+all yesterdays. You have fought the battle o’ Glencoe
+till you have wrung your heart dry!”</p>
+
+<p>“Ye lie, man! I hae a mind to beat the truth
+into yer thick held wi’ my staff. What dae ye ken
+o’ sorrow?”</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger, appearing perfectly indifferent
+to his excitement, replied in his slow, simple manner:</p>
+
+<p>“All that any man knows who has seen all that is
+dear to him slip away,—his heart plucked out by
+piecemeal, and put back all bleeding and torn, to heal
+as it might. Man is a poor, misguided fool who continually
+prods his wounds, that he may let others see
+’em bleed. Do not think me ungrateful, sir. I love
+thee as a son might a father.”</p>
+
+<p>“I canna understand you!” muttered the old
+Highlander. “I—I think ye be a MacDonald!”</p>
+
+<p>“As if that was the highest compliment you could
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[273]</span>pay me. I have no knack o’ dissembling; if you
+mean I’m lacking in common sense, then out with it,
+man. What availed all the boasts o’ your MacDonalds?
+They were the weakest in their strength, the
+most foolish in their wisdom! You remind me o’ an
+oak, which one stroke o’ the lightning blasted while
+it stood proudly defying its wrath. Pardon me again,
+sir, for my tongue does babble like a brook, which
+to be made useful, must be dammed.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. MacDonald, used all his life to speak his mind
+without being contradicted, was dumfounded. At
+first, he was angered, then perplexed, and then he
+finally managed to say, though his words were scarcely
+in keeping with the trend of the conversation:</p>
+
+<p>“Ye’re a Scotchman?”</p>
+
+<p>“If I am, it was my birthright; if I am not, I do
+not bewail the fact.”</p>
+
+<p>“A Scotchman,” resumed the Highlander, “and
+yet gaun amang the boastful Britons, an’ carryin’ a
+French gun;” as if this last fact was the greatest
+sin.</p>
+
+<p>“The oak growing beside the poplar, sir, is none
+the less an oak. I’ve seen a birch growing from the
+rotten side o’ a maple, where a seed had somehow
+lodged, but it was still a birch, as pure as the mother
+stock. I habitate with all men equally, and not less
+with my red brother whose ways are peaceful. As to
+carrying a French rifle, I cannot dissemble. Did
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">[274]</span>they make one more to my liking I should not be
+above carrying one. As to the weapon I have here,
+which I am free to confess is a loved companion, it is
+a bit o’ a consait o’ mine. The stock, it may be, was
+made by a Frencher, as I took it from the hand o’
+Father Ralle, as the red-hearted priest fell on the day
+his horde was routed at Norridgewock. The barrel
+was sadly twisted, and not liking the thing, I had one
+wrought by the cunning o’ Old Seth. It may be he
+did follow something the Frencher’s style, but he
+was not ashamed to put his mark on it. That tells
+whether it be French or not,” holding up, as he
+spoke, the firearm so Mr. MacDonald could read,
+engraved on a tablet sunk into the stock, the initials
+“S. P.”</p>
+
+<p>Those letters stood for the name of the best
+known man in New England at that time, Seth
+Pomroy, “the Gunmaker of Northampton,” afterwards
+noted as a soldier in the Indian wars and the
+Revolution. Many of the brave men of the Woodranger’s
+days carried rifles of his make, which were
+not excelled by any that could be found.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment, Rilma, who had been watching
+the two from the door, rushed forward with childish
+impetuosity to greet the Woodranger, but her grandfather
+would fain have kept her back.</p>
+
+<p>“Bide in the hoose, lassie. I will soon cum in
+mysel’.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[275]</span></p>
+
+<p>“But I want to speak to Woodranger, grandfather.”</p>
+
+<p>“Back, I say! A man who openly boasts o’
+seekin’ the companionship o’ wild beasts in preference
+to men is nae fit company for sic a wee lassie
+as thee.”</p>
+
+<p>Rilma retreated, as ordered, though she could not
+help showing her disappointment. The Woodranger
+turned silently away, and without another word
+started down the road. But Mr. MacDonald called
+to him:</p>
+
+<p>“Had on, man! I havena said my last wird wi’
+ye yet. I wud question ye much more.”</p>
+
+<p>The forester stopped, saying in his simple, straightforward
+way:</p>
+
+<p>“Your incivility surprises me, sir. It is true I
+have habitated with the wild creatur’s o’ the forest,
+but in all my perambulating I ne’er met wolf with
+less o’ humanity, nor bear with more o’ brute than
+you exhibit in chiding the child o’ thy only son. It
+may be I’m unsuited to mingle in the genteel ways
+o’ civilisation, but I’ve l’arned what you have not,
+that the finest natur’ has the most sensitive heart.
+I may have forgotten the leetle book l’arning I got,
+but I have picked up a leetle o’ the wisdom that
+wells from the springs o’ natur’. An’ while man’s
+l’arning is e’er open to error, natur’ is ne’er at
+fault.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[276]</span></p>
+
+<p>The Highlander showed that he felt the merited
+rebuke, and his next words were milder:</p>
+
+<p>“If I ought to cane ye for yer insolence I’ll overlook
+ye. If ye care to speak to the strange man,
+lassie, who is a saint or a deil, ye may.”</p>
+
+<p>“I do want to speak to him, grandfather. I love
+him as if he was my own father.”</p>
+
+<p>At the utterance of this simple speech, which was
+but the honest conviction of an unsophisticated
+heart, she ran swiftly to his side, and to the amazement
+of the old Highlander he clasped her in his
+arms. While he stood there trembling between
+suppressed excitement and wonder he seemed to
+have suddenly become possessed of a new idea, for
+he asked with great earnestness:</p>
+
+<p>“Ye’re a Scotchman! Did ye ken my son
+Alick?”</p>
+
+<p>“I may have met him, sir!” was the surprising
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>“May have met him, man?” fairly shrieked the
+other. “Can ye say that and be so quiet? My
+Alick was a bonnie boy, the noblest o’ the MacDonalds.”</p>
+
+<p>“Which may be a poor meed o’ praise, sir. But
+I do not wish to pain a father’s heart. Nothing
+that I can say will mend the broken dish. There,
+child, I must be gone.”</p>
+
+<p>The latter sentence was addressed to Rilma, and,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[277]</span>kissing her, he tenderly disengaged her hands, and
+before she or her grandfather could speak had disappeared
+around a turn in the road below the house.</p>
+
+<p>“Run after him, lassie!” cried the Highlander.
+“Tell him to cum back. I fain wud ask him mair
+o’ Alick.”</p>
+
+<p>Nothing loath she obeyed, but when she reached
+the place where he had last been seen, the Woodranger
+was not in sight. Disappointed she returned
+to the house.</p>
+
+<p>“I dinna read him!” muttered the old man.
+“An’ ye say there was tears in his e’en as he let ye
+go, lassie? A strange man surely.” Then, after a
+pause, he added: “He maun be a MacDonald!”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[278]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXII">
+    CHAPTER XXXII.
+    <br>
+    <small>ZACK BITLOCK’S DEER.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Norman was returning from Mr. Stark’s at the
+close of the day, when, as he was passing the path
+leading from the road to the ruins of Christo’s wigwam,
+he fancied he heard some one speak. At a
+loss to know the meaning of the sound, he approached
+the little clearing about the Pennacook’s
+home. As he drew nearer the cries became plainer,
+though not more intelligible, and he discovered the
+dark figure of Christo, the homeless warrior, standing
+at the edge of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Half-concealed by the deep shadows falling about
+him, the Pennacook was looking intently at the little
+pile of ashes which marked his ruined home, and <a href="#i_fp278">his
+right arm moved slowly to and fro</a>, while he continued
+his low, intense speech, which Norman could
+not fail to know was expressive of the deepest feeling,
+though he could not understand a word.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="i_fp278">
+  <img src="images/i_fp278.jpg" alt="" title="">
+  <figcaption>
+      <p class="noic"><a href="#Page_278">“HIS RIGHT ARM MOVED SLOWLY TO AND FRO.”</a></p>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>“I wish Woodranger was here,” thought our hero
+as he stood a silent spectator of the dramatic scene.
+“I dare not break in upon him.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[279]</span></p>
+
+<p>These thoughts had barely shaped themselves in
+his mind, when the Indian, with a wider and fiercer
+sweep of his arm, suddenly turned away, and pulling
+his blanket closer about his tall form, disappeared in
+the forest, and never again was he seen in the vicinity
+of Namaske.</p>
+
+<p>Norman resumed his homeward journey with a
+heavy heart.</p>
+
+<p>“I am sorry for him. I wish it had not happened.
+If Woodranger had only been here he might have
+pacified him.”</p>
+
+<p>Upon reaching his home, he found his grandfather
+still labouring under great excitement over the conversation
+he had had with the Woodranger.</p>
+
+<p>“He’s a strange man, laddie. I dinna read him.”</p>
+
+<p>“What did he say, grandfather?” asked Norman,
+who was both surprised and interested to know what
+the forester had said to so excite his grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>“Say, lad? He said much. Why, he said to my
+teeth—an’ me a MacDonald!—he said twa times,
+in as many words, that I was but a puir, misguided
+fule! Min’ ye, he said that, an’ I ne’er raised a
+finger. I was—I was dumb! No ane e’er lived to
+say that afore. Say, lad, d’ye think I’m gaun awa’
+wi’ my min’? He said that I was auld afore my
+time; that my stalwart frame was in its prime.
+Weel, it may be he was not sae far frae the truth,
+aifter a’. Is my form so bent, lad?” and the old
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[280]</span>Highlander drew himself up, until he stood as
+straight as a post, six feet and three inches of
+stalwart manhood.</p>
+
+<p>“You were never more erect, grandfather, and you
+really are not so very old.”</p>
+
+<p>“Sixty-eight, laddie. Cum tae think o’t, I’m nae
+sae dreadfu’ auld. The MacDonalds hae always
+been lang-lived. But that strange man compared
+us as faither an’ son. Can he be sae young?”</p>
+
+<p>“Woodranger once said he was forty-four. People
+have got into a peculiar habit of calling him old,
+when—”</p>
+
+<p>“Just the age o’ ma Alick, the bonniest laddie in
+a’ Scotland!” exclaimed Mr. MacDonald, his excitement
+returning. “Gang an’ find that Woodranger,
+laddie, as soon as may be. I want to hear him ca’
+me a <em>fule</em> again, and see if I will stand idle by.”</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger, however, very much to their
+disappointment, was not seen again in that vicinity
+for some time. Mr. MacDonald continued to speak
+of him almost every day, and declare that he would
+find him.</p>
+
+<p>About that time Mr. Stark was troubled by the
+depredations of a deer in his corn shed, which he
+had built on to the end of his barn. The creature
+had come two or three times, and, having got a taste
+of the grain, was pretty sure to come again. With
+so many boy hunters in the family, of course he
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[281]</span>had only to mention the fact to them, to be rid of
+the troublesome visitor. But he happened to do so
+in the presence of Zack Bitlock, who at once said:</p>
+
+<p>“Let me look arter the creatur’, ’squire. I’m in
+want o’ some meat. ’Sides, th’ boys will fill th’ poor
+creatur’ full o’ lead, an’ as like as not let it git away.”</p>
+
+<p>Anticipating that there might be fun in store for
+them by yielding to Goodman Bitlock, the boys did
+so with good grace. This would not hinder them
+from being on hand to witness the squatter’s work,
+and also to get the deer if it escaped the other, as
+they expected it would.</p>
+
+<p>Goodman Bitlock’s gun was a poor affair, as we
+already know, and he was an indifferent marksman.
+But these facts did not enter into his plans. He
+first borrowed the long deer thong which had served
+little Archie Stark to such good purpose in hanging
+the bear. Subsequent events, by the way, would
+seem to indicate that that affair suggested to him his
+plan. He made a running noose in one end of the
+line and adjusted it to such a nicety that the unsuspecting
+deer would thrust its head through when it
+reached into the crib for its morning meal. The
+other end he carried back into the loft among the
+corn shucks, and his simple arrangements were
+complete.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the evening Goodman Bitlock crawled
+up into the midst of the corn shucks to wait and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[282]</span>watch for his victim. Not to be caught unawares,
+he got a firm hold on the end of the line and then
+began his lonely vigil.</p>
+
+<p>It is quite likely he fell asleep, for the deer did
+not appear on the scene to act its part until the day
+was breaking, when the boys, Billy, Johnny, and
+Archie, who were concealed in the cattle shed, saw
+a fine looking buck approach the place and thrust its
+head and antlers through the noose, and begin to
+eat ravenously of the succulent corn. But its movements
+had partly dislodged the line, and feeling it
+drawing upon its neck, the buck sprang backward
+with its first show of fright.</p>
+
+<p>The violent movement of the buck brought a wild
+cry from the loft, giving it genuine alarm. The
+terrified deer tried to break away, and started toward
+the forest with mighty bounds. This quickly
+brought through the opening the doubled-up figure
+of Zack Bitlock.</p>
+
+<p>Somehow the squatter had got tangled up in the
+line, and now he found it impossible to get clear.
+He gave utterance to half smothered cries, as he
+was rudely jerked along at the heels of the terrified
+deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Help—save me!” he cried. “I’m a goner!”</p>
+
+<p>The boys quickly left their place of concealment,
+to save the unfortunate man, whose situation was as
+perilous as it was ridiculous.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[283]</span></p>
+
+<p>Billy and Johnny had their guns with them, but,
+owing to the peculiar situation of Goodman Bitlock,
+a shot would endanger his life. So, while they followed
+at the top of their speed, the buck fled much
+faster toward the woods. Whatever was done to
+save the victim must be done quickly.</p>
+
+<p>“He’ll kill Zack!” cried Archie, who was finding
+it impossible to keep up with his brothers. It certainly
+looked as if poor Goodman Bitlock was on his
+last deer hunt.</p>
+
+<p>But an unforeseen accident suddenly changed the
+situation. The frightened deer, finding its flight at
+last stopped by the top of a fallen pine, instead of
+going around it made a bound into the air, to leap
+the obstruction. It cleared even the topmost
+branches, but it had not counted on the burden
+it was dragging away. The consequence was,
+Goodman Bitlock was jerked up under the mass
+of branches, and there he stuck. The deer, on
+the other side, managed to get his feet to the
+ground, but beyond that he could not go.</p>
+
+<p>By the time the boys reached the scene, Bitlock
+had recovered sufficient to begin a series of cries that
+was heart-rending:</p>
+
+<p>“Save me! I’m hung dead! I’m a goner!”</p>
+
+<p>“Have you got the deer, Goodman Bitlock?”
+asked Johnny, who, finding there was no cause for
+further alarm, enjoyed the situation. This was
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[284]</span>especially the more gratifying, as the squatter had
+boasted loudly of his scheme for catching the creature.
+His reply was filled with despair:</p>
+
+<p>“Got th’ Ol’ Harry! I wish I hadn’t. Shoot
+him, quick!”</p>
+
+<p>“But that would fill him full of lead!” replied
+Johnny, with provoking coolness. “Say, Zack, that
+is a pretty certain way of—”</p>
+
+<p>“Kill him, Johnny! He’s sawin’ me right in
+two! Oh—oh—oh! Cut th’ rope if ye can’t
+shoot him.”</p>
+
+<p>The boys did not delay longer, but advanced into
+the thicket so as to get a shot at the struggling buck.
+Before they could get into position to fire, the buck
+suddenly bounded off into the woods with redoubled
+speed. Goodman Bitlock had managed to get a knife
+out of his pocket and cut the thong.</p>
+
+<p>Though they had lost the deer, the boys felt they
+had got as much sport out of the affair as they had
+expected.</p>
+
+<p>“Gol-dang me!” exclaimed the discomfited squatter,
+as he scrambled to his feet, looking exceedingly
+battered and bruised but not seriously hurt, “when
+I git over this, boys, I want ye to larrup me with a
+hickory sprout till ye git tired. Say, ef ye won’t say
+ennything erbout my foolishness I’ll make ye th’
+handsomest pair o’ snow-shoes ye ever put on yer
+feet, I will, honest.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[285]</span></p>
+
+<p>So the matter was dropped by the boys, except
+among themselves; but the victim must have told
+some one himself, for the story leaked out, and for
+a long time Bitlock’s deer was a standing joke in Old
+Harrytown.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[286]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">
+    CHAPTER XXXIII.
+    <br>
+    <small>RAISING THE MEETING-HOUSE.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>At this time, the all-absorbing topic of conversation
+in Tyng Township was the raising of the new meeting-house,
+which had been long deferred on account
+of the failure to build a mill to saw the necessary
+lumber. In this important event, however, the Scotch-Irish
+showed little interest. It is true they had no
+meeting-house, as the place of worship was invariably
+called at that period, but they were able to
+attend divine services in the town across the river,
+and thus did not miss the building as much as their
+rivals. The Tyng colonists had held occasional meetings
+at private houses, but it was not altogether
+convenient or satisfactory. Then, too, there was a
+provision in their grant calling for a house of worship,
+and until it was built they could not conscientiously
+reply to the attacks of the others, who were
+not above ridicule. So the raising of the meeting-house
+became the one theme of conversation.</p>
+
+<p>All through the summer it had been planned to
+have the new house ready for dedication at Thanksgiving;
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[287]</span>but the season had been so unfavourable for
+out-of-door work, taken with other delays and difficulties,
+that this had finally been given up. This became
+the more necessary, as Thanksgiving came
+early that year, the thirteenth of November having
+been appointed.</p>
+
+<p>But raising day came at last, fair but cold. Early
+in the morning the men began to gather from far
+and near. Raisings in those times were important
+events, and men, and even women, often came long
+distances to be present and to lend such assistance
+as they could, either in helping raise the big timbers
+or in assisting to prepare the supper for the crowd
+of hungry workmen. If the raising of an ordinary
+house would draw such a crowd, how many more
+must come to the raising of a meeting-house. Men
+were at this raising under the Three Pines of Tyng
+Township from Chelmsford, twenty-five miles distant,
+from Old Dunstable, the home of the late Captain
+Tyng, from Nottingham, Naticook, Londonderry,
+Chester, and other towns. One singular thing was
+noticed and commented upon. Among the big crowd
+the most casual observer did not fail to notice the
+absence of the Scotch-Irish. It is true Mr. Archibald
+Stark was there, as he had said he should be,
+and also a few others, but not a “baker’s dozen,” as
+some one remarked.</p>
+
+<p>But this did not trouble Mr. Anderson, the master
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">[288]</span>builder, as long as he saw in the eighty or more men
+collected enough strength to lift the stout frame
+lying there ready to be put into proper position.</p>
+
+<p>Raisings meant something different in those days
+from what they do now, when a building is “put up”
+by piecemeal. A whole side was stoutly joined
+together on the ground, and then raised bodily by
+sheer strength. Poles, with iron spikes in the end,
+were used to facilitate the lifting, when the form had
+been raised as high as one could easily reach. Then,
+at the loud command of the boss, “Up, up, up!” went
+the heavy timbers, nothing like the cobwebs we put
+into buildings to-day, until the tenons would slip
+into the mortises with a sharp report, and the whole
+would stand as firm “as the rock-ribbed hills!”</p>
+
+<p>Tyng meeting-house being a large building for
+those days, its timbers were uncommonly big, and
+being poorly seasoned, were extremely heavy; but
+“many hands make light work,” and one side after
+another went up, amid loud cheering and not a little
+drinking.</p>
+
+<p>Three sides had thus been brought into position,
+and the men seized with a hearty will on the skeleton
+of the remaining wall.</p>
+
+<p>“Now, boys! all together,” cried Mr. Anderson;
+“heave-o!”</p>
+
+<p>Two men, who were not able to lift as well as
+some of the rest, had each been stationed at the foot
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">[289]</span>of the corner posts, so as to keep them from slipping,
+and so far there had been no accident. But this
+time, either one of the men had not planted himself
+with the necessary firmness, or else the men had
+been more careless than common in lifting the ponderous
+form, for one of the posts began to slip on
+the frozen ground.</p>
+
+<p>“Hold firm, there, Robbins!” yelled Mr. Anderson.
+“Up with her, boys! Heave-o! heave-o!”</p>
+
+<p>Slowly rose the mighty frame, notwithstanding
+that it was still slipping in spite of the frantic
+efforts of the man at the base. It had risen so far
+that in another moment it would be secure on its
+own footing, when the man called Robbins lost his
+presence of mind. Instead of bracing himself more
+firmly and holding on, he loosened his clutch and
+retreated.</p>
+
+<p>The action imperilled the life of every man under
+the timbers. Should the lifters drop the frame, a
+few might escape as it fell, but many would certainly
+be crushed under the falling broadside. Each man,
+knowing this, held upon the massive frame with all
+the strength he could muster, so that for a moment
+the whole form was held balanced almost free
+from the ground. It was a terrible moment. Even
+the noisy Mr. Anderson was silent.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes one young in experience will do what
+an older person would fail to accomplish successfully.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">[290]</span>It is certain no man there could have reached the
+foot of that sliding post as quickly as did Norman
+McNiel. His position had been favourable for the
+action, but what was of more vital importance, while
+others held their breath with terror, he had presence
+of mind equal to the emergency. That post
+had got to be held firm, or all would be lost!</p>
+
+<p>Near the foot of the timber was a stout hornbeam
+lever, which some one had thrown down a moment
+before. Seizing this, and throwing enough of his
+weight upon the lifting timber to keep it down, he
+planted one end of the stout stick against the stonework,
+and brought the lever over the foot of the
+post, so as to hold it where it was. Assured that
+he could keep it from slipping further, he shouted to
+the overtaxed workmen:</p>
+
+<p>“Now, all together, up with it! I can hold the
+foot.”</p>
+
+<p>His words gave hope to the nearly exhausted
+men, who, with an almost superhuman effort, tugged
+anew at the heavy woodwork, which began to rise
+again.</p>
+
+<p>“Heave-o, boys! Up she goes!” cried Mr. Anderson,
+exultantly.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment tenon and mortise met, a loud
+report followed, and the huge broadside stood erect
+and firm.</p>
+
+<p>While Mr. Anderson and a few others flew to drive
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">[291]</span>in the pins to make sure of their work, most of the
+men sank upon the ground to rest. There was general
+rejoicing, and one more enthusiastic than the
+rest proposed three cheers for Tyngtown’s new
+meeting-house.</p>
+
+<p>“And three more for Norman McNiel,” said Mr.
+Anderson, “who made it possible. If it hadn’t been
+for him, there would have been no cheering, I can
+tell you.”</p>
+
+<p>Every one felt the truth of this, and one after
+another grasped Norman’s hand, with generous
+thanksgiving on their lips.</p>
+
+<p>Thus Tyng Township meeting-house was raised,
+and the colonists went to their respective homes
+with lighter hearts than they had known since
+accepting the responsibilities of their grant. Norman
+went home with Mr. Stark, who praised him
+heartily for his brave conduct.</p>
+
+<p>“Mark my words, lad, you have made more friends
+to-day than you had before. When a man’s life is
+in actual danger, he is apt to appreciate the effort
+made in his behalf. I minded that Gunwad was not
+there. He has lost ground. That burning of Christo’s
+cabin has set every one against him. It was a
+miserable act, wholly uncalled for. Well, I am glad
+their meeting-house is at last on its feet. They
+cannot get it finished before another summer.”</p>
+
+<p>If the Tyng colonists could not have their meeting-house
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">[292]</span>to hold services in on Thanksgiving day,
+they could at least observe the occasion with their
+accustomed ardour, and a shooting-match, intended
+to eclipse anything of the kind, was arranged to
+take place at that time. It was expected that
+marksmen would come from far and near to participate
+in the trial at arms. After persistent coaxing,
+the Woodranger had been finally obtained to act
+as manager of the ceremonies, but on the thirteenth
+a snow-storm set in. Every one was glad to hover
+over the wide-mouthed fireplace for such warmth
+and comfort as it afforded. It was the gloomiest
+Thanksgiving ever known in Tyng Township, and
+its storm, to some, foreboded the end.</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger was stopping at Captain Goffe’s,
+but as soon as he had seen that the shooting-match
+would not take place, he showed his uneasiness at
+the enforced idleness.</p>
+
+<p>“What! never at rest?” asked Mr. Goffe, senior.
+“Don’t you ever get tired, old man?”</p>
+
+<p>“I should dissemble the great truth o’ natur’ if I
+said I did not, sir. Ask the old man if he is never
+tired who sits in the chimney-corner and sucks his
+thumbs, cap’n. I may have my weakness, but man
+on the move is seldom tired. He gets oneasy, it
+is true, but motion is life, inactivity death. Man
+might as well be a stump, fit only to be put up in
+the clearing to stop deer from trespassing, as to sit
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">[293]</span>idly down. I think I’ll perambulate over toward ol’
+Pawtuckaway, and mebbe I shall hark a deer or a
+moose.”</p>
+
+<p>The snow fell so rapidly that before midnight a
+foot and a half lay on the ground. Winter, it might
+be said, had fairly set in.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">[294]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">
+    CHAPTER XXXIV.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE FRESHET.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The big snow-storm, which ushered in Thanksgiving
+day, lasted until the fifteenth, when the
+weather cleared away biting cold. Then, on the
+twenty-second, the cold abated, and a thaw set in,
+with peculiar characteristics which have marked it
+in history as a season not to be forgotten. It began
+to rain November twenty-fourth, and for twenty days
+successively it kept unceasingly at it, but every
+evening the stars would appear as bright as ever,
+and continue to shine until past midnight. At daybreak
+the rain would again commence to fall as
+furiously as ever.</p>
+
+<p>With the ground frozen and a big body of snow,
+this warm rain brought such a freshet as the oldest
+settler had never seen. The ice in the Merrimack
+broke up and the swollen stream carried huge cakes
+on its turgid current, to the danger of lives and property.&#x2060;<a id="FNanchor_3_3" href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p class="noi"><a id="Footnote_3_3" href="#FNanchor_3_3" class="label">[3]</a> The snow melted and a freshet occurred in the Merrimack River,
+nothing like it having been experienced there for seventy years. At
+Haverhill, the stream rose fifteen feet, and many houses were floated
+off.—<cite>Perley’s Historic Storms of New England.</cite></p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">[295]</span></p>
+
+<p>At Cohas general alarm reigned, but at Namaske
+only one dwelling was threatened, and that was the
+home of Robert MacDonald, which unfortunately
+stood so low and near the bank of the stream that
+the water came almost to the door. Still the occupants,
+finding at last that it was rising no higher,
+hoped and believed that it would subside before
+doing them harm.</p>
+
+<p>Archibald Stark called one afternoon to see if
+there had been any change since the previous day
+and very confidently told them he believed the worst
+over.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, the inmates retired that evening
+without dreaming of further danger. But Norman
+had not fallen asleep, when a terrific roar and rumbling,
+such as he had never heard in his life before,
+awoke the night.</p>
+
+<p>Springing off his couch, he had barely begun to
+dress himself before another crash was heard, and
+then a sound like the thunder of Namaske, increased
+tenfold in volume.</p>
+
+<p>A loud rap at the door quickly followed, and a
+stentorian voice called out:</p>
+
+<p>“Quick! your lives are in peril!”</p>
+
+<p>It was the Woodranger, and he showed his impatience
+by renewed thumping against the log wall of
+the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment Norman was down on the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">[296]</span>lower floor, and found Mr. MacDonald already
+dressed, while Rilma appeared the following minute.</p>
+
+<p>Norman had already opened the door, and the
+Woodranger came in as Rilma appeared.</p>
+
+<p>“The river has broken over its bank!” exclaimed
+the forester. “The ice dammed the stream and—hark!—we
+must get out o’ this amazement if we
+value our lives. Lassie, let me carry you. Lad,
+follow with your grandfather. Let there be no
+delay.”</p>
+
+<p>While speaking he caught the trembling Rilma in
+his strong arms, and strode out of the door. Clasping
+his precious burden close to his breast, the
+Woodranger swiftly passed the little valley lying
+between the doomed dwelling and the higher land.</p>
+
+<p>Norman would have kept beside him, but his
+grandfather, in his excitement, stumbled and nearly
+fell, just as the rushing water seemed upon
+them!</p>
+
+<p>“Hurry, grandfather!” cried Norman, helping
+him to his feet. “The river is making a channel
+around our home!”</p>
+
+<p>“The horn!” exclaimed the dazed Highlander.
+“I maun hae the auld—”</p>
+
+<p>Without stopping to hear more, Norman bounded
+into the house, seized the horn, and an instant later
+was back beside his aged companion.</p>
+
+<p>But that moment lost was fatal to his hopes. So
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">[297]</span>swiftly had the river risen and swept down on its
+new course, that the wall of water was in plain
+sight as Norman regained the side of his grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>Seizing him by the hand, and half dragging him
+along, he sped in the direction the Woodranger had
+taken.</p>
+
+<p>But Mr. MacDonald seemed bewildered, and he
+did not move with the necessary haste. Midway
+across the narrow valley Norman saw that it was
+hopeless to think of escaping, though he pulled
+harder than ever upon his aged companion in the
+endeavour to get him beyond the reach of the rushing
+stream. Alone he might have escaped.</p>
+
+<p>The Woodranger, who had borne Rilma to a
+place of safety, gently put her down and sprang
+back to lend his assistance to the others. Seeing
+their peril, he would have rushed in to save them at
+the risk of his own life, but he was too late.</p>
+
+<p>Sweeping everything in its pathway, the watery
+column reached the hapless pair. Fortunately for
+Mr. MacDonald, the current struck him in such a
+way that he was tossed toward the high ground, and
+dropped almost at the feet of the Woodranger, who
+quickly caught hold of him and dragged him away
+from the surging flood. Then he turned to look for
+Norman.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Mr. Stark, his boys, and half
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">[298]</span>a dozen others appeared on the scene, having come
+to warn his friends of the peril threatening their
+home.</p>
+
+<p>Norman was caught by the swirling waters and
+borne away at a fearful speed. He tried to save
+himself, but a cake of ice struck him on the head,
+and that was the last he knew until he lay in the
+arms of the Woodranger and the words of Mr. Stark
+came into his ears:</p>
+
+<p>“Mark how he loves the boy.”</p>
+
+<p>Opening his eyes, our hero looked around in a
+bewildered way, a wild, strange roar of rushing water
+ringing in his ears. He saw about him a little knot
+of anxious watchers, the nearest of them the forester,
+upon his knees, bending over him.</p>
+
+<p>“Father, I thank thee, thou hast seen it well to
+spare him. Lad, speak, and tell me that my ol’ eyes
+do not deceive me. Thy life has been spared.”</p>
+
+<p>“I think I must be living, Woodranger,” replied
+Norman, “but it does seem queer. Perhaps my
+mind is not clear yet. Where are Rilma and grandfather?”</p>
+
+<p>“Safe, lad. At least the lassie is safe and well
+cared for. Your grandfather did get a serious amazement.
+It may have been a chunk o’ ice struck him,
+but he has been taken with the lassie to the home o’
+Mr. Stark.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where the boy must be taken without further
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">[299]</span>delay,” said that kind-hearted man. “Let me help
+you lift him on my sled, Woodranger.”</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Stark was the owner of a big hand-sled, which
+had been covered with warm fur robes. Norman
+was placed upon the sled, and willing hands drew
+him to the hospitable home, where the party was
+met by Mrs. Stark.</p>
+
+<p>He was then put on a comfortable bed, a warming-pan
+placed at his feet, some herbs put as hot as he
+could bear to his head, and that was the last he
+knew until morning.</p>
+
+<p>Norman awoke feeling very much improved, and
+under the motherly care of Mrs. Stark he soon declared
+that he wanted to sit up. But that she would
+not allow.</p>
+
+<p>“I promised Woodranger he should be called as
+soon as you awoke. He seems as uneasy as a fish
+out of water. Here he comes now.”</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">[300]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXV">
+    CHAPTER XXXV.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE WOODRANGER’S SECRET.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>As kind Mrs. Stark spoke, the Woodranger
+entered the apartment in his swift, noiseless way,
+to pause just inside the skin door.</p>
+
+<p>“Forgive me—”</p>
+
+<p>“Come right this way, Woodranger,” said Norman,
+holding out a hand. “I want to see you, and talk
+with you.”</p>
+
+<p>“So you shall, lad, so you shall. These ol’ eyes
+ne’er looked on a more gladsome sight than to see
+you alive at this hour, and so well. But ere I get
+my ol’ tongue to babbling like a runaway brook,
+there is the leetle lassie, who is pining to come to
+you. Come, lassie!”</p>
+
+<p>Then, to Norman’s joy, Rilma came swiftly to his
+side, and they were locked in each other’s arms.</p>
+
+<p>“I cried for you, brother, as I saw that awful
+flood rush over you. I never expected to see you
+again alive. And I never should if brave Woodranger
+had not plunged into the roaring water and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">[301]</span>saved you. Norman, we all owe our lives to him.
+He is the bravest, noblest man in the world.”</p>
+
+<p>“Amen, dear sister; he is all of that. Come
+here, dear Woodranger, and let me thank you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, lad, I cannot dissemble; it would be a
+blameful indiscretion. While you chat with the
+lassie I will go out and ketch a whiff o’ fresh air.
+That fire do burn up amazing stout,” and before any
+of them could interpose he had left the house.</p>
+
+<p>“The strangest man I ever saw, as well as the
+best,” said Mrs. Stark. “And he seems queerer
+than ever to-day. Why, as early as it is, he has
+been to Goffe’s and back this morning. I can’t
+imagine what he is doing. Acts as if he was looking
+for some one. But, excuse me, and I will take
+myself out of the way, so you can talk.”</p>
+
+<p>“No—no, mother Stark; we don’t want you to
+go. But you have not told me of grandfather,
+Rilma.”</p>
+
+<p>“He is better than you, I think, Norman, though
+he is more nervous and excited than ever. Woodranger
+wouldn’t let me stay a great while with him.
+He wants no one but Woodranger, not even Mr.
+Stark.”</p>
+
+<p>“I must go in and see him by and by. But the
+old home. Was the house carried off by the river?”</p>
+
+<p>“Archie tells me it was not injured,” replied Mrs.
+Stark, “though the water completely surrounded it,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">[302]</span>and had it risen another foot must have undermined
+it. The river is falling away fast, and we do not
+think there is any further danger. Here comes
+Woodranger back.”</p>
+
+<p>“Come in, Woodranger,” called out Norman.
+“Don’t run off like that again.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mebbe I won’t, lad, mebbe I won’t again. We
+have much to be thankful for, lad. I think the river
+is dropping away. I thought perhaps I could cross
+this afternoon.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are not going away, Woodranger? We
+shall not let you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Here is the horn, lad,” said the Woodranger,
+abruptly, handing Norman the MacDonald bugle
+which had come so near costing him his life. “I
+found it tight gripped in your hand. For a wonder,
+your grandfather has not inquired after it.”</p>
+
+<p>Norman took the bugle with an expression of
+thanks, saying he would give it to his grandfather
+as soon as he could. Then, seeing that the Woodranger
+appeared about to be leaving again, he said:</p>
+
+<p>“Aren’t you going to stay with me, Woodranger?
+You cannot be going away?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not fur, lad. I cannot dissemble, but I s’pose I
+oughter go down to Goffe’s. Mebbe when you get
+a leetle stronger, I shall have something to say to
+you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Say it now, Woodranger. I shall—”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">[303]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I durst not, lad, I durst not. Wait a leetle,”
+and with these words he went out of the house, and
+a few minutes later disappeared down the road.</p>
+
+<p>“I never saw him so uneasy,” said Mrs. Stark.</p>
+
+<p>Though Norman had not received any injuries
+which were likely to be permanent, he soon found
+that it would be several days before he should be
+able to leave the house. But the week that followed
+was not unpleasant to him. Rilma was with him,
+the Stark boys came into his room at their will, and
+twice Rob Rogers visited him. Of course he saw
+considerable of the Woodranger, but not as much as
+he wished.</p>
+
+<p>The day before Christmas, in the afternoon, he
+was allowed to see his grandfather, whom he had not
+seen since that night’s adventure. The Woodranger
+and Rilma were with them. He was surprised to
+find him looking so wan and feeble. But the old
+Highlander grasped his hand with something of his
+usual vigour.</p>
+
+<p>“It does ma auld een guid tae gaze on thee again.
+Ye’ll soon be hame again.”</p>
+
+<p>“And we shall be so glad, grandfather.”</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, lad, I shall ne’er return tae the auld hame.
+I hae had a presentiment that my day be almos’
+ower.”</p>
+
+<p>“What’s that, MacDonald?” asked the Woodranger.
+“Are you getting childish again? I never
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_304">[304]</span>knew a MacDonald to die o’ sich a leetle clip as that
+which you say is going to kill you. You are no
+true—”</p>
+
+<p>“Zounds, sirrah!” cried the other, suddenly starting
+up. “I’m no’ deed yet! Get me my cane,
+Norman, an’ let me whack him at my will. Ye’ may
+ca’ me a fule, but ye ne’er shall say I’m ne’er a true
+MacDonald. My faither, sirrah, was the Chiel o’
+Glencoe!”</p>
+
+<p>“So much the worse for you, MacDonald. But
+I’m not here to stir an amazement. It should be a
+day o’ peace. Quiet your heart, MacDonald. I
+have enough to still my own. I’m sore perplexed
+to say what lies next my heart. The trail o’ the
+red man is easy to follow, and the tracks o’ the
+bear are picked up like beech-nuts arter a frost.
+But the whims o’ the heart are spun finer than
+spider threads. I cannot see these to pick ’em
+up!”</p>
+
+<p>Never had the others seen the Woodranger so
+excited, and they were almost startled at his
+appearance.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it, Woodranger?” asked Norman.
+“Has the old house gone, after all? We can soon
+build another, and better one.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is o’ Alick, my bonnie boy, he wishes to speak.
+Ye’re tae tell me mair o’ Alick,” declared Mr.
+MacDonald.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_305">[305]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Nay, nay! I cannot dissemble longer. Lad,
+<em>your father is coming home</em>!”</p>
+
+<p>No five words that he could have spoken would
+have caused greater surprise. In fact, the little
+group gazed on him in speechless wonder. Norman
+was the first to break the silence:</p>
+
+<p>“What do you mean, Woodranger?”</p>
+
+<p>“Just what I said, lad. Your father is living—is
+even now on his way here. He should have been
+here a week ago. I am sure he is now at Goffe’s.”
+Norman was unable to make any reply, while such
+thoughts as he had never known filled his mind.
+His first and most natural one was the inquiry
+made of himself: “Is Woodranger mad? He has
+acted strangely for a week, is it improbable that he
+has at last lost his reason?” Then he continued,
+in a different train: “Can it be possible father is
+alive and coming to me?” Trembling from head to
+foot, he caught the forester by the arm, saying:</p>
+
+<p>“As you love me, Woodranger, tell me truly what
+you mean. Is father living, after all? Is he coming
+here?”</p>
+
+<p>“I ne’er dissemble, lad. I—”</p>
+
+<p>“Forgive me, Woodranger; I did not mean to
+doubt you. I don’t know what I did mean. But
+you can explain. Please do.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is I who should crave forgiveness, lad, for the
+deception I have acted. But it was my foolish way
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_306">[306]</span>to get round the truth. I have known that Archie
+McNiel lived, and I have known the truth o’ his life
+these years, but I did not know you were living here
+until last summer. Then I sent at once to Archie
+to come with all speed possible, but, to make your
+surprise complete, I said nothing to you. I hope
+you will all forgive me. I haven’t prevaricated the
+great truth, because no one has questioned me.
+I—”</p>
+
+<p>“Hold, man!” cried Mr. MacDonald, breaking
+into his speech, “d’ye dare tell me that graceless
+McNiel—the murderer—”</p>
+
+<p>“Stop, MacDonald!” said the Woodranger, “this
+is no time for your silliness. Archie McNiel comes
+with a name as pure as thine. Ah, far more so, for
+the MacDonalds, with all their boasts o’ warlike deeds,
+can show leetle else. You have told me in your
+confidential moments, which I am free to confess is
+taking a man in his weakness, that you would receive
+your Alick if he came under the shadow of the
+gallows. He would have to come in that way if he
+came. Archie McNiel comes with a heart as pure
+and spotless as this wee lassie. Here is the proof o’
+what I say, which I have carried long to give you.”</p>
+
+<p>As the Woodranger ceased speaking, he drew from
+under his hunting-frock a parcel, carefully wrapped
+in deer skin. As he handed this to Mr. MacDonald,
+he said:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_307">[307]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I’m going once more to meet him. He’ll come
+to-night, I’m sure. Meanwhile, watch and wait. I
+admonish thee, MacDonald, to receive him with open
+arms. It is the last written request o’ thy son.”</p>
+
+<p>“Some one will go with you, Woodranger,” said
+Norman. “I am sure Mr. Stark will be willing to
+do so.”</p>
+
+<p>“Nay, lad, I must go alone. He will not be overlong
+in coming. If I fail to come back with him,
+yet I will see you all sometime.”</p>
+
+<p>He had reached the door. Then, as if prompted
+by a sudden impulse, he retraced his steps, and
+swiftly kissed the three, Mr. MacDonald first, then
+Norman, and last Rilma, whom he held closely in his
+arms for a long minute. Putting her down then, he
+noiselessly left the room before one of the three
+could call him back.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_308">[308]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">
+    CHAPTER XXXVI.
+    <br>
+    <small>THE TURNING OF THE TIDE.</small>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>It would indeed be difficult to describe the conflicting
+emotions felt by the little group, as the
+Woodranger went out of the house. Each felt that
+the strange man had departed with no intention of
+returning—at least for a considerable time. Mr.
+MacDonald was the only one to speak, and he
+ordered, in his own peculiar way, that some one be
+sent after him. In the excitement the paper was
+forgotten. It was not long before Mr. Stark and
+his good wife entered the apartment, and they were
+equally surprised over what had been said and done.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of their questions, steps were heard
+without the dwelling. Then, as Mr. Stark opened
+the door, a stranger advanced to enter.</p>
+
+<p>“I am Archie McNiel,” he said, “and I have been
+told that I—I should find my long-lost son Norman
+here.”</p>
+
+<p>“Come in,” said Mr. Stark, simply, stepping aside
+as the other obeyed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_309">[309]</span></p>
+
+<p>Norman could remain silent no longer, and springing
+forward, he cried, as the newcomer caught him
+in his outspread arms:</p>
+
+<p>“Father!”</p>
+
+<p>“My son—found at last!”</p>
+
+<p>During this affecting meeting the others in the
+room turned aside to conceal their emotion, Mr.
+MacDonald alone watching the reunited twain
+closely, while he showed that he was making a great
+effort to remain calm.</p>
+
+<p>“I cannot realise this is indeed you, father,” said
+Norman, finally.</p>
+
+<p>“Nor I, that at last I hold you in my arms, my
+son. I had long since given you up as dead. About
+two months ago I got word from one who signed
+himself as ‘The Woodranger,’ to come at once—that
+you and father were living here. I came with
+all possible haste. Father,” turning to the old
+Highlander, “have you no welcome for me?”</p>
+
+<p>“I dinna ken. Ye’re—” and then he stopped.</p>
+
+<p>“Woodranger has told you all?”</p>
+
+<p>“He has telt me naething. Whaur is the man?”</p>
+
+<p>“He would not come back with me. I could not
+persuade him, as much as I wanted to. His countenance
+seemed very familiar to me.”</p>
+
+<p>“I dinna read him.”</p>
+
+<p>“He gave you a paper which explains all? I
+know my name has been under a cloud, but I have
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_310">[310]</span>been innocent of all imputed to me. Read the paper,
+sir, if you would know the truth.”</p>
+
+<p>With trembling hand, Mr. MacDonald unrolled the
+manuscript, worn and soiled, and began to read. He
+had not progressed far, before he found that it was
+a confession showing that Alick MacDonald, and not
+Archie McNiel, was the guilty party, and that he
+had so skilfully covered his course as to escape
+detection. When he had read so far, he stopped,
+and, crumpling the paper in his hand, exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>“I will not believe it!” and threw the paper into
+the fire. The flames caught quickly upon it, and
+filling the wide-mouthed fireplace with its fiery waves
+for a moment, the blaze died down, showing only a
+charred cobweb of its remains.</p>
+
+<p>“It is better so,” said Archie McNiel. “There is
+nothing between us now, Robert MacDonald. If I
+have caused you a pang, I ask to be forgiven. Let
+the past be forgotten, and let us, on this Christmas
+eve, clasp hands across the void of years.”</p>
+
+<p>“Amen,” said Archie Stark. “Peace on earth,
+good-will toward men.”</p>
+
+<p>“If that strange man had only stayed,” declared
+Mr. MacDonald, as he allowed the arms of his son-in-law
+to encircle his neck. The reunion was now
+complete.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Stark’s invitation was so urgent for them to
+remain with him the next day that the reunited
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_311">[311]</span>family consented. The first settlers in America gave
+little, if any, observation to Christmas, as a rule. The
+English colonists ignored it altogether, believing it
+infested with too much popery; but that was a day
+which those gathered at Mr. Stark’s never forgot.
+In many respects it was the happiest they ever
+knew.</p>
+
+<p>The following day, Norman, his father, grandfather,
+and Rilma returned to their home, which soon bore
+more than its old-time cheerfulness. In fact, the
+tide had turned in the affairs of Tyng Township, and
+they were benefited by it.</p>
+
+<p>It may have been due to his loss of favour from the
+burning of Christo’s cabin, or from other reasons,
+but Gunwad did not offer to trouble them any more.
+In fact, there was not much time for him to do so,
+as the following May the boundary dispute, which
+had kept the two provinces embroiled so long, was
+happily settled. Perhaps not happily to all, for
+many were the losers, but it was settled for all time.
+By that settlement, the brave men of the “Snow-shoe
+Expedition” under Captain Tyng lost their
+claim to Tyng Township. The grant was now within
+New Hampshire’s jurisdiction. It is true they were
+given another township in the province of Maine,
+but it was so far away that some of the men preferred
+to buy off the Presbyterians and remain.
+Some went back to their former homes, and a few
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_312">[312]</span>emigrated to the new grant, where they found less
+to contend with.</p>
+
+<p>The meeting-house which had cost them so much
+money and anxiety was soon after burned; and then
+the name of the town was changed, and the last link
+connecting those trying years with the new existence
+was broken. War with the Indians broke out afresh,
+during which no men in New England did nobler or
+more effective work than those who went from what
+was once derisively called Old Harrytown, and comprised
+the Debatable Ground.</p>
+
+<p>It is scarcely necessary to detail the incidents of
+Archie McNiel’s life after the unfortunate affair
+which separated himself from his loved ones, and
+kept him in ignorance of their fates so long. In the
+light of their new-found happiness the old wounds
+healed. He became one of the most respected citizens
+of his adopted land. Norman became not only
+that, but one of the most noted and helpful. History
+has depicted, in varied language, the after-life of all
+our other characters, but the historian aims at glittering
+generalities rather than the many little personalities
+which are the sum and substance of all
+lives. I hope to tell very many of these before I am
+done with the <span class="smcap">Woodranger Tales</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 noic">THE END.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap">
+<div class="tnote">
+<p class="noi tntitle">Transcriber’s Notes:</p>
+
+<p class="smfont">Obvious punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently
+   corrected.</p>
+
+<p class="smfont">Archaic, variable, and dialectal spelling has been preserved.</p>
+
+<p class="smfont">Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77515 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
+
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author	www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org>	2025-12-20 20:29:10 -0800
committer	www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org>	2025-12-20 20:29:10 -0800
commit	efcbe967de57a7cccb77a87159b82a1d57a5d9dd (patch)
tree	44889891427acd855686a7731522854fa6dae32a /77515-h